“Three Wheres and a Why,” a talk by Tom Hoffelder

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 6:30 pm

Three Wheres and a Why

Norway Memorial Library will host “Three Wheres and a Why,” a talk by Tom Hoffelder on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 pm. This presentation has grown from an article titled “Where did all these rocks come from?” in the Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society’s newsletter in 1998. It was rewritten for publication in other newsletters and then developed into a talk accompanied by PowerPoint slides. It was presented at the 2025 New England Mineral Association Meeting, at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, and for the Oxford County Mineral and Gem Association.

The presentation has expanded to include more than rocks and the origin of the elements that make up our minerals.  Since humans are made up of the same elements, logically, the next question became “Where did all these people come from?” Then, if discussing intelligent life here, how can the possibility of the same elsewhere be ignored, and “Where have all the aliens gone?” was added.  The final question is, “Why are YOU here?”

Tom Hoffelder was raised on a farm in northeast Indiana. He received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering in 1969. He spent most of his engineering career at Pratt & Whitney, a manufacturer of large military and commercial jet engines. He and his wife, Lynn, lived in Florida, Oklahoma, California, and Connecticut before retiring to Maine. They have visited all 50 states, driving to all except Alaska.

This event is open to the public and free to attend. Doors open at 6:00 pm. For more information, please call 207-743-5309 or visit www.norwaymemoriallibrary.org. Norway Memorial Library is located at 258 Main Street in Norway, ME.