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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
June 30, 2023
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
Important Updates
Triangle July 4th events: https://triangleonthecheap.com/triangle-4th-july-fireworks-parades-celebrations/
Independence Day Hours
The Town of Morrisville administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Police, fire, and rescue services will remain available. For life-threatening or in-progress emergencies, call 911.
In my next newsletter, I will be reviewing the major Supreme Court decisions of the year.
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Congrats to Wake County Teachers of the Year!
During the June 27 meeting, Town Council recognized the Teacher of the Year and the Instructional Assistant of the Year from the five Wake County elementary schools that serve Morrisville residents and the Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnology. Congratulations!
• Marion Escoto (Parkside Elementary Teacher of the Year)
• Cynthia Klaus (Carpenter Elementary Teacher of the Year)
• Burt Batten, Principal, Morrisville Elementary School accepted on behalf of Ann Madden (Morrisville Elementary Teacher of the Year) and Jane Ward (Morrisville Elementary Instructional Assistant of the Year).
Also in attendance, Chris Heagarty, Vice Chair, Board of Education, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and Seydric Williams, Northwestern Area Superintendent, WCPSS.
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CONGRESSWOMAN PRESS CONFERENCE at 10:30 am FRIDAY, JUNE 30
Congresswoman Ross will also hold a press event on Friday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m.
During this event, she will present the Town with a Community Funding Project check for solar projects.
The event will be at the Town Hall Connector, 240 Town Hall Drive, which lies between the solar arrays on both the Public Safety building and Fire Station No. 1.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Town Hall on June 26th.
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CELEBRATING OUR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE!
My July 4th Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/224777197098758
WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
I truly believe that the words of our Declaration were a challenge, not a promise”.
What do I mean?
America’s founders saw religious intolerance and lack of social mobility as unjust. They embraced the American Enlightenment’s revolutionary idea that all people are created equal at birth. This may not seem like a big deal to us now but at the time, this was a mind-blowing idea and ran counter to every traditional government and religious structure. It is the central principle on which our country is based, and one for which thousands of our bravest citizens were willing to die.
The words of our Constitution begin as follows: We the People of the United States in order to form a more perfect Union......
Our Union has been far from perfect, and we must face and acknowledge its racist past, and make an effort to fight today for equality and justice for all Americans. It should also be a day when that all citizens, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In the midst of extreme political division, gun violence, racial tensions, racial bias, economic uncertainty, it is imperative that we strive to make our union more perfect. Perhaps, if we unite in this effort, we will once again be able to live out the words of our Pledge of Allegiance and live as as one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
If we make this effort, our nation, will as in the words of President Lincoln, have a new birth of freedom, and a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall never perish from the earth.
July 4th should symbolize and renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy.
As we celebrate this July 4th, let the images we see in Ukraine remind each of us that freedom is an ideal that is not only worth fighting for but in many cases dying for.
We pray for Democracy and Freedom for the people of Ukraine.
We pray that each of us can live up to the challenge of equality and freedom for all and a more perfect union.
Finally, we are grateful for bravest heroes of our nation, our soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice so that all of us could enjoy the precious gift of freedom.
President Lincoln summed it up best on the fields of Gettysburg when he reminded our nation that we must devote every day our lives to protect the freedom which those honored dead fought and died for.
And on this 4th of July, let us never forget, that We the People, Means All the People of this great nation.
Let Freedom Ring!
God Bless the United States.
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FOUNDING EVENTS OF THE UNITED STATES
The founding of the United States refers to the historical events and processes that led to the establishment of the nation as an independent country. Here's a brief overview of the founding of the United States:
Colonial Period: In the early 17th century, European settlers, primarily from England, established colonies along the eastern coast of North America. These colonies were subject to British rule, but over time, they developed their own unique identities and systems of self-governance.
French and Indian War: In the mid-18th century, tensions arose between the British colonists and the French, who also had colonies in North America. This conflict, known as the French and Indian War, eventually led to the British victory in 1763 but left Britain with significant debt.
Protests and Resistance: The British government, seeking to recoup its financial losses, began imposing various taxes and regulations on the American colonies. This sparked widespread protests and resistance among the colonists, who argued for their rights as Englishmen and the principle of "no taxation without representation."
