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MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS AND AKSHARDHAM EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

October 9, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

My Weekly Update


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/686471856758570

Morrisville Alerts:  


Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is closed on Oct 18th. 


Pickleball Courts at Morrisville Community Park Closed Oct. 9 - Oct 13. 


Town of Morrisville Advisory Committee Applications Opened Oct. 2.  

Apply Now at https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/government/resident-advisory-committees

CRAVE THE DATE WAS A MORRISVILLE SUCCESS


Today, we wrap up Morrisville Restaurant Week, a 10-day celebration of our community’s local restaurants and the incredible diversity they bring to the Town. 


The entire week featured Restaurant Week specials that offer all community members a chance to experience all that Morrisville has to offer through a wide range of incredible food at tasty prices. 


During the week, I visited a few restaurants.


Learn more about Restaurant Week and view all participating restaurant menus at www.morrisvillerestaurantweek.com.


RESTAURANT WEEK VISITS: 


Mi Cancun visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/308409228553704


Swagat Visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1698121553985443


Empanadas and More Visit: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/844106173980842


Woodys Tavern: 


Honest: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159259007951360/661624552701148


Pizza Twist: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1492344328270897   


MEDIA ALERT


Sept 29th PBS Black Issues Forum:

https://video.pbsnc.org/show/black-issues-forum/


WRAL Tech Wire Blog: Canada is Eating America's Lunch When it Comes to High Tech Immigration: 

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/09/14/canada-is-eating-americas-lunch-when-it-comes-to-high-tech-worker-immigration/


WRAL Tech Wire Blog: What is the ROI for Refugees Coming to NC, that is a Billion Dollar Question. https://wraltechwire.com/2023/08/17/whats-the-roi-for-refugees-coming-to-nc-thats-a-billion-dollar-question/


Check out the recent Triangle Business Journal Article, the Color of Wealth on Asian Community. https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2023/08/11/asian-culture-wealth-household-income-raleigh-cary.html


TUNE IN ON FRIDAYS at 3 pm to WPTF 98.5 FM and 680 AM with Jeff Hamlin.    

Oct 9- 13 is Fire Prevention Week


My Fire Week Prevention Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/2660663304083688


Fire Prevention Week is an annual event in the United States and Canada that is dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety and educating people on how to prevent fires and protect themselves in case of a fire emergency. It typically takes place during the week in which October 9th falls, as October 9th is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a tragic fire that killed many people and caused extensive damage to the city.


During Fire Prevention Week, various organizations, including fire departments, schools, and community groups, organize events and activities to promote fire safety. These activities often include fire drills, fire safety presentations, smoke alarm checks and open houses.


This year, the theme of Fire Prevention Week is Cooking Safety Starts With You. I will be sharing more insights on Fire Prevention Week at the end of the week. 

OCT 10 CARY AND DURHAM MUNICIPAL ELECTION 


FIND YOUR POLLING SITE: 


Polling Sites in Durham: https://www.dcovotes.com/voters/voting/polling-locations


Polling Sites in Wake County : https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/board-elections


Meet the Candidates: 


Meet the Cary Mayor and Council Candidates: https://indyweek.com/news/meet-the-candidates-for-three-seats-on-carys-town-council/


Meet Durham Mayor and Council Candidates: https://goodparty.org/blog/article/voter-guide-durham-nc-city-council



Visit your county board of elections website for information about where and when to vote.


A driver’s license or other acceptable photo ID is required to vote this election cycle. Voters can receive a free Voter ID through the Wake County Board of Elections.  


If elected, Sarika Bansal will become the first Indian American Woman to serve on the Cary Town Council. 


We wish all of the candidates well, and thank them for having the courage to put their names on the ballot. 


Mayor:   Harold Weinbrecht


At Large:   Lori Bush

           Mary Insrpucker 

           Matthew Gronke 


District B:  Don Franz

            Michelle Craig 


District D:  Sarika Bansal 

Ryan Eades

Rachel Jordan

Oct 2- Oct 5 was Minority Enterprise Development Week!


My Minority Business Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/877887293696439


Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week recognizes and celebrates the achievements and impacts of minority entrepreneurs across North Carolina, and provides opportunities for networking, expanding, and strengthening businesses.


We look forward to hosting our North Carolina Secretary of Technology Jim Weaver this Friday at Swagat Indian Cuisine for a Minority Procurement Networking event.  

