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ELECTION 2024 AND OLYMPICS EDITION: |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
August 02, 2024
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
My Message on President Biden and VP Harris:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/792193253112862
It has been a busy few weeks so I was delayed in sending out this newsletter and of course, the election is only 100 days away and there have been some very significant changes with Vice President Harris now the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States and we wish President Biden all the best when he leaves the Presidency in Jan. 2025.
Vice President Harris will be visiting Raleigh this week with her Vice Presidential pick! The suspense is killing me!
Remember to register to Vote! https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering
During the next week, I plan to visit some Sports Venues and Facilities in Wake County to celebrate the Olympic Spirit! If you want me to drop in, please send me a note!
Enjoy the Olympics! I cannot think of a better time than now to use sports as bridge to celebrate our unity in diversity!
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I am excited to announce a new mobile platform, VoteVocal that I am on, VoteVocal. By logging into the mobile App, you can:
- Reach me directly over phone or via email
- Access my social media pages - X, Facebook & Instagram
- Download my newsletter(s)
- File grievances that would reach me directly.
- Learn about my priorities for the community and the current status of major issues facing the Town and County.
I am at your service and through the VoteVocal platform we communicate much better and I intend to enhance by digital communication strategy and reach with the residents of Morrisville and all of Wake County.
Please download the iOS mobile app by going to VoteVocal.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vote-vocal/id6499540241
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Over the past few days, I have had a number of interviews with the Press about the VP Harris nominaton and other issues! Enjoy! | |
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL COUNT AND ALERTS | |
The United States Leads the Medal Count!
USA 26
France 19
China 15
Great Britain 14
Japan 13
Katie Ledecky wins 1500 meter Freestyle! Greatest Female Olympic swimmer of all time!
USA Womens' Gymnastics wins gold!
Get all Highlights and Updates at https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024.
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Djokovic knocks out Nadal! Could it be their last meeting? Novak on to Quarters and Nadalcaraz out of Doubles!
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Simon Biles wins Gold in All Around! The Greatest ever!
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Aug 2 Music in the Park.Healthy Food Hub 6 - 8 pm! Jason Adamo!
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Aug 3 Triangle Community Health Fair at HSNC in Morrisville 9 am t0 4 pm Blood Draw is July 27!
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Aug 10 SMORESVILLE at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560) 4 to 7 pm!
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Registration for Morrisville 101 is now open! Morrisville 101 is an annual community academy for residents interested in local government.
This is a free program for residents ages 16 and older. The program will begin Oct. 23 and will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. once a week for five weeks. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit morrisvillenc.gov/msv101
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NORTH CAROLINA NEWS ALERT | |
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, AN AMERICAN PATRIOT | |
*These pictures taken at President Biden's visit to Wolfspeed in March 2023 where I was able to share my love for Delaware, my second home!
Last week, I had the honor of listening to a great American Patriot, President Joe Biden, a leader who has tirelessly worked to steer our nation through challenging times with resilience and a steadfast commitment to the values that define us as Americans.
During his address to the nation, President Biden reminded all of us that a boy with a stutter from humble beginnings can end up behind the resolute desk of the Oval Office, where other Presidents have sat, leading our nation through the best of times and the worst of times.
These pictures were taken when he visited Wolfspeed last year. I was able to let him know that I went to St. Andrews in Delaware, won the state tennis championship in 1987, and grew up in his state, playing against his alma mater, Archmere, where he and his sons went. He joked, you know the last Councilman to become a US Senator and President? Me, he said with a smile on his face.
Seriously, I want to thank him for reminding us that the love of our nation is more important than any title, or job. He was willing to leave and give up his power and pass the mantle on, leaving it up to us, We the People, to decide who our next President will be.
President Biden has had much darkness in his life, losing a wife and two children (Beau Biden a few years ago) I know Beau is in heaven, smiling and proud that the nation he loved so much could see the integrity of his father shine like a light on all of us, and give us hope in the promise of unity.
For over 60 years, President Biden was able to get our of the dark cloud around him by finding his own light in the service of our nation. We are grateful. We will always remember this Preisdent now as the George Washington of our era, whose legacy will live on in every breath of freedom we take from here on out.
Now, our children and grandchildren saw what a true leader is made of, and perhaps, a young boy or girl, enduring setbacks and misery today, can one day sit in the Oval Office as our President.
God Bless President Biden, Jill Biden, the Biden family and our entire nation.
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President Joe Biden's service to the nation spans over five decades, marked by significant legislative accomplishments, leadership through crises, and a steadfast commitment to the American people. His tenure as President is characterized by efforts to heal and rebuild the nation amidst unprecedented challenges.
Join me for a trip down memory lane!
Early Political Career: Joe Biden was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, representing Delaware at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the Senate.
Key Legislative Work: During his 36 years in the Senate, Biden played a pivotal role in major legislative initiatives, including:
The Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which provided resources to combat domestic violence and sexual assault.
