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COMMUNITY SURVEY AND FIRE STATION 3 EDITION
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
July 27, 2022
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes.  

Download the Steve Rao App!
My Weekly Update and Congrats to Marius Pharmaceuticals: 
My Weekly Update and Congrats to Marius Pharmaceuticals: 
Breaking News:
FOREIGN POLICY ALERT: 
Speaker Pelosi expected to visit Taiwan today.  A Bold and risky move?

Morrisville Citizen Community Surveys due on August 3!
Morrisville Citizen Community Surveys due on August 3!  Stay engaged and provide us your feedback in either English and Hindi option is available at Polco or visit www.townofmorrisville.org.

(See Morrisville in News Section) 

National Night Out
Check out National Night Out events in Raleigh, Durham, Garner and around the Triangle! 


Keep our communities safe! 
Monkeypox a Global Emergency
Marius Pharmaceuticals
Marius Pharmaceuticals Receives FDA Approval of KYZATREX™ , an Oral Testosterone Replacement Therapy. 

(See Marius Section) 
Gas Prices in North Carolina
Gas Prices in North Carolina fall to 9 cents to $4.43/Lower prices could mean a looming recession

USE WRAL Fuel Tracker app at
Important Updates
Apply to Launch Morrisville Program
Apply to Launch Morrisville Program at www.launchmorrisville.org! Deadline is Aug. 12th! 

Thanks to everyone who came out to the July 21st Information Session. Recording for information session is at Launch Morrisville Information Session video (online-video-cutter.com).mp4 - Google Drive
Satish Garimella
Congrats to Satish Garimella for being featured in NCLM Southern City Magazine!  Proud to serve with him!

Zawahiri
Al Quada Leader Zawahiri taken out in Drone Strike. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/cia-carried-out-drone-strike-afghanistan-us-officials-say-2022-08-01/
Remembering Trailblazers
May the Inspiring Trailblazers Bill Russell and Michelle Nichols rest in peace.  We will never forget them. 
Town Council Approved Town Center/Downtown Development Plan! 

(See Council Meeting Highlights)
More in next newsletter.
North Carolina ranked # 1 place to do business
North Carolina ranked # 1 place to do business by CNBC!  More on this in next newsletter!

Covid Alert:
BA 5 Variant increases NC Covid Case Numbers.  Be Careful.

For Covid Updates and Data, visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard and for Covid Testing visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information.
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

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

Learn more at https://www.samhsa.gov/
NEW FIRE STATION 3 COMING SOON! 
My Message: 

Last week, it was amazing to be at the groundbreaking at the new Fire Station at Harris Mill Road.  

Congrats to our staff, and Chief Criddle for working hard to continue the execution of this milestone project for the Town. We are grateful for our heroes of our Fire Department. 
Fire Station Details 
The fire station will be located at 1021 Harris Mill Road in Morrisville, just off McCrimmon Parkway near the intersection of Town Hall Drive. The Town acquired 6.3 acres of land to construct a new fire station and the fire station will use approximately 2.7 acres for the station. The remaining property will be available for other uses to be determined.  The proposed building is expected to be approximately 15,700 square feet, with double deep bays, and administration and personnel quarters for four to nine staff per day. The overall site work will include landscaping improvements. 

Estimated Timeline:  
The construction of the fire station at Harris Mill Road is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2023.

Funding:
The total construction cost is $8.8 million with the primary funding coming from the 2021 Morrisville GO Bond Referendum for public safety improvements. Details and Updates For more information about the Harris Mill Road fire station project, visit townofmorrisville.org/HarrisMillFireStation

