Oregon Coast Learning Institute

Report from the Legislature
2025-09-02 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Rep. David Gomberg

Beethoven/Newport Symphony
2025-09-09 09:30 - 10:50
Dan Howard, Exec. Dir.
Ludwig van Beethoven wasn’t just a composer—he was a force of nature. Fiercely independent and notoriously temperamental, he redefined music with his bold, emotionally charged works. His Symphony No. 5 opens with four of the most recognizable notes in history—dramatic, urgent, impossible to ignore—while his Symphony No. 9 delivers the triumphant “Ode to Joy,” a celebration of unity and resilience.
Though he lost his hearing, Beethoven refused to let silence define him. Instead, he composed some of his greatest masterpieces by relying entirely on his inner sense of sound. His Late String Quartets dive deep into raw emotion, while his “Eroica” Symphony, originally dedicated to Napoleon, became a declaration of defiance after Beethoven furiously erased the dedication upon learning Napoleon had crowned himself emperor.
Whether grand and triumphant or deeply introspective, Beethoven’s music is alive—pulsing with passion, rebellion, and innovation. It continues to inspire artists, audiences, and dreamers centuries later.

Understanding Your Core and It's Importance to Life
2025-09-09 11:10 - 12:30
Brenda Luntzel
You will be inspired to invest in your health by taking what you know and learn and putting into “DOING” for your health.
There will be some “WHY” and then it is about the “WHAT”
and “HOW” for health and longevity.
Dress comfortably from head to toe because you
will be active during this presentation.

The Women Who Wrote the War
2025-09-16 09:30 - 10:50
Conrad Schmitt
This book brings to life the remarkable journeys of women correspondents who braved the chaos of World War II—think Margaret Bourke-White, Martha Gellhorn, and Lee Miller. Seamlessly weaving together history, biography, and gripping firsthand accounts, it plunges into their adventures on the front lines and the hurdles they faced fighting for recognition. Through vivid storytelling, the book highlights how these trailblazers shaped public perception of the war and paved the way for future generations of women in journalism.

Axial Seamount: the active volcano in our backyard,
2025-09-16 11:10 - 12:30
William Chadwick
Axial Seamount is an active submarine volcano located ~300 miles offshore Oregon and about a mile below the ocean surface. Data from seafloor instruments suggest that this volcano is building toward its next eruption. This talk will describe the most recent monitoring data and its implications for forecasting the next eruption.
Bio: When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, Bill Chadwick was a geology major at Colorado College, and he soon found an opportunity to volunteer, and later work as a field assistant there with the US Geological Survey, who were monitoring the on-going activity. After working there for 2 years, he went on to graduate school at the University of California at Santa Barbara where he got a PhD in geology. Since 1989, he has worked at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport studying hydrothermal vents and submarine volcanoes. Axial Seamount has been one of his focus areas for most of that time

Updates to Recycling in Oregon (North Lincoln Sanitary)
2025-09-23 09:30 - 10:50
Lexie Howell
Lexi Howell, North Lincoln Sanitary Service;
Aimee Thompson, Thompson’s Sanitary Service in Newport, and
Dave Larmouth, Dahl Disposal in Toledo and Waldport, will be covering the updates to the Oregon recycling
system from the Recycling Modernization Act, as well as explaining all the services they offer to their
customers.

Oregon marine fisheries and aquaculture: Complex and changing social-
2025-09-23 11:10 - 12:30
Dr. Angee Doerr

will talk about Oregon’s commercial fisheries and marine aquaculture, examining them from a
social-ecological systems perspective. This presentation will highlight the economic and cultural importance of
Oregon’s seafood industry while emphasizing the science and management that goes into ensuring its long-
term sustainability.

