Oregon Coast Learning Institute

Aurora Borealis
2026-02-24 09:30 - 10:50 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sifan Kahale

The Path and the Pause: A Pacific Crest Journey
2026-02-24 11:10 - 12:30
Kristin Glover
Join a vicarious journey along the Pacific Crest Trail’s 2,650 miles from the Mexico border to Canada. We’ll explore the Trail from deserts to glaciers and meet the people who made and maintain it. Also come to see the gear and hear about the trials and tribulations involved in hiking day after day.

Kristin Glover and her partner retreated to Lincoln City in June 2025 after Kristin broke her ankle hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. She lived on the East Coast in the shadow of the Appalachian Trail until moving to the West Coast a few years ago to study librarianship. Now she is learning to paddle board, surf, and write haiku poetry.

Clutters Last Stand
2026-03-03 09:30 - 10:50
Evelyn Brookhyser
Do you ever look around and wonder where all the stuff came from? Join Evelyn Brookhyser for an empowering session on reclaiming your space. Evelyn will share practical decluttering strategies and organization tips designed to lighten your load and simplify your life. Beyond just tidying up, we’ll discuss the greatest gift you can leave your children: a home filled with memories, not “inventory.” It’s time to let go of the excess and make room for what truly matters!

"Threads That Bind Us: Celebrating the People of Our Community"
2026-03-03 11:10 - 12:30
Paul and Evelyn Brookhyser
Expand Your World—One Member at a Time Ever wonder about the hidden talents and fascinating stories sitting right next to you in those comfy chairs? Join us for an interactive exploration of the incredible people who make up our Oregon Coast Learning Institute community. Led by Paul and Evelyn Brookhyser, this program goes beyond names and faces to celebrate the unique interests, diverse backgrounds, and—of course—the wonderful sense of humor that defines us.
Whether you’ve been a member for decades or are just getting to know us, come discover the extraordinary “ordinary” lives within our membership. We aren’t just a list of names; we are a vibrant tapestry of experience, and this is your chance to see how every thread connects.

Newport Symphony: Shakespeare
2026-03-10 09:30 - 22:50
Don Howard
Shakespeare’s effect on the world is profound! We are aware of the impact on writers, actors, and others but what about his impact on music? Whether it’s musicians writing music to accompany specific plays, or unique music inspired by his writing, Shakespeare’s words have opened musical doors that thrill our imagination!

Remarkable (Mostly) Unknown Women of Science
2026-03-10 11:10 - 12:30
Nancy Nila

Common terminology we toss around today—Vitamin B12, insulin, penicillin, GPS, solar energy—has one powerful thread running through it: extraordinary women.
Behind these everyday breakthroughs are innovators who challenged the limits of their time, rewrote scientific possibilities, and quietly reshaped the world we now take for granted.
Join us for a lively, eye‑opening session where we uncover the stories behind these discoveries and many more. Come meet the women whose curiosity, brilliance, and persistence changed the course of history—and be inspired by the legacy they’ve left for all of us.

“Bird-Friendly Natural Vegetation”
2026-03-17 09:30 - 10:50
Cheri Rice
Our coastal gardens can be homes and refuges for many species of birds. By planting natural vegetation we are extending an invitation to our feathered friends to visit our yards, gardens, decks and patios. There are many bird friendly trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that meet that need. We will talk about several types that are readily available in our area.
Included with the visual presentation will be a list of plants for our area and some local resources for acquiring them.