Declaration of Independence: In 1776, the Second Continental Congress, representing the thirteen American colonies, drafted and adopted the Declaration of Independence, which declared their independence from Britain. The document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, outlined the colonists' grievances and asserted their natural rights.
American Revolution: The Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), in which the American colonists fought against British forces. The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the United States as an independent nation.
Formation of a Constitutional Government: Following the Revolutionary War, the United States operated under the Articles of Confederation, a relatively weak central government. However, it became clear that a stronger federal government was needed. In 1787, delegates from the states convened in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution, resulting in the United States Constitution, which established the framework for the government we know today.
Ratification and Early Years: The Constitution was ratified in 1788, and the new government was inaugurated in 1789. George Washington became the first President of the United States, and the country began to develop its political institutions, including the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
These are just the foundational events of the United States. The nation has since undergone significant growth, expansion, and transformation over the centuries.
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EID AL ADHA
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, as depicted in Islamic tradition.
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember and honor Ibrahim's sacrifice by performing various religious rituals. The celebration lasts for four days and begins on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah. However, please note that the specific dates of Eid al-Adha vary each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
The key rituals and practices during Eid al-Adha include:
Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as a significant part of the Hajj occurs during this period.
Animal Sacrifice: Muslims who are not performing Hajj often commemorate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act symbolizes Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and emphasizes the importance of selflessness and devotion to God. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is kept for the family, one-third is shared with friends and neighbors, and one-third is donated to the less fortunate.
Prayers: Muslims gather in mosques or open prayer grounds to perform the special Eid prayer in congregation. The prayer is led by an imam and includes specific supplications and sermons related to the occasion.
Social Gatherings: Eid al-Adha is a time for family, friends, and the community to come together. People often exchange greetings, visit each other's homes, and share festive meals. It is also common to give gifts and engage in acts of charity during this time.
Overall, Eid al-Adha is a joyous and significant occasion for Muslims worldwide. It serves as a reminder of faith, sacrifice, and the importance of community and charitable acts.
MY INSIGHTS ON MODI V
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, as depicted in Islamic tradition.
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember and honor Ibrahim's sacrifice by performing various religious rituals. The celebration lasts for four days and begins on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah. However, please note that the specific dates of Eid al-Adha vary each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
The key rituals and practices during Eid al-Adha include:
Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as a significant part of the Hajj occurs during this period.
Animal Sacrifice: Muslims who are not performing Hajj often commemorate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act symbolizes Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and emphasizes the importance of selflessness and devotion to God. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is kept for the family, one-third is shared with friends and neighbors, and one-third is donated to the less fortunate.
Prayers: Muslims gather in mosques or open prayer grounds to perform the special Eid prayer in congregation. The prayer is led by an imam and includes specific supplications and sermons related to the occasion.
Social Gatherings: Eid al-Adha is a time for family, friends, and the community to come together. People often exchange greetings, visit each other's homes, and share festive meals. It is also common to give gifts and engage in acts of charity during this time.
Overall, Eid al-Adha is a joyous and significant occasion for Muslims worldwide. It serves as a reminder of faith, sacrifice, and the importance of community and charitable acts.
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MY INSIGHTS ON MODI VISIT TO UNITED STATES, THE RISE OF NEW INDIA
https://wraltechwire.com/2023/06/20/its-indias-time-prime-ministers-visit-to-us-highlights-ongoing-transformation/
My Message on Modi visit:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/113232718472932
In 2007, I led a business mission to India as a Member of TIE Carolinas in collaboration with the US-India Political Action Committee. (USINPAC)
After a long day of meetings in Ahmedebad, our delegation looked forward to a meeting with the state’s Chief Minister. We had heard that he was a very progressive leader, who was accomplishing great things for his state.
His name was Narendra Modi.
We often forget that before becoming the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. During my meeting with him, I quickly noticed that this man had a vision for India, far greater than anyone could imagine. He also was very excited to know that I had married into a family from his state, and that there were many Gujarati immigrants that called North Carolina home.
