Find out about Turkey Hunting and take a Walk in the Woods with Me!

Above is a “community segment” currently running on WNOS 105.9FM and 1450AM. New Bern Now has teamed up with Radio Free ENC to promote our community with special events and informational snippets about the Greater New Bern area.

Now, let’s talk Turkey!

With the Spring Turkey Hunting Season approaching fast, I hope you’ve been scouting your favorite hotspots!

Especially if you’re taking youngsters out with you as Youth Day is April 7^th. The regular season

kicks of on April 12 and runs thru May 12, 2012.

Where do you hunt?

My favorite spots are in the Croatan National Forest.

I also hunt in Turkey Quarter by sneaking up on them in my NuCanoe and approaching the Island via water (as long as it’s not flooded)!

Did you know that you can camp in the backcountry of the Croatan? My Sister and I have been doing this for the past 7 years and find comfort in the fact that we don’t have noisy neighbors and can relax in an intimate setting listening to the wildlife that surrounds us.

A bear was even nice enough to leave a present for us with a dropping! Don’t worry, with all the bear sign that we’ve seen in the Croatan, we’ve actually never seen one here.

We have seen some in Western NY, but that’s because they are human conditioned as campers have fed them for years.

If you’re not familiar with the Croatan, bring a compass as a backup as the GPS can’t always be relied on because of the thick cover. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the woods surrounded by swamplands with no GPS reading.

Another tip, make sure you park on the side of the road that you are hunting on. This also pertains to hikers, birdwatchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. If you get lost, the Rangers will know where to look for you.

What do you think about the audio? I welcome constructive criticsm as I want to provide the best services to you!

I would appreciate it if you comment below or sent me an email. Also, please visit New Bern Now’s Facebook Page and press the “like” button if you support us!

Thanks for visiting New Bern Now!

Wendy Card

Weekend Happenings in and around New Bern - March 30 - April 1, 2012!

The above presentation is an example of New Bern Now's "Community Segments" that is being aired on WNOS 105.9FM and 1450AM.

If you missed it, we’ve teamed up with Radio Free ENC to promote our community, so tune in to WNOS to hear more community announcements! So if people don't see the information online, it will be aired on WNOS! There's nothing like working together to share information!

Here’s this weekend’s lineup:

March Events:

30th: Mexican Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, 7:00pm at St. Paul Family Life Center, 3005 Country Club Rd. For details, call 252-364-0416 or 252-633-9419

30th - 31st: Knights of Columbus Gigantic Sale, Fri: 10:00am - 2:00pm, Sat: 7:00am - 1pm, at the Knights of Columbus, 1125 Pinetree Dr. For details, call 252-633-2559

30th - 31st: RiverTowne Players' "For the People", 8pm at the Masonic Theatre, 514 Hancock St. For details call 252-634-7877

31st: Car Show and American Red Cross Blood Mobile Drive at the New Bern Mall. For details call 252-633-2800

April 1st: RiverTowne Players' "For the People", 3:00pm at the Masonic Theatre, 514 Hancock St. For details call 252-634-7877

Read about WNOS and NBN's collaboration here: http://newbernnow.blogspot.com/2012/03/local-radio-station-teams-up-with.html.

Special thanks to Laura Johnson, the "Voice" of New Bern Now for joining the team and all your hardwork producing the audio for WNOS!

I would also like to thank our friend, Bobbi Waters of Sweet Water, for producing the music for our audio segments. Great job!

Tell us what you think by commenting below or by email. You can also check out New Bern Now’s Facebook Page and don’t forget to press the “like” button!

Have a great weekend!

Wendy Card

Did you know that paper is made from Elephant Poo?

I stopped by to see my friend, Thea Kincaid of Thea's Ideas and had the chance to meet one of her favorite promotional product vendors, Mark Chipchase.

I happended to have my video camera in the vehicle so we did an impromptu clip about the products that Mark represents as a Multi-Line Representative.

For more information, please call Thea at 252-636-2628 or visit her website to check out her newest promotional products, especially the TREELESS paper products!

On another note, please tell me what you think about the new video presentation. Do you like it or do you prefer the original videos?
Feel free to comment below, send me an email or visit New Bern Now's Facebook page.

