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LABOR DAY AND GANESH FESTIVAL EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

September 4, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.  

My Weekly Update: 

My Weekly Update:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/405456731517850

The Gorbachev Legacy

My Roku TV Message on the Gorbachev Legacy:

https://youtu.be/W1z2NaoaaEU?t=101

Launch Morrisville

First Class of Launch Morrisville Started on Wednesday!  

To apply, visit www.launchmorrisville.org!   

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2297051887148152

Cricket Alert: USA Cricket practices in Morrisville!

In my last WRAL Tech Wire Blog, I referenced our Town as the Cricket Capital of the US


This past weekend, we were grateful to have the men’s USA National Cricket Team practice at our Church Street Park cricket facility Friday, Sept. 2, through Sunday, Sept. 4. Practices took place from 3-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12-7 p.m. on Sunday. ! I was honored to meet Coach Arun Kumar Jagdish and some of the team yesterday and to also catch up with former Morrisville resident and National Team Member Jess Malhotra. 


The team is preparing for the ICC Cricket World Cup in Papua New Guinea, which is scheduled for Sept. 11-21.

Good Luck Team USA, and once again, another game changing event in our Cricket transformation!  

Cricket is on the move in Morrisville!  


USA Cricket Board Members will be visiting Morrisville on Friday so please follow the Town of Morrisville Social Media for details on the community meeting.  I will post and inform once the Town send a formal announcement. 

Praying for Pakistan

My Message to Pakistani Community:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1100028347306571


We pray and support Pakistan during the tragic floods.  1265 dead, 3,641 Non Fatal Injuries, 482,000 displaced, 33 million affected, and billions in damage.


Join us next Sunday, Sept 11 at 300 Preston Valley Way, Cary, NC 27519 4 pm for a Fundraiser for Pakistani Flood Relief!  

Labor Day and Ganesh Festival Events:

Check our Triangle Labor Day events at

https://triangleonthecheap.com/free-cheap-labor-day-festivals-events-triangle/


For all Ganesh Festival Events at HSNC, visit

https://hsnctemple.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Ganesh-Festival-2022-Schedule-1.jpg

Breaking News of the Week:

Mikhail Gorbachev


World Leaders Mourn loss of Mikhail Gorbachev.


https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/europe/mikhail-gorbachev-death-global-reactions-intl-hnk/index.html

Biden Speech


Biden attacks Trump and supporters in fiery speech on prime time.


https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/01/politics/joe-biden-democracy-speech/index.html

Dick Sears


Former, 20 year Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears passes away. May he Rest in Peace and we pray for his family.  


(My message on his service and leadership to the Triangle and our enduring friendship will be in next newsletter) 

Serena Williams


Serena Williams plays her last match at US Open!  



My insights:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1125952931343801

Save the Dates:
Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO

Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO  6:30 pm at HSNC Main Hall. (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)


I have invited RDU Airport CEO Michael Landguth to Morrisville for a Town Hall meeting where he will brief us on the Airport and talk about international air service recruitment. Exploring opportunities for Direct Air Service to India will also be discussed. 


RSVP: https://bit.ly/rdu-ceo

WHY WE CELEBRATE LABOR DAY?

My Labor Day Message:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/5656447511081854


Labor Day for many Americans is a three-day weekend that marks the end of the summer and the start of the school year.


Nowadays, the holiday might be celebrated with anything from swimming at a beach or pool, grilling, or watching the first college football games of the season. 


But, how did the holiday come about?


According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is observed the first Monday in September to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers.

The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.


When did Labor Day become a federal holiday? 

Before it became a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states.


Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887, and that year four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed similar laws. 


The Labor Department says by 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday, and President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.


How did Labor Day start?

The Labor Department says it's not entirely clear who is the founder of Labor Day, but two workers can make a solid claim to its origins.


According to the Labor Department's website, some records show that in 1882, Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, suggested setting aside a day for a "general holiday for the laboring classes" to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."


Many believe that machinist Matthew Maguire, not McGuire, founded the holiday.

Recent research seems to support the contention that Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, proposed the holiday in 1882, while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.


According to the New Jersey Historical Society, after President Cleveland signed the law to create a national Labor Day, the Paterson Morning Call published an opinion piece stating that "the souvenir pen should go to Alderman Matthew Maguire of this city, who is the undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday."


