A supremely entertaining presentation
From protesting preschoolers to dorm-decorating teens, back-to-school preparations are in full swing. And no learners are more eager than those who attend the Oregon Coast Learning Institute, which ends its two-year recess on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
This semester will be the group's 17th year of educational presentations and will be at a new location, Chapel by the Sea in Lincoln City.
The term will begin with a double presentation by retired attorney Brent Burford entitled, “God, Guns, Gays and Abortion: A Review of Recent U.S. Supreme Court Cases.” during which he will discuss recent decisions of the US Supreme Court on these topics as well as several anticipated decisions.
“I always try to have an attention-getting title,” he said. “But it’s not going to be a politically charged presentation in spite of how it sounds.”
Buford has been a member of OCLI since 2013 and is also a seasoned presenter, having already given more than 10 talks throughout the years. Usually his presentations are on historical matters, but this one will look at recent interesting court decisions and the background of the cases.
“It is always my intention that by the end of the presentation, people should have no idea what my personal opinion on the topics is,” he said. “I try to present on subjects that sound interesting but I don’t get on a soapbox about anything.”
Though he will reserve time for questions, Burford stresses that he will make an effort to keep the room civil despite the polarizing nature of some of the included topics.
“We are not going to go off on a political tangent,” he said. “This is a place for learning, not promoting personal opinions.”
Future presentations include the history of rock and roll, the Missoula floods, aging health, chocolate and the recovery after the Otis wildfires.
The all-volunteer, non-profit organization is made up of retired and semi-retired people who continue to stimulate their intellectual interests in an atmosphere of shared learning. Visitors are always welcome to attend a full day’s presentations for free. Annual dues of $90 cover all of the 12 Tuesdays in the fall semester, ending on November 22 and the 12 Tuesdays of winter semester, beginning January 3.
Because of the age of most of the members, proof of vaccinations will be required at the door, but the wearing of masks is optional in the well-ventilated hall.
Free coffee, tea and cookies will be served at 9 am to allow visitors, new members and long-standing members to meet and socialize. The presentations begin at 9:30 am and include a question-and-answer period that will end at 12:30 pm. Refreshments will also be available during a break between each presentation. The Chapel by the Sea is located at 2125 SE Lee Avenue in Lincoln City. For more information, go to ocli.us or call 541-994-4810.
