Posted on by Robert N. Nielsen, Jr.

Feeling Well

I’m impressed with the quality of health care that’s available in New Bern.

I’ve had excellent care from my internist, urologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, optometrist, podiatrist, dentist, and pharmacist.

Many of them are affiliated with a practice group called Coastal Carolina Health Care.  Others are affiliated with our hospital system known as CarolinaEast.

My internist, Dr. Stephanie Carperos, of Pamlico Medical Center, deserves extra credit!

Along with in-office procedures, I’ve fared well with outpatient surgery at CarolinaEast.

When I’ve needed specialty eye surgery or unusual tests like a coronary calcium scan, it’s been easy to drive down to Novant in Wilmington or up to ECU Health in Greenville.

Why is the New Bern area blessed with great care?  

I’d bet it’s due to our large number of retired military personnel or public employees who create a “critical mass” of patient revenue.

There’s no doubt that doctors and nurses want to live here too.

Posted on by Robert N. Nielsen, Jr.

No More Cakes and Ale

I reluctantly agreed to serve another term on SkySail’s Board last December.

It’s a great way to leave my condo better than I found it.

But it also feels like I’m toiling at the State Senate again.

We have 121 “voters” here who own Units.

We have 6 other Board Members whose opinions count as much as mine. 

We have annual Budget deliberations.  Our voters love more spending; they hate higher assessments.

We adopt Resolutions to set policy like the one that narrowly passed in April to allow Group Pool Parties.

We have a couple of outstanding staffers:  Tina and Marvin. 

We pay close attention to ethics, transparency and being responsive.

We keep an excellent website.

I’d admit that there are a couple of differences from NY:  we face hurricanes rather than floods here.  And we don’t get paid a nickel to serve on the Board.

But overall it’s déjà vue!

Posted on by Robert N. Nielsen, Jr.

Drive Happy

We have an abundant selection of new car dealers in New Bern.

Last year, the ten most popular car brands in the USA were Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, Ram and Subaru. 

Guess what?  We have a local dealer for each of those brands!

I’ve happily bought and serviced three new sports cars here: a Subaru WRX, a Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, and a Kia K5 GT.

Since I lack mechanical skills, I’m grateful that there is factory-trained help nearby!