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CONGRESSWOMAN DEB ROSS VISITS MORRISVILLE EDITION | |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
June 26, 2023
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
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CONGRESSWOMAN ROSS VISITS MORRISVILLE TODAY!
Congresswoman Deborah Ross will be hosting a town hall event in Morrisville on June 26 at 6 p.m. She will discuss issues that are important to Wake County residents.
If you would like to attend the event, click here at,
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-with-congresswoman-deborah-ross-tickets-663211472367?aff=oddtdtcreator and a location will be provided upon confirmation.
She will also hold a press event on Friday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m. During this event, she will present the Town with a Community Funding Project check for solar projects.
The event will be at the Town Hall Connector, 240 Town Hall Drive, which lies between the solar arrays on both the Public Safety building and Fire Station No. 1.
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My Insights On Modi Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1457417725004601
Last week, I enjoyed attending Prime Minister Modi's visit to Washington and enjoyed the White House Arrival Ceremony, the address to Congress, and his address at the Kennedy Center, at the Invitation of John Chambers, Chair of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum!
In his introduction of the Prime Minister, Chambers predicts that India will be the number one economy in the world in the next decade, and I do believe that it is important for the US and India, to collaborate in the areas of trade/investment, start-up ecosystems, defense, and AI.
On a personal note, I want to thank Senator Jay Chaudhuri for writing a letter to President Biden with the support of elected officials across the country to encourage the establishment of a joint Hindi Language Fund to teach Hindi in American middle schools and high schools.
Finally, I will encourage our Congressional Delegation and the Biden Administration to look into the allegations of human rights abuses, discrimination against religious minorities and suppression of free speech in India to ensure that India can work on inclusivity in their democracy,.
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PRIME MINISTER MODI COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL STATE VISIT TO UNITED STATES
Modi address at White House Arrival:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Modi+address+at+white+house+on+you+tube&qs=n&sp=-1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=modi+address+at+white+house
Modi Address to Congress:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Modi+address+to+Congress+on+you+tube&docid=603523779355619521&mid=6194FD88056B576EFCF26194FD88056B576EFCF2&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
Modi Address at Partnership Forum:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/india-will-be-no-1-economy-pm-modi-addresses-us-india-strategic-partnership-forum/videoshow/101229232.cms
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed at a White House Ceremony, met with President Joe Biden, and address the Congress, with military and technological ties on the agenda as his hosts seek a regional counter to China.
“We seek to deepen India-USA ties in key sectors like trade, commerce, innovation, technology, and other such areas,” Modi posted on Twitter before he left on Tuesday for his first state visit to the US since assuming power in 2014.
The leader of the world’s most populous nation attended a state dinner at the White House on Thursday – only Biden’s third since his inauguration.
Hailed by New Delhi as a “historic” chance to “expand and consolidate” ties, the visit comes at a time of rising concerns over the treatment of its Muslim minority, human rights, and democratic backsliding under the Hindu nationalist leader.
But Biden has made clear he sees US ties to India as a defining relationship that will jointly address some of the most difficult global challenges in coming years, including climate change, disruptions related to artificial intelligence, and China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific.
TRADE BETWEEN INDIA AND UNITED STATES
Trade between the US and India in 2022 climbed to a record $191bn. The nearly five million Indian diaspora in the US – its wealthiest ethnic group – has become an economic, cultural, and political powerhouse.
Biden has sought to reinvigorate the Quad while the US defense sales to India have risen from near zero in 2008 to more than $20bn in 2020.
Modi’s US visit begins on Wednesday when he will lead foreign dignitaries and bureaucrats in a session for International Yoga Day at the UN Secretariat in New York. Yoga, an ancient discipline first practiced by Hindu sages, is now one of India’s most successful cultural exports after Bollywood.
Nine years ago, Modi successfully lobbied the UN to designate June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, he has harnessed yoga as a cultural soft power to stretch his nation’s diplomatic reach and project himself as an “ascetic” leader.