Perhaps showing there were no hard feelings, both Maguire and McGuire attended the country’s first Labor Day parade in New York City that year.



At the end of the day, let us take some time this Labor Day to reflect on how hard working Americans in manufacturing, retail, farming, and the industrial sectors of the United States have served as the backbone our economic growth and prosperity in the global economy.  In addition, we are grateful for all workers in the front lines of health care during the pandemic, to all first responders, soldiers, and of course, the hard work and dedication of federal, state and local government employees.  


Finally, we must also challenge our educational systems to develop the skills of our workforce so they can be prepared for the new jobs of the new economy.  


Happy Labor Day!  

CELEBRATING GANESH CHATURTHI

My Ganesh Chaturthi Message: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/5185687484886777


Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is an auspicious Hindu festival which is celebrated for 10 days every year. The festival is celebrated in the Bhadra month as per the Hindu calendar which generally falls in mid-August to September. It marks the birthday of the beloved elephant-headed Lord Ganesha.


Ganesha is known as the God of wealth, sciences, knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, and that's why most Hindus remember him and seek his blessings before starting any important work. Lord Ganesh is known by 108 different names like Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta among others


This festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy by Hindus throughout the world. In India, it is majorly celebrated in states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.


It is believed that devotees who pray to Ganesha are able to fulfil their wishes and desires. So, the main essence of Ganesh Chaturthi is that devotees who pray to him are set free of sins and it leads them on the path of knowledge and wisdom.  


Happy Ganesh Charthuri to everyone and may we all be more wise and prosperous.  

Very Important Morrisville Updates:

Remember No More At Home Covid Tests.  

In Person Voter Registration is Oct 14: 


North Carolina offers online voter registration to existing customers of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. You can register by mail to vote in North Carolina by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.


Registration deadlines

Church Street and Morrisville Carpenter Road Intersection is Right In and Right Out. 


(See This Week in Morrisville Updates) 

Teen Morrisville 101 Registration Now Open!:


The annual citizen’s academy for teens will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays, October 5-26, from 4-6 p.m. The deadline for registration is Sept. 23.


More information can be found here:

https://www.townofmorrisville.org/residents/community-programs/teen-morrisville-101

Fall Into Fitness


Fall Into Fitness starts Friday, September 9 with eight weeks of FREE fitness classes and activities hosted by some of MAFC's top instructors!


All classes and activities will be held on Fridays from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park - Field 1.


Get details and SIGN-UP AT WWW.TINYURL.COM/MAFCFALL starting September 2.

Town of Morrisville Public Works Department receives National Accreditation!   


(See Public Works Section for more information)  

SEATTLE THUNDERBOLTS WIN MINOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP!

My Radio Nyra Interview with Team Captain Singh: 

https://www.facebook.com/radionyrausa/videos/800736607611584

Town of Morrisville hosted Minor League Cricket Championships Aug 27th- Aug 28th.

Congratulations to the Seattle Thunderbolts for their win over the Atlanta Fire to win the Minor League Champtionships.  Thanks to everyone who came out for an exciting weekend of world class cricket and to the Staff, Volunteers, and all of the Sponsors of this event!  The Thunderbolts take home $150,000 of the $350,000 purse, and we wish them all the best!


High-definition live television and streaming coverage for the finals weekend featured a premium production by Antares Media for all three games. All matches will be available free to stream via the MLC Network on YouTube, with one conference final on Saturday and the championship match on Sunday to be broadcast on Willow TV’s linear channel, available across millions of households in the United States. 


For the first time, live audio commentary of Finals Weekend was broadcast on 99.94 DM, the innovative “home of cricket audio” launched this summer.


Thanks to each of you for making this event such a success!  The Town of Morrisville is emerging as the Cricket Capital of the United States and World!  

Insights from Scott Dupree from Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/414658437461655

Insights from Major League Cricket: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1146224249312937

Cricket on ROKU POD TV

https://youtu.be/x3q8h9wph1A?t=135

Insights From Mark Stohlman:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1477525846029890

Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award
The Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award recognizes youth who have attained outstanding achievements in various fields such as Volunteering, Community Service, Leadership, Research, Academics, Extra-curricular activities such as sports, music and arts, etc. This award is based on Lord Buddha’s parting message to his disciples “Aapo Deepo Bhava” which means “Be a light unto yourself.”