HINDU HERITAGE MONTH FEATURE:  


AKSHARDHAM NEW JERSEY 


My Akshardham Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/346430724437166


During this Hindu Heritage Month, we celebrate the second largest Hindu Temple in the world, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham opening in Robinsville, New Jersey this past Sunday.   


Congratulations to our BAPS devotees in Morrisville, Greensboro, Charlotte and around the state for their contributions to this magnificent temple and new celebration of Hindu faith and culture in our country.  


TOP TEN FACTS OF AKSHARDHAM 


1. As per a report by ANI, this magnificent Mahamandir, or grand temple, is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a revered Hindu spiritual leader from the 19th century. It was built on the inspiration of his 5th spiritual successor, the esteemed saint Pramukh Swami Maharaj. 


2.Construction on this Mahamandir commenced in 2015, and its official inauguration is scheduled for October 8, 2023, with Mahant Swami Maharaj and esteemed dignitaries presiding over the event.


3. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, spanning 185 acres, and expertise of more than 12,500 volunteers hailing from various parts of North America. Together, they have collectively created an unparalleled landmark designed to endure for well over a millennium, ANI reported.


4.Designed by a group of BAPS swamis and dedicated volunteers in India, this religious edifice underwent a meticulous construction process. Stone was sourced from various regions in Europe and transported to India, where it underwent intricate craftsmanship.


5. The stone pieces were shipped to the United States, where an assembly of diverse volunteers, under the guidance of volunteer artisans from India, came together to work on the temple.


6. At the temple site in New Jersey, the finishing touches are being applied to the ground level and the primary mandir, and the construction work is progressing rapidly towards completion.


7.At the apex, the Mahashikhar is adorned with a golden pot, known as the Kalash, symbolizing a sense of wholeness and excellence. Above this, the flag or Dhaja soars high, symbolizing victory and the prevailing of good over evil.


8. Inside Akshardham, the intricate stone sculptures and figurines artistically portray the enduring heritage of Indian music, dance, and performing arts. Additionally, they serve as a homage to the esteemed sages, saints, and spiritual luminaries who have made significant contributions to India and Hinduism.


9. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest all-encompassing Hindu temple. It is situated within a vast 100-acre complex.


10. The Akshardham temple in the United States is poised to surpass its own previous achievements. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has constructed approximately 1,400 temples across various locations, including India, the UK, US, Canada, Kenya, South Africa, and Australia.

AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE OPENS IN NEW JERSEY


My Message to BAPS:  


If stones could talk, sing and tell stories, Yogi Trivedi believes the marble and limestone that adorn the spires, pillars and archways of the stunning Hindu temple in central New Jersey would compose a paean to the divine.


The tales these stones tell are those of seva (selfless service) and bhakti (devotion), which form the core of the Swaminarayan sect, a branch of Hinduism, said Trivedi, a scholar of Hinduism at Columbia University.


It took a combined total of about 4.7 million hours of work by artisans and volunteers to hand-carve about 2 million cubic feet of stone. The four varieties of marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria traveled first to India and then over 8,000 miles across the world to New Jersey.  Many BAPS Devotees from the Morrisville and Charlotte temples participated and volunteered for this project, under the guidance of Indian Artisans. 


They were then fitted together like a giant jigsaw to create what is now touted as the largest Hindu temple outside India to be built in the modern era, standing on a 126-acre tract. It will open to the public on Monday.


The largest temple complex in the world is the Ankgor Wat, originally constructed in the 12th century in Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia, and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II. It is now described as a Hindu-Buddhist temple, and is one of 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage sites.


The Robbinsville temple is one of many built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha or BAPS, a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect.


“Service and devotion are the two basic elements that form the subtle foundation of how a temple so majestic gets built here in central New Jersey,” said Trivedi, who studies the Swaminarayan faith tradition and follows it.


This temple will be the third Akshardham or “abode of the divine” the organization has built after two others in New Delhi and Gujarat, where BAPS is headquartered. The former is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. The sect, which will celebrate its 50th year in North America next year, oversees more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centers around the world.


Congratulations to BAPS devoteers from across the country and world for bringing such a magnificent Hindu temple to the shores of the United States of America, one that will last for thousands of years.