The Family That Preys Together
2026-03-17 11:10 - 12:30
Robert Pitman
Professor Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences

Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University

People, Ideas, Events: OCLI History
2026-03-24 09:30 - 10:50
Paul Brookhyser

Annual Meeting/Lunch
2026-03-24 11:10 - 12:30
End of Semester
Annual meeting Creative and Tasty Potluck

The Oregon Cultural Trust - Niki Price, Presenter
2026-04-07 08:00 - 17:00
Niki Price
Where else but Oregon would you find a statewide program to protect cultural vitality?
Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust is a testimony to how much Oregonians value culture. No other state provides a 100 percent tax credit to inspire cultural giving.
As uniquely Oregonian as public beaches and the bottle bill, the Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature as an ongoing funding engine for arts and culture across the state.
Oregonians fund the Cultural Trust. We, in turn, fund the artists, potters, rappers, acrobats and dreamers who make Oregon, Oregon.
In 2023 Oregonians gave $5.4 million to the Cultural Trust! Sixty percent of that went straight back to the field. The remaining 40 percent helped grow our permanent fund.
Our three grant programs fund our five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development Grants.

Life on the Coast—Exploring, connecting and thriving through Lincoln City Parks and Recreation (LCP&R) - Jeanne Sprague, Presenter
2026-04-25 08:00 - 17:00
Jeanne Sprague
jeanne Sprague CPRE, is Director of Lincoln City Parks and Recreation (P&R), having worked in the P&R field her entire career. She holds a bachelor’s in Social Work (Wilderness Therapy) and a master’s degree from WVU in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management. She is a graduate of the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Director’s School, NRPA Revenue Development and Management School, and continues to hold her certification as an ARC Lifeguard – which is how she started her career at age 14. She has worked in Parks & Recreation in Virginia, West Virginia, St. Helens OR, Portland OR – for 18+ yrs., then joining Lincoln City P&R in 2017.
Jeanne believes strongly in accessible and inclusive recreation for all ages and abilities, and has been actively involved in bringing accessibility to OR Coastal parks, beach accesses and recreation programs.
Jeanne also loves community service and is on the Boards of Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce, American Association of University Women and Lincoln City Rotary Club.
Parks and recreation are essential for the well-being of coastal tourism towns like Lincoln City. They offer a variety of public parks, trails and beach accesses, recreational activities, promote health and wellness, and provide a space for community engagement.
LCP&R is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and providing safe and accessible services, programs, and facilities for all. They follow three pillars of parks and recreation: health and wellness, equity, and conservation.
Join Director Jeanne Sprague in exploring all that LCP&R has to offer, including many unique opportunities for the public to engage in.

Adak; Exploring an Abandoned Naval Base at the Edge of the World - Jenni Remillard, Presenter
2026-09-08 09:30 - 10:50
Jenni Remillard
Jenni Remillard has served Newport Parks and Recreation since 2017, transitioning from Recreation Program Specialist to her current role as Supervisor at the 60+ Activity Center. Her extensive background includes a decade in environmental education with the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon State Parks, and Holland America Cruise Line. Academically, she holds a B.S. from Portland State University and an Associate in Fisheries Technology. A veteran of the 98th Army Band, Jenni continues her musical passion as a flute mentor for the Newport Youth Symphony. In her personal time, she explores local beaches and creates art, frequently showcased at Bier One Brewing.

Adak: Exploring an Abandoned Naval Base at the Edge of the World
Discover the haunting beauty of Adak, Alaska, a remote Aleutian outpost with a storied military past. From serving as a critical World War II defense site to a strategic Cold War listening station, Adak once hosted 90,000 troops before its closure in 1997. Today, it stands as a captivating “picture of beautiful decay,” where historic buildings merge with wild landscapes. Join Jenni Remillard as she recounts a personal journey to the island with her father, who was stationed there in the 1970s. Experience the unique natural and human history of this isolated Alaskan gem.

All the Empty Rooms - Steve Hartman - Ric Neese, Presenter
2026-09-08 11:10 - 12:30
Ric Neese
In this interview from CBS Mornings, correspondent Steve Hartman and director Joshua Seftel discuss their Oscar-winning documentary short, All the Empty Rooms. The film memorializes children killed in school shootings by documenting the bedrooms they left behind—spaces preserved by their families as “sacred memorials.”