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY
11:59pm ET September 11th, 2022

Suicide Prevention Line to 988
On Saturday, July 16, the U.S. will transition the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care.

The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need.

Starting tomorrow, simply calling or texting 988 or chatting https://988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline

Learn more at https://www.samhsa.gov/
Media Appearances
Radio Nyra

Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders


99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!


Wonderful Radio Nyra Interview with Andy Andrews!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/413513024215208

Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2852956421664760

ROKU and POD TV

Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!


https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79

Wonderful Interview with Tom Dunmore and AB Bhakta at Major League Cricket. 

https://youtu.be/x3q8h9wph1A?t=135

On the Porch
On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch



WPTF Steve O'Bryan show
Get with the Program
Get with the Program with Gary Jones!

Black Issues Forum

Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!


Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.

Link to the show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg

Read my Recent Tech Wire Post on Small Business: 

https://wraltechwire.com/2022/09/02/how-small-businesses-can-get-a-piece-of-the-government-procurement-pie-here-are-some-ideas/


Read my Recent Tech Wire Post on Cricket! 

https://wraltechwire.com/2022/08/26/now-this-is-sporting-economic-development-cricket-is-back-in-triangle/

The Steve Rao App is Here:
Download the Steve Rao App!   

Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.

Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.

Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
Apple Appstore link.
Google Play Store Scan code Link
Join Our Mailing List

PUBLIC WORKS ACCREDITATION

My Message to Public Works:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/477391060867631


Congratulations to the Town of Morrisville Public Works Department on receiving re-accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation Council. The department's work to achieve accreditation demonstrates the dedication and pride in the operation of the department and community overall. 


Several members of the department were honored at the Tuesday, August 23 Town Council meeting. Learn more about the accreditation at https://bit.ly/3PMQPzX


We look forward to the leadership of new director Jeffrey Brown, and thank all of our Department for their world class, dedicated service to the Town.  

Public Works Department Named Accredited Agency by APWA


The American Public Works Association (APWA) has recognized the Town of Morrisville’s Public Works Department as an accredited agency. Accreditation is designed to promote excellence in the operation and management of public works departments, and it is issued to departments who verify full compliance with recommended best practices for their municipality. The APWA has awarded accreditation to only 176 municipalities across the United States and Canada. In North Carolina, only three municipalities have received the distinction: The Town of Morrisville, the Town of Garner, and the Town of Mooresville.

This Week in Morrisville: September 5th - 9th

Labor Day is September 5


The Town of Morrisville administrative offices, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, the Cedar Fork Community Center, and the Morrisville Senior Center will all be closed Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day.

 

Police, fire, and rescue services will remain available. Curbside garbage and recycling services are on the regular schedule for the holiday. 

Upcoming Meetings

Meetings

Sept. 6 – 6:30 p.m.Public Education Advisory Committee


Sept. 7 – 6:30 p.m.Environment and Stormwater Committee


Sept. 8 – 6 p.m.Senior Advisory Committee


Sept. 8 – 6:30 p.m.Planning and Zoning Board 

Men's USA National Cricket Team Practicing at Church Street Park


The men’s USA National Cricket Team will be practicing at the Church Street Park cricket facility Friday, Sept. 2, through Sunday, Sept. 4. Practices will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12-7 p.m. on Sunday.


Residents are welcome to stop by and watch the team as they prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup in Papua New Guinea, which is scheduled for Sept. 11-21.

Cedar Fork Community Center Hiring Before and After-School Counselors


The Cedar Fork Community Center is looking for counselors for its before and after-school programming. Before-school counselors work Monday through Friday from 6:50 to 9 a.m. and make $13 per hour. After-school counselors work Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and make $11 per hour. After-school counselors must also be available to work on school early release days. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/morrisvillenc

Resources for Seniors Presentation to be Given at Morrisville Senior Center September 7


A representative from Resources for Seniors will offer a presentation on the services the non-profit offers at the Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, on Sept. 7, from 1-2 p.m. Get help navigating the aging services network to optimize successful aging and support independent living. Call (919) 463-7140 for more information. 

