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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
September 11, 2022
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.
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Visit https://www.911memorial.org for historical and educational resources to understand the continuing impact of that day in our history.
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US Open
A new star is born! Carlos Alcaraz becomes Number 1 in the World with first US Open win over Casper Ruud.
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A Moment of Royal History: | |
The Rao family celebrates our connection to Queen Elizabeth as my Great Uncle, U.Krishna Rau, the Mayor of Madras hosts a reception for her majesty. | |
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Iga Swiatek wins US Open and Francis Tiafoe ends a remarkable run at the Open. | |
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AMERICORPS 9/11 PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE | |
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My Day of Service Message:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/641802057278382
On December 18, 2001, Congress approved naming September 11 “Patriot Day” to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, Congress named September 11 a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
9/11 Day of Service is today! Are you ready to serve? Making time to volunteer this 9/11 day is a great way to engage with your community while honoring the heroes we lost.
Thanks for Joining with your neighbors this September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance to cross divides, differences, and ideologies and help address needs in your community. Lift each other up, neighborhood by neighborhood, just as Americans did two decades ago to honor those lost and those whose lives were forever changed that fateful day.
Through service alongside our neighbors, we can build more equitable and just communities that advance racial equity, create opportunity, and foster respect for individual differences.
Learn more at https://www.americorps.gov/911-day.
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WE MUST NEVER FORGET 9/11: UNITED WE STAND
It was a blue-sky late summer morning when Al Qaeda terrorists in hijacked planes brought down the World Trade Center, attacked the Pentagon, crashed a plane into a field in Pennsylvania, killed more than 3,000 people, and made a mockery of America’s belief in its invincibility.
And twenty one years later, our nation in the midst of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and shocked by the chaotic end of the Afghanistan War — continues to grapple with the aftermath of that day.
One enduring legacy from 9/11 each year is how our nation came together at a time of dire need and crisis. First Responders, and Volunteers risking their lives to save others, and a City and nation, uniting to rebuild and fight back. Our brave soldiers answered the call of their nation and headed to Afghanistan, to degrade Al Quada, which worked and of course, we got rid of Bin Laden. However, 20 years later, the Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, became never ending wars, wars which we could never win and only endure. By 2019, the U.S. had spent %6.5 trillion on post 9/11 wars and we lost 200,000 civilians and 7000 U.S deaths in Iraq alone and thousands in Afghanistan, the longest war in U.S. History.
Political, racial divisions are at an all time high, and our nation is in many ways more divided than we were during the Civil War. President Biden at his inauguration challenged us to end this uncivil war we are waging in the United States. We are not even close to doing that.
After the nation was attacked on 9/11, Americans came together and for two decades prevented another major terrorist event here. After the nation was effectively attacked by a deadly virus the past two years, quite the opposite has unfolded.
America learned the lesson of unity on Sept. 11, 2001. The only way we can honor the victims of 9/11 and the soldiers, who served in our wars is to once again learn the lessons of unity.
Coming Together is a Beginning.
Staying Together is Progress
Working Together is Success.
For me, the enduring legacy of 9/11 is that Americans from all walks of life in our diverse nation came together, stayed together and worked together to successfully rebuild the New York City Skyline but also demonstrated to the world that Americans are stronger when we are together and that we can be resilient not only in how we bounce back but how we bounce forward.
I cannot think of a better time than now, to reflect and look back on 9/11 and remember that we are stronger together when we are united in our love for our Republic.
For only then, can we honor the words of President Lincoln, who reminded us on the fields of Gettysburg, “That we hereby resolve that these Dead shall not have died in vain, and that this Nation Shall Have a New Birth of Freedom and that a Government of the People, By the People, and For the People shall never perish from the Earth".
God Bless the UNITED STATES of America.
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9/11 RELIVED
On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.
On September 11, 2001, at 8:45 a.m. on a clear Tuesday morning, an American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
The impact left a gaping, burning hole near the 80th floor of the 110-story skyscraper, instantly killing hundreds of people and trapping hundreds more in higher floors.
As the evacuation of the tower and its twin got underway, television cameras broadcasted live images of what initially appeared to be a freak accident. Then, 18 minutes after the first plane hit, a second Boeing 767—United Airlines Flight 175—appeared out of the sky, turned sharply toward the World Trade Center and sliced into the south tower near the 60th floor.
The collision caused a massive explosion that showered burning debris over surrounding buildings and onto the streets below. It immediately became clear that America was under attack.
The hijackers were Islamic terrorists from Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations. Reportedly financed by the al Qaeda terrorist organization of Saudi fugitive Osama bin Laden, they were allegedly acting in retaliation for America’s support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War and its continued military presence in the Middle East.
