Lectures
ALL is pleased to present short form lectures of interest to our learning community and will announce them as presenters are confirmed.
If you are interested in making a presentation or have a suggestion, please contact mmyenokida@gmail.com
October
Why Are We Interested in Greenland? Two Perspectives
Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 1 - 3 p.m.
Thursday, October 9
$20 for members and non-members
We look forward to sharing this unique presentation, combining geopolitics and the awesome natural environment with you!
"My interest in the Arctic region began circa 2017 when then-President Trump first expressed an interest in the United States acquiring Greenland during his first term. Most people paid little or no attention.
When the topic resurfaced in early 2025, the world began to look more closely at Greenland and why it could be of strategic interest to the U.S. and to the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, my post-retirement research on the Arctic region, including Greenland, led to two presentations for ALL's world affairs discussion group. I focused on the fact that the big players to watch out for in the region were Russia, and as always in international affairs, China.
This lecture is my revised, updated, refocused, reconsidered take on why Greenland deserves a closer look." – Susie Barry
Kalaalit Nunaat: Lifeform Synergies of Arctic Greenland
"Join us for first-hand insights on the Arctic Ocean-Upland interface of native animals and people.
Through photographs, we explore this ancient to modern relationship. From its subtle, yet powerful landscapes to dramatic carnivore hunting, we explore the impacts and living in balance on the land." – David Drummond
Lecturers: Dr. Susie Barry and David Drummond
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Dr. Susie Barry, retired DVM, joined ALL in 2017—and by her second visit to ALL's world affairs discussion group, she found herself presenting a lecture on the geopolitics of the North Pole! Intrigued by the new focus on Greenland, she has continued to monitor the effects of climate change on the Arctic Circle.
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David Drummond, wildlife biologist and world guide, has worked and lived in Arctic Greenland along the east, west and northwest shores in addition to Inuit villages. His photographs show his keen interests in the above- and below-surface behavioral ecology of native species, living in an evolving environment.
David has been an instructor for ALL for 27 years and enjoys sharing his perspective on the diverse natural and cultural history of this beautiful Arctic region.
November
Are You Prepared for an Earthquake/Tsunami?
Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 1 – 3 p.m.
Thursday, November 13
$20 for members and non-members
We live in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Let's learn about our local earthquake preparedness!
This presentation examines the basics of earthquakes with a focus on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, as well as other regional faults. We cover earthquake frequency in Whatcom County versus other places, in addition to perceptions of risk. We also cover the annual Great Washington ShakeOut and drop-cover-hold.
What is tsunami risk in Bellingham and Whatcom County? Learn about essential details of tsunami safety and their relationship to the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Lecturer: Greg Hope
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Greg Hope has been the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Office of Emergency Management since 2019. He has followed a circuitous path to the world of emergency preparedness. Greg has managed the Whatcom Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program from 2015 through 2022. He is strongly dedicated to the power of volunteers in the community.