Gold LEAF [Lifelong Education at Farmington] Institute, part of University of Maine Farmington will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in June. Pictured are two participants in the “Afloat Once More – Paddling Maine” class last spring. Submitted photo
The Franklin Journal recently emailed questions about GLI to Jane Haszko, GLI promotion committee chair and Mary Viruleg, GLI president. They responded together with answers and additional information.
Are there any new goals or changes being planned?
GLI is a dynamic organization in the sense that we rarely stand still. We are ever trying to respond to the expressed needs of our members and to conditions around us. This has been particularly true during the last two years as we have dealt with the effects of Covid. Right now, our goals include bringing back members who became inactive during 2021 and 2022 and promoting the benefits of GLI membership in the community at large. We’d also like to encourage members of the community to volunteer to offer a class or to lead an activity. We welcome new presenters.
What are some of the most popular courses that have been offered over the years?
We are an ever curious group with diverse interests. Some of us prefer active outdoor activities or day trips around Maine. Some opt for craft activities and workshops. Others appreciate traditional lectures in a classroom setting. But the majority of Gold LEAF members have pretty eclectic tastes. We’re open to all kinds of classes and activities. As a side note, sometimes a longtime presenter develops a following as an energetic and engaging teacher and people sign up no matter what the topic.
Some recent popular courses include:
• Vietnam, Long Time Coming – viewing and discussion on the 1998 documentary that follows a 16-day, 1100-mile bicycle expedition through once war-torn Northern and Southern Vietnam.
• Black smokers, giant tube worms, and the origins of life – A summary of the history and current theories on the origin of life.
• Spiders of Maine – An overview of spiders; their kinds and behaviors; myths, fallacies, and facts about their bites; and some of the spiders you’re likely to see in Maine, the Northeast, and Maritime provinces.
• Spring Foraging: Common wild Maine plants – Session at an organic research farm and community garden focusing on the local ecosystem, sustainable practices, pollinators, and edible plants.
• Overlooked Farmington History – Presentation on the Farmington Falls/Farmington dispute in 1794, the railroad competition in the 1850’s and how Farmington became the leader among the towns in Franklin County.
• More Hidden Figures: Women in Science – Additional class on more-or-less forgotten women who played critical roles in discovery across a number of scientific fields.
• Tour of the Allagash Wilderness – Photographs and narrative describe the 92-mile-long ribbon of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in Northern Maine.
How many sessions are offered annually?
GLI has three terms: Summer [June – October], Fall/Winter [October – February] and Spring [February – June]. Classes are not aligned with UMF semesters. GLI offerings average about 20 courses per semester.
What is the average participation in each session?
Fall/winter 2022 averaged 13 participants per session.
What is the average age of participants and how old was the oldest?
Participants’ ages range from those 50 to in their 90s. Their ages aren’t tracked to determine an average.
How do courses and/or instructors get chosen?
The GLI curriculum committee solicits ideas from GLI members and the community, reviews course proposals, and selects courses.
Are any of the original instructors still teaching classes?
No.
What are some of the most recent offerings?
Spring offerings include online, in person, and hybrid courses and activities. A few courses have already concluded, others are underway while some begin next week or later. A complete list is available at https://gold-leaf-institute.coursestorm.com/browse.
Past offerings may be viewed on the GLI website at https://goldleafinstitute.weebly.com/past-classes-and-activities.html.
“The accomplishments of Gold LEAF over the last 25 years would not have been possible without the sponsorship of The University of Maine at Farmington,” Hasko and Viruleg wrote. “Beginning with President Theodora Kalikow in 1997, we have been part of the UMF community outreach. The university community has been with us all the way. We are very grateful for their support.”
LEAF is an acronym for Lifelong Education At Farmington. GLI is a member-run organization affiliated with UMF devoted to lifelong learning in the Franklin County area. Its mission is to provide continued learning and activity opportunities for anyone age 50 or older [and spouse/partner of any age]. Dues are $12 per term.
GLI is one of 17 senior colleges in Maine that offers:
• Courses with no educational pre-qualifications, learning without stress or tests
• Intellectually stimulating classes and activities reflecting the interests of members
• Socializing with people with a similar interest in enhancing their knowledge of the world around them
• Affiliation with the University of Maine at Farmington and its facilities.
The organization’s first president was Barbara Fredericks. She recalls how then UMF President Theodora Kalikow invited a small group of community members to respond to her proposal of a senior college in Farmington, at UMF. That initial invitation led to a mission statement, by-laws, a course catalog, and in 1998 the Gold LEAF Institute was born.
“I’d never heard of a senior college until I attended a meeting arranged by Dr.Kalikow [UMF president in 1997] who wanted one on campus to serve the 55-plus population in the community,” Frederucks said recently in a release.
“As far as interests and abilities go, we are a ‘big tent’,” Viruleg noted in the release. “We are students, crafters, farmers, poets, outdoor explorers, artists, teachers, and musicians. Some of us are [fifth] generation lifelong Mainers living on family land. Some of us came to Maine following family or job opportunities. Some of us moved to Maine for the quality of life. Some of us finished our formal education in high school. Some have advanced degrees.”
GLI has evolved as the world has changed. Since the organization was founded, access to and use of technology has exploded – transforming how GLI operates and the variety of courses offered.
Registrations are no longer handled manually and are now made online. One outcome of COVID precautions these last two years is the creation of many online classes. In 2022, GLI once again began offering in-person discussion groups, classes, and engaging indoor and outdoor activities.
GLI membership provides fellowship and community with a wonderful group of people in Franklin, Somerset, and surrounding counties. Membership also allows access to classes offered by the 17 Senior Colleges throughout Maine at maineseniorcollege.org – without an additional membership fee.
In 2023, GLI will be offering a rich variety of in-person and virtual workshops, classes, activities, and field trips. Spring classes are open for enrollment. View the complete GLI course catalog at goldleafinstitute.org.
Speak to anyone who has been a GLI member over the last few years and the response will be the same: “I’ve enjoyed GLI classes and activities. They’ve been interesting and I’ve met some great people. What an excellent way to expand your horizons,” the release notes.
Summer term kick-off and 25th anniversary celebration will take place in June.
“We are a strong and vibrant community of individuals who are intent on staying resilient and continuing to improve each day,” Viruleg noted. “We are ever-curious, hence our motto: Curiosity Never Retires!”
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