Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Steve Rao. Don't forget to add sr@steverao.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
|
|
|
|
From the Campaign Office of Steve Rao
September 6, 2021
|
|
Wake County Testing Sites Closed for Labor Day.
No Morrisville Carpenter Road work Today.
|
|
We will miss Ram Bashyam. |
We will miss Ram Bashyam. 1932 - 2021
|
|
My Message on Remembering Ram Bashyam:
|
|
The War in Afghanistan is over. Save our Allies in Charlotte welcomes Afghan Refugees. |
The War is Over! My Message:
|
|
Celebrating Labor Day and
Growing Jobs in Morrisville!
|
|
My Labor Day Message:
As we celebrate Labor Day this weekend, I want to take a moment and reflect on the life of Francis Perkins, our nation’s first woman in a Presidential Cabinet, serving as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Labor Secretary.
Francis Perkins was a tireless advocate for our nation’s workers – advancing policies that still lift up our lives today such as the minimum wage, Social Security, and child labor laws. During World War II, Secretary Perkins led the effort for job training programs for women workers who filled in critical factory jobs to fuel America’s war effort.
There is no doubt that Francis Perkins was a trendsetting woman leader.
Her work and her passion have endured – improving the lives of every workers across our country.
For years, I have admired her passion and her tenacity.
As we look to help our workers in Morrisville, I am focused on building a strong Information Technology sector in our town. I have been proud to work on business recruitment helping bring Microsoft, Apple Syneos Health and Invitae to our community. Keep in mind that Morrisville is home to 10% of all Public Companies in North Carolina, including Lenovo, Cisco, IBM, Channel Advisor, and Syneos Health. I plan to double this number in the next four years!
Working in concert with Wake Community Technical College means we are offering high-tech job training programs that will train workers for today’s IT jobs and help Morrisville and Wake County compete in today’s competitive global market.
When I attended the opening of the Infosys innovation hub two years ago, I recall CEO, Salil Parekh, reminding all of us that Infosys is working with Wake Tech to train North Carolina Citizens for jobs that do not exist today! I am very proud of the training Wake Tech RTP is offering in the areas of AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and their support of the Wake Works Program. I am working on also introducing Wake Tech RTP to investors and entrepreneurs, who may be interested in an AI Incubator, to source talent for AI Start Ups and to create new jobs!
Our town and our county have a great deal to offer business, commerce and industry. By working together we have shown we can accommodate economic development, job creation and smart growth that improves the quality of life for our citizens.
I am proud of how we are transforming Morrisville into a global hub for Technology and Pharma and Life Science Companies.
Here is a quick recap of our economic development successes:
|
|
Syneos Health (formerly INC Research), an internationally recognized contract research organization (CRO) that conducts Phase 1 through Phase IV clinical trials on drugs addressing a range of disorders for the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, expanded in Morrisville in 2016. The Company, which operates in 40 countries around the globe, will add 550 new jobs at their Wake County headquarters over the next five years. I continue to work with the Syneos Team to grow more jobs and to drive more innovation in health care in the Town of Morrisville. |
|
Microsoft announcement of 500 jobs in Morrisville with an average wage of $125,000 was a game changer for us. That’s more than double the average Wake County wage. The tech giant reached an agreement with the state of North Carolina to create that many jobs by 2023 and will in return receive tax benefits of more than $12 million spread over 12 years if job targets are met. Microsoft plans to invest $47 million in the Morrisville Facility. |
|
One of the greatest economic development projects I was involved with, was the recent purchase of the Outlet Mall, which for years had been considered a China Center by investors. During 2017 retreat in Kannapolis, our Council was convinced that our Town needed a catalyst, something that could lure more investment to the Town, like what the new Kannapolis Baseball was doing for their downtown revitalization.
When I returned from Kannapolis, it was brought to my attention that the Investors were selling the Mall. I started to reach out to prospective tenants, including investors interested in a Soccer Stadium, a potential site for IKEA, and also a Tennis Center. I even had the idea of having the Outlet Mall serve as Incubator for Start Ups, like the American Underground in Durham.
