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SPRING UPDATE AND CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH EDITION: |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
April 5, 2024
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
STEVE RAO TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCEMENT | |
Friends, on May 15th at 3:00 pm, I will be hosting a Virtual Fireside Chat with John Chambers and An AI Summit. It will be from 3 pm, with an event from 5pm to 6 pm with local governments, start ups and investors. The event will be at the Central Pine Regional Offices!
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TRIANGLE AI SUMMIT AND FIRESIDE CHAT WITH JOHN CHAMBERS
With Artificial Intelligence continuing to dominate conversations in our region, state and nation, I wanted to host an AI Summit, gathering local government and state leaders, start ups, and investors for a conversation on AI and what it means for our economy, the future of work.
Who better to turn to for advice than one of Godfathers of the Internet Revolution, than my family friend and West Virginia brother, John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco Systems (Now a Venture Investor at JC2 Ventures) During this hybrid event, we will also hear from NC Secretary of Technology Jim Weaver, and Allen Thomas, SBA Southeast Director. (He will be there to talk about loan and captial opportunities for small business and start ups!) We are hoping Secretary of State Marshall will also be able to attend this event! (waiting for her confirmation)
Please register for this event at at https://bit.ly/triangle-ai-summit! For those who want to attend Virtually, a Zoom Link will be sent to all who register.
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MORRISVILLE TRAFFIC ALERT | |
Morrisville residents – expect heavy traffic on Morrisville Parkway in the late afternoon/evening of Thursday, April 4, due to multiple events occurring. | |
• Town of Morrisville’s Peeps in the Park will be from 5-7 p.m., at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway).
Get parking and event information at morrisvillenc.gov/peeps
• Morrisville Elementary School (1519 Morrisville Parkway) is hosting an International Festival from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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NORTH CAROLINA DOT CONSTRUCTION ALERT | |
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Bridge work will require crews to close lanes on Interstate 40 overnight this week and next week as part of the Airport Boulevard interchange improvements project.
- Weather permitting, a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation plans to close lanes of I-40 East at Airport Boulevard between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. through Friday.
- Crews will then close lanes of I-40 West at Airport Boulevard next Monday through Thursday nights, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
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NCDOT officials urge drivers to factor these construction activities into their trip and remain alert throughout the work zone. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov
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MORRISVILLE/ CARY CRIME ALERT | |
Over the past few days, I have received a number of calls about the recent wral article on burglaries in Cary, and I know there have been a number of these events in Twin Lakes.
To provide a closer connection between the Police Department and our neighborhoods, the Town of Morrisville Police Department can attend HOA meetings upon invitation to discuss crime trends, prevention methods, police response, etc. Common suggestions I have heard in the past from our Department is to Be on the lookout for suspicious activity (Call 911 if you do) make sure your alarm systems are up to date, lock your car doors always, and keep jewelry locked in a safe and not in plain view.
The Chief and our Department would be happy to engage with any HOA that would like him to provide a presentation on these or any other topics. If you would like to set up a date and time for our police department to visit your HOA, please email Chief Acosta at pacosta@morrisvillenc.gov and you can also do the same by reaching out to Chief Terry Sult in Cary at terry.sult@townofcary.org.
Finally, you can also check about setting up a Community Watch Program by visiting https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/government/departments-services/police/community-programs/neighborhood-watch#
I can also coordinate these meetings as well if you need any assistance.
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MORRISVILLE SMART CITY MOMENTUM | |
Town of Morrisville wins CIO 100 Symposium Awards! See more details in Highlights!
We also want to congratulate the team of students who placed third at the North Carolina HBCU Smart Cities Challenge this past Saturday at Winston-Salem State University. Their solution pitch to judges was related to solving problems in Morrisville. The students had previously visited Morrisville in February for one-on-one networking time with staff, tours of smart facilities and visits to locations around Town.
Team Pictured here with Rick Ralph and Billy Whitehead.
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GO PACK! On to the Final 4! Good Luck to the Women in Clevelend tonight and the Men in Phoenix!
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I want to thank everyone who came out to Creek Week and participated in all our events. We need to continue to make every effort to keep our waterways and watershed clean!
And Last week at Morrisville Community Park, in honor of NC Arbor Day, an estimated 200 saplings were planted by community volunteers, Town of Morrisville staff, Wake County Government, and Leaf & Limb representatives.