Key contributions to the 1994 Crime Bill, although this legislation has since been re-evaluated for its impact on mass incarceration.
Vice Presidency
Vice President (2009-2017): Biden served as Vice President under President Barack Obama for two terms. Key highlights include:
Economic Recovery: He was instrumental in the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009, helping to steer the country out of the Great Recession.
Foreign Policy: Biden played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in areas like the Iraq War, where he advocated for a strategy shift.
Healthcare: He was a key advocate for the Affordable Care Act, which expanded healthcare coverage to millions of Americans.
Presidency
President (2021-Present): As the 46th President of the United States, Biden has faced numerous challenges and has made several significant contributions:
COVID-19 Response: Oversaw a massive vaccination campaign and implemented policies to manage the pandemic and its economic impact.
Infrastructure Investment: Signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, which allocates significant funds to rebuild roads, bridges, and improve broadband access.
Climate Action: Rejoined the Paris Agreement and advanced numerous policies aimed at addressing climate change.
Economic Measures: Implemented the American Rescue Plan, providing relief to families, businesses, and local governments affected by the pandemic.
Commitment to Public Service: Biden’s career is marked by a commitment to public service, advocacy for middle-class Americans, and a focus on unity and bipartisanship.
Resilience and Personal Story: His personal resilience in the face of tragedy, including the loss of his first wife and daughter in a car accident and the death of his son Beau Biden, has been a defining aspect of his public persona.
Advocacy for Civil Rights: Throughout his career, Biden has been a consistent advocate for civil rights and social justice, working towards equality and fairness for all Americans.
Join me in thanking President Biden for his dedicated service to our nation.
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VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS | |
Kamala Harris is the 49th Vice President of the United States, serving since January 20, 2021. She is the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of Vice President. Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Before becoming Vice President, she served as a U.S. Senator from California from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that, she was the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. Harris is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a significant figure in American politics, known for her work on criminal justice reform, immigration, and civil rights.
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THE INSPIRING STORY OF VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS | |
Kamala Harris's life story is marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements and a commitment to public service. She is one step away from becoming the first female President of the United States.
Early Life and Education
Born: October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California.
Parents: Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian American cancer researcher, and Donald Harris, a Jamaican American professor of economics.
Education:
Attended Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree in political science and economics.
Received her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Early Career
Deputy District Attorney: Started her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she focused on prosecuting cases of gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse.
San Francisco District Attorney's Office: Worked in various roles, including head of the Career Criminal Division.
Political Career
District Attorney of San Francisco:
Elected in 2003, becoming the first woman and first African American to hold the office.
Focused on combating truancy, reforming the criminal justice system, and promoting rehabilitation over incarceration.
Attorney General of California:
Elected in 2010, re-elected in 2014.
First woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to hold the office.
Known for her work on foreclosure crisis, criminal justice reform, and environmental issues.
U.S. Senator from California:
Elected in 2016.
Served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Select Committee on Intelligence.
Advocated for healthcare reform, immigration reform, and social justice issues.
Vice President of the United States
2020 Presidential Campaign:
Ran for the Democratic nomination for President but ended her campaign before the primaries.
Selected by Joe Biden as his running mate in August 2020.
Elected as Vice President in November 2020, inaugurated on January 20, 2021.
Vice Presidential Achievements
Historic Firsts:
First female Vice President, first Black Vice President, and first South Asian Vice President.
Advocates for various issues including the COVID-19 pandemic response, immigration reform, voting rights, and economic equity.
Personal Life
Married to Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer, since 2014.
Step-mother to Emhoff's two children from his previous marriage.
WHO WILL BE HER PICK FOR VICE PRESIDENT?
- Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes)
- Governor Tim Waltz, Minnesota (10 electoral votes)
- Senator Mark Kelly, Arizona (11 electoral votes )
- Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeg, Indiana (11 electoral votes)
Governor Cooper is out of consideration but North Carolina has electoral votes!
In my next newsletter, I will be explaining in more detail on how the electoral college works, and how a candidate can win the popular vote and lost the electoral college.
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Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes) | |
Governor Tim Waltz, Minnesota (10 electoral votes) | |
Senator Mark Kelly, Arizona (11 electoral votes ) | |
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeg, Indiana (11 electoral votes) | |
CELEBRATING THE OLYMPIC GAMES | |
My Message on Olympics: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1005464871116879
The Olympics embody values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The Olympic Creed emphasizes participation over winning, promoting the idea that the effort to compete is what truly matters. I cannot think of a better time than now than to celebrate our unity in diversity through sports which can serve as a bridge to cultures from all around the world.
The Olympic Games, a premier international sporting event, bring together athletes from around the globe to compete in a wide range of sports. Held every four years, the Games alternate between the Summer and Winter Olympics, showcasing human excellence and promoting unity and peace through sports.
Historical Background
Ancient Origins: The Olympics date back to ancient Greece, around 776 BC, in Olympia. These games were held every four years in honor of Zeus and included various athletic competitions.
