Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Steve Rao. Don't forget to add sr@steverao.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
| |
|
EASTER AND HOLI/RAMADAN EDITION: |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
March 29, 2024
| |
Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
STEVE RAO TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCEMENT | |
Friends, on May 15th at 4 pm, I will be hosting a Virtual Fireside Chat with John Chambers and An AI Summit. It will be from 4 pm 5 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!
Details will be sent next week for this hybrid event!
| |
MORRISVILLE GOOD FRIDAY/EASTER HOLIDAY HOUR | |
As spring brings renewal to the world, so do the vibrant celebrations of Ramadan and Easter. In this season, these holidays remind us to renew our spirits and strengthen our bonds. | |
Friday, March 29: Good Friday
- Town Offices: Closed
- Cedar Fork Community Center: Closed
- Morrisville Senior Center: Closed
- MAFC: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Lap swimming will be available 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and open recreation swimming will be available for sign-ups. Sign-up for open recreation swimming here. There will be no cleaning breaks.
- MAFC Racquetball Courts: Closed
Saturday, March 30
- MAFC Racquetball Courts: Closed
Sunday, March 31: Easter
| |
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.
| |
Please Note that the Town of Morrisville is installing traffic signals and associated improvements at the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Old Savannah Drive. As part of this work, there will be short-term street lane and sidewalk closures near all four corners of the intersection.
For more information and questions, contact Project Manager Kitty Thomas at 919-463-6917.
| |
LAST WOMENS HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT | |
As Women's History Month comes to a close, we want to highlight and celebrate the life of Emma "Tet" Walton (August 22, 1927-November 27, 2023). She was born to George Jackson Green who was a preacher and teacher, and Stella Clements Green, who was a school teacher before she became a preacher’s wife. Tet’s grandfather was William Gaston Clements, one of the founding fathers of Morrisville, having signed the articles of incorporation for Morrisville.
She served on the Board of Commissioners for two terms from December 2, 1975, to December 14, 1981.
Having a long-standing interest in the Town’s history, Walton served on the Historic Crossroads Committee for the Town Center Plan outreach until 2008.
Over the years, Ms. Walton was instrumental as a member of the Board, working with developers bringing commerce and jobs to Morrisville in addition to working towards negotiations in securing municipal water for the community.
Her husband, Paul “Bo” Walton was a charter member on the development of the first Morrisville Fire Department station, owned Walton Sanitation Service serving Morrisville, and worked with the Wake County ABC Board in Morrisville.
Please continue to share your ideas on outstanding women serving our community and nation!
We must continue to celebrate Women all day!
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
BREAKING NEWS AND IMPORTANT UPDATES | |
|
Grier Martin tapped to be new NC Veteran Affairs Secretary! Congratulations! (See NC News) | |
|
Former Morrisville Council Member Steve Diehl passes away. May he Rest in Peace. I was honored to serve with him. (We will remember Steve Diehl in my next newsletter) | |
MARCH IS WOMENS HISTORY MONTH! | |
My Womens’ History Message:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1137006773961478
Learn more at womenshistorymonth.gov.
Each year, March is designated #WomensHistoryMonth. Since 1991, presidents have proclaimed the month as a time to celebrate contributions made by women throughout the course of American history.
During this month, I will be sharing Women Pioneers during Women’s History Month and will also be visiting Woman owned businesses.
The Theme of this year’s month is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, so we want to highlight women leaders who fought for a more just world along with other women leaders in STEM, innovation, arts, politics, business and other areas!
I will be sharing the Women First Trailbalzers in my next newsletter!
Remember, International Women’s Day is March 8th! Lets continue to accelerate progress!
Send me your ideas!
| |
WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS VISITS | |
Mar 30- HSNC Holi Celebration
From 3 pm to 7 pm at Hindu Society of North Carolina (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)
| | |
From 5pm to 7pm at Morrisville Community Park
| | |
From 9am to 3pm. Space is limited. Register now!
| | |
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
| | |
April 19– Movie in the Park
8pm at Morrisville Community Park
| | |
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! If you are a Wake County leader and interested in being on the show, please email me at sr@steverao.com!
| | |
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!
| |
HELP US BUILD OUR APP AT MORRISDEAS.COM | |
|
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.
| |
Easter is a Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is considered the most important event in Christian theology and is observed by Christians worldwide.