The saplings, generously donated by Leaf & Limb, were planted along existing wood lines to enhance buffer zones (designated areas used to protect sensitive landscape patches) and increase overall canopy. Trees for the Triangle provided planting support and best practice guidance on the 2,000 square foot plot. Seven different varieties of trees were utilized to mimic the native species found in the existing forest adjacent to the planting site.
DYK? Morrisville Community Park was identified as a priority planting area within the Wake County Land Cover Analysis and Tree Canopy Assessment study finalized last year. Additional plantings were done by Town staff at Church Street Park.
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APPLY FOR TEEN MORRISVILLE 101 | |
Registration is now open for Teen Morrisville 101! Teen Morrisville 101 is a FREE resident academy for teens (grades 9-12) interested in local government. It will feature hands-on learning with multiple Town departments, and includes a graduation ceremony at a Morrisville Town Council meeting. Learn more and
register today at bit.ly/TeenMSV101
Tentative dates are:
• Wednesday, May 8: 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 15: 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22: 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 29: 4-6 p.m.
While the program is open to all high school students, preference will be given to those who live in Morrisville. Registration is open until Friday, April 26.
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BREAKING NEWS AND IMPORTANT UPDATES | |
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Thanks to everyone who came out to Peeps in the Park!
(See all World Updates in Latest Updates Section)
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IT IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH... | |
Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April in the United States. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. During this month, various organizations, communities, and individuals come together to promote resources, support services, and educational initiatives aimed at protecting children and supporting families.
The theme of this year is Building a Hopeful Future Together.
The goal of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to:
- Educate the public about the signs and effects of child abuse and neglect.
- Provide information on how to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
- Offer support to families and caregivers to help prevent child abuse and promote healthy parenting practices.
- Advocate for policies and programs that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
Throughout the month, you may see events, workshops, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns organized by local child welfare agencies, schools, and community groups. The color blue is often associated with Child Abuse Prevention Month, and you might see people wearing blue ribbons or clothing to show their support for the cause.
It's essential to remember that preventing child abuse is a collective responsibility that requires ongoing effort and commitment from everyone in the community. By raising awareness, providing support, and working together, we can help create safer environments for all children to grow and thrive. Learn More at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/.
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April 6- UNC Holi Moli tomorrow! Hooker Fields from 2 – 6! | | |
April 6 – Community Fire Academy 9 am – 3 pm Space is limited. Register now at https://bit.ly/48BPViY | | |
Apr 10- Green Day
Green Day was canceled on March 23 and is moved to April 10th from 3 pm to 6 pm at Church Street Park
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April 20– Earth Day-8 am onwards at 280 Town Hall Drive Morrisville, NC | | |
WPTF WAKE COUNTY ROUND UP SHOW | |
Join me every week for a new show I am hosting, The Wake County Round Up Show on WPTF Radio!
This weekend, we will have Rep. Maria Cervania from the General Assembly and a few guests from last week!
If you are a Wake County leader and interested in being on the show, please email me at sr@steverao.com!
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HELP US BUILD OUR APP AT MORRISDEAS.COM | |
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Do you love to code or have innovative ideas?
Imagine a world where apps aren't just functional but also incredibly fun and engaging. This is your chance to make that vision a reality! Join us for MorrIdeas, a Hackathon aimed at creating a gamification system for Morrisville Central - the Town’s mobile app.
MorrIdeas is a nationwide Hackathon for ages 13+. Submissions are currently being accepted until Monday, April 1.
View the problem, submission details, FAQs, prizes and more at morrideas.hackerearth.com.
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SEND US IDEAS ON THE TOWN BUDGET! | |
Please send us an email to towncouncil@townofmorrisville.org and also Let us know by taking the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Community Input Survey at
https://bit.ly/48vLbwe.
This is a quick poll for our community members to share some preliminary insight into your needs and wants as we look forward to the future.
Contact the Budget and Strategic Management Department at
MSVBudget@townofmorrisville.org.
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DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP | |
Have you downloaded the Morrisville Central mobile app?
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.
Download via Apple Store: https://apple.co/3pKCNrg
Download via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3IfPctA
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HSNC Holi was a Blast!
It was great to be at HSNC Holi this year again. We were honored to welcome Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, who next year, will represent Morrisville. A special thanks to Mayor Pro Tem Garimella who made this happen! Thanks to the HSNC and all the volunteers who made this happen. I will share more pictures in my next edition when I get them!