For questions contact Eric Pearson, Capital Projects Manager at (919) 463-6214 or epearson@townofmorrisville.org 
MARIUS PHARMACEUTICALS RECEIVES FDA APPROVAL FOR ORAL TESTOSTERONE THERAPY
I wanted to extend a very well deserved congratulations to Himanshu Shah, and the entire team at Marius Pharmaceuticals, who have just received FDA Approval for a game changing, innovative oral testosterone therapy.  It has taken years of dedication and perseverance to get to this point and we look forward to their growth and success in North Carolind and beyond.  FDA Approval of Kyzatrex will once again add another pharma and life science unicorn in the State of North Carolina!
This morning’s Press Release from Global NewsWire reads as follows:  

Marius Pharmaceuticals, a patient-centric healthcare company, today announced the approval of KYZATREX™ (testosterone undecanoate) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). KYZATREX™ is an oral testosterone replacement therapy ("TRT") indicated in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. The approval of KYZATREX™ provides an important option in treating hypogonadism or more commonly known as, Testosterone Deficiency, which affects approximately 40% of men older than 45 years of age and 30-50% of men with obesity or type 2 diabetes have hypogonadism1. KYZATREX™ has been approved in three dosage strengths, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg.

“I would like to congratulate our scientific team on this major milestone, and now it is up to our commercial team to make KYZATREX™ a leading therapy and a go-to brand for millions of hypogonadal men in the U.S. Low Testosterone affects numerous metabolic factors as well as often overlooked, true quality of life, hence annual testosterone testing should be mandatory for men over age 40,” remarked Himanshu H. Shah, Chairman of Marius.

KYZATREX™ is a proprietary oral softgel capsule that is absorbed primarily via the lymphatic system, avoiding liver toxicity. The oral delivery method eliminates the risk of application site reactions common with intramuscular testosterone injections as well as potential transference to women or children that can occur with topical testosterone gels and creams. With daily dosing in the morning and evening (with food), KYZATREX™ more closely mimics the daily rhythm of natural testosterone production compared to long-acting therapies.

“With so many men suffering daily effects of Testosterone Deficiency and often abandoning or not electing to get treatment, we see FDA-approved KYZATREX™ as a newly viable oral option that has demonstrated safety and effectiveness. Further, Testosterone Deficiency is a big blind spot in medicine today and our research will continue to explore the importance of testosterone in both male and female health,” commented Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius.

KZAYTREX™ has the potential to become the new gold standard of care for treating patients with hypogonadism. There are at least six million symptomatic men suffering from hypogonadism in the U.S., and over 100 million men globally.

Please see additional Important Safety Information for KYZATREX™ below.

About Testosterone and Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism, often referred to as Testosterone Deficiency, is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce adequate levels of testosterone. Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure due to certain conditions) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism both result in low serum testosterone concentrations. In addition to testosterone’s widely accepted role in sexual and reproductive function, it also has important roles in numerous other metabolic and inflammatory process and is one of the most

common causes of secondary osteoporosis in men. Patients with hypogonadism may experience fatigue, low energy, decreased muscle mass, weight gain, low libido, poor cognition, difficulty sleeping, and other mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Because low levels of testosterone can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity, hypogonadism is a common comorbidity in a broader set of conditions, including type 2 diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

About KYZATREX™
KYZATREX™ is a proprietary softgel oral formulation absorbed primarily via the lymphatic system (meaning it is not toxic to the liver) indicated in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. The safety and efficacy of KYZATREX™ was demonstrated in a phase 3, multi-center, open-label, six-month study in 155 hypogonadal males between 18 and 65 years of age with documented hypogonadism, as defined by a below normal serum testosterone level (≤281 ng/dL) and at least one sign or symptom of testosterone deficiency. In the efficacy population (n=139), 88 percent of hypogonadal men treated with KYZATREX™ achieved a mean plasma total testosterone concentration (Cavg) over 24 hours within the normal range (222-800 ng/dL) on the final pharmacokinetic (PK) visit of the study at Day 90 (primary endpoint). Based on exploratory endpoints, patients who received KYZATREX™ reported improvements in quality of life, energy/fatigue, erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and positive mood. The most common side effect reported in ≥ 2 percent of KYZATREX™ patients was increased blood pressure (2.6%). The safety and efficacy of KYZATREX™ in males less than 18 years old have not been established.