SUMMARY OF THE MODI VISIT
The official state visit portion of Modi’s trip started on Thursday with the White House Arrival Ceremony, which I was honored to attend and included an Oval Office meeting with Biden, an address to a joint meeting of Congress, and a lavish White House
Modi addressed a joint session of Congress on Thursday afternoon, which I was also able to
On Friday, Modi was honored at a State Department luncheon hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and addressed business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora at the Kennedy Center at the US India Strategic Partnership Forum Program, WE THE PEOPLE, CELEBRATING THE US INDIA PARTNERSHIP. I was also honored to be a guest of Cisco Chairman Emeritus and Chair of the Partnership Forum, John Chambers, who eloquently introduced Prime Minister Modi.
India’s ANI news agency on Tuesday said Modi will also meet Tesla’s Elon Musk, who also owns Twitter, among other business leaders during the trip.
Modi departed for Egypt from the US for a two-day visit starting Saturday.
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MY INSIGHTS ON MODI VISIT TO UNITED STATES, THE RISE OF NEW INDIA
https://wraltechwire.com/2023/06/20/its-indias-time-prime-ministers-visit-to-us-highlights-ongoing-transformation/
My Message on Modi visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/113232718472932
In 2007, I led a business mission to India as a Member of TIE Carolinas in collaboration with the US-India Political Action Committee. (USINPAC)
After a long day of meetings in Ahmedabad, our delegation looked forward to a meeting with the state’s Chief Minister. We had heard that he was a very progressive leader, who was accomplishing great things for his state.
His name was Narendra Modi.
We often forget that before becoming the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. During my meeting with him, I quickly noticed that this man had a vision for India, far greater than anyone could imagine. He also was very excited to know that I had married into a family from his state, and that there were many Gujarati immigrants that called North Carolina home.
During our meeting, Modi shared with our delegation his focus on various initiatives and policies aimed at the development of his state, primarily his efforts on economic development, infrastructure development, solar power, and the development of a Knowledge Economy. His passion and drive were amazing, and I clearly remember that there was a line of Executives from companies all over the world waiting to meet him. North Carolina Economic Development Director, Paul Butler, was blown away with how many countries were lining up to meet the Chief Minister, a line much longer than any Governor of North Carolina would see.
A quick search on Chat GPT clearly revealed that Modi’s vision for his state led to incredible results in his 13 years of leadership as Chief Minister.
Economic Development: With regards to Economic Development, Modi focused on attracting investment and promoting industrial growth in Gujarat. He initiated the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, a biennial event that serves as a platform for business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the state. This summit helped Gujarat become one of India's leading industrial hubs and attracted significant domestic and foreign investment.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: Modi prioritized infrastructure development in Gujarat. He spearheaded projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront Development, which transformed the riverfront area of Ahmedabad into a vibrant public space. He also emphasized the improvement of roads, highways, airports, and ports, enhancing connectivity within the state and with the rest of the country. It should not be a surprise that the world’s most valuable company, Apple, is continuing to pivot to India, eyeing its potential as both a consumer market and production hub.
Agriculture and Rural Development: Modi implemented various initiatives to support the agricultural sector and rural development in Gujarat. He introduced water management schemes, such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam, to provide irrigation and drinking water to farmers and rural communities. He also launched programs to improve agricultural productivity, promote agro-industries, and empower rural women through initiatives like the self-help group movement.
Solar Power: Under Modi's leadership, Gujarat became a pioneer in the field of solar power generation. He encouraged the development of solar parks and implemented policies to promote solar energy adoption. The state witnessed significant growth in solar power installations and emerged as a leading solar energy producer in India.
Education and Skill Development: Modi emphasized the importance of education and skill development for the youth of Gujarat. He focused on improving the quality of education, establishing new schools and colleges, and promoting vocational training programs. His efforts aimed to equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive job market.
Fast forward 16 years, and it is clear, that Modi has been able to expand the vision he had for his own state of Gujarat to the entire nation of India, resulting in the 5th largest economy in the world, and a major player on the world stage.
India is on the rise, big time.
This fact was made evident a few weeks ago, when I hosted Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu in Morrisville for the US India Business Connection conference and attended the Select USA Conference Reception at his residence in Washington D.C.
Ambassador Sandhu shared some key points for all of us in attendance, which I will do my best to summarize for all of you.