Some of the terrorists had lived in the United States for more than a year and had taken flying lessons at American commercial flight schools. Others had slipped into the country in the months before September 11 and acted as the “muscle” in the operation.
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Where Did the Planes Take Off From?
The 19 terrorists easily smuggled box-cutters and knives through security at three East Coast airports—Logan International Airport in Boston, Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. and Newark International Airport in New Jersey—and boarded four early-morning flights bound for California, chosen because the planes were loaded with fuel for the long transcontinental journey. Soon after takeoff, the terrorists commandeered the four planes and took the controls, transforming ordinary passenger jets into guided missiles.
PENTAGON
As millions watched the events unfolding in New York, American Airlines Flight 77 circled over downtown Washington, D.C., before crashing into the west side of the Pentagon military headquarters at 9:45 a.m.
Jet fuel from the Boeing 757 caused a devastating inferno that led to the structural collapse of a portion of the giant concrete building, which is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
All told, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed in the Pentagon, along with all 64 people aboard the airliner.
Less than 15 minutes after the terrorists struck the nerve center of the U.S. military, the horror in New York took a catastrophic turn when the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed in a massive cloud of dust and smoke.
The structural steel of the skyscraper, built to withstand winds in excess of 200 miles per hour and a large conventional fire, could not withstand the tremendous heat generated by the burning jet fuel.
At 10:30 a.m., the north building of the twin towers collapsed. Only six people in the World Trade Center towers at the time of their collapse survived. Almost 10,000 others were treated for injuries, many severe.
Flight 93
Meanwhile, a fourth California-bound plane—United Flight 93—was hijacked about 40 minutes after leaving Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Because the plane had been delayed in taking off, passengers on board learned of events in New York and Washington via cell phone and Airfone calls to the ground.
Knowing that the aircraft was not returning to an airport as the hijackers claimed, a group of passengers and flight attendants planned an insurrection.
One of the passengers, Thomas Burnett, Jr., told his wife over the phone that “I know we’re all going to die. There’s three of us who are going to do something about it. I love you, honey.” Another passenger—Todd Beamer—was heard saying “Are you guys ready? Let’s roll” over an open line.
Sandy Bradshaw, a flight attendant, called her husband and explained that she had slipped into a galley and was filling pitchers with boiling water. Her last words to him were “Everyone’s running to first class. I’ve got to go. Bye.”
The passengers fought the four hijackers and are suspected to have attacked the cockpit with a fire extinguisher. The plane then flipped over and sped toward the ground at upwards of 500 miles per hour, crashing in a rural field near Shanksville in western Pennsylvania at 10:10 a.m.
All 44 people aboard were killed. Its intended target is not known, but theories include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.
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How Many People Died in the 9/11 Attacks?
A total of 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, including the 19 terrorist hijackers aboard the four airplanes. Citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
At the World Trade Center, 2,763 died after the two planes slammed into the twin towers. That figure includes 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the buildings and save the office workers trapped on higher floors.
At the Pentagon, 189 people were killed, including 64 on American Airlines Flight 77, the airliner that struck the building. On Flight 93, 44 people died when the plane crash-landed in Pennsylvania.
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America Responds to the Attacks
At 7 p.m., President George W. Bush, who was in Florida at the time of the attacks and had spent the day being shuttled around the country because of security concerns, returned to the White House.
At 9 p.m., he delivered a televised address from the Oval Office, declaring, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”
In a reference to the eventual U.S. military response he declared, “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.”
Operation Enduring Freedom, the American-led international effort to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and destroy Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network based there, began on October 7. Within two months, U.S. forces had effectively removed the Taliban from operational power, but the war continued, as U.S. and coalition forces attempted to defeat a Taliban insurgency campaign based in neighboring Pakistan.
Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks, remained at large until May 2, 2011, when he was finally tracked down and killed by U.S. forces at a hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan. In June 2011, then-President Barack Obama announced the beginning of large-scale troop withdrawals from Afghanistan; it took until August 2021 for all U.S. forces to withdraw.
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Department of Homeland Security Is Created
In the wake of security fears raised by 9/11 and the mailing of letters containing anthrax that killed two and infected 17, The Homeland Security Act of 2002 created the Department of Homeland Security. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 25, 2002. Today, the Department of Homeland Security is a cabinet responsible for preventing terror attacks, border security, immigrations and customs and disaster relief and prevention.
The act was followed two days later by the formation of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The bipartisan “9/11 Commission,” as it came to be known, was charged with investigating the events that lead up to September 11th. The 9/11 Commission Report was released on July 22, 2004. It named Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind behind 9/11, “the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks.”