After a few months, I got a call from a Broker, who represented Equator Capital, a world class development company, headquartered in New York.
I was introduced to the CEO, Mehul Patel, who had ties to Morrisville. We had a number of meetings in Morrisville, and I took him to the site and maintained communication with him. Months later, it was announced, that his company would purchase the mall, and then we worked with the staff, to get the Mall to be developed into the Stitch, an innovative Office Park, which would house companies, but the vision changed to be focused exclusively on Biotechology and Pharmaceutical companies.
|
|
The rest is history.
In April 2021, Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA), headquartered in San Francisco, announced a $114.6 million in a new facility in Morrisville at the Stitch that will allow the company to expand its ability to conduct genetic testing and provide genetic information to people and their healthcare providers, creating 374 jobs by the end of 2026 that will pay an average wage of more than $91,000.
We welcome Invitae as the first tenant for the Stitch, and as always,
My Motto is Just Get It Done!
|
|
Come this November 2, 2021, the Morrisville Town Council will provide voters the opportunity to vote on financing up to $37 million to accomplish these types of improvements in a strategic and fiscally responsible manner through a bond referendum. Wisely committing your tax dollars in this way will ensure the Morrisville community continues to live connected and live well. I want this to be the highest turnout in Morrisville history!
Morrisville has an exemplary credit rating as a AAA community, giving us the ability to secure the lowest interest rates through voter-approved general obligation (G.O.) bonds. This form of debt financing is the best and least expensive of tax-supported debt resulting in significant savings to the taxpayer over the repayment period.
The Town anticipates an estimated 3 cents per $100 assessed property value to afford the three bond issues assuming voters approve.
There will be three ballot questions that Voters will consider separately: Public Safety Improvement Bonds, Streets, Sidewalks and Connectivity Improvement Bonds, and Parks, Recreation and Amenities Bonds!
|
|
Public Safety Improvement Bonds |
Community Benefit: To improve public safety facilities in Morrisville. Morrisville is dedicated to providing a safe and secure community through prevention, education, readiness, and responsiveness.
Projects:
- Harris Mill Road Fire Station
- Land Acquisition Reimbursement (future fire stations)
Bond Amount: 8,000,000
Street, Sidewalks and Connectivity Improvement Bonds
Community Benefit: To make improvements to Pedestrian and Transportation related infrastructure, such as major thoroughfares, sidewalk and streetscape improvements, bridges, bicycle lanes, curbs, and drains; traffic controls, greenways; bus/train stations and shelter improvements; and the acquisition of any land, rights of way and equipment.
Potential Projects:
- Airport Boulevard Extension Phase 1
- Sidewalk and Greenway Connectivity Enhancements
- Traffic Congestion Requirements
Bond Amount: $11,700,000
Parks, Recreation and Amenities Bonds
Community Benefit: To improve and expand existing passive and active parks, and recreational facilities, acquire and construct new parks, and recreational facilities and preserve open space/tree canopy.
Potential Projects:
- Crabtree Nature Park
- Morrisville Community Park Phase II
- Future Parks/Open Space, Land Acquisition, and other Park Enhancements!
|
|
2021 Municipal Elections Information |
|
Election Day for Angier, Apex, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon is on Nov 2. Please mark this day on your calendar. Make your Vote Count!
Important Deadlines:
Early Voting Starts Oct 14th!
- Oct. 26th Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot by Mail by 5 pm.
Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: 5 pm on Tuesday before election. (October 25)
Town of Morrisville Polling Sites
05/01 Precinct
Morrisville Elementary School
1519 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
05/03 Precinct
Cary Church of God
107 Quade Dr, Cary, NC 27513
05/07 Precinct
Parkside Elementary
332 Parkside Valley Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560
05/08 Precinct
Hindu Society of NC
309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Polling Sites Open from 6 am to 7:30 pm.
