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HANUKKAH AND PEARL HARBOR EDITION | |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
December 11, 2023
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
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SANTA VISITS MORRISVILLE AT TREE LIGHTING!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our Holiday Tree Lighting last week.
I enjoyed meeting Santa and look forward to his visit on Christmas eve. Also, the Grinch was spotted crashing our event, but we locked him up, where he belongs.
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SANTA SPOTTED IN PROVIDENCE PLACE
Santa dropped in last week to Providence Place for the Tree Lighting. He is using more Smart City and AI Technology and is watching us very closely. Real Time Data and Analytics is helping him in more accurate predictions in who is naughty and nice.
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SAVE THE DATE:
Dec 12th Swearing In Ceremonies for Council Members Garimella, Robotti and Liz Johnson at 6 pm at Morrisville Town Hall. (100 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560)
Dec. 13th Cary Hannukah at Old Library Site at 310 S. Academy St. to light the menorah on the seventh night of Hanukkah. (Visit www.townofcary.org for more information on Parking).
Dec 14th Menorah Lighting at 6 pm at Indian Creek Trail!
Registration for Swim with Santa opened on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 a.m., and is on Friday, Dec 15th at 4 pm. Register at https://bit.ly/3R0vxBg
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HAPPY HANUKKAH
My Hanukkah Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/314529614734578
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish festival that usually falls in December, lasting for eight nights and days. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. The festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE, following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
The story of Hanukkah is rooted in historical events. In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was under the control of the Seleucid King Antiochus IV, who outlawed Judaism and desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem. A group of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees successfully revolted against the Seleucids, and after reclaiming the temple, they found only enough ritually pure oil to light the menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) for one day. Miraculously, the small amount of oil lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights.
The central ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, also called a Hanukkiah, which has nine branches. Eight branches represent each night of the festival, and an additional branch, often placed higher or lower than the others, holds the "shamash" (attendant) candle used to light the other candles.
Other customs associated with Hanukkah include playing a game with a spinning top called a dreidel, eating foods fried in oil (such as latkes, potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts), and exchanging gifts. It is a time for family gatherings, prayers, and expressions of gratitude.
Hanukkah holds significance not only as a historical and religious observance but also as a celebration of religious freedom, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
I cannot think of a better time than now than to celebrate light over darkness.
Just as we did during Diwali, let us always remember that the most important light of all, is not the light of a lamp, fire or candle, but the light and love of our hearts which will always lift us out of the darkness.
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REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR DAY
My Pearl Harbor Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1016395166324865
Last week, we remember Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7, 1941, when our nation was attacked and led to the greatest generation fighting for our nation and world in World War II. Our family has a personal connection to WWII, as my grandfather, Major S.V. Rao, who fought the Japanese in Burma.
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred without a declaration of war and resulted in significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Japanese launched a series of air raids targeting battleships, cruisers, and aircraft at the naval base.
The most notable losses included the sinking or severe damage of eight battleships, several cruisers, and nearly 200 aircraft. The USS Arizona, in particular, suffered a catastrophic explosion and sank, becoming a symbol of the attack.
In total, the attack resulted in the deaths of more than 2,400 Americans and left over 1,100 wounded. The event shocked the American public and prompted the United States to declare war on Japan the next day, marking its entry into World War II.
The attack on Pearl Harbor is considered a pivotal moment in history, leading to the United States' commitment to fighting in both the Pacific and European theaters of the war. It played a significant role in shaping the course of World War II and had lasting effects on the geopolitical landscape. The phrase "Remember Pearl Harbor" became a rallying cry for Americans during the war and is still remembered as a symbol of the country's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred without a declaration of war and resulted in significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Japanese launched a series of air raids targeting battleships, cruisers, and aircraft at the naval base. The most notable losses included the sinking or severe damage of eight battleships, several cruisers, and nearly 200 aircraft. The USS Arizona, in particular, suffered a catastrophic explosion and sank, becoming a symbol of the attack.
In total, the attack resulted in the deaths of more than 2,400 Americans and left over 1,100 wounded. The event shocked the American public and prompted the United States to declare war on Japan the next day, marking its entry into World War II.