Confederation of Tribes Siletz Indian
2025-09-30 09:30 - 10:50
A J Warren

OSU Wave Project
2025-09-30 11:10 - 12:30
Dan Henlin

The OSU Wave Project is not a single project but refers to Oregon State University’s extensive work in wave research, including its O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory for physical modeling and the PacWave project, a grid-connected, open-ocean testing facility for wave energy developers off the Oregon coast. The lab conducts research on coastal processes and tsunami mitigation, while PacWave provides infrastructure for companies to test new wave energy technologies and assess their commercial viability.

Pet Partners of the Oregon Coast
2025-10-07 11:10 - 12:30
Katherine Harding
Katharine Harding retired after 36 years of wearing many “hats” at Neskowin Valley School. When she found the perfect dog, a Cavadoodle, they trained together to become a volunteer registered Pet Partner Team. They’ve visited patients and staff at Portland Shriners Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for 17 years. Now she has her third Cavadoodle, Toby, and his brother, Shadow, “in training.” When her dogs aren’t working, they are at home “snugglers.”

Genie in the Bottle: Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy
2025-10-14 09:30 - 10:50
David Sexton
An overview of the carbon free contribution of nuclear power and how this concentrated energy source is safety managed for electricity production. The future of existing reactors and the new small reactor designs.

Law in Practice
2025-10-14 11:10 - 12:30
Chris Minor
Where does law come from, how is it identified and applied, how is the court system organized? Take a a look at some of the hot button cases of the day.

The heART of the Oregon Coast
2025-10-21 09:30 - 10:50
Jason Holland, OCCA ED
Something is stirring along the Oregon Coast—new spaces, bold ideas, and a creative community that’s growing stronger by the day. In this talk, Jason Holland, executive director of Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and Arts Commissioner for the State of Oregon, dives into the exciting momentum behind the region’s arts and
culture scene, spotlighting recent developments, unexpected collaborations, and what it means to create and connect in our coastal community. It’s a celebration of the people, projects, and passion shaping the heART of the coast.
Bio: Jason has worked in arts management and advocacy for almost 25 years. He is a passionate and innovative non-profit executive leader with broad-based operational and programmatic leadership at both large and small non-profit arts organizations. Areas of principal responsibilities include program development, impact
measurement, fundraising, staff development, artistic programming, organizational strategy, and expertise in community engagement. Artistically, Jason’s background is in instrumental music and as a theatre director for twenty years. He most recently directed “Fiddler on the Roof” for the Red Octopus Theatre Company in
Newport.
Jason currently serves as the co-chair of the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition and is proud to be appointed by Governor
Kotek as an Oregon Arts Commissioner

The Bear Necessities
2025-10-21 11:10 - 12:30
Ram Pampush
All you need for a great wildlife adventure: a congregation of hungry brown bears! At Alaska’s famous Katmai National Park and Preserve, bears gather in summer to feast on an abundance of spawning salmon. But what happens if the fish don’t show up?
BIO: Ram Papish is a professional wildlife enthusiast whose varied career includes biologist, educator, photographer and wildlife artist. He specializes in illustration of interpretive signs, books and posters. His interests include flowering shrubs, birdwatching, community theater and world travel. His major achievements include appearing in the 2024 “Chicken Daddies” calendar.

LIFE TRANSITIONS: Exploration of Factors and Turning Points that Influence Transition
2025-10-28 09:30 - 10:50
Presenter
Dr. Estle Harlan is a management consultant and writer who has effectively applied decades of business experience to a later-life career of academic writing and instruction. In addition to publishing a number of peer reviewed journal articles, she authored a book on today’s discussion themes.
Presentation Themes
Dr. Harlan will describe aspects of life transitions that many of us may be facing. Key concepts are:

Often transition problems lie in the difficulty of recognizing turning points in our lives or discerning physical, emotional and social factors that impact enablement for changing our life’s trajectories.
Sometimes it means silencing the internalized, socially-influenced voices that whisper – or scream – words of discouragement.
Always it encompasses awareness of our authentic self and the “flow” between demands of transition and our resources for transition.
And…there are transition doors. Beyond them lie our hopes for transition achievements. Most of us have lived long enough to know when something is meaningful for thriving and making the greatest contribution to society. This discussion explores our possibilities through the lens of life transitions.