|
|
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE MASK MANDATE AT TOWN FACILITIES |
In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across Wake County, the Town of Morrisville is requiring face coverings in indoor public places, including public transportation facilities and public vehicles as of 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 20. Face coverings will be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
The mandate does not apply to the following individuals:
- Anyone with a diagnosed medical or behavioral condition or disability, including difficulty breathing, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the face covering without assistance;
- Children under age 2;
- Children under age 5 if a parent, guardian, or responsible person has been unable to place and maintain a face covering safely on the child’s face;
- Anyone who is actively eating or drinking;
- Anyone who is seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;
- Anyone who is giving a speech or performance for a broadcast or to an audience where they maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the audience;
- Anyone who is at home or in a personal vehicle;
- Anyone who is temporarily removing their face covering to secure government, medical, or dental services or for identification purposes;
- Anyone who would be at increased risk as a result of wearing a face covering at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;
- Anyone who has determined the face covering is impeding the person’s visibility in the operation of equipment or a vehicle.
- Anyone who is swimming;
- Anyone who is being photographed by a professional photographer; or
- Anyone who is alone in an enclosed space, such as a room, office, or vehicle.
Town leaders will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the Wake County Public Health Division and the State of North Carolina. The Town of Morrisville strongly encourages the proactive use of the following simple precautionary measures to remain healthy:
- Practice the three Ws –Wear a face covering; Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact; Wash your hands often.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
For the most up-to-date information about the local COVID-19 response, please visit WakeGov.com. You can also email questions to covid19.questions@wakegov.com, or call the COVID-19 information line at 919-856-7044
|
|
My Update Message on Mask Mandate:
|
|
I continued my Listening Tour across the Town this week to neighborhoods and businesses about my vision for the Town in my next term. This year, I have chosen to have more of a conversation with each of you, sharing the great things happening and addressing the challenges, we all face. The Town should not be divided by neighborhoods! We are one Morrisville! A civil and positive conversation! This week I visited residents at NorthWest Park in Breckenridge after visiting the Wake Competition Center!
Northwest Park came as a result of engaged citizens, expressing their concerns that the Town needed to move forward with a park. In 2012, Mayor Stohlman, Satish Garimella (Pre-Council), Robert Crawford and other leaders, came together, and we made it happen! In Morrisville, we get things done! I thank the Breckenridge Residents, Council, and Town Staff, who made it happen!
Let’s develop our Playbook together to transform the Town into the best place to live, work, and play in the nation!
Providing citizens choices in our Democracy is always a good thing. Looking forward to a positive campaign! If you are interested in joining our volunteer and canvassing team, please shoot us an email to sr@steverao.com! |
|
US Congresswoman Ross Joins our Endorsements! |
This week I was honored to receive the endorsement of US Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC D-02). I look forward to working with her to secure federal grants and money for Small Businesses in Morrisville, and to also work on targeting federal dollars to transportation and transit dollars to our Town to help us deal with traffic congestion.
"I am pleased to endorse Councilman Rao for his re-election to Morrisville Town Council. He has provided important leadership in the growing and diverse town of Morrisville. I look forward to working with him in the community for many years to come."
- Congresswoman Deborah K. Ross, NC-02
|
|
I am proud to have the endorsements of of Congresswoman Ross, North Carolina State Senator Wiley Nickel, Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchison, Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones, Wake County School Board Member Sig Hutchison, Council Member Satish Garimella, and Fuquay Varina Commissioner, Bill Harris. I am looking forward to endorsements more over the coming weeks.
I also look forward to getting the support Independents and Republicans as we lead an engaged, and non-partisan Town! Let’s keep the Partisan Politics on Jones Street or in Washington D.C!
|
|
My 4th Term MORRISVILLE PLAYBOOK |
|
My Message:
As my friend John Chambers reminded us at our last Start Up Summit, any organization needs a playbook, a set of plays, that can help them get through tough times, invest in their future, and then break away to excellence and top performance in their markets.
As we continue to navigate through a Pandemic, it is time for us to develop our own set of Break Away Plays so we can be the best place in American to live, work and play in.
Next week, we will start adding new plays to the Playbook!
-
PLAY NUMBER ONE: Establishing Morrisville as the Number One Destination for Technology and Life Sciences/Pharmaceutical Companies and Entrepreneurs in the State and Nation.