1. YOUNG INDIA. 60 % of India’s population is under the age of 26. This provides the country with an huge talent pool for the global economy, and provides a market for US Companies, looking to expand trade and seeking new business opportunities. In addition, the Prime Minister is dedicated to also workforce training and programs to transition much of the population into a knowledge workforce.
2. Start Ups are on the rise in India. The growth of the younger population also positions India to be creating many of the new jobs, which John Chambers has mentioned will be necessary to offset job loss through automation and the acceleration of AI. Ambassador Sandhu reminded us that there are 100,000 startups in India, and 30 of them are already $1billion unicorns.
3. Digital India: India now has 1.2 billion with a digital identity (99% of the population). The Government Initiative Aadhaar, gives every Indian a unique 12-digit ID number verifiable by fingerprints or an iris scan. This platform allows them to process payments, and basically conduct all commerce on their mobile devices. A key distinctive feature of the platform its most distinctive is that it is publicly owned and operated, unlike in the West, where digital platforms such as Google and Facebook are private monopolies that can share your data to make a profit.
The Adddhaar Platform is having a profound impact India’s economy especially in the rural villages. Indians who would never have access to banks, can now create a bank account in minutes, and transfer money without bank fees like in this country. (Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, April 2023)
And Digital India can accelerate the growth of small businesses in India.
Nandan Nilekani, the visionary architect of Aadhaar envisions using the platform to get loans to the millions of small businesses scattered throughout the country. If 10 million small businesses get loans and hire two people, 20 million jobs could be created in a matter of weeks. (Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, April 2023)
4. Broadband:
Mukesh Ambani, India’s biggest and most ambitious business leader, made a staggering $46 billion bet when he offered very cheap phones and data packages through his telecom service Jio, he could get most Indians on the internet. His plan worked. With most using smartphones as their computers, more than 700 million Indians now use the internet. In 2015, India was ranked 122nd for per capita mobile data consumption. Last year, it was first, exceeding the consumption of China and the United States combined.
In addition, while Secretary Weaver is working hard, to invest the $1billion of ARP broadband funding in North Carolina, all of us were shocked to hear that India has already deployed broadband access to over 340 million citizens in the the rural villages, which will also have a positive impact on economic growth.
The Indian government has launched the Smart Cities Mission to develop 100 smart cities across the country. These smart cities aim to leverage technology and data to enhance the quality of life for residents, and to improve urban infrastructure.
5. Infrastructure: And remember Modi’s commitment to infrastructure when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat? Government infrastructure spending has risen fivefold since fiscal 2014. India has been investing heavily in transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and ports. The government has initiated numerous projects to improve connectivity across the country, such as the Bharatmala project for road development, the Sagarmala project for port-led development, and the expansion of metro rail networks in various cities. The average construction of national highways has roughly doubled, along with seaport capacity and the number of airports.
6. Sustainable India: As Prime Minister, Modi has also been able to continue his vision for a sustainable India. The renewable energy sector, including solar and wind power, has also witnessed significant growth, with the government setting ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition. Also, India has been working towards enhancing its power generation capacity and expanding access to electricity as it has launched initiatives scheme to provide electricity to rural and remote areas.
7. Indian Foreign Direct Investment in US: Finally, I also attended the Select USA Reception at Ambassador Sandhu’s residence where he hosted the largest Indian Delegation in History at a conference which is focused on marketing US States for global foreign direct investment. I was pleased to see our Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary of Commerce Machelle Sanders, and EDPNC CEO, Chris Chung at the reception making a case of how North Carolina is a great state for Indian companies to expand operations. (Adding to Infosys, Bharat Forge, and HCL to name a few).
During the event, the Ambassador presented the Foreign Direct Investment report, released by the Federation of Indian Industry, which he presented to the new US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.
Indian companies invested $40 billion in US, creating 425,000 jobs, contributed $1 billion in Research and Development, and $195 million in corporate social responsibility. North Carolina did not make the top ten list. I hope that Governor Cooper and his Commerce Team left this event, even more inspired to do more to recruit more Indian multinationals to North Carolina, adding to the list of Indian Companies, like Infosys, HCL, and Bharat Forge that now call North Carolina home. After all, we do have an office in Bengalaru, and one of the fastest growing Indian Communities in the Triangle.
