In-Person

As the war in Vietnam unfolded, more and more active-duty soldiers refused to serve in what they saw as an immoral and illegal war.  This film captures their spirit and their strategies.

Date: June 18, 2026

Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, 112

Doug Rawlings is a Vietnam Veteran who joined the GI resistance movement upon his return from the war.

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.

June 19, 2026

July 3, 17, 2026

August 7, 21, 2026

September 4, 18, 2026

October 2, 2026

10 am - 11:30 am

Paul Mullin is the facilitator for this discussion group.

In-Person

This class will provide instructions on the methods and materials used for building a cedar strip canoe. The class will include canoe design and how it affects performance. Attendees will learn how to build forms to which cedar strips will be attached. They will also learn how fiberglass and resin are used to form the hull.

Dates: June 22, 29, 2026

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, 112

John is a retired college math and science teacher. He and his brother have built 9 cedar strip canoes.

In-Person

We Gold LEAFers love sharing our stories and eating, so why not combine the two?

We will gather at the picnic tables in the pavilion at Walton's Mill Park in  West Farmington to discuss (OF COURSE) our most memorable food stories. At the same time, we will enjoy our brown bag lunches and a lovely view of the water flowing by.

At the park, there are bathroom facilities and drinking water, but no vending machines or other sources of food, so this is a BRING YOUR OWN event.

Date: June 23, 2026

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Walton's Mill Park, 208 Temple Rd, West Farmington, ME

Eileen remembers leading other similar topics (such as most memorable job disasters) in very fun discussion sessions.  Hopefully, this gathering will include no food disasters.

In-Person

Paddling local waters will begin with traveling in personal vehicles for up to 45 minutes to a nearby lake, pond, stream, or river. Destinations will be based on participants' interests and skill levels.   

In general, launch sites will offer relatively easy parking and access to the water.  Participants are responsible for travel, safety, and equipment, along with any personal items they wish to bring. 

The trips will leave from the Park and Ride in Farmington at 9:30 am, but independent travel to the launch site is also okay.  Return will be between 12 and 1:00 pm.  A description of each upcoming outing and related details will be sent by email about a week ahead.

Dates: June 24, July 15, August 19, September 23, 2026

Time: 9:30 am - Variable

Location: TBD

Ray has paddled many waters in the local area over the last 20 or so years, fishing and enjoying the Maine outdoors.  Many of those outings have involved Gold LEAF.

In-Person

Join a group of casual walkers for exercise and sharing goodwill.  At each session (roughly three per month), we will meet and walk 1-2 hours on mostly flat and obstacle-free paths, trails, or roads in the greater Farmington area, starting in late June. 

Walks may include the Whistle Stop Trail, the Prescott Field Trail, the Explore Farmington on Foot Trail (I made that up!), and more. Walk guides are Barbara Toner and Lisa Bailey. 

Dates: June 25, 2026

July 9, 20, 27, 2026

August 3, 20, 27, 2026

September 2, 11, 24, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: TBD

Barb Toner and Lisa Bailey are longtime “walk and talk” friends who appreciate what Western Maine has to offer for the outdoor adventurer. They are retired teachers who still love to share with others and take time to smell the roses while keeping active.

In Person

We will walk a loop in the Woodland preserve, focusing on trees, birds, and the two small ponds.

Date: June 30, 2026

Rain Date: July 7, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Peter Miller Woodland Loop Trail, Anderson Rd, Vienna, ME 04360

Carpooling TBD

Deb is a regular GLI member and nature presenter. She graduated from the Maine Master Naturalist Program in 2020.

In-Person

Make a simple journal from a recycled file folder cover and personalize it with reclaimed images, decorative paper, and art supplies. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

Date: July 1st, 2026

Time: 10:00 am-11 am

Location: Mantor Library, Second Floor

Laurie is the Head of Reference Services at Mantor Library. She has been making all kinds of books for many years and enjoys teaching book arts to others.