India Independence Day is Monday, August 15, commemorating India’s independence from the United Kingdom! This year India will launch a year-long celebration marking 75 years of Indian independence. India Independence Day is celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and other cultural events.  

To learn more click

AR Raman Concert at DPAC tonight!  Get your tickets at DPAC!  

Secretary Weaver visits Morrisville and Cary on August 18th

Actress Anne Heche dies in car crash.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/14/1117418893/anne-heche-is-dead-at-53-following-a-car-crash

President Biden signs Chips and Science Act into Law. 

House passes Inflation Reduction Act, sending largest Climate Relief Legislation in US History to Biden. 

AUG 15th Indian Independence Day ROKU TV Interview with Swadesh Chatterjee.

View live at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao.

AUG. 15th Celebrating Indian Independence Day with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi!

In Charlotte and please rsvp to sr@steverao.com

Date: Monday, August 15th Time: 6:00pm

Held at: 1040 Edgewater Corporate Parkway Suite 108, Indian Land, SC 29707

Online Contributions: click here

Checks can be made out to Friends of Raja for Congress

SBA Director Allen Thomas to visit NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit this Tuesday.  Help our Veteran Owned Companies!  Register at https://www.ncvetbiz.org/. 

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 to sr@steverao.com.

Komal, Sonia, Rayan and I wish each of you a very happy, 75th Indian Independence Day.  We also want to wish the Pakistani community a Happy Pakistan Independence Day which is celebrated on Aug. 14th. 

Today, we honor Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian Freedom Fighters for fighting for India’s Independence and thus allowing generations of Indians to flourish around the world.   We are forever grateful to Gandhi for never losing faith in freedom and for demonstrating to all of humanity, that we can each become the change we seek in the world.  

As we celebrate Indian Independence, we also are grateful for the remarkable contributions to the The All America City of Morrisville is blessed to have a large Indian community that is dedicated to education, hard work, and charity.  Each of you are taking our state of first flight to even greater heights with your remarkable contributions to the Triangle Region and State.  

Mahatma Gandhi once said: "A nation that is capable of limitless sacrifice is capable of rising to limitless heights. The purer the sacrifice the quicker the progress”.  (Aug 25th,1920) 

Let these words be an inspiration for our children, that it will take hard work, collaboration and sacrifice, to help the United States reach limitless heights again.   

Finally, our Congress, the Senate and Biden Administration must continue to strengthen and grow the US-India relationship, one of the most important strategic relationships in the world at this time in our history.  I am excited about the continued efforts of Governor Cooper, EDPNC, and our Commerce Department continue to strengthen the ties between India and North Carolina, primarily focused on increasing trade and foreign direct investment into the state.  

As the people of Ukraine remind us, we can never take our freedom for granted.  It is a gift that we must always fight to keep, now and forever.  

Long Live North Carolina.

Long Live India.  

Long Live the United States of America.  

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

Town of Morrisville names Jeffrey Brown as new Public Works Director.  Welcome aboard! 

Town of Morrisville to host Minor League Cricket Championships Aug 27th- Aug 28th. Minor League Cricket announced that the finals of the 2022 Toyota Minor League Cricket Championship presented by Sunoco will be held at Church Street Park in the Town of Morrisville, August 27-28. The finals weekend activities are free to attend - registration to reserve your spot/s is strongly recommended at https://bit.ly/3QEQsbF

On August 8th, the Wake Early College of Informatics and Biotechnology opened its doors to start the school year.  A New School in Morrisville, whose home is the Lilly Science and Biotechnology Center at Wake Tech RTP!

This newest addition to the school system is located at Wake Technical Community College’s Research Triangle Park campus in Morrisville.

Students will take a blend of high school courses and Wake Tech courses, with the opportunity to focus on four specific program areas:

Students will graduate with a high school diploma and credits towards their Associate in Applied Sciences degree, with the potential to earn enough credits to graduate with an Applied Sciences degree. We will also partner with RTP businesses to provide students with real-world work experience in these high-demand career fields.

The school focuses on preparing first generation college students to be college-ready and career-ready and seeks to equip all students with skills needed for college and career. To accomplish this, they will focus on Project-Based Learning as the way to emphasize the 4 Cs; this real-world approach prepares students for their college program that they begin during their sophomore year.

