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

What does it take to be a Town Manager? What background prepares you for the job? How does a town like Farmington operate? What's happening now? What is changing? Where is the town going and how will it get there? Come learn about our town.

Date: November 3, 2026

Time: 10 am-11 am

Location: Education Center, 107

Erica Lacroix is the Farmington Town Manager.  She is a veteran public servant with more than 25 years at the local and state level, primarily in public works and law enforcement.

In-person

Brian Ellis, a veteran and Assistant to President McDonnell at UMF, will share insights into veterans' experiences, contributions, and resources available to support them.  Many UMF veteran students may be on hand to share their stories and experiences.

Date: November 9, 2026  

Time: 3:30 pm-5 pm

Location: North Dining, C

Hybrid

People think of Sherlock Holmes and immediately conjure an image of a scientifically oriented sleuth in pursuit of criminals. How accurate is that image? Is Holmes a brilliant reasoning machine who utilizes solid scientific principles or more of an eccentric observer of fellow men (and women)?

Dr. James O'Brien, a chemistry professor at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, wrote a book, "The Scientific Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case with Science & Forensics," in which the science Holmes used is carefully evaluated.

Chuck will use his book as the primary reference, and we will decide whether Holmes is a genius or eccentric.

In the process, the class will consider the roles of Dr. Watson; Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard; Holmes's evil opponent, Dr. Moriarty; and Mrs. Hudson, the tolerant housekeeper.

Dates: November 10 and November 17, 2026

Time: 1 pm-2:30 pm

Location: Education Ctr, 106

Chuck is the fourth child of six. He attended public schools, which seriously scarred him. Seeking solace, he found some in the stories of Sherlock Holmes. His interest in mysteries grew, along with his fascination with science, eventually leading him to earn a science degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Chuck went on to become a high school chemistry teacher in Joplin, Missouri, and later taught as an adjunct instructor at Missouri Southern State University and Crowder College.

Today, he brings together his enthusiasm for chemistry, poisons, mystery, and, of course, Sherlock Holmes. He hopes that enthusiasm will come through in his presentation and that everyone will enjoy the journey into the fascinating world of chemistry and mystery.

Hybrid

Let's explore how social media has impacted the American political system! This objective, non-partisan class examines how social media platforms influence the speed, scale, and consumption of public political discourse. '

The United States of Twitter' focuses entirely on how underlying technology, software design, and the attention economy have rapidly expanded candidate reach, influenced constituents, and dramatically shifted the American political landscape.

DISCLAIMER: This presentation is for educational purposes only.

This presentation will be focused solely on the technology, algorithms, and systems that drive modern digital platforms.

We will be examining these topics exclusively through the lens of how social media and the attention economy have revolutionized the dissemination of candidate information, how they have contributed to increased advertising budgets, and how these platforms have increased voter mobilization and civic engagement.

Given the discussion-style nature of this presentation, Greater Franklin Digital Literacy asks that all participants remain respectful of any questions, perspectives, and/or experiences. This presentation will not debate the factual validity of specific political claims or engage in the debunking of any / all current and/or past “fake news” stories.

Greater Franklin Digital Literacy does not endorse, criticize, or debate the merits of any specific candidate, policy, or political party.

Date: November 13th, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Education Center, 106

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin Digital Literacy (GFDL). GFDL is a free community technology education and support program offering assistance in basic computer skills all the way to advanced AI analysis.

GFDL is proud to partner with 16 community locations, including Gold LEAF across Franklin County, to provide community members with the tools and guidance they need to successfully and confidently use their digital devices.

In-person

Host: Joe Terranova

This is a talk and tour at the Maine Museum of Innovation and Labor in Lewiston, Maine. The museum focuses on work and the diverse heritage of central Maine. Each individual will be responsible for paying the $10 entrance fee on arrival.

Date: November 18, 2026

Time: 11 am-1 pm

Location: 1 Beech St, Lewiston, ME 04240

Driving directions: https://tinyurl.com/5fe7cesj

Carpooling: Meet at the Park-n-Ride lot next to Walgreens.  Meet at 9:30 am and leave at 9:45 am.  Arrive at 10:50 am.  The tour starts at 11 am.

Please email Joe Terranova at joelynterranova@gmail.com if you intend to carpool or drive directly.

Mary Kate Macvicar is responsible for public programs at the Museum. She has over 22 years of experience as a teacher and a librarian.

Hybrid

We will explore the inception of the 24/7 news cycle, the revolution in information access via digital platforms, and the importance of verified, reputable reporting.

From legacy news media outlets to leading social media platforms, information is everywhere. Come and learn about the tools and tactics available to use to sift through the noise, get the facts, and stay informed.

DISCLAIMER: This presentation is for educational purposes only. Greater Digital Literacy will not engage in discussion and/or debunking of alleged "fake news" stories, claims, and/or accusations.

This presentation will focus solely on the increased access to information (regardless of accuracy) via digital platforms. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions and to be courteous, respectful, and open to communal discussion.

Date: November 19, 2026

Time: 10 am-12 pm

Location: Education Center, 106

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin Digital Literacy (GFDL). GFDL is a free community technology education and support program offering assistance in basic computer skills all the way to advanced AI analysis.

GFDL is proud to partner with 16 community locations - including Gold LEAF - across Franklin County to provide community members with the tools and guidance they need to successfully and confidently use their digital devices.

In-person

Sean Cooper at the HHRC will guide us through the exhibits at the center and show the video of the life of Michael Klahr, for whom the center is named.

This trip to Augusta was suggested at last spring’s GLI class on Children’s Resistance in WWII. While Gold LEAFers have attended presentations there on several occasions, it became clear that with our many new members and new exhibits, the center merits a return trip. We will carpool in groups, allowing flexibility around lunch plans.

Date: December 1, 2026

Time: 10:30 am

Location: 46 University Dr, Augusta, ME 04330

Carpooling: TBD

HHRC’s staff member, Sean Cooper, will lead the presentation.