In-Person

This is a quest to understand a dynamic river and its impacts on communities along its 73.3-mile corridor. Come and hear what experts say and what concerns residents.

In February 2025, 50 local and regional partners met to address worsening floods in the Sandy River Watershed. Following major 2023 floods and over 100 events in 230 years—including three recent FEMA disasters—farmers reported erosion and land damage. Professionals cited outdated flood maps, past river modifications, and climate change.

The group called for updated mapping, a geomorphic assessment, and coordinated, large-scale solutions beyond piecemeal fixes. How would this impact citizens, and what are their ideas?

Four forums took place across the Sandy River Watershed. These forums were centered on the community—designed not only to help residents understand the characteristics of the Sandy River, but more importantly, to listen to their stories, concerns, local knowledge, and history.

March 26, 2026

1:00 P.M.

Location: Franklin County's Emergency Operations Center, 1 County Way in Farmington.

Amanda Simoneau, Franklin County Emergency Management Director, will be joined by Sara Bickford, Somerset Emergency Management Agency Director, to describe what impact the flooding has had and mitigation suggestions moving forward.

In-Person

This will be a studio visit and demonstration of gelli printing with stencils on paper and fabric, and image transfers onto paper. You will have an opportunity to try your hand at printing during your visit.

Gelli printing is a simple monoprinting method that uses a reusable gelatin-like plate to create unique prints. Artists apply paint, add textures or stencils, and press paper onto the plate to transfer designs, resulting in one-of-a-kind artworks without the need for special equipment.

Date: April 7, 2026

10 am - 12 pm

Location: Two Imagine Studios, 173 Mosher Hill Road, Farmington, Maine, 04938

Meredith Mustard received her BFA from Cooper Union in NYC.  She has worked as a calligrapher and graphic designer, and has pursued a path as a painter, printmaker, and hand bookmaker. Although she is currently retired and a member of Gold LEAF, you cannot keep her out of the studio.

In-Person

Northeast Archaeology Associates is located in Farmington at 382 Fairbanks Road.

It is a privately-owned company that provides a wide range of archaeological services from small-scale survey evaluations and data recovery to its various clients. Come learn about the organization.

We will meet at their location, as they have a number of exhibits they would like to show us.

April 29, 2026

10 am-11:30 am

Dr. Gemma Hudgell Ph.D is the director of the research center.

In-Person

Back by popular demand, this is a talk and tour at the Farmington Solar Farm.  We will meet at the York entrance on Route 2, across from Mosher's Seafood.

Date: May 6, 2026

10 am - 11:30 am

Bradley Greenleaf is a senior solar technician with Nextera Energy.

In-Person     

Tour of Fredrikson Farm in China, Maine, with owners Ed and Dianna Fredrikson. Join us to visit the baby goats and to appreciate the intricacies of goat dairying, cheese-making, responsible animal husbandry, and sustainable farming practices.  

Gold LEAF is honored to be selected for Fredrikson's first farm tour.

May 13, 2026

11:00 am

Location: Fredrikson Farm, 60 Danforth Rd, China, ME 

Fredrikson Farm is on the web at www.Fredriksonfarm.com and on FB. 

In-Person

Ever wonder if you have to call 911, who answers the call, and how your information gets transferred to the appropriate emergency service? We will be going to the Franklin County Regional Communications Center at 124 County Way in Farmington to find out.

May 20, 2026

10 am - 11:30 am

124 County Way, Farmington, ME 04938

Michelle Whittier is a communication specialist.