I look forward next week to attending the White House Arrival Ceremony for Prime Minister Modi, and hear the Prime Minister address the United States Congress and the Business Leaders at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (John Chambers is the Chair) at the Kennedy Center on Friday.
As we prepare to welcome Prime Minister Modi to the United States, let us be inspired by the tremendous opportunities for collaboration between North Carolina and India, including the expansion of trade, investment, and also, partnerships with our Community College System to expand training programs for a very young Indian workforce. (They do not have an established community college system)
More importantly, from where I sit as an elected official, and a business leader, I hope that all of us can draw inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s bold leadership for the world largest democracy, and now fifth largest economy in the world.
In his Modi’s own words, India’s time has arrived.
The transformation of the Indian economy did not happen overnight. It took bold vision and decisive action to get India moving in the right direction. Expect more market leading companies to join the likes of Apple and Cisco to invest in India in the very near future. I am sure many CEOs across many industries will be interested in what the Prime Minister has to say about his plans for India’s economy.
There is still much work to do. As of 2019, about 45 percent of Indians — more than 600 million people — live on less than $3.65 a day.
And let's not forget inclusivity, addressing concerns about the mistreatment and discrimination of religious minorities, women, and the suppression of free speech in India during Modi’s term.
In addition, many in diplomatic circles are concerned about India’s non stance towards Russia, as it appears as their need for Russian Oil, is forcing their silence on the Russian war against Ukraine. I am hoping that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi can address these issues during this state visit.
While the US-India relationship is critically important to counter the rise of China as a major world rival of the United States, I hope our Congressional and State Leaders, can learn one important lesson from India’s prime minister.
Governing is not enough. Executing a vision is critical for the future of any nation.
Modi is getting it done for India.
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PM Modi celebrates a historic visit to Washington DC this week with an inspiring White House Arrival Ceremony, Address to Congress, a state dinner, and an address to Indian Business Community and Diaspora.
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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.
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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEES
We are excited to announce that the Town of Morrisville is extending Advisory Committee recruitment through June 26 at 5 pm!
We're searching for passionate individuals like you to join us in shaping the future of our community. While we accept applications for advisory committees on a rolling basis throughout the year, this extended period is focused on the three committees listed below.
We invite you to click on any committee of your interest below to gain insights into the incredible work they do and how your contribution can make a real difference.
Performance Measures Advisory Committee:
Are you passionate about enhancing transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Town of Morrisville? If so, join the Performance Measures Advisory Committee (PMAC) today! As a member of PMAC, you will have the opportunity to provide valuable suggestions and recommendations to staff and Town Council on town performance measures, process improvement projects, and benchmarks. Join PMAC now and be at the forefront of shaping a more efficient and accountable Morrisville!
Senior Advisory Committee:
Calling all advocates for enhancing the quality of life for our seniors in Morrisville! Join the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) and make a significant impact on our senior population. As a member of SAC, you'll have the opportunity to explore, implement, and assist with innovative methods and concepts that directly improve the well-being of our seniors. Get involved in coordinating exciting events and activities specifically tailored for our seniors, creating a thriving social community. Showcase your creativity by planning and staffing exhibits at relevant events, promoting seniors' activities and engagement. Create informative articles published in local news media and the Town's newsletter, amplifying the visibility of seniors' programs. Make your voice heard as you recommend policies to the Morrisville Town Council, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of our seniors are prioritized. Your insights will be crucial as you review and provide valuable input on budget items associated with seniors' programs and activities. Join SAC today and be a catalyst for an inclusive and fulfilling experience for our seniors in Morrisville!
(Must be 55 or older to apply)
Environment and Stormwater Committee:
Join the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC) as they lead the charge in promoting local recycling initiatives, innovative stormwater management solutions, and a range of other environmental programs and educational campaigns. As a member of MESC, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference in our community by recommending efforts that enhance the Town's environmental awareness and sustainability. Be a part of shaping the future as they review and propose recycling, stormwater, and environmental policies to the Morrisville Town Council. Apply today and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Morrisville!