Please see additional Important Safety Information below, including Boxed Warning for potential increased blood pressure, for KYZATREX™.

About Marius Pharmaceuticals
Marius Pharmaceuticals is a patient-centric healthcare company focusing on therapies designed for hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency. The company’s mission is to improve the functional lives of patients by reducing the downstream effects of Testosterone Deficiency, which include multiple comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

For more information, please visit https://www.mariuspharma.com/
Media Appearances
Radio Nyra
Thanks for Joining us on Radio Nyra for for our interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz! 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!


Interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz! 
On the Porch
On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch



WPTF Steve O'Bryan show
Get with the Program
Get with the Program with Gary Jones!

Black Issues Forum
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!

Thanks for joining us on PBS Black Issues Forum to talk about Monkeypox and Medicaid Expansion!

Link to the Show:
Proud of the rising star in Journalism, Tar Heel Sonia Rao!  
Scalawag Magazine
AUTHOR ARCHIVES:
Sonia Rao
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.

The Steve Rao App is Here:
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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
JULY 26th COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Administrative Budget Items:
Town Council approved the reappropriation of fund balance from the prior year for outstanding purchase orders and closed the Church Street Park capital project fund for the original park construction. 

Administrative Reports:
A grant activity report for FY 2022 and the Fire Department 2021 Gap report were provided to Town Council. Both reports reflect summaries of activity in those specific focus areas. 

UDO Text Amendments :
Principal Uses, Signage, and Access and Circulation: Town Council held a public hearing. There were no speakers, and the public hearing was closed. Town Council approved the UDO text amendments. 

UDO Text Amendments: 
Tree Preservation, Open Space, Perimeter Buffers, and Landscaping: Town Council discussion continued, with a primary focus on tree replacement and common space requirements. Town Council opened the public hearing. There were no speakers, and the public hearing remains open. Town Council discussed and provided consensus input for revised UDO language, which will be presented at the next Town Council meeting. Action is anticipated following the review of the updated amendments and the close of the public hearing. 

Summer Advisory Committee Recruitment:
Town Council made appointments to the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee; Planning and Zoning Board; Public Education Advisory Committee; Senior Advisory Committee; and the Public Safety Advisory Committee. Recruiting efforts for the Performance Measures Advisory Committee and Public Education Advisory Committee vacancies will continue. 

Town Center Development Plan:
Town Council received a historical overview of the Town Center Plan and vision, and a summary review of the current Town Center Phase I concept plan details. Town Council endorsed the development plan, which will now launch work on the Development Services Agreement (DSA) that will transition the conceptual plan into the detailed tasks and responsibilities to deliver the concept plan. The DSA is projected to take up to 4-6 months to complete and is expected to be presented to Town Council later this fall. 

Parc at Town Center Land Dedication/Greenway Payment-in-Lieu:
Baker Residential, developers of the Parc at Town Center, have proposed dedicating a large parcel of land and funds for the future development of a greenway to the Town to meet the UDO parkland requirements for its planned development on Church Street. Town Council asked questions about the stormwater project in this area of floodway and the construction options for the future greenway. Staff will provide additional requested information at the August 9 Town Council meeting. This item is proposed for action at that meeting.

Morrisville Geographical District Maps:
Town Council received an update on requested information about proposed geographical district maps that rebalance geographical voter districts following the 2020 census that were previewed in April 2022. Rodney Wadkins, GIS Manager, shared information about the disruption (movement) of voters for each of the three proposed scenarios. Town Council members all supported Scenario 1 which had the least disruption, with movement of voters only from District 2 to District 1. Town Council also considered public input options, deciding to inform voters of the change via letter following the submittal of information to Wake County Board of Elections, since the changes primarily impact potential elected office candidacy. In Morrisville all voters vote for all Town Council seats – these are geographic districts only. Town Council will formally adopt the geographical district boundary maps at a future Town Council meeting. 