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Friends of BJP Ceremony
A special thanks to Raju Kurapati and his team for organizing a Friends of BJP ceremony for well wished for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s elections next month. Our local Indian Community has been very excited about India’s recent success and growth under Modi’s decade of leadership of the world largest democracy.
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Chinese Association Spring Reception at Executive Mansion
Yesterday evening, I attended the Spring Reception hosted by John Wei and the Chinese Association at the Executive Mansion, along with Congresswoman Foushee, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Mayor Cawley and other elected and community leaders.
A special thanks to Chief of Staff Christy Jones for her warm welcome! (still waiting for the Group pics)
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Morrisville Child Abuse Prevention Month Pinwheel Ceremony
On Thursday, I attended the Pinwheel Ceremony and Child Abuse Prevention Month ceremony at Indian Creek Trail. Very inspiring remarks were given by Mayor Cawley and leaders from Western Wake Human Services Center. We must remember that we can all work together as Community Leaders to address Child Abuse and to make sure that we all develop a Brighter Future Together.
A special thanks to Office Zach Grady and our Police Department for hosting this event.
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CHAT AND CHAI AT UNC CHAPEL HILL
Insights from Holi Moli: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/811026030877228
It was an honor to participate in the Holi Moli Chat and Chai Panel at UNC Chapel Hill yesterday with Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Cary Council Member Sarika Bansal, and NC Asian Americans Together Director, Chavi Koneru. This event was hosted by the UNC Holi Moli organization and it was so inspiring to see the interest from our youth in public service. I see a very bright future for our country when these young leaders leaders take over!
Special thanks to the Holi Moli Directors, who made this happen. I cannot think of a better way to wrap up the week than this event!
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WESTERN WAKE HUMAN SERVICES CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH EVENT
Yesterday, I attended the Child Abuse Prevention Pinweel Ceremony with Mayor Cawley at the Western Human Services. Karen Morant and her team did a remarkable job with the program, and thanks to Cary Council Member Carisa Johnson for reading and presenting the Proclamation. It was also nice to hear about programs offered by Dorcas Ministries. Finally, the expos and pinwheel exhibits inside the Center were informative and amazing. A special thanks to the Western Human Services Center for doing their part in educating our community on the importance of raising awareness of Child Abuse Prevention.
The Best in the West! Western Wake Human Services!
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NC Chamber Build NC Summit
On Tuesday, I attended a very informative NC Chamber Summit, Build NC, where we heard from inspiring speakers on addressing the energy, and transportation needs of our state as we continue to witness explosive growth in the urban areas of our state. I will be recapping this event in more detail in my next newsletter. The Highlight for me was the closing panel, moderated by House Minority Leader, Robert Reives with Wolfspeed General Counsel, Brad Kohn, who updated the attendees on the Wolfspeed expansion in Chatham County, and the reason that Silicon Carbide chip production is so important for our energy needs, particularily as we see more electric vehicles on the Road. He also addressed the factors which were considered when they decided to expand in Chatham County and how they were working with the Chips Act Funding. I am working on a WRAL Tech Wire Article on this conversation!
A special thanks to NC Chamber Gary Salimido and his team for a very informative event.
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Wake County Commissioners Meeting
On Monday, I addressed the Wake County Commissioners about the momentum we are seeing in Morrisville with our Smart City Initiatives! I informed the Commissioners about our CIO 100 Awards, and the fact that we needed to have a place in Wake County where we can share best practices. As we deploy high speed Broadband across the region, we need to make sure that we are enabling other cities to begin their
smart city journies to enhance the quality of citizen services and also accelerate job growth in start ups. AI will also come into play here!
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY VISITS | |
THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE MAR29- APR8 | |
Child Abuse Awareness Pinwheel Ceremony April 4
The Morrisville Police Department and Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina will hold a Child Abuse Awareness ceremony Thursday, April 4, at 10 a.m. at Indian Creek Trailhead (101 Town Hall Drive). April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and pinwheels will be placed at the park to further raise awareness.
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Peeps in the Park Rescheduled to April 4
Join us in welcoming spring at Peeps in the Park, Morrisville's spring-themed scavenger hunt, happening on Thursday, April 4, from 5-7 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park. Festivities will also include Emit's Farm petting zoo, balloon art, face painting, and food trucks. Parking will be available on-site at Morrisville Community Park. Overflow parking will be available at Morrisville Elementary School, 1519 Morrisville Parkway. For more information click here.
