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WOMENS EQUALITY AND CRICKET EDITION | |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
August 26, 2022
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.
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My Weekly Update and Back To School Message: | |
Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO |
Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO 6:30 pm at HSNC Main Hall. (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)
I have invited RDU Airport CEO Michael Landguth to Morrisville for a Town Hall meeting where he will brief us on the Airport and talk about international air service recruitment. Exploring opportunities for Direct Air Service to India will also be discussed.
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CELEBRATING UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE | |
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My Message to Ukranian Community :
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/386632783654806
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine became a free and sovereign nation. Their dream of freedom is being threatened through murder, torture and the actions of an oppressive, authoritarian dictator.
In the midst of a war, their fight for freedom is an everlasting reminder of how grateful all of us should be for our own freedom in our nation. Freedom is not only worth fighting for, but for many Ukranians on the front lines, worth dying for.
We pray for Ukraine and thank them for inspiring all of humanity by never giving up on the Impossible Dream.
Long Live Ukraine.
Long Live Democracy.
Donate - Ukraine Crisis at
https://donate.amnestyusa.org/ukraine
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Town of Morrisville Public Works Department receives National Accreditation!
(See Public Works Section for more information)
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Schools Start Monday!
Wake County short 400 teachers as school year begins.
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HAPPY WOMENS EQUALITY DAY! | |
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My Womens Equality Message:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1742448882775806
I want to wish all women a Happy Equality Day. Let us take this day to celebrate the political and economic transformation women are bringing to our democracy. On a personal note, I am proud to serve on a Female Majority Council and to have an excellent Female Manager of our Town, Martha Paige!
The History of Women’s Equality Day
At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 and passed in 1973, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.
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Church Street and Morrisville Carpenter Road Intersection is Right In and Right Out.
(See This Week in Morrisville Updates)
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MINOR LEAGUE CRICKET FINALS IN MORRISVILLE THIS WEEKEND! | |
Town of Morrisville to host Minor League Cricket Championships Aug 27th- Aug 28th.
Minor League Cricket announced that the finals of the 2022 Toyota Minor League Cricket Championship presented by Sunoco will be held at Church Street Park in the Town of Morrisville, August 27-28. The finals weekend activities are free to attend - registration to reserve your spot/s is strongly recommended at https://bit.ly/3QEQsbF
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The action on Saturday will begin with the Pacific Conference final starting at 1:00 p.m. The defending champions, the Silicon Valley Strikers, will face the Seattle Thunderbolts, newcomers to the playoffs this season. The Strikers defeated the Chicago Tigers to advance to the conference final, winning the series 2-1 at Morgan Hill Sports Complex in the Bay Area. Seattle clinched their spot with a barnstorming display on Sunday, beating Dallas 2-0 in Houston with wins by 33 and 108 runs respectively.
Saturday evening will bring cricket under the lights to Church Street Park, with the Atlantic Conference final set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Last year’s finalists, the New Jersey Stallions, will take on the Atlanta Fire, who have reached the conference final stage for the first time. The Fire qualified by defeating the Manhattan Yorkers in a weather-impacted series in Atlanta, claiming a 1-0 series victory. The Stallions advanced with a 2-0 sweep of the hometown Morrisville Raptors at Church Street Park on Saturday.
The finals weekend festival at Church Street Park, located only 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, is free to attend for all games. The winning team will take home $150,000 out of a total $350,000 total purse, the largest in American cricket history. The Finals Weekend schedule is as follows:
- Pacific Conference Final - Silicon Valley Strikers vs. Seattle Thunderbolts
- Saturday, Aug. 27 at 1pm
- Atlantic Conference Final – New Jersey Stallions vs. Atlanta Fire
- Saturday, Aug. 27 at 5:30pm
- National Championship Final
- Sunday, Aug. 28 at 5pm
High-definition live television and streaming coverage for the finals weekend will feature a premium production by Antares Media for all three games. All matches will be available free to stream via the MLC Network on YouTube, with one conference final on Saturday and the championship match on Sunday to be broadcast on Willow TV’s linear channel, available across millions of households in the United States. For the first time, live audio commentary of Finals Weekend will also be broadcast on 99.94 DM, the innovative “home of cricket audio” launched this summer.
Finals Weekend will conclude the second season of the Toyota Minor League Cricket Championship presented by Sunoco, the most extensive competition in American cricket. The tournament has launched a new era for the sport in the United States, with 26 participating teams competing in over 200 matches taking place in 20 cities nationwide this season, running over 10 weekends of play.
The full schedule and list of all competing 26 teams and their divisional breakdown is available at www.minorleague.cricket.
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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
Thanks for joining us on Radio Nyra last week for our Indian Independence Day Interview with USINPAC Chair, Sanjay Puri.
Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Indian Independence Day Interview with USINPAC Chair, Sanjay Puri.
(Could not find link on FB)
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Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2852956421664760
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Thanks for Join us on Aug 15th on Roku TV for our Indian Independence Day Interview with Swadesh Chatterjee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6PxrfKLphY
Wonderful Interview with Tom Dunmore and AB Bhakta at Major League Cricket.
https://youtu.be/x3q8h9wph1A?t=135
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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Get with the Program with Gary Jones!
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Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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My latest op ed on WRAL Tech Wire
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Proud of the rising star in Journalism, Tar Heel Sonia Rao! | |
Scalawag Magazine
AUTHOR ARCHIVES:
Sonia Rao
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Sonia Rao is a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has previously written for the Virginian-Pilot and the Charlotte Observer.
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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 | |
AUG 23 MORRISVILLE COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS | |
Next Meeting is Sept. 13 at 6 pm.
Quarterly Capital Projects Administrative Report:
The quarterly capital projects report was provided to Town Council. This report provides major timelines and milestones for all major town projects underway in Morrisville.
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Morrisville Little League Recognition:
Members of the Morrisville Little League All-Star Team were recognized by Town Council and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. Members of the team include: Jackson Cooper Moore, Derek Almeida, Eli Bakazan, Camerin “CJ” Beale, Desmond Maxwell Champagne, Bryson Scott Diggs, Rohan Ram Dukkipati, Rylen Gaffney, Trevor B Galloway, Trenton Michael Kerick, Henry Korda, Minh-Khoi Nguyen, and Landen Levon Ward. The team is managed by Steve Ward. Coaches are Anson Almeida and Eric Korda.
Public Works Director Introduction: Giselle Rodriguez, Assistant Town Manager, introduced Jeffery Brown as the new Town of Morrisville Public Works Director. Jeff, who started work on August 1, is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience in state and local government. Jeff comes to Morrisville from Cumberland County where he was the Internal Services Manager. Jeff is also an active member of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors as Region III Director representing Virginia, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. We are pleased to have Jeff join the Morrisville team.
Public Works Accreditation: Keith Pugh, APWA President-Elect, was present at the Town Council meeting to recognize and award the Morrisville Public Works Department its reaccreditation. The Department received its first accreditation in 2018. The reaccreditation process was a significant undertaking to ensure that the Department was still meeting the recommended practices along with any newly identified practices, requiring numerous updates to policies and procedures outlined by the Department. Currently there are still only three accredited agencies in North Carolina, including the towns of Morrisville, Garner, and Mooresville.
Greater Triangle Commuter Rail (GTCR) Project Update: Katharine Eggleston with GoTriangle provided an update on the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail (GTCR) project. Since the last update, a phase 2 feasibility study was conducted. The results of the study are expected to be released in late August or early September for public comment. GoTriangle highlighted some of the additional findings since the phase 1 feasibility study including the increase in the total project cost estimate and options for phased implementation of the project. The phase 2 feasibility study will be used to inform decision making on how to move forward with commuter rail service in the region. Town Council expressed concerns about a phased option and plans to provide Town Council comment to the study.
Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation: Emily Blackwell, Landscape Architect with Stewart, provided Town Council an update on the project schedule for design development and feedback received from various stakeholder meetings. Ms. Blackwell then facilitated an input/feedback session with Town Council to gather information that will be used to continue the design process
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PUBLIC WORKS ACCREDITATION | |
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My Message to Public Works:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/477391060867631
Congratulations to the Town of Morrisville Public Works Department on receiving re-accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation Council. The department's work to achieve accreditation demonstrates the dedication and pride in the operation of the department and community overall.
Several members of the department were honored at the Tuesday, August 23 Town Council meeting. Learn more about the accreditation at https://bit.ly/3PMQPzX
We look forward to the leadership of new director Jeffrey Brown, and thank all of our Department for their world class, dedicated service to the Town.
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Public Works Department Named Accredited Agency by APWA
The American Public Works Association (APWA) has recognized the Town of Morrisville’s Public Works Department as an accredited agency. Accreditation is designed to promote excellence in the operation and management of public works departments, and it is issued to departments who verify full compliance with recommended best practices for their municipality. The APWA has awarded accreditation to only 176 municipalities across the United States and Canada. In North Carolina, only three municipalities have received the distinction: The Town of Morrisville, the Town of Garner, and the Town of Mooresville.
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On August 15, we participated in City Hall Selfie Day! | |
This Week in Morrisville: August 29 - September 2 | |
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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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 from Aug. 26 to Sept. 30.