During our meeting, Modi shared with our delegation his focus on various initiatives and policies aimed at the development of his state, primarily his efforts on economic development, infrastructure development, solar power, and the development of a Knowledge Economy. His passion and drive were amazing, and I clearly remember that there was a line of Executives from companies all over the world waiting to meet him. North Carolina Economic Development Director, Paul Butler, was blown away with how many countries were lining up to meet the Chief Minister, a line much longer than any Governor of North Carolina would see.
A quick search on Chat GPT clearly revealed that Modi’s vision for his state led to incredible results in his 13 years of leadership as Chief Minister.
Economic Development: With regards to Economic Development, Modi focused on attracting investment and promoting industrial growth in Gujarat. He initiated the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, a biennial event that serves as a platform for business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the state. This summit helped Gujarat become one of India's leading industrial hubs and attracted significant domestic and foreign investment.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: Modi prioritized infrastructure development in Gujarat. He spearheaded projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront Development, which transformed the riverfront area of Ahmedabad into a vibrant public space. He also emphasized the improvement of roads, highways, airports, and ports, enhancing connectivity within the state and with the rest of the country. It should not be a surprise that the world’s most valuable company, Apple, is continuing to pivot to India, eyeing its potential as both a consumer market and production hub.
Agriculture and Rural Development: Modi implemented various initiatives to support the agricultural sector and rural development in Gujarat. He introduced water management schemes, such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam, to provide irrigation and drinking water to farmers and rural communities. He also launched programs to improve agricultural productivity, promote agro-industries, and empower rural women through initiatives like the self-help group movement.
Solar Power: Under Modi's leadership, Gujarat became a pioneer in the field of solar power generation. He encouraged the development of solar parks and implemented policies to promote solar energy adoption. The state witnessed significant growth in solar power installations and emerged as a leading solar energy producer in India.
Education and Skill Development: Modi emphasized the importance of education and skill development for the youth of Gujarat. He focused on improving the quality of education, establishing new schools and colleges, and promoting vocational training programs. His efforts aimed to equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive job market.
Fast forward 16 years, and it is clear, that Modi has been able to expand the vision he had for his own state of Gujarat to the entire nation of India, resulting in the 5th largest economy in the world, and a major player on the world stage.
India is on the rise, big time.
This fact was made evident a few weeks ago, when I hosted Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu in Morrisville for the US India Business Connection conference and attended the Select USA Conference Reception at his residence in Washington D.C.
Ambassador Sandhu shared some key points for all of us in attendance, which I will do my best to summarize for all of you.
1. YOUNG INDIA. 60 % of India’s population is under the age of 26. This provides the country with an huge talent pool for the global economy, and provides a market for US Companies, looking to expand trade and seeking new business opportunities. In addition, the Prime Minister is dedicated to also workforce training and programs to transition much of the population into a knowledge workforce.
2. Start Ups are on the rise in India. The growth of the younger population also positions India to be creating many of the new jobs, which John Chambers has mentioned will be necessary to offset job loss through automation and the acceleration of AI. Ambassador Sandhu reminded us that there are 100,000 startups in India, and 30 of them are already $1billion unicorns.
3. Digital India: India now has 1.2 billion with a digital identity (99% of the population). The Government Initiative Aadhaar, gives every Indian a unique 12-digit ID number verifiable by fingerprints or an iris scan. This platform allows them to process payments, and basically conduct all commerce on their mobile devices. A key distinctive feature of the platform its most distinctive is that it is publicly owned and operated, unlike in the West, where digital platforms such as Google and Facebook are private monopolies that can share your data to make a profit.
The Aadhaar Platform is having a profound impact on India’s economy especially in the rural villages. Indians who would never have access to banks, can now create a bank account in minutes, and transfer money without bank fees like in this country. (Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, April 2023)
And Digital India can accelerate the growth of small businesses in India.
Nandan Nilekani, the visionary architect of Aadhaar envisions using the platform to get loans to the millions of small businesses scattered throughout the country. If 10 million small businesses get loans and hire two people, 20 million jobs could be created in a matter of weeks. (Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, April 2023)
4. Broadband:
Mukesh Ambani, India’s biggest and most ambitious business leader, made a staggering $46 billion bet when he offered very cheap phones and data packages through his telecom service Jio, he could get most Indians on the internet. His plan worked. With most using smartphones as their computers, more than 700 million Indians now use the internet. In 2015, India was ranked 122nd for per capita mobile data consumption. Last year, it was first, exceeding the consumption of China and the United States combined.
