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

People think of Sherlock Holmes and immediately conjure an image of a scientifically oriented sleuth in pursuit of criminals. How accurate is that image? Is Holmes a brilliant reasoning machine who utilizes solid scientific principles or more of an eccentric observer of fellow men (and women)?

Dr. James O'Brien, a chemistry professor at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, wrote a book, "The Scientific Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case with Science & Forensics," in which the science Holmes used is carefully evaluated.

Chuck will use his book as the primary reference, and we will decide whether Holmes is a genius or eccentric.

In the process, the class will consider the roles of Dr. Watson; Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard; Holmes's evil opponent, Dr. Moriarty; and Mrs. Hudson, the tolerant housekeeper.

Dates: November 10 and November 17, 2026

Time: 1 pm-2:30 pm

Location: Education Ctr, 106

Chuck is the fourth child of six. He attended public schools, which seriously scarred him. Seeking solace, he found some in the stories of Sherlock Holmes. His interest in mysteries grew, along with his fascination with science, eventually leading him to earn a science degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Chuck went on to become a high school chemistry teacher in Joplin, Missouri, and later taught as an adjunct instructor at Missouri Southern State University and Crowder College.

Today, he brings together his enthusiasm for chemistry, poisons, mystery, and, of course, Sherlock Holmes. He hopes that enthusiasm will come through in his presentation and that everyone will enjoy the journey into the fascinating world of chemistry and mystery.

In-person & Online

The Book Discussion Group continues a long Gold LEAF tradition and will meet three times during the fall/winter term to discuss works of fiction and non-fiction. Our sessions are open and casual, yet stimulating and informative, allowing us to learn from one another. All meetings will be held at Orange Cat Cafe in Farmington if weather permits safe driving. If the weather is bad, we will meet online.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, except December.

Dates:

November 10, 2026: "The Impossible Fortune" by Richard Osman

January 12, 2027: "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaghy

February 9, 2027: "The First Witch of Boston: A Novel" by Andrea Catalano

Cathy Wimett and Nadine Marchand organize the book discussions. Any group member is welcome to facilitate a session. Both newcomers and past participants are encouraged to join us for this Fall/Winter Term.

Online

Life is full of transitions. Some fall within our control, like retirement or a career change, while others arise unexpectedly through illness, loss, or circumstances we never saw coming.

Even positive changes can leave us questioning who we are now and where we go from here. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore ways to navigate life’s transitions with greater self-compassion, confidence, and—most importantly—curiosity.

Together, we’ll look at how change can affect our sense of identity and explore tools that can help us find our footing when life suddenly feels uncertain. Whether you’re facing a major life change or simply feeling ready to write a new chapter, this class offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies to ease the transition.

Participants are invited to submit questions ahead of time, which can be addressed anonymously if desired.

Date: November 12, 2026

Time: 10 am-11:30 am

Mandi is also completing her End-of-Life Doula Certificate through the University of New England, deepening her commitment to supporting people through life’s many thresholds. She lives in Midcoast Maine, where she enjoys hiking, herbalism, genealogy, and caring for a historic homestead with her family.

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.

Hybrid

Since 2022, AI labs in Silicon Valley have been pursuing what they call "superintelligence," a form of artificial intelligence that vastly surpasses human capabilities and is widely considered the point at which humanity itself becomes obsolete.

What drives these AI labs to build technology that is allegedly this threatening? What good could come of continually seeking the catalyst of human extinction?

In this course, we will examine how AI labs, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, have repeatedly communicated their intent to achieve superintelligent AI. "Superintelligence: The Race to the End of the World" will break through the noise and offer practical guidance on the realities and falsities of AI as we know it.

Date: December 15, 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 through 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.