-
PLAY NUMBER TWO: All Things Are Open in Morrisville, The Open Data Strategy.
-
PLAY NUMBER THREE: Making the Town of Morrisville the Smartest City in North Carolina.
-
PLAY NUMBER SIX: My Thoughts on Zero Slater Road, Investing in Morrisville’s Future
Finally, I also will be developing an entire playbook which focuses on how we can reduce the frequency of multi-family rezonings, to address school capacity and road infrastructure issues.
In addition, we need to accelerate funding for NC 54, continue to have more transit options for our residents (Smart Shuttle is a great start!), and lobby for more commuter and light rail for Morrisville and the Triangle Region.
Send me your ideas for our Playbook! Let’s put some points on the Board!
|
|
66% in NC Partially Vaccinated with One Dose. 61% Fully vaccinated.
North Carolina providers have administered 10,043,074 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations are trending upward as the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus spreads through the state, officials said.
Unvaccinated people in North Carolina were 15.4 times, or 1,540 percent, more likely to die from COVID-19 during the four-week period ending Aug. 21, 2021. This comes as the state hit a pandemic high on Aug. 26 with 912 adults in the ICU with COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators also reached a record high at 574.
During the week ending Aug. 21, 2021, unvaccinated people were also 4.4 times, or 440 percent, more likely to catch COVID-19 than vaccinated people, according to NCDHHS.
The difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated teens was even greater during the week ending Aug. 21, 2021, with unvaccinated people aged 12 to 17 being 6.3 times, or 630 percent, more likely to get COVID-19 than vaccinated people in the same age group.
There were 187 deaths among unvaccinated persons younger than 65, compared with eight deaths among vaccinated persons younger than 65 during the four-week time period. There were 215 deaths among unvaccinated persons older than 65, compared with 67 deaths among vaccinated persons older than 65.
|
|
Expect waits as lines are getting longer.
|
|
Durham County Vaccine Clinics |
Beginning Wednesday, the Durham County Department of Public Health will adjust its weekly vaccination schedule to add Thursday clinic hours for all people 12 and older, and it will offer third doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines each day for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
New clinic hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This clinic will remain closed Fridays-Sundays. This will affect only the DCoDPH vaccination clinic located at 414 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27701. Walk-ins and scheduled appointments will be offered for all vaccine doses. To schedule an appointment, call 919-560-9217.
|
|
CAPE FEAR VACCINE CLINICS |
Cape Fear Valley Health's COVID-19 vaccine clinics is offering third-dose shots for immunocompromised individuals. Booster doses for non-immunocompromised individuals who have gone at least 8 months since their second dose will be available starting Sept. 20.
People must self-attest that they are immunocompromised. These additional third-dose shots are only for people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Immunocompromised patients must be at least 28 days post their second dose to receive their third dose. When available after Sept. 20, non-immunocompromised patients must be at least 8 months post their second dose to receive a new booster.
Walk-ins are welcome at Cape Fear Valley Health's clinics but appointments are preferred for first or third doses.
Appointments are open through Sept. 17.
Vaccine Clinic Locations and Hours:
Health Pavilion North ExpressCare in North Fayetteville, 6387 Ramsey St.
- Pfizer first and third doses: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
Pfizer second doses: May walk in (no appointment required) Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Second dose vaccinations should return to the same location as their first vaccine.
Express Care in Elizabethtown:
- Closed for COVID-19 vaccinations, but still open for Express care visits. Please use Bladen Hospital Main Lobby vaccine clinic.
Reopened: Bladen Hospital Main Lobby in Elizabethtown, 107 E. Dunham St.:
- Walk-ins are welcome until clinic capacity is reached.
Pfizer first, second and third doses: Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hoke Pharmacy in Raeford, 300 Medical Pavilion Drive, Suite 100:
- Pfizer first and third doses: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
Second doses: May walk in (no appointment required) Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Center Pharmacy in downtown Fayetteville, 101 Robeson St., Suite 107
- :Pfizer first and third doses: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
Second doses: May walk in (no appointment required) Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
|
|
MORRISVILLE CARDINALS CONTINUE IN MORRISVILLE! |
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Cardinals Double Header on Saturday and the games on Sunday. Let’s wish them well in Atlanta, and look forward to seeing them back at Church Street Park for the Playoffs!
