Club Purpose: We help members make the most of their computers and explore new technology.

Focus: While our meeting room is a Windows PC classroom, the club is no longer Windows-only. With our emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), we will show you how to use free online AI tools that work on any computer or smartphone-Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or mobile.

Meetings:

• When: 2nd Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Room 357, UWF Campus
• Format: Informal and friendly. Each session includes a short presentation plus time to share tips, ask questions, and solve tech problems together.

What We Cover:

• Modern AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini
• How AI can make tech tasks easier and more fun
• Practical help for everyday computer and device issues

Why Join?

• Free Membership: You don't need to be enrolled in any CLL classes.
• Learn, share, and stay current with technology
• Great for anyone curious about AI

Class Leader Bio(s): Hal earned his PhD in Physics from UC Santa Barbara after serving as a carrier-based Navy fighter pilot while the Korean war was winding down. Since 1994, he’s been heavily involved in CLL classes and administration. In 1996 he developed the CLL’s original computerized registration program that was used continuously until COVID stopped in-person registration. Over the years he has led various computer-related CLL courses.

Course Description:  Want help wading through the flood of weather and climate info that bombards us daily? Improve your understanding of our planet and become a savvy consumer of all this data! In this class, our primary goal is to give you a clear, science-based understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences (meteorology, geology, oceanography). We’ll also discuss real world weather events and learn how to navigate the constant flow of “disaster” messaging.

Instructor Bio: Christa spent 28 years as a USAF Weather Officer and served 18 of those years as an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter. She has a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from LSU, B.S. in Meteorology from St. Louis University, and an M.S. in Earth Sciences/Education from Mississippi State University.

Course Description:  If you have just purchased a drone, or are about to do so, this class is for you.  Learn the different types of drones that are available and which one to buy for your needs. Learn how to fly a drone safely and stay within FAA regulations. The class will also provide tips on how to shoot video with a drone and edit it. Beginning classes will be conducted indoors with the Tello Drone.  Students will be given the opportunity to fly more complex camera drones during outdoor class sessions.  All drones will be provided for class use.

Instruction Bio:  Billy Walker has taught Video Processing and iPad classes at CLL for several years. He owns three drones and has been flying them for over five years. Walt Spodeck, an FAA licensed drone and commercial aircraft pilot  will be the co-leader for this course.  Walt owns 4 drones and has been flying them several years.

Course Description: Have you ever wondered what that ‘star’ is in the evening sky? Join a NASA Solar System Ambassador in exploring the solar system and beyond. Learn how to use a small telescope, how to navigate the night sky and identify the objects that you see. Discussions will cover the solar system as well as celestial objects such as constellations, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. We will also cover the language of Astronomy from appulse to syzygy to zenith. 

Instructor Bio: Tom Haugh is a long-time amateur astronomer. He is a NASA Solar System Ambassador and the outreach coordinator for the NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association. His personal observatory is recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). His observations concentrate on asteroid and comet orbit verification and he has submitted more than 16,000 astrometric observations to the IAU’s Minor Planet Center.

Tour Description: In this exclusive tour of the Air Force Armament Museum participants will explore and experience the legacy of military aviation through an extensive collection of aircraft and armament. You will dive into the stories behind the technology and bravery that shaped our skies. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with the US Air Force. Their collection includes aircraft ranging from the WWII era to the present.

Tour Host Bio: Air Force Armament Museum guided tours are conducted by our veteran volunteers, who will gladly share their extensive knowledge of the artifacts, museum information, and possibly a few personal anecdotes from their own storied careers!

Notes: This tour will meet on Friday, October 16 at 9:30 at the Air Force Armament Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Eglin AFB, FL (Located off base,  NO pass required). This is a walking tour and will include both indoor and outdoor walking.

Tour Description: October is Fire Prevention Month. Come join us on this behind the scenes tour as we learn how our first responders provide protection of life, property and the environment from the effects of fires, medical emergencies and hazards with a tour the vehicles and the firehouse. Firefighters will be happy to answer all of your questions. You will depart with a new appreciation and understanding of our local fire station and firefighters.

Tour Host Bio: This Tour is conducted by local firefighters and first responders, providing valuable knowledge and insight on how they do what they do, and how you can help them and help yourself when emergencies arise.

Notes: We will meet at 10:00AM at the Fort Walton Beach Fire Station #6, 5 Hollywood Blvd. NE, Fort Walton Beach.

Tour Description: Ashley Bailey from the Crime Prevention Unit will discuss how AI is used in frauds and scams and ways to prevent being a victim.

Tour Host Bio: Ashley Bailey is the Crime Prevention Manager with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. She has been working for the Sheriff’s Office for over 21 years educating citizens, business owners, and tourists in Okaloosa County. In addition, she started and continues to manage numerous programs and services for residents.

Tour Description: Destin-FWB has the most active artificial reef program in the state having deployed over 500 reefs. Due to lack of natural bottom habitat and coral reefs in the northern Gulf, artificial reefs and structures are put on the sea floor to provide habitat for marine life and provide divers and fishers with known sites. This presentation will discuss the process of deploying artificial reefs and what materials can be used. Information about the SSUS will also be included.

Tour Host Bio: In March 2021, Jessica Valek became the Natural Resources Manager for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team where her main focus is running the County’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Nesting Program. She also manages marine debris removal efforts and assists the team with lionfish removal, research and restoration projects, as well as education and outreach efforts.