Train your brain
Get on track with the Oregon Coast Learning Institute
The Oregon Coast Learning Institute has your ticket to ride for an adventure in learning.
Retired and semi-retired adults looking to keep their minds active will explore topics from accordions to the Yaquina Pacific Railroad when the fall term begins on Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Lincoln City.
Each Tuesday morning features one or two presentations led by members or invited guests with expertise or special interest in a wide range of subjects.
Jenni Remillard opens the season with "Adak; Exploring an Abandoned Naval Base at the Edge of the World," followed by Ric Neese who will discuss "All the Empty Rooms," the Oscar-winning documentary short made by CBS Mornings correspondent Steve Hartman and director Joshua Seftel. The film memorializes children killed in school shootings by documenting the bedrooms they left behind — spaces preserved by their families as “sacred memorials.”
The fall schedule continues on September 15 with Brenda Luntzel's "Stand Up & Stay Strong" and Dan Howard's "Fun with Composers who Monetize." On September 22, Lucinda Taylor will present "Building Hope, One Brick at a Time: The Power of Radical Neighborliness," followed by a look at the Oregon Coast Aquarium's new Marine Wildlife Center with Kathleen Hackett.
The month's programs conclude on September 29 with Krista Eddy discussing youth art programs at the Lincoln City Cultural Center before Ken Willett explores the evolution of artificial intelligence in "From Math to Mind: A 50-Year Perspective on the Rise of AI."
October highlights include a look at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, "More than You Ever Need to Know About Accordions," the story of the Bijou Theatre and longtime coastal bookseller Robert Portwood's reflections on four decades in the book business. Later in the month, speakers from the MidCoast Watersheds Council will discuss watershed restoration and stewardship.
November's schedule includes presentations on the Cascade Head Biosphere, the history of Newport's Fishermen's Wives, the story of Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Lincoln County's justice system, the history of the Lincoln City Outlets, the Yaquina Pacific Railroad and Historic Society and the work of Family Promise of Lincoln County.
After the holiday break, the winter term opens in January with a State of the Lincoln County School District presentation by Superintendent Majalise Tolan, followed by a preview of an upcoming Pixieland documentary. February includes a presentation on the Connie Hansen Garden.
Founded in 2003, the nonprofit organization was created to provide lifelong learning opportunities in a relaxed, social setting where curiosity never retires. Modeled after the Institute for Continued Learning at Willamette University, the Lincoln City-based program brings together members who enjoy learning for the sake of learning, whether by listening to expert guest speakers or sharing knowledge of their own.
Past programs have explored history, natural science, economics, music, art, travel and personal experiences, with every session designed as a standalone presentation, allowing members to attend as their schedules permit.
In addition to hearing from guest presenters, members are encouraged to research subjects that interest them and share their discoveries with the group, creating an atmosphere of shared learning and discussion.
The morning begins with coffee, tea and baked treats from 9 to 9:30 am, giving participants time to visit before the first presentation begins. Following a 20-minute break from 10:50 to 11:10 am, a second presentation concludes at 12:30 pm.
Membership is $90 for two terms or $60 for a single term.
The fall semester begins on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Chapel by the Sea, located at 2125 SE Lee Avenue. For more information, go to oregoncoastlearninginstitute.org.