In addition, while Secretary Weaver is working hard, to invest the $1billion of ARP broadband funding in North Carolina, all of us were shocked to hear that India has already deployed broadband access to over 340 million citizens in the the rural villages, which will also have a positive impact on economic growth.
The Indian government has launched the Smart Cities Mission to develop 100 smart cities across the country. These smart cities aim to leverage technology and data to enhance the quality of life for residents, and to improve urban infrastructure.
5. Infrastructure: And remember Modi’s commitment to infrastructure when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat? Government infrastructure spending has risen fivefold since fiscal 2014. India has been investing heavily in transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and ports. The government has initiated numerous projects to improve connectivity across the country, such as the Bharatmala project for road development, the Sagarmala project for port-led development, and the expansion of metro rail networks in various cities. The average construction of national highways has roughly doubled, along with seaport capacity and the number of airports.
6. Sustainable India: As Prime Minister, Modi has also been able to continue his vision for a sustainable India. The renewable energy sector, including solar and wind power, has also witnessed significant growth, with the government setting ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition. Also, India has been working towards enhancing its power generation capacity and expanding access to electricity as it has launched initiatives scheme to provide electricity to rural and remote areas.
7. Indian Foreign Direct Investment in US: Finally, I also attended the Select USA Reception at Ambassador Sandhu’s residence where he hosted the largest Indian Delegation in History at a conference which is focused on marketing US States for global foreign direct investment. I was pleased to see our Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary of Commerce Machelle Sanders, and EDPNC CEO, Chris Chung at the reception making a case of how North Carolina is a great state for Indian companies to expand operations. (Adding to Infosys, Bharat Forge, and HCL to name a few).
During the event, the Ambassador presented the Foreign Direct Investment report, released by the Federation of Indian Industry, which he presented to the new US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.
Indian companies invested $40 billion in US, creating 425,000 jobs, contributed $1 billion in Research and Development, and $195 million in corporate social responsibility. North Carolina did not make the top ten list. I hope that Governor Cooper and his Commerce Team left this event, even more inspired to do more to recruit more Indian multinationals to North Carolina, adding to the list of Indian Companies, like Infosys, HCL, and Bharat Forge that now call North Carolina home. After all, we do have an office in Bengalaru, and one of the fastest growing Indian Communities in the Triangle.
I look forward next week to attending the White House Arrival Ceremony for Prime Minister Modi, and hear the Prime Minister address the United States Congress and the Business Leaders at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (John Chambers is the Chair) at the Kennedy Center on Friday.
As we prepare to welcome Prime Minister Modi to the United States, let us be inspired by the tremendous opportunities for collaboration between North Carolina and India, including the expansion of trade, investment, and also, partnerships with our Community College System to expand training programs for a very young Indian workforce. (They do not have an established community college system)
More importantly, from where I sit as an elected official, and a business leader, I hope that all of us can draw inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s bold leadership for the world largest democracy, and now fifth largest economy in the world.
In his Modi’s own words, India’s time has arrived.
The transformation of the Indian economy did not happen overnight. It took bold vision and decisive action to get India moving in the right direction. Expect more market leading companies to join the likes of Apple and Cisco to invest in India in the very near future. I am sure many CEOs across many industries will be interested in what the Prime Minister has to say about his plans for India’s economy.
There is still much work to do. As of 2019, about 45 percent of Indians — more than 600 million people — live on less than $3.65 a day.
And lets not forget inclusivity, addressing concerns about the mistreatment and discrimination of religious minorities, women, and the suppression of free speech in India during Modi’s term.
While the US-India relationship is critically important to counter the rise of China as a major world rival of the United States, I hope our Congressional and State Leaders, can learn one important lesson from India’s prime minister.
Governing is not enough. Executing a vision is critical for the future of any nation.
Modi is getting it done for India.
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Congresswoman Deb Ross hosts Town Hall in Morrisville on Monday!