Breaking the Cycle of Numbness: Hartman reveals he started the project because he felt himself—and the country—becoming “numb” to the frequency of school shootings. He wanted to find a new “entry point” to shake people out of that acceptance

“Stand Up & Stay Strong” - Brenda Luntzel, Presenter
2026-09-15 09:30 - 10:50
Brenda Luntzel
” Brenda’s extensive fitness training has focused mostly on working with older adults and helping them be as active & healthy as possible. Her forty plus years as a fitness educator has given her a variety of experiences working with people of every age, ability, & situation as they age. She continues sharing her knowledge during her semi-retirement providing fitness workshops and exercise programs for our local communities”
Stand Up & Stay Strong” will be both a learning/listening and active exercise class where you are encouraged to participate. You will learn why exercises are important to do & understand how your internal balances system work & how they change as you age. It is important to keep active & continue to challenge the way your body moves.

Fun with Composers who Monetize - Dan Howard, Presenter
2026-09-15 11:10 - 12:30
Dan Howard
“I’m very ambitious,” Howard said. “I aim high.”
Tall, buoyant and informal, with a disarming smile and rapid-fire way of speaking, Dan will create an exciting presentation of “Fun with Composers who Monetize.” This promises to be a “Don’t miss,” event.

"Building Hope, One Brick at a Time: The Power of Radical Neighborliness" - Lucinda Tayor, Presenter
2026-09-22 09:30 - 10:50
Lucinda Taylor

“Lucinda was born and raised in Southeast Alaska with a love for small coastal towns. Lucinda has served as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County since January 2019. She has 20+ years in higher education administration at four institutions in three states. She firmly believes we can accomplish far more through cooperation & collaboration than can ever accomplished alone, and sees strong community partnerships as critical for fostering an environment of mutual support.”
Lucinda Taylor (Habitat For Humanity Director) will provide a brief history of Habitat for Humanity & an up-date on current & future projects. Lucinda will share about home builds in Waldport & Lincoln City, disaster recovery work, our home repair & energy efficiency program, and the value of our ReStores…She will also share ways our community can get involved & support our mission”

Oregon Coast Aquarium’s new “Marine Wildlife Center” - Kathkeen Hackett, Presenter
2026-09-22 09:30 - 10:50
Kathleen Hackett
What We’ll Discover Together
In our session about the Hatfield Marine Science Center, we’ll be stepping into the heart of coastal innovation. Here is a look at what I’ll help you learn and experience:

Hands-On Marine Science: You will get a front-row seat to the Pacific. I’ll show you how we use our unique location in Newport to access the estuaries and oceans that dictate the health of our planet.
World-Class Research in Action: You’ll see how we tackle global environmental challenges. I’ll walk you through our work with PacWave and OSU Marine Operations, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how cutting-edge marine technology is developed.
The Mysteries of the Deep: Beyond the data, I want to help you connect with the ocean on a deeper level. You’ll leave here with a better understanding of the complex underwater systems that remain a mystery to most.

I can’t wait to show you what we’re working on—come witness the future of marine science with me!

Unleash Creativity: Youth Art at the Lincoln City Cultural Center - Krista Eddy, Presenter
2026-09-29 09:00 - 10:50
Krista Eddy
The Lincoln City Cultural Center (LCCC) is on a mission to spark imagination and foster essential life skills in our local youth. From critical thinking to emotional intelligence, art education is a cornerstone of student development—and we’re bringing that energy directly to you!
Discover the Impact
Join Visual Arts Director Krista Eddy for an inspiring journey through the three pillars of youth creativity in Lincoln City:

🎨 Art Kit Program: Providing the tools for creativity at home.
🧪 Underground Art Lab & Summer Art Camp: Where young artists experiment, play, and grow.
🏫 Art Explorations Outreach: Taking art beyond the center’s walls and into the community.

More Than Just a Slideshow
Krista will pull back the curtain on how these programs work and share the heartwarming stories of their impact on our community’s children. You’ll see firsthand how problem-solving and collaboration come to life through a paintbrush or a lump of clay.
Get Your Hands Messy!
This isn’t just a “sit and watch” event. Krista will lead the Oregon Coast Learning Institute members through an interactive art project. Experience the “spirit of the center” yourself and rediscover the joy of creating in a safe, stress-free space.
Ready to see how art changes lives? We’ll see you there!