Modern Revival: The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian. The first modern Olympics took place in Athens, Greece, featuring 13 countries and 43 events.
Structure and Format
Summer Olympics: Held every four years, the Summer Games feature a wide array of sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and more.
Winter Olympics: Also held every four years, but alternating with the Summer Games, the Winter Olympics focus on sports such as skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey.
Paralympics: These games are held immediately following the Olympics and feature athletes with disabilities.
Youth Olympics: Targeted at young athletes aged 14 to 18, the Youth Olympics focus on sports and cultural education.
Cultural and Social Impact
Global Unity: The Olympics promote international peace and unity by bringing together athletes and fans from diverse backgrounds.
Cultural Exchange: Host cities showcase their culture, history, and traditions to a global audience, fostering cultural appreciation and exchange.
Notable Moments
Historic Performances: The Olympics have seen countless historic performances, such as Usain Bolt’s record-breaking sprints and Michael Phelps' unprecedented 23 gold medals.
Inspirational Stories: Athletes like Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio to become a triple gold medalist, inspire generations.
Economic and Political Aspects
Economic Impact: Hosting the Olympics can boost tourism, infrastructure, and global recognition for the host city. However, it also involves significant costs and potential financial risks.
Political Statements: The Olympics have often been a platform for political statements, such as the Black Power salute in 1968 and the boycotts during the Cold War era.
Technological Advances
Sports Technology: Advances in technology have revolutionized training methods, equipment, and broadcasting, enhancing both performance and viewer experience.
Sustainability Efforts: Recent games have focused on sustainability, with efforts to reduce the environmental footprint through eco-friendly venues and practices.
Future of the Olympics
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Paris in 2024, followed by the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina in 2026. These events are expected to introduce new sports and innovations.
Evolving Format: The Olympics continue to evolve, with efforts to include more youth-focused and gender-equal events, as well as embracing new sports such as skateboarding and surfing.
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FOR MY WEST VIRGINIA FAMILY, WEST VIRGINIA WILL ALWAYS BE HOME -Sonia Rao
https://www.100daysinappalachia.com/2024/07/for-my-indian-american-family-west-virginia-will-always-be-home/
West Virginia” is never what people are looking for when they ask where my family is from.
The first week of January, my dad and I drove five hours from our house in North Carolina to visit his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, for a family friend’s memorial service. We drove the same route we’d taken many times during my childhood, up through Greensboro, stopping in Wytheville and Beckley.
I was not born in Charleston and did not grow up there. But I feel a connection to the city, and the Appalachian region where my family lived for more than 30 years.
I identify as South Asian and Southern American, two identities that have been difficult to reconcile.
The idea of Asian-Americanness and Southernness seen as opposing identities is expressed by scholars Jigna Desai and Khyati Y. Joshi in Discrepancies in Dixie: Asian Americans and the South. “The figure of the Asian American is perceived to be discrepant in and antithetical to the U.S. South,” they write. “Within the American imaginary, the Asian American as perpetual foreigner and alien is always seen as a recent immigrant, and therefore associated with contemporary times, while the South is perceived as an anachronistic and isolated region; this renders the two—the Asian American and the South—allegedly mutually exclusive and incongruous.”
My family’s story, and those of many others, directly disprove this notion.
I grew up in the Triangle, a hotspot for Asian-Americans in the South, living down the street from my grandparents. I was raised on stories about their decades in Charleston, where they were surrounded by a small community of South Asians who became their found family.
My grandparents, Pejawar Murali Dhar Rao and Nirmala Rao – whom I call “Ajja” and “Doma” – immigrated to New London, Connecticut in the late ‘60s from Madras, India, so Ajja could complete surgical training. In 1969, Ajja had to decide where to complete his residency. A former classmate from Madras encouraged Ajja to join him in Charleston.
My great-grandfather sent them discouraging cables from India: “It’s not a very rich state,” he wrote. “Don’t go there.”
But my grandparents, uprooted from their family and home, desired living near familiar people. “I need to go,” Ajja responded to my great-grandfather. “But I know someone I can lean on if I don’t do well.”
When Ajja started his residency at Charleston General Hospital, there were only three other South Asian families living in the area.
“We were family,” Doma always says about her friends from Charleston. They took care of each other. When my dad was born, Ajja was chief resident at the hospital and could not take shifts off. Doma spent the night at her friend’s house until she went into labor. The friend, whom Doma is still in touch with, drove her to the hospital in the morning and held her hand as she delivered the baby.
Even now, this community is connected. My grandparents call their friends every night, visit every few months and travel together.
“Because of the distance from the family, you didn’t have FaceTime, video calls, cell phones. If you called India it was long-distance, so we only called every few months, every year, maybe,” my dad said. “So the Indians going through the same experience, we became very closely knit, and those became our closest family members.”
It is this sense of family that permeated our most recent visit to Charleston. When we paused our drive in Princeton, West Virginia, my dad glanced at a man walking towards us, and after a second look, shouted his name. He was someone my dad had grown up playing tennis with in Charleston, en route to a family ski trip.