Model Railroad to be on Display at Morrisville Senior Center September 10


The North Raleigh Model Railroad Club will put on a model train display and exhibition at the Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will be able to observe creative miniature scenes from city to farm, and from sci-fi to Lego. A fun scavenger hunt will also be available to find items across the detailed display. Admission is free. 


Morrisville Senior Center to Host Trip to N.C. Museum of History on September 14


Those 55 and older are invited to join the Morrisville Senior Center for a trip to the N.C. Museum of History on Sept. 14. The group will leave the MSC at 4117 Davis Drive at 9:30 a.m. and will be returning around 3 p.m. The cost is $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Lunch will be at the Daily Planet Cafe, which will be a separate cost. For more information and to register, please call (919) 463-7140 or click here


Morrisville Senior Center to Host Finance Friday Event on September 16


You’ve worked hard to provide for your family. Whether you’re approaching retirement or are recently retired, your focus may begin to shift from building your financial foundation to protecting the financial resources you’ve created for you and your family. Edward Jones will present information at the Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, on Sept. 16 about how you can address key risks you may encounter and what strategies you can use to help prepare for the unexpected. The presentation will be at 12 p.m., and snacks will be served. 


Morrisville Senior Center Hosts Durham Bulls Baseball Game Outing September 25


Those ages 55 and older are invited to join the Morrisville Senior Center for a Durham Bulls baseball game on Sept. 25 at 1:05 p.m. Watch the Durham Bulls take on the Norfolk Tides. The group will be leaving the MSC at 4117 Davis Drive at 12 p.m. The cost is $22 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Lunch will be a separate cost. The group should arrive back at the center around 5 p.m. For more information and to register, please call (919) 463-7140 or click here

Morrisville Senior Center to Start Closing on Saturdays


Beginning Saturday, Sept. 3, the Morrisville Senior Center will be closed on Saturdays except for special events or scheduled program hours.


Please contact the Senior Center at 919-463-7140 or seniorcenter@townofmorrisville.org if you have any questions.

Registration Open for Teen Morrisville 101

Registration for Teen Morrisville 101 is now open. Teen Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for teens interested in local government. This is a free program for youth in grades 9-12. The program begins October 5, 2022, and will be held after school hours, from 4-6 p.m., once a week for four weeks.


Registration ends on September 23. Learn more and reserve your spot here

White Goods Collection to be September 8

The Town of Morrisville's next white goods collection will be Thursday, Sept. 8. The Public Works Department provides a quarterly curbside collection of recyclable white goods. White goods items include washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves and ovens, and dehumidifiers.

 

Registration is required for the white goods collection. Complete this form or call (919) 463-7070 to confirm your collection. Requests must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 6. For more details, please visit the Public Works website

Eight Weeks of Free Fall Fitness Classes Starts September 9


The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will be offering eight weeks of free fall fitness classes, with the first class on Sept. 9. All classes and activities will be held on Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park – Field 1, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Classes will include recreational games, family yoga, running fundamentals, dance party, badminton, tai chi, and ultimate frisbee. Sign up at www.tinyurl.com/mafcfall. 

Vendor Applications Open for Morrisville International Festival on September 24

The Morrisville International Festival will celebrate the diversity of cultures in the Town of Morrisville. Residents are encouraged to join the festivities on Sept. 24 on Town Hall Drive from 2-6 p.m. There will be live performances, an artisan market, food trucks, and more.

 

Applications are now open for vendors and cultural organizations who would like to participate in the event. Cultural organizations will be able to have an informational tent at the festival. Ideally, organizations would offer some sort of hands-on educational activity or would display educational information about the represented culture and organization. Vendors are invited to sell arts, crafts, clothing, and other items that are representative of a specific culture.

 

There is no charge for vendors or cultural organizations to participate. However, they must provide their own 10x10 tent, table, chairs, and other necessary items for their display. Interested vendors and organizations can apply for a space here

Revolution to Play at Music in the Park September 9

Revolution will play at the final Music in the Park event at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive, on Sept. 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. This five-piece band is known for its amazing harmonies, and they sing the entire Beatles catalog from 1962 to 1970. You're invited to sing along and dance to the music at this free concert. The Doherty's Paddy Wagon food truck will be available for refreshment. 

