New Bern NC things to do

The 2009 North American air show season got off to its unofficial start earlier this month at several sites in the southern United States. Eight months long, this year’s national air show tour will include the “MCAS Cherry Point Air Show” to be held May 15-17. Industry experts are projecting that air show attendance will increase this year, perhaps significantly, as families look for cost effective entertainment alternatives, and this is on top of a 12-15 percent increase in 2008 over 2007. During previous recessions in 1980-1982 and 1990-1991, air shows throughout North America saw increased attendance. And last year, high gas prices and bad economic news produced a sharp spike in attendance at many air shows throughout the country. Early indications are that this trend will continue throughout the 2009 air show season. “Air shows are fun, safe, exciting and entertaining,” says Bob Kenward, MCAS Cherry Point’s marketing director, “plus ours is free and the largest in the state. Attendees can enjoy a Friday ‘Night Show’ and two full weekend ‘Day Shows’ at absolutely no cost other than what they might spend on concessions and souvenirs. We see this is as a great economic engine that typically attracts more than 150,000 visitors to eastern North Carolina.” Kenward also stated, “When compared to ticket costs of events such as concerts or professional sports, our free air show is a real bargain and lasts much longer.” In addition, a statistical business analysis provided by the local community college provided a conservative estimated economic impact of the Cherry Point Air Show of more than $21.7 million. Kenward added, “Our event fills up hotels, condos and restaurants for miles around. Add to that gasoline, convenience stores and the like and you’re looking at some real spending power within our tri-county area.” The analysis also stated that over 80 percent of attendees polled came from outside the immediate area and represented over 13 states. Although air shows began as a direct descendent of the barnstorming events of the 1920s and 1930s, with the Cherry Point Air Show originally beginning in 1947 as an exhibition for the Marine Corps commandant, the event would barely be recognizable to the aviation pioneers of the early 20th century. Today, vintage aircraft and nimble sport aerobatic aircraft share the sky with modern military jets while performing in front of large crowds. Modern air shows are not just aviation spectacles; they now combine many of the elements of traditional fairs and festivals. The Cherry Point show will feature a children’s area, business expo, preferred seating areas, plus numerous corporate displays and exhibitions. By the end of this year’s season, more than 10 million people will attend more than 400 shows throughout North America. “Air show tickets are comparably priced very low or in the case of military shows, completely free.” says John Cudahy, president of the International Council of Air Shows, the“Air show tickets are comparably priced very low or in the case of military shows, completely free.” says John Cudahy, president of the International Council of Air Shows, the air show industry’s leading trade association. “Once a year, your typical air show showcases an amazing collection of aircraft and the skills of the pilots who fly them. And it’s the kind of thing you just can’t experience anywhere else.”

Information on Swine Flue

North Carolina Public Health Officials Watch and Prepare for Swine Flu

RALEIGH - Public health leaders in North Carolina, along with those in other states across the country, are watching Swine Influenza infection cases in several states and are getting ready in case the disease spreads further. No cases of Swine Flu have been confirmed in North Carolina as yet, but state public health officials are asking North Carolina residents to follow the same health precautions they take during any flu season. They are also working with health care providers, day cares and schools, laboratories, institutions and others to ensure they have the latest information on prevention, disease control, diagnosis and treatment. "We want North Carolinians to know that we are actively participating in CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) efforts to detect the disease and are coordinating with doctors and health providers across the state," State Health Director Jeff Engel said. "As with all flu events, people should cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, avoid close contact with people who are sick and wash their hands often. People should also stay home from school and work when they are ill so they do not spread disease to others," he said. People who have recently traveled to southern California, Texas or Mexico and develop flu-like symptoms should contact their health provider and inform them of their travel to those areas. As of today (Monday), CDC has confirmed 40 cases of swine influenza infection in humans in five states: California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and New York. Only one of the patients identified was reported to have been hospitalized; there have been no deaths from flu reported in the U.S. North Carolina public health officials began coordinating with regional responders and local health departments on Friday, to ensure information and updates are communicated to local health providers. All providers are being asked to question patients who report having influenza-like illness about any recent travel. State health providers participating in the national Influenza Sentinel Provider Network are also being asked to submit viral cultures from all patients presenting symptoms of influenza-like illness.Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu virus can be transmitted from pigs to humans through contact with live pigs, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented. For more information about protecting yourself and your family from flu, see www.ncdhhs.gov. For more about influenza prevention efforts in North Carolina, see www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/flu.html. For additional health information and more about swine flu in the U.S., see www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.--30-- Laura J. LeonardPublic Information OfficerDivision of Environmental Health, NCDENR1630 MSC 2728 Capital Blvd.Raleigh, NC 27699-1630Ph: (919) 715-3204Fax: (919) 715-3242