Advisory committees gather regularly, either monthly or every other month, dedicating 30 to 90 minutes per meeting to discuss vital matters that affect our community and explore innovative solutions and strategies to assist in Town Council’s decision-making process. If selected for appointment you are expected to commit to a term of two years (term lengths may vary at Town Council discretion). Joining one of these committees provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to our community's growth and development. Your input and expertise in these areas would greatly assist in shaping the future of Morrisville. We encourage you to consider participating in this exciting endeavor.
If you have applied for a committee within the last 12 months, you do not need to reapply during this recruitment period. Your application will still be considered appointment.
Apply Here!
If you have any questions or need assistance/accommodations to fill out an application, please do not hesitate to contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at (919) 463-6168 or via email at esmith@townofmorrisville.org.
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Congresswoman Ross to visit Morrisville for a Town Hall at 6 pm today!
(See Congressional Town Hall Section)
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Major League Cricket coming to Morrisville in July!
Major League Cricket has announced the full schedule for America’s first-ever professional franchise cricket league, set to launch on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Two cricket-specific venues in North Texas (Grand Prairie Stadium, 1600 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX) and Morrisville (Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way, Morrisville, NC) will host 19 matches.
Many of the world’s top cricketers will represent six MLC teams competing to be crowned as the inaugural season champion on Sunday, July 30.
Tickets start at $15 for games in Morrisville.
Tickets are on sale now at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.
Read the full news release at https://bit.ly/43YYfYt
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NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK VISITS | |
PBS CAROLINAS:
STATE LINES AND BLACK ISSUES FORUM:
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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!
https://www.pbsnc.org/watch/black-issues-forum/
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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Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit. 99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Great Interview on Radio Nyra with Hill Carrow on the 2029 FISU World University Games.
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596450559170578/?t=18
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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This Week in Morrisville. June 19 - June 23 | |
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Meetings
June 22 – 6:30 p.m. – Smart City Steering Committee
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JUNE 13 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Disarmed Arms” Student Presentation: Council received a presentation from a group of Carnage Middle School students on their “Disarmed Arms” project related to their work on enhancing gun safety and reducing gun violence.
Juneteenth Proclamation:
Town Council issued a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2023 as Juneteenth in the Town of Morrisville to recognize the abolition of slavery in the United States and encourage everyone to celebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans.
NCDOT Projects Update:
Council received an update from the Planning Department regarding current NCDOT projects occurring in the Town of Morrisville
• Airport Boulevard at I40 interchange access improvements.
• Airport Boulevard Extension – Phase I (Garden Square Lane to Church Street).
• McCrimmon Parkway widening and NC 54 (Chapel Hill Road) flyover.
• NC 54 (Chapel Hill Road) widening project.
Additional details on these projects can be found online at https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Pages/default.aspx.
Rezoning Application for 900 and 1000 Perimeter Park Drive:
Town Council held a public hearing regarding a request to rezone 900 and 1000 Perimeter Park Drive from Corridor Commercial zoning to Conditional-Office Institutional zoning. This item is scheduled for action at the June 27 Council meeting.
Mural Program: Town Council received an update on the Town’s proposed mural program, including modifications made to the definition of a “mural” and changes made to allow 100% of a wall to be covered by a mural based on Council and community feedback. Town Council added allowing murals in Industrial Management zoning districts and approved the mural program.
Summer Advisory Committee Recruitment: Council received an update on current Town Advisory Committee vacancies and the current recruitment process. After the most recent application deadline, the Town is seeking additional candidates particularly for the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC), the Performance Measures Advisory Committee (PMAC), and the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC). Council has extended the recruitment period to June 26 and deferred consideration of appointments to all committees until the July 11 Town Council meeting.
More information on the Advisory Committees and a link to apply can be found on the Town’s website at https://www.townofmorrisville.org/government/resident-advisory-committees.