Certification Training Available for Community Emergency Response Team

Get CERTified, Morrisville! Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

 

Certification is two steps: 

  • Online Training: Now through Oct. 15 (12 hours of classes⁠ at your own pace and at your convenience)
  • In-Person, Hands-on Skills Training: Oct. 22-23

 

Learn more and register here

Sustainability Program Shares Positive Developments for Solar Energy
The Town of Morrisville is committed to sustainable development and practices, and the Sustainability program is pleased to share the news that homeowners may soon have more options for installing their own solar panels. Last month, the N.C. State Supreme Court ruled in favor of homeowners involved in a dispute with their Homeowners’ Association about their ability to install solar panels on their roofs. The ruling may open the way for other homeowners to install their own solar panels. Additionally, Duke Energy is expected to offer another round of solar rebates in January 2023. Check here for updates.
Morrisville Joins Solarize the Triangle, Making Discounts on Solar Power Available for Residents
The Town of Morrisville has joined 10 other local communities in the Solarize the Triangle partnership, which will make discounts available on solar energy installations through a group buying program and the use of a federal tax credit. The more local residents and businesses that participate in the program, the greater the savings will be. Visit solarizemorrisville.org to learn more about the program or to sign up for a free energy evaluation. 
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project

Bicyclists and Walkers Cautioned to Stay Out of Road Construction Zone


Town officials remind bicyclists and walkers not to travel through the closed section of westbound Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Town Hall Drive and the Thornebury entrance). This is an active road construction zone, and it is unsafe for members of the public to travel through this area, even on foot or on a bicycle. Please stick to designated pathways outside of the construction area. 


Progress on Morrisville Carpenter Road Widening Project to Result in Traffic Changes in Coming Weeks


Work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road expansion is continuing. Starting on Sept. 9, the traffic pattern will shift for Phase III of the work. Traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed MCR lanes between NC 54 and Old Savannah Drive. The following streets will become permanent right-in, right-out only: Bergman Drive, Kudrow Lane, Misty Groves Circle, Morrisville Square Way, Church Street, and Page Street. The MCR entrance to Town Hall and First Baptist Church will also become right-in, right-out only permanently.


For more information on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project, and for regular updates, please visit the project page.


Project update for the week of Aug. 29:


  • Contractor will be working on the center medians on Morrisville Carpenter Road (from Old Savannah Drive to Leafycreek Drive).
  • Contractor will be installing signal loops and pedestrian loops at the Morrisville Carpenter Road and Town Hall Drive traffic signal.
  • Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in these areas between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Southbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the northbound side of the median (between Fire Station 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).
  • Walkers and cyclists are reminded to stay out of the blockaded area and to remain on appropriate paths. This is an active construction zone and is not safe for walkers or cyclists. 


Phase III work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project has started, and traffic will be shifted. Drivers are advised that:


  • Paving and pavement-marking work in preparation for the traffic shift will take place Sept. 7-9. The traffic shift is expected to take effect Friday, Sept. 9.
  • From Sept. 7-9, the contractor will start the lane closure work at 9 a.m. There is a chance that the lane closures may go beyond 4 p.m. as needed, in order to get the work completed for that day. 
  • Drivers can expect significant traffic backups on Morrisville Carpenter Road over these three days. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes where possible, such as Morrisville Parkway or McCrimmon Parkway, between Davis Drive and Chapel Hill Road.
  • The work may be pushed to a future date if there is significant rain on these days. The contractor currently has a rain date of Sept. 12 for the work.
  • The Town of Morrisville will provide daily updates of this work from Sept. 7-9.
  • Message boards on Morrisville Carpenter Road at Davis Drive, Morrisville Carpenter Road at Page Street, and Church Street at Jeremiah Street will also be updated on these days.


The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.


For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1

Blasting Permit Issued for Cary Location across from Towerview Court
The Cary Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a blasting permit for the locations neighboring the Town of Morrisville across from 280 Towerview Ct. Blasting began on Aug. 10 and will continue for approximately 60 days. For questions, please contact the Town of Morrisville’s Fire Administration Office at (919) 463-6219. 
Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates

The Morrisville Community Park Phase III construction is taking shape.