The date of Easter varies each year because it is determined by the lunar calendar. Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere).
The week leading up to Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week and includes several important observances:
- Palm Sunday: Commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted by crowds waving palm branches.
- Maundy Thursday: Marks the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. It is also when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a symbol of humility and service.
- Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is a day of solemn reflection and mourning for Christians.
- Holy Saturday: A day of vigil and waiting, as Christians anticipate the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday itself is a joyous occasion celebrated with church services, prayers, hymns, and the ringing of bells. Many Christians also participate in Easter egg hunts, which symbolize new life and rebirth, as well as the Easter Bunny, a popular secular symbol associated with the holiday.
In addition to its religious significance, Easter has also become a cultural and commercial holiday marked by traditions such as decorating Easter eggs, giving Easter baskets filled with candy and gifts, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends.
Overall, Easter is a time of spiritual renewal, hope, and joy for Christians, as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life.
We wish all Christians a Happy Easter and let us always remember, that in the midst of the greatest darkness, there is always hope for light, love and redemption. We also pray for any family who has lost a loved one due to any illness during this Easter Holiday.
| |
My Holi Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/7849740971714851
Holi is a popular and ancient Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, but it's also observed in other parts of South Asia and around the world by Hindu communities. The festival marks the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and is a time of joy, playfulness, and the triumph of good over evil.
The main ritual of Holi involves people gathering in public spaces and smearing each other with bright and vibrant colored powders, known as "gulal." Water balloons and water guns filled with colored water are also commonly used, making the festival a colorful and lively event.
Holi is also associated with various mythological stories, the most famous being the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu, which signifies the victory of devotion and virtue over tyranny and evil. Additionally, it celebrates the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha, where Krishna would playfully apply color on Radha and other gopis (cowherd girls).
In addition to playing with colors, Holi festivities often include singing, dancing, traditional music, delicious food, and sharing sweets with friends and family. It's a time for people to come together, forget past grievances, and celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
Overall, Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival that promotes love, friendship, and community bonding.
Thanks to everyone who came out to Morrisville Holi last week! (I will share some pics from last week event in next newsletter but was not there)
| |
My Ramadan Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1143666426794218
I wanted to wish all of our Muslim brothers and sisters a very Happy Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance for Muslims around the world. It is considered the holiest month, commemorating the time when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset as a form of spiritual discipline, self-control, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. The pre-dawn meal before fasting begins is called "Suhoor," and the meal to break the fast at sunset is known as "Iftar." The fast includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behavior during daylight hours.
Besides fasting, Ramadan is a time for increased prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. Muslims believe that during this month, the gates of heaven are open, and the devils are chained, allowing for increased spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive day of prayers, feasting, and giving to charity. It is a time for family and community gatherings, and Muslims express gratitude for the blessings they have received throughout the month.
| |
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.
| |
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
| |
Celebrating NC State win at Tally Center!
Go Pack! I enjoyed celebrating the NC State win with Rayan and friends at Tally! Big game tonight!
| |
Morrisville Holi was a blast!
Thanks to the Town of Morrisville for hosting another wonderful Holi! I was not there but look forward to more Holi events this weekend!
| |
Morrisville wins CIO Symposium Award!
Foundry’s CIO has named the Town of Morrisville as a 2024 CIO 100 award winner. For more than 25 years, the CIO 100 Awards have recognized innovative organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of strategic and operational excellence in IT.
“The CIO 100 Symposium & Awards continues a tradition of over 25 years of the highest quality content for IT leaders and their teams. In addition to celebrating 100 organizations during the dinner and awards ceremony, I am thrilled to feature many of these IT leaders as speakers,” stated Elizabeth Cutler, content director, CIO 100 Symposium & Awards.