Mohammed led propaganda operations for al Qaeda from 1999-2001. He was captured on March 1, 2003 by the Central Intelligence Agency and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and interrogated before being imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay detention camp with four other accused terrorists charged with 9/11-related war crimes.
The use of torture, including waterboarding, during Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s interrogation has received international attention. In August 2019, a U.S. military court judge in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba set a trial date for Mohammed and the other four men charged with plotting the 9/11 terrorist attacks to begin in 2021; it was later postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Economic Impact of 9/11
The 9/11 attacks had an immediate negative effect on the U.S. economy. Many Wall Street institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange, were evacuated during the attacks. On the first day of trading after the attacks, the market fell 7.1 percent, or 684 points. New York City’s economy alone lost 143,000 jobs a month and $2.8 billion wages in the first three months. The heaviest losses were in finance and air transportation, which accounted for 60 percent of lost jobs. The estimated cost of the World Trade Center damage is $60 billion. The cost to clean the debris at Ground Zero was $750 million.
Thousands of first responders and people working and living in lower Manhattan near Ground Zero were exposed to toxic fumes and particles emanating from the towers as they burned and fell. By 2018, 10,000 people were diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer.
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9/11 Compensation Fund
From 2001 to 2004, over $7 billion dollars in compensation was given to families of the 9/11 victims and the 2,680 people injured in the attacks. Funding was renewed on January 2, 2011, when President Barack Obama signed The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act into law. Named for James Zadroga, a New York City Police officer who died of respiratory disease he contracted after rescuing people from the rubble at Ground Zero, the law continued health monitoring and compensation for 9/11 first responders and survivors.
In 2015, funding for the treatment of 9/11-related illness was renewed for five more years at a total of $7.4 billion. The Victim Compensation Fund was set to stop accepting claims in December 2020.
On July 29, 2019, then-President Trump signed a law authorizing support for the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund through 2092. Previously, administrators had cut benefits by up to 70 percent as the $7.4 billion fund depleted. Vocal lobbyists for the fund included Jon Stewart, 9/11 first responder John Feal and retired New York Police Department detective and 9/11 responder Luis Alvarez, who died of cancer 18 days after testifying before Congress.
On December 18, 2001, Congress approved naming September 11 “Patriot Day” to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, Congress named September 11 a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The first memorials to September 11 came in the immediate wake of the attacks, with candlelight vigils and flower tributes at U.S. embassies around the world. In Great Britain, Queen Elizabeth sang the American national anthem during the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Rio de Janeiro put up billboards showing the city’s Christ the Redeemer statue embracing the New York City skyline.
For the first anniversary of the attacks in New York City in 2002, two bright columns of light were shot up into the sky from where the Twin Towers once stood. The “Tribute in Light” then became an annual installation run by the Municipal Art Society of New York. On clear nights, the beams are visible from over 60 miles away.
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9/11 Memorials
A World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition was held to select an appropriate permanent memorial to the victims of 9/11. The winning design by Michael Arad, “Reflecting Absence,” now sits outside the museum in an eight-acre park. It consists of two reflecting pools with waterfalls rushing down where the Twin Towers once rose into the sky.
The names of all 2,983 victims are engraved on the 152 bronze panels surrounding the pools, arranged by where individuals were on the day of the attacks, so coworkers and people on the same flight are memorialized together. The site was opened to the public on September 11, 2011, to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum followed, opening on the original World Trade Center site in May 2014. The Freedom Tower, also on the original World Trade Center site, opened in November 2014.
I have visited the Memorials with my family and would encourage a visit to remember and honor the fallen during this tragedy.
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My Remarks and Flood Relief event:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/525719296028911
We pray and support Pakistan during the tragic floods. 1265 dead, 3,641 Non Fatal Injuties, 482,000 displaced, 33 million affected, and billions in damage.
I was honored to join the Pakistani community for the Flood Relief event this Sunday in Cary and it was also great to see our next House Rep. Maria Cervania, Wake County Commissioner at the event!
Please support Pakistan!
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Community Meeting with USA Cricket | |
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Thanks to everyone who came out to meet the USA Cricket Board at Church Street Park this Friday.
This meeting gave members of the public, the Triangle Cricket League and others the opportunity to listen in and discuss matters related to cricket in the Town of Morrisville. Chairman BK Rai and his colleagues were impressed with the quality and condition of our Cricket Park, and see great potential for more national and international tournaments.
Looking forward to our Cricket future!