Things to do in New

Spencer Tracy Lives Again in New Bern Play

TRACY, a one-man play about the life of Spencer Tracy will be produced by 3PW, Inc. Friday & Saturday evenings May 29 & 30 at 8 PM and Sunday May 31 at 2 PM in downtown New Bern’s Athens Theatre, 412 Pollock Street. Michael B. Druxman is the author of the play first presented in Los Angeles in 1984. Paul White will portray Mr. Tracy. Family Medical Supply and Home Inventory Specialists are sponsors of this production. The play opens in 1967 when Tracy was in poor health and struggling to complete what would be his last film, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Alone in his rented cottage, he reflects with great guilt on his days as a rough street kid in Milwaukee; his troubled marriage; his drinking problem; the birth of his deaf son; and his romances with Loretta Young and Katherine Hepburn. Los Angeles Daily News said of the play, “Michael B. Druxman’s piece is by no means the nasty expose that has come to be in fashion in so many recent Hollywood biographies. He shows Tracy reacting with human frailties…but it’s mostly an admiring look at the man.” Spencer Tracy has been called “the best film actor Hollywood has ever known”. His marvelous performances in classic movies like Captains Courageous, Boys Town, Adam’s Rib and Inherit the Wind endowed him with a tough, solid, humorous image – one that was at odds with his own personality. “Spencer Tracy has always been my favorite actor,” said Mr. White, “and I am now old enough to play him at the end of his career.” Patsy White will direct. Advance tickets are $15 and are available at the Athens Theatre, home of New Bern Civic Theatre, Monday through Friday from 10 AM till 4 PM. Tickets at the door will be $17. For further information see www.newberncivictheatre.org or call 252.633.0567.

Things to do in New Bern

My wife and I spent Saturday night on our boat and Sunday we cruised up the Neuse River to Stately Pines to take some waterfront pictures of a new house we listed.The river is beautiful on the south site but you will not many docks there as you must go several hundred yards off shore to get 3 feet of water depth. In the next week or so I will post some of the pictures we took.

If you live in New Bern or will be visiting in early May check out some of the happenings below.

The New Bern Preservation Foundation invites you to celebrate Preservation Month.
Join us! All events are free and open to the public!
See the attached flyer for full details!

Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00AM- !2:00PM
Open Houses - 314 Avenue B, Riverside and 501 Craven Street, Downtown.

Saturday, May 2nd, 8:00AM- 2:00PM, 506 Cypress Street
NBPF Salvage Sale Great buys on historic architectural elements.

Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00 PM-3:00 PM, Tryon Palace Auditorium
Somerset Place, a State historic site in Creswell, NC New Bern's Sarah Risty, Assistant Director of this State historic site,
will present an informative program. The Palace gardens will be open FREE OF CHARGE on this day!

Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 PM, Tryon Palace Auditorium
"Moving Midway", an award winning documentary film about the extraordinary, emotional journey that began
when urban sprawl hit the Knightdale area and a family's large ancestral home is to be moved!

Save the date!
Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 PM at the New Bern Public Library.
New Bern's Union Station - The restoration of the train station on its original site has been the goal of many for decades.
Will it become a reality? Don't miss this program sponsored by the New Bern Historical Society!

Craven County 2010 Tax Re-valuation

NC law requires that a revaluation be conducted in each county at least every 8 years. The last revaluation in Craven County was 2002 and we are currently working on an update that will take effect in 2010. The purpose of a revaluation is to provide equalization among properties.
The new valuations will be mailed out in February, 2009. If you have justification to support the fact that your value is not a reasonable estimate of current market value, you may request the county review your records to assure the property is correctly listed and values are properly listed.
If you are not satisfied with the results, you have 4 levels of appeal.

1. An informal appeal to the assessor’s office where an appraiser will review your record with you and, if warranted, complete an additional on-site inspection of your property.

2. A formal appeal to the Craven County Board of Equalization and Review where you may plead your case and present evidence for a value change.

3. A further right to appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission in Raleigh.

4. The right to continue your appeal on to a court of law for a final settlement.
Will this mean my property taxes will go up in 2010? Some will go up, some could actually go down, and some will remain around the same. In my next newsletter I will talk a little more about how the new appraisals will be done and how it could affect the taxes you pay. Feel free to contact me at

SteveTyson@ncmove.com or
252 514 9157
http://www.newbern-nc.info

New Bern NC Rentals

I bet you did not know the Tyson Group handles rentals properties. Yes, we have both short term and long term rentals. Check out our web site www.Rivertownerentals.info. The cute 3 bedroom house on the left is located in the popular Creekside area near Taberna and is only 10 minutes from New Bern and 15 minutes from Cherry Point.