Town Manager Retirement Announcement: Martha Paige, Town Manager since September 2013, announced her retirement to be effective October 1, 2023. Town Council and staff will work together on transition and planning for the hiring of the next Town Manager
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Town Now Accepting Fats, Oils, and Greases to be Re-Purposed as Biofuel
The Town of Morrisville now has an FOG Collection for household fats, oils, and greases outside the Public Works Department building at 414 Aviation Parkway. The collection is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it accepts fats including butter, shortening, cheese, and meat trimmings; oils including vegetable, olive, canola, and other cooking oils; and greases including bacon and sausage grease, gravy, mayonnaise and melted meat fats. A full list is included on the side of the collection. The FOGs can be repurposed into renewable biofuel. The collection also helps to keep these harmful substances out of the local water supply and protects household plumbing.
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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.
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Public Information Session on Proposed Dog Park set for June 15 at Town Hall
The Town of Morrisville is developing plans for a dog park at the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Franklin Upchurch Senior Street. To gather feedback, the Town will host an open house information session with interactive exercise stations on June 15, from 6-8 p.m., at Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive. Participants will also be able to fill out a survey to provide feedback. For more information about the proposed dog park, please see the project page.
Registration Open for Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp in June and July
The Town of Morrisville and Triangle Ultimate are partnering to offer the Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp June 26-30 and July 10-14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Participants can learn new skills, develop their game, create new friendships, enjoy mini games and scrimmages, and build character. The camp is open to children ages 7-15, and all experience and skill levels are welcome. Each week of camp will create groups of beginners and advanced players so that every camper can have a fun and challenging experience. The cost is $175 per week. Register for the June session here or the July session here.
Residents Can Discard Large Items for Collection during Bulk Item Pickup Week June 12-16
During this specially designated week, from June 12-16, residents receiving residential curbside solid waste services from GFL may leave a total of five acceptable bulk items curbside on their regular trash/recycling collection day. Pick up will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. No registration is required. A list of accepted items can be found on the Public Works web page.
Registration Now Open for Fall Sports Programming
Registration is now open for fall sports programming offered by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department, including developmental baseball, developmental softball, and recreational girls’ volleyball. Players will enjoy two activities per week from August to October. The developmental baseball and softball programs are designed to prepare players for the spring Little League season. Baseball programs are available for kids ages 5-12, softball is available for kids ages 8-12, and volleyball is available for girls ages 7-15. Registration is available online, or in person at any of the Town’s Parks and Recreation offices, including the Cedar Fork Community Center or the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center.
Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center Begins Summer Pool Schedule
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC), 1301 Morrisville Parkway, will begin its summer pool schedule, which includes longer hours, on Monday, June 12. The full pool schedule can be found here. Open recreation swimming will be available at the program pool and the spray ground seven days a week. Reservations are required for open swimming only on Saturdays and Sundays through this link.
Registration Now Open for Esports STEM Camp at Cedar Fork Community Center
The Town of Morrisville and the Triangle Esports Academy are partnering to provide a STEM camp at the Cedar Fork Community Center (CFCC), 1050B Town Hall Drive, that will combine education and esports coaching. The camp, which will take place Aug. 14-18, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will give children the opportunity to explore ideas in different contexts and connect their learning across disciplines. The curriculum aims to blend scientific inquiry and technological design processes through project-based learning that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning, communication, self-direction, and creativity. Topics for each day include architecture and engineering, technology, coding and scripting, science and math, and a surprise lesson. Games used in the program will include Minecraft, Roblox, Scratch, Fortnite Creative, and Piskel Arr. The camp is open to children ages 6-14, and the cost is $260. Registration is open online now.
Weekend Work, Some Closures Scheduled for Church Street Park through June, Part of July
To meet the project deadline for the Church Street Park expansion, the contractor will be working weekends throughout the rest of June and part of July, and residents living in the area may hear work being done on the property. Workers will be assembling and installing bleachers around the cricket pitch and installing sidewalks around the bleachers for seven days a week. They will be building the practice pitches and paving the parking lot to the south of Church Street Park six days a week. Most work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
For the bleacher work, a portion of the Church Street Park parking lot will be closed off to make a staging area for the bleacher materials, and half of the walking track will be closed off to allow for the contractor to move materials into place around the pitch. The park will remain open during this work. However, residents are asked to exercise caution and to remain out of the construction zones to allow the contractor to perform the work safely. Work is scheduled to be completed in time for the Major League Cricket games that start on July 20. For more information, please visit the project page.