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Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO | |
Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO 6:30 pm at HSNC Main Hall. (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)
I have invited RDU Airport CEO Michael Landguth to Morrisville for a Town Hall meeting where he will brief us on the Airport and talk about international air service recruitment. Exploring opportunities for Direct Air Service to India will also be discussed.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/rdu-ceo
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Very Important Town of Morrisville Updates | |
In Person Voter Registration is Oct 14:
North Carolina offers online voter registration to existing customers of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. You can register by mail to vote in North Carolina by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
Registration deadlines
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Right In and Right Out
Church Street and Morrisville Carpenter Road Intersection and many intersections become Right In and Right Out
(See This Week in Morrisville Updates for details on Right In/Right Out )
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Fall Into Fitness
Fall Into Fitness starts Friday, September 9 with eight weeks of FREE fitness classes and activities hosted by some of MAFC's top instructors!
All classes and activities will be held on Fridays from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park - Field 1.
Get details and SIGN-UP AT WWW.TINYURL.COM/MAFCFALL starting September 2.
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Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award |
The Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award recognizes youth who have attained outstanding achievements in various fields such as Volunteering, Community Service, Leadership, Research, Academics, Extra-curricular activities such as sports, music and arts, etc. This award is based on Lord Buddha’s parting message to his disciples “Aapo Deepo Bhava” which means “Be a light unto yourself.”
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY
11:59pm ET September 11th, 2022
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Suicide Prevention Line to 988 |
On Saturday, July 16, the U.S. will transition the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care.
The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need.
Starting tomorrow, simply calling or texting 988 or chatting https://988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline
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Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Enjoyed Radio Nyra Interview with Wake Tech President Scott Ralls.
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1132231454395362/?t=26
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Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2852956421664760
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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Wonderful Interview with Tom Dunmore and AB Bhakta at Major League Cricket.
https://youtu.be/x3q8h9wph1A?t=135
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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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Get with the Program with Gary Jones!
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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!
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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The Steve Rao App is Here: |
Download the Steve Rao App!
Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.
Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.
Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
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Google Play Store Scan code Link | |
This Week in Morrisville: September 12th - 16th | |
Cedar Fork Community Center Hiring Before and After-School Counselors
The Cedar Fork Community Center is looking for counselors for its before and after-school programming. Before-school counselors work Monday through Friday from 6:50 to 9 a.m. and make $13 per hour. After-school counselors work Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and make $11 per hour. After-school counselors must also be available to work on school early release days. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/morrisvillenc.
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Morrisville Senior Center to Host Trip to N.C. Museum of History on September 14
Those 55 and older are invited to join the Morrisville Senior Center for a trip to the N.C. Museum of History on Sept. 14. The group will leave the MSC at 4117 Davis Drive at 9:30 a.m. and will be returning around 3 p.m. The cost is $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Lunch will be at the Daily Planet Cafe, which will be a separate cost. For more information and to register, please call (919) 463-7140 or click here.
Morrisville Senior Center to Host Finance Friday Event on September 16
You’ve worked hard to provide for your family. Whether you’re approaching retirement or are recently retired, your focus may begin to shift from building your financial foundation to protecting the financial resources you’ve created for you and your family. Edward Jones will present information at the Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, on Sept. 16 about how you can address key risks you may encounter and what strategies you can use to help prepare for the unexpected. The presentation will be at 12 p.m., and snacks will be served.
Morrisville Senior Center Hosts Durham Bulls Baseball Game Outing September 25
Those ages 55 and older are invited to join the Morrisville Senior Center for a Durham Bulls baseball game on Sept. 25 at 1:05 p.m. Watch the Durham Bulls take on the Norfolk Tides. The group will be leaving the MSC at 4117 Davis Drive at 12 p.m. The cost is $22 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Lunch will be a separate cost. The group should arrive back at the center around 5 p.m. For more information and to register, please call (919) 463-7140 or click here.
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Morrisville Senior Center to Start Closing on Saturdays
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 3, the Morrisville Senior Center will be closed on Saturdays except for special events or scheduled program hours.
Please contact the Senior Center at 919-463-7140 or seniorcenter@townofmorrisville.org if you have any questions.
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Registration Open for Teen Morrisville 101 | |
Registration for Teen Morrisville 101 is now open. Teen Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for teens interested in local government. This is a free program for youth in grades 9-12. The program begins October 5, 2022, and will be held after school hours, from 4-6 p.m., once a week for four weeks.
Registration ends on September 23. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
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Eight Weeks of Free Fall Fitness Classes Starts September 9
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will be offering eight weeks of free fall fitness classes, with the first class on Sept. 9. All classes and activities will be held on Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park – Field 1, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Classes will include recreational games, family yoga, running fundamentals, dance party, badminton, tai chi, and ultimate frisbee. Sign up at www.tinyurl.com/mafcfall.