The Murrow Boys
2025-11-04 11:10 - 12:30
Conrad Schmitt
“The Murrow Boys” tells the story of the legendary band of correspondents who, under Edward R. Murrow’s direction, formed CBS’s pioneering World War II news team and, in doing so, invented modern broadcast journalism. All in their twenties and thirties, Murrow and the Boys (who included William L. Shirer, Eric Sevareid, and Howard K. Smith) covered and brought to vivid life the war’s great events, from the German invasion of Poland to D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Young idealists, they believed they were here to change the world.
But their triumphant early careers, which made them celebrities in America, would eventually come to grief in the fickle world of broadcasting. The increasing desire for entertainment, McCarthyism, the rise of corporate sponsorship, and ultimately the birth of television all conspired to taint the tradition of serious journalism as the Boys had known it.
A dramatic, exhilarating narrative that portrays exceptional lives against the tumultuous backdrop of the last half century, The Murrow Boys is both a powerful reminder of the possibilities of broadcast journalism and a sharp-eyed account of where the craft went wrong.

Kerry VanderZanden: A Journey Through Architecture’s Timeless Tools
2025-11-04 11:10 - 12:30
Kerry VanderZanden
A lifelong architect from Banks, Oregon, built his legacy with precision, artistry, and unwavering dedication to his craft. From the very beginning, he has relied on his authentic tools—each carrying the weight of history and the wisdom of experience. In this special presentation, Kerry will take us on a journey through his architectural evolution, showcasing the very instruments that have shaped his brilliant trade. Through sketches, models, and stories, he will reveal how these tools have guided his hands and vision, bridging tradition with innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of architecture.

All Things Orthopedic
2025-11-11 09:30 - 10:50
Sam Scheinberg
Sam was an orthopedic surgeon on the Oregon Coast from Toledo to Tillamook and the inventor of the Sam Splint. He can do the first hour about trauma presentation and then open for questions regarding all things orthopedic.
Bios: The History of Sam Medical: At the heart of every great company, you’ll find an idea that spawned a product, a product that fostered a culture, and a culture that created a brand, a brand that stands uniquely alone in a crowded marketplace.
SAM Medical is no exception.
What began as a spark of innovation when founders Dr. Sam and Cherrie Scheinberg, discovered a medical breakthrough in a simple gum wrapper is now a globally recognized emergency medical solutions brand. From militaries to law enforcement agents, EMS and first responders to fire and rescue squads, to hospital staff all over the world, if you’re in the hurt business, you know and trust SAM Medical.
To serve the diverse customers and fuel our founder’s passion for innovation, SAM has built a world-class organization. Based just outside of Portland, OR, a bioscience and technology hub, our Tualatin facilities provide access to best-in-class talent and resources.
We’ve aligned and integrated our corporate offices, research and development lab, manufacturing facilities and warehouses to increase the pace of innovation and put our solutions in the hands of our customers as quickly as possible.
In just 30 years, we’ve managed to place our name alongside the most respected, award-winning medical giants. Yet, we’ve always maintained the spirit of innovation celebrated in vertically-integrated, agile startup organizations.

First Aid, a Hands-On Learning Program,
2025-11-11 11:10 - 12:30
Cherrie Scheinberg
An opportunity for everyone to learn more about first aid so that they will be prepared the next time someone near them needs it.

