Online

This discussion group is held on the first and third Fridays of each month. It covers local, national, and world news. The discussion provides an opportunity to share observations and opinions on the news and to learn from other participants.

Articles of interest are distributed among the group by email in the week before each meeting, and discussion topics are selected by the group at the beginning of each meeting.

Dates:

October 16, 2026

November 6, 20, 2026

December 4, 18, 2026

January 8, 22, 2027

Time: 10 am-11:30 am

Paul Mullin is the facilitator for this discussion group. 

Online

Please join us for a monthly Zoom get-together for coffee, conversation, and crafts.  Settle in with your favorite craft and beverage, and visit with Gold LEAF friends.  Crafts are not essential, and guys are welcome! The goal is to get together and spend time talking with friends.

The group meets the second Monday of each month.

NOTE:  The Fall/Winter Term begins October 1, 2026. Please register if you wish to continue or are new to the class.

Dates: 

November 9, 2026

December 14, 2026

January 11, 2027

February, 8, 2027

Time: 10:00 am-11:30 am 

Hybrid

We will explore the inception of the 24/7 news cycle, the revolution in information access via digital platforms, and the importance of verified, reputable reporting.

From legacy news media outlets to leading social media platforms, information is everywhere. Come and learn about the tools and tactics available to use to sift through the noise, get the facts, and stay informed.

DISCLAIMER: This presentation is for educational purposes only. Greater Digital Literacy will not engage in discussion and/or debunking of alleged "fake news" stories, claims, and/or accusations.

This presentation will focus solely on the increased access to information (regardless of accuracy) via digital platforms. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions and to be courteous, respectful, and open to communal discussion.

Date: November 19, 2026

Time: 10 am-12 pm

Location: Education Center, 106

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin Digital Literacy (GFDL). GFDL is a free community technology education and support program offering assistance in basic computer skills all the way to advanced AI analysis.

GFDL is proud to partner with 16 community locations - including Gold LEAF - across Franklin County to provide community members with the tools and guidance they need to successfully and confidently use their digital devices.

In-person

Sean Cooper at the HHRC will guide us through the exhibits at the center and show the video of the life of Michael Klahr, for whom the center is named.

This trip to Augusta was suggested at last spring’s GLI class on Children’s Resistance in WWII. While Gold LEAFers have attended presentations there on several occasions, it became clear that with our many new members and new exhibits, the center merits a return trip. We will carpool in groups, allowing flexibility around lunch plans.

Date: December 1, 2026

Time: 10:30 am

Location: 46 University Dr, Augusta, ME 04330

Carpooling: TBD

HHRC’s staff member, Sean Cooper, will lead the presentation. 

Hybrid

In this course, we will explore the phenomenon known as "AI psychosis." What happens after prolonged interaction with an AI chatbot? What leads to romantic feelings for a Large Language Model?

What are the dangers of technology that always agrees with a user? These questions and more will be explored in AI Psychosis: Large Language Delusion.

We will break down the technology behind Large Language Models and delve into how their responsive, conversational nature has led to a rapid increase in human-to-bot interactions and relationships.

Date: December 8, 2026

Time: 10 am-12 pm

Location: Education Center, 106

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin Digital Literacy (GFDL). GFDL is a free community technology education and support program offering assistance in basic computer skills all the way to advanced AI analysis.

GFDL is proud to partner with 16 community locations, including Gold LEAF, across Franklin County to provide community members with the tools and guidance they need to successfully and confidently use their digital devices.