Thanks,
Wendy Card

Adopt a Trained New Leash on Life Dog!

With a face like this, who wouldn't love this adorable Shih Tzu. Charlie is 3 years old and weighs a tiny 12 lbs. He was turned into the shelter because he was not housebroken.  That will be taken care of in the New Leash on Life program. He is currently at the Craven Correctional Institution where he is learning basic obedience; crate and leash training and taught the importance of being housebroken. This laid back, lap dog is a real "people person."  He has just been looking for love in all the wrong places without the necessary skills to be successful. Now he will be able to find and keep his forever home. If you are looking for a great companion dog to cuddle, here is Charlie.

This handsome lad is a copper colored male Boxer mix. He is about one year old and weighs 40 lbs.  He has a 2 inch inche scar on his back which is well healed and of no consequence. He is a happy boy, loves to play ball and is anxious to please. Although he is a house dog, it would be fun to have a fenced in yard to run around with his owner to get some exercise. Are you looking for a jogging companion, someone to go camping with? Well Copper would like to join you.

Baxter is a good looking Bassett Hound mix with legs a bit longer than usual for the breed.  He is 3 years old, weighs about 50 lbs and has a big personality. His life has been rather adventurous.  He was adopted here, taken to New Mexico where he was abandoned.  When his rescue group found out about it, they flew him back to New Bern.  Now he wants to find a permanent home where he can relax forever.  He likes other dogs and children and will make a great family pet.

This playful boy is a 1.5 years old, 40 lb.  Hound mix.  He has the most beautiful golden eyes that will win your heart.  He is very sweet and loves attention. He loves to play with people, other dogs and loves the water.  When he isn't playing, he is content to lie around and chew on his bone.  He loves children but we do not know about cats.  He is very calm and knows how to fit into family life.  He is just waiting for someone to fall in love with him and take him home.

Update 4/7/2012: Travis replaced Kimmi in the program. Kimmi is currently available for adoption at the Craven/Pamlico Animal Shelter.  She is still a sweet girl and if anybody asks, tell them to go to shelter to get her and take her home.

They will graduate on May 23rd so call today to begin the adoption process!

To apply contact Bonnie via email or call 252-638-2358. The application can be found on Pals for Paws website.

Submitted by Bonnie Compton, President, Pals for Paws

Relay For Life - Celebration, Remembrance, and Hope

On April 27 & 28 walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

This “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Grover C. Fields Middle School for an overnight relay against cancer from 7:00 PM April 27 until 12:00 PM on April 28.  

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers, to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Relay For Life opens at 7:00 PM as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) walk or wheelchair the first lap. The caregivers join the survivors on the second lap and all teams and attendees are invited to walk the third lap. At 8:00 PM is the Kids Walk, a fun filled celebration designed for young people to participate and get involved in Relay For Life. The kids are invited to walk around the track and enjoy a number of activities and games held during this event. Highlighting the evening is the Luminary Ceremony held at 9:00 PM to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaries line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

One day. One night. One community. Your Relay For Life is about celebration, remembrance, and hope. By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight cancer all right here in your community. Everyone in the community is invited to attend all events. You won't want to miss one moment of this life and community-affirming event! For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/craven.

Submitted by: Darian Dennis, Publicity Chair, Relay For Life of Craven County

Brundibár presented by the Ratio Theatre Company

Ratio Theatre Company will present a special event in commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Twenty five area school children will perform the children's opera, Brundibár on Saturday, April 21, 8pm and Sunday, April 22, 2 pm at Cullman Performance Hall, The North Carolina History Center. Sponsored by Temple B'Nai Sholem.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children and are available at the Bank of the Arts and online at www.ratiotheatre.org.

Brundibár is not just another children's production. It is truly a special event on many levels. First and foremost, Brundibár is an opera, written for children and performed by children. With the exception of a few spoken words, all of Brundibár is sung by a cast of 25 talented, young performers, most of whom had never heard opera before auditioning for this one.  The children range in age from 10 to 17, and represent many of the schools in Craven and Pamlico counties. 

"This is Ratio's first children's production." said Joey Infinito, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Ratio Theatre Company. "As a professional company, we feel an obligation to uphold an artistic standard and choose significant material for our educational programs. This opera is a perfect example of how theatre can instill a sense of empathy in young people. Something that is unquestionably lacking in our society.  It's a very important piece."