Congratulations to Wake County Schools, Wake Tech Community College and we wish Principal Abby Stotsenberg and her staff and students all the best on a new school year!   I also want to thank Vice Chair Heagarty for his hard work on making this happen!

Together, we will prepare our kids for the new jobs of the new economy!

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.”

11:59pm ET September 11th, 2022

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/

Thanks for Joining us on Radio Nyra for for our interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz! 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

Interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz!

Thanks for joining us on Radio Nyra for our interview with Kiran.

Join us on Aug 15th at 10am on Roku TV for our Indian Independence Day Interview with Swadesh Chatterjee.   

Watch Live:

Join us on Aug 17th on Roku TV for our interview with Dr. Ekele Ngwadom on Nigeria in Crisis! 

On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!

Get with the Program with Gary Jones!

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!

Link to the Show:

Sonia Rao is a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has previously written for the Virginian-Pilot and the Charlotte Observer.

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.

S’Morrisville Proclamation: Town Council authorized the change of the town name to S’Morrisville for August 10 to celebrate National S’Mores Day. The public is welcome to join them at Morrisville Community Park on Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 7:30 pm for treats and fun.

Conveyance of Easements to NCDOT: Town Council approved the granting and conveyance of various easements on town-owned properties for various state road projects in Morrisville.  

Administrative Reports: A Smart Shuttle Program Update and Senior Center Operating Hours Administrative Report were shared with Town Council. Effective September 3, the Senior Center will move from regular operating hours on Saturday to programmed activity hours only. Activity in the Senior Center will continue to be monitored as programs and usage expand.

Franklin Upchurch Senior Dog Park Concept Update: Town Council received an updated project concept and cost estimate for a dog park on Franklin Upchurch Senior Street.  Town Council weighed in on some remaining amenity considerations and authorized staff to proceed with design and site evaluation. Town Council will receive quarterly updates and major milestone presentations. Design work may take 6-9 months.

Basketball Court Options: Parks and Recreation staff shared options for basketball courts (and estimated costs) on existing Town property. The most feasible site was determined to be Morrisville Community Park. Town Council requested consideration of other potential locations, including Cedar Fork District Park. Staff will provide another update following additional evaluation. 

UDO Text Amendments – Tree Preservation, Open Space, Perimeter Buffers, and Landscaping: There were no additional updates or questions about proposed amendments. The public hearing was closed with no speakers. Town Council unanimously adopted the UDO Text Amendments.

Parc at Town Center Land Dedication/Greenway Payment-in-Lieu: Chris Lawson, Planning Manager, and Ben Mills, Stormwater Engineering Manager, reviewed the proposed parkland dedication and Greenway PIL being offered by Baker Residential. The Sawmill Green stormwater project and greenway were discussed in depth in relation to the land and greenway option being considered. The impacts of the MOU agreement for now and in the future were explored in depth. Town Council approved the MOU 6-1. 

Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) Review and Prioritization: Danielle Kittredge, Senior Planner, provided a comprehensive overview of the Action Items outlined in the CTP, adopted in 2019, and provided the status for several of the items that have been completed or are in progress/ongoing.  The remaining action items were discussed to determine level of priority in order to focus effort on the highest priorities this year. Staff and PZB recommendations were also shared with Town Council. Town Council members provided their input and preference for priorities. Danielle will review and synthesize the input and feedback for a follow-up presentation.

(These highlights are for informational purposes only and do not take the place of official meeting minutes found at www.townofmorrisville.org.)

Next Meeting – August 23, 2022

Town Council Work Session – August 20, 2022

Aug. 16 – 6:00 p.m. – Town Council Work Session - Cancelled 

Registration for before- and after-school programming at the Cedar Fork Community Center will open August 8. Online and in-person registration will be available. The before-school program runs from 7-8:45 a.m., and it includes fun and energizing activities for students before the school day starts. Students must attend Cedar Fork Elementary School to enroll in this program. The after-school program runs from 3:30-6 p.m., and it provides a fun, interactive, and engaging program that includes STEM activities, sports and fitness, arts and crafts, and more. Students from any school are welcome to enroll in this program, but transportation is only offered from Cedar Fork Elementary. Parents will need to arrange transportation for students from other schools.

