AI Breakthroughs, Scam Prevention, and What's Next: GOLD Week in Review

From our first packed ChatGPT class to staying safe online, here's what happened this week at GOLD

What an incredible week we had! From packed classrooms to eye-opening conversations about staying safe online, our community continues to show up eager to learn and grow together.

Cary Regional Library Partnership

We kicked off the week at Cary Regional Library, diving into MyChart portal access and staying scam-aware to protect ourselves online. It's always great connecting with the Cary community, and we'll be back soon! In fact, we're excited to expand our reach to other libraries throughout Wake County in the coming months. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming library locations.

ChatGPT in Garner: A Huge Success!

The real excitement came Wednesday with our first-ever ChatGPT class in Garner, and wow, what a turnout! We had a packed house with everyone leaning in, asking questions, brainstorming practical uses, and participating in live demonstrations of AI in action. The energy was electric, and many participants left feeling confident and empowered about using AI in their daily lives.

One attendee, who came to class feeling hesitant about AI, shared this powerful testimonial with us:

"Before attending the GOLD class on AI, I was not only afraid of what AI was and concerned about how safe it was, but I also could not imagine that it would be of any use to me. RJ presented the information on AI in a way that I was very able to understand!! His explanations, examples, and patience have resulted in my feeling that I CAN use AI with confidence!! I will definitely be attending future GOLD classes!"

This is exactly why we do what we do. Breaking down barriers, building confidence, and empowering our community to embrace technology, not fear it.

Virtual Learning Continues

Throughout the week, we also held several virtual classes on Zoom covering a variety of engaging topics. These sessions continue to be fun, informative, and absolutely worth your time, plus they're perfect for sharing with friends! Whether you're joining us from home or at one of our in-person locations, there's always something new to learn.

Scam Prevention at Holly Springs

We wrapped up Friday at Holly Springs with another scam prevention class. The conversation was fantastic, and the timing couldn't be more important. With the holidays approaching, scams become even more prevalent, from fake charity calls to phishing emails disguised as shipping notifications.

Let's all stay vigilant and look out for one another as we enter this busy season. Remember: when in doubt, pause, verify, and never share personal information with unsolicited contacts.

A Note from RJ

It's genuinely exciting to witness the community's enthusiasm for AI and ChatGPT. Personally, these tools have helped me become more efficient in my own life, but seeing the eagerness from our participants to learn and explore is truly inspiring.

What's even more rewarding is watching people move past their initial fears about AI and transform that uncertainty into genuine confidence. It gives them a renewed sense of connection and capability in today's digital world. That shift from "I could never do that" to "I can't wait to try this at home" is what keeps us motivated every single day.

This Week's Classes (October 13-18)

Tuesday, October 14

• MyChart Made Easy | 6:30 PM | Virtual Learning | Sign Up

Wednesday, October 15

• Stop, Check, Protect: Scam Prevention for Older Adults | 12:00 PM | Garner Senior Center | Sign Up

Friday, October 17

• Stop, Check, Protect: Scam Prevention Class | 12:30 PM | Holly Springs Cultural Center | Sign Up
• Accessibility Features That Make Life Easier | 2:00 PM | Virtual Learning | Sign Up

Saturday, October 18

• Passwords Made Simple | 8:00 AM | Virtual Learning | Sign Up

Special Event: Device Recycling Workshop

Wednesday, October 29 | 12:00-2:00 PM | Garner Senior Center

Got old phones, tablets, or computers collecting dust? Bring them to our Device Recycling Workshop! We'll help you:

• Clean up your devices
• Safely erase your personal data
• Properly dispose of or donate your electronics

Let's recycle responsibly and give your old tech a new life!

Sign up: HERE

Stay Connected with GOLD

Ready to join us for an upcoming class? Visit our full events calendar and register at www.live-gold.org/events

Don't forget to share these opportunities with friends and family who might benefit. Learning is always better together!