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DIRECT FLIGHT TO INDIA TOWN HALL AND HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EDITION |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
September 21, 2022
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.
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RDU Airport CEO to visit Morrisville on Thursday Sept 22 at 6:30 pm! | |
RDU Airport CEO to visit Morrisville on Thursday Sept 22 at 6:30 pm! |
Based on the explosive growth of the Indian American community in the Triangle, and the increasing need for frequency of travel to India from the community, Community leaders and myself are hosting a Town Hall meeting with RDU Airport CEO, Michael Landguth on Sept. 22, at 6:30 pm at the Hindu Society of North Carolina. (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)
The purpose of the meeting is to explore the possibilities of Direct flight service to India, and for Mr. Landguth and his team to share the Criteria that the Airport uses when considering additions to international flight service. Michael will provide a good overview of the airline industry and what it takes to recruit international air service.
The community hopes to seek guidance and advice on the strategic steps which need to be considered for Direct Air Service to India as RDU continues to expand International Flights. In addition, he will update the community on the RDU Vision 2040 Strategic Plan, and the challenges and opportunities facing RDU Airport in a Post Covid Economy.
We have also invited Executive Director, of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Ryan Combs, and I am working with the Hindu Society of North Carolina, North Carolina Association of Indian Americans, global entrepreneurial organization, TIE Carolinas, and IT Serve, a coalition of Indian American Tech CEOS.
This Town Hall meeting was the result of an increasing number of emails and phone calls I have received from the Community over the years on the need for a direct flight to India. Prior to the Covid Pandemic, Mr. Landguth and I had planned a Town Hall to discuss this issue, but the past two years was very difficult for me to put together a meeting.
Event is almost sold out so please email Vishal Ghadia at vghadia@gmail.com or sr@steverao.com to RSVP.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/rdu-ceo
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My recent Tech Wire Article on the meeting.
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September 20 - Steve Rao on WPTF Talking Direct Flight To India.
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National Voter Registration Message: | |
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! | |
Biden declares Pandemic is over.
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MORRISVILLE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY! | |
The Morrisville International Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 2-6 p.m., on Town Hall Drive near the Healthy Food Hub (280 Town Hall Drive). The event will celebrate the diversity in the Morrisville community. The festival will include live musical performances, food trucks representing cuisine from a variety of cultures, lawn games, mini-workshops on Cricket, an artisan market with items from around the world, and an exhibition on Hindu civilization.
The exhibition, "Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization,” presents a colorful overview of Hindu concepts and practices, offering an opportunity to learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the world that has a continuing global presence today. The Darshana exhibition, which will be on display in the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce (accessible from Town Hall Drive), features a variety of topics, ranging from yoga and divinity to mathematics and administration, demonstrating how Hindu knowledge has manifested in all aspects of human endeavor.
Compiled by a group of Hindu-Americans, the aim of the exhibition is to clear misconceptions, introduce some key terms, and inspire further research into the rich Hindu culture that has found its home in the United States and globally.
After the festival, the free exhibition will also be on display in the Morrisville Town Hall Lobby, 100 Town Hall Drive, Sept. 27-30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours will be available for the exhibition during the Town Council Meeting on Sept. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Learn more about the exhibition at https://hindudarshana.com/.
A complete list of vendors and food trucks that will be at the International Festival can be found at https://bit.ly/3LvlelH.
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH | |
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988. Since then, HHM has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This year’s theme is Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities. Building upon the theme will different weeks of action focusing on how the Administration has been supporting the Latino community:
- September 15: Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Day
- Week of September 19th: Jobs and the Economy
- Week of September 26th: Climate
- Week of October 3rd: Education and Investing in HSIs
- Week of October 10th: Mental Health and Wellness
- October 15: Last Day of Hispanic Heritage Month
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What is Constitution Day? | |
We celebrated Constitution Day on Saturday. What is it?
Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day), is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.
When Constitution Day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, schools and other institutions observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday.
The law establishing the present holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day" and celebrated on the third Sunday in May. In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions, and all federal agencies, provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.
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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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See you at the International Festival at 2 pm on Town Hall Drive on Saturday, Sept. 24th! | |
Fall Into Fitness
Fall Into Fitness starts Friday, September 23 Learn the Essentials of Running at 5:30 pm at Morrisville Community Park.!
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!