Theirs was the first of many reunions. My dad spent the rest of our drive making calls. Instead of going to our hotel, we made visits to see my dad’s childhood best friends and their families, who were aunts and uncles to my dad. We drove past my dad’s elementary school, the home he grew up in, the tennis center where he spent his formative years, his favorite bookstore.
My dad could not stop reflecting about how much the people and places he loved had changed. He called my grandparents, who reminded him that, like the rest of the South, Charleston had been changing for a long time.
From the 1970s when my family moved to Charleston onward, the South Asian population grew. West Virginia’s Asian-American Pacific Islander population, which the state didn’t count in 1970, was about 5,000 in 1980. (Today, that number is about 14,000).
My grandparents came to America on a tourist visa and were one of many families who gained citizenship from the 1965 Hart-Cellar Immigration Act, which allowed thousands of doctors, engineers and other professionals to immigrate to the U.S. during the ‘70s and ‘80s. The 1965 act is often credited with kicking off large-scale immigration from Asia to the U.S., although Asian people have existed in America long before the mid-20th century, coming over 150 years ago as laborers who mined, farmed and built railroads.
Southern states since the 1980s have been home to rapidly increasing Asian populations due to changes in the Southern economy, which have shifted migration patterns towards the South, according to Desai and Joshi.
This has influenced the region, including how Asian-American religious communities have formed and developed – Buddhist and Hindu temples, gurdwaras, mosques, and Korean churches.
“Often, Asian American religious communities have had to establish and maintain themselves in this hostile terrain by creating and fortifying clearly demarcated ethno religious spaces, by exposing and guarding against the normative influence of Christianity, and by slowly adapting social and political structures to accommodate religious diversity and difference through legal, cultural, and media activism,” Desai and Joshi write.
Every Sunday, when most people went to church, my grandparents met at their friends’ houses to conduct pujas – Hindu worship ceremonies – and share food.
Occasionally, they would drive more than three hours to the closest Hindu temple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My grandmother says the drive was worth it to expose her two sons to more Indian culture. Eventually, the community worked together to raise money and build the India Center, a space where they held religious and cultural events, and rented out to locals to increase knowledge of Indian traditions.
The India Center, where our family friend’s memorial was held, was my dad and I’s final destination in Charleston. This “uncle” had been one of my grandparents’ first friends in Charleston.
I joined my dad on the trip because I wanted to pay my respects. But more than that, I knew it might be the only chance I had to witness a glimpse of the Charleston childhood my dad always refers to as “the best days of his life.”
I was right. More than 100 people attended the service, eager to pay homage to someone who had been a pillar in their community. Amid hugs, handshakes and some tears, my dad kept turning to me and repeating, “I’m home. I’m home.”
I felt reassured that “West Virginia” is the right answer for people asking where we’re from.
Sonia A. Rao is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying journalism, history and Hindi-Urdu. She has written about education for The Tampa Bay Times, Dallas Morning News, Scalawag Magazine, Hechinger Report and other outlets.
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VACATION WATCH: DYK? The Morrisville Police Department can provide a drive by vacation check to your property this summer while you are out of town. Get all the info and register today at https://bit.ly/4erbTJO
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JULY WAS PARK AND REC MONTH | |
My Insights on Parks and Rec Month: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/7901048686643003
Remember July was National Park and Recreation Month! This year’s theme – Where You Belong! – celebrated the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.
The Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department oversees parks, greenways, athletics, special events, pop-up dog parks, the Dragonfly disc golf course, the Cedar Fork Community Center, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, the Morrisville Senior Center, professional cricket, and facility and shelter rentals.
Learn more at morrisvillenc.gov/parks
#WhereYouBelong #ParksandRecMonth2024.
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DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP | |
DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP | |
Have you downloaded the Morrisville Central mobile app?
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.
Download via Apple Store: https://apple.co/3pKCNrg
Download via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3IfPctA
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Tech Roundtable with Ro Khanna and Deb Ross!
Insights from Congressman Khanna:
https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159714039661360/1016819816314556
I was honored to help Congresswoman Ross Host a Technology Roundtable with Tech leaders at the Central Pine Regional Council on Saturday, July 20 with Congressman Ro Khanna. It was amazing to here his perspective on the changing landscape of technology, particularily in AI, and the opportunities for greater success in our region. He did speak about his representation of the Silicon Valley area, and does believe that we need to have more digital equity across the nation. (Read his Book Dignity in a Digital Age)
A special thanks to Congresswoman Ross for this opportunity and also, for her work in the Congress in Science and Techology.
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Dem Unity Charges Up Democrats!
Last Saturday, I attended the Democratic Unity Dinner. Former House Speaker charged up the attendees and it was wonderful to hear from Governor Cooper and other Democratic leaders, including the rising Star, Anderson Clayton! However, the event was Pre Kamala Harris for President, so the energy levels are even higher now.
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No VP Cooper but I love this Governor!
