Looking for a way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday?
How about a patriotic picnic at a very appropriate place: VFW Post 366.
They’re joining with American Legion Post 63 for a gala picnic.
It’s next Sunday (June 28, 12 noon to 4 p.m.). There’s (of course) burgers and dogs, music, community spirt — and it’s a chance to support our veterans.
Happy birthday, America! And thanks, VFW and American Legion!
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As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms education, higher education, and the workplace, parents wonder: How should my child use AI? What skills will matter most in the future? How can AI support learning without becoming a shortcut around it?
Some answers may come tomorrow (Monday, 7 p.m., Westport Library). Westport Public Schools host a special parent seminar featuring Casey Cuny, the 2024 California Teacher of the Year.
“Raising AI-Ready Students: Learning, College, and Careers in a Changing World” will explore how artificial intelligence is already reshaping how students learn, study, and prepare for their futures, and how parents can help guide them toward thoughtful and responsible use of these powerful tools.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “Whether you are excited about AI, concerned about it, or simply trying to understand it better, this evening will provide practical insights and a framework for helping your child navigate a rapidly changing world with judgment, integrity, and confidence.”
Casey Cuny
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With jUNe Day just around the corner — it’s next Saturday, June 27 — local artists Mark Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs want to be sure Westporters are in the know. They created this GIF:
To recap: For the 61st year in a row, the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the town will host up to 300 UN guests.
They’ll be greeted by flags of many of the 193 UN member countries, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The public is invited to the 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony on Jesup Green. The rest of the day includes the Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race; soccer match; tennis and golf at Longshore; nature walk and visit to Earthplace; tour of Wakeman Town Farm, and free access to Compo Beach and Longshore.
To volunteer, contact Andrea Dostal 203-526-3275; Andreasusa@yahoo.com). For more information on the event, call Bill Hass: 203-454-7685.
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The Yankee Doodle Fair was blessed with a third straight day of much-more-than-just-“fair” weather.
The century-old annual rite of very late spring/early summer drew another packed crowd to the Westport Woman’s Club grounds, on Imperial Avenue.
Ava Bierman shares a ride (and fun!) with her dad Bryan …
The 4-day run ends today (1 to 5 p.m.). A special Sensory Hour (noon to 1 p.m.) welcomes people in the neurodiverse and special education communities, with reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere.
PS: The weather will be great again today: mostly sunny, with a high of 81.
while her brother Everett makes his own fun.
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Also yesterday: Jaxson Dart brought his football camp to Paul Lane Stadium.
It was a chance for local youngsters to learn skills, pose for photos, get swag — and for their parents to watch the New York Giants star too.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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There’s plenty of greenery these days — even on beach-y Saugatuck Shores.
Melissa Makris offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, from Cedar Point Yacht Club:
(Photo/Melissa Makris)
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And finally … Ronald LaPread, the longtime Commodores bassist, died May 30 in Auckland, New Zealand. He was 76, and had lived there since 1986.
Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” works the day shift. The night shift, too. We’re here for you, 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work — and be here for us. Thank you!)
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To all the Westport teachers who just gave us a great school year I just want to say thank you. I know you have and are going to continue to be inundated by flashy AI demonstrations- products and tools. I also know this probably goes without saying here- but please please please keep building your lesson plans and materials as humans first.
Keep the control of the information and knowledge that you share using your expertise and creativity. Because we value it and you so very much. AI still gets it wrong- (way wrong) a lot of the time. And it will get ‘better’ but AI is still grinding together the seemingly infinite bits of digested digital material and spitting out the AI sausage. Let’s not make sausage out of the sausage.
It’s the teachers with their individual & collaborative human thoughts, insight and instincts that are the reason our kids can reach into their own minds and get inspired to expand their knowledge. That excitement in the classroom sparks to fluid intelligence – students finding their way into abstract reasoning & discovering new thoughts from new launching places. A stick figure with a great idea goes a million miles farther than a flashy AI generated mess on a page creating a mess in the mind.