Wonderful Interview on Radio Nyra with Leslie Haney from Town of Morrisville on International Festival!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/980128513381807/?t=15
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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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 | |
Sept 13 Council Meeting Highlights | |
Next Meeting on Sept. 27th
American with Disabilities (ADA) Policy Statement: Town Council formally adopted a policy statement expressing the Town’s commitment to providing access and reasonable accommodation for all to town facilities, buildings, and state-maintained roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks. The Town is currently underway with Phase 1 of an ADA Transition Plan.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 – October 15 each year. Town Council encourages the community to learn more of the Hispanic culture, people, traditions and values that have positively enriched our community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month: Town Council recognized September as "Big Brothers, Big Sisters Month” and encouraged the people of Morrisville to unite and support their mentoring movement. Erin Callahan, CEO Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Triangle, encouraged people to become “Bigs”, especially men that are needed to mentor young boys.
National Preparedness Month: Town Council proclaimed September as “PREPAREDNESS MONTH” in Morrisville and encouraged all residents to plan and prepare for weather-related and manmade disasters by assembling their emergency supply kits and updating their emergency plans.
Recognition of Wake County Staff for COVID-19 Support: Wake County Fire/Emergency Management and Wake County Public Health were recognized for their support of the Town of Morrisville throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Darrell Alford (Fire/Emergency Management Director) and Jennifer Brown (Environmental Health & Safety Division Director) received plaques for each department. Other staff from both departments were also present and recognized with certificates of appreciation.
Grants Team Introduction/Safe Streets for All Grant Support Request: The Town has established an internal staff team to work in collaboration with the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) to expand access to additional grants resources, including research, grant writing, and community/regional partner grant interest.
Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan: Grant was also presented to Council for consensus support. The SS4A Action Plan grant would allow staff to work with internal and external partners to establish a plan with a "Vision Zero" focus - aiming for zero traffic or pedestrian fatalities by a certain timeframe, along with actionable steps to help us attain that goal. The SS4A Action Plan requires an 80/20 cost share of recipients; no additional budget appropriation is needed as the Town's 20% match could be met with approved FY2023 funds. Town Council supported the grant application.
Morrisville International Festival: Leslie Haney, Cultural Resources Specialist, provided an overview of the upcoming Morrisville International Festival. The event, which will be held Saturday, September 24 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on Town Hall Drive, is an event that will offer educational opportunities to learn about the various cultures represented in Morrisville and the wider community. It will include a wide variety of food trucks, music from all over the globe, an "International Alley" with an artisan market and a variety of cultural organizations represented, cricket demonstrations and mini workshops, a new version of the Agents of Discovery Augmented Reality Game created especially for the festival, and the Darshana Exhibition (a traveling educational exhibition about the Hindu Culture).
Land Use Plan Implementation Phase I Introduction: Town staff provided an overview of Land Use Plan implementation to kickoff zoning updates and additional TOD planning to implement some of the recommendations in the 2021 Land Use Plan. Staff provided an overview of the three phases of the project. Phase I of the project is focused on creating a small area plan and zoning standards for the Transit Oriented Development Zoning District (TOD). Staff reviewed the purpose of the TOD, its location in Town, and the goals of the district. A workshop is planned for October 18. Morrisville Geographic District Maps: Rodney Wadkins, GIS Manager, presented for formal adoption by Town Council the preferred district map option for rebalancing of geographic residency districts following the 2020 census. Town Council preferred the least disruptive map. Final action is anticipated on September 27.
Small Business Program Update: Staff provided an overview of the factors/criteria to be considered in the development of the definition of small business for the Town’s programmatic efforts and for the grant program/administration. A future work session will be scheduled to synthesize Town Council’s input. Staff also provided an update on the status of the $300,000 Small Business Administration grant and provided an overview of the business database.
Town Council Calendar and Meeting Management/FY 2023 Budget Feedback: Staff provided an overview of the collective feedback from Town Council on the F2023 budget development process and timeline. Staff shared high level general takeaways and shared interests, and possible suggestions to meet some needs. Staff also reviewed items discussed during the summer meeting to further explore Town Council meeting and calendar management. Staff plans to facilitate Council's discussion of these topics at the September 27 Town Council meeting work session.
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This Week in Morrisville: September 19th - 23rd | |
Meetings
Sept. 22 – 6:30 p.m. – Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee (to be held in Town Hall Council Chambers)
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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 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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September 23 Fall into Fitness Class is Fun*damentals of Running
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is offering free fall fitness classes through October 28. All classes and activities will be held on Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park, first field on the left, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. The Sept. 23 class will focus on running fundamentals for ages 10 years and up. The class will include instruction on proper warm-ups, running form, injury prevention, and more.
Sign up at www.tinyurl.com/mafcfall.
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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.
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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.
Check out the website for more information.
