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

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.

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. 

In-person

Come see the newly renovated Maine State Museum! The museum has been closed since 2020 for much-needed renovations and updates. The grand opening is scheduled for October 24, 2026.

Like so many projects, the renovation of the Cultural Building, the 55-year-old structure that houses the State Museum, State Archives, and State Library, was more complex than anyone expected.

The building required a down-to-the-bones rebuilding to comply with new building codes, achieve energy efficiency, create a safe and stable interior environment, upgrade technology systems, and provide better accessibility for all visitors.

Bernard Fishman, Museum Director, will take our group around for an overview tour of the new exhibits for 45-60 minutes. After that, we can spend as little or as much time as we'd like on our own in the galleries. https://mainestatemuseum.org

We will carpool from Farmington, leaving in time to find parking during the busy legislative season. Those who are interested can lunch in Augusta.  There is a cafe on campus at the Burton M. Cross State Office Building, as well as other options in Augusta.

Date: January 19, 2027                Snow date: January 26, 2027

Time: 10 am 

Location:  230 State St, Augusta, ME 04330

Carpooling: TBD

Bernard Fishman is the director of the Maine State Museum. He began his career as an Egyptologist working in Luxor, Egypt, as an archaeologist for the University of Chicago. He has given two presentations to GLI previously, both of which were very interesting.

In-person

Will the wolves return in Louise Penny's latest book, "Miss Wolcott's Ghost" (to be published on October 20th)? We don't know, but we think there is a chance that some wolfish villains may reappear. Join us to follow the clues and unravel the threads that lead Armand Gamache and company through Penny's latest mystery, which might offer several opportunities to join the villagers at the bistro.

Date: January 27, 2027             Snow Date: February 3, 2027

Time: 10-11:30 am

Location: TBD

Deb Stahler and Cathryn Wimett are past presenters of "The Grey Wolf" and "The Black Wolf." They keep hoping for more Three Pines adventures.