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Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study Phase 2 Closes April 7
Through a partnership with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
(CAMPO), an access management study has been funded to evaluate the two-mile section of Morrisville Parkway between Davis Drive and NC 54/Chapel Hill Road. To make travel safer for vehicles and pedestrians, the corridor will be evaluated for general safety improvements associated with access management. The public is invited to review and provide comments on the preliminary recommendations of the Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study now through April 7. To participate in Phase 2 of engagement click here.
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MorrIdeas Hackathon for Teens and Adults Accepting Submissions Until April 1
MorrIdeas is an online competition that is looking for fresh ideas from across the nation while solving problems the Town is tackling. The Town will be hosting a Hackathon meant to encourage usage of Morrisville Central, the Town's go-to source of information, through creating a gamification system that aims to blend the digital and physical worlds. MorrIdeas wants help from the public in designing, coding, or inspiring The Town on what the app should entail.
Submissions are currently being accepted until April 1 and there will be a local competition held on April 27. For more information or to submit your idea, please visit the MorrIdeas site.
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Yoga Registration Open
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Yoga Roots is now open for registration and will run April 4 – May 9 and is for kids ages 10-14. This class explores the deeper benefits of a yoga practice and meets at The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center on Thursdays from 4:30-5:20 p.m. The cost is $37 (residents) and $48 (non-residents). To register click here.
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Family Tree Yoga is now open for registration and will run April 6 - May 11. Family Tree Yoga is a perfect time for busy families to connect with each other! The class is reserved for children ages 5-9 with a parent or guardian and meets on Saturdays from 2-2:50 p.m. The cost is $37 (residents) and $48 (non-residents). To register click here.
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Community Fire Academy Registration Open
Have you ever dreamed about being a firefighter? Do you want to learn more about what the Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department does? The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department will give you an opportunity to test your abilities at our Community Fire Academy on Saturday, April 6, at Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 (200 Town Hall Drive). This free opportunity is limited to 20 people, and participants must be at least 18 years old.
Firefighters-for-a-day will go through some classroom sessions from 9 a.m. to noon, enjoy a provided lunch, and then get challenged with hands-on firefighting activities from 1-3 p.m.
Register here by April 2. For more information, contact Senior Administrative Specialist Bill Granger, at wgranger@morrisvillenc.org or 919-463-6931.
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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program Registration Open
Get Certified, Morrisville! Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Certification is two steps:
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Online Training: Now- April 3 (12 hours of classes—your own pace, at your convenience)
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In-Person, Hands-on Skills Training: April 24-28, 2024
Click here to learn more and register.
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Pop-Up Dog Park Registration Open
Registration is now open for the pop-up dog parks going on this spring/summer at the Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Pkwy.). The dates are April 21, May 5 & 19 and June 2. The dog parks will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Registration is free, but we will require proof of vaccination. Register to attend here.
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Bank on your Success Program Registration Open
Join the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce for Banking & Budgeting Basics, part of the Bank on Your Success program at Truist. Classes will be held on separate
dates for English speaking and Spanish speaking instruction at 260A Town Hall Drive in the upstairs conference room. This interactive session will show you how to choose a bank account, and assemble a budget that will serve your goals to come. These courses will be held in person and are approximately 1.5 hours. The courses are taught by Truist staff and include time for questions and answers. Register by clicking the correct class below.
April 2 - Spanish - 2:30 p.m.
April 11 - English - 4:00 p.m.
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Temporary Traffic Signal Installation at Morrisville Carpenter Rd./Old Savannah Dr. Intersection
The Town of Morrisville began installing traffic signals and associated improvements at the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Old Savannah Drive on March 11. As part of this work, there will be short-term street lane and sidewalk closures near all four corners of the intersection.
Please contact Capital Projects Manager Kitty Thomas at 919-463-6917 for questions or more information.
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Racquetball Tournament Registration Open
Registration for the MAFC racquetball tournament is currently open. The tournament will take place on Saturday, April 27, starting at 9 a.m. It is open to ages 18 and above and welcomes players of all levels. The fee is $18 (residents) and $23 (non-residents). The fee includes snacks and beverages. Register by clicking here.