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Esports Open House to be at Wake Tech RTP Campus September 14
Learn more about Esports and join in free play opportunities in a professional grade Esports arena at the Esports Open House at the Wake Tech RTP Campus, 10908 Chapel Hill Road, from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants can play Fortnite, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, or Valorant. There is a 30-minute play limit per person to allow everyone an opportunity to participate. Additional time may be allowed based on participation. The event is open to all ages, but participants must have personal log in information for a game, as well as access to or personal copies of the games as required by some platforms. Space is limited. For more information, visit the Esports website.
Esports Gaming Set-Up and Play Sessions Open for Registration
Do you want to play your favorite game on a PC? Esports gaming set-up and play times will be available for participants ages 12 to 17 at the Esports arena at the Wake Tech RTP Campus, 10908 Chapel Hill Road. Over the course of four sessions, participants will learn how to set up an account (will need access to a personal email), and then will learn about playing modes, controls, and beginner strategies. Registration and additional details are available through ActiveNet for Fortnite, Overwatch, and Rocket League.
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Morrisville International Festival to be September 24
The Morrisville International Festival will celebrate the diversity of cultures in the Town of Morrisville. Residents are encouraged to join the festivities on Sept. 24 on Town Hall Drive from 2-6 p.m. There will be live performances, an artisan market, food trucks, and more. Shuttles to and from the event will be available at Cedar Fork Community Center and Cedar Fork District Park. No parking will be available on Town Hall Drive.
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Vendor Applications Open for Morrisville International Festival on September 24 | |
The Morrisville International Festival will celebrate the diversity of cultures in the Town of Morrisville. Residents are encouraged to join the festivities on Sept. 24 on Town Hall Drive from 2-6 p.m. There will be live performances, an artisan market, food trucks, and more.
Applications are now open for vendors and cultural organizations who would like to participate in the event. Cultural organizations will be able to have an informational tent at the festival. Ideally, organizations would offer some sort of hands-on educational activity or would display educational information about the represented culture and organization. Vendors are invited to sell arts, crafts, clothing, and other items that are representative of a specific culture.
There is no charge for vendors or cultural organizations to participate. However, they must provide their own 10x10 tent, table, chairs, and other necessary items for their display. Interested vendors and organizations can apply for a space here.
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English Vinglish to Play at Movies in the Park September 30
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources will be hosting a Movies in the Park at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. The movie will be English Vinglish. The showing is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for the lawn, as well as dinner or snacks. Trader Joe’s will be on site sampling snacks and beverages.
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Certification Training Available for Community Emergency Response Team | |
Get CERTified, Morrisville! Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Certification is two steps:
- Online Training: Now through Oct. 15 (12 hours of classes at your own pace and at your convenience)
- In-Person, Hands-on Skills Training: Oct. 22-23
Learn more and register here.
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Town Survey Invites Feedback on ADA Accessibility to Programs and Services
The Town of Morrisville is committed to ensuring equal access to all of its facilities, services, programs, and events and to ensuring compliance with the policies of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Town is currently in the process of conducting a self-evaluation for ADA compliance and is preparing a transition plan to address any areas of need and become fully compliant. The goal of the transition plan is the make Town services and facilities more comfortable, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.
To help develop the transition plan, the Town has created a survey seeking feedback about accessibility to Town programs, services, and facilities, such as participating in recreational programs, attending a public meeting, or obtaining a permit. All responses to the survey are subject to becoming public record. Please click here to take the survey. It will be available until Sept. 30.
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Sustainability Program Shares Positive Developments for Solar Energy | The Town of Morrisville is committed to sustainable development and practices, and the Sustainability program is pleased to share the news that homeowners may soon have more options for installing their own solar panels. Last month, the N.C. State Supreme Court ruled in favor of homeowners involved in a dispute with their Homeowners’ Association about their ability to install solar panels on their roofs. The ruling may open the way for other homeowners to install their own solar panels. Additionally, Duke Energy is expected to offer another round of solar rebates in January 2023. Check here for updates. | |
Morrisville Joins Solarize the Triangle, Making Discounts on Solar Power Available for Residents | The Town of Morrisville has joined 10 other local communities in the Solarize the Triangle partnership, which will make discounts available on solar energy installations through a group buying program and the use of a federal tax credit. The more local residents and businesses that participate in the program, the greater the savings will be. Visit solarizemorrisville.org to learn more about the program or to sign up for a free energy evaluation. | |
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project | |
Bicyclists and Walkers Cautioned to Stay Out of Road Construction Zone
Town officials remind bicyclists and walkers not to travel through the closed section of westbound Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Town Hall Drive and the Thornebury entrance). This is an active road construction zone, and it is unsafe for members of the public to travel through this area, even on foot or on a bicycle. Please stick to designated pathways outside of the construction area.