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US Supreme Court overturns Affirmative Action (see National News)
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Supreme Court Rejects Independent Legislative Theory (See National News) | |
Life sciences company Azzuro Group cuts ribbon on new Clean Rooms on Demand Facility in old Sams' Club!
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GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!
Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.
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Major League Cricket coming to Morrisville in July!
Major League Cricket has announced the full schedule for America’s first-ever professional franchise cricket league, set to launch on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Two cricket-specific venues in North Texas (Grand Prairie Stadium, 1600 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX) and Morrisville (Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way, Morrisville, NC) will host 19 matches.
Many of the world’s top cricketers will represent six MLC teams competing to be crowned as the inaugural season champion on Sunday, July 30.
Tickets start at $15 for games in Morrisville.
Tickets are on sale now at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.
Read the full news release at https://bit.ly/43YYfYt
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NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK VISITS | |
PBS CAROLINAS:
STATE LINES AND BLACK ISSUES FORUM:
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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!
https://www.pbsnc.org/watch/black-issues-forum/
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
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Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit. 99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Great Interview on Radio Nyra with Hill Carrow on the 2029 FISU World University Games.
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596450559170578/?t=18
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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This Week in Morrisville. June 19 - June 23 | |
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Meetings
June 22 – 6:30 p.m. – Smart City Steering Committee
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JUNE 27 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights from the June 27, 2023 Morrisville Town Council meeting include:
• Teacher and Instructional Assistant Recognition
• Project Updates: Quarterly Capital Projects Update, Intersection Improvement Study Update, Energy Audit Results, Disc Golf Update
• Rezoning Application for 900 and 1000 Perimeter Park Drive
• Resolution Opposing House Bill 893 (More on this in next newsletter)
Read the full details at https://bit.ly/442UQZ0
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Town Now Accepting Fats, Oils, and Greases to be Re-Purposed as Biofuel
The Town of Morrisville now has an FOG Collection for household fats, oils, and greases outside the Public Works Department building at 414 Aviation Parkway. The collection is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it accepts fats including butter, shortening, cheese, and meat trimmings; oils including vegetable, olive, canola, and other cooking oils; and greases including bacon and sausage grease, gravy, mayonnaise and melted meat fats. A full list is included on the side of the collection. The FOGs can be repurposed into renewable biofuel. The collection also helps to keep these harmful substances out of the local water supply and protects household plumbing.
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Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team
The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full and part-time positions including:
Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.
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Registration Open for Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp in June and July
The Town of Morrisville and Triangle Ultimate are partnering to offer the Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp June 26-30 and July 10-14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Participants can learn new skills, develop their game, create new friendships, enjoy mini games and scrimmages, and build character. The camp is open to children ages 7-15, and all experience and skill levels are welcome. Each week of camp will create groups of beginners and advanced players so that every camper can have a fun and challenging experience. The cost is $175 per week. Register for the June session here or the July session here.
Registration Now Open for Fall Sports Programming
Registration is now open for fall sports programming offered by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department, including developmental baseball, developmental softball, and recreational girls’ volleyball. Players will enjoy two activities per week from August to October. The developmental baseball and softball programs are designed to prepare players for the spring Little League season. Baseball programs are available for kids ages 5-12, softball is available for kids ages 8-12, and volleyball is available for girls ages 7-15. Registration is available online, or in person at any of the Town’s Parks and Recreation offices, including the Cedar Fork Community Center or the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center.
Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center Begins Summer Pool Schedule
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC), 1301 Morrisville Parkway, will begin its summer pool schedule, which includes longer hours, on Monday, June 12. The full pool schedule can be found here. Open recreation swimming will be available at the program pool and the spray ground seven days a week. Reservations are required for open swimming only on Saturdays and Sundays through this link.
Registration Now Open for Esports STEM Camp at Cedar Fork Community Center
The Town of Morrisville and the Triangle Esports Academy are partnering to provide a STEM camp at the Cedar Fork Community Center (CFCC), 1050B Town Hall Drive, that will combine education and esports coaching. The camp, which will take place Aug. 14-18, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will give children the opportunity to explore ideas in different contexts and connect their learning across disciplines. The curriculum aims to blend scientific inquiry and technological design processes through project-based learning that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning, communication, self-direction, and creativity. Topics for each day include architecture and engineering, technology, coding and scripting, science and math, and a surprise lesson. Games used in the program will include Minecraft, Roblox, Scratch, Fortnite Creative, and Piskel Arr. The camp is open to children ages 6-14, and the cost is $260. Registration is open online now.
