Online 

The Book Discussion Group continues a long Gold LEAF tradition and will meet four times during the Summer Term to discuss works of fiction and non-fiction. Our sessions are open and casual, but also stimulating and informative - we learn from each other. 

The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

July 8: Time of the Child by Niall Williams

August 12: Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale by Linda Rutledge

September 9: Master, Slave, Husband, Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo

October 14: The God of the Woods: A Novel by Liz Moore

Each of the facilitators has participated in this book group previously. Both newcomers and past participants are encouraged to join us for this Fall/Winter Term.

This membership entitles anyone 50 years or older to enroll in any class or activity during the Fall/Winter term only. 

There are 3 GLI terms: Summer (June-October), Fall/Winter (October-February), and Spring (February-June).

Membership in GLI or another Maine Senior College is required for registration in any Gold LEAF program offering. 

If you are 90 years old or older, you are entitled to free membership, although still responsible for any class fees. To take advantage of this benefit, do NOT register for membership through this online catalog; simply let the office know that you're entitled to free membership at goldleaf@maine.edu

Online

Please join us for a monthly Zoom get-together for coffee, conversation, and crafts.  Settle in with your favorite craft, bring your coffee, tea, or beverage, and visit with Gold LEAF friends.  Crafts are not essential, and guys are welcome! The goal is to get together and spend an hour or more talking with friends.

NOTE: The Fall/Winter term begins on October 1, 2025.  Please register if you wish to continue or are new to the class.

2nd Monday of the month

October 13

November 10th

December 8th

January 12th

February 9th

10 am-11:30 am

In-person

Participants will meet once a month for lunch at various restaurants in the Farmington area. Reservations need to be firm one week before the date. Participants will order from the standard menu and receive separate checks.

First Thursday of the month

October 2, 2025

November 6, 2025

December 4, 2025

January 1, 2026

February 5, 2026

11:30 am.

Location: TBD

Patricia Overall has been a member of GLI for several years.  She is a retired high school mathematics teacher who later worked in hotel management.

Other occupations included working for NACA, now NASA, and bartending. She has lived in 18 states and obviously enjoys eating out.

In-Person

This will be a studio visit and demonstration of gelli printing with stencils on paper and fabric, and image transfers onto paper. You will have an opportunity to try your hand at printing during your visit.

Gelli printing is a simple monoprinting method that uses a reusable gelatin-like plate to create unique prints. Artists apply paint, add textures or stencils, and press paper onto the plate to transfer designs, resulting in one-of-a-kind artworks without the need for special equipment.

Date: October 16, 2025

10 am - 12 pm

Location: Two Imagine Studios, 173 Mosher Hill Road, Farmington, Maine, 04938

Meredith received her BFA from Cooper Union in NYC.  She has worked as a calligrapher and graphic designer, and has pursued a path as a painter, printmaker, and hand bookmaker. Although she is currently retired and a member of Gold Leaf, you cannot keep her out of the studio.

In-Person and Hybrid

Pancho Villa was one of the leaders of the Mexican Revolution. Since he outlived the other leaders, his name is the one we know. The leaders were from varied backgrounds with various motives. Let me fill in some blanks about these men. You can decide for yourself whether they were heroes or hooligans.

October 21 and 28, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: The Landing, Olsen Learning Center, Lower Level

Diane Parker was a Spanish teacher for many years. She is a lover of Latino and Spanish history and culture. She spent formative years living on the Texas border with a bilingual mother. History was one of her favorite subjects throughout high school and college. She was lucky to have both worlds to share in her career.

In-Person

Each session will be a walk or snowshoe in various meadows, woodlands, or mountains in the vicinity of Farmington. The travel time to the trailhead will generally be between 30 and 45 minutes, and participants should plan to be on the trail for 1 to 2 hours. Efforts will be made to avoid difficult terrain, and a makeup date will be scheduled in the event of cancellation.

Approximately one week before each session, participants will receive an email detailing the travel plan, providing information about the destination, and offering suggestions on what to bring.

October 23 or 24, 2025, at 10:00 am, weather dependent, will be led by Barb Toner with forester Jon Dody. Jon will take us on a walk through the woods, sharing what he looks for from a forest management perspective, taking into account the landowners' objectives.

November 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm, led by Eileen Kreutz

December 18, 2025, at 1:00 pm, led by Eileen Kreutz

January 28, 2026, at 10:00 am, led by Barb Toner

Barb Toner and Eileen Kreutz have conducted many similar outings in past sessions.

In-Person

The course will be based on Eric Hooglund's memoir, still in progress, and will draw upon both his personal recollections and extensive historical research. The research includes interviews with community members and an in-depth examination of archival materials.

Maronite Christians are based in Lebanon and comprise about 65 percent of all immigrants from Lebanon in the period from the late 1890s to 1924. Waterville, Maine, boasted one of the largest Lebanese immigrant populations, at least 75% of whom were Maronite Christians

The first two sessions will explore the social, cultural, and historical aspects of this community, highlighting their migration experiences, integration into American society, and contributions to the local economy. 

The third session will feature a guided tour of the still-active St. Joseph's Maronite Church, a key institution in preserving the community’s religious and cultural heritage. This session's Location and time are TBD.

Additionally, participants can choose to enjoy a meal at the nearby Mezza Café, a Lebanese restaurant that offers a taste of the culture discussed in the course.

First session, October 27, 2025

Second session, October 31, 2025 

Third session, Joseph's Maronite Church talk and tour. The date and time to be determined.

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Sessions 1 and 2, The Landing, Olsen Learning Ctr, Lower Level

Eric Hoogland has been a Gold Leaf member since 2014. He is a retired professor of Middle East politics, having taught the subject at Bowdoin College (1976-81) and Bates College (2006-2010), as well as at Oxford University in the UK and Shiraz University in Iran, among other institutions.