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Social Gathering
Changing the World from the Inside Out
with Martha Soule
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.
Will run
The Farmhouse Beer Garden Talk and Tour
with Eileen Kreutz
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.
Tour of the Fuller Mansion, Augusta, ME
with Eric Hooglund
In-Person
Join Gold LEAF Institute for a tour of the Kennebec Historical Society’s historic headquarters, the 19th-century Fuller Mansion on Winthrop Street in Augusta.
The mansion’s downstairs rooms feature original furnishings and paintings dating from the early through late 19th century. A special highlight is the house’s more than 100-year-old piano, which is still in working order and well-tuned.
This unique historic gem provides a glimpse into 19th-century Augusta and the politically active Fuller family. The director of the Kennebec Historical Society will lead the one-hour tour and share the history of the mansion, the Fuller family, and their role in the community. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m.
After the tour, participants may wish to explore downtown Augusta, with its variety of restaurants, or continue to nearby Hallowell for lunch and additional sightseeing.
Date: October 19th, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Fuller Mansion, Augusta, ME
Carpool: TBD
Eric Hooglund has been a valued Gold LEAF member since 2014 and has offered numerous GLI classes.
Eric is a retired professor of Middle East politics and has taught at several distinguished institutions, including Bowdoin College, Bates College, Oxford University in the UK, and Shiraz University in Iran, among others.
Tell Your Personal Story on Camera
with John Henkel
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.
Yoga Bliss and Relaxation
with Sharon Jones
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.
Storytelling with a Friend
with John Henkel
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.
Meet the Farmington Town Manager
with Erica Lacroix
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.
Dining Out, Fall/Winter Term 2026-2027
with Patricia Overall
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.