Weekend Work, Some Closures Scheduled for Church Street Park through June, Part of July
To meet the project deadline for the Church Street Park expansion, the contractor will be working weekends throughout the rest of June and part of July, and residents living in the area may hear work being done on the property. Workers will be assembling and installing bleachers around the cricket pitch and installing sidewalks around the bleachers for seven days a week. They will be building the practice pitches and paving the parking lot to the south of Church Street Park six days a week. Most work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
For the bleacher work, a portion of the Church Street Park parking lot will be closed off to make a staging area for the bleacher materials, and half of the walking track will be closed off to allow for the contractor to move materials into place around the pitch. The park will remain open during this work. However, residents are asked to exercise caution and to remain out of the construction zones to allow the contractor to perform the work safely. Work is scheduled to be completed in time for the Major League Cricket games that start on July 20. For more information, please visit the project page.
Public Invited to Provide Feedback during Police Re-Accreditation Process
The Morrisville Police Department is participating in the re-accreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which will perform an on-site assessment June 19-21. CALEA accreditation is a highly regarded recognition of public safety excellence. The assessor will examine all aspects of the Morrisville Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services to verify that the police department meets the commission’s standards.
During the CALEA accreditation process, the public is asked to provide feedback about the Morrisville Police Department through the online portal at https://cimrs2.calea.org/. The comments received through the portal will be evaluated to determine the department’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. The public is encouraged to share any kind of feedback, including commendations or concerns. It is important to note that CALEA is not an investigatory body, and the public portal should not be used to submit information for such purposes. There will be no response to submissions other than acknowledgement of receipt. However, the information will be considered in context to its relevancy to compliance with standards and the tenets of CALEA accreditation.
More information about CALEA standards can be viewed on its website at https://www.calea.org/node/11406. The Morrisville Police Department participates in the Advanced level of accreditation. Questions related to the accreditation process may be directed to the Accreditation Manager Tanija Brown at tbrown@townofmorrisville.org.
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers' Market
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.
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Congresswoman Ross hosts Town Hall in Morrisville!
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Poe Center opens Playwell Park in Raleigh!
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Life Sciences Azuuro Group cuts ribbon on Clean Rooms on Demand. (More in next newsletter)
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Inspired at Wake County Economic Development Annual Meeting.
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Small Business Listening Tour: | |
Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company. | |
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I had a wonderful visit with Jose Pecheco, CEO of ExtoBio, whose company pitched at the TIE Carolinas Launch Event at the American Underground Bull Penn in Durham. Leading with scientific research and a thorough dedication to data, ExstoBio is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry, formalizing cannabis-as-a-medicine, and personalizing patient care.
Congratulations to all of the Companies who pitched to the Expert Pitch Panel and a special congrats to Pitch Winner, Wolfspider. Wolfspider is an Ag Tech company that brings together genetics and robotics to ensure confidence in crop yield and limiting chemical use. The company would love to connect individuals with experience in the ag tech space.
Thanks to ExstoBio (UNC), Aurganics (Duke), Vistara (NCSU), WolfSpider (NCSU), BioSensys (NCSU), and Collab (UNC) for participating in the event.
WolfSpider will be going to Silicon Valley for a global pitch tournament with ~40 other companies to compete for $100K+ in cash prizes.
And Thanks to Tim Scales from American Underground for hosting and to all the judges and attendees!
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SBA ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS AND I VISIT SMALL BUSINESSES IN MORRISVILLE!
During Allen Thomas’ visit to Morrisville, he and I were able to drop in and visit some Small Businesses in Grace Park Office Center. During our visits, he was able to connect with these companies, and provide them guidance on how to navigate through a very complex system to get access to SBA resources.
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New 12 week Abortion Law will go into effect...
The North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that includes some last-minute changes to the state’s recently passed abortion law.