The construction crew will be completing installation of stone for the trails next week, with plans to pour asphalt after that. Additionally, work will continue on installing the concrete approaches for the bridges and boardwalk, and the crew will work on installing the stone for the picnic shelter pad prior to the shelter equipment arriving. Work will also finish on polishing the tennis court retaining wall prior to the stone base installation for the tennis court surfacing. 


Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.

Morrisville Starts Sustainability Newsletter 
The Town’s first sustainability newsletter was sent out on July 1. This quarterly publication will include a message from MESC, information on current projects, a sustainability spotlight feature, and information about upcoming or past events.

If you’d like to subscribe to the newsletter, contact sustainability@townofmorrisville.org.
Puttin Around Town Update
Puttin Around Town is a program that places a temporary disc golf basket at a different park on a rotating basis to give people the opportunity to practice throwing discs so they can work on their mid-range game or putting. Plans are being finalized for a temporary course to return to Cedar Fork District Park in July.

The Town is continuing to explore effective uses of temporary baskets in open to encourage outdoor recreation.

Read more about Puttin’ Around Town here.
Pop-up Dog Park at Morrisville Community Park
The Morrisville Pop-up Dog Park is back! Bring your dogs out to enjoy the sunshine at Morrisville Community Park. The dog park will be open May 8 - September 18 on select days. Click here for more information and to register.
Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center

Beginning the week of April 11, the MAFC program pool will be unavailable for public use on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open rec swim and water aerobics participants will be accommodated in lanes 5 and 6 of the lap pool. Additionally, the Friday morning water aerobics class has been cancelled.


Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team


The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is currently recruiting for the following positions:  

  • Senior Aquatics Specialist (FT)
  • Aquatics Specialist (30 hours/week) 


Both positions provide benefits. Learn more and apply here

 

The Town is offering financial incentives for part-time lifeguards who can work during the day in the off-season. Experienced swim instructors, as well as, day and early evening desk staff are needed. Learn more and apply here.   

Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.

Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!

The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
MAFC Smart Shuttle Node Now Available
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle node at the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is now open and available for rides.

With the new MAFC node, the service will connect residents with 15 locations in Morrisville. An additional node is located at the Regional Transit Center near RTP. A Morrisville Smart Shuttle rider can arrange their pick-up and drop-off from their computer or smartphone. Learn more and download the app here.
Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (summer hours) every Saturday.

Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
Around the Region

Winston Salem Open


Great time at Winston Salem Open with Mike Fox, NC DOT Chair and Head of the Piedmont Triad Partnership!  


Congrats to Adrian Mannarino for his win and to Mike for presenting to runner up Laszlo Djure! 

Minor League Cricket Championships


Minor League Cricket Championships a Success!  Congrats Seattle Thunderbolts!  


Great to Hang out with Sig Hutchison and Shinica Thomas at Minor League Cricket Championships!

Ganesh Festival


Ganesh Festival Kicks off at HSNC!  Great to be with Chris Heagerty!


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/810476343461977

African American Cultural Festival


Great time at African American Cultural Festival! Great to Catch up with Jessica Holmes, Gerald Givens and NAACP!  


Catching up with Gerald

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1320772685123187

Anurag Foundation Run


Inspired at Anurag Foundation Run!  Thanks to Credit Suisse for sponsoring and to Murali Sagali for organizing. 


Going the Distance at the 5k!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1992963827560177

My Insights on Credit Suisse for sponsoring: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1125667951663771

Small Business Listening Tour: 
This week I continued by Small Business Listening Tour with visits to a few Small Businesses.  I will be sharing more in next newsletter but enjoyed the few I had this week!  

Rush Hour Karting


Visit with Adam and Tamer Saad Rush Hour Karting! Opening this year near Wake Competition Center!


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1403043800177000

Chutney’s


Thanks to Chutney’s for hosting India Pakistan Cricket Match!  Great Match!


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/808974113609759

Acme Pizza is Open!

Deep Dish Chicago Pizza, New York Pizza and Wings!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/639303881057643

Royal Cheesecake Factory:
Shy’s Lemonade: 
GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD

Chile will vote today on whether to adopt a new constitution that includes legal abortion, universal health care and rights to housing, internet, clean air and more.


