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.

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. 

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 peacefullness.

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

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.