On this day, let us take a moment to remember our Avengers, our heroes, our World War 11 Veterans and remember any soldier who has paid the ultimate price for our Freedom.
They remind us that Freedom is not only worth fighting for, but dying for.
Today, I end this post with President Lincoln's words on the fields of Gettysburg:
We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.
God Bless the United States of America and remember that this Republic shall endure forever.
We will never forget our Greatest Generation.
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EVERY SATURDAY IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!
My Small Business Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2891280684342597
On Saturday, I kicked off Small Business Saturday with some visits to Some Small Businesses in Morrisville and Cary and also visited some Start Ups in Raleigh. (Posting these visits later today along with my video interviews with everyone.
It was great to visit Honest, Emapanadas and More, Raj Jewels, Postal Express, and Mo's Barbershop.
It went so well that I will be visiting small businesses every Saturday across the County, starting next week with stops in downtown Apex, downtown Cary, and other Wake municipalities.
Let's continue to support our small businesses and continue to grow our economy!
Shop Small!
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SARIKA BANSAL SWORN INTO OFFICE
Council Member Bansal's remarks: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1571475870348116
Sarika Bansal has made history, becoming the first Indian American woman to serve on the Cary Council and in Wake County as she took the oath of office with Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.
Join me in congratulating her family.
I congratulate Sarika, Naresh, and Aanya for enduring a harsh campaign over the past 6 months. They showed such courage and strength in the midst of a tsunami of negative and personal attacks.
Good Luck Sarika and I look forward to working with you as you begin your new journey of public service!
Also, I congratulate Michelle Craig and Lori Bush for their elections, and of course, thank Don Franz for his exemplary service to the Town of Cary. There would not have been a Cary Downtown like today, if he had not share his passion and vision for this project. Kudos to Jennifer Robinson, who takes on the role of Mayor Pro Tem.
On a personal note, I truly believe that the best thing about being first is to know you are not the last. Her win is a small step for one family, but a giant leap forward for the community.
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FOUNDERS FIRST SUMMIT INSPIRES STARTUPS
A special thanks to Bull City Ventures for hosting the Founders First Summit in Durham at the Carolina Theater. It was great to learn from Investors on the secrets to raising Early Stage Capital, and the challenges of raising money.
Highlights for me were the ending panel on Culture, lead by Delisa Alexander, the former Chief People Officer of Red Hat and to hear about Artificial Intelliegence from Brian Shield, Senior Executive at the Boston Red Sox!
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CAPITOL TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAYS AT THE MANSION!
It was great to be at the Governor's Mansion with Governor Cooper after an inspiring tree lighting at the Capitol.
The Governor is excited about Forge Nano coming to Morrisville and was heading to make calls to recruit candidates for the General Assembly, and then some late-night calls with companies looking to come to NC! This Governor works so hard!
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CONGRATS TO THE NEW APEX COUNCIL!
I was honored to attend the Swearing in Ceremonies for Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert, and Council Members Terry Mahaffey, and Arno Zugerman, all candidates I endorsed in the race.
Congratulations to Ed Gray for taking on the role of Mayor Pro Tem.
Keep up the great work in Apex.
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NC SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH HONORS KOLAPPA FAMILY
Congratulations to the Kolappa family for being recognized for their remarkable contributions to the NC School of Science and Math. It was very special to have so many leaders there from our community along with the Chancellors of the School, including Brock Winslow, and Rep. John Bell, Board Member Tom Looney, and others.
For me the highlights of the afternoon was to hear from Dr. Kamal Kolappa (NCSCM graduate) and his wife, and most importantly to hear how the School is providing so many opportunities to our youth in rural areas of our state who are able to pursue their dreams in Science and STEM fields.
Thanks to Vimal Kolappa and family for making the dreams of others come true!
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HSNC FOOD DRIVE
Insights from Lalit Mahedeshwar on Radio Nyra: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/291292693341436
It was an honor for me to sponsor the HSNC Food Drive this Saturday as 300 meals were prepared for the Durham Rescue Mission and NC State. Thanks to all of the HSNC Volunteers for their hard work and dedication to a stronger community.