HINDU HERITAGE MONTH 


My Hindu Heritage Message: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/646305967606113


Hindu Heritage Month is a celebration and recognition of the cultural and religious contributions of Hinduism to society. While it is not as widely recognized as some other cultural or religious heritage months, it is observed in various places, particularly in regions with significant Hindu populations.


The idea behind Hindu Heritage Month is to promote awareness and understanding of Hinduism, its traditions, art, philosophy, and cultural practices. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest religions.


The specific timing and duration of Hindu Heritage Month can vary depending on the region and organization promoting it. In some places, it is celebrated during the month of October, while in others, it may fall in different months.


During Hindu Heritage Month, various events and activities are organized to educate the public about Hinduism. These may include lectures, workshops, cultural performances, exhibitions, and displays of Hindu art and artifacts. It's also a time when the contributions of Hindu individuals to various fields, such as science, literature, and politics, are acknowledged and celebrated.


During this month, I will continue to recognize Hindu and Hispanic trailblazers in our nation and also in North Carolina.  


Send me your ideas to sr@steverao.com

UNITED STATES HINDU TRAILBLAZERS  


United States Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi 


Raja Krishnamoorthi is a U.S. representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district. He was elected to Congress in 2016 and is currently in his fourth term.


United States Congressman Ro Khanna 


Ro Khanna is a Democratic U.S. representative for California's 17th congressional district. He was elected in 2016 and is serving his fourth term. Khanna's district covers communities in Silicon Valley, including cities in Santa Clara and Alameda counties.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy 


Dr. Vivek H. Murthy is the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. He was also the 19th Surgeon General under President Barack Obama. As the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, he commands a uniformed service of 6,600 public health officers globally.

Former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi 


Indra Nooyi is an Indian-born American businesswoman who was the CEO and chairman of PepsiCo from 2006–2018 and 2007–2019, respectively. She was the first woman of color and first immigrant to lead a Fortune 50 company. 

Nooyi was born on October 28, 1955 in Madras, India.

SCHOOL RE-ASSIGNMENT CONCERNS 


I know there are a number of parents in Morrisville upset about the School Reassignment plan, particularly those families at Parkside Elementary.  

 

I am meeting with families across Morrisville on this issue, and will also work with the School Board to see if we can work together collaboratively through the challenges of the rapid pace of growth in Wake County.  


Most recently, Council Member Anne Robotti, Donnar Fender and I met with the residents of Providence whose families are being reassigned from Parkside Elementary to Pleasant Grove Elementary. Stability and Proximity are the two areas of the Wake County plan, which many of these residents believe are not being adhered to in this plan.


I thank these families for being so engaged and expressing their frustrations to the Council.  


Please email me at sr@steverao.com if you would like me to come to your community to discuss this issue. 


Highlights of the Week:

Secretary of North Carolina Jim Weaver attends a Procurement Networking event for Minority Enterprise Week event in Morrisville at Swagat!  


Thanks to all who attended and I look forward to working with the Secretary on a follow-up event with State Agencies in November. 

National Night Out was a blast! 


I was honored to attend and participate in NC DOT Advanced Mobility Summit at RTI International. 


More on what I learned at this event in my next newsletter. 

Fire Safety Day kicks off Fire Prevention Week!  


GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!


Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.


Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

BREAKING NEWS: 

AG Stein Kicks off his NC Strong Tour at Shaw University tomorrow at 10 am



House to select new House Speaker. Scalise, Jordan or McHenry?


https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-vacancy-successor-vote-10-04-23/index.html

Israel Declares War on Hamas


There will be vigils in Raleigh and throughout the area this evening for the Jewish community.


https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71

House averts a shutdown again with Short Term Spending Measure


https://www.npr.org/2023/10/02/1202937022/congress-avoids-a-government-shutdown-with-a-short-term-spending-measure

BAPS Akshardham Temple opens in New Jersey. 


Becomes the World's Second largest temple in the world.


https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/largest-hindu-temple-asia-opens-new-jersey-built-12500-volunteers-rcna119085

Op Ed Alert:

This Week in Morrisville. Oct 9- Oct 15

Meetings


Oct. 10 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council Meeting

Oct. 11 – 6:00 p.m. Performance Measures Advisory Committee

Oct. 12 – 6:30 p.m. Planning & Zoning Board

Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team


The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full and part-time positions including:


Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.