For more information, click here. For questions, call 919-463-7100 or email qjones@townofmorrisville.org.

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. 

The Town of Morrisville has hired Jeffery P. Brown as the new Director of Public Works. Brown is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience working directly in the field of public works, including with both state and local government. He began his career in local government as a staff engineer and progressed rapidly to leading the Engineering & Infrastructure Department for the City of Fayetteville. Brown has directly overseen construction and engineering projects, facilities and grounds, fleet services, public utilities, solid waste (including a landfill), stormwater, streets, and traffic services. He was most recently the Internal Services Manager for Cumberland County.

Read more here.

The Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department has teamed up with Triangle Esports Academy to offer a STEM camp that serves as a fun activity to wind down the summer. The camp, Start PC Gaming: Becoming a Player, will be offered at the Cedar Fork Community Center Aug. 22-26. Campers will need to bring their own lunch and snacks.

The Esports camp aims to blend scientific inquiry with technological design processes through project-based learning to promote critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning, as well as to improve communication and self-direction. Students are given the opportunity to explore an idea in different contexts and connect their learning across disciplines. In one activity, students will play Minecraft to explore different concepts, such as electrical circuits, farming systems, water cycles, and renewable energy. Minecraft also helps students develop critical and spatial thinkings by providing them a space to visualize and investigate situations and create solutions. Students will have the opportunities to work together and share ideas.

Students will enjoy a balance between screen time and physical activity during camp, and they will have the opportunity to explore both outside and inside play.

All participants will need to have a Minecraft Java account, which is $30. Minecraft Java is only available on PC, and it is different from versions of Minecraft sold for console games and tablets. Participants will need to set up their account prior to the beginning of camp.

For more information about camp, and to register, click here.

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.

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. 

The Town of Morrisville is currently considering the adoption of a redistricting map, based on the results of the 2020 Census. In February, the Town Council reviewed the Census data, which showed an increase in population of nearly 6,000 people, and ordered the rebalancing of the districts. The Town Council reviewed the proposed redistricting maps and chose Map 1 - Scenario 1 as the best solution at its July 26 meeting. 

 

The public is asked to review this map and to submit comments before the Town Council makes its final decision. More information, including the current and proposed map, can be found here. The public comment period will remain open through Aug. 31. 

Numerous changes are expected to traffic patterns in the coming weeks as progress is made on the Morrisville Carpenter Road widening project. 

 

On Aug. 8, the contractor began milling asphalt on Morrisville Carpenter Road to install concrete medians (between Old Savannah Drive and Leafycreek Drive). As a result, Bergman Drive and Kudrow Lane became right-in/right-out only. 

 

During the week of Aug. 15 or Aug. 22, the contractor will be switching traffic to Phase 3. At that time, Misty Groves Circle and the existing Morrisville Square driveway will become right-in/right-out only. The new Morrisville Square driveway will be opened to the public and will give drivers full movement access.

 

During the week of Aug. 22 or Aug. 29, Church Street will become right-in/right-out only (at the Morrisville Carpenter Road intersection). A message board will be installed near Church Street and Jeremiah Street to let drivers know of the change.

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

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

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. 

The Morrisville Community Park Phase III construction is taking shape.

The construction crew is continuing to work on the retaining wall behind the tennis court as the Morrisville Community Park Phase III upgrades continue. The contractor will be finishing the boardwalk and bridge segments over the course of the coming week. The crew will begin work on preparing the remaining trail sections for asphalt installation over the coming weeks. Work will continue on establishing the foundation and utilities for the restroom shelter building.

Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring for part-time lifeguards. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.

The Town of Morrisville has launched the Sustainability Dashboard on Morrisville's Open Data Portal. The dashboard provides residents with tracking data showing the Town's progress in implementing sustainability practices. Data for the solar panel array on Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 and recycling participation rates for each of Morrisville's five GFL Environmental service routes are currently available. For details, click here.

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

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.

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!

New Stem High School in Morrisville Open for Students! Thanks to Scott Ralls and Wake Tech for their Partnership with the Town of Morrisville and Wake County Schools! Wishing Principal Abby Stosenberg all the best this year!