NASA again postponed the launch of its moon rocket, this time because of a hydrogen leak.


Thousands turned out for Mikhail Gorbachev’s funeral in Moscow. Vladimir Putin did not attend.


The U.N. has stationed two nuclear experts at the Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine, hoping their presence will lower the risk of a catastrophic attack.


More than 14,000 UPPAbaby strollers are being recalled after a child’s fingertip became caught in a brake.


A fast-moving wildfire in Northern California has destroyed at least 50 structures, including homes, and prompted the evacuation of thousands of people.


G7 leaders announced a plan to cap the price of Russian oil. Hours later, Russia’s state-owned natural gas company delayed reopening a major pipeline to Germany.


Ukraine’s southern counteroffensive has retaken several Russian-controlled villages.


Eight migrants drowned, and 37 others were rescued, as they tried to cross the Rio Grande to enter the U.S.


President Biden named John Podesta, a Washington insider, to oversee spending from Democrats’ climate law. Gina McCarthy, a top climate adviser, will step down.


The U.S. economy added 315,000 jobs in August, a sign that the labor market is slowing but staying strong.


New York investigators have seized 27 ancient artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art this year, saying the objects had been looted.

NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

34% of NC Schools are low performing.  


North Carolina education officials released testing results for each district statewide for the 2021-22 school year Thursday, and the results showed most schools are still feeling the effects of learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Nearly 400 more schools will be on the state's "low-performing" schools list this fall, according to the data released Thursday. About one in three schools will now be on the list, with 864 total designated under new test scores, up from 488 during the 2018-19 school year, WRAL found. 


The Department of Public Instruction released full data for each district in the state, including breakdowns by race and other subgroups for every school in North Carolina. State leaders said there was an improvement from the 2020-21 school year, when districts struggled to establish effective teaching habits at the onset of the pandemic. 


Schools placed on the low-performing list must draft plans to improve their test results. Schools that have been on the list for two out of the past three testing years will be considered "recurring" or "continually" low-performing. 


Those schools will be eligible to apply for the Restart program, which gives public schools charter school-like flexibility to change how they operate for the sake of improved academic performance. 


The North Carolina General assembly defines low-performing schools as those that receive a school performance grade of D or F and a school growth score of "met expected growth" or "not met expected growth". 

Growth is a measurement of how much a student has learned. The NC DPI says it's determined by measuring expected progress against actual progress.


North Carolina Supreme Court Hears Leandro Case


North Carolina Supreme Court justices questioned attorneys Wednesday over a riddle that’s key to unlocking billions of dollars to fix deficiencies in the state’s public schools: who has the authority to order such a spending plan — and is one needed in the first place?


Lawyers for parents, school boards and legislative leaders argued over whether a court can even order a remedy to the problems it finds.


Lawmakers’ attorneys argued that the court doesn’t have that authority, and that problems with the state’s schools were isolated to one county. Meanwhile, attorneys for parents and school boards say the deficiencies are statewide, that they require billions of dollars to fix, and that the court indeed has the right to order the funding.


The remedial plan that was borne from the lawsuit calls for $785 million this year, and eventually billions more, toward increased funding for students with disabilities and other disadvantaged students, as well as other education programs and policy changes.


The plan comes from a consent order in 2021, agreed to by plaintiffs in the Leandro case and the state’s executive branch.


Despite the agreement, which was signed by a judge, lawmakers didn’t fund the plan in the months immediately following its approval.


Judge W. David Lee, who previously presided over the case, issued another order in November telling a handful of state executives to cut a check of state surplus funds to do so. A North Carolina Court of Appeals panel halted the order, and the parties in the lawsuit appealed that decision to the state Supreme Court.


How the court rules could determine whether the state’s 1.5 million public schoolchildren see a resolution to this case any time soon. Justices have not issued a timetable for ruling.


The Leandro lawsuit — known for a former plaintiff — was filed against the state in 1994 by five lower-income school boards and families who said they were being denied an adequate education. The state Supreme Court ruled in 2004 that students had been denied the opportunity to access a “sound basic education” and ordered the state to fix that, leaving it up to lawmakers and the governor for the time being.