Brundibár tells the story of a town bully, an organ grinder who intimidates and frightens the local children. Aninku and Pepicek, a brother and sister, try to obtain some milk for their ailing mother, but have no money and are chased from the town square by Brundibár. With the aid of a dog, cat and sparrow, Aninku and Pepicek are able to raise the money needed to purchase the milk.  Unfortunately, an outraged Brundibár steals the money.  The animals and children give chase and quickly recover the money. Brundibar, the evil bully has been conquered and the children celebrate with a victory song.

Brundibár is directed by Karen Bottjen Plaster, National Board Certified, Lead Music Teacher for the Craven County Schools and private instructor. " Brundibár was written in1938 and does not have the popular music or name recognition to appeal to today's youth. So, “Why Brundibár? asks Plaster" The essence of all of my answers is that I believe in the value of children - all children. Through this production of Brundibár, our children are giving voices to the children our world lost in the Holocaust. They are learning about diversity, tolerance and the importance of standing together against evil. These lessons are not limited to being relevant in 1938, they are eternal."

Submitted by: Andrea Owens for the Ratio Theatre Company www.ratiotheatre.org 252-670-7736

Hospice 101

United HOSPICE will sponsor a HOSPICE 101 seminar at the New Bern Public Library Wednesday, April 25^th at 10:30am.

This session is an introduction to “What is HOSPICE?” and is an educational opportunity for everyone. The session will cover questions like – Who can United HOSPICE help?  What is HOSPICE? Why should I call United HOSPICE? When is the right time to call United HOSPICE? What does it cost?

This informational session is meant to educate people so that when you have a need for HOSPICE you will already understand it. So whether you or someone in your life currently has a need or may have a need a decade from now – the best time to learn about HOSPICE resources available to you is now.

Please do not hesitate to call Mary Lou Infinito at 252-633-4311 if you have any questions.

In addition, if you are unable to attend this informational session but are interested in setting up an informational session for your group – book club, neighborhood association, Red Hat club, or any group at all please call to discuss details.

Submitted by: Mary Lou Infinito, Community Relations for United Hospice

Donate Childrens used Blue Shoes to Spread Child Abuse Awareness!

Did you know that every year, there are hundreds of thousands of children mistreated through abuse and/or neglect. In 2009, 373 NC children lost their lives to child abuse.

Next month, the Guardian Ad Litem, District 3B program plans to raise awareness by using used children’s blue shoes as a visual aid that represents every child that lost their lives because of abuse or neglect.

They NEED YOUR HELP! They need used Children’s blue shoes to complete their traveling exhibit. They are looking for all different sizes from infant to 16 years old.

Please drop off used children’s BLUE shoes at the New Bern Sun Journal office located at 3200 Wellons Blvd in New Bern. They’ve been collecting all month and the last day is March 30^th.

Thank you for supporting this special program!

Information provided by: Judy Avery, Vice President of Marketing and General Manager for Freedom Eastern North Carolina on behalf of the Guardian Ad Litem Program. Please check out the previous blog post for more information: http://newbernnow.blogspot.com/2012/01/every-child-deserves-happy-childhood.html.

Special thanks to Megan Bryant of the New Bern Sun Journal for keeping us up to date on their progress!

Please feel free to comment below or send me an email. You can also visit New Bern Now on Facebook!

Wendy Card

Join Craven Nutrition for New Weight Loss Challenge!

Weight Loss Challenge with 8 weeks of your own personal wellness coach, group support, nutritional information, cash prizes and lots of fun!

Begins Monday April 2nd.

For more information, please call Stacey at Craven Nutrition: 252-637-7546.

Submitted by: Stacey Walston, Craven Nutrition

ECU Student Sculptures at the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport!

Visit the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, North Carolina, to check out the wonderful works of art created by East Carolina University (ECU) students!

Four years ago the Craven Arts Council requested that the New Bern Airport partner with the ECU Art Department to design a unique program for Art students to promote their sculptures.

Since then, ECU professors have charged their students with creating models to be displayed in front of the Airport. The requirements for sculptures were that they had to be aviation related and be able to sustain inclement weather for at least one year.

