Cary Spotlight | Issue #312

Teachers Embrace AI, Heatwave Strains Hospitals & Cary's Culinary Spotlight

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Quote of the Day

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

📰 Wake County Teachers Embrace AI to Revolutionize Classroom Learning

📰 Wake County Hospitals See Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses Amid Soaring Temperatures

😋 Savor Cary: Lugano Ristorante

📰 How to Keep Your Eggs Fresh: Expert Tips from NC State

🔥 Paris Paralympic Opening Ceremony Marks a New Era of Inclusivity

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What fruit is also known as the "love apple"?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Wake County Teachers Embrace AI to Revolutionize Classroom Learning

In Wake County, teachers are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into their classrooms, exploring innovative methods to enhance student engagement and learning.

At Crossroads Flex High School, teachers like Brendan McMonigle and Mindy Hope are utilizing tools like ChatGPT to make lessons more interactive and accessible, particularly in subjects like math and Spanish. This initiative is part of a broader effort within the Wake County Public School System, where hundreds of teachers have been trained to incorporate generative AI tools responsibly.

The district’s leadership, led by Allison Reid, has been proactive in creating and updating guidelines for AI use, ensuring that both teachers and students are equipped to handle the technology’s evolving capabilities.

The integration of AI into education, however, has not been without controversy. Concerns persist about the potential for increased cheating, plagiarism, and the risk that over-reliance on AI could diminish students' critical thinking skills.

Despite these challenges, proponents argue that AI offers significant benefits, such as automating mundane tasks and providing new ways to engage with learning materials.

The key, educators emphasize, is teaching students not just to use AI but to critically assess and apply the information it provides, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces traditional cognitive development.   Read Full Report

Wake County Hospitals See Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses Amid Soaring Temperatures

With rising temperatures across Wake County, hospitals like WakeMed and Duke Health are witnessing an increase in patients suffering from heat-related conditions, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

In response, community organizations and first responders are stepping up their efforts to safeguard against the dangers of extreme heat. At Wake Harvest Center, a local after-school program, children’s outdoor activities are now strictly limited to prevent overheating.

The intense heat is also creating challenging conditions for local fire departments. Recently, firefighters from Apex and Cary had to tackle a two-story home fire in sweltering temperatures, forcing them to adopt rigorous rotation schedules and hydration breaks to avoid heat-related injuries.

These measures have so far been effective, with no reported cases of heat-related illnesses among the firefighters. The community’s collective response underscores the need for vigilance as temperatures continue to rise. Read Full Article

Credit: Lugano Ristorante

😋Savor Cary:
Lugano Ristorante

Lugano's is one of the restaurants that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s Milestone Mavericks for our Savor Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. We will share the results of this reader poll in an upcoming issue.

Lugano Ristorante

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Savor Cary is a name that perfectly captures the essence of Cary's growing and evolving dining scene. It's not just about the delicious food and drinks available at the terrific restaurants; it's also about savoring Cary's relaxed atmosphere and the expansion of possibilities. Next drawing: 24 Sep 2024

How to Keep Your Eggs Fresh: Expert Tips from NC State

Eggs are a versatile and essential ingredient in many kitchens, but maintaining their freshness requires proper storage techniques. According to Kenneth Anderson from North Carolina State University, the best way to store eggs is in their original carton in the refrigerator. 

This method protects the eggs from temperature fluctuations and prevents them from absorbing odors. The ideal refrigerator temperature for eggs is 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 70-80%, creating a favorable microenvironment within the carton that extends their shelf life.

It's generally not advisable to leave eggs on the kitchen counter, as higher temperatures can reduce their quality over time. The USDA recommends consuming eggs within 3-5 weeks of purchase if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Egg cartons often display a pack date and either a sell-by or use-by date to guide consumers on the optimal freshness period. While eggs can remain safe to eat up to 12 weeks after the pack date, it's crucial to keep them free from bacterial contamination. For those using only parts of eggs, like whites or yolks, the remaining portion should be consumed within a week. Read full report

Paris Paralympic Opening Ceremony Marks a New Era of Inclusivity

In a historic departure from tradition, Paris hosted the opening ceremony of the Paralympics outside a stadium for the first time, transforming the iconic Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde into a spectacular stage.

The event featured 140 artists, including performers with disabilities, and a vibrant parade of athletes from 168 delegations, celebrating the global spirit of the Games. The ceremony also included memorable musical performances and a symbolic torch handover from Olympic to Paralympic athletes, underscoring the unity between the two events.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will see over 4,400 athletes compete in 22 sports across 549 events over 11 days, with a significant audience both in-person and via global broadcasts.

The ceremony was marked by a call to change societal perspectives on disability, emphasizing the power of sport to inspire and transform. Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, highlighted this theme in his speech, urging a reimagining of societal attitudes to fully recognize the achievements of Paralympic athletes. Read Full Article

Their next meeting kicks off at the Cary Senior Center on Tuesday, September 3. They start gathering at 9 am and the official meeting runs from 9:30 to 11:30. You are welcome to be a guest for three meetings as you decide whether you would like to become a member.

Meeting location:
Cary Senior Center at Bond Park 120 Maury Odell Pl, Cary, NC 27513

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

August 30th (Friday)

August 31st (Saturday)

September 1st (Sunday)

September 2nd (Monday)

  • TBA

    We invite you to check it out, stay informed, and submit your events to Thousands of Cary Locals!

    👇 Have an Upcoming Event?👇

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

The tomato, surprisingly to many, was historically known as the "love apple." This nickname originated from the fruit's early association with love and fertility in certain cultures.

When tomatoes were first introduced to Europe from the Americas, they were thought to possess aphrodisiac properties, leading to their romantic moniker. Over time, as tomatoes became a staple in global cuisines, their reputation shifted from exotic to everyday, but the charming name "love apple" remains a nod to their intriguing past.

For more information about the history and cultural significance of tomatoes, including their various names, you can visit Smithsonian Magazine's website, which often features articles on the historical and cultural aspects of foods.