In Person 

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, casual, yet stimulating and informative, allowing us to learn from one another. The summer term meetings will be held at Orange Cat cafe in Farmington.

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

July 14: Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

August 11: Sourdough: A Novel by Robin Sloan

September 8: Where’d You Go, Bernadette: A Novel by Marie Semple

October 13: Theo of Golden: A Novel by Allen Levi

Cathy Wimett and Nadine Marchand organize the book discussions. Any group member is welcome to facilitate a session. Both newcomers and past participants are encouraged to join us for this Summer Term.

In-person

Explore Mindfulness and Meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh (Plum Village) and how they can help us deal with the challenges in our daily lives and in our world.

This will include how to stop, calm, rest, and heal before speaking or acting when upset - so that our actions can be more helpful in our struggling world.

We will listen to some of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings and will explore ways to bring them into our daily lives, if that appeals to us.

4 sessions

Dates:

September 22, 29, 2026

October 20, 27, 2026

Time: 1 pm-2:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 106

Martha (Marty) Soule discovered this practice in 1993 and brought it into her life. It helped support her as she raised her children, worked several jobs, and dealt with her mother's cancer, her father's Alzheimer's, and other challenges.

After Martha went to her first retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh in 2001, she began a community of practice (Peaceful Heart Sangha) which still meets every Monday evening and every Thursday morning. Martha was ordained as a member of the Order of Interbeing in 2009 and became a Dharma Teacher in 2022.

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

There are three 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

In-Person

Gut health is all about what goes in (food) and what gets eliminated... feeding the "good guys" and starving out the "bad guys." Your environment is vitally important also. We'll discuss what your microbiome is made up of and best practices for keeping it/you healthy and, of course, what foods and practices to avoid.

What leads to cravings? Who and what lives in and on my body?

Come get the scoop while enjoying a delicious plant-based recipe, prepared on the spot. A $5 fee, payable at the class, will cover the ingredients I provide. Please bring your own plate, bowl, and spoon.

Date: October 13, 2026

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Location: Education Center, 012 lower level

Beth Perera oozes health and energy wherever she goes. Lumps in one breast paired with painful arthritic conditions in her feet prompted her to change to a plant-based diet. Within three weeks, the cysts were gone, and within seven months, her feet were fine.

Beth read every book on the subject, watched every documentary, and became a walking, talking billboard for plant-based dietary lifestyles. She earned her Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University in February 2012. She earned several other instructor certifications through top plant-based physicians and researchers.

She is excited to teach about superior nutrition and is overjoyed with each new person who leaves animal products behind for a healthier body and a healthier world.

In-person

As part of Gold LEAF’s efforts to learn about and support local businesses, we will enjoy fall colors at The Farmhouse Beer Garden on Route 2.

Keeley Valverde will share her Herculean efforts in restoring the original 1850s horse barn and tell us what it took to turn it into a successful restaurant.

The impact of the coronavirus will play a role in the story, as will a current expansion into cow cuddling with Highland Cows. This is the restaurant's seventh season, and each new rehab effort is more exciting than the last.

There is plenty of parking. We can order food and drink at the end of Keeley's presentation if you plan to stay for an enjoyable early evening.

Date: October 15, 2026

Time: 3:30 pm

Location: 926 Farmington Falls Rd, Rte 2, Farmington, ME

Keeley Valverde is an inspirational entrepreneur, and, as with any business endeavor, she expands her offerings at every turn. Starting with the rehab of the 1850 farm and horse barn, she will take us to this seventh season. 

Online

This discussion group is held on the first and third Fridays of each month. It covers local, national, and world news. The discussion provides an opportunity to share observations and opinions on the news and to learn from other participants.

Articles of interest are distributed among the group by email in the week before each meeting, and discussion topics are selected by the group at the beginning of each meeting.

Dates:

October 16, 2026

November 6, 20, 2026

December 4, 18, 2026

January 8, 22, 2027

Time: 10 am-11:30 am

Paul Mullin is the facilitator for this discussion group. 

In-Person

Join Gold LEAF Institute for a tour of the Kennebec Historical Society’s historic headquarters, the 19th-century Fuller Mansion on Winthrop Street in Augusta.

The mansion’s downstairs rooms feature original furnishings and paintings dating from the early through late 19th century. A special highlight is the house’s more than 100-year-old piano, which is still in working order and well-tuned.

This unique historic gem provides a glimpse into 19th-century Augusta and the politically active Fuller family. The director of the Kennebec Historical Society will lead the one-hour tour and share the history of the mansion, the Fuller family, and their role in the community. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m.

After the tour, participants may wish to explore downtown Augusta, with its variety of restaurants, or continue to nearby Hallowell for lunch and additional sightseeing.

Date: October 19th, 2026

Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Fuller Mansion, Augusta, ME

Carpool: TBD

Eric Hooglund has been a valued Gold LEAF member since 2014 and has offered numerous GLI classes.

Eric is a retired professor of Middle East politics and has taught at several distinguished institutions, including Bowdoin College, Bates College, Oxford University in the UK, and Shiraz University in Iran, among others.

In-person

John Daly will discuss the joys, trials, and tribulations one would encounter when building a cedar and fiberglass canoe. The cedar strips make up the core and create the form on which to layer the fiberglass and resin.

Most other canoe materials like aluminum, polyethylene, ABS plastic, Kevlar, and carbon fiber all require industrial equipment, so the canoe could not be built at home.

This class will discuss canoe hull shape and how it affects performance. We will also talk about the advantages and limitations of canoe construction materials and the construction of Native Americans’ incredibly sophisticated birch bark canoes.

Date: October 21, 2026

Time: 11 am-12:30 pm

Location: Education Center, 106

John is a retired college math and science teacher. He and his brother have built nine cedar strip canoes.