Pugh House Options:
Town Council received a refresh/update of the options to renovate the inside of the Pugh House or consider other options. Town Council last discussed the Pugh House in November 2019, then requesting the installation of a sign recognizing its status as a historic landmark following the completion of the Morrisville Carpenter Road construction project. Town Council generally expressed consensus to keep the Pugh House as a town asset and to develop a CIP project concept assuming a non-residential use upfit. Project cost estimates will now be updated and included in the upcoming major CIP refresh and prioritization planned for this fiscal year.
This Week in Morrisville: August 1 - 5
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings
Aug. 2 – 6:00 p.m.Public Safety Advisory Committee

Aug. 2 – 6:30 p.m.Public Education Advisory Committee

Aug. 3 – 6:00 p.m. – Performance Measures Advisory Committee

Aug. 3 – 6:30 p.m.Environment and Stormwater Committee 
2022 Morrisville Community Survey Open for All Residents until August 3
Town of Morrisville residents, please help us shape the future of Morrisville! The 2022 Morrisville Community Survey is now open for all residents. Your participation in this survey is very important as your feedback will help Morrisville make decisions that affect our Town.

Your responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
Please click here to take the survey in English, or click here to take the survey in Hindi.

The survey will close on August 3.
GrassStreet to Play at Music in the Park August 5
GrassStreet will perform at the Music in the Park concert series on Aug. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive. GrassStreet is based in Central North Carolina and plays a mix of original material and bluegrass standards. They also cover songs from genres ranging from rock to blues to jazz, setting them apart from the average bluegrass band. They put on a high-energy and entertaining stage show, with a balance of musical precision and humor.
The concert is free, and the food truck “And Also with ‘Cue” will be on site. Feel free to bring a blanket or chair to get comfortable on the lawn, as well as cash for food and beverages.
Visit the Music in the Park webpage for more information about the series.
Registration Opens August 8 for Before- and After-School Programs at CFCC
Registration for before- and after-school programming at the Cedar Fork Community Center will open August 8. Online and in-person registration will be available. The before-school program runs from 7-8:45 a.m., and it includes fun and energizing activities for students before the school day starts. Students must attend Cedar Fork Elementary School to enroll in this program. The after-school program runs from 3:30-6 p.m., and it provides a fun, interactive, and engaging program that includes STEM activities, sports and fitness, arts and crafts, and more. Students from any school are welcome to enroll in this program, but transportation is only offered from Cedar Fork Elementary. Parents will need to arrange transportation for students from other schools.
 
For more information, click here. For questions, call 919-463-7100 or email qjones@townofmorrisville.org
S’Morrisville to Take Place August 10
Morrisville residents are invited to take part in National S’mores Day in “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The Town will change its name to S’Morrisville for the day, and we’ll be serving up these beloved treats from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway.
Residents are also invited to create a short video (one minute or less) sharing a fond memory related to s’mores and upload it to social media. Use the hashtag #smorrisville and tag the Town of Morrisville on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or LinkedIn.

Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation Seeks Public Input at S’Morrisville

The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation are working together to bring a veterans memorial to Morrisville. We are currently developing the site plan for the memorial, and we want your input! You’ll have a chance to share your thoughts at S’Morrisville on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., at Morrisville Community Park. Stop by the Veterans Memorial Foundation to share your thoughts before or after you grab a delicious s’more. We hope to see you there!
Inaugural Law Enforcement Torch Ride for Special Olympics to be August 13
The Town of Morrisville Police Department will host its first Law Enforcement Torch Ride for Special Olympics on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost to participate is $30 for motorcycle riders and $10 for passengers, and proceeds will support the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which supports the Special Olympics and nearly 40,000 athletes across the state.

The charity run will begin and end at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Registration begins at 8 a.m., or participants can register online before the event. Snacks will be provided at the start of the ride, as well as at pit stops, and lunch will be served at the conclusion of the ride.