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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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White Goods Collection to be September 8 |
The Town of Morrisville's next white goods collection will be Thursday, Sept. 8. The Public Works Department provides a quarterly curbside collection of recyclable white goods. White goods items include washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves and ovens, and dehumidifiers.
Registration is required for the white goods collection. Complete this form or call (919) 463-7070 to confirm your collection. Requests must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 6. For more details, please visit the Public Works website.
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Vendor Applications Open for Morrisville International Festival on September 24 | |
The Morrisville International Festival will celebrate the diversity of cultures in the Town of Morrisville. Residents are encouraged to join the festivities on Sept. 24 on Town Hall Drive from 2-6 p.m. There will be live performances, an artisan market, food trucks, and more.
Applications are now open for vendors and cultural organizations who would like to participate in the event. Cultural organizations will be able to have an informational tent at the festival. Ideally, organizations would offer some sort of hands-on educational activity or would display educational information about the represented culture and organization. Vendors are invited to sell arts, crafts, clothing, and other items that are representative of a specific culture.
There is no charge for vendors or cultural organizations to participate. However, they must provide their own 10x10 tent, table, chairs, and other necessary items for their display. Interested vendors and organizations can apply for a space here.
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English Vinglish to Play at Movies in the Park September 30 | Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources will be hosting a Movies in the Park at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. The movie will be English Vinglish. The showing is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for the lawn, as well as dinner or snacks. Trader Joe’s will be on site sampling snacks and beverages. | |
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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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. | |
Town Invites Public Comment on Proposed Redistricting Maps | |
The Town of Morrisville will be adopting an updated geographic residency district map, based on the results of the 2020 Census. While all registered voters may vote for all Town Council seats, geographic residency districts are utilized for consideration of elected official candidates in the four Town Council districts. In February, the Town Council reviewed the Census data, which showed an increase in population of nearly 6,000 people, and ordered the rebalancing of the districts. The Town Council reviewed the proposed redistricting maps and chose Map 1 - Scenario 1 as the best solution at its July 26 meeting. Map 1 offers the least disruption from current residency districts.
The public is asked to review this map and to submit comments before the Town Council makes its final decision. More information, including the current and proposed map, can be found here. The public comment period will remain open through Aug. 31.
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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.
Progress on Morrisville Carpenter Road Widening Project to Result in Traffic Changes in Coming Weeks
Work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road 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 Aug. 29:
- Contractor will be working on the center medians on Morrisville Carpenter Road (from Old Savannah Drive to Leafycreek Drive).
- Contractor will be installing signal loops and pedestrian loops at the Morrisville Carpenter Road and Town Hall Drive traffic signal.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in these areas between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Southbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the northbound side of the median (between Fire Station 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).
- 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.
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 finishing up work on establishing the stormwater pond and preparing the footers for the restroom shelter building early next week. They are anticipating starting work on the asphalt trails, as well as preparations for the subgrade for the tennis court area over the coming weeks.
Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.
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Morrisville Starts Sustainability Newsletter |
The Town’s first sustainability newsletter was sent out on July 1. This quarterly publication will include a message from MESC, information on current projects, a sustainability spotlight feature, and information about upcoming or past events.
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Puttin Around Town Update |
Puttin Around Town is a program that places a temporary disc golf basket at a different park on a rotating basis to give people the opportunity to practice throwing discs so they can work on their mid-range game or putting. Plans are being finalized for a temporary course to return to Cedar Fork District Park in July.
The Town is continuing to explore effective uses of temporary baskets in open to encourage outdoor recreation.
Read more about Puttin’ Around Town here. | |
Pop-up Dog Park at Morrisville Community Park | The Morrisville Pop-up Dog Park is back! Bring your dogs out to enjoy the sunshine at Morrisville Community Park. The dog park will be open May 8 - September 18 on select days. Click here for more information and to register. | |
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: MAFC Lifeguards
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring for part-time lifeguards. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.
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Sustainability Data Dashboard available on the Open Data Portal | The Town of Morrisville has launched the Sustainability Dashboard on Morrisville's Open Data Portal. The dashboard provides residents with tracking data showing the Town's progress in implementing sustainability practices. Data for the solar panel array on Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 and recycling participation rates for each of Morrisville's five GFL Environmental service routes are currently available. For details, click here. | |
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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NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson
Inspired by NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson at Cary Chamber Eye Opener Breakfast!
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Coffee and Connections
Great time at Coffee and Connections with Morrisville Raptors and Major League Cricket!
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Carisa Johnson
Congratulations to Carisa Johnson, Cary’s newest Council Member!
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Ed Yerha
Thanks to Ed Yerha for his wonderful service. He will be missed but a new chapter for him!