Old Growth Timber

Old growth timber is one of those terms you run across on occasion but almost never hear defined. For the cabinet maker and timber frame carpenter old growth timber is the ideal medium for strong and stable furniture and framing. But what exactly is old growth timber?

Once upon a time in the forest primeval white pine and other trees grew close together in dense stands of timber. Since light was scarce under the thick canopy of leaves and pine boughs, young trees grew slowly but very straight as they strove to reach the sunlight far above them. Since there wasn’t much light near the ground, trees expended little energy growing branches and leaves low on their trunks. As a result the trunks of old growth trees were not covered with knots and produced clear lumber when milled.

The slow growth means growth rings were very thin, so the wood is very dense and stable. Another product of slow growth was a much higher percentage of fine heartwood. White pine was especially straight grained with little wane (i.e. the natural taper to a tree trunk) because the trees grew straight up to reach the sunlight of the canopy above.

In comparison to lumber sawn from true old growth timber, lumber today less dense, straight grained and much more liable to twist and warp. Below is a cross section of the sill from an 1882 depot from Chaksa, MN. This example has up to 20 growth rings per inch and is quite heavy and dense. Much pine harvested today has around 6 to 10 rings per inch and is far less dense in comparison. Anyone who has sorted through a pile of twisted, wracked and warped lumber at a lumberyard or supplier can appreciate the qualities of the old growth timber. It is little wonder that even some the most hastily built furniture from the 19th century survives with so little warping, splitting and decay.


Since virtually all of the old growth timber was harvested in the eastern U.S. and most of the remainder is now protected, old growth is now salvaged from building demolitions and remodels. A fair amount is also being recovered from lake and river bottoms where logs sank during the 19th century. Unlike the 19th century, when it was used for the most mundane purposes, old growth is scarce and expensive and used only for special projects.

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Things to do in New Bern

The first in a classic movie series to be presented throughout the year at the historic Athens Theatre The MGM Classic, “Easter Parade” Arrives Just in Time
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sponsored by New Bern Civic Theatre

Grab your Easter Bonnet and follow the parade to the Athens Theatre Saturday April 11 to see the classic film “Easter Parade”. It arrives just in time for family gatherings. Starring Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and Ann Miller this Oscar-winning MGM musical has it all.
The music and lyrics of Irving Berlin excel in this diverting film. Songs such as "Steppin' Out With My Baby," "We're a Couple of Swells," and the incredible Fred Astaire dance number "Drum Crazy" frame a story of Don Hewes’ (Fred Astaire) rise to stardom with Hannah Brown (Judy Garland), while his ex-partner Nadine Hale (Ann Miller) makes it big on Broadway. The “We’re a Couple of Swells” number in which Fred and Judy are dressed like hobos, complete with blacked-out teeth, became one of the numbers most identified with Judy Garland, despite the fact that it was so contrary to type. “My Goodness, Alice! They tried to make that beautiful girl look ugly!”
There will be one screening of Easter Parade Saturday April 11, 2009 at 8p.m. Tickets

are $5 and will be available at the door. Price includes popcorn and soda .

Don’t miss your chance to see this great classic musical on the big screen.

The Athens Theatre, the home of New Bern Civic Theatre, is located at 414 Pollock St., New Bern.
For more information call 252-633-0567 or go to www.NewBernCivicTheatre.org

New Bern things to do.

Looking for things to do while visiting New Bern. Check this out.

HAUNTED EVENING This popular drama is back! Join the mourners as they observe funeral customs of the South during the post Civil War occupation; meet the fascinating 'spirit' of Miss Mary Oliver who will tell you about growing up in New Bern; and view the paranormal investigation film which reveals surprising results! Saturday, May 16 at 8 pm. Presented by Candlelight Productions, all proceeds benefit the New Bern Historical Society. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Dinner package at The Chelsea available. For tickets and information call the New Bern Historical Society at 638-8558.

New Bern Home Sales

For the week of March 29 through Sunday April 6 there were 17 closed homes in our multiple listing service. The homes sold ranged from $35,000-$337,000 and the average price was around $200,000.

There are currently 1520 homes on the market and at the current absorption rate we have about 20 months worth of inventory.

Something Completely Different

Since it is old and it is a house (of a sort) I am featuring one of my favorite buildings in my latest post on the Old House Blog. The Peterson, IA blockhouse is one of those architectural surprises you can find in many small towns across the country. Built in 1862 from hewn logs, this structure is an extremely rare example of a wooden military fortification from the upper Midwest.