Lessons from the Forest: Parenting and Child Learning,
2025-11-18 09:30 - 11:10
Barry Hewlett
The talk examines what U.S. parent might learn about parenting and learning from research among Aka Pygmies of central Africa. Topics covered include cosleeping, father-child relations, discipline, breast feeding, stepparenting, and rapid child learning. U.S. patterns of helicopter and free-range parenting are discussed

Port of Newport
2025-11-18 11:10 - 12:30
Aaron Bretz
🌊 Port of Newport: Gateway to Oregon’s Coastal Vitality
Nestled along the rugged central Oregon coastline, the Port of Newport anchors the City of Newport—Lincoln County’s seat and its beating economic heart. Spanning approximately 59 square miles, this dynamic port community is home to around 10,800 residents who live at the intersection of maritime tradition and modern enterprise.
The port’s reach is as expansive as its influence: stretching north to the basalt headlands of Otter Rock, eastward six miles inland through forested hills and river valleys, south to the tide-swept shores of Seal Rock, and west into the vast embrace of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a region where salt air meets sawdust, and fishing boats share the horizon with migrating whales.
🛥️ Industries That Shape the Coastline
The Port of Newport thrives on a rich blend of industries that reflect both its natural bounty and entrepreneurial spirit:

Commercial & Sport Fishing: From deep-sea charters to hardworking trawlers, the port pulses with the rhythm of the ocean. It’s a haven for anglers and a lifeline for seafood harvesters.
Fish Processing: Locally caught Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, and Pacific shrimp are transformed into premium products that travel far beyond the dock.
Shipping & Marine Services: The port supports regional commerce with cargo handling, vessel repair, and marine logistics that connect coastal Oregon to global markets.
Tourism & Recreation: Visitors flock to Newport for its iconic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Oregon Coast Aquarium, and windswept beaches—fueling a vibrant hospitality sector.
Lumber & Wood Processing: Inland forests feed a legacy of timber craftsmanship, with mills and processors contributing to both local employment and export.

Whether you’re watching sea lions bask on the docks or sipping coffee as fishing boats glide past the harbor, the Port of Newport is more than a geographic location—it’s a living, working landscape where ocean, industry, and community converge.

Introducing Seven Capes Bird Alliance
2026-01-06 09:30 - 10:50
Ruth Shelly
Seven Capes Development Coordinator
For 20 years, Seven Capes Bird Alliance (formerly Audubon Society of Lincoln City) has been committed to the birds, other wildlife, and their habitats along the central Oregon coast. Learn about the education, conservation, and community science programs of this locally grown organization and its increasing impact. Find out how you can get involved—from participating in bird walks, volunteering in classroom programs, observing local Osprey nests, or advancing our new Marine Conservation Areas at Cape Foulweather and Cape Lookout. Finally, during this period of wintry weather, learn about best practices in bird feeding for our local area and what species you might expect to see in your own backyard.
Ruth Shelly has spent a lifetime working in museums and retired as Executive Director of Portland Children’s Museum in 2020. She and her husband Kevin live on Devils Lake. They enjoy getting to know the local birding spots and fellow birders through Seven Capes field trips. Having worked in natural history museums and an aquarium, Ruth is committed to lifelong learning in science and conservation. She is an avid bird photographer and, when not working on Seven Capes projects, volunteers for Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport and Brighter Horizons therapeutic riding center in Siletz.

Our forest of fire and rain: an illustrated exploration into an intemperate rainforest
2026-01-06 09:30 - 10:50
Peg Herring
Peg is an emerita professor of science communication at Oregon State University. Her work focuses on the public understanding of science, particularly the science behind our public lands and waters. For 20 years, Herring edited OSU’s research magazine, Oregon’s Progress. She has published seven books, including the award-winning Ellie and Ricky series exploring Oregon’s ecosystems. Her newest book, Born of Fire and Rain (Yale University Press), won the National Outdoor Book Award in 2025.
Here at the tumultuous edge of a shifting continent, the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest has a lot to say about living on a rapidly changing planet. This is a land of giant trees, exploding mountains, disappearing owls, salmon, floods, megafires, and ten million people. It is a land born of fire and rain. Ecologist and artist M.L. (Peg) Herring takes you on a journey beyond the grid of latitude and longitude, into places only your imagination can fit, to discover why our rainforest is worth saving.