It was great to catch up with our Governor Roy Cooper, and Gabe Esparza, former Biden Administration official, and candidate for State Treasurer at the Unity Dinner. On a personal note, I was dissapointed by Governor Cooper pulling out of the Vice President Selection process and do believe that his leadership skills and capabilities actually would even make him an even better Presidential Candidate. I thank him for his friendship, support, and most importantly, serving as one of the best Governors in North Carolina history.
Stay tuned for his next Chapter!
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HUNT INSTITUTE FELLOWHIP
Our second meeting of the Hunt Fellowship focused on K-12 education and was two days of engaging and productive discussion. The discussion of opportunity scholarships was very enlightening and the weekend did leave me wonder if our state and country is falling behind when it comes to K-12 investments. It was also great to hear from leaders from DPI, Dr. Robert Taylor from Wake County Schools and our Education Co- Chairs of K-12 in the Legislature, Senator John Torbett and Rep. Marcia Morey.
For me, the session on Bridging the Divide during these divided times, moderated by John Hood, Locke Foundation, and former NC Senator Leslie Winner was a wonderful conversation with Co Hort fellows from around the state. I wil be doing a more detailed recap in a few weeks after the program is completed.
It was wonderful to celebrate my birthday with my class! The next session is Sept. 8th!
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THINKERS LUNCH WITH TOM BOYUM
It was great to attend the Thinkers Lunch hosted by Joe Stewart at the Cantina 18 with special guest Tim Boyum, Spectrum News. My main takeaway from the event was to hear from Tim how much covering politics has changed over the past decade, and also how divisive the politics has become. He does think Trump will win North Carolina, and that the Republicans will hold on to most of the down ballot Council of State Races, with the exception of Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. However the Kamala Harris candidacy may impact the gap in NC, and does put North Carolina in play. This was a remarkable event!
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Arengatam Celebrations!
I was honored to attend the Arangetam celebrations for Sahasara Kurapati, and for Sasara Kambara, with the Kurapati event closing out the weekend
Congratulations to both young ladies for their spectacular performances and to the Kurapati and Kambara families.
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Cary Magazine Honors Morrisville Staff!
Every year, Cary Magazine honors young people who are making a lasting impact in Western Wake, whether they are entrepreneurs or educators, artists or advocates. The Town of Morrisville is proud to have two staff members on the list, Lieutenant Joshua Almond and Planning Manager Brittany Johnson, who were honored at a celebration on Thursday, July 25. See all the recipients and read the features at https://bit.ly/4c0SBsC
📷 L-R: Town Manager Zuidema, Captain Keith Kirkman, Lieutenant Almond, Brittany Johnson, Deputy Town Manager Giselle Rodriguez-Villanueva, Planning Director Michele Stegall, Director of Management Services Jeanne Hooks and Assistant Town Manager John Letteney
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July 23 Council Highlights
Highlights from the July 23, 2024 Morrisville Town Council meeting include:
• Proclamation Recognizing S’Morrisville.
• Pugh House Project Update.
• Public Hearing and Adoption of Two-thirds GO Bond Order.
• Public Hearing on Resolution Approving Town Center Development Agreement.
• Public Hearing on Proposed Major Amendment to the Park West Village Mixed-Use
Planned Development District
Read the full details at https://bit.ly/4fl3VlN
#LiveConnectedLiveWell
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THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE July29-AUG2 | |
THE BOOK MOBILE IS COMING YOUR WAY!
The Bookmobile is rolling into Lake Crabtree County Park this week and next! Stop by this #LibraryOnTheGo to grab new books, return old ones or participate in a storytime before you explore the park!
🚌 Bookmobile
📅 July 29, 31; Aug. 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9
🕙 10 a.m.-noon
📚 Family Storytime
📅 July 29, 31; Aug. 5, 7
🕥 10:30 a.m.
Check the website at https://ow.ly/oKla50SKoU2 for a full list of events!
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Want to make a real difference in keeping Morrisville safe? Be the eyes and ears of law enforcement by starting or joining a Neighborhood Watch program in your area! It's a great way to strengthen our community bonds and help prevent crime.
How it works:
Stay Alert – Keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
Stay Connected – Share information with fellow neighbors.
Work with Us – Partner with local law enforcement to address concerns.
Interested in getting started? Contact Officer D. Schmitt at dschmitt@morrisvillenc.gov or (919) 463-1614.
Together, we can make our neighborhoods safer!
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Major Outages Causing Disruptions
The Town of Morrisville’s Development Services (Inspections, Planning and Engineering departments) are currently experiencing a software outage that is impacting services.
During this time, certain functionalities may be temporarily unavailable. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and are working diligently to minimize any disruptions. For departmental assistance, please use the contacts below:
Inspections/Building Permits - permits@morrisvillenc.gov
Planning- Morrisville- planning@morrisvillenc.gov
Engineering - Morrisville- engineering@morrisvillenc.gov
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Vacation Watch Now Open
Summer vacations are more fun without worries! Morrisville residents, don't forget to take extra steps for a stress-free trip and fill out our free vacation watch form. During their regular patrol shift, a Morrisville police officer will drive by your residence as time allows to help enhance security and deter suspicious activity through their visible presence. Just make sure to fill out this form in its entirety, and at least a week prior to your trip.
