Online

This discussion group is held on the first and third Fridays of each month. It covers local, national, and world news. The discussion provides an opportunity to share observations and opinions on the news and to learn from other participants.

Articles of interest are distributed among the group by email in the week before each meeting, and discussion topics are selected by the group at the beginning of each meeting.

Dates:

October 16, 2026

November 6, 20, 2026

December 4, 18, 2026

January 8, 22, 2027

Time: 10 am-11:30 am

Paul Mullin is the facilitator for this discussion group. 

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.

Online

Please join us for a monthly Zoom get-together for coffee, conversation, and crafts.  Settle in with your favorite craft and beverage, and visit with Gold LEAF friends.  Crafts are not essential, and guys are welcome! The goal is to get together and spend time talking with friends.

The group meets the second Monday of each month.

NOTE:  The Fall/Winter Term begins October 1, 2026. Please register if you wish to continue or are new to the class.

Dates: 

November 9, 2026

December 14, 2026

January 11, 2027

February, 8, 2027

Time: 10:00 am-11:30 am 

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

In-Person

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.

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.