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

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.

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. 

Hybrid

In this course, we will explore the phenomenon known as "AI psychosis." What happens after prolonged interaction with an AI chatbot? What leads to romantic feelings for a Large Language Model?

What are the dangers of technology that always agrees with a user? These questions and more will be explored in AI Psychosis: Large Language Delusion.

We will break down the technology behind Large Language Models and delve into how their responsive, conversational nature has led to a rapid increase in human-to-bot interactions and relationships.

Date: December 8, 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.