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2021 Year In Review and New Year Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
December 31, 2021
Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. 

Ring in the New Year at https://firstnightraleigh.com/!  Vaccination Card and negative test 48 hours prior is required.  

Download the Steve Rao App!
2021 Covid Updates:
822,000 have died from Covid 19 in the United States, 19, 343 in North Carolina and 5.4 million worldwide.  69% of Deaths in US are with adults 65 and older falling from 81% last year.  Globally, more than 1.883 million deaths had been recorded in the first 6 months of 2021, as compared to 1.88 million in 2020. Please see Vaccination and Testing Section for information on new testing sites.  

Wake County Public School System is expanding its on campus COVID-19 testing program to all of its schools starting in 2022 in partnership with Mako Medical.  Students and staff will be able to get weekly tests at school.  
Hometown Hero Update: 
North Carolina native Andy Andrews will be inducted into USTA Southern Tennis Hall of Fame. 
(See Hometown Hero in Last Section)
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THE MIRACLE OF MORRISVILLE CONTINUES!
Komal, Sonia, Rayan, I and the Rao and Parekh families wish you a Happy New Year and hope that you spent quality time with your family during these Holidays. As we prepare for a new year, we also pray for any family, who has lost a loved one due to Covid or any other illness. Let the light and love of our hearts always lift us out of the Darkness.  

On Dec 14th, I was sworn in to my fourth term on the City Council. I am grateful to serve another term and I continue to be amazed at the progress we have made since I was first elected in 2011.  I am honored to serve on a winning team, that is making the Live Connected/Live Well brand ring true for every citizen and business who calls Morrisville home.   

This year, the Town of Morrisville was named as the best places to live in North Carolina by Money Magazine and as an All America City by the National Civic League. Nothing is impossible, when our Council works with engaged citizens and staff, embraces diversity, and continues to executes on major projects during a Pandemic.  

It has been an honor to serve on the Council for the past decade.   I continue to be amazed at the all of the progress we have made since I was first elected, and I am honored to serve on a winning team, that is making the Live Connected/Live Well brand ring true for every citizen and business who calls Morrisville home.   

Thanks to each of you, we continue to fly to the greatest heights, as the Miracle of Morrisville and the very best of American Democracy continues in North Carolina.  
Town of Morrisville 2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
In the midst of a global pandemic, Council, Staff, and engaged citizens continued to execute on major projects and milestones, so our Town can remain one of the most diverse, inclusive, and small Towns in North Carolina!   

Here are a few 2021 Highlights!   
Town of Morrisville named All America City by National Civic League! 
Morrisville Smart Shuttle Launches!
Juneteenth Celebration!
Senior Center Opens!
Morrisville Cardinals kick off Season! 
USA Cricket Championships at Church Street Park. 
Pop in Disc Golf!
Pop Up Dog Parks!
Council Adopted New Land Use Plan!
In Person Halloween Trail! I met Spiderman! 
$37 Parks, Public Safety and Streets Connectivity Bond
In Person Veteran Day Event 
AKM Realty opens up Schools Village! 
Stacker/Niche names Best Town to Live in North Carolina!
Singh Development Selected as Town Center Developer! Town Center project finally begins! 
We said goodbye to Chief Patrice Andrews and congratulated Chief Acosta. 
Wake Tech RTP Early Career STEM High School Coming Soon! 
Morrisville Fire Department Accredited Again!
Welcomed Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey at Deck the Halls Fire Safety Event! 
Santa Clause visits Farmers Market and Morrisville Shuttle! 
We lit the Holiday tree! 
Hindu Society of NC recognized for their exemplary Community Service.
Enjoyed another year on PBS Carolina Black Issues Forum and Radio Nyra! 
I began my new decade of service…….. and the Show Must Go On……..
2021 Was a Turbulent Year! 
January:  Joe Biden was inaugurated as our 46th president … Kamala Harris sworn in as first female Vice President.  

… just two weeks after supporters of former President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in and attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. 

February: the United States formally re-joined the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming. Governor Cooper’s Modified Stay at Home order ends.  

March: President Biden signs $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan into Law. 

April: Minneapolis jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd a year earlier.

May saw the successful splashdown of the first operational spaceflight by a private company, Elon Musk's SpaceX. 

June saw the partial collapse of a 12-story condominium in Surfside, Florida, killing 98 residents. 

July brought the 32nd Summer Olympic games to Tokyo, a year after being postponed. The U.S. topped the medal count with 113. 

August saw the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan after a two-decade war that took the lives of over 2,400 U.S. service personnel. Wake County issues Mandatory Mask Mandate, Morrisville signs on to County Order. 

September saw the implementation of the Texas Heartbeat Act, which bans abortions after roughly six weeks. The Supreme Court has declined to block the law, saying it's a question for lower courts

October brought the welcome news that the World Health Organization had endorsed the world's first vaccine against malaria. 

In November, the Atlanta Braves won their fourth World Series, defeating the Houston Astros four games to two.  Biden signs $1 trillion Bi- Partisan Infrastructure Bill into Law and Governor Roy Cooper signs $25.9 Billion Budget. Mandy Cohen steps down as NCDHHS Secretary. 

In December, tornadoes ripped through the South and Midwest, killing at least 91 people

...  ...and the FDA authorized two pills to treat COVID-19, a potential game-changer in our now years-long fight against the disease. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin a No on $1.3 Trillion Build Back Better Plan. 
In Memoriam
This year, we lost from American heroes, and other inspiring leaders, who left their mark on their nations and the world, in sports, the arts and public service.  May they rest in Peace.
Former Secretary of State and Chairman of Joint Chiefs Colin Powell (Apr.5 1937- Oct. 18 2021)
Former US Senator and Presidential Nominee Bob Dole
Former U.S. Senator Harry Reid
Former U.S. Senator John Warner 
Former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale 
Sarah Weddington (Won Roe v. Wade)
Archbishop Desmond Tutu 
Former President FW DeClerk, South Africa
Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh
NFL Coach and Commentator John Madden
Tommy Lasorda, LA Dodgers
Baseball Great Hank Aaron
Boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler 
Actress Cicely Tyson
Comedian Norm Macdonald 
Actor Ned Beatty
Composer Stephen Sondheim
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.
Apple Appstore link.
Google Play Store Scan code Link
Hometown Hero:
North Carolina Tennis Legend Andy Andrews will be inducted into USTA Southern Tennis Hall of Fame.
In the early 1980s, Andy began compiling a list of ATP Tour achievements that remain a shining example of tennis prowess. He reached No. 32 in the world in doubles and No. 78 in the world in singles. He won three doubles titles in 1982 and reached the Australian Open doubles final. He served as USTA First Vice President from 2017-18 and nominated to post of USTA Chairman of the Board & President but declined for family reasons. 

Prior to turning pro, he had an outstanding career at North Carolina State. Andrews was a two-time All-American and won five individual ACC titles and two team ACC titles. Recognized as one of the top 50 ACC tennis players during a 50-year span, Andrews won a National Interscholastic doubles champion Gold Ball and a Silver Ball in national 21 and under competition. 

After professional tennis Andrews entered the real estate world and in 2006 founded Dominion Realty Partners, LLC, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., where today he serves as Chairman and CEO. DRP is located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and in 12 cities and has developed over $2.6 billion dollars of green-certified vertical developments. Since 2016 DRP has created over 38,600 jobs working on our developments at an average salary of $24 per hour. 
Andy will officially inducted during the 2022 Lucy Garvin Southern Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, scheduled for Jan. 15, 2022. At the same ceremony 2021 inductees USTA Chairman of the Board & President Mike McNulty and Susan Sloane, of Lexington Ky., will also be officially inducted. The ceremony is traditionally conducted during the USTA Southern Annual Meeting in Atlanta but was canceled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established in 1977 with the induction of Bitsy Grant and Ham Richardson, the Hall of Fame has grown to 114 members. Other notable members include Stan Smith, Chanda Rubin, Roscoe Tanner, Gordon A. Smith, Linda Tuero, Gardner Mulloy and Lucy Garvin. The Southern Tennis Foundation’s website contains information on the hall, inductees and its charitable mission. The hall is in the USTA Southern office in Peachtree Corners, Ga.
North Carolina Vaccination and Testing
Vaccinations: 
  • 11,808,956 Total Doses Administered.
  • Boosters: 2,450,203 

  • 74% in NC Partially Vaccinated
  • 69% Fully Vaccinated. 
  1. For Covid 19 Vaccine Appointments and Free Testing, visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information
  2. Appointments must be made at for free Covid 19 Testing in Wake County.  
  3. Find your County Vaccination sites, visit https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/where-can-I-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-in-my-county/19466004/
  4. Starting December 6, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States.
  5. Wake County, NCDHHS is also opening a drive-through testing site tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Word of God Fellowship Church, 3000 Rock Quarry Rd. right off I-40 in Southeast Raleigh. There are no out-of-pocket costs for testing at this site. Pre-registration is required at this link: 
This Week in Morrisville: Dec 28 - Jan 2
Shuttle Alert: The Morrisville Smart Shuttle does not operate on New Year’s Day.

Upcoming Meetings
Town Administrative Offices will be closed on Dec. 31st!

For life-threatening or in-progress emergencies, call 911. 

We hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday!

Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center Hours
  • December 31: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • January 1: Closed
  • January 2: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Jan.4 Morrisville Public Safety Advisory Committee - TO BE RESCHEDULED
Jan.4 Morrisville Public Education Advisory Committee - TO BE RESCHEDULED
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Project update for the week of December 27:

  • The contractor will be working on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Old Savannah Drive). Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations between 9 am and 4 pm. on Morrisville Carpenter Road.
  • The contractor will continue working at the culvert area.
  • Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.

For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
Morrisville's 2022 Marathon Registration is Now Open
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center’s 2022 Virtual Marathon Month registration is now open! This marathon is a great way to start the new year. Registration is open to everyone. Participants may choose from a full (26.2 miles), ultra (50 miles), or mega (100 miles) marathon. Set your goal, log your mileage, and win awesome prizes. Watch our how-to video here, and then click here to register.
Morrisville Winter 2021 Disc Golf Course
Morrisville’s winter 2021 disc golf course will be located at Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, from December 3, 2021 to January 18, 2022. Residents and area park users can practice throwing discs for their mid-range game. The course is designed for all levels of play. For details, including hours, a course map, and rules, click here.
Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
Shuttle Alert: The Morrisville Smart Shuttle does not operate on the following days: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.

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
Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
Starting Dec. 4, the WWFM is shifting to winter market hours, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!


WESTERN WAKE FARMERS WINTER FESTIVAL
Join us Saturday, Dec. 12th for the Western Wake Farmers Holiday Festival for music, crafts, and family fun.   9:30 am to Noon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Issues Forum
Thanks for joining us on Black Issues Forum for our discussion on the Democracy Summit, Voting Rights Legislation and Student Loans!  Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm!

Jan 4th Kick off the New Year at Raleigh Chamber Launch! 
Jan 4th Kick off the New Year at Raleigh Chamber Launch!  

Jan 5th Cary Chamber Economic Forecast 7:30 am to 8 am
Jan 5th Cary Chamber Economic Forecast 7:30 am to 8 am Prestonwood Country Club with Economist Michael Walden. 

Jan 7th NC Bankers Economic Forecast
Jan 7th NC Bankers Economic Forecast. 

Register at 
Jan 28th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech
Jan 28th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech. 

Register at 
Feb 1 Morrisville Chamber Annual Meeting
Feb 1 Morrisville Chamber Annual Meeting at Prestonwood Country Club from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  

Radio / TV
Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.   

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 
POD TV
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.
My Weekly Update:
NC Covid Dashboard:

Vaccinations
  • 11,808,956 Total Doses Administered.
  • Boosters: 2,450,203 

  • 74% in NC Partially Vaccinated
  • 69% Fully Vaccinated. 
  • For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.  
  • Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.    
  • For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.    
  • Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/

Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

For Covid 19 Testing Sites in Wake County visit http://www.wakegov.com/covidvaxandtest/Pages/default.aspx 

CASES:
18,571 Newly reported Cases   
+ N.C. = 1,667,493 Cases (Deaths = 19,399)    
+ 22% Positive Rate 
+ 2,258 Hospitalized. 

+ Wake County = 142,000 Cases (Deaths = 916)

+ US = 53.8 million cases / 822,000 deaths 
+ India = 34.8 million cases / 481,000 Deaths.  
+ Worldwide = 285 million cases / 5.42 million deaths 
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com