Traffic to Shift for Phase III of Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road (MCR) expansion is continuing. Starting on Sept. 9, the traffic pattern will shift for Phase III of the work. Traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed MCR lanes between NC 54 and Old Savannah Drive. The following streets will become permanent right-in, right-out only: Bergman Drive, Kudrow Lane, Misty Groves Circle, Morrisville Square Way, Church Street, and Page Street. The MCR entrance to Town Hall and First Baptist Church will also become right-in, right-out only permanently.
For more information on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project, and for regular updates, please visit the project page.
Project update for the week of Sept. 5:
- The contractor will not be working on Monday, Sept. 5, due to the Labor Day holiday.
- The contractor will be paving and striping closed sections of Morrisville Carpenter Road (from Church Street to the Thornebury entrance) and Town Hall Drive (from Morrisville Carpenter Road to the Indian Creek trailhead entrance) on Tuesday, Sept. 6. There should be no lane closures.
- From Wednesday, Sept. 7 to Friday, Sept. 9, the contractor will be paving and striping Morrisville Carpenter Road and Town Hall Drive in preparation to switch traffic to the Phase 3 traffic pattern on Friday, Sept. 9.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations starting at 9 a.m. from Sept. 7-9. On these days, flagging operations may extend beyond 4 p.m. in order to let the contractor complete the work.
- Significant traffic backups can be expected on Morrisville Carpenter Road and on Town Hall Drive from Sept. 7-9. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes (Morrisville Parkway or McCrimmon Parkway; from Davis Drive to NC-54) on these three days.
- Walkers and cyclists are reminded to stay out of the blockaded area and to remain on appropriate paths. This is an active construction zone and is not safe for walkers or cyclists.
Phase III work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project has started, and traffic will be shifted. Drivers are advised that:
- Paving and pavement-marking work in preparation for the traffic shift will take place Sept. 7-9. The traffic shift is expected to take effect Friday, Sept. 9.
- From Sept. 7-9, the contractor will start the lane closure work at 9 a.m. There is a chance that the lane closures may go beyond 4 p.m. as needed, in order to get the work completed for that day.
- Drivers can expect significant traffic backups on Morrisville Carpenter Road over these three days. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes where possible, such as Morrisville Parkway or McCrimmon Parkway, between Davis Drive and Chapel Hill Road.
- The work may be pushed to a future date if there is significant rain on these days. The contractor currently has a rain date of Sept. 12 for the work.
- The Town of Morrisville will provide daily updates of this work from Sept. 7-9.
- Message boards on Morrisville Carpenter Road at Davis Drive, Morrisville Carpenter Road at Page Street, and Church Street at Jeremiah Street will also be updated on these days.
The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.
For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
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Blasting Permit Issued for Cary Location across from Towerview Court | The Cary Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a blasting permit for the locations neighboring the Town of Morrisville across from 280 Towerview Ct. Blasting began on Aug. 10 and will continue for approximately 60 days. For questions, please contact the Town of Morrisville’s Fire Administration Office at (919) 463-6219. | |
Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates | |
The Morrisville Community Park Phase III construction is taking shape.
The construction crew will be completing installation of stone for the trails next week, with plans to pour asphalt after that. Additionally, work will continue on installing the concrete approaches for the bridges and boardwalk, and the crew will work on installing the stone for the picnic shelter pad prior to the shelter equipment arriving. Work will also finish on polishing the tennis court retaining wall prior to the stone base installation for the tennis court surfacing.
Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.
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Morrisville Starts Sustainability Newsletter |
The Town’s first sustainability newsletter was sent out on July 1. This quarterly publication will include a message from MESC, information on current projects, a sustainability spotlight feature, and information about upcoming or past events.
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Puttin around Town to be at Morrisville Community Park in September | |
The Puttin Around Town program puts a temporary disc golf basket in a different Morrisville park each month to encourage area park users to get out and enjoy the Town’s green spaces while participating in healthy activity. The basket will be in Morrisville Community Park through Sept. 30. In October, the basket will be in Northwest Park. In November, it will be at Cedar Fork Community Center.
Read more about Puttin’ Around Town here.
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Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center | |
Beginning the week of April 11, the MAFC program pool will be unavailable for public use on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open rec swim and water aerobics participants will be accommodated in lanes 5 and 6 of the lap pool. Additionally, the Friday morning water aerobics class has been cancelled.
Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is currently recruiting for the following positions:
- Senior Aquatics Specialist (FT)
- Aquatics Specialist (30 hours/week)
Both positions provide benefits. Learn more and apply here.