First, a bit of history. Relations between the native Dakota Indians and white settlers in Iowa and southern Minnesota were extremely poor after years of tension and occasional violence. Armed conflict, including the Spirit Lake Massacre of 1857 and the Dakota War of 1862, and the absence of federal troops due to the Civil War led Iowa governor Samuel Kirkwood to form the volunteer Northern Border Brigade in 1862. As a part of this defensive scheme, a series of fortified blockhouses were constructed near white settlements such as Correctionville, Cherokee, Peterson, Estherville, and Chain Lakes, IA. Each was to be garrisoned by members of the Northern Border Brigade militia. However, the need for protection had diminished greatly after the rout of the Dakota in the Dakota Territory by Union troops in September 1863 and the forced resettlement of most of the Dakota remaining in Minnesota after the Dakota War. The garrisons were deemed unnecessary and the Northern Border Brigade was disbanded by the Iowa adjutant general in 1864. The blockhouse, which had been garrisoned by as many as two dozen soldiers, was abandoned sometime between 1865 and 1866 by the few, remaining federal troops.


The Peterson blockhouse was constructed by members of the brigade using locally harvested and hewn 10” oak and ash logs. The structure was surrounded by a stockade which provided protection for the garrison, its horses and supplies. Rather than a typical stockade made from a series of upright, pointed logs, the garrison constructed a fence made from massive, sawn oak planks and hewn oak and ash timbers that were as thick as 6”. Both the upper and lower levels were equipped with small, defensive gunports. The structure was built using square, lapped (and most likely pinned) joints rather than the more common half-dovetail or square-notch. The building was originally roofed with joined maple planks with grooves to lead away rain water.

After its abandonment the timber from the stockade was removed by settlers and used to construct other buildings while the blockhouse itself was dismantled and reassembled on a farm two miles west of Peterson. In 1977 Peterson Heritage acquired the building and moved it back to town. Although its original location was unknown, Peterson Heritage rebuilt it at the most likely spot, in the boulevard on Park Street just south of the intersection with Highway 10. In the mid 1980s volunteers restored the structure (without a stockade) using the original plans, replaced several logs and put the building on a concrete foundation. The restored building was dedicated in 1986.

The blockhouse can be visited anytime, but is open for visits during Peterson's heritage celebration held on even numbered years.

Tryon Palace happennings

TRYON PALACE HISTORIC SITES & GARDENS Sunday Afternoons are FREE in the Tryon Palace Gardens! NEW BERN, NC (4/01/09) --- Spend Sunday afternoons FREE in the Tryon Palace Gardens!Beginning on Sunday, April 5 the Gardens at Tryon Palace will be open to the public at no charge on the first Sunday afternoon of each month through October.This is a wonderful opportunity to stroll through our many gardens and enjoy what's blooming, simply sit down and read a book in a peaceful environment, or take family photographs in your Sunday best. For photography lovers, take some great garden photos, e-mail them to us and we'll post them on our new Facebook page! Be sure to stop by our new gift shop in the Daves House right next to the Palace gates. If you want to come inside to tour the Palace and historic houses, our all-inclusive two day Governors Pass will be available at a reduced price of $12 for adults and $5 for students.Make it a monthly event for friends & family and take a stroll through Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens. For more information about visit the website www.tryonpalace.org or call 1.800.767.1560 or 252.514.4900. # # #

Free and Fun things to do in New Bern

DON' T MISS THE 2009 FESTIVAL OF FUN (NEW BERN)- This year will mark the ninth year for Eastern North Carolina ' s best children ' s festival, the Festival of Fun. This year 's Festival of Fun is right around the corner, so mark your calendar for April 18 (no rain date). Join us at Union Point Park in downtown New Bern from 10am-3pm for a day full of games, arts & crafts, educational information, and fun. Back by popular demand, we will feature inflatable rides, flex flying, carnival food, games and more . Join us on April 18 , and enjoy the best Children ' s Festival in Eastern North Carolina! For more information, call (252)639-2902.

Spring is here in New Bern

Today is April second and when I just looked outside it is like all of a sudden my dogwoods and azelea's woke up and zap, almost full bloom and absolutely beautiful.

This is my favorite time of the year and I look forward to it each year and soon to follow will be boating weather. My wife and I boat at least once a week during the warm weather as it is our stress reliever. You just can't worry about your problems while on the Trent or Neuse River.

I'll take the hot weather over cold anytime. So here is to my good friend Mr. Spring and hope to see you on the water.