From Math to Mind: A 50-Year Perspective on the Rise of AI - Ken Willett, Presenter
2026-09-29 11:10 - 12:30
Ken Willett
Ken has been in software development and technology for over 50 years. With degrees in Math, Physics, Computer Science and Systems Science, Ken was one of the founders of Mentor Graphics Corporation and founder of Ignis Systems Corporation. He is retired and currently lives in Portland.

Here is an intriguing post based on the presentation details:

The Ghost in the Machine: Where is AI Taking Us? 🤖🌐
What is Artificial Intelligence, really? Is it a mirror of our own minds, or something entirely foreign?
From its mysterious origins to its complex relationship with human intelligence, AI is no longer just a “tech topic”—it’s a force reshaping how we live, work, and understand our world.
Join us as Ken Willett, a veteran with over 50 years in software development and a founder of Mentor Graphics, dives deep into:
*The Evolution: Where did this technology actually come from?
*The Human Connection: How does it truly relate to the way we think?
*The Future: What are the urgent issues surrounding its use today, and how will it affect your life?
Don’t miss this chance to gain a high-level perspective from a true industry pioneer.
*** #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #TechEvolution #FutureOfTech #KenWillett #Innovation

Sitka Center For Art & Ecology - Allison Dennis, Presenter
2026-10-06 09:30 - 10:50
Allison Dennis Execuitive Director
“The Sitka Center offers workshops, residencies and community events, while maintaining a facility appropriate to its needs in harmony with its inspirational coastal environment near Cascade Head and the Salmon River estuary. Founded in 1970, the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology fosters creativity, intellectual inquiry and education. By helping others discover more about their core creative selves and their connections to nature, the Sitka Center works to fulfill its mission to provide time and space for place-based reflection, inquiry and creation at the intersection of art and ecology.”

“More than you ever need to know about Accordions” - Geoff Levear, Presenter
2026-10-06 11:10 - 12:30
Geoff Levear
The Accordion: History, Mechanics, and Versatility
Introduction
This presentation will explore the history of the accordion, as well as explain how the instrument produces its distinctive sound.
How Accordions Work
We will take a look inside the accordion to understand the internal mechanisms responsible for generating sound. The way the instrument is constructed plays a significant role in its unique tonal qualities.
Regional Differences in Sound
Accordions from different regions—such as Italy, France, Germany, and China—each have their own characteristic sound. We will discover how these differences arise depending on where the instrument is made.
The Mystery of the Buttons
Another aspect we will address is the abundance of buttons on the accordion. We will learn why there are so many and what functions they serve.
Beyond Oktoberfest: Accordion Versatility
Finally, we will see that the accordion is not limited to Oktoberfest or traditional folk music. In fact, this instrument can fit into any genre, highlighting its remarkable adaptability.

Yaquina Pacific Railroad and Historic Society and Operation Lifesaver - Alan Holzapfel, Presenter
2026-10-13 09:30 - 10:50
Alan Holzapfel
An Empire of Dreams features the key depots along the original 142-mile long Oregon Pacific Railroad Company. The exhibit backs up to the post office building along the west side of our platform. The mile posts are placed at a scale of one foot equals one mile.
Our caboose has historic photographs about logging, the industry most responsible for Lincoln County having a railroad heritage. We also have documents from the original railroad companies that operated in Lincoln County.
The exhibit in the north end of the RPO car is a reconstructed RPO car interior. The other end of the RPO car features a baggage car exhibit, artifacts from passenger rail service along the Pacific coast, and our extensive library of historic railroad books and magazines.

