Homer Ray

Plans are well under way for the 2008 Neuse River Bridge Run on Saturday 18, 2008. The event features 2 different courses and 3 events. The 10k course starts in Bridgeton and finishes at Union Point Park, 6.2 miles. The 5k run and walk will start at Union Point and proceed through the historic areas of downtown New Bern.

Proceeds will benefit 11 nonprofit agencies.

Volunteers are needed to help support the event. Visit http://www.newbernrun.com/front.html for more information including how to preregister. There is also a costume event for the festive minded runner/walker.

We are planning for 1500 plus runners and walker. Come join the fun.

If you don't run or walk come out and cheer everybody on.. The runners will appreciate your support!

If you would like to make a contribution click on this link:http://www.active.com/donate/newbernrun

New Bern High School's Junior ROTC unit was recently recognized as a " distinguished unit with academic honors." Only 10 % of NJROTC units in the world gain this recognition with the academic honors included.

The New Bern NJROTC completed more than 3,000 community service hours this year. One member was credited with administering first aid that helped save the life of a stricken runner during the 2007 Neuse River Bridge Run. Others helped place flags marking the 5th anniversary of the war on terror and honoring the dead and wounded soldiers.

The school's principal will be able to nominate three students to each of the American military academies because of this award this year.

Eight students were inducted into the National Honor Society this year.

Learn more about New Bern High School at http://www.craven.k12.nc.us/NBH/.

New Bern has the distinction of being the first capital of North Carolina and is the second oldest town in the state. Governor William Tryon had "Tryon Palace" constructed between 1767-1770. Tryon Palace was the first state capital building but was destroyed by fire in 1798. The current Tryon Palace was rebuilt on the orginal site using the orginal plans. The plans were located in England, and the re-construction was started in the early 1950's.

Tryon Palace attracts one hundred thousand visitors plus each year and had events for locals and tourist year round. The major attraction in my opinion is the Centuries of Celebrations which usually runs for the month of December. You can find out more about Tryon Palace and upcoming activities at www.tryonpalace.org

A new development named "RiverShore" has been announced for the Bridgeton, NC area. These lots are located around the area known as "Sandy Point".

This new sub-division will have about 44 lots with water and sewer. Each lot will have a boat slip as well according to Mark Johnson, with Clear Water Marketing.

The kick off date will be June 28th and a limited number of reservations are being excepted. The cost will start at about $89,900 and continue into the mid $100,000's.

This area will have easy access to New Bern via the Neuse River Bridge and U.S. Hwy 17.

I can assist you in making a reverservation to see these newly offered lots.

This is one view of downtown New Bern from the Bridgeton side of the Neuse River.

Vanceboro the small but rapidly growing town in northwestern Craven County is going to get larger if TWO developers get they way and plans are approved.

Recently plans for Swift Creek Plantation were announced and the approval process was started. This residential development is proposed to include about 450 acres off Streets Ferry Road near Vanceboro. These will be relatively large "country estate " lots.

Yesterday it was announced in the Sun Journal that another development Swift Creek Landing has received final approval to proceed with the development of a 160 acre site. Perhaps 40 lots will be developed as the project progresses. This will be located just outside the city limits off US Hwy 17.

Vanceboro is located between Washington, Greenville and New Bern NC . Vanceboro residents can commute to these larger areas for work or play very easily.

In a telephone interview, the Mayor of Vanceboro, Chad Braxton said" We welcome new residents to the Vanceboro area. We're a small town but have lot's to offer. You can find most of the essentials you will need at local businesses and merchants very easily."

I think Vanceboro is a great location between these three larger towns. People who want to live in a great North Carolina small town will find this area worth considering for living and/or investments opportunities.

The Vanceboro Strawberry Festival is a lot of fun too!

More on Vanceboro as the town grows.