The Town is offering financial incentives for part-time lifeguards who can work during the day in the off-season. Experienced swim instructors, as well as, day and early evening desk staff are needed. Learn more and apply here.
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Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating! |
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.
Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!
The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
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MAFC Smart Shuttle Node Now Available |
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle node at the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is now open and available for rides.
With the new MAFC node, the service will connect residents with 15 locations in Morrisville. An additional node is located at the Regional Transit Center near RTP. A Morrisville Smart Shuttle rider can arrange their pick-up and drop-off from their computer or smartphone. Learn more and download the app here.
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market |
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (summer hours) every Saturday.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
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Music in The Park
Great time at Music in The Park! Enjoyed Beatles Music by Revolution!
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Ya Liu Fundraiser
Great time at Ya Liu Fundraiser with Chief Guest Secretary of State Elaine Marshall!
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Cheri Beasley Reception
Excellent time at Cheri Beasley reception hosted by Senator Chaudhuri, the Dilip Singh Saundd Legislator of the Year.
More on this achievement in my next newsletter.
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Mayor of Richmond Lavar Stoney in Raleigh at Beasley Event! | |
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Small Business Listening Tour: | |
This week I continued by Small Business Listening Tour with visits to a few Small Businesses. I will be sharing more in next newsletter but enjoyed the few I had this week! | |
Royal Cheesecake Factory: |
Royal Cheesecake Factory:
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GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES: | |
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD | |
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War in Ukraine
Ukrainian troops took the city of Izium in the country’s east from Russian forces, and made more gains in other regions, the military said.
The seizure was the latest triumph in a Ukrainian advance that has reshaped the war in just days.
Here’s where Russian forces are retreating in northeastern Ukraine.
Once-vocal supporters of Russia’s invasion criticized President Vladimir Putin over the retreat.
Bridge building has become a crucial, if low-tech, tool for both sides in the war.
Other Big Stories
New York’s Hasidic leaders have denied children a basic education by focusing yeshiva schools on religious instruction at the expense of subjects like English and math.
The criminalization of abortion in some states has changed how doctors treat women with complicated pregnancies.
A Las Vegas reporter withstood blowback and intimidation over his exposés. But now a local official is charged in his stabbing death.
Many of Donald Trump’s lawyers end up facing legal problems of their own.
Iga Swiatek of Poland beat Ons Jabeur to win the U.S. Open women’s singles title.
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Wake County Commissioners Approves $5 million to fight Opioid Crisis.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved $4.85 million in opioid abatement funding from the National Opioid Settlement.
Forman’s office has been working alongside community members for months to help understand the greatest needs to help those facing opioid addiction. The plan, which the Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday, budgets $4.85 million from the national settlement for opioid abatement programs in Wake County for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
North Carolina accepted its portion of the settlement in November 2021, opening the door for roughly $750 million to be given statewide. Wake will get $36 million of the $750 million over the next 18 years.
Of the roughly $6.85 million available to the county next fiscal year, just under $5 million will “frontload” programs tackling immediate needs, Forman explained. The remaining $2 million in uncommitted funds will be rolled over for future projects.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced in March that an average of nine North Carolinians died each day from a drug overdose in 2020, a 40% increase from the previous year. In Wake County, 222 people died from overdoses last year.
Here’s a breakdown of how the funds are currently slated to be allocated:
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment- $2 million
- Fund medication for uninsured or underinsured patients
- Assist in continuity of care from local providers
- Provide additional resources to patients in treatment
- Care Navigation – $1.5 million
- Early Identification and Intervention – $600,000
- Expand educational training for youth, parents, teachers, coaches, youth ministers, employers and others who encounter young people
- Training in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Housing Access and Support – $750,000
- Includes supportive housing, housing assistance and recovery housing for patients
- Training for housing providers
Where to get help
Those in crisis can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357.
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Wake County Commissioners Consider Changing Outdoor Shooting Ordinance
Wake County Commissioners are contemplating changing the outdoor shooting ordinance. This comes after residents in Knightdale have complained about stray bullets hitting their property.
Over the last year, deputies responded to 128 shots fired calls around Knightdale. Over the course of that year, those shots have hit homes, split fences and rattled the neighbors’ sense of safety.
Under the current ordinance, you are not allowed to fire a gun within 100 yards of a home.
The discussion will continue at the next public hearing on this topic scheduled for September.
A current proposal would change the minimum distance to 300 yards.
The recommendation would also require a backstop to contain projectiles once fired.
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34% of NC Schools are low performing.
North Carolina education officials released testing results for each district statewide for the 2021-22 school year Thursday, and the results showed most schools are still feeling the effects of learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 400 more schools will be on the state's "low-performing" schools list this fall, according to the data released Thursday. About one in three schools will now be on the list, with 864 total designated under new test scores, up from 488 during the 2018-19 school year, WRAL found.