On August 10th, Morrisville became S'Morrisville! 

Thanks to Royal Cheescake for being at S’Morrisville!

Attended NC Association of County Commissioners Annual Meeting! Met Beth Macy, author of Dopesick. who inspired us about the Opioid Crisis. Moving story by Opioud survivor Sonya Cheek. Lets Transform!  

My final at Conference:

Kicked off the Morrisville Police Department Torch Bike Ride for Special Olympics! They raised over $2600.00! Thanks to Tracy Skeeter and all those riders who came out! 

Thanks to Akkina Murthi and Desi Blue for a wonderful reception for US Senate Candidate Cheri Beasley!  

They are such dedicated leaders of our community and I am grateful for their friendship and support. 

My remarks:

Royal Cheesecake Factory:

Shy’s Lemonade:

The search of Donald Trump’s Florida residence was part of an investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act.

The man killed by the police after he tried to breach the F.B.I.’s Cincinnati office had been under investigation for possible involvement in the Jan. 6 attack.

The House passed Democrats’ health care, climate and tax bill, sending it to President Biden.

The author Salman Rushdie was stabbed onstage in western New York, where he was about to give a lecture.

The actress Anne Heche, who had been in a coma since a car crash last week, was declared brain-dead.

Polio was found in wastewater samples from New York City, suggesting that it is circulating in the city

The initial order Cooper issued in March 2020 has undergone many changes and was largely stripped after vaccines became widely available last year. But Cooper has kept the emergency declaration in place because the state Department of Health and Human Services wanted to make sure health care systems had the necessary staff to deal with an evolving public health issue.

The change comes as Cooper signed a $27.9 billion spending plan that included provisions the governor and state health officials wanted. Most states ended their states of emergency well before North Carolina, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Most people will not see changes in their day-to-day lives from the end of the order,” said Mary Scott Winstead, a spokesperson for Cooper. “The State of Emergency has continued to allow regulatory flexibility in the health care industry necessary for the state's response and standing orders from the State Health Director that make it easier to get tested, vaccinated and treatment for Covid-19.”

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein and U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross have reinforced their support for abortion rights in the state.

Stein and Ross, along with state Rep. Rosa Gill and Dr. Erica Pettigrew, a family medicine doctor and public health professional, shared updates on their protection efforts in Raleigh Wednesday.

“In North Carolina, women still have a legal right to an abortion,” Stein said. “I will do everything in my power to continue to safeguard that right, especially as we see how women in other states are suffering when politicians take away their freedoms. I’m grateful to Rep. Ross and Rep. Gill for fighting for North Carolina’s women in the General Assembly and in Congress and for doctors like Dr. Pettigrew who are providing women the medical care that is their right.”

Ross said North Carolina stands as a safe haven in the South, but people need to fight to keep it that way.

North Carolina could receive additional millions of dollars to help people struggling with opiod addiction under two new settlements.  Attorney General Stein’s office is negotiating settlements with a group of bi partisan Attorney Generals which would require pharma companies Allergan and Teva to pay up to $6.6 billion to more than a dozen states across the country that sued the opioid makers for their roles in the opioud epidemic.  

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!

Link to the Show:

Website: https://video.pbsnc.org/search/?q=black+issues+forum

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

Thanks for Joining us on Radio Nyra for our interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz!

Interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz!

Thanks for joining us on Radio Nyra for our interview with Kiran.

AUG 15th Indian Independence Day ROKU TV Interview with Swadesh Chatterjee.

View live at 10am at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6PxrfKLphY.

AUG. 15th Celebrating Indian Independence Day with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi!

In Charlotte and please rsvp to sr@steverao.com

Date: Monday, August 15th Time: 6:00pm

Held at: 1040 Edgewater Corporate Parkway Suite 108, Indian Land, SC 29707

Online Contributions: click here

Checks can be made out to Friends of Raja for Congress

Join us Aug. 16th at 8 am for the NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit at McKimmon Center.

RSVP at https://www.ncvetbiz.org/upcomingevents.

ON AUGUST 18th SECRETARY WEAVER Joining IT Serve Meeting at 6

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

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

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

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.

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.