The Oregon Trail
2026-01-06 11:10 - 12:30
Joyce Sherman
What made thousands of people decide to spend months walking across the country from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley (or other western destinations)? What made them decide on a destination? How were they equipped to live along the trail? What did they find when they arrived at their destination?

Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center
2026-01-13 09:30 - 10:50
Dr. Natalie Schaefer, Executive Director
Anna Rodgers, Associate Director

Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is a living laboratory that serves to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural ecosystems and cultural history of Oregon’s central coast spruce habitat and its wildlife through the arts, education, and stewardship. But where is it, and what do they do? Hear from Dr. Natalie Schaefer, Executive Director and Anna Rodgers, Associate Director while learning more about their unique educational programs, art workshops, and habitat restoration activities.

Our forest of fire and rain: an illustrated exploration into an intemperate rainforest
2026-01-13 11:10 - 12:30
M.L. (Peg) Herring
Peg is an emerita professor of science communication at Oregon State University. Her work focuses on the public understanding of science, particularly the science behind our public lands and waters. For 20 years, Herring edited OSU’s research magazine, Oregon’s Progress. She has published seven books, including the award-winning Ellie and Ricky series exploring Oregon’s ecosystems. Her newest book, Born of Fire and Rain (Yale University Press), won the National Outdoor Book Award in 2025.
Here at the tumultuous edge of a shifting continent, the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest has a lot to say about living on a rapidly changing planet. This is a land of giant trees, exploding mountains, disappearing owls, salmon, floods, megafires, and ten million people. It is a land born of fire and rain. Ecologist and artist M.L. (Peg) Herring takes you on a journey beyond the grid of latitude and longitude, into places only your imagination can fit, to discover why our rainforest is worth saving.

Building a Healthier, Stronger Future
2026-01-20 09:30 - 10:50
Dr. Lesley Ogden
Samaritan Health Services will discuss the proposal to affiliate with Multicare Health System, a highly respected, mission-driven organization based out of Tacoma, Washington.
The affiliation, which is expected to be finalized in the spring or summer of 2026 — pending state and federal regulatory approval — will enable Samaritan to remain a locally governed, community-based health system while gaining access to new resources and expertise.

"We ARE home," History of Mexicans in Lincoln County
2026-01-20 11:10 - 12:30
Franki Trujillo-Dalbey, PhD, and Oscar Juarez, MA

Franki and Oscar uncover the hidden history of Mexicans and Mesoamericans in Oregon and Lincoln County, beginning with the arrival of the Spaniards off the coastline, and ending with challenges experienced by this group in the present time.

Whether you are a lifelong Lincoln County resident or a history buff, this session offers a fresh perspective on the multicultural identity of our home. Come ready to challenge what you know and leave with a deeper appreciation for the hidden threads that connect our coastline to the heart of Mexico.

Skylark: Rose City Astronomers Dark Sky Observing Site
2026-01-27 09:30 - 10:50
Sifan Kahale
The Portland Amateur Astronomers club purchased 10 acres of land in the high desert of eastern Oregon for their dark sky observing site. It’s classified as a Bortle 2 area (very dark skies). Come and enjoy Sifan Kahale as she tells us about the wonderful beauty of these dark skies. She will share stories of her experiences there, like the dust devil that ripped through all the telescopes. She will also share some of the astronomical images that were taken at Skylark.

Raised where the wind remembers (The Dust Bowl)
2026-01-27 11:10 - 12:30
Jeannine Jordan
My mother was born and raised on a wheat farm in western Kansas, coming of age during the infamous “Dirty Thirties”—a time now remembered as the Dust Bowl era. I, too, am a native of western Kansas, having grown up in the late 1950s amid flourishing wheat and sugar beet fields that had begun to recover from those devastating years.
This presentation will explore the many facets of the Dust Bowl and its impact on southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle. We’ll examine the root causes of one of the most severe ecological disasters in American history, share personal accounts from those who lived through it, and reflect on the hard-earned lessons that ultimately helped restore the region’s agricultural vitality—enabling it to nourish the nation once again.