Tom Braaten, the Airport Director and Major General, USMC (Ret) introduced the program and explained how difficult it was to select the artwork, “You want to look at it through the eyes of everybody who comes to the Airport and that’s hard because little kids like things that move and are bright. People with a few more years might like something that has a shape that appeals to them”. “So we try to select things that look really nice for the airport. This year we had 25 models and had to choose 7 pieces.”

With over 160,000 visitors in and out of the Airport, this is an incredible opportunity for the students to showcase their talents!

Special thanks to the Art students for sharing their masterpieces with our community. Especially since their models were selected on January 31^st and in between they were able to manage their time to create the sculptures by March 23^rd. That takes some serious commitment to their passion and schoolwork!

Thanks, Tom Braaten and his team at the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, the Airport Authority, and Art Professors at ECU for giving these young professionals a chance to blossom!

Great job, Thea Kincaid of Thea's Ideas, while interviewing Tom Braaten and Laura Johnson for taking the video and photos for New Bern Now of this special event! I really appreciate your support!

Check out the interview that Phil Knight did with three of the students and Tom Braaten on the Phil Knight Show!

Please feel free to comment below or send me an email. You can also check out New Bern Now’s Facebook Page!

Wendy Card

March Is Social Work Month

“The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life. – Jane Addams”

Social workers are present in all our lives. We work in hospitals, schools, health centers, medical offices, senior centers, social services and many other places. The work of a social worker is incredibly varied, but it all comes down to one thing – all social workers want equality and justice for everyone.

As a social worker for many years now, I have worked in a multitude of settings in eastern NC and across the state. My title has not always been “social worker” but the work I did was very much in line with this profession. Typically, a social worker is someone who has a bachelors or masters degree in social work. We are bound by a set standard of ethics and a by a profession of commitment to others.

Today I work as a media and project coordinator for the NC ABC Commission, NC Operation Medicine Cabinet, and Project Lazarus with the Coastal Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention. I am also the current state chapter President for the National Association ofSocial Workers (NASW-NC) and a candidate for the Craven County Board of Education. All of these efforts, initiatives and roles require that I have at the forefront a real desire to educate and support others so we all can be safer and healthier.

The month of March serves as an annual reminder for us to recognize the work of social workers in our communities. We are everywhere and consistently operate with the goal of improving lives, but most assuredly, the lives of those for whom no one else speaks. To me, social work means reaching others as they need to be reached, regardless of their age, race, sex, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or economic status. We all need others in our lives and sometimes these “others” may just be a social worker.

 
Submitted by: Tanya Roberts, MSW, CoastalCoalition for Substance Abuse Prevention

14th Annual Theology Conference in New Bern, North Carolina

14^th Annual Theology Conference, presented by Covenant Presbyterian Church and Village Chapel Presbyterian Church. 

Guest speaker is Dr. Joseph Pipa, President of Greenville Theological Seminary and author of author of several Christian books, including: "Root and Branch", "The Covenant", and "Did God Create in 6 Days?" Dr. Pipa will be speaking on Biblical Church Worship.

Attendees may come for any or all of the sessions during the three-day conference, to be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 130 Market St. in New Bern (James City).

Sessions 6:30-8pm on Friday 4/13; 8:30-noon on Saturday 4/14; 9:30-12:30 and 6-8pm on Sunday 4/15.

Nursery and food provided.

For more information, call 252-635-1506 or visit www.covenant-opc.com.

Submitted by: Maribeth Campbell

Fishing Report for New Bern, North Carolina

Striped bass will be returning down river towards New Bern post spawn and the fishing can be amazing! 

Look for great early and late top water fishing along the shorelines and bridges. 

Spotted seatrout have been plentiful this spring so look for specks in the creeks and river shorelines just down river of New Bern. 

Fresh water fishing can also be very good with bass, bream, crappie and catfish on the Trent, Brice's Creek and the Neuse up river of New Bern.