“This recognition is a testament to our team and their ability to provide innovative solutions that make a positive impact on our community,” said Town of Morrisville Chief Information Officer Rick Ralph. “I am proud to work alongside such a creative group, whose dedication and creativity have set a new standard for innovation and collaboration in local government,” Ralph continued. Coverage of the 2024 US CIO 100 award-winning projects will be available online at cio.com in the weeks and months leading up to the event.
Congratulations to Rick Ralph and our team! We are Champions!
| |
President Biden and Vice President Harris visit Raleigh.
I enjoyed spending the evening with President Biden and Vice President Harris at a reception hosted by Governor Cooper. It was a wonderful evening and the President addressed the growing economy, lowering health care costs, and his plans for the future. He was very excited about manufacturing jobs coming back to the country, and cited North Carolina as an example of this policy working, with over $31 billion invested in our state. Vice President Harris shared her insights, and commended Governor Cooper for his exemplary service to the State. Earlier that day, the President and Vice President both visited Chavis Heights Community Center where they addressed the importance of lowering Health Care Costs for all Americans. The Highlight of the day was that we raised $2.4 million for their campaign!
Kudos to our Mayor TJ who was able to welcome POTUS and VPOTUS when they arrived at RDU Airport! I hope we can bring POTUS and VPOTUS to Morrisville!
| |
Meeting EPA Secretary Michael Regan and UNC Clean Tech Summit was a hit!
I was honored to attend one of the most educational and informative UNC Clean Tech Summits I have ever attended. We heard from a range of experts and speakers on Clean Tech Innovation, and innovative strategies to lower carbon emissions in a number of industries. During the Conference, we heard from Executives at Duke Energy, Dominion, and others on how they plan to execute on plans for lowering carbon emissions. For me the highlight of the conference was meeting and listening to EPA Secretary Michael Regan, who shared with the attended the Administrations’ goals of Environmental Justice and a clean environment for all Americans. He did share that many new, high paying jobs (over 200,000) have been created since the Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, many of them in North Carolina. In my next newsletter, I will be summing up the Conference, and sharing more insights from Secretary Regan at this event.
| |
HBCU Smart Cities Challenge inspires!
Last Saturday, I attended the HBCU Smart City Challenge Finals at Winston Salem State University. As part of the Challenge, students attend workshops, create teams, and work alongside town stakeholders to solve a pressing community problem and presented their solutions to a panel od expert judges at the Finals. I enjoyed seeing some very outstanding presentations, two from Morrisville. The Winners of the Challenge were: Big Switch (Rocky Mount), Milestones (Rocky Mount) and SMTA (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 below with Smart Cities Program Manager Billy Whitehead on left and Chief Information Officer Rick Ralph on right.)
I want to thank Rick Ralph and our team for being involved in this program and for supporting world class innovation and diversity in tech at the same time! For More Information, please visit https://www.pathwayoz.com/cities.
| |
NC Tech Leadership Summit
Last week, I attended the NC Tech Leadership Summit, hosted by Secretary Jim Weaver at the North Raleigh Hilton. I was glad to be there with our CIO, Rick Ralph, and member of our Tech Team, Danny Reilly. I learned a great deal from the speakers on panels, especially insights on where Artificial Intelligence will fit into State and Local Government IT strategy along with the updates on the progress our region is making in Smart City Innovation. The highlight for me was to hear inspiring words from Paralympic Athlete John Register on how he was able to overcome a tragic injury, overcome adversity and pursue and win Championships!
| |
RIOT Ten Year Anniversary
Congratulations to Tom Snyder and his team at RIOT, who celebrated their 10 year anniversary of RIOT. A packed house celebrating with Tom, how RIOT has successfully brought together world class Tech Innovation, with local governments and the business community to help communities solve problems, enhance community service, and grow the jobs of our new economy. I look forward to bringing Tom to Morrisville in the next few months and also work with him to scale this RIOT momentum around the County and State! Keep up the great work! Check out more at https://riot.org/.
