FARMINGTON — The Gold LEAF Institute Senior College at the University of Maine at Farmington will host an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the UMF North Dining Hall, 111 South St., to introduce the fall term of classes and activities geared to people age 50 or older who are interested in lifelong learning.

An informational meeting will take place from 3 to 4 p.m., and course registrations will be open from 4 to 5 p.m. for those who have not registered in advance. The open house is free and open to anyone age 50 or older, and their spouse/partner regardless of age.

Gold LEAF (Lifelong Education At Farmington) is a nonprofit, member-run organization that promotes lifelong learning for anyone age 50 or older. There are no prequalifications to participate — all that is needed is an interest in learning about a wide variety of topics in a social atmosphere with other people who have similar interests.

The classes and activities planned for September through February range from book discussions to classroom instruction to tours and handcrafts. Some of the offerings include the art of storytelling, presented by Phyllis Blackstone, assistant professor at UMF and a storyteller.

Jackie Ranco will teach about each of the four Wabanaki tribes of Maine and their traditional culture. Local professional forester, Pete Tracy, will talk about the facts and challenges of the forests of Farmington, including good forest management techniques.

Dick Matthews will offer an overview of strategies for successful marketing of freelance articles to magazines and newspapers. Tours will include the State House, Blaine House and an angora goat farm and fiber mill. For those who enjoy hand-on activities, Nantucket basket weaving and chair weaving will be offered.

View the full course listing at http://goldleaf.wikispaces.com. For more information, call the Gold LEAF office at 778-7063 or send an e-mail to goldleaf@maine.edu.


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