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.

Hybrid

Have you ever been told your personal data was involved in a breach? Were you unsure what steps to take, what options you had, or what it means when your data is affected?

In Data Breach: The How, The When, The Why - Part One, we will review some of the major data breaches that have occurred within the past two years. We will discuss how victims were notified, what solutions were provided, and what measures relevant companies took to ensure stronger security and faster response.

In Data Breach: The How, The When, The Why - Part Two, we will discuss options users have to take control of their data, how it is shared, and where their data is stored. We will examine definitions of "cookies" and how user data is collected. We will dissect the language surrounding data breach disclosures and identify methods used to prevent users from taking action to protect their data.

Dates: October 22, 2026 (Part One) and October 29, 2026 (Part Two)

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Location: Education Ctr, 106

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin Digital Literacy - a free community tech support program across Franklin County. Tyler's background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from the University of Maine at Farmington. He has hands-on experience with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, as well as participation in virtual software and hardware events and conferences.

Through his work at Greater Franklin Digital Literacy, Tyler aims to provide practical, actionable, and rational technology education to the broader Franklin County community.

In-person

It's time to tell your story. Many of us have verbal or written histories of our families. Our parents' generation put their stories on audio or video recordings.

This is an opportunity to tell your story on camera for ten to sixty minutes.  In the end, you'll have a copy to share with family. 

Recording options include you alone, or you with John or someone else of your choosing. John will work out the details with you before your session. 

Date: Mondays, October 26, 2026 through February 1, 2027

The participants will email or call John Henkel to arrange a time that is convenient for both parties.

Time: TBD

Location: TBD

John Henkel is the Gold LEAF curriculum chair, a board member, and a nurse.

In-person

This class introduces gentle stretches and easier yoga poses to relax the mind and body.  The class is designed to enhance flexibility, awareness, and peacefulness.

Each class includes a brief meditation, standing, sitting, and floor work stretches with an emphasis on breathing. Each class will culminate with a guided body relaxation and period of silence. 

Students are asked to bring a yoga mat and 2 towels.

3 Sessions

Dates: October 28, 2026             November 4, 11, 2026

Time: 11 am-12:30 pm

Location: Education Center, 006, lower level

Sharon (Shiri) Jones is experienced and certified by Indra Devi, a pioneer of bringing yoga to the USA. Sharon taught yoga at various locations, including Gold LEAF Institute. She lives a quiet life and continues her lifelong practices and studies.

Hybrid

We have had success with storytelling presentations as speakers have come through our network. Let's take it to the next level and create our own network for storytelling.

Once a month, we will come together to tell stories. We'll brainstorm a list of potential topics. The expectation is that everyone comes prepared with a ten-minute story to tell on a topic of choice. We'll keep it simple and have fun.

Dates: We meet the first Monday of each month

Proposed time: 11 am -12:30 pm

November 2, 2026

December 7, 2026

January 4, 2027

February 1, 2027

Time: Note: the time can be flexible.  Call or email to set up a time if more convenient than the time set. 

Location: Ed Ctr, 106

John Henkel is the GLI curriculum chair, a board member, and a nurse.

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

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

The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 11:30 am.

Dates:

November 5, 2026

December 3, 2026

January 7, 2027

February 4, 2027

Location: TBD

Patricia Overall has been a member of GLI for many years.  She is a retired high school mathematics teacher who later worked in hotel management and other occupations, including NACA, now NASA, and as a bartender. She has lived in 18 states and obviously enjoys eating out.

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