Special thanks to Chainyard, all of the sponsors, and of course, Praveen Chakkaraj and all of the owners for bringing Professional Cricket to Morrisville! Thanks to former Mayor Mark Stohlman for all his work getting Banner Sponsors.
|
|
WOK and Fire Grill
1216 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC 27519
|
We are so grateful for the support that Small Businesses and Restaurants provide our Community. Wok and Fire Grill in Cary has been supporting the Cricket Tournament with their delicious food. I dropped in this weekend to visit and encourage you to support them! The Indian Chinese is out of this world!
Thanks to Owners Prashant Jathan and Team for such great food and service!
|
|
This Week in Morrisville: Sep 6 - Sep 10 |
|
Town Offices Closed on Labor Day
The Town Administrative Offices will close on Monday, September 6, in observance of Labor Day. All essential services will remain open.
September 14 - 6 pm Morrisville Town Council Meeting
|
|
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project |
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project update:
Update: September 6:
- There will be no work on Monday, September 6, due to the Labor Day holiday.
- Contractor will be working on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Misty Groves Circle), on Franklin Upchurch Sr St extension, and on Town Hall Drive South extension.
- Contractor will be doing work in the culvert area.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations between 9 am and 4 pm.
- Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.
- 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.
|
|
MORRISVILLE FITNESS AND AQUATICS MASK REQUIREMENTS |
In alignment with new guidance from the Wake County government issued today, July 30, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will begin requiring face coverings for all patrons inside the building, regardless of vaccination status, on Monday, August 2.
Though approximately 70 percent of the Wake County population is vaccinated at this time, surges in coronavirus cases stimulated by the Delta variant have led Wake leaders to operate out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our members has been and continues to be paramount, and we believe that encouraging face coverings and social distancing is the best way to protect our community at this time.
Face Covering Rules
- Face coverings will now be required in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status or social distancing.
- Face coverings need to remain on during indoor exercise, but may be removed during outdoor activities as long as social distancing is possible.
- Face coverings may only be removed indoors when swimming or showering, and should be worn immediately before and after these activities.
- Lifeguards can remove their face coverings, so long as they can maintain social distance from each other and patrons.
Programming
- Fitness classes will be assessed, and some may be moved outside to allow for socially distanced exercise. Please feel free to provide your feedback on the matter as we make these decisions.
- Other indoor activities will continue as normal, but please come prepared to wear a face covering for the duration of your workout.
Memberships
- Punch passes and 1-Month PIF memberships will remain non-refundable, due to the short-term, flexible nature of those options. Questions or concerns about other membership types may be addressed by MAFC supervisors and front desk staff as needed.
|
|
Morrisville Requires Face Coverings Indoors |
As of Friday, August 20, in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across Wake County, the Town of Morrisville is requiring face coverings for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public places, including public transportation facilities and public vehicles. The move aligns Morrisville with Wake County’s State of Emergency Declaration and the most recent CDC guidance on the use of face coverings to stop the spread of COVID-19. Town leaders will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the Wake County Public Health Division and the State of North Carolina. For details and mandate exceptions click here. |
|
Morrisville White Goods Collection September 9 |
Morrisville’s next White Goods Collection is Thursday, September 9, and includes washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, window air conditioners, and water heaters. Note that microwaves are not included. White goods collection requires registration. Complete the form linked here or call (919) 463-7070 to confirm your collection by Monday, September 6. |
|
Morrisville’s Music at the Hub September 10 |
Morrisville’s next Music at the Hub is Friday, September 10 -- with the bluegrass music from Counterclockwise String Band and food from King’s County Flavor! The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Healthy Food Hub on 280 Town Hall Drive. For details click here. |
|
Morrisville Fire Department Open House September 11 |
On September 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department Open House welcomes citizens to explore the behind-the-scenes life of firefighters at Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 on 200 Town Hall Drive. This walk-in event allows citizens to meet Morrisville’s firefighters, tour the fire station, see firefighting rescue equipment, and learn fire prevention safety tips. Click here for details. |
|
Morrisville’s Next Pop-Up Dog Park is Sept. 12 |
Morrisville's next "pop-up" dog park is Sunday, Sept 12, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park. Waivers are due Friday for Sunday reservations.
Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating.
Click here to visit the Town’s webpage for additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms. |
|
Morrisville 101 Registration Open |
Registration for Morrisville 101 is now open. Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for residents of Morrisville interested in local government. This is a free program for citizens 16 years of age and up. The program begins November 3 and will be held from 6-8 p.m. once a week for five weeks. Sessions will take place at Morrisville Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive. Registration ends on October 15, 2021. For more information and to reserve your spot visit the Morrisville 101 webpage by clicking here
|
|
Teen Morrisville 101 Registration Open |
Registration for Teen Morrisville 101 is now open. Teen Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for teens interested in local government, specifically in Morrisville. This is a free program for youth in grades 9-12. The program begins October 6 and will be held from 4-6 p.m. once a week for four weeks. Sessions will take place at Morrisville Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive. While the program is open to all high school students, preference will be given to those who live in Morrisville.
Registration ends on September 24, 2021. For more information and to reserve your spot visit the Teen Morrisville 101 webpage by clicking here. |
|
Take the Town’s Sustainability Survey! |
Take the Town’s Sustainability Survey!
The Master Sustainability Plan is currently in development. This plan will become the roadmap for the objectives and goals of the program. To best represent our community, we are looking for your feedback as we prioritize our strategic direction. From now until October 15, complete a short six-question survey with your contact information to be entered into a drawing for a rain barrel or a $30 gift certificate to Site One Landscape Supply on Church Street. To complete the survey (through SurveyMonkey.com) click here. To learn about Morrisville’s Sustainability Program, click here. |
|
MSV 2021 Bond Referendum – Have you Heard the News? |
Three separate Bond questions will be on the Ballot this November 2: Public Safety Improvements for $8M; Parks, Recreation, & Amenity Improvements for $17.3M; and Streets & Sidewalk Connectivity Improvements for $11.7M for future capital projects. Voters will decide “Yes” or “No” for each ballot question if the Town can use General Obligation Bonds (G.O. Bonds) to finance these future improvements that will benefit our growing community for years to come. G.O. Bonds are the most cost effective form of financing for a local government.
|
|
Next Week in Morrisville Update |
Starting in October, the Town is moving to a new email service provider used to send Next Week in Morrisville. Depending upon your email’s client settings and security filters, you may have to add the new email client to your safe senders list. The new client will also allow you to update your communications preferences and individual profile. Next Week in Morrisville is sent from information@townofmorrisville.org. If you have any issues receiving the e-newsletter in October, contact the Town’s public information officer by email. |
|
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. every Saturday!
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local! |
|
Total Doses Administered: 10,606,639 |
According to the latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, unvaccinated North Carolinians are more than four times as likely to test positive for COVID-19 than vaccinated individuals.
Unvaccinated people are also 15 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated after adjusting for age.
Post-vaccination cases -- also called breakthrough cases -- actually decreased statewide last week for the first time in a month.
Those cases made up 17 percent of all cases reported last week.
Less than 1 percent of vaccinated people in North Carolina have tested positive for COVID-19 this year.
|
|
NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES |
|
IDA leaves 70% of Louisiana Citizens without Power, 13 Dead from New York City Storms.
President Biden visits Louisiana to tour damage.
|
|
|
7.5 Million Americans lose Federal Employment Benefits Today (Drop by $300/week).
48 million children under 12 not eligible for Covid 19 Shots.
|
|
Supreme Court upholds Texas Abortion Law (Limits Abortions after 6 weeks). Arkansas, Florida and South Dakota to enact similar legislation. |
|
|
Senator Manchin urges colleagues to pause on $3.5 trillion Infrastructure Bill citing concerns of Inflation. |
|
|
Governor Cooper Expands Monoclonal Antibody Treatment |
Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order in an effort to make it easier for North Carolinians to access treatment for COVID-19.