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Camp Cedar Fork Slots Still Available for Ages 12-14
Limited spots are available for Camp Cedar Fork Senior, ages 12-14. Cedar Fork Community Center (CFCC, 1050 B Town Hall Dr.) will host nine weeks of summer camp beginning the week of June 17 and running through the week of Aug. 16. Camp sessions are scheduled Monday to Friday, running from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Camp days will be filled with arts & crafts, games, park trips, pool visits and exciting field trips! Registration is on a weekly basis. The cost per week is $168 for residents and $218 for non-residents. A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration, which will contribute towards the overall program cost. Register here or in-person at CFCC
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Water Disinfection Change Starts Feb. 28
Each year, the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (the source of water for Morrisville residents) temporarily suspends the use of ammonia in the water treatment process. This follows the state’s recommendation that all water systems that use chloramines (a compound of chlorine and ammonia) for disinfection temporarily switch to chlorine only. During this process, they also release water from fire hydrants to help ensure chlorine flows through the entire system. These short-term changes are an important part of maintaining our water system and help ensure our award-winning water remains safe.
If you use water for kidney dialysis, fish aquariums, and other chlorine sensitive uses, be aware that from Feb. 28, to several days after April 11, the water may contain chlorine or a mixture of both chlorine and ammonia. While the water may have a more distinct chlorine odor during this time, it remains safe to drink. Have a question? Visit carync.gov/waterchange or call 311 for more information.
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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.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
Beginning this Saturday, CompostNow.org will start a compost collection site at the market’s information tent. Residents are invited to bring their food scraps and select other items for collection during market hours. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.
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Now Hiring
The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.
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Catching up with ATT President Trey Rabon at NC Chamber Summt! | | |
Great to see our next State Treasurer at NC Seniors Event! | | |
Wonderful time at run for Sai 5K! | | |
Friends of BJP event at HSNC! | | |
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Catching up with PBS Carolina CEO David Crabtree at WPTF! | | |
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Great to Catch up with Congresswoman Ross in Raleigh Office! | | | |
OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | |
VP Harris to visit announces $20 billion in Climate Funding! Opens up Field Offices.
Vice President Kamala Harris came to Charlotte on Thursday to announce selections for $20 billion in awards that will fund tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects across the country.
The money will go toward projects across America, especially in communities historically left behind and overburdened by pollution, the White House said.
Harris was joined by EPA Administrator Michael Regan, NC Gov. Roy Cooper, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and U.S. Rep. Alma Adams.
The investment will support a wide range of climate and clean energy projects, including distributed clean power generation and storage, net-zero retrofits of homes and small businesses, and zero-emission transportation.
Selected applicants have committed to reducing or avoiding up to 40 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually over the next seven years, and plan to mobilize almost $7 of private capital for every $1 of federal funds—approximately $150 billion total.
More Details on the Funding can be found here at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/04/biden-harris-administration-announces-historic-20-billion-in-a.
WAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS WANT TO INCREASE TEACHER PAY/MAY ASK FOR MORE FUNDING FROM COMMISSIONERS
Wake school employees should get bigger raises next year than currently scheduled, school board members said Tuesday.
The school board on Tuesday discussed for the first time Superintendent Robert Taylor’s proposed budget for next year, which calls for a $58.3 million increase in county funding but not higher employee pay. That makes his proposal different from the past two budgets.
School board members largely say they want to raise employee pay beyond what the General Assembly approved for next year. Taylor’s budget includes only funding for raises for locally funded employees to match what state-funded employees will earn next year. However, the board has been trying to stick to a five-year plan to raise employee pay gradually.
Board members said they were worried about staffing shortages affecting the quality of education for students. The school system has been short hundreds of teachers, instruction assistants and bus drivers at points during the past few school years.
The board also held a public hearing on the budget Tuesday night. A handful of people spoke on the budget, with most asking for more employee pay. Another suggested more funding for school safety and another suggested some administrative employees make too much money.
Most of Taylor’s proposed budget increase would maintain existing services, rather than create new ones. That’s because of the impending loss of millions of federal dollars, rising property costs, a new elementary school and the required local salary increases.
Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/pay-wake-schools-employees-more-school-board-members-say/21359810/
Gaskin steps down as Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Grier Martin is tapped for job.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s second-term Cabinet secretary for military and veterans affairs is retiring, and a former state legislator who has been working at the Pentagon is taking his place.
Cooper's office announced on Thursday that Walter Gaskin, a retired three-star Marine Corps general who became secretary in 2021, is retiring from state government.
Succeeding him effective Monday will by Grier Martin, who is currently the assistant secretary of defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Martin, a former soldier, served two stints in the state House as a Wake County Democrat going back to 2005 before resigning in 2022 to work in Washington.
The governor added that he is confident Martin "will continue our efforts to make North Carolina the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.”