| |
CED Venture Connect
Although I could not attend the Start Up Pitches during the week, I enjoyed attending the Closing Day Celebration at the Citrix Rooftoop. It was great to catch up with many start ups, and old friends from the Investor community, especially CED Chair, Bill Spruill. We look forward to hearing from him at our Chamber Meeting in April. Keep up the great work Start Ups! You create Jobs! And, also, a special thanks to our Investors for supporting this community!
| |
NCLM State Town Dinner in Pinehurst
On Wednesday, I attended the North Carolina League of Municipalities State Town Dinner in Pinehurst with Mayor Cawley, Council Member Liz Johnson and Mayor Pro Tem Satish Garimella. It was a great event where we were able to meet with Legislators, and hear from House Minority Robert Reives at the end of the evening! We will continue to meet with Legislators to advance policies which help Morrisville and Western Wake County.
| |
ITFAR Dinner
Last Saturday evening, I celebrated the spirit of Ramadan at the Itfar Dinner at Pullen Community Center in Raleigh. The dinner was hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The highlights for me were the remarks by the Imams on Fasting as a means of eternal peace and Muslims’ commitment to eternal peace. It was great to be joined by Apex Chief of Police, Jason Armstrong, Senator Gale Adock, and Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. Ramadan Mubarak.
| |
MARCH 26th PRODUCTIVE COUNCIL MEETING!
Retirement Recognition of Jerry Allen
Council and Parks Rec. and Cultural Resources Director Mary Faucette acknowledged Community Services Supervisor Jerry Allen on his retirement. Jerry has always been a supportive colleague and a source of great advice and recommendations. His leadership as the Community Services Supervisor has been invaluable, as he has spearheaded so many important initiatives and programs that will benefit the Morrisville community for years to come. Congratulations to Jerry on a standout career, and we hope that he will enjoy every moment of his next journey. I want to thank him for his friendship and enjoyed the reception we had in his honor.
Proclamation Recognizing Child Abuse Awareness Month – Town Council recognized April as Child Abuse Awareness Month and presented the Proclamation to Taylor McDonald with Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina. Council urges all residents, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, elected leaders, and businesses to increase their participation in their efforts to support families and raise awareness. By doing so we can collectively focus on preventing child abuse and strengthening the Morrisville Community.
Proclamation Recognizing Local Government Budget & Financial Professionals Week– Town Council recognized April 1-5 as Local Government Budget & Finance Professionals Week in the Town of Morrisville and presented it to Director of Management Services Jeanne Hooks. Council extended their heartfelt appreciation to all Budget & Finance professionals both past and currently serving the Town through Morrisville’s core values of dedication, integrity, courtesy, and innovation.
Police Department Presentation – Chief Acosta of the Police Department provided an update on the department's current and upcoming initiatives. Council was informed about the Chief's plans to improve community policing efforts, promote officer wellness, reduce crime, enhance TSU, ensure school safety, and achieve Dual Accreditation. Additionally, Council was updated on the Police Department's ongoing initiatives such as criminal investigations, body-worn camera implementation, traffic safety team enhancement, and regional SWAT Team initiatives that have been funded by grants. Council was also shown a video recognizing PD staff and the work they do for the Town.
Resolution Amending Personnel Policies – Council was briefed on the updates to its personnel policies as recommended by staff to reflect Town practices and comply with current laws. Approval of this item is anticipated to occur on April 9th.
Resolution Adopting the Morrisville Sponsorship Policy & Facility Naming Rights – Town Council was briefed on the Sponsorship Policy that outlined how the Town will accept sponsorships for events, programs, and activities to be compatible with the Town’s mission and values. In addition, Council was briefed on the Facility naming rights Policy that establishes a process for business and business owners to donate money in exchange for having their name attached to a Town building or facility. Town Council will hold a further discussion at a future meeting for approval.
| |
Upcoming Meetings
- Council Meeting- April 9 at 6:00 p.m.