Tonight's Movie in the Park is Coco


Join us for Movies in the Park on Friday, Oct. 6, starting at 8 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. The featured movie will be Coco, an animated movie from Pixar that tells the story of a young boy, Miguel, an aspiring musician, who enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-grandfather, a legendary singer.

 

Come early to get a good spot on the lawn of the multi-purpose field. Magnificent Concessions food truck will be in attendance for sweet treats to purchase. Learn more here.


Fire Safety Day is Oct. 7


The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department will host Fire Safety Day on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Park West Village, 3400 Village Market Place. This free event includes a live ropes demonstration, photo opportunities, fire apparatus, police vehicles, Sparky the Fire Dog, games, food, and more. Learn more here.


Morrisville Youth Art Expo is Oct. 7


A Morrisville Youth Art Expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 12-3 p.m., at Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050B Town Hall Drive. Over 50 pieces of artwork from students in grades K-12 will be on display. This is free to attend.


Morrisville 101 Registration Open Until Oct. 12


Registration for Morrisville 101 is now open. Morrisville 101 is an annual community academy for Morrisville residents interested in local government. This is a free program for residents ages 16 and older. The program will begin Oct. 25 and will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. once a week for five weeks. Registration ends on Oct. 12. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit the Morrisville 101 webpage.


Upcoming at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center


The MAFC will be offering parent-child yoga classes on Saturday, Oct. 7. Class times vary based on the age of the child participant. A single visit pass or MAFC membership is required for children, but parents/guardians will be free. For more information and to sign-up, visit www.tinyurl.com/mafcfall2023.


The MAFC will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 18 for a Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources department-wide meeting and building maintenance.

Pickleball Courts Closed Oct. 9-13 for Repairs


The pickleball courts at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, will be closed for maintenance and repairs Oct. 9-13.


Advisory Committee Recruitment Now Open


Recruitment for Morrisville's resident advisory committees is now open. The Town is searching for passionate individuals to join us in shaping the future of our community. This recruitment period is focused on filling vacancies or expiring terms on ALL committees and the Planning and Zoning Board. Interested residents can apply online here.


If you have any questions or need further information, contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at 919-463-6168 or via email at [esmith@townofmorrisville.org]esmith@townofmorrisville.org.


Temporary Disc Golf Course Ribbon-Cutting set for Oct. 10


A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Dragonfly” temporary disc golf course will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 3:30 p.m., at 280 Town Hall Drive. The Morrisville community is invited to attend.


Bulk Item Pickup Week is Oct. 16-20


The fall bulk item pickup week is Oct. 16-20. This service is free to all Morrisville residents currently receiving curbside residential solid waste service from GFL. All items must be curbside by 7 a.m. on their regular trash/recycling day. No registration is required. A list of accepted items can be found on the Public Works page.


Morrisville Town Council Candidate Forum Oct. 18


The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidates Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Wake Tech RTP Campus, 10908 Chapel Hill Road. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the candidates for Morrisville Town Council and gain insights into their positions on key issues. Learn more and register in advance here.


Morrisville Mural Program Open for Artist Proposals


The Town of Morrisville invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to design and install murals for the inaugural Morrisville Mural Program. The goals of the mural program are to activate and enhance the cultural connectivity and vitality of the Town of Morrisville through engaging artwork and creative placemaking. Each artist or artist team may submit one design per site. However, an artist or artist team will only be selected to complete one design. Click here to learn more and apply.


Youth Encouraged to Enter ‘Morrisville Roots for Trees’ Poster Art Contest


All Morrisville school children and members of youth organizations are invited to showcase their artistic talents by participating in the 18th annual Morrisville Student Art Poster Contest. The Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC) has selected the theme of “Morrisville Roots for Trees!” to encourage students to produce works of art that promote expanding the Town’s tree canopy. Visit the website for more details and list of prizes.


Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers Market


The Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.


This Saturday, Oct. 7, will feature a free Yoga on the Green class, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Attendees will need to bring their own yoga mat. Visit wwfm.ag to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.


SEPT 26 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS 


• Lease Agreement Renewals

• Capital Projects Update

• Personnel Policy Review

• Crabtree Creek Nature Park Project

• Transit Oriented Development and Zoning Plan

Read the full details at https://bit.ly/3tb7w2q

#LiveConnectedLiveWell

Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers' Market


The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.  


Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.

Around the Region

David Garnder hosts Opportunity International in Cary!

NC State vs Marshall!   


NC State Meets Marshall (I am from WVA!) 

Fire Safety Day A Blast!  Insights from Chief Lozinsky 

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration at Marbles!


Insights from Dr. Arvind Shah:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/159642667216613


Catching up with First Flight Venture CEO Krista Covey. 




Time with Raleigh Smart City Manager John Holden! 





Chilling with Dems in Apex!  


Sen Batch, Wake County School Board CHair Mahaffey, and APex Council Member Terry Mahaffey!



Small Business Listening Tour: 

Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company.

SMALL BUSINESS VISIT OF THE WEEK


SMALL BUSINESS FORUM INSIGHTS FROM CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT FUND: 


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/838053647911356


North Carolina News

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will no longer be State Fire Marshal


North Carolina’s elected insurance commissioner will no longer hold a second role as state fire marshal because of a new provision in the state budget that will take effect in January.


Commissioner Mike Causey said this week he is unhappy with the change, which he said was inserted into the budget by fellow Republicans without input from him, local fire marshals or firefighters, news outlets reported.


The budget will soon become law without Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s formal approval because he has said he wouldn’t sign it.


Read More at https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-fire-marshal-insurance-commissioner-legislature-e883754ed3b98d2aaeea1fd8e52dc59a


NC Budget allows lawmakers to deny Public Record Requests 


Republican state lawmakers in North Carolina are attempting to exempt themselves from public records laws meant to safeguard transparency with a budget provision allowing them to keep any legislative document private — even after they leave office.


Tucked into the 625-page state budget that legislators have begun voting on fewer than 24 hours after its release is a section that First Amendment experts say would enable the General Assembly to conduct much of the public’s work in secret.


Current and former state legislators would no longer be required to reveal any document, drafting request or information request they make or receive while in office. They would also have broad discretion to determine whether a record should be made public, archived, destroyed or sold.


NC House Votes on Budget without Casinos 


The North Carolina legislature has voted to pass a long-delayed $30 billion spending plan. The final vote was 70-40 in the House after midnight with about five Democrats joining Republicans in support of the bill, while the Senate voted along party lines Thursday in a 28-19 vote.


The budget includes raises of 4% this year for most state employees, with an additional 3% next year. Starting pay for teachers would increase by $2,000 to $39,000, and teacher pay overall would rise by an average of 7%. It would decrease the personal income tax rate to just under 4% by 2026, but only if revenue targets are met.


Republicans touted hundreds of millions allocated for mental healthcare, and grants of $2 billion for water and sewer infrastructure in rural communities.


Democrats also voiced objections to a major expansion of private school vouchers that would make them available to everyone regardless of income level. And they challenged provisions in the budget that would make the legislative branch more powerful: more legislative appointments to the Judicial Standards Commission, more legislative control over oversight of the community college system and a public records change that could allow lawmakers to decide which documents should be available to the public.


House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said the overall effect is to make North Carolina “the most powerful legislature in the entire country.”


A final vote on Friday morning in the Senate will send the bill to Gov. Roy Cooper, who’s said he might veto. The House opted to do its final Friday vote at 12:29 a.m. Republicans likely have enough votes to override any veto.


House Speaker Tim Moore says that would delay the bill and Medicaid expansion for several weeks because an override would likely take place in October. "I'm hopeful the governor will sign it," he said. I mean, this activates the expansion, the health care access. There's a lot more reasons for him to sign it than to veto it."


Moore said the House doesn't plan to hold further votes until the week of Oct. 9.

Other notable provisions in the budget include:

Millions of dollars for what are known as "crisis pregnancy centers," organizations that counsel women not to get an abortion


$700 million for highway maintenance projects

New “citizen review panels” to provide oversight to child protective services agencies, along with a new state office of child fatality prevention


Restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine mandates for state workers


Funding to plan a new business school at N.C. State University

$1.2 million for child care grants.

$20 million for research on PFAS contamination through the N.C. Policy Collaboratory

Free school lunches for children who qualify for reduced-price lunches


Wake County Schools Roll out Student Reassignment Plan for 2024-2025


The Wake County School District presented its first draft of the 2024-25 enrollment plan to the school board Tuesday.