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Darshana Exhibition to be on Display at Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall Lobby
“Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization” is an exhibition that presents a colorful overview of Hindu concepts and practices, offering an opportunity to learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the world with continuing global presence today. The exhibition features a variety of topics, ranging from yoga and divinity to mathematics and administration, demonstrating how Hindu knowledge has manifested in all aspects of human endeavor.
The exhibition, which is created to raise awareness on Hindu thinking, contributions, and common practices, will be on display in the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce during the Morrisville International Festival on Sept. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. It will also be on display in the Town Hall Lobby, 100 Town Hall Drive, Sept. 27-30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours will be available for the exhibition during the Town Council Meeting on Sept. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.
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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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Residents Invited to Provide Feedback on Town Center Project October 4 & 6
Three Town Center public input sessions have been scheduled for October, including two in-person sessions at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive, and one virtual session. The public input sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to give feedback on Town Green amenities, public art, and potential for a welcome area at the Healthy Food Hub. RSVP for the following sessions:
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2-3 pm.: https://www.addevent.com/event/Uv14858190
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6-7 p.m. (held in conjunction with National Night Out): https://www.addevent.com/event/En14858192
A virtual session will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. https://www.addevent.com/event/FE14858185
Check out renderings, project details and more at bit.ly/MSVTownCenter
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Morrisville Businesses Invited to Participate in Trick or Treat the Trail Event
The Town of Morrisville has six open tables for this year’s Trick or Treat the Trail, a family friendly event for children to walk the Hatcher Creek Greenway and collect Halloween candy and treats. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business – and your creative side – to the Morrisville community.
There is no charge for businesses to participate, and the six slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Requirements:
- You must bring your own table or tent
- You must bring minimum of 2,000 pieces of candy to hand out to children
- You must be creative and decorate your table for Halloween
Businesses will be assigned a volunteer to help set up, pass out candy and materials, and break down your area. Interested? Email lgough@townofmorrisville.org for more information.
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Morrisville Police Department to Host National Night Out October 4
This year the Town of Morrisville Police Department will celebrate National Night Out on Oct. 4, from 6-9 p.m., at the Western Wake Farmers' Market, 280 Town Hall Drive. Residents can meet with members of the Morrisville Police Department, view safety displays, get information about Town services, and enjoy fun games and inflatables. Food trucks will also be on hand to sell food and drinks.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations, and send the message that your neighborhood is a safe place to live.
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Fall Bulk Item Pick-Up Week to be October 3-7
The Town’s 2022 fall bulk item pick-up will take place the week of Oct. 3-7. During this week, residents receiving residential curbside solid waste services from GFL may leave a total of five acceptable bulk items curbside on their regular trash or recycling curbside pick-up day. All bulk items presented for pick-up must be curbside and ready for pick-up no later than 7 a.m. Registration is not required for this special collection. Please visit the Public Works Department Page for additional information on acceptable and unacceptable items.
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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 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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Tech for the Demystified
Thanks to NCAD Director Sanjay Pal for hosting Tech for the Demystified at RTP Boxyard! Tech for the intimidated was a program featuring leaders and board directors in the latest areas of technology, to help board directors elevate their ability to provide oversight in this critically important area.
Insights from Sanjay Pal
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/843966520347723
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NC AAPI Caucus Event
NC AAPI Caucus Event for Wiley Nickel!
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Asia Fest
Asia Fest was a blast!
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Annual Chamber Meeting
Annual Chamber Meeting! Billie Redmond wins AE Finley Distinguished Service Award! Great to spend time with our Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin!
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World University Games Reception
World University Games Reception at Umstead on Sunday! Let's get the Games! Thanks to Hill Carrow for all his work! Governor Cooper presents bid today to International Committee.
Insights from World University Games Reception
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1079525629416642
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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 | |
HURRICANE FIONA
Hurricane Fiona has grown stronger, after deluging Puerto Rico with rain. Five years after urricane Maria, the island is again in the dark.
Puerto Rico’s infrastructure hasn’t recovered from previous storms. That made this one all the more disastrous.
After knocking out Puerto Rico’s power grid, Hurricane Fiona has made landfall in the Dominican Republic.
Politics
The economy remains the top concern for voters, a New York Times/Siena poll found, as Republicans focus their campaigns on inflation.
Texas sent Lever Alejos, a Venezuelan migrant, on a bus to Washington, D.C. Two months later, he is making a new life for himself.
Trump is involved in six separate investigations.
War in Ukraine
Russia has begun using Iranian-made attack drones to counteract heavy artillery provided by the U.S.
Alla Pugacheva, a pop music icon once called “the most popular human being in Russia,” declared her opposition to the invasion.