The Executive Order authorizes and directs State Health Director, Dr. Betsey Tilson, to issue a statewide standing order to expand access to monoclonal antibody treatment.
Experts say, if taken early, the treatment can decrease the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The Order will be in effect through November 30, 2021.
NCDHHS reports that while they have seen an increase in the number of providers who are administering monoclonal antibody treatment, there is still limited capacity to administer this medication among the state's primary care providers and providers not associated with a health system.
Cooper's office said a statewide standing order for monoclonal antibody treatment will make it easier for people with COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those with less access to a regular health care provider, to get this potentially life-saving treatment. Under the order, treatment could be provided in a medical supervised community setting, such as part of COVID-19 testing sites
|
|
Wake County Schools Impose Mask Requirements for Athletics |
WCPSS announced that, due to the increased number of clusters and exposures involving high school athletics, face coverings will now be required for students unless they are directly participating in games, practices and performances. This applies to all sports teams, marching bands and other student groups including cheerleading and JROTC activities.
This rule affects all grade levels and means face coverings will be required on the sidelines and wherever staff and students congregate. Face coverings and social distancing are strongly recommended for spectators.
|
|
Wake County Financial Assistance Program |
Wake County and City of Raleigh - Government have teamed up to provide eligible renters who are behind on their monthly payments help towards unpaid balances since April 2020. To qualify, you must be a Wake County renter, have suffered financially due to COVID-19, meet income requirements and be at risk of becoming homeless if rent or utility bills remain unpaid.
|
|
Wake County Towns Add Mask Mandates |
Mask mandates go back into effect in five Wake County towns starting at 7 a.m.
Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville and Zebulon -- as well as all unincorporated areas of the county -- will require everybody, regardless of vaccine status, to wear masks in indoor public places.
Raleigh and Cary restarted their masks mandates days ago.
Farther south in Fayetteville, a new mask mandate will go into effect at 5 p.m. today.
These mask mandates are coming back as the state reports troubling COVID-19 metrics.
For the first time since February, the state reported more than 7,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day. Plus, 3,083 people are now in the hospital being treated for the virus.
UNC Health said it is currently treating 400 COVID-19 patients--a number that's up from about 50 in late June.
More than 14,000 people have died from the virus since the pandemic started more than a year ago.
|
|
WAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS COVID 19 SAFETY PRACTICES |
WCPSS announced it is making updates to its COVID-19 safety practices. The changes take effect Aug. 16:
- For everyone over the age of 4, face coverings are required indoors in schools, all district buildings and on school-provided transportation, including school buses, activity buses, and vendor transportation. For Pre-K students, face coverings are strongly recommended for ages 3-4 and required for age 5. Face coverings are optional outdoors.
- If your student experiences an illness that does not include COVID-19 symptoms, it's now easier for them to return to school quicker. For these illnesses, we're returning to pre-pandemic health practices: Students can return to school when they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours.
- Safety practices for eating on campus are being strengthened. Most schools will group students when moving from the classroom to the lunch room and use assigned seating during meals. This practice of grouping students will help reduce the number of students required to quarantine if a student in their class becomes infected. This also allows students to talk with others in their group during meal times. Face coverings will be required except for the time when students are specifically eating.
|
|
Wake County Schools Mandate Indoor Masks |
Wake County Public School System has voted to make masks a requirement indoors at all schools this year. So far in our region, 10 school districts have voted to mandate mask wearing: Wake County Public School System, Durham Public Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Wilson County School District, Hoke County Schools, Lee County Schools, Nash County Public Schools, Granville County Schools, Orange County School District and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
On the other hand, Clinton City Schools, Harnett County Schools, Johnston County Schools, Sampson County Schools, and Wayne County Public Schools have voted to keep masks optional for fully vaccinated students and staff.