The Department of Public Instruction released full data for each district in the state, including breakdowns by race and other subgroups for every school in North Carolina. State leaders said there was an improvement from the 2020-21 school year, when districts struggled to establish effective teaching habits at the onset of the pandemic.
Schools placed on the low-performing list must draft plans to improve their test results. Schools that have been on the list for two out of the past three testing years will be considered "recurring" or "continually" low-performing.
Those schools will be eligible to apply for the Restart program, which gives public schools charter school-like flexibility to change how they operate for the sake of improved academic performance.
The North Carolina General assembly defines low-performing schools as those that receive a school performance grade of D or F and a school growth score of "met expected growth" or "not met expected growth".
Growth is a measurement of how much a student has learned. The NC DPI says it's determined by measuring expected progress against actual progress.
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North Carolina Supreme Court Hears Leandro Case
North Carolina Supreme Court justices questioned attorneys Wednesday over a riddle that’s key to unlocking billions of dollars to fix deficiencies in the state’s public schools: who has the authority to order such a spending plan — and is one needed in the first place?
Lawyers for parents, school boards and legislative leaders argued over whether a court can even order a remedy to the problems it finds.
Lawmakers’ attorneys argued that the court doesn’t have that authority, and that problems with the state’s schools were isolated to one county. Meanwhile, attorneys for parents and school boards say the deficiencies are statewide, that they require billions of dollars to fix, and that the court indeed has the right to order the funding.
The remedial plan that was borne from the lawsuit calls for $785 million this year, and eventually billions more, toward increased funding for students with disabilities and other disadvantaged students, as well as other education programs and policy changes.
The plan comes from a consent order in 2021, agreed to by plaintiffs in the Leandro case and the state’s executive branch.
Despite the agreement, which was signed by a judge, lawmakers didn’t fund the plan in the months immediately following its approval.
Judge W. David Lee, who previously presided over the case, issued another order in November telling a handful of state executives to cut a check of state surplus funds to do so. A North Carolina Court of Appeals panel halted the order, and the parties in the lawsuit appealed that decision to the state Supreme Court.
How the court rules could determine whether the state’s 1.5 million public schoolchildren see a resolution to this case any time soon. Justices have not issued a timetable for ruling.
The Leandro lawsuit — known for a former plaintiff — was filed against the state in 1994 by five lower-income school boards and families who said they were being denied an adequate education. The state Supreme Court ruled in 2004 that students had been denied the opportunity to access a “sound basic education” and ordered the state to fix that, leaving it up to lawmakers and the governor for the time being.
The so-called Leandro Plan from 2021 calls for at least $5.6 billion in new, annual education spending by 2028, as well as numerous policy changes concerning school improvement and accountability.
The state’s education budget is more than $11 billion.
On Wednesday, Justices heard oral arguments on the appeal for more than an hour and a half. Arguments rehashed months of debate but featured two new things: The first state Supreme Court appearance in the case for the state’s top two legislative leaders and extensive debate brought by those legislators over whether shortcomings in the state’s education system had ever really been proven.
This is not a contest between those that want to fund education and those that don’t,” Matthew Tilley—a lawyer for state Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, who are intervenors—told justices.
Rather, Tilley said, the state Supreme Court must weigh whether a judge can order lawmakers or others to fix — in a specific way — what the court says they’re failing to do and determine the extent a resolution is necessary. Berger and Moore don’t like the plan, though Democratic lawmakers favor it. Berger and Moore argue only lawmakers have the power to decide how to spend the state’s money.
Meanwhile, plaintiffs and attorneys for the governor and attorney general argued the court must be able to order a resolution.
For years since the state Supreme Court found the state was not providing an adequate education, the state’s legislative and executive branches — including prior governors and attorneys general, including current Gov. Roy Cooper — had not come up with a plan to fix the situation, lawyers for the legislators argued
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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!
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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PBS NC
- Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
- Sundays at 4 p.m.
- Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.
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NC Channel
- Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays at 1:30 a.m.
- Sundays at 6 p.m.
- Mondays at 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
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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!
Enjoyed Radio Nyra Interview with Wake Tech President Scott Ralls.
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1132231454395362/?t=26
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Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2852956421664760
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TAHTS HEALTHFAIR
Registration for TAHTS HEALTHFAIR is Sept 1.
Fair is Oct. 22 at HSNC from 9 am to 1 pm!
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Sept. 24th - Town of Morrisville International Festival | Join us on Sept. 24th for Town of Morrisville International Festival! 2 pm to 6 pm on Town Hall Drive! | |
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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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