In-Person

4 Sessions

This course is a 4-part series. We will begin with defining the modern digital environment. We will touch on areas such as the swift rise of artificial intelligence in our daily lives, how online services and devices compete for our attention and use, and technology in the workplace. We will end with a discussion on how to better implement our devices and online presence and use patterns in our daily lives.

This course will incorporate many of the points and research done by author and Georgetown professor Cal Newport, as well as others. With a specific focus on his three books, A World Without Email, Slow Productivity, and Digital Minimalism, we will apply Newport's findings and insights to our own smart devices and our digital footprint(s).

Part 1: The Modern Digital Environment. This section will provide an overview/group discussion about the many aspects of our modern digital environment. We will examine where these components show up in our lives, the effects that they can have, and what steps we can take to better understand them.

Part 2: AI Rising. This section will focus primarily on AI's role in the attention economy. We will break down how AI influences ad placement, media feeds, online recommendations, etc. We will also review the ethical questions/concerns surrounding AI, the positive aspects of its use, and how we can choose to best engage with it.

Part 3: Knowledge Work & Pseudo Productivity. In this section, we will examine how the modern digital environment exists within the workplace. We will review the benefits of automation of work tasks, consider the cons of constant connectivity/interaction with colleagues and coworkers, and give specific focus to the "hyperactive hive mind" approach to modern knowledge work concerning digital devices and tools.

Part 4: Digital Minimalism - New Approach. The final part of this course will focus on ways to move forward, adjust, or adapt to our growing digital environments. Using Newport's specific methodologies, we will begin to incorporate healthier, effective ways of both utilizing and disconnecting from our devices and the digital world. Techniques that will be discussed include: 30-day digital decluttering, high-quality leisure activities, consolidating our social/media consumption/use, etc.

Each section of this course is designed to build upon the previous section. Students are encouraged to bring materials for note-taking, ask questions, and participate in large-group discussions.

Part 1: March 4, 2025 

Part 2: March 18, 2025

Part 3: April 15, 2025 

Part 4: April 29, 2025 

10 am -12 pm

Location:  The Landing, Olsen Student Center

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin (GF) County Digital Literacy. GF Digital Literacy is a county-wide, grant-funded program providing free digital support, instruction, and guidance to the community. Through partnerships with Spruce Mountain Adult Education and Franklin County Adult Education, as well as collaboration with community agencies (local libraries, Franklin Memorial Hospital, the Healthy Community Coalition, etc.), GF Digital Literacy works to decrease the digital divide between individuals and their devices.

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.

First Thursday of the month

March 6, 2025

April 3, 2025

May 1, 2025

June 5, 2025

11:30 am.

Location: TBD

Patricia Overall has been a member of GLI for three 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

Participants will learn the basics of transforming a raw egg into a work of art using a wax-resist method of dying eggs in creative designs. Everyone will make a decorated egg to show off at home (don't drop it!)

Please note that dyes used in this process may stain clothes; therefore, students should bring a smock or apron to class.

A $5 supplies/materials fee will be payable upon the first class.

March 25, 2025

9 am-12 pm

Location: Wears and Wares, 413 Wilton Rd, #1, Farmington ME  04938

Barbara was introduced to the art of Pysanky over 35 years ago and has enjoyed making decorated eggs for display and gift-giving to friends and family.

In-Person

Each session will involve a walk/hike at one of the several meadows, woodlands, or mountains near Farmington. In general, we will travel between 20 to 30 minutes to the selected spot, ramble a trail for 45 to 90 minutes, and return to start. We will attempt to avoid difficult terrain.

A make-up date will be explored if we encounter inclement weather. Individual emails will note the selected site, a brief description of what to expect, and suggestions of items to bring along.

4 sessions

March 27, 2025,

April 17, 2025,

May 22, 2025,

June 26, 2025

9 am -12 pm

Location:  TBD

Ray has conducted similar trips in past sessions and is an avid hiker & outdoorsman.

In-Person

Who cares?  We Do!  Come to this special discussion where you and your friends in Gold LEAF can share some of your life stories!  What events were pivotal in your life?  How and why did you end up in the Farmington, Maine area?  Special thanks to those who bring their high school yearbooks to the session.

April 1, 2025

10 am - 11:30 am

Location: North Dining Hall West End A

Doug Rawlings taught at UMF for 27 years and co-founded Veterans For Peace.

In-Person

Twice Sold Tales in Farmington, ME is opening its doors for an open-mic poetry reading that features Gold LEAF members.  Here's a chance to read your own poetry or to bring poems from your favorite poet.  Each reader will be given approximately ten minutes.  Please join us!

May 6, 2025

10:30 am - 12 pm

Location: Twice Sold Tales,  155 Main St, Farmington, ME 04938

Doug Rawlings taught at UMF for 27 years and is a co-founder of Veterans For Peace. Much of his poetry is political in nature and much of it comes from his experience as a soldier and veteran.

In-Person

For only lasting a decade, the 1920s sure made a mark. Learn some history, fashion, lingo, and more in this class. 

May 14, 2025

2 PM - 4 PM

Location:  Education Center, room 112 

Diane Parker, who majored in history once upon a time, is still passionate about it. While living in what she thought was a mundane town in the Midwest, she discovered its history to be not so mundane. The 1920s  were anything but mundane. Bonnie and Clyde had one of their major shootouts there. That led Diane to delve into more history of the decade called The Roaring Twenties.

In-Person 

In this class, we will gather to listen to and tell stories about our animals, including those that have amazed, loved, annoyed, shocked, attacked, and/or entertained us over the years. Lyn Terranova will be the lead-off storyteller because Cathy says so. Please join us, tell your own stories, or listen to other’s stories. Photos of your animals are welcome. This is a time to share experiences and relax. No formal storytelling experience is necessary. Just join us and enjoy the time together.

May 20, 2025

1 pm - 3 pm

Location: North Dining Hall East End C

Cathy Wimett has been amazed by stories Gold LEAFers, especially Lyn Terranova, have told about their animals’ antics over the years. Lyn has raised and lived with a wide variety of animals - and has the stories to prove it. She has welcomed cats, dogs, sheep, rams, turkeys, chickens, pigs, goats, and a llama into her home, barn, and fields for many, many years.