Homer Ray

MCAS Cherry Point is the largest Marine Corps Air Station on the East Coast and it is located in Havelock, NC approximately 20 miles east of New Bern.

Cherry Point affects a lot of lives and livelihoods in the Craven, Carteret, Jones and Pamlico County areas. We are reminded daily of the economic and national defense contributions this military installation is responsible for. Craven County Pamlico County Jones County Carteret

Active Military 9004 263 102 710

Retired Military 2960 173 217 1289

Civilian Active 3042 137 68 1656

Family Members 19898 753 559 4717

Totals 34904 1332 946 8372

MCAS Cherry Point is an integral part of out community and economy!

The New Bern area is growing all around us. We can see the numerous road construction projects, we read about the new housing developments and the discussion of a new high school continues.

The subject of a new high school located between Havelock and New bern was recently discussed by the Craven County Board of Education and the Craven County Board of Commissioners.

The need for this new facility has gained momentum with the recently announced military personnel build up slated for Cherry Point.

The county is looking for land in the area to support a high school and possibly a middle school that could share common facilities such as athletic fields and auditoriums. A new elementary school, Creekside was opened in 2007 in this area of rapid growth including Taberna and Carolina Colours.

This facility when completed would raise the number of public high schools in Craven County to four. The three existing high schools are West Craven(Eagles), Havelock(Rams) and New Bern(Bears) which won a state championship in football for the 2007 season.

While we experienced a mild Winter, Spring has arrived in New Bern. Things are warming up and turning green. Folks are thinking of outdoor activities, the water and the nearby beaches.

One of the nice things about New Bern is the location of the city and the ability to "daytrip" to some very interesting places and return in the same day.

High on the list of things to do would be a trip to the nearby Crystal Coast beaches. While there be sure to check out the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores.

The aquarium saw extensive renovations that tripled its size and cost around 25 million dollars. It reopened in May of 2006 and has seen over 1 million visitors since then.

This is simply a fun place for all ages and is a good place to go if it's too hot or the beach gets rained out.

Be sure to check out the "new" N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores, on Bogue Banks. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for ages 6-17 and $7 for ages 62 and up.

New Bern is very fortunate to have the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on the banks of the Trent River in downtown New Bern.

For a town this size it is really a benefit to all the citizens and local economy for us to have such a wonderful facility.

There is something going on all the time at the Riverfront Convention Center and the building is really nice, overlooking the waters of the Trent River.

I thought of several things I have visited the Convention Center for in the last year:

Home and Garden Show.

local REALTOR® board meetings and luncheons.

Induction to the Neuse River Region Association of REALTORS®.

Continuing education real estate classes including required Ethics class to become a REALTOR®.

First leg of the Graduate REALTOR®. Institute classes (4 days).

New Bern Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.

New Bern Jazz and Blues Preservation Societies Annual Concert series.

Business After Hours for the Chamber.

Craven Community College Foundation function for outgoing President Scott Ralls.

We are indeed fortunate to have this gem in the downtown area.

I'd love to hear about your visits to the Riverfront Convention Center.

River Bend's Skate Park is now open . This is another recreational opportunity for the young and young at heart.

The park is located beside Ritter Field at the Town Park.

Hear are some of the rules you need to be aware of:

• All users must have a registration card in their possession to use the Park. These can be obtained from the River Bend Police Dept.
• Parents and youth must read and sign a release of liability form regarding injury claims before a card will be issued.
• All users must use safety equipment, including fitted helmet with chin strap, pads etc.
• Amplified music is not permitted
• Normal operating hours are sunrise to sunset

A complete list of rules is posted at the site or call River Bend Town Hall for more information.