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. 

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

In August 2026, Nadine Marchand & Deb Stahler left for an 11-day Road Scholar trip to Newfoundland & Labrador. They will share pictures, stories, & information about the trip.

Date: January 14, 2027            Snow Date: January 21, 2027 

Time: 10:30 am-12 pm

Location: Education Center, 112

Nadine & Deb are long-time GLI members. They have differences of opinion about traveling. They knew little to nothing about this Canadian province when they started planning their vacation.

Nadine had three requirements for the 2026 vacation: in Canada, no flying, and little time planning. Together, Nadine & Deb chose this adventure.

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.