Gold LEAF Institute

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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 318 of the Education Center. 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

The Gold LEAF annual business meeting was held on June 10, 2009. The following business was conducted.
Election of Officers:

President: Eileen Kreutz
1st Vice President: Jeannie Conroy
2nd Vice President: Buddy Conroy
Secretary: Anne Craig
Treasurer: John Craig
Member-at-Large (Ombudsman): Belle Foss
Past President: Diane Johnson
State Liaison – Brian Dodge

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 per year for the period July 1 through June 30.

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:

University of Maine Farmington Campus
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

Other Farmington Locations
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

Some classes have rain or snow dates which are used if storm forecasts affect program events. Check your local news to see if RSU 9 is closed due to weather. If RSU 9 is closed, GLI will use the optional date as listed.