Submitted by: Captain Gary Dubiel, Spec Fever Guide Services, 252-249-1520

New Area Restaurants Add Exciting Tastes and Flavors - 9th Annual “Taste of Coastal Carolina”

Taste Co-Chairs Diane Baldwin and Sherrie Starr present the Peppermill Trophy for Best Restaurant to Chef Smoke Boyd of The Flame. Photo by: Rick Meyer

The 9^th annual Taste of Coastal Carolina was held on Tuesday, March 13^th at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern, to benefit the Neuse RIVERKEEPER Foundation.  Thirty-one of New Bern’s finest dining establishments participated, giving the more than 550 attendees a wonderful evening.  Restaurants competed for votes to be named the “Best” in a number of different categories including Best New Taste Participant and Overall Favorite and winner of the coveted, traveling. “Peppermill” trophy.

The Overall Favorite Restaurant and winner of the Peppermill Trophy was long time New Bern favorite, The Flame Catering and Banquet Centre, and its owner/chef Smoke Boyd.  Second place went to Persimmons and Chef Gerry Fong, last year’s overall winner.  And third place was awarded to Chef Ashley Moser at 247 Craven.

Lower Neuse Riverkeeper Mitch Blake presents the award for Best New Restaurant to Chef Sami Ben Selma of Bella Cucina. Photo by: Rick Meyer

Winners of this year’s voting among attendees for Best New Restaurant at the Taste went to:  1^st Place - Bella Cucina, 2^nd  Place- The Bethlehem Shop and Deli and 3^rd Place - The Wild Cupcake.

Bella Cucina is located on Trent Road in the former Pia’s and features authentic Italian food.  Chef Sami, who is classically trained, hails from Milan, Italy. After spending several years working for hotel restaurants around the world, Chef Sami went to New York and then came to New Bern.  The Bethlehem Shop and Deli is owned by Basma Hjouj. Since coming to the U.S. in 2004 from her native Palestine, she has introduced New Bern friends to Middle Eastern cuisine, especially food from Lebanon.  Last summer she opened her storefront on MLK Blvd. where she offers food, featuring her baklava, as well as Mediterranean groceries and items. The Wild Cupcake is owned and operated by Nicole Costa.  Nicole has a home-based cupcakery offering unique flavor combinations.  She sells her goods at the Farmer’s Market and by special order.

Voting was tabulated for 5 special food categories:  Best Appetizer, Best Soup, Best a La Carte, Best Entrée and Best Dessert.  The winner and runner-ups were:

Best Appetizer

1^st  Christoph's on the Water for their Shrimp "Cones"
2^nd - Persimmons for their Carolina Sushi
And a Tie for Third Place - Bethlehem Shop and Deli for their Lebanese Spinach Pies and Le Bistro Fine Dining and Art Gallery for their various appetizers - salmon mousse, raspberry duck

Best Soup

1st- The Harvey Mansion for their Szechuan Carrot Soup with Roasted Peanuts
2^nd  The Flame who served Butternut Squash Soup
And another Tie for Third Place - The Hurricane with their Crab Chowder and The Sea Glass Cafe for their Mushroom Gouda Soup

Best a La Carte"

1st - Carolina Bagel for their Macaroni and Cheese
2nd- Savage's Woodfired Pizzeria for their selection of wood fired pizzas

Best Entree

1st- The Flame for their Beef Short Ribs with Plum Glaze
2nd- MJ's Raw Bar who served Salmon Cakes with Aioli Sauce
3rd- 247 Craven for their Cider Braised Pork with Parmesan Grits

Best Dessert

1st- The Wild Cupcake for her large selection of gourmet mini-cupcakes
2nd- The Java Cream with ice cream and cake pops
3rd - Rebecca's Gourmet Cafe for her Sweet Savannah's Candy Coconut and Pecan Brittle

Thirteen new restaurants who participated in this year’s Taste!

Read this previous post for more information about this year's Taste of Coastal Carolina: http://newbernnow.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-area-restaurants-add-exciting.html.

Submitted by: Sherrie Starr, Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation 

Nicholas Sparks Film Festival

April 20-22, 2012

Many know Nicholas Sparks’ works in the written form. Even more know Nicholas Sparks’ creative works through the screenplays of his novels. The Celebrity Family Weekend wouldn’t be complete without sharing the movies based on his novels. Plus, there just isn’t a more quaint location to watch one than in New Bern Civic Theatre’s Athens Theatre located in our historic downtown.