The so-called Leandro Plan from 2021 calls for at least $5.6 billion in new, annual education spending by 2028, as well as numerous policy changes concerning school improvement and accountability.


The state’s education budget is more than $11 billion.


On Wednesday, Justices heard oral arguments on the appeal for more than an hour and a half. Arguments rehashed months of debate but featured two new things: The first state Supreme Court appearance in the case for the state’s top two legislative leaders and extensive debate brought by those legislators over whether shortcomings in the state’s education system had ever really been proven.


This is not a contest between those that want to fund education and those that don’t,” Matthew Tilley—a lawyer for state Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, who are intervenors—told justices.


Rather, Tilley said, the state Supreme Court must weigh whether a judge can order lawmakers or others to fix — in a specific way — what the court says they’re failing to do and determine the extent a resolution is necessary. Berger and Moore don’t like the plan, though Democratic lawmakers favor it. Berger and Moore argue only lawmakers have the power to decide how to spend the state’s money.


Meanwhile, plaintiffs and attorneys for the governor and attorney general argued the court must be able to order a resolution.


For years since the state Supreme Court found the state was not providing an adequate education, the state’s legislative and executive branches — including prior governors and attorneys general, including current Gov. Roy Cooper — had not come up with a plan to fix the situation, lawyers for the legislators argued

Wake Schools Recruiting Students to Be Teachers 


https://www.wral.com/with-400-teaching-positions-vacant-wake-co-schools-hope-new-program-sprouts-careers-in-education/20427544/?version=amp


Students in Wake County head back to class for the start of the traditional calendar school year one week from Monday.


With the bell about to ring, Wake County Public Schools is short about 400 teachers with just days left to hire.

That's leading the school system to recruit new teachers before they even graduate from high school.

State Superintendent Proposes Covid Funding to raise Principals’ Pay. 


State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt has proposed a solution to the principal pay gap in North Carolina — use COVID-19 relief funds to bridge the gap.


In a proposal released Aug. 24, Truitt recommended drawing from the federal Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief III fund to cover the extra salary cost for principals. The move is in response to a provision in the new state budget that ties principal pay to one year of school performance data — from 2021-2022 — rather than the traditional three years.


Although the change positively impacted some principals, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction estimates that around 360 principals — or 15% — would receive pay cuts ranging from $7,200 to $18,000 over 12 months. Those principals operated schools with a history of high performance prior to the pandemic, making the drop in performance during the COVID era particularly significant.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Issues Forum

Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!


Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV!  Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!


Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.


Link to the Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg

PBS NC

  • Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
  • Sundays at 4 p.m.
  • Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.

NC Channel

  • Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays at 1:30 a.m.
  • Sundays at 6 p.m.
  • Mondays at 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview

Join me every Sunday at 4pm for a new show. 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

Wonderful Radio Nyra Interview with Andy Andrews!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/413513024215208

Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2852956421664760

TAHTS HEALTHFAIR


Registration for TAHTS HEALTHFAIR is Sept 1.  


Fair is Oct. 22 at HSNC from 9 am to 1 pm! 

Atlantic Tire Championships Sep 11-18


Watch Pro Tennis at

https://atlantictirechampionships.com/  

Sept. 11- Sept 18th 

Sept. 1 Ganapati Festival at HSNC


Sept. 1 Ganapati Festival at HSNC 


https://hsnctemple.org/events-list/

Sept 9th - TIE Carolinas Golf Tournament
Join us on Sept 9th for TIE Carolinas Golf Tournament to Support our Troops! 

Sept 11 - Fundraiser for Pakistani Flood Relief


Join us next Sunday, Sept 11 at 300 Preston Valley Way, Cary, NC 27519 4 pm for a Fundraiser for Pakistani Flood Relief! 

Sept. 24th - Town of Morrisville International Festival
Join us on Sept. 24th for Town of Morrisville International Festival! 2 pm to 6 pm on Town Hall Drive! 
Radio / TV
Radio NYRA

Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
Join us on Radio Nyra today at 4 pm for our Indian Independence Day Interview with USINPAC Chair, Sanjay Puri.

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 
ROKU and POD TV
Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com
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