Hybrid

Agatha Christie served as a nurse in World War I. When she turned to mystery writing, she may have used her pharmaceutical knowledge to provide the means of murder in her novels.

The presentation will attempt to communicate Parker's enthusiasm for chemistry generally and for poisons specifically to members of Goldleaf.

A brief analysis of the symptoms of each poison and the presentation of the poison by Christie will be mentioned.

Parker will not provide drinks or snacks :)

Date: 1:00 - 2:30 P.M., April 28, 2026

Location: Education Center, room 107

Chuck Parker taught chemistry in public high schools and as an adjunct for Crowder College, Webb City, and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin until 2017.

He is especially enamored with alkaloids (caffeine is an alkaloid). The more he explored alkaloids and their deleterious effects on people, the more he investigated the use of poisons in mystery novels. Agatha Christie is remarkably accurate with her depictions.

Chuck has typically presented subjects concerning Muslim histories, such as the Crusades, the Ottomans, and the roots of Islamic extremism. However, his chemistry background kept crying for equal time.

In-Person

Northeast Archaeology Associates is located in Farmington at 382 Fairbanks Road.

It is a privately-owned company that provides a wide range of archaeological services from small-scale survey evaluations and data recovery to its various clients. Come learn about the organization.

We will meet at their location, as they have a number of exhibits they would like to show us.

April 29, 2026

10 am-11:30 am

382 Fairbanks Rd, Farmington

Dr. Gemma Hudgell Ph.D is the director of the research center.

In-Person

Back by popular demand, this is a talk and tour at the Farmington Solar Farm.  We will meet at the York entrance on Route 2, across from Mosher's Seafood.

Date: May 6, 2026

10 am - 11:30 am

Bradley Greenleaf is a senior solar technician with Nextera Energy.