So, if you’re looking to catch up on your romantic movies or just to have a sweet outing with your special someone, then take time during the Nicholas Sparks Celebrity Family Weekend to watch The Notebook, The Last Song, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember, or  Message in a Bottle.

The Notebook, his first major creative work will kick off the Film Festival and close out the Film Festival on Sunday.

Please join us for one or all six of the movies based on his novels and you'll be joining Nicholas Sparks in contributing to the renovations of this 100-year old entertainment facility located at 414 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC.

Tickets are for general seating and will be available now at the Athens Theatre box office. They are limited for each showing based on the seating capacity of this quaint theatre. Please visit the New Bern Civic Theatre's web site by www.newberncivictheatre.org to learn more about the organization.

See you at the movies!

All movie tickets (The Lucky One excluded) are $10 per person.  Half the proceeds will benefit New Bern Civic Theatre!

Event Schedule:        

            Friday April 20

                        12:30pm- Box Office Open
                        2pm- The Notebook (2 hours 3 minutes)

                                        “GourmooPopcorn” provided by Cow Café

                        6pm- Street Closed
                        8pm - Red Carpet - Celebrities will arrive at 8pm
                                         Red carpet event is open to the public but the movie is by invitation only.  Fans are 
                        welcome to view the celebrities arriving to the Athens Theatre from the sidewalk
                        adjacent from the theatre.
                        9pm-Movie starts and street reopens (1 hour 41 minutes)    
                        10:45pm-Movie finishes
                     
            Saturday April 21-All movies are $10
                        12pm-The Last Song (1hour and 47 minutes)
                        2pm- A Walk to Remember (1 hour 42 minutes)
                        4pm- Message in a Bottle (2 hours 11 minutes)
                        Break
                        8pm- The Notebook (2 hours 3 minutes)
                   
            Sunday April 22
                        12pm-Nights in Rodanthe (1hour 37 minutes)
                        2pm- Dear John (1 hour 48 minutes)
                        4pm- The Notebook (2 hours 3 minutes)

Latest Sparks Movie to Preview in New Bern

Join Nicholas Sparks as he welcomes his honored guests to the New Bern preview of his latest movie, The Lucky One, Friday, April 20,at 9 pm.

This red carpet event will be held at the historic Athens Theatre. Mr. Sparks and his guests will arrive between 8 and 8:30 pm to mingle on the red carpet outside the theatre before being seated at 9.

For more information on the entire Nicholas Sparks Celebrity Family Weekend visit www.sparksevent.org.

Call 252-634-9057 for more information.www.newberncivictheatre.org or follow us on Facebook and twitter.

Submitted by: Gayle Albertini for the New Bern CivicTheatre, 414 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-633-0567

Gentle Yoga for People Living With Cancer

Tuesdays 4:30-6:00 YMCA

Free of charge

A gentle restorative yoga class is being offered free of charge for people living with cancer. Yoga has been increasingly used and accepted as a complementary approach for the treatment of a number of medical illnesses, including cancer.  The practice of gentle yoga has been found to improve the quality of life in people living with cancer, including relieving stress and anxiety, combating the side effects of treatment, and lessening fatigue. 

This class is gentle and restorative in nature and is held in a relaxing and safe environment.  Through the generosity of a grant from the CarolinaEast Foundation and in partnership with the YMCA, the program has been established by Jeri O’Dowd RN, RYT of Coastal Holistic Wellness and Malinda L. Breda, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist at CarolinaEast Rehabilitation Hospital. The class is held every Tuesday from 4:30 - 6:00pm at the YMCA. 

To register for the class or to find out more, please contact Jeri O’Dowd at 252-876-8330 or by email.

Submitted by: Karen Monroe

Check out what’s happening this weekend around the Greater New Bern area!

9th - 24th: Craven County Schools Art Exhibit at the Bank of the Arts. For more information call 252-638-2577.

22nd - 24th: Children's Consignment Sale at Centenary United Methodist Church to benefit the Preschool. For more information call 252-637-4181.

23rd: Art at the Airport, 1:00pm at the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport. For details call 252-638-8591.

23rd - 24th: Disney's The Jungle Book for Kids, 7:00pm at the New Bern Civic Theatre. For details call 252-633-0567.