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2035 Wake Transit Plan Update Survey
The 2035 Wake Transit Plan Update is currently underway. The goal of this update is to outline transit investments from 2026 through 2035. Transit investments will be funded through the existing dedicated taxes and fees for transit in Wake County.
To share your feedback on future transit projects in Wake County, please complete this survey. For more information on the 2035 Wake Transit Plan Update, please visit the project website.
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Fall and Winter Program Registration Opening
Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources fall and winter program registration opens next Friday, July 26, for Morrisville residents. Non-resident registration opens August 5.
Don't miss out on Morrisville's exciting fall/winter programs! Activities are available for all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Recreational programs include:
Before and After School | Age K-5
Family and Child Yoga Classes | Age 5-14
Pickleball Lessons for Beginners and Intermediate Levels | Age 18+
Senior Field Trips and Social Activities | Age 55+
Shotokan Karate for Youth and Teens/Adults | Age 7+
Winter Basketball Leagues | Age 5-12
Register for programs online by clicking here.
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Morrisville Community Park Playground Closed for Renovations
Renovations on Morrisville Community Park's playground (1520 Morrisville Parkway) have begun and are expected to be completed by mid August. In the meantime, explore alternative playground options in town:
Church Street Park (5800 Cricket Pitch Way)
Indian Creek (101 Town Hall Drive)
Northwest Park (998 Parkside Valley Drive)
Shiloh Park (922 Church Street)
Follow Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources on social media for updates on the renovation progress and the anticipated reopening date.
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International Festival Vendor Applications Open
Applications are now open for artisans to participate in the Morrisville International Festival on September 21, 2024. The festival, which runs from 2-7 p.m. along Town Hall Drive, celebrates the town's diversity with food, music and vendors. Interested artisan vendors can find an application here.
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Free Athletics To-Go Clinics
Morrisville Athletics is offering a variety of free one-day clinics for youth to sharpen their basketball, baseball, and volleyball skills this summer. Basketball clinics are scheduled for July 27 and August 24. Baseball clinics will take place on July 16 and July 23. Volleyball clinics are set for July 20.
Limited spots remain, register for these free clinics online here.
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EV Charger Changes Starting August 1
Starting August 1, the Town of Morrisville will be expanding access to its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to better serve residents. To ensure fair access and to accommodate more drivers, a fee will be implemented for usage beyond three hours.
How it works: After three hours (plus a 15-minute grace period) EV owners will be charged $10 per hour with a $100 maximum. The Town continues to offer no-fee charging at Town-owned stations for up to three hours.
The changes to the Town’s EV charger program will be occurring at the locations listed below:
· Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way
· Fire Station No. 3, 1021 Harris Mill Road
· Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, 1301 Morrisville Parkway
· Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway
· Morrisville Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive
The EV charging station at the Public Safety and Municipal Services building will not be included in this change.
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Traffic Signal Changes on Morrisville Carpenter Road
ATTENTION ROAD USERS: The Town of Morrisville would like to alert residents, business owners and visitors of new traffic signals on Morrisville Carpenter Road where it intersects with Old Savannah Drive and Orianna Drive. As we prepare to launch its normal operation, please be aware and use caution when traveling in this area.
Currently, the signals are flashing yellow. On Tuesday, July 16, at approximately 9 a.m., the traffic signals will switch to normal operation (red, yellow, green) on Morrisville Carpenter Road and the crossroads – Old Savannah Drive and Orianna Drive. The pedestrian signals and associated trigger buttons will be activated at this time as well. The stop signs on the crossroads and the temporary flashing beacons there now on Morrisville Carpenter Road will be removed on the same day.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Kitty Thomas at kthomas@morrisvillenc.gov or (919) 463-6917
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Western Wake Farmers Market Saturday
The Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
This week, come pick up a free local melon and/or squash plant and/or beans at the Morrisville Education Garden: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., or until supplies are gone. Information will be given on care and oversight. This is open to all ages, but participants under 13 years old must be accompanied by a registered adult.
WWFM now accepts EBT card withdrawals from SNAP-eligible customers at the Info Tent. They are also currently offering Double Bucks, meaning each withdrawal will be matched 1:1 in value.
CompostNow.org is also now hosting a compost collection site at the market’s information tent. Residents are invited to bring their food scraps and select other items for collection during market hours. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.
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Now Hiring
The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.