For questions, contact Tracy Skeeter at tskeeter@townofmorrisville.org.
Esports Summer Camp to Explore STEM Concepts through Minecraft and More - Aug 22-26
The Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department has teamed up with Triangle Esports Academy to offer a STEM camp that serves as a fun activity to wind down the summer. The camp, Start PC Gaming: Becoming a Player, will be offered at the Cedar Fork Community Center Aug. 22-26. Campers will need to bring their own lunch and snacks.

The Esports camp aims to blend scientific inquiry with technological design processes through project-based learning to promote critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning, as well as to improve communication and self-direction. Students are given the opportunity to explore an idea in different contexts and connect their learning across disciplines. In one activity, students will play Minecraft to explore different concepts, such as electrical circuits, farming systems, water cycles, and renewable energy. Minecraft also helps students develop critical and spatial thinkings by providing them a space to visualize and investigate situations and create solutions. Students will have the opportunities to work together and share ideas.
Students will enjoy a balance between screen time and physical activity during camp, and they will have the opportunity to explore both outside and inside play.
All participants will need to have a Minecraft Java account, which is $30. Minecraft Java is only available on PC, and it is different from versions of Minecraft sold for console games and tablets. Participants will need to set up their account prior to the beginning of camp.
For more information about camp, and to register, click here.
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 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 Pattern to Change on Church Street in August

Phase 3 work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project between Page Street and Old Savannah Drive is estimated to begin near the end of July or early August. During this phase of the project, the contractor will pour the median on Morrisville Carpenter Road in front of Church Street, which will require a traffic shift. Traffic will become "right-in/right-out" only on Church Street at the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road.

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. 1:

  • Contractor will continue with road work on Morrisville Carpenter Road (from Town Hall Drive to Old Savannah Drive).
  • Contractor will continue with Phase 3 stormwater work on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Old Savannah Drive and Leafycreek Drive). Contractor will start with Phase 3 median work later this week.
  • Contractor will be working at the Morrisville Carpenter Road and Church Street intersection (turning radius improvements).
  • 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
Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates
The Morrisville Community Park Phase III construction is taking shape.

The construction crew is continuing to work on the retaining wall behind the tennis court as the Morrisville Community Park Phase III upgrades continue. The contractor will be finishing the boardwalk and bridge segments over the course of the coming week. The crew will begin work on preparing the remaining trail sections for asphalt installation over the coming weeks. Work will continue on establishing the foundation and utilities for the restroom shelter building. 

Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.
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.

If you’d like to subscribe to the newsletter, contact sustainability@townofmorrisville.org.
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.
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
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.
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!
Around the Region
A New Car!   
Blue Fox
Drop in to See Blue Fox Indian Cuisine! 
Duke
Visit to Duke with Rayan!
Sikh Gurdvara Picnic
Wonderful time at Sikh Gurdvara Picnic at Morrisville Community Park!
a’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library
Thanks to a’verde Cocina and Tequila Library for raising money for Ukrane last month! Enjoyed my Ukrainian cocktail! 
Visit from MSK Prasad
Enjoyed a visit to Morrisville from MSK Prasad, an Indian Cricket star from Andra Pradesh, who Chaired the Selection Committee for the 2019 Indian Team and played for Team India!
Church Street Park
A visit to Church Street Park with MSK Prasad!

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!  
Social Equity
Visited with Brian Lora, CEO and Founder of Social Equity, a local start up focused on assisting with Affordable Housing needs!

More on his company in next newsletter!

GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD
At least 30 dead in Kentucky and hundreds accounted for.  Tornadoes expected in West Virginia.  

Drone Strike
A U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan killed Ayman al-Zawahri, the leader of Al Qaeda, who helped plan the Sept. 11 attacks.
  • Biden said the strike, in downtown Kabul over the weekend, did not kill any civilians or members of al-Zawahri’s family.
  • Al-Zawahri, 71, led a life steeped in conspiracy and violence. He also played roles in the attack on the destroyer Cole in 2000 and the 1998 embassy bombings in Africa that killed hundreds of Americans.