The Show that Starts on the Sidewalk - The Bijou Theatre -Betsy Altomare, Presenter
2026-10-13 11:10 - 12:30
Keith and Betsy Altomare have owned the Bijou for 28 years as of 2024.
The Bijou was erected in 1937 as the “Lakeside Theatre” to serve the needs of a growing community by providing entertainment.
Now with first run movies, timeless classics and matinees every day of the year, the Bijou has truly been a place where movies still matter Many have come to escape reality and daydream, envision the future, or to re-visit the past.
Couples have broken up, made up, and fallen in love under the bathe of the light of our silver screen. They have fought crime, solved the mystery and sometimes they’ve become the bad guy…

40 Years Among the Books: A Coastal Bookseller’s Story by Robert Portwood , Presenter
2026-10-20 09:30 - 10:50
Robert Portwood
Robert has been a fixture of Lincoln City’s literary landscape, building two beloved bookstores into destinations for locals and visitors alike. In this talk he shares stories from a career in the new and used book trade.
From the rugged landscapes of Alaska to the disciplined life of an Army Lieutenant, my journey to becoming a bookseller has been anything but linear. After serving six years in the Field Artillery and a subsequent stint in the construction industry, a literal slip from a ladder served as my wake-up call to trade the toolbelt for something a bit more cerebral. In 1987, with the unwavering support of my wife, I took a leap of faith and founded Robert’s Bookshop from the ground up.
Today, with nearly 40 years in the trade, I’ve found that the book business is where I truly belong. What started as a career shift born of necessity blossomed into a lifelong passion for connecting readers with great stories. It took years of grit and partnership to make the shop self-supporting, but looking back on the decades spent surrounded by pages and patrons, I can happily say I’ve found work that I don’t just do, but truly enjoy.
About Robert’s Bookshop
Robert’s Bookshop has been in business since 1987. We stock over 200,000 used and antiquarian volumes, with approximately 50,000 in storage, waiting patiently for attention. More books are available only through our website. Our stock is very general, with 2000 square feet given to modern and vintage paperbacks and 2500 square feet to hardcovers of every description, and we also carry comics, movies, and music. The store is decorated with ephemera, interesting objects, and original illustration art. The illustration art we have on display are the paintings used to produce the covers, sometimes interior illustrations, for books.

Why It’s a Local Favorite:
The Vibe: Located right on Highway 101, the shop is famous for its warm “beach-day” energy—and the occasional foster kittens roaming the aisles.
Expertly Curated: Managed by Robert’s daughter, Diana Portwood, the store specializes in high-demand fiction, mysteries, and a deep collection of Pacific Northwest regional titles.
Community Hub: It’s a cornerstone of the local literary scene, most notably hosting the Northwest Author Fair, which brings together talent from across the region.
Whether you’re looking for the latest bestseller or a hidden gem about the Oregon coast, Bob’s provides the perfect intimate escape from the “big-box” world.

Exquisite Photography Ted Crego, and Kim Cuc Tran, Presenters
2026-10-20 11:10 - 12:30
Ted Crego and Kim Cuc Tran
Learn how to capture more compelling images when Kim Cuc Tran and Ted Crego discuss their travel photography.

The presentation will explore what makes a strong travel photograph, including impact, composition, and technique. They will demonstrate how to evaluate images, post-processing techniques, and the latest software tools. The program will also feature stories from the couple’s travels and a slideshow of their award-winning images.
Ted Crego

An award-winning artist, Ted has been recognized by the Photographic Society of America and the Oregon State Fair. As a board member and former president of the Yaquina Art Association Photographers, he remains an active mentor within the local arts community.

Ted Crego is a Newport-based fine art photographer and retired ceramic engineer specializing in visual storytelling. Meticulous in his craft, Crego utilizes technical precision during post-processing to emphasize a clear center of interest in every subject.
Driven by the belief that there is always something new to learn, Ted and his wife, Kim Cuc Tran, have traveled globally—from Tibet to Tanzania—capturing compelling imagery. While his portfolio spans continents, he remains deeply inspired by the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast. An award-winning artist and former president of the Yaquina Art Association Photographers, Ted continues to mentor and inspire the local community.