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Time with Congressman Khanna and Deb Ross at Tech Roundtable! | | |
Congressman Khanna inspires at Dem Brakfast in Raleigh! | | |
Wake County Schools Superintendent inspires at Hunt Fellowship! | | |
Congrats to Raju Kurapati for a great event | | |
Wake County Schools Superintendent inspires at Hunt Fellowship! | | |
Our next Lieutenant Governor at the Unity Dinner! | | |
Catching up with Fayetteville Council Mario Bennevente at Hunt Fellowship! | | |
Our next Labor Commissioner Braxton Winston! | | |
OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | |
Get more NC News at Carolina Journal https://www.carolinajournal.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Ky1BhAgEiwA5jGujhyTmwksIbw1n7oSG6LYJK9_zBE2GT2SWeX1VOEHhazBablgon70XRoC_MYQAvD_BwE
GOVERNOR COOPER WITHDRAWS FROM VP RACE
Roy Cooper on Monday said it isn’t the right time for him to join a national ticket, as two sources familiar with the discussions told CNN the North Carolina governor had removed himself from consideration as Kamala Harris’ running mate in a sign that the accelerated search has entered a new phase.
Harris’ decision on a running mate could come within a week, two people familiar with the matter said, with Harris’ goal to make an announcement before August 7. She intends to have private conversations with top contenders, sources said, but it was unclear whether those discussions have started.
“I strongly support Vice President Harris’ campaign for President. I know she’s going to win and I was honored to be considered for this role. This just wasn’t the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket,” Cooper said in a statement posted to his personal account on X. “As l’ve said from the beginning, she has an outstanding list of people from which to choose, and we’ll all work to make sure she wins.”
Cooper was approached by the Harris campaign about being vetted, and he declined, a source familiar told CNN.
The governor, whose friendship with Harris dates back to their time serving as the attorneys general of their respective states, was also the oldest candidate under consideration. His age, 67, was seen by some Democrats to be at odds with Harris’ push for a vigorous and younger ticket, the sources said.
Harris' team considers VP candidates: Cooper among them
There also was concern among some Democrats about elevating Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s Republican lieutenant governor whom the state constitution says would perform the governor’s duties when the governor is absent from the state.
Other Democrats in the state and Washington, DC, told CNN that Cooper may instead look at the 2026 Senate race for the seat currently held by Republican Thom Tillis.
Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/north-carolina-gov-roy-cooper-removes-himself-from-harris-vp-consideration/21548664/
VP HARRIS TO VISIT RALEIGH NEXT WEEK WITH HER VICE PRESIDENT PICK
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to come to Raleigh for a campaign visit next week and she’s expected to bring her running mate with her.
WRAL News has confirmed from a campaign official on Tuesday that Harris will stop in Raleigh for a campaign rally, where she will bring her presumptive running mate.
Read More at https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/kamala-harris-campaign-rally-raleigh-north-carolina-next-week-vp-pick/275-16e3c939-5119-40fc-af90-c3471f1acc7f
WAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS CONSIDER BANNING CELL PHONES
A group of Raleigh leaders, parents and medical professionals is pushing Wake County school officials to ban mobile devices in schools across the district.
Members of the group — including former Raleigh Councilwoman Nicole Stewart, a family doctor and others — requested the ban Tuesday at a meeting of the Wake County Board of Education. The group is worried about mental health and academic issues stemming from mobile device use.
It's time for us to collectively take this action to ban phones, just like we banned tobacco back in the 90s," Stewart said.
The request comes as state and local leaders have pushed for cellphone bans during the school day. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 76% of public schools prohibited “non-academic cell phone use” during the 2021-2022 school year.
Several counties in North Carolina have already done that and feedback in those counties indicates students are paying more attention in class and aren’t too bothered by not having their phones because they’re not missing anything happening online if their peers don’t have access to their phones, either, state officials have said.
“Constant interruption is a huge part of it. Children being interrupted in school ruins their attention, brings down their grades and interrupts the teachers, who are constantly trying to learn on a constant basis,” Stewart said. "It's a lot of it's that constant attention and addiction that we need to overcome so they can be successful, productive human beings in the future."
No action was taken yet.
Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/parent-group-proposes-cellphone-ban-at-wake-public-schools-during-school-board-meeting/21526315/
REP. JASON SAINE TO STEP DOWN FROM GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Longtime Republican House Rep. Jason Saine will resign from the North Carolina General Assembly effective Aug. 12.
“After much contemplation and consideration, I am choosing to step from public life to pursue several unique professional opportunities that have presented themselves,” wrote the 50-year-old from Lincoln County in his resignation letter to House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain). “These roles will allow me to continue advocating for the policies I am passionate about, including consulting on several key issues that are close to my heart. I remain open to exploring avenues where I can contribute to policy development within North Carolina and beyond. Saine has served in the General Assembly for 13 years.
Read More at https://nsjonline.com/article/2024/07/longtime-lincoln-county-house-rep-jason-saine-leaving-the-general-assembly/
NC LAW RESTRICTING MASKS IN PUBLIC BECOMES LAW
North Carolina's contentious restrictions on public mask-wearing became law on Thursday after GOP lawmakers successfully overrode a veto by the state's Democratic governor.
The Senate gave its final stamp of approval in a 30-14 override vote along party lines. The state House initiated the process Wednesday when it voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto during a lengthy session that lasted well into the night.
