The Gold LEAF Institute
The Gold LEAF Institute (GLI) was established in 1997 as a member-run organization for lifelong learning affiliated with the University of Maine Farmington. Its members are age fifty or over who (1) seek intellectually stimulating activities to enhance knowledge and (2) appreciate social interaction as an opportunity to build new friendships.
History
Members of GLI not only enjoy the opportunity of learning new skills and ideas and meeting like-minded people of their own age, but also volunteering some of their time to the running of the organization. Currently there are about 150 members, mostly from Franklin County and the surrounding areas. Approximately 25 members serve on the Board and the various committees of GLI. The Board is responsible for the overall management of the organization, establishing rules and ensuring continued growth, relevance and improvement. The committees look after membership, finance, special events and, of course, the curriculum. GLI is always looking for volunteers to serve on the Board or on committees and would welcome your interest and participation. The GLI office is located on the UMF campus in room 105B Merrill Hall. Please feel free to call for information on GLI activities or get answers to questions you may have about GLI.
GLI believes learning is its own reward at any age. We invite you to join us and become an active participant in all the activities that GLI has to offer, and to make new friends in the process.
Gold LEAF Institute Senior College Board 2007-2008
- President: Diane Johnson
- 1st Vice President: Eileen Kreutz
- 2nd Vice President: Robert Marshall
- Secretary: Isabelle Foss
- Treasurer: John Craig
- Member-at-Large (Ombudsman): Horace LaBree
- Past President: Robert Fast
- UMF Liaison: Pam Wilson
- Administration & Finance Committee Chair: Peter Serrada
- Curriculum & Special Events Committee Chair: Eileen Kreutz
- Membership & Promotion Committee Chair: Vacant
Membership
Membership is open to individuals age 50 and over and their spouses/partners who do not meet the minimum age requirements. membership dues are $30.00 per year. Individual membership is for one full year from the date joined.
Volunteer Opportunities
Gold LEAF offers its members ample opportunity for leadership as an officer, or as a committee member in one of the four standing committees (Member Promotion, Special Events, Administration and Finance, Curriculum) just for the asking.
Volunteers are often needed as backup for the office secretary, van driver, presenter contact person, and course coordinator in the classroom, organizer of a social event or contributor to the newsletter. New ideas are always welcomed and anyone with energy and initiative to apply to Gold LEAF is cherished.
Class Locations
| Compressed Video Room | 111 South Street |
|---|---|
| Computer Center | 117 South Street |
| Dearborn Gym | 163 High Street |
| Education Center | 186 High Street |
| Health & Fitness Center | 152 Quebec Street |
| Mabel Hastie Lounge Ricker Hall | 169 High Street |
| Mantor Library | 116 South Street |
| Merrill Hall | 224 Main Street |
| Nordica Auditorium | 224 Main Street |
| North Dining Hall (NDH) | 111 South Street |
| Olsen Student Center | 111 South Street |
| Preble Hall | 173 High Street |
| Psychology Building | 234 Main Street |
| Ricker Addition Room 202 | 240 Main Street |
| Ricker Hall | 169 High Street |
| Roberts Learning Center | 270 Main Street |
| Farmington Public Library | 117 Academy Street (rear) |
|---|---|
| Town Hall Municipal Building | 153 Farmington Falls Road |
| Old South Congregational Church | 235 Main Street |
Courses
The Gold LEAF curriculum is divided into three terms – Spring, Summer and Fall. Each term commences with an open house which is a social gathering where members can learn about and sign up for courses in the upcoming term. Before each term, information about the courses is mailed to you and you have the opportunity to select courses by mail. GLI programs are based on member interest. Guest speakers from the community and from the University faculty are invited to present courses. Members are encouraged to share their expertise with members as a presenter or as a study group leader. Courses or activities range in format from lectures and discussions to field trips and hands-on experience. Depending upon the topic, courses can vary in length from one-time only to running weekly for several weeks.
A person must be a member to participate in activities and courses, unless a class is designated as a promotional event, open to the community. All registrations are made on a first come, first served basis when payment is included. Registrations are taken by mail, in person at the GLI office or at the open house — no phone reservations. Fees for each course will vary according to length. Field trip costs are based on the expenses to Gold LEAF for the event and transportation. Refunds will be made for GLI events if notification is received 7 days prior to the event with the exception of tickets paid for in advance.
Current Gold LEAF Class Cancellations Policy
If UMF cancels classes due to inclement weather, Gold LEAF activities will also be canceled. Listen to WKTJ 99.3 or TV announcements. If in doubt, call our office at 778-7063 or the UMF switchboard at 778-7000.
Courses: Summer 2008
Download Gold LEAF Summer 2008 Course Listing (PDF)
For More Information
Gold LEAF Institute
University of Maine Farmington
101 South Street
Farmington, ME 04938
By email: goldleaf@umf.maine.edu
By phone: (207) 778-7063
By fax: (207) 778-7278
Web site: goldleaf.wikispaces.com
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