The district is proposing reassignments at 21 schools – 13 elementary schools, six middle schools and two high schools.


Pleasant Grove Elementary in Morrisville would be the focal point of several changes. A portion of its attendance zone would be reassigned into Brier Creek, Leesville Road or York elementary schools in Raleigh. Then, parts of Alston Ridge and Parkside elementary schools, in Cary and Morrisville, would be reassigned to Pleasant Grove Elementary. 


The changes would reduce some overcrowding at the schools, although they would require some calendar changes for families to or from multi-track or traditional calendars.


Families of children who will be in fourth or fifth grade next year could apply to stay at their school instead of moving to Pleasant Grove, and they could apply for any younger siblings who will be in kindergarten or older to stay, as well. They would not have busing.

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/wake-county-school-district-proposes-to-move-students-from-21-schools/21054801/


LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, said his country was “at war” after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, sent dozens of gunmen into Israeli territory early on Saturday. Israel’s armed forces said that some fighters had crossed the border on paragliders. The assault followed a barrage of rockets—thousands, Hamas claimed—fired into the centre and south of the country. Several people have been killed, including the head of a regional council. Israel said its fighter jets had struck several targets in Gaza.


America’s workforce grew by an unexpectedly high 336,000 jobs in September, led by expansions in the hospitality, education and health sectors. But wage growth fell short of predictions. The mixed data will only make life harder for policymakers seeking to push down inflation without grounding economic growth; the Federal Reserve will make its next interest-rate decision in early November.


General Motors agreed to include battery plants in its national contract with the United Auto Workers—a crucial demand for employees concerned about the industry’s transition to electric vehicles. The trade union subsequently held off on additional strikes. UAW members began simultaneous industrial action against Stellantis, General Motors and Ford on September 15th, pushing for higher wages and other concessions. (Stellantis’s biggest shareholder part-owns The Economist’s parent company.)


An American former army sergeant was arrested, accused of trying to spy for China. Joseph Schmidt, an active soldier until 2020, allegedly attempted to provide classified national-security information to China and to share his experiences as an “interrogator” with the country’s intelligence service, according to a court filing. A federal prosecutor called the case “shocking”.


Six Colombian men suspected of involvement in the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, Ecuador’s anti-corruption presidential candidate, were murdered in a prison in Guayaquil. Ecuador’s government condemned the killings. Villavicencio was shot dead on August 9th, less than two weeks before the first round of a general election. The second round run-off vote is scheduled for October 15th.


A bus crash in southern Mexico killed at least 18 migrants, including three children, from Haiti and Venezuela. The number of Venezuelans who have made the treacherous journey to reach the American-Mexican border has surged in recent months. Earlier Joe Biden’s administration said it would resume deporting migrants to Venezuela, which has been rocked by political and economic turmoil.


Police arrested 12 people suspected of stealing 74 tonnes of olives in the Spanish province of Seville, mere weeks after 6,000 litres of olive oil was stolen in Malaga. Heatwaves and drought ruined this year’s harvest in Spain, the world’s largest producer. As a consequence, the price of olive oil at origin has risen 112% since last year.


Word of the week: aish, the word for bread in Egyptian Arabic. It is also the word for life—reflecting the foodstuff’s importance in the country. 


UPCOMING EVENTS

October 9th at 5:30 p.m. at the David R. Kahn Community Campus.


At this gathering, the Jewish community will come together to show support for Israel, and hear from local Jewish and government leadership on the importance of standing with Israel at this time.

Oct 11 Maximizing Broadband Investments, Learning from Chatham County.  



Oct 21 Trick or Treat the Trail 


1 pm to 6 pm at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville NC 27560)

Oct 14th Hum Sub Diwali 11 am to 9 pm at Koka Booth Amphitheater. 


Oct 28th Town of Morrisville Diwali at 5 pm at Cedar Fork District Park! 

Oct 18th RIOT DEMO DAY and Nov 9th Triangle Connected Communities Conference (Smart Cities)  


8 am to 6 pm Raleigh Convention Center:


http://riot.org/events/connected-triangle-summit/r. 

Early Voting Starts Oct 19th for Morrisville and Apex Elections. 


Voting is at Apex Community Center at 53 Hunter Street, Apex, NC


https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/board-elections/election-information/early-voting

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
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