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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HSNC GALA!
I wanted to thank HSNC for another amazing Gala. In my next newsletter, I will highlight all of the community leaders who were recognized for their efforts.
Highlights of the evening were hearing from the youth leaders, getting an update on the progress of the HSNC Campus, and of course, the recognition of Sarika Bansal for her historic win in Cary.
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GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!
Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.
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Biden to meet Zelensky on Tuesday and Council of State Races are shaping as Deadline to file ends on Friday. | |
This Week in Morrisville. Dec 11 - Dec 15 | |
Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team
The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full and part-time positions including:
Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.
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Meetings
Dec. 12 – 6:00 p.m. OrganizationalTown Council Meeting
Dec. 13 – 6:00 p.m. Performance Measures Advisory Committee
Dec. 14 – 6:30 p.m. Planning & Zoning Board
Dec. 14 – 6:30 p.m. Smart City Steering Committee
Swim with Santa is Open for Registration
The MAFC will be hosting its annual Swim with Santa event on Friday, Dec. 15. One hour time slots will be available from 4:30-8 p.m. The event will include winter crafts, photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a take-home treat, and open recreation swimming in the program pool and spray ground. Sign-up by visiting this link.
MAFC Virtual Marathon Registration Opens Dec. 11
As you head into the new year, focus on staying active and keeping your body moving. The MAFC virtual marathon will run from Jan.1-Feb. 2. Participants will have the option to join walking, running, biking and/or swimming “marathons,” and all miles can be logged. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Town of Morrisville Menorah Lighting Dec. 14
Join us for the Town's official Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah. There will be hot cider, Hanukkah donuts, and a performance by Jewish recording artist Tali Yess.
General parking for the event will be at Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive) or behind the Town Connector building (240 Town Hall Drive). Accessible parking is available at Indian Creek Trailhead for those displaying disability placards on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yoga Roots Registration Opens Dec. 14
Yoga Roots, a yoga and fitness program for children ages 10 to 14, will open for registration on Dec. 14 for Morrisville residents, and Dec. 16 for non-residents. The group will meet at the MAFC on Thursdays from 4:30-5:20 p.m. beginning Jan. 4 and ending Feb. 8. This class will teach kids the deeper benefits of yoga practice and how to use yoga sequencing to strengthen the body and mind.
The cost is $37 for residents and $48 for non-residents. Click here to register.
Northwest Park Playground Closed for Repairs Until Dec. 15
The playground at Northwest Park (998 Parkside Valley Drive) will be closed until Dec. 15 for repairs. The Town has contracted with Reese Construction to install new surfacing at the playground. The rest of the park will be open. Please be cautious and stay clear of the construction area. Parking will be limited due to construction vehicles. This repair time is weather dependent and subject to change if necessary.
Want to find another playground in Town? Check out these nearby parks:
• Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way
• Indian Creek, 101 Town Hall Drive
• Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway
For questions about this project, contact the Morrisville Public Works Department at (919) 463-7070.
Family Tree Yoga Registration Opens Dec. 16
Parents and guardians are invited to bring children ages 5 through 9 to the MAFC for Family Tree Yoga. Registration opens for residents on Dec. 16 and non-residents on Dec. 18. The class will meet on Saturdays from 2:00-2:50 p.m. starting Jan. 6 and ending Feb. 10. This is the perfect yoga class for busy families to connect with each other.
The cost is $37 for residents and $48 for non-residents. Click here to register.
Morrisville Senior Center Holiday Luncheon Dec. 20
Join the Morrisville Senior Center (4117 Davis Drive) for their annual holiday luncheon and gift exchange on Dec. 20, from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy holiday music and a catered lunch with friends. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange, come prepared with a wrapped gift valued at $10 or more. Please do not bring gag gifts.
The cost for this event is $12 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Register to save your spot here.
Stirrup Iron Creek Greenway Feasibility Study Public Engagement
The Town of Morrisville was recently awarded a grant through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) to evaluate the preferred alignment and feasibility of the Stirrup Iron Creek Greenway.
Learn more about the study and take the survey here.