- Council Work Session Meeting- April 11 at 6:00 p.m.
- Council Meeting- April 22 at 6:00 p.m.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Yoga Registration Open
-
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.
-
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.
| |
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.
| |
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:
-
Online Training: Now- April 3 (12 hours of classes—your own pace, at your convenience)
-
In-Person, Hands-on Skills Training: April 24-28, 2024
Click here to learn more and register.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Now Hiring
The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.
| |
The Raos meet Darth Vader in Disney! | | |
Celebrating Jerry Allen’s retirement | | |
Catching up with Holly Springs and Senator Jim Bergin at NCLM Dinner! | | |
| |
OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | |
Biden and Harris address Health Care on NC Visit.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday promoted their health care agenda in the battleground state of North Carolina, arguing that Democrats like themselves would preserve access to care while Republicans would reverse gains made over the past decade and a half.
Fourteen years after President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, the White House still sees health care as a winning issue during a campaign in which Biden has sometimes found himself on the defensive when it comes to immigration or the economy. Republicans have opposed Biden's signature initiatives to lower medical costs, and they've seized opportunities to restrict abortion rights after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
The state is also a health care success story for the president. The American Rescue Plan, a coronavirus pandemic recovery measure signed by Biden, included financial incentives for states to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income residents. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, used the money, which amounted to $1.8 billion, to persuade Republican lawmakers to support his plan. More than 600,000 residents are expected to qualify.
Read more at https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-03-26/biden-and-harris-team-up-for-health-care-event-in-north-carolina
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%.
| |
LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
1. Britain’s economy went into a recession in the second half of 2023. Revised figures released by the Office for National Statistics revealed that GDP fell by 0.3% quarter on quarter in the last three months of 2023, following a 0.1% contraction in the previous quarter. The data will be a blow to Rishi Sunak . The embattled prime minister had promised to “grow the economy” last year.
2. Israel asked America to reschedule a meeting about plans to attack the southern city of Rafah in Gaza. Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, had cancelled the meeting after America allowed the UN to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire. It could be a sign that Israel is trying to reduce tensions with America, which have grown over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
3. Colombia ordered the expulsion of Argentine diplomats, worsening a spat between the leaders of the two countries. In a recent interview with CNN Javier Milei, Argentina’s libertarian president, called Gustavo Petro, his Colombian counterpart, a “terrorist”. Mr Petro was once in a left-wing guerilla group and is now mired in scandal. In January Colombia pulled its own ambassador out of Argentina.
4. Amazon said it would invest a further $2.75bn in Anthropic, an AI startup, on top of the $1.25bn investment it announced in September. Anthropic’s AI model, Claude 3, competes with rivals such as ChatGPT. The firm’s valuation has risen from $3.4bn in April 2022 to $18bn. Despite being short of a full takeover, Amazon’s deal may well prompt scrutiny from trustbusters.
5. The White House warned of a lengthy disruption to Baltimore’s port following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Pete Buttigieg, America’s transportation secretary, said the effects of the disaster would “ripple out” beyond the region and rebuilding the bridge would not “be quick or easy or cheap”. Divers recovered the bodies of two of the six workers presumed dead from the accident.
6. Disney settled a long legal fight with a board appointed by Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Republican governor. For decades Disney controlled a special district encompassing Disney World. But in 2023, retaliating against Disney’s criticism of a law passed by his administration, Mr DeSantis replaced the district’s governing board with his allies. Under the settlement, Disney will drop or pause some litigation and negotiate a development plan with the new board.
7. Japan’s Moon lander survived a second lunar night and transmitted new images to Earth. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, landed in January and was put to sleep for a second time in early March after freezing temperatures made it impossible for it to function. Odysseus, the first private spacecraft to reach the Moon, had less luck. Last week Intuitive Machines, its American operator, said the lander had “permanently faded”.
| |
60%, China’s share of the global market for wind turbines as of 2022, according to the Global Wind Energy Council. | |
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!
| |
|
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
| |
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
| |
See what's happening on our social sites: | | | | |