A video showed Russian mercenaries offering to release convicts from prison in return for a six-month combat tour in Ukraine.
When Russian troops withdraw, they leave a trail of anonymous death.
Other Big Stories
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is today. The Times has live coverage.
“We still have a problem with Covid,” President Biden said in a CBS interview, “but the pandemic is over.”
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Wake County and Raleigh pull funding from Non Profit Leading Homelessness
A four-person call center that takes about 200 calls a day from people experiencing homelessness and others on the brink of losing their homes will soon be operating without the support of Wake County and the city of Raleigh.
The Access Hub, run by the nonprofit Raleigh/Wake Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness, helps connect callers with shelters, street outreach and financial assistance programs.
The Access Hub, which is heavily promoted by service providers, has taken about 45,000 calls since it launched at the onset of the pandemic. In August, the Partnership said the line received about 6,000 calls.
“Homelessness is life and death,” said Kim Crawford, the Partnership’s executive director. “Every single call is a person in crisis because they are already homeless or they are very soon to be homeless.”
The Partnership was projected to receive a combined $539,500. from county and city leaders in the current fiscal year which started in July.
While a contract was reached with the city for $184,500 in funding, the Partnership could not reach an agreement with county leaders for an additional $355,000.
In addition to The Access Hub, the Partnership is the lead agency of the Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC) — one of 12 such programs in the state that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to curb homelessness in the community.
The Wake CoC is comprised of nearly 60 community organizations and service providers, including Wake County and the city of Raleigh.
The Partnership secured $4.1 million in funding last year, an increase from $3.3 million in 2019.
Crawford said she took issue with a portion of Wake County’s proposed contract that would have forced the Partnership to “monitor and evaluate” the county’s performance as a service provider.
Crawford said there could have been a perceived conflict of interest among other members of the CoC in rating the performance of the county which has given the Partnership funding for administrative costs and the Access Hub.
On Sept. 9, the city and county notified Crawford in a joint letter that they lost confidence in the nonprofit to serve as the county’s lead agency in preventing homelessness.
The termination letter is signed by David Ellis, Wake County manager, and Marchell Adams-David, Raleigh’s city manager.
The letter said the Partnership’s unwillingness to enter into a contract with the county and be listed as the lead agency was a reason for the termination.
The letter also said the Access Hub is “not functioning at a satisfactory level” and the Partnership is not making “appropriate matches, further slowing down the process of residents getting to housing and resources.”
The city and county tell WRAL News that they will continue funding the Partnership through September with $46,000 and $88,750, respectively.
Both governments said they will redirect the leftover funds towards efforts that combat homelessness.
Crawford took over as executive director of the Partnership in March 2020. Since then, she said the city has evaluated the nonprofit’s performance three times and never issued any concerns or corrective actions.
In a CoC meeting on Monday, the county’s top leader overseeing housing said there has been “an uncomfortableness to fund this agency for years.”
We have had issues with the Partnership for years; this community has, as well,” said Lorena McDowell, director of the Wake County Department of Housing Affordability & Community Revitalization.
Crawford said the Access Hub’s overwhelming demand often times results in people waiting 10-15 minutes on hold or having to call back.
She believes the demand demonstrates a failure of the entire community and not just the Partnership.
“It’s a failure of our entire system,” Crawford said. “It’s an indication that we need to bring up safe [and] affordable housing now. Not in a year. Not in two years. Now.”
An estimated 1,534 people are currently unsheltered in Wake County, according to a point-in-time count conducted in January. That is a 68% increase from the 912 unsheltered people in 2021.
“Our shelters are full. Every single one of them. You may wait 4-12 weeks. Everything is backed up. It’s like a traffic jam,” Crawford said.
Plans to add call takers to the Access Hub have been put on hold because of the reduction in funding, Crawford said.
The Partnership still receives funding from HUD, the state, private foundations and individual donors.
Crawford said the Partnership will continue operating the Access Hub without the help of local government, but she hopes they will reverse their decision.
“Our performance and the things that we have accomplished in the last two years is unbelievable,” Crawford said. “We have done the best we possibly could operating a pandemic inside a pandemic — because homelessness is a pandemic.”
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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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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!
Wonderful Interview on Radio Nyra with Leslie Haney from Town of Morrisville on International Festival!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/980128513381807/?t=15
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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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Oct. 8th, 10 am- 2 pm - Fire Safety Day
Oct. 8th Fire Safety Day 10 am- 2 pm
Target Parking Lot in Park West.
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Oct 8th - Diwali
Oct 8th Hum Sub Diwali!
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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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