The ban joins a list of more than 20 gubernatorial vetoes the GOP-dominated North Carolina General Assembly has overridden in the past year. Republicans hold narrow supermajorities in both chambers.
The law, most of which goes into effect immediately, contains different language from the bill that lawmakers first introduced this session. The original proposal had removed a 2020 bipartisan regulation put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed masking for health reasons, prompting pushback from the public and some Democratic legislators. The lawmakers restored a medical exemption.
The law allows people to wear medical or surgical-grade masks in public to prevent the spread of illness. Law enforcement and property owners can ask people to temporarily remove those masks to verify their identity.
The measure also increases the severity of punishment for crimes committed while wearing a mask, and raises penalties for protesters who purposefully block traffic. The latter provision is scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1.
An unrelated provision on campaign finance was tacked on to the bill during negotiations. The law allows federally registered committees to donate money to state political parties by tapping pots of money that include unlimited contributions from individuals.
Read More at https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/north-carolinas-restrictions-public-mask-wearing-now-law-111488813
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
1. Protests broke out across Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro, the country’s autocratic ruler, claimed an implausible presidential-election victory. By any reckoning but the regime’s, Edmundo González trounced Mr Maduro. María Corina Machado, the main opposition leader, was barred from standing. But Ms Machado rallied round Mr González, who on Monday claimed to possess voting tally sheets that “demonstrate our victory”.
2. Israeli protesters stormed an army base near Beersheba, a city in the south of the country, in support of soldiers who are accused of severely abusing a Palestinian prisoner. The protesters were joined by far-right MPs from Israel’s governing coalition. Herzi Halevi, the head of Israel’s armed forces, said the protests were “extremely serious and against the law”.
3. Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, pledged to “relaunch” her country’s ties with China, after meeting Xi Jinping, China’s ruler, in Beijing. Italy left the Belt and Road initiative, China’s overseas investment programme, in December. Ms Meloni, on her first visit to China since taking office two years ago, described her host as an “important interlocutor” and discussed the war in Ukraine with Mr Xi.
4. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos of the Philippines met Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, and Lloyd Austin, America’s defence secretary, in Manila. Mr Marcos said “very open” lines of communication between the allies helped his country’s “agile” responses to incidents (read Chinese aggression) in the South China Sea. On Tuesday the Philippines hosts “2+2” meetings between American and Filipino foreign and defence officials.
5. BP, a British oil giant, raised its dividend after announcing profits of around $2.8bn in the second quarter of 2024, up almost $200m from the same quarter in 2023. BP said the profits came in part from “lower taxation” and despite “significantly lower” refining margins. Big oil’s coffers have grown in recent years as a result of high energy prices.
6. In a speech in Austin, Texas, Joe Biden outlined his plans to reform the Supreme Court after its ruling that Donald Trump and other former American presidents are largely immune from prosecution. Mr Biden said “we are a nation of laws, not kings and dictators”. His proposed measures include term limits for justices and a constitutional amendment scrapping presidential immunity. The reforms are unlikely to pass the House of Representatives.
7. The men’s triathlon event at the Olympic Games in Paris was postponed after pollution levels in the River Seine were found to be unsafe. The past two days of training in the river were also cancelled after heavy rain caused sewer systems to overflow. France has spent some €1.4bn ($1.5bn) on improving infrastructure to make the Seine safe for swimming.
8. Israel’s armed forces confirmed that they killed Hamas’s military commander, Muhammad Deif, in an air strike on Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, in July. Mr Deif was responsible for orchestrating the militant group’s attacks that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis on October 7th. The announcement comes a day after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political leader, in Iran. Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defence minister, claimed that Mr Deif’s death showed that Israel was “achieving the goals of the war”.
9. Speaking at America’s largest annual gathering of black journalists, Donald Trump questioned whether his rival for the presidency, Kamala Harris, was black or Indian and claimed “a number of years ago” she “happened to turn black”. Ms Harris is the first vice-president with Indian and black heritage, and has long identified as such. She described Mr Trump’s remarks as “the same old show: the divisiveness and the disrespect”.
10. President Joe Biden greeted American citizens freed in a prisoner swap with Russia. Among those arriving at an airbase in Maryland was Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist who was sentenced to 16 years in Russian prison on bogus spying charges, and Paul Whelan, a former marine. The largest prisoner exchange since the end of the cold war also included Russian dissidents returning to Germany. Western governments released a number of Russian citizens, including Vadim Krasikov, a former intelligence officer and assassin
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RTA Brunch (Lets Get Moving) Weston Briarcreek 9- 11:30 am Tuesday, August 6, 2024 (Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport 3931 Macaw Street, Raleigh, NC) Register at https://letsgetmoving.org/ | |
Aug 17 Indian Independence Day Event at Hindu Society of NC 10:30 am at HSNC Hall | |
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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.
For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Patricia Spillane, PSpillane@morrisvillenc.gov, 919-463-6168.
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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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