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages state veterans’ nursing homes and cemeteries, and it promotes activities to support military installations in North Carolina and the quality of life for current and retired service members.
Rep. John Hardister steps down!
N.C. Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) will be stepping down from his seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
On Thursday, Hardister, the state house deputy majority whip, announced his decision, which he says is “to rededicate my time to family and working in the private sector. I am passionate about public service, but it is now time to shift my focus to private sector work and spending time with family.”
Hardister was first elected in 2012 and has served in the state house for six terms.
In March, Hardister lost his race for the GOP nomination for North Carolina commissioner of labor to Luke Farley. Hardister claimed 28.05% of the vote to Farley’s 36.94%.
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
1. America’s defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, criticised Israel after an air strike killed seven aid workers in Gaza. Mr Austin also said that the deaths showed the risks of launching an offensive on Rafah, a southern city in the enclave where about 1.5m Palestinians are sheltering. America has warned against the operation owing to concerns over the evacuation of civilians and delivery of aid. But Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has insisted the offensive will go ahead. Earlier Benny Gantz, a member of the country’s war cabinet, called for early elections, piling more pressure on Mr Netanyahu.
2. Google is reportedly considering charging for new premium artificial-intelligence features on its search engine. According to the Financial Times, the tech giant is exploring adding AI-powered search into its current subscription service, which provides access to its AI assistant, Gemini. It would be the first time the company put part of its core product behind a paywall.
3. TSMC, the world’s leading chipmaker, is working to restore production after Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in 25 years, which killed nine people and injured more than 1,000. The firm’s facilities, mostly located far from the tremor’s epicentre 18km off the coast, are designed to shut down automatically in the event of a disaster. Analysts worry the stoppage may disrupt global semiconductor supply chains.
4. Business activity in the euro zone grew last month for the first time in nearly a year. A composite purchasing managers’ index rose to 50.3 in March, from 49.2 in February (a reading above 50 denotes expansion). Growth in the services sector largely explains the rise. Still, a survey published on Tuesday showed that manufacturing remained in decline.
5. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the speaker of South Africa’s parliament, handed herself into the police following her resignation owing to a corruption probe. The former defence minister and member of the ruling African National Congress party is accused of taking bribes in exchange for the award of defence contracts. She has denied wrongdoing. South Africa’s general election is scheduled for next month.
6. The world lost around 37,000 sq km of rainforests in 2023, an area nearly the size of Switzerland, according to a report by the World Resources Institute, an environmental think-tank, and the University of Maryland. But the total area cleared fell by 9% compared with the previous year. In Brazil and Colombia the rate of losses slowed dramatically after policymakers implemented initiatives to tackle deforestation.
7. Brazil offered its first apology for the eviction, internment and torture of indigenous people after a coup 60 years ago, as well as for their brutal treatment over the hundreds of years of colonial rule. The president of a government commission investigating the post-coup regime knelt before the leader of the Krenak people, saying, “In the name of the Brazilian state, I want to say sorry.”
8. Israel agreed to temporarily reopen the Erez crossing in northern Gaza to allow aid through. The move comes after President Joe Biden threatened to change America’s policy towards Israel unless it took “immediate action” to mitigate risks to civilians and aid workers. During a call with Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, Mr Biden called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “unacceptable” and pushed for an immediate ceasefire. It was America’s sternest rebuke of Israel in decades. Pressure on Israel has mounted since it killed seven aid workers in an air strike on Monday.
9. Donald Trump’s legal woes deepened as three judges rejected attempts to dismiss criminal cases against him. A federal judge denied the former president’s request to toss out a criminal case about his alleged hoarding of classified documents. Another judge rejected Mr Trump’s attempt to have an election-interference case dismissed on First Amendment grounds. A day earlier a judge in Manhattan declined to throw out charges brought in a “hush-money” case.
10. America’s treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, warned that Chinese overproduction could damage the global economy. America is concerned that China is expanding exports of green technology such as solar panels to stave off a drop in domestic demand, undercutting foreign manufacturers. Ms Yellen is expected to raise the topic with Chinese officials during her visit to the country, which includes four days of talks.
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April 27th Racketball Tournament!
Ready to show off your racquetball skills? Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we've got the perfect event for you! Registration is now open for the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center's Racquetball Tournament, taking place on Saturday, April 27, starting at 9 a.m.
This event welcomes players of all skill levels, and matchups will be arranged based on proficiency. Visit https://bit.ly/3PyFLZR to secure your spot!
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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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