Western Wake Farmers' Market to Host Blood Drive on June 17
The Western Wake Farmers’ Market will host a blood drive on June 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market itself is open from 8 a.m. to noon. The drive will take place next door to the market, in the Chamber of Commerce building at 260 Town Hall Drive. Visit The Red Cross to schedule an appointment.
Public Invited to Provide Feedback during Police Re-Accreditation Process
The Morrisville Police Department is participating in the re-accreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which will perform an on-site assessment June 19-21. CALEA accreditation is a highly regarded recognition of public safety excellence. The assessor will examine all aspects of the Morrisville Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services to verify that the police department meets the commission’s standards.
During the CALEA accreditation process, the public is asked to provide feedback about the Morrisville Police Department through the online portal at https://cimrs2.calea.org/. The comments received through the portal will be evaluated to determine the department’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. The public is encouraged to share any kind of feedback, including commendations or concerns. It is important to note that CALEA is not an investigatory body, and the public portal should not be used to submit information for such purposes. There will be no response to submissions other than acknowledgement of receipt. However, the information will be considered in context to its relevancy to compliance with standards and the tenets of CALEA accreditation.
More information about CALEA standards can be viewed on its website at https://www.calea.org/node/11406. The Morrisville Police Department participates in the Advanced level of accreditation. Questions related to the accreditation process may be directed to the Accreditation Manager Tanija Brown at tbrown@townofmorrisville.org.
Summer Solstice Trail Walk to be Held at Morrisville Community Park on June 21
The Town of Morrisville is continuing to celebrate the N.C. Year of the Trail with a Summer Solstice Trail Walk on the Hatcher Creek Greenway on June 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the shelter at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, then head out for a group guided walk on the Hatcher Creek Greenway. The walk will be a mile out and back (two miles total) on a paved and level trail. This is considered an “easy” level walk, but there are half mile markers for those who prefer a shorter walk. Strollers, wagons, and other wheeled equipment can be used on the trail.
The N.C. Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways that showcase the state’s diverse landscapes, including grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont. N.C. Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history. As part of this campaign, the Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is hosting several events throughout the year to showcase local trails.
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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.
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Great time at Grand Canyon!
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Adele Concert in Vegas was a blast! Happy 29 Year Anniversary to Komal!
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Spent time at Seligman where Cars Was filmed!
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White House Arrival Ceremony a Blast!
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Enjoyed Modi Address to Congress!
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Catching Up with John Chambers before his address and remarks at the Kennedy Center and introduction of PM Modi!
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Introduced NC Delegation to John Chambers!
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Spent time with Congressman Khanna at Modi Reception.
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Thanks to CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum on a wonderful event at Kennedy Center!
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Wonderful time at DC Reception for Wiley Nickel with Special guest Congressman Brad Schneider.
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Small Business Listening Tour: | |
Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company. | |
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I had a wonderful visit with Jose Pecheco, CEO of ExtoBio, whose company pitched at the TIE Carolinas Launch Event at the American Underground Bull Penn in Durham. Leading with scientific research and a thorough dedication to data, ExstoBio is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry, formalizing cannabis-as-a-medicine, and personalizing patient care.
Congratulations to all of the Companies who pitched to the Expert Pitch Panel and a special congrats to Pitch Winner, Wolfspider. Wolfspider is an Ag Tech company that brings together genetics and robotics to ensure confidence in crop yield and limiting chemical use. The company would love to connect individuals with experience in the ag tech space.
Thanks to ExstoBio (UNC), Aurganics (Duke), Vistara (NCSU), WolfSpider (NCSU), BioSensys (NCSU), and Collab (UNC) for participating in the event.
WolfSpider will be going to Silicon Valley for a global pitch tournament with ~40 other companies to compete for $100K+ in cash prizes.
And Thanks to Tim Scales from American Underground for hosting and to all the judges and attendees!
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SBA ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS AND I VISIT SMALL BUSINESSES IN MORRISVILLE!
During Allen Thomas’ visit to Morrisville, he and I were able to drop in and visit some Small Businesses in Grace Park Office Center. During our visits, he was able to connect with these companies, and provide them guidance on how to navigate through a very complex system to get access to SBA resources.