|
|
Cape Fear Health Care System Mandates Vaccines |
Cape Fear Valley Health announced that it will make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for employees, physicians, students, vendors, and volunteers. The deadline is Oct. 1, 2021 |
|
Celebrating Morrisville Achievements Tour |
|
Congresswoman Ross Visits the Morrisville Cardinals! |
Congresswoman Ross visited the Cardinals Game Last Night! She tossed the coin and it was so great to have her at Church Street Park! Maybe, she can get us some Federal Money for a Cricket Stadium! |
|
|
Thanks to everyone who came out for my visit to Northwest Park. I was honored to take the lead with Satish Garimella, Mark Stohlman and Robert Crawford to get this Park approved and developed in 2013 and 2014! It shows what we can all do when we come together to make things happen! Just Get it Done! |
|
|
On Thursday, I visited the Wake Competition Center! It was so amazing to see where the Canes Practice (I think there were some Team Members there, of course, I visited the Soccer and Gymnastics.
Thanks to Jeff Ammons and his team for working with Wake County to bring this Facility to Morrisville!
Jeff and his team have invested over $25 million into Morrisville, and have plans for another $5 million expansion. Just Get it Done!
|
|
Thank you for attending...
Aug 30 - Virtual Town Hall with Senator Wiley Nickel
|
Watch the Recorded Event Here:
|
|
Sept 16th 6- 7 pm
AI, Machine Learning and the Future of Cities in a Post Covid World
|
AI, Machine Learning and the Future of Cities in a Post Covid World with Special Guest, Richard Boyd, CEO, Tanjo.
Wok and Fire Grill 1216 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC 27519
Join us for this Reception where we gather with leaders from the Technology Industry to talk about how Cities and better leverage AI to make better decisions and keep us safer and stronger! Contributions Optional and can be made to Citizens for Rao.
Masks are required and Social Distancing will be followed.
|
|
9/11 Morrisville Fire Department Open House |
9/11 Morrisville Fire Department Open House
Fire Station 1
11 am- 1 pm.
|
|
|
Atlantic Tire Tennis Championships Sept. 12- Sept 19th |
Atlantic Tire Tennis Championships Sept. 12- Sept 19th
Tickets at:
|
|
|
Sept 16th 10am-3pm NC Vet Business Association Procurement Summit |
Sept 16th NC Vet Business Association Procurement Summit. 10 am – 3 pm.
|
|
|
Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award |
Apply for the Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award.
|
|
TYE is an enriching experience for high school students, where they will have the opportunity to learn to solve problems through business principles. As part of the program, they will have the opportunity to work with our incredible mentors, who will foster the potential of their team’s ideas. The deadline to sign up is September 30th, 2021.
|
|
Start Up Summit - Sept. 22 |
Save the Date Start Up Summit! Sept. 22
|
|
East Meets West Festival Sept. 1- Oct. 10 |
Morrisville Chamber Hosts East Meets West Festival Sept. 1- Oct. 10
The East Meets West Festival celebrates Morrisville, Wake County’s most diverse community, with food, culture, and music from around the world.
|
|
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
NC Covid Dashboard:
Vaccinations: 10,392,906 Total Doses Administered.
|
|
- For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.
- Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.
- For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.
- 1,516,310 applied for UI Benefits, 996,757 Paid Benefits, $12.4 Billion Payments Issues.
-
Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/.
Another 7,901 new COVID-19 cases were reported in North Carolina on Thursday. The daily percent positive rate dropped a bit to 12.6 percent, which is still far above the 5 percent state goal.
After seeing the highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in months Wednesday, the number increased yet again Thursday.
3,789 people are currently hospitalized in the state with COVID-19. There are 914 adult ICU COVID-19 patients.
427 confirmed COVID-19 patients have been admitted in the last 24 hours.
96 more people died from the virus, bringing the state's COVID-19 death toll up to 14,625.
CASES:
3,789 Newly reported Cases
+ N.C. = 1,237,393 Cases (Deaths = 14,625)
+ 3,800 Hospitalized
+ 11.7% Positive Rate
+ Wake County = 95,433 Cases (Deaths = 755)
+ US = 40 million cases / 648,000 deaths
+ India = 33 million cases / 441,000 Deaths.
+ Worldwide = 219 million cases / 4.55 million deaths
|
|
|
|
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
|
|
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
|
|
See what's happening on our social sites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