The Republican-controlled legislature sent the bill to the Democratic governor’s desk, just a day before a federal judge is set to hear a motion seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the abortion law from taking effect. The new law, which bans most abortions after 12 weeks, is set to go into effect on July 1.
CNN has reached out to Gov. Roy Cooper’s office about his plans for the bill.
The surprise amendment, which makes significant tweaks to the new abortion law, was added to House Bill 190, an unrelated measure focusing on the Department of Health and Human Services late last week in the state Senate.
In a Tuesday filing in opposition to granting the temporary restraining order, on behalf of Republican House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, attorneys admitted that the changes contained in the amendment were addressing issues raised by the lawsuit.
Read More at https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/27/politics/north-carolina-abortion-law-changes-lawsuit/index.html
Federal Judge will Not Block 12 week Abortion Ban
A federal judge said Wednesday that she won’t temporarily block most of a newly revised abortion law from taking effect this weekend in North Carolina, including a near-ban on the procedure after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles said at a court hearing that she won’t grant the request by lawyers for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and a physician to set aside most of the new restrictions before they are to come into force on Saturday, calling it overbroad.
The 12-week ban, which was approved in the spring by North Carolina’s Republican-controlled General Assembly and includes new exceptions for rape, incest and “life-limiting” fetal anomalies, would replace the current ban on most abortions after 20 weeks.
Read More at https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-abortion-ban-lawsuit-legislature-e2fc5597a32a8bbd6a1d4380b8f6bb02
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
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1. The Supreme Court restricted the use of race in college admissions.
What to know: Justices rejected affirmative action policies yesterday at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.
It’s a big shift: The ruling will affect enrollment practices around the country. It could significantly change diversity at elite colleges, though the full impact will take time to surface.
This morning: The Supreme Court will release more decisions, possibly addressing President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program.
2 Air quality should start to improve for most of the country today.
Why? The flow of smoke from Canada’s wildfires is set to be replaced by cleaner air from the south. Yesterday, air quality alerts covered all or parts of 23 states.
Looking ahead: The fires probably won’t go out any time soon. Smoke is likely to return to the U.S. throughout the summer.
In the South: Some 62 million Americans were at risk of exposure to potentially dangerous heat yesterday, with more to come.
3 A deputy who failed to confront the Parkland gunman was found not guilty.
A reminder: Scot Peterson was a Florida school resource officer. He was accused of not doing enough to stop the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people.
Yesterday: A South Florida jury acquitted Peterson of child-neglect and negligence charges. He was the first U.S. law enforcement officer tried in connection with a school shooting.
4 Violent protests erupted in France after police killed a teenager.
The spark: A 17-year-old boy, identified as Nahel M, was shot by an officer during a traffic stop Tuesday morning in a Paris suburb.
The fallout: Protests continued this morning after three nights of chaos across the country. The officer accused of firing the gun is reportedly being investigated for homicide.
5. Travis Scott won’t face criminal charges over the Astroworld tragedy.
What happened: Ten people died and hundreds were injured in a crowd surge at the rapper’s Houston music festival in 2021. People were packed so tightly that some were crushed.
The latest: A grand jury decided not to indict Scott yesterday. The question had been whether Scott or the concert organizers should be held responsible.
6 This July Fourth travel weekend could be the busiest ever.
The numbers: Nearly 51 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes over the holiday weekend.
How to avoid a disaster: If you’re flying, read up on your airline’s flight change policy, pick a backup flight and watch for storms. If you’re driving, Sunday and Monday will be quietest.
7 McDonald’s new purple shake has gone viral.
The shake: A berry-flavored drink named after Grimace, the fast-food chain’s furry purple mascot. It was released this month for Grimace’s birthday.
The trend: People on TikTok are filming horror-movie-like scenes of themselves drinking the shake, then dying. Sales have skyrocketed since the trend took off last weekend.
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July 1 Basketball with a Cop at Cedar Fork Community Center from 1 pm to 3 pm! | |
July 3th Family Fun Festival at Fireworks!
5 pm at Town Hall Drive!
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July 7th Music In the Park at 6 pm at the Healthy Food Hub!
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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! | |
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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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.
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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