Metropolitan Transportation Looking for Feedback on 'Destination 2055'
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHCMPO) are beginning their process to develop the region’s next long-range metropolitan transportation plan, “Destination 2055.” A survey is currently open to gather public feedback on the goals and objectives that will guide the creation of the plan. The survey will be open until January 10.
For more information on the plan please visit the "Destination 2055" website.
To participate in the survey in English click here.
Para participar en esta encuesta en español, por favor haz click aqui.
Applications Open for Community Police Academy
Residents are invited to apply for the Community Police Academy, a free eight-week program designed to give participants a working knowledge of the Morrisville Police Department. It is intended to increase transparency and enhance understanding between the community and the police. The academy will be held Monday nights, from Jan. 8 – Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
Please note: Participants must be age 21 or older and must live or work in Morrisville. Background checks will be done on all applicants.
2024 Year of Wellness at The MAFC
Make 2024 your year of wellness by becoming a regular at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC). Those who purchase a one-year paid-in-full (PIF) membership between January 1-31 will receive 10 percent off with the code “newyear24.” The membership can be purchased in-person at the MAFC, 1301 Morrisville Parkway.
This discount does not apply to any of the other memberships that the MAFC offers.
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers' Market
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.
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Guest at Raleigh Jewish Federation Meeting! | |
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Inspiring Lecture on AI at UNC Global View and time with our Chancellor before he leaves for Michigan State.
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Hosted Reception for General Stein in DC!
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Great time at the Farmers Market Holiday Craft Fair.
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Fun at the Zudeima Holiday Open House at Kitts Creek!
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Small Business Listening Tour: | |
Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company. | |
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COUNCIL OF STATE FILINGS BEGIN!
A bustling crowd of candidate hopefuls stood in line at the Gov. James G. Martin Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh Monday as candidate filing got underway for the 2024 election cycle in North Carolina. The candidate list as of Tuesday morning is available here.
Brook Jones, who has worked for the North Carolina State Election Board since 2004, said he has worked at candidate filings for the last several years, and today was not atypical for the first day of filing.
“The first and last are typically the busiest,” he said. “The last day probably because people get in line and they’re ready to come to file, and we’re supposed to be finished at noon, but if you’re in line, just like voting, if you’ve already checked in, then we keep on going through the process, but definitely there’s a lot of people that want to get their names out there like as early as possible, so it’s no surprise that we got so many people on the very first day.”
CANDIDATES FILE ON THE FIRST DAY
One of those people is Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards, who is running for re-election in NC-11. He told Carolina Journal that his accomplishments in Congress this past year include being part of the House majority that passed legislation to close the border, unleash American energy, get spending under control, and hold the Biden Administration in check, especially with inflation, which he says is the biggest issue facing North Carolinians right now.
Note that Congressman Wiley Nickel will not be running again and that Former State Senator Jeff Tarte will be running for State Auditor.
Read More at https://www.carolinajournal.com/candidate-filings-off-to-busy-start-in-nc/
Jessica Holmes will join Council Of State as State Auditor
https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-state-auditor-jessica-holmes-a170c90bed2d678a351a45c03cfea3d9
Jessica Holmes will serve as North Carolina State Auditor starting Dec. 15, 2023, when current Auditor Beth Wood leaves the post, bringing years of work in government and the law to the job, Governor Roy Cooper announced Thursday.
“North Carolina is fortunate to have a dedicated, enthusiastic public servant in Jessica Holmes willing to take on the important role of State Auditor and I am confident that she will lead the department with determination and hard work,” Governor Cooper said. “Her effective service as chair of the Wake County Commissioners has shown her that every dollar counts when it comes to serving the public in education, public safety, health care, and all the other areas that support our state’s people.”
The North Carolina Auditor serves as the lead evaluator for all state government agencies, including universities, colleges and the judiciary among others, examining whether agencies are following state law by using the proper financial controls and meeting performance standards. The Auditor also serves as an ex-officio member on the Local Government Commission, which oversees the operations for hundreds of towns, cities and counties.
Holmes is an attorney who now works as Deputy Industrial Commissioner. She previously was elected to two terms on the Wake County Board of Commissioners overseeing North Carolina’s most populous county of more than a million people and its approximately $1.5 billion dollar budget. She was twice elected as commission chair.