23rd - 25th: RiverTowne Players' "For the People", Fri - Sat: 8pm, Sun: 3:00pm at the Masonic Theatre, 514 Hancock St. For details call 252-634-7877.

24th: MCAS Cherry Point Half Marathon, 6:00am - 7:00am checkin; race starts at 7:30am, Sunset Park. For details call 252-466-2208.

24th: Greens and Gospel Day, 8:00am - 2:00pm at the New Bern Farmers Market. For details call 252-633-0043.

24th: Carmen Fantasy, 7:30pm, presented by the North Carolina Symphony at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. For details call 919-733-2750.

25th: John Van Dyke "Under the Influence", 6:00pm, presented by Eastern Carolina Jazz at the Flame Banquet Centre. For details call 252-649-0109.

Community Drive:

1st - 30th: "Every Child Deserves a Happy Childhood" Shoe Drive drop off BLUE shoes benefiting neglected or abused children for the Guardian Ad Litem Program at the New Bern Sun Journal, 3200 Wellons Ave., Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Please let me know if you are aware of an event that’s not listed and it will be added to New Bern Now’s Community Calendar!

Tell us what you think by commenting below or sending me an email. Don’t forget to visit NBN’s Facebook page!

Wendy Card

New Bern Parks and Recreation 4 v 4 Flag Football

New Bern Parks and Recreation is offering a 4 on 4 Flag Football league, that will begin on Sunday April 29^th and run through June 24^th.

All games will be played at Kafer Park. For more information contact Trevor Freitas at 252-639-2907 or by email freitast@newbern-nc.org

How to Register:

Go to the Stanley White or West New Bern Recreation Center and register in the front office. You can also get forms by emailing Trevor Freitas at the above email address.

Checks can be made out to The City of New Bern

Registration:

Teams are limited to an eight man roster. The cost is $25 per player. Registration needs to be turned in at Stanley White Rec. Center no later than April 23^rd. Note: A maximum of 10 teams can participate. The first 10 to turn in the registration forms will be entered.

Submitted by: Nancy Donahue, New Bern Parks and Recreation

Realtor Corner with Jim English, Broker-Keller Williams Realty

Let’s talk about the real state of the Real Estate Business. It’s not as bad as you might think. In fact, the situation is bright and getting brighter!

2011 was essentially a year where the volume of business stayed pretty much the same as 2010. However, the average selling price did drop a bit.

Let’s look at the situation realistically. Sure, prices are down from the highs of 2006 & 7. However, we saw unprecedented double digit increases in prices during that period. Right now we are back to the levels before 2006. Reality has returned. Ok, sales are off about 35% from what they were at the peak of business. That means that 65% of the business is still being done.  

What does all this mean? If you are willing to be realistic with your asking price and have an aggressive realtor with a great marketing plan, you can sell your property. This is the best time to buy that we have seen in many years-much better than the during the peak years!

With each newsletter I will share one of today’s innovative marketing ideas. Let’s start with the Virtual Tour. Every Residential Listing should have one as well as many Waterfront Lots. 95% of the people who buy real estate today go to the internet to view listings first. 85% of those go to listings with Virtual Tours first and never go back to look at the others.

Today the Virtual Tour has replaced the typical first showing of a property. It is critical that this Tour be extraordinary-not run of the mill! For example, my Virtual Tours are done by a professional photographer, who, instead of utilizing the usual boring background music, does a voice over tour of the property, literally putting the buyer at his shoulder.

Please visit my website: www.jimenglishinnewbern.com or call me at 252-670-6801 if I can be of any assistance to you.

Submitted by: Jim English, GRI, CRS Broker - Keller Williams Realty

AlphaGraphics of New Bern Recycling Program Saves 175 Trees in 2011

When AlphaGraphics of New Bern moved into our new printing facility at 3731 Trent Road in July 2011, the company felt it was important to implement an extensive security and paper recycling program. Through our partnership with Shred-It, a document destruction and paper recycling company, AlphaGraphics was able to achieve this goal. On February 28, 2012, Kim Adams from Shred-It presented AlphaGraphics of New Bern with a certificate for saving 175 trees through our extensive in-house paper recycling program.