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Small Business Listening Tour: | |
This week I continued by Small Business Listening Tour with visits to a few Small Businesses. I will be sharing more in next newsletter but enjoyed the few I had this week! | |
Royal Cheesecake Factory: |
Royal Cheesecake Factory:
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GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES: | |
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD | |
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Politics
A federal judge ordered the release of a redacted version of the affidavit for the search warrant of Mar-a-Lago. The redactions could be extensive.
Two Florida residents pleaded guilty to stealing Ashley Biden’s diary and selling it to the conservative group Project Veritas.
The Pentagon announced changes to U.S. military strategy that will prioritize reducing civilian risk, after a series of investigations by The Times.
Democrats have spent millions on ads to boost far-right candidates they believe will be easier to defeat in November. Here’s what those ads look like.
A federal judge struck down a Texas law barring adults under 21 from carrying handguns.
International
Vladimir Putin said that Russia would add 137,000 new service members to its military, a sharp expansion.
Spain has passed a law requiring sexual consent to be “freely expressed.”
British household energy bills are set to rise 80 percent this fall, according to the government’s energy regulator.
Other Big Stories
Christie’s will sell the billion-dollar art collection of Paul Allen, the Microsoft co-founder who died in 2018.
Before California announced its plan to end gasoline-powered car sales, automakers had set their own ambitious goals for electric vehicles.
Federal labor officials accused Starbucks of discriminating against unionized employees by promising raises only to stores that rejected the union.
The tennis star Novak Djokovic will miss the U.S. Open because he is not vaccinated against Covid.
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State Superintendent Proposes Covid Funding to raise Principals’ Pay.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt has proposed a solution to the principal pay gap in North Carolina — use COVID-19 relief funds to bridge the gap.
In a proposal released Aug. 24, Truitt recommended drawing from the federal Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief III fund to cover the extra salary cost for principals. The move is in response to a provision in the new state budget that ties principal pay to one year of school performance data — from 2021-2022 — rather than the traditional three years.
Although the change positively impacted some principals, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction estimates that around 360 principals — or 15% — would receive pay cuts ranging from $7,200 to $18,000 over 12 months. Those principals operated schools with a history of high performance prior to the pandemic, making the drop in performance during the COVID era particularly significant.
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20 Week Ban on Abortion Now Legal in NC. | |
Abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy are no longer legal in North Carolina, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, marking the first erosion of abortion access in the state since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision in late June.
U.S. District Judge William Osteen Jr. reinstated North Carolina’s 20-week abortion ban, cutting the limit of time pregnant people have for seeking abortions in the state from fetal viability, which typically falls between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. For the past three years, the ban had been blocked by an injunction Osteen issued in 2019.
“The significant problem with this ruling is that it will criminalize important health care that’s needed in certain extraordinary circumstances,” Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, an abortion rights supporter, said in a statement.
In 2020, there were 30 abortions performed at 21 weeks or later in North Carolina, comprising about 0.1 percent of total abortions in the state.
Despite briefs filed earlier this month by doctors, district attorneys and the attorney general’s office in favor of allowing the injunction to stand, Osteen lifted it on Aug. 17, explaining that the legal foundation of the injunction no longer stands since, under the Dobbs decision, there is no constitutional right to a pre-viability abortion.
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NED BYRD MURDER CAUGHT AND BROUGH TO JUSTICE | |
The investigation into Wake County deputy Ned Byrd’s death is not over, although one man charged with his murder sits behind bars.
Arturo Marin-Sotelo, 29, of Apex is charged with murder. He remains in jail without bond and is due to appear in court again on Sept. 8. If convicted, Marin-Sotelo faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty, according to Judge Damion McCullers.
On Friday, Byrd’s family members, friends and men and women gathered for the funeral session and the procession to honor the fallen deputy.
Investigation will continue for a second murder.
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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!
Thanks for joining us on Radio Nyra last week for our Indian Independence Day Interview with USINPAC Chair, Sanjay Puri.
(Could not find link on FB)
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Wonderful Cricket Interview with Mark Stohlman on Radio Nyra!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2852956421664760
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Ukraine Independence Day Celebration
Triangle Ukraine Association Hosts Independence Day Celebration at Falls Lake Recreation Center at Shelter #7 at Sandling Beach, 14601 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC at 2 pm!
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Sept 9th - TIE Carolinas Golf Tournament | Join us on Sept 9th for TIE Carolinas Golf Tournament to Support our Troops! | |
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Sept. 24th - Town of Morrisville International Festival | Join us on Sept. 24th for Town of Morrisville International Festival! 2 pm to 6 pm on Town Hall Drive! | |
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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Join us on Radio Nyra today at 4 pm for our Indian Independence Day Interview with USINPAC Chair, Sanjay Puri.
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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