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New Abortion Law takes Effect on July 1
With the Republican override of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of North Carolina’s new abortion law on Tuesday, abortion access in North Carolina was significantly reduced for the first time in 50 years.
Abortions weren’t made completely illegal, but they will be harder to get. And in most cases, abortion will not be legal past the 12th week of pregnancy. Previously, abortion had been legal through the 20th week.
Abortion providers face new regulations and licensing requirements. Critics say the new regulations could stop some clinics from providing abortions.
Women seeking abortions also face new regulations before they can receive the care.
The new abortion laws take effect July 1.
Read More at https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2023/05/18/new-nc-abortion-law-takes-effect-july-1-here-is-what-it-will-do/70226926007/at
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VP Harris Visits Charlotte to Rally for Abortion Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to a crowd at the Grady Cole Center one year after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade.
“Over the last 365 days women of our country have suffered under the consequences of these laws,” Harris said.
Rallying alongside Governor Roy Cooper and state lawmakers she made a call to action for congress to restore the protections of Roe v Wade.
“The United States Congress must put back in place what the Supreme Court took away,” Harris said.
Harris’s visit to Charlotte comes just one week before a 12 week abortion ban will go into effect in North Carolina despite Gov. Cooper’s efforts to veto the measure.
Read More at https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2023/06/24/vice-president-kamala-harris-visits-charlotte-to-rally-for-abortion-rights/
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
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1. There was a brief rebellion in Russia on Saturday.
What happened? The leader of a powerful mercenary group sent his troops marching toward Moscow, seizing a major military base and key installations along the way.
Why? Tensions between Wagner boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin and Russia’s military leaders have been building for months over decisions about the war in Ukraine.
What now? The troops turned around after a deal was brokered by Belarus. But this was a stunning challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s authority and could weaken him further.
2. The Coast Guard opened an investigation into the deadly sub accident.
What happened? The submersible imploded last week during an expedition to the Titanic wreck in the North Atlantic, killing all five passengers.
The latest: Investigators are looking into the cause of the implosion, the Coast Guard said yesterday. Their findings could lead to new diving regulations or possible criminal charges.
3. Expect a busy week from the Supreme Court.
Why? It’s wrapping up its term for the summer and still needs to release decisions on many big cases, including affirmative action and President Biden’s student loan program.
On Friday: Justices handed down a ruling on immigration that allows the White House to continue setting deportation priorities.
The next decision day: Tomorrow morning.
4. Interstate 95 reopened less than two weeks after a deadly bridge collapse.
A reminder: A fiery gasoline tanker crash destroyed a bridge over an exit ramp in Philadelphia earlier this month. The driver of the truck was killed.
The latest: A temporary rebuilt section reopened Friday, months earlier than initially expected. The major East Coast interstate carries about 160,000 vehicles each day.
5. Canada is having its worst fire season in modern history.
The numbers: Some 17.8 million acres of land have burned so far this year, 3.5 million of which burned just last week. The peak of Canada’s typical season still lies ahead.
The wider impact: Smoke from the fires could hit the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast in the coming days. A plume also appears to be on its way to parts of Europe.
6. Wild weather has devastated Georgia’s peaches.
What happened? Georgia saw record-warm temperatures this winter. The warmth caused the trees to bloom early; then a few deep freezes killed that early growth.
The damage: Farmers have lost as much as 95% of their crop, experts say. Other states also supply peaches, but prices could be a bit higher this year.
7. A volcanic eruption last year caused a record-breaking lightning storm.
Lightning forms during Tonga eruption
Lightning flashed in the ash cloud of the Tonga volcano when it erupted on Jan. 14, 2022. (Video: Tonga Geological Services)
The details: An underwater volcano erupted in Tonga in January 2022. It created the most intense lightning storm ever recorded, a new study found.
Why this matters: It shows how volcanoes interact with Earth’s atmosphere. That could help researchers better understand future eruptions as they are happening.
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July 3th Family Fun Festival at Fireworks!
5 pm at Town Hall Drive!
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July 7th Music In the Park at 6 pm at the Healthy Food Hub!
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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! | |
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.
OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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