Kim Cuc Tran
Is a distinguished fine art photographer and retired chemical engineer based in Newport, Oregon. Since 1993, she has honed her craft through formal study with the Vietnamese Artistic Photographic Association and Tri-Community Photography School. Guided by the mantra “Simplify, simplify, simplify,” Kim enters a flow state to capture evocative abstracts, landscapes, and wildlife.
Alongside her husband, Ted Crego, she has traveled globally to document diverse cultures and terrains, though she remains partial to the Oregon coast. An award-winning artist and active community leader, Kim currently serves as Program Chair for the Yaquina Art Association Photographers.

Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities: Explore the Work of the MidCoast Watersheds Council - Cheryl Horton and Megan Hoff, Presneters
2026-10-27 09:30 - 10:50
Cheryl Horton
○ Cheryl Horton is the Estuary Program Manager at MidCoast Watersheds Council. She works on tidal wetland restoration and monitoring in estuaries – dynamic ecosystems where rivers meet the sea. Her educational background is in natural resources and wildlife biology, with a bachelor of science from Cornell University, and a master of science from Oregon State University. She has 20 years of experience in the conservation field, including project management, grant writing, meeting facilitation, and ecological research and monitoring.
Megan Hoff
○ Megan is the Outreach and Communications Specialist at MidCoast Watersheds Council. She brings over a decade of experience in conservation, restoration, community science, public outreach, volunteer management, and land-use planning to the MidCoast team. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from DePaul University, and an MS in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. As a Graduate Research Assistant for WI SeaGrant, she developed a community-driven watershed management plan, which ignited her passion for communicating the importance of watershed health and the benefits of restoration. Megan is committed to the central Oregon coast community, where she volunteers in a variety of capacities for local conservation non-profits and serves on several committees and boards.

Learn about the work of the MidCoast Watersheds Council and discover how healthy watersheds support resilient ecosystems, local economies, and the communities that depend on them. We’ll highlight estuarine restoration efforts and share opportunities to get involved through watershed stewardship activities and community science programs.

“Villages NW: Empowering Older Adults to Remain in Charge of their Lives and Flourish” - Nancy Doty, Presenter
2026-10-27 11:10 - 12:30
Nancy Doty

Villages NW is an important part of the nationwide Village Movement in the U.S. as it has developed in the region around Portland, Oregon. We have 10 local Villages (list) in the immediate Portland Metro area, and one along the North Oregon Coast, empowering older adults to remain in charge of their lives and flourish as they take on the future together. Our mission: “to support dynamic, intentionally inclusive, caring communities that connect, engage, and inform our older adults as they maintain active, purposeful lives in the setting that they identify as ‘home’.”

The Cascade Biosphere Paul Roberts, MSc, Presenter
2026-11-03 09:30 - 10:50
Paul Roberts, MSc
Staff Scientist/ Project & Communications Manager I CHBC Board Member
With over 25 years of hands-on experience, Paul Roberts is an environmental scientist whose passion for nature and community shines in everything he does. From pioneering advances in environmental sampling and continuous monitoring systems to launching his own company, Robertson Environmental LLC, in 2017, Paul has consistently blended technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to the environment. A proud graduate of Taft High School and Oregon Coast Community College, Paul’s academic journey took him from the University of Vermont to a Master of Science at Imperial College London. Like the salmon that inspire him, Paul ultimately returned to his Oregon Coast roots, eager to give back to the community that shaped him.
Driven by a spirit of collaboration, Paul is a founding board member of both the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative and the public-benefit law organization Law of the Wild. Never one to rest on his laurels, he recently launched a family podcast that celebrates local stories and fosters community connection. Whether he’s in the field, at the mic, or leading new initiatives, Paul’s enduring dedication makes him a vital force for positive change on the Oregon Coast.

Newport Fisherman's Wives Story - Taunette Dixon, Presenter
2026-11-03 11:10 - 12:30
Taunette Dixon
The Newport Fishermen’s Wives is a non-profit corporation of fishermen’s wives, mothers, daughters, and friends, supporting a strong sense of community helping to further the causes of industry, safety, seafood education, and family support.