I have always admired the wisdom, integrity, and compassionate heart of Jessica Holmes and am very proud of my friend now serving on the Council of State. She will work hard and do well and North Carolina will be the beneficiary of her strong leadership.
She will be sworn in on Dec. 16th at 10 am at the NC Museum of History.
UNC CHANCELLOR LEAVING FOR MICHIGAN STATE
Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving his position as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to become the 22nd president at Michigan State University.
The Board of Trustees at MSU made the announcement Friday morning via a Zoom call available to the public. Guskiewicz will officially take the president position on March 4, 2024, also serving as a tenured professor in the Department of Kinesiology within the MSU Department of Education.
Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/unc-chancellor-kevin-guskiewicz-leaving-for-michigan-state-university/21183475/
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
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1. President Joe Biden invited Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, to meet him at the White House on Tuesday. The pair will discuss the “vital importance” of continued American support in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Mr Zelensky will also address some American senators in an attempt to win support. Last week Republicans blocked a new funding package for Ukraine.
2. Hamas said that Israel would not receive its “prisoners alive” unless it agrees to “an exchange and negotiation”. But Qatar’s prime minister said that the possibility of securing a new ceasefire is diminishing. Meanwhile Israel’s army reached the centre of Khan Younis, a city in the south of the Gaza Strip. Some 18,000 people in Gaza have been killed since October 7th, according to the enclave’s Hamas-run health ministry.
3. India’s Supreme Court upheld a decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, a former state in the north of the country. In 2019 Narendra Modi, the country’s prime minister, repealed Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which had granted considerable autonomy to the region. Police tightened security in Kashmir ahead of the announcement on Monday.
4. Vladimir Putin announced he will seek another six-year term as Russia’s president ahead of elections set to take place next May. His bid for re-election was widely expected; in 2020 he changed Russia’s constitution to allow him to rule until 2036. Mr Putin, who has led Russia since 1999, is a shoo-in for victory—he has quashed all credible opposition.
5. . America vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a release of all hostages. All other members voted for the resolution, except Britain, which abstained. Earlier, Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, said there was a gap between Israel’s “intent to protect civilians” in Gaza and what it has been doing on the ground.
6. The European Union agreed a landmark set of laws to regulate artificial intelligence. The deal came after lengthy talks between the European Parliament and the EU’s 27 member states. Few details have emerged, but the bill will reportedly restrict the use of AI-driven surveillance. The European Parliament will vote on the “AI Act” next year and it will not take effect before 2025.
7. A group of 117 countries, ranging from Britain to Kenya, criticised OPEC, a cartel of oil-exporting nations, over its rejection of language in the COP28 climate agreement concerning the “phasing out” of fossil fuels. Negotiations over a final statement, which will summarise progress made at the conference in the UAE, are at a critical stage. The summit is scheduled to close on Tuesday.
8. Bernardo Arévalo, Guatemala’s president-elect, said a new attempt to invalidate his election win was an “attempted coup”. Public prosecutors in Guatemala accused Mr Arévalo of mishandling political funds and suggested presidential election results from August could be overturned. The country’s Supreme Election Tribunal later refuted that possibility. Mr Arévalo, an anti-corruption campaigner, is set to be sworn in on January 14th.
9. Nadia Calviño, Spain’s finance minister since 2018, was appointed president of the European Investment Bank, the world’s largest multilateral lender. The EU institution finances large-scale projects across the bloc. Ms Calviño, who is also a deputy prime minister, was approved for the job by EU finance ministers on Friday. She will be the first woman to lead the bank.
10. America’s Food and Drug Administration approved exa-cel, the world’s first treatment using CRISPR, a precise form of gene editing . It follows approval by regulators in Britain in November. The therapy will treat sickle-cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. Although the effects are expected to be lifelong, it is likely to be prohibitively expensive for many patients.
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Dec. 12th Morrisville Council Swearing In Ceremonies at 6 p, at Morrisville Town Hall.
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DEC 20th Morrisville Senior Center Holiday Lunch. Noon at the Morrisville Senior Center... | | |
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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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