Politics
Nancy Pelosi is in Singapore for a tour of Asia. She will visit Taiwan.   

An emerging group of single-issue voters — anti-vaccine parents — could lift Republicans in the midterm elections.

War in Ukraine
Russia has turned Europe’s largest nuclear power plant into a fortress.

A ship loaded with grain has left Ukraine for the first time since the war began.

Other Big Stories
The water at the Oasis Mobile Home Park in California contains almost 10 times the allowable limit of arsenic. But most residents have no other housing options
Flooding in Kentucky has killed at least 28 people. Here’s what we know about the victims.

The McKinney fire in Northern California has grown to more than 52,000 acres in two days.

“We just feel helpless”: After school shootings, more American teachers are carrying guns.
NORTH CAROLINA NEWS
Election Day to be a Teacher Workday
Wake County Schools will consider making Election Day a Teacher workday this evening.  Nov 8th expected to be a Teacher Workday.  
Apex to Launch Transit Service, Go Apex! 
The Town of Apex will be launching Go Apex1 on Saturday, a 19 passenger bus that will run from 6 am to 10 pm.  Congratulations to Apex! 
New Laws in NC in effect as of this Monday
Ready to Achieve" Program
The state's new education initiative is placing priority on reading ability for elementary students. Under the new campaign, the goal is for all students to be able to read by third grade.

"Students are expected to be independent readers. This means they can read and understand words, sentences, and paragraphs and answer comprehension questions about their reading."

The law requires third graders who score at Level 1 or 2 in reading on the third grade End of Grade exam (EOG) to be retained and not promoted to the fourth grade. 

However, in special circumstances, students can receive a “good cause exemption” and move on to fourth grade.

Students with an IEP or 504 plan who are being taught on alternate academic achievement standards, some limited English proficient students, and students who have been retained more than once before the third grade can also receive a good cause exemption.

ABC Store Changes
The state is relaxing regulations on bar owners and expanding the sale and transportation of alcohol.
  • HB 768 - State legislators voted overwhelmingly to remove a cumbersome law requiring "memberships" for private bars.
  • SB 470 - This initiative allows counties and cities to enact their own "social districts", designated areas where people can freely drink alcoholic beverages on streets, with proper adherence to district ordinances.

High School Athletics
After almost moving to scrap the NCHSAA and CAASC, two nonprofits that run North Carolina's high school athletics, the NC board of education instead moved to pass HB 91.
The law requires the NCHSAA and CAASC to enact a series of policies related to athlete health and safety, participation, gameplay and much more.

There will also be some changes in the Court System, which I will highlight in next newsletter. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Issues Forum
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!

Thanks for joining us on PBS Black Issues Forum to talk about Monkeypox and Medicaid Expansion!

Link to the Show:


Engaging discussion at BLACK ISSUES FORUM!
PBS NC

  • Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
  • Sundays at 4 p.m.
  • Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.
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.
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 for our interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz! 

Interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz! 
AUG 2 Wake County Opioid Settlement Event
On Aug. 2, community leaders, stakeholders and members will come together to discuss how best to use money from the National #OpioidSettlement Fund to help those harmed by the opioid epidemic. We'll hear from a keynote speaker and then break out into groups to talk about possibilities and priorities.

The meeting takes place from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Wake County Commons. You can also attend virtually if you prefer.

Learn more about register at wakegov.com/opioidsettlement.
SAVE THE DATE:  
AUGUST 10th is S'Morrisville!   
Aug 16 - NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit
Join us Aug. 16th at 8 am for the NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit at McKimmon Center.

Radio / TV
Radio NYRA

Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
JJoin us on Sunday at 4 pm on Radio Nyra for our interview with North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell!

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!

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.
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