As a state-of-the-art printing facility, AlphaGraphics of New Bern uses a lot of paper. While we make every effort to print as efficiently as possible, there is inevitably scrap and waste. We understand that we have a responsibility to protect our resources so we are doing our part to make sure that all paper in the office is recycled, not just in the printing plant. From internal office printouts to customer proofs, there are bins throughout the facility that properly recycled on a weekly basis.

Another unique aspect of AlphaGraphics’ recycling program is that all paper is shredded on-site prior to recycling, which further compliments our Company’s security program. We have many clients that demand security so anything that isn’t supposed to be retained or stored is properly destroyed before leaving the secured facility. In addition to the security cameras throughout the facility, the on-site shredding is just one more step to insure that time sensitive materials, financial documents and other confidential information remain secured.

AlphaGraphics of New Bern’s commitment to protecting resources even goes beyond our on-site recycling program. In January 2012, AlphaGraphics became Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified. The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes responsible forest management and harvesting. By electing to print projects with an FSC Certified Vendor, customers are able to use a variety of recycled or managed papers that are FSC Certified and come with documentation proving they were harvested using responsible forest management practices. To my knowledge, we are the only FSC Certified printing company in New Bern and hopefully our customers will appreciate our forward thinking approach in a time when so much emphasis is placed on conservation of our resources. Once a project has gone through the FSC process, a company or individual may place the FSC logo on their printed project showing their paper has come from FSC certified resources.

Everyone at our office is excited about the progress we’re making as it pertains to becoming a progressive printer in the area. We hope that over time our customers will recognize and appreciate the extra effort we’re making to become an even more responsible community partner.

For more information about AlphaGraphics or our programs, feel free to contact us anytime at 252-633-3199 or visit our website.

Article by: Michael Linden, Vice President of Business Development, AlphaGraphics of New Bern

Adopt Liberty - She passed her Canine Good Citizenship Test!

Liberty is a spayed black and white, female Pomeranian mix. She is approximately 18 months old and weighs an itty bitty 8 lbs. She is a true comedian and will keep you entertained. The problem is that she is shy around strangers. She is Little Miss Personality around her inmate trainer and the prison personnel, but as soon as an adopter comes to meet her, she clams up and is scared. Her new family will have to look beyond her unfriendliness and see the crazy girl she really is.

Liberty is currently in the New Leash on Life program at the Craven Correctional Institution where she is learning basic obedience skills, crate and leash training. She just passed her Canine Good Citizenship test with flying colors. With these skills added to her adorable personality, she will make someone a great companion. If that is you, she will be ready to come home at graduation on March 28th. Call today, to start the adoption process and to meet her in person.

To apply: Contact Bonnie via email or call 252-638-2358.

Submitted by: Bonnie Compton, Pals for Paws

The Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus Annual Show - April 28, 2012

The Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus will be presenting their annual show on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 PM at Grover C. Fields Middle School auditorium located at 2000 Martin Luther King Boulevard, New Bern, NC.
                                           
The show will feature songs performed in 4 part harmony by the chorus and several local quartets.  Also, there will be a featured guest quartet, THE HUMDINGERS, from one of the famous theme parks located in Orlando, Fla.

Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus at the Neuse River Senior Games 2011

The Southern Gentlemen Chorus is a 501C3 non-profit organization.  A portion of the proceeds benefit Merci Clinic, Coastal Women's Shelter and Navy and Marine Corp Relief organizations.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Bank of the Arts or at Fuller's Music, or from a member of the Southern Gentlemen Chorus. They can also be purchased at the door on the night of the show.  Tickets will cost $15 in advance and $17 at the door.

The following is some information about our guest quartet, The Humdingers.

The Humdingers Barbershop Quartet

The Humdingers have been entertaining audiences for almost 40 years. Collectively, they bring to the stage over 100 years of quartet experience and have performed throughout North America and several foreign countries. They are truly unique, as no other barbershop quartet in the world performs with the antique Deagan Organ Chimes along with original tap dance and straw-hat routines.  

The quartet just performed in the Barbershop Harmony Society's Mid-Winter competition in Tucson, Arizona.  They wowed the crowd with their music and comedy routines. This may be the best feature quartet that The Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus has ever had on the annual show.  They are very entertaining and would be great for all family members to see and hear.

Submitted by: Roger Brooks, Public Relations for the Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus