home

The 11th Annual Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival is set for Oct 3 & 4, 2025.

Walk around town and hear dozens of musicians playing on porches in Oriental. Cap the Saturday off with a band headlining on the Riverfront Stage near Lou Mac Park.

More info at olfrontporch.org

The schedule is here: olfrontporch.org/schedule

• Fingerpickin’ Champions & Bluegrass New Yorkers
• Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival 2022
• The 2019 Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival – headliners The Way Down Wanderers

This week, October 2-4 at New Village Brewery:

New Village Brews:
• Purdy’s Pale Ale

NC Guest Breweries:
• Triple C Brewing Co, Fullsteam Brewing Co, Raleigh Brewing Company, Crank Arm Brewery, Blowing Rock Brewery

Music:
Fri 10/3: Mike Bramble 3:30-5p :: Jeff Little Trio 6:30-7:30p
Sat 10/4: Noah Jackson Cobb 3:30-5:30p :: Acisse Jay 6:30-7:30p :: Ken Belangia 8-9:30p

Food trucks:
Thu 10/2: Capone’s: A Taste of Philly, 4-8p
Fri 10/3: Tanja’s German Street Food, 3:30-8p
Sat 10/4: Roadside Dogs, 11-8p

New Village Brewery hours: Thu – Sat 2p-9p

Mariposa Wine Bar & Bakery provides fresh baked goods & coffee in the morning, then evenings charcuterie boards, wine and desserts.

Saturday is the main day that Mariposa sells bread (all kinds of bread, sourdough, French, ciabatta rolls, etc.)

This weekend:

Desserts
Pumpkin cheesecake, Dutch apple pie, and persimmon cake.

Special Wine
White Pinot Noir

Hours: Saturday, Sunday & Monday mornings 7-10a (bakery) and evenings 3-8p (wine bar).

Saturday is the Oriental Farmer’s Market, from 8a – 11a on Hodges Street near the harbor.

Find fresh microgreens, honey & eggs, handmade soaps, candles, fishing gear, handmade wooden toys, seedlings, and more.

Vendors set up by The Provision Company.

As always, market is weather permitting.

Broad Strokes Gallery presents the October Artist of the Month: Jonathan Burger. The opening reception for the artist is Sat Oct 4, 2-5p at the gallery. Refreshments served, you’re invited.

Jonathan Burger is a studio and public artist, based in New Bern, NC. Burger creates art in metal, wood, concrete and paint.

Gallery artists Chaz Coats and Ken Moore are also featured during October.

Broad Strokes Gallery is at 730 Broad Street in Oriental. Horus are Wed & Thurs, 11a – 4p; Fri & Sat, 10a – 5p; and Sunday 11a – 4p. They can be reached at (252) 249-6164.

Oriental United Methodist Church holds Sunday morning services riverside at Lou Mac Park at 8:30a.

Chairs are provided and all are welcome.

There’s also a Sanctuary service at 10:30a.

OUMC is at 404 Freemason Street (at the corner of Freemason Street and 3rd Avenue. Have questions? Contact the church at 252-249-0213.

Open Sailing @ Bow To Stern, continues Mondays at both 3 & 5p.

Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Bring your friends and enjoy an evening on the water. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, you can depart, or hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks.

Now two time options: Check in and get your boat assignment at 3p or 5p.. Return after your sail for refreshments and socializing. $25 per person, or $40 for both sessions.

Let them know you’re coming by registering here.

Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information Info@BowtoSternBoating.com. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here.

Open Mic Night is live at the Silos Wednesday nights. The music begins at 7p.

Bring your instrument, your voice, or both. Music is upstairs in The Silos.

The Silos is at 1111 Broad St Extension, Oriental, NC.

Sailors from (and near) Oriental head out on the Neuse for the Wednesday Night Sail Race. Boats rendezvous at Oriental Marker #1SC on each Wednesday for a relatively carefree race around the government marks. Just show up. The race does the “normal” US Sailing countdown. Just like a real race. This allows those new to racing an opportunity to learn and practice the start sequence.

The race starts at 1700 GPS time. There is a warning horn at 1655 (usually) and again at the start. Which ever is more upwind, Garbacon or Adam’s Creek, is the weather mark, round the other as the leeward mark and finish at Oriental 1. VHF Channel 78a for communications. Social at the Tiki Bar after the race. Questions? Contact Joe Valinoti – joesail1@gmail.com.

You’re invited to help create prayer shawls at Oriental United Methodist Church. The group meets Thursday mornings from 10-11:30a at the church to crochet or knit shawls or lap robes and pray for the recipients of them.

The weekly gatherings have brought together people from all walks of life and faiths. (And even non-knitters; if you don’t know how to knit, stop on by and get a lesson and join in.) Contact Leigh Price at 919-219-2446 with any questions.

You’re invited to join The Gathering, 6p at The Bean, on Oct 9.

Update: The Gathering is adding a second monthly date, meeting on the second Thursday of the month (Oct 9) as well as the fourth Monday (Oct 27).

Sponsored by the Oriental United Methodist Church, The Gathering offers a non-traditional setting for open discussions on faith, beliefs, sacred texts, and the history weaving it all together.

Questions are welcome and often lead discussions. There is a very brief devotional thought and moment of silence at the end of the session.

No religious affiliation required or expected. All are welcome.

For more information, call 252-249-0213 or email asims@nccumc.org.

The 2025 Oriental Cup Regatta is set for the weekend of Oct 10-12 out on the Neuse.

The Cup continues as a cooperative effort between Oriental’s three sailing clubs: ODC, SCOO & NSA.

Register at the Cup web site: orientalcupregatta.com.

A look at past Oriental Cup Regattas:
• A Storm, A Ripped Sail, and a Trophy Cup
• Bodacious. TrailerTrash. Victorious.
• The 2021 Oriental Cup Regatta

The History of Sailing in Oriental is a special exhibit at Oriental’s History Museum, August 1 – October 25.

Known as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina, the exhibit covers Oriental’s sailing history, sailing socials, and local sailing clubs dating back to the 1960’s. There will also be “Evening at the Museum” Speaker Events for all aspects of sailing. Schedule TBA. Oriental’s History Museum is at 802 Broad Street. Hours: Friday 11-3, Saturday 1-4.

Admission is always free, donations gratefully accepted. For more information contact: OrientalHistoryMuseum@gmail.com.

The Pamlico Poker Run is Saturday, October 11. Starts at Town Hall in Minnesott Beach. Drive around Pamlico County picking up cards for your hand, finally finishing at The Red Rooster / Silos in Oriental.

This is a fundraiser to support the Oriental Rotary Club’s charitable missions. Check-in starts at 11:30a, the Poker Run starts at noon, awards announced at the Red Rooster / Silos at 4p. The event is open to all cars / all years.

Cash Grand Prize awarded to vehicle with the best hand. Other prizes include most unique vehicle, best decorated, booby prize, and worst hand. Only qualification is that your vehicle have a minimum of 2 wheels. Registration is $25 before day of event. Event-day registration is $30.

You can download the registration form here. It includes the event schedule and route.

Check out previous Poker Runs:

• Check out the First Annual Poker Run
• Full House Wins Again

Ghosts, ghouls, and movie lovers, get ready to laugh yourself silly. The Old Theater conjures up Tim Burton’s wickedly funny classic Beetlejuice for its 2nd Sunday Cinema series, Sunday, October 12 at 3:00p.

First released in 1988, Beetlejuice follows a recently departed couple who discover that the afterlife isn’t all peace and quiet. To reclaim their home from the living, they summon the outrageous “bio-exorcist” himself – Beetlejuice! Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Geena Davis, and Alec Baldwin, this is a cult favorite that blends creepy with comedy in a way only Burton could dream up.

Showtime: 3:00p – Doors open at 2:30p. Admission by donation ($10 suggested) FREE popcorn.

TownDock.net sponsors the 2nd Sunday Cinema series with the Old Theater.

The One-Off Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month.

Next meeting, October 13 at 4p, at the Perry Griffin Foundation House.

After reading 2 books: Life Worth Living, a Guide to What Matters Most by Volf, Croasmun and McAnnally-Linz, and Wake Up Grateful by Kristi Nelson, the book club is now focusing on topics about life and living. The topic is emailed to participants each month in advance, but it’s not necessary to prepare in order to attend. New attendees are most welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Nelda Coats 252-639-1616 or Nancy Piner 252-670-2615, or just show up at the Perry Griffin Foundation House, 300 High Street, Oriental.

Oriental’s monthly Town Board meeting is now on the second Tuesday of the month.

Town Commissioners meet at Town Hall at 6p, Tuesday, October 14

Town Board meetings are open to the public.

Agenda posted when available.

Prime Time hosts a Health & Safety Expo, Wed Oct 15, from 10a-2p.

Free to attend, the Health & Safety expo offers blood pressure & blood sugar screenings, vaccinations, flu shots, and seminars on a range of health topics.

If you’d like to be a vendor at the expo, contact Debora Steenson at 252-675-0909 or email director@primetimepamlico.org.

The third and fifth Thursdays of the month mean open jam session at Pamlico Community College, starting at 6p.

It’s open to all. Bring your instrument – or voice – or maybe only a chair to just come to listen. It all happens in PCC’s Delamar Center Auditorium. PCC is on Hwy 306 between Grantsboro and Arapahoe. All levels of unplugged playing welcome.

For more info, contact Denise McDermott 252-249-1851 ext 3113 dmcdermott@pamlicocc.edu.

Pamlico County Heritage Day will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 10a – 3p at the Pamlico County Museum and Heritage Center in Grantsboro.

There’ll be music, arts & crafts vendors, food cooked on site, a bake sale, demonstrations of chores done the old time way, such as corn shelling and washing clothes in a wash pot. The museum will be open and inside you can see their current exhibits.The one-room School House, the Mayo Barber Shop, and the Blacksmith Shop (with demonstrations) will be open too.

There is no admission fee, though donations are welcomed – proceeds go to the support of the Museum and Heritage Center which is located on Hwy 55 near Hwy 306 intersection (the Grantsboro light). For more information, contact the Heritage Center at 252-745-2239.

The Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra performs two shows in Oriental: Sunday, Oct 19 and Monday Oct 20, 7:30p at The Old Theater.

The orchestra hails from Norway. They played to rave reviews at the 2022 Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival (plus in 2022 lead vocalist Rebekka Nilsson picked up the vocalist of the year award at International Bluegrass Music Association Awards in Raleigh).

From their 2022 visit to Oriental, a reminder why you’ll want to see Hayde Bluegrass again in 2025:

Tickets available at Nautical Wheelers in Oriental and New Bern and online at www.oldtheater.org. Both performances now SOLD OUT.

Want to learn more about the 11 candidates seeking the 5 seats on Oriental’s Town Board, and the candidate running for Mayor? The Pamlico News and TownDock.net are hosting a candidates’ forum on Thursday, October 23 at 6p at the Old Theater. Admission is free. All candidates are invited to take part.

Have a question you’d like asked, or a subject you’d like the candidates to weigh in on? Send your candidate queries to info@towndock.net.

The Old Theater presents the first screening of Mavericks & Multihulls, Friday, October 24 @ 6p.

In the 1950s and ’60s, a group of radical sailors, using modern materials and engineering, reimagined 4,000-year-old multihull boat designs. The boats they built in their backyards and garages broke with convention and launched a decade-long odyssey of invention and adventure, tragedy and accomplishments across oceans, continents and cultures. Sailing today would not be the same if not for these audacious characters. Mavericks & Multihulls tells their story.

This documentary is over two years in the making, and ready for its first public screening at The Old Theater in Oriental. A “work-in-progress,” producers say it’s nearing its final form, making it the right time to share and gauge responses by friends, fans and supporters.

Because the movie is not in its final state, admission to the screening is free, with donations gratefully accepted at the theater. Learn more and RSVP at the movie’s website: MavericksandMultihulls.com. Attendance is free, but please RSVP to help plan catering for the event.

Located at 609 Broad Street in Oriental. The Old Theater is a 501©(3) nonprofit.

Try a lot of chili and help the Old Theater raise funds. The 17th Annual Chili Cook-off is Saturday, Oct 25 from 11a – 1p at the Oriental Marina & Inn on the harbor in Oriental.

It works like this: A dozen or so chefs bring their best chili, you buy a ticket, sample them and then vote for who you think should win the People’s Choice Award. (There’s also the Judge’s Pick, determined by a trio of judges, and the Spirit award.) Tickets are $10 at the gate. You can get to-go orders (16.oz) of your favorite left-over chili from the chef of your choice (purchased at the HQ table).

Individually wrapped baked goods will be on sale for $1 – $5 at the Bake Sale Table. Chili to-go-orders are placed at the Headquarters Table, $5 for 16 oz of leftover chili from the Chef of your choice. All proceeds go to support The Old Theater, a non-profit organization.

For more information or if you would like to participate as a Chef, Volunteer, or Sponsor, please contact Mary Taylor at 252-249-0477 or president@oldtheater.org.

In the meantime, check out the chili from previous years:
• The 16th Annual Chili Cookoff
• Hundreds Turn Up for a Chili Meltdown
• 2022 Chili Cook-off

Here’s a chance get rid of those personal records and documents you don’t want anymore … and to be sure that they don’t fell into the hands of an identity thief.

There is a Community Shred Event Saturday, October 25 from 9a – noon in the Grantsboro Town Hall Parking Lot (next to the Heritage Center and the Chamber of Commerce) at 10628 NC Highway 55, Grantsboro, NC.

It’s free. Bring up to 75 pounds of personal papers to be shredded. Questions? Call Ann Whitman at 252-745-4629.

Classical meets contemporary… Vision Duo comes to the River Dunes Harbor Club, Sunday October 26 at 4:30p, presented by Pamlico Musical Society.

Vision Duo is violinist Ariel Horowitz and percussionist Britton-Rene’ Collins. They bring a fresh perspective to classical music. For the program, Vision Duo presents “Moxie” – an exploration of musical genres and sonic possibilities for violin and percussion (featuring a 5-octave marimba). This playful program spotlights works by classical and contemporary composers.

Light hors d’oeuvres at 4:00p, concert at 4:30p. Tickets $40, available at Nautical Wheelers in Oriental & New Bern, and online at pamlicomusic.org.

Vision Duo will also conduct an Informance — music, stories, and Q&A — at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 402 Freemason Street, in Oriental Oct 26, 12 noon, free and open to the public.

The Pamlico Musical Society is a non-profit organization bringing musical entertainment, enrichment, and education to Pamlico County. To learn more call 252-617-2125 or visit www.pamlicomusic.org.

Friday, October 31, the Witches of Silverbrooke present the 8th Annual Witches’ Crawl in Oriental.

The Witches’ Crawl began in 2018, when a group of local women known as the Silverbrooke Witches created a playful Halloween tradition to raise money for community causes. All of the witches are local residents, and the event has no ties to religion or pagan practices, but is a family-friendly fundraiser built around costumes, music, and dance. This year, they dance to benefit the Pamlico Partnership for Children. Donations can be made online at their website at pamlicopartnership.org, given to a participating witch, or bring your donation to the performance in November.

There is a ‘Little Witches Performance’ to kick off both crawls. The Silverbrooke Witches perform at 6 and 7p, at the corner of King & First Streets in Oriental, Friday, October 31.

On Thursday, October 30th, the Silverbrooke Witches can be caught “crawling” through Oriental’s restaurants and bars spreading the word about the upcoming performance.

Oriental Recreation Park hosts a Fall Festival Saturday Nov 1, 11a til 3p. It’s at the rec park, 130 Straight Rd.

Event includes live music, petting zoo, face painting, food vendors, bake sale, shark tooth dig, dog adoptions and
games for the entire family. Halloween costumes welcome.

Celebrate the inaugural anniversary of Broad Strokes Gallery at Broad Strokes Gallery After Dark, 6p, Saturday November 1.

Enjoy the evening gala with live music, a silent auction, and a curated buffet and wine bar. View the art, meet the artists, and help raise money for Broad Strokes Gallery. Early guests who visit the wine bar will receive a complimentary gift made by some of the artists.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. Make sure to register for this event at the bottom of the page.

Broad Strokes Gallery is a program of Pamlico Arts Council and is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Do you already know some French but hesitate to speak it, or struggle to understand it in conversation? Join with other francophiles to practice and improve your French skills in an Intermediate French Conversation Group beginning Nov. 6.

The group meets on the first and third Thursday, 2-3p, at the new Pamlico County Library, 13896 NC 55 in Alliance in the community room at the rear of the building.

Marsha Luhrs and Melanie Fluharty are the volunteer leaders, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. There is no fee but registration is recommended. Participants do not have to attend every session. For questions and to RSVP contact Marsha at marluhrs@gmail.com or call/text 252-617-5960.

The Craven – Pamlico Regional Library Book / Tech Mobile is in Oriental on Friday, November 7, 10a – noon at the Piggly Wiggly, then at Arapahoe Town Hall from 2-4p.

The Book / Tech mobile brings books, wifi hot spots, and laptops you can check out with your library card. While there, you can use the Book / Tech Mobile’s free wifi and stream free movies on Hoopla – a library app you can use on your phone. Learn how to access over 600 free educational classes, and learn more about the Library’s free resources.

Don’t have a library card? You can get one while you’re there. Have a book to pick up at the library? Call ahead and have the Book / Tech Mobile bring it to you. (If you check out your books at the Book / Tech Mobile, you have 30 days to keep them instead of two weeks.)

The Book / Tech Mobile visits Oriental & Arapahoe on the first Friday of every month.

The Pamlico County Regional Library is located at 603 Main St, Bayboro, NC 28515. Have questions? Call the Library at 252-745-3515.

Oriental celebrates The Spirit of Christmas the second weekend in December, Thursday, Dec 11 – Saturday, Dec 13.

Luminaria line the streets of Oriental. Businesses host open houses to say thank you to the community.

There’s a live Nativity, several choirs performing Christmas favorites, a lighted (engineless) flotilla in the harbor, the lighting of the Star at town dock #1, a parade along the main streets, the lighting of the Tree of Names and Lights in Lou Mac Park, and the Light Up Oriental decorating contest for residents and businesses.

The parade is Sat Dec 13 at 1p.

The 2025 Spirit of Christmas schedule will be published about a week before the event.

Until then, check out last year’s event coverage:
• The 2023 Spirit of Christmas Parade
• The Nativity, A few Carols, and Lots of Lights

Touch a dragon for good luck…. Be out on Hodges Street on December 31 to ring in 2026 at the running of the Oriental New Years’ Eve Dragon.

There are two runnings – both starting and finishing at Hodges and South Water. The first run starts at 8p, the second around 11:30p and in recent years has had not one but two dragons as the Chinese dragon joins in on the late run. Bring pots, bring pans: make your own music for the dragon.

After the end of that second dragon run, stick around the Hodges Street waterfront just a few minutes more: at midnight, the Oriental Croaker will drop at Town Dock to welcome in the new year.

Scenes from Dragon Runs past:
• A Dragon Rolls Through Oriental New Year’s Eve
• Dragons Run on Hodges – New Year’s Eve 2019 into 2020
• Two Dragons and a Croaker – New Year’s Eve 2018 into 2019

The 32nd annual Instead of Football Regatta is January 1, 2026

A sailing alternative to TV, and a loosely organized one at that, it’s become an Oriental New Year’s tradition. Sailors meet at noon on Monday, Jan 1 at Oriental marker #1 (SC1). Warning horn is at 11:55a.

Marks are: Adams Creek #1, Garbacon #7, finish at Oriental #1 (SC1). Sailing direction/course change announced on Channel 72 prior to start.

There are no rules or sailing instructions. The first skipper that asks for directions or instructions will be drawn, quartered, and forced to walk the plank.

There is a Mandatory Skipper’s Meeting after the race at 3p at The Silos (race cancelled or not). Bring a nautical or fun gift or re-gift for the drawing…all boats participating are included. Must be present to win.

For more information contact Todd Cox at 802-999-7572.

Check out the event from years past:
• A Hazy Instead of Football Regatta
• Forty+ Boats on New Year’s Day
• Instead of Football Regatta 2019

You’re invited to join in and play Pickleball even if you’ve never played the game before.

During fall, winter and spring, the Camp Caroline gym hosts a dozen sessions of pickleball each week, typically on this schedule (as of Aug 11, 2025):
Beginner/Novice Training: W, Sa 8-10a
Intermediate Play: M, W, F , Sa 10a-noon
Advanced Play: Sa, Su 1-3p; Tu, Th, 10a-noon
Women-Only Play: Tu, 1-3p
Evening Open Play: W, 5-7p
Int/Adv/League Practice: M, W 1-3

Reservations are required for all sessions. Signup information here.

Camp activities limit play at Camp Caroline in the summer, but free outdoor play occurs often on the town courts at Lupton Park, and is arranged using TeamReach.com, group code 864230.

TownDock’s coverage of the local growth of pickleball can be found here.

Oriental Rotary Club meets every Monday at Brantley’s Village Restaurant starting at 6p. The club does good things throughout the community… from Scholarships for Pamlico County Students to the Oriental in-water boat show and Oriental classic car show too.

For info about the club and meetings contact membership chair Jim Kellenberger, 919-621-0362.

If you want to rent a tent, table or chairs call the Rotary order line at 649-3725. More info about Rotary at www.orientalrotary.org

Own a Cape Dory? Then you’re invited to join the Cape Dory Sailboat Owner’s Association – Carolina’s Fleet.

Their mission is to advance the sport and enjoyment of sailing; to promote the education, technical interest, and knowledge of their members members; and to foster and enjoy a welcoming collegial fellowship and social environment among the owners of Cape Dory Sailboats.

The CDSOA hold quarterly meetings that include presentations on a range of topics: from sailing techniques to technical topics. Presentations are geared toward skill improvement and enjoyment of the Cape Dory.

CDSOA also hold rendezvous and fleet cruises throughout the year for all members.

To learn more about the CDSOA and to join the Carolinas Fleet visit CapeDorySOA.org, and click on the “New Members Sign Up” link. There you will also find a link to the CD forum, a huge database of information on Cape Dory sailboats.

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday from 7-8:30p at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church.

The band performs three concerts per year: in the spring, opening of the Fourth of July Croaker Festival, and Christmas.

All levels and ages of musicians welcome. Auditions not required; just show up with your instrument. Our focus is the joy of making and sharing music while having fun.

For more information contact Chris Mele at 252-626-6928. St. Peter is at 1149 White Farm Road in Oriental.

The Pamlico County Library hosts a mystery book club the second Wednesday of each month at 5p.

Each month a novel selected from the winners of the annual Edgar Awards will be discussed.

Have you been wanting to learn to play a musical instrument? Have you started learning to play ukulele on your own but want to be a part of a group? Then UHOOs may be just the group for you…

The UKULELE HOALOHAs of ORIENTAL, better known as the UHOOs, meet every Tuesday from 2-4p at OUMC (404 Freemason Street). New members are welcome to join.

There are ongoing classes for beginners and intermediates. To sign up for classes, Contact Claudia Bemis at csbemis@yahoo.com. To join UHOOs, contact Judy Styron at cjstyron@embarqmail.com.

The UHOOS focus on having fun while singing and playing together, and periodically perform at events.

The Pamlico County Democratic Party meets ‘virtually’ on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5:30p. For more information on attending, email PamlicoDems@gmail.com

The Pamlico County Republican Party meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:30p in the Pamlico County Courthouse Annex Room in Bayboro. All are welcome to attend. For more information visit PamlicoGOP.com or call Chairman Dave Wickersham @ 252-269-4101.

The Pamlico Progressives are a concerned group of citizens who seek to bring about change by focusing on issues that affect our community and by holding elected officials accountable, and by letting their collective voices be be heard to influence positive change.

Pamlico Progressives meet as needed. All are welcome to join. For more information, follow on Facebook or call Diane Lemieux at 802-318-1083.

Find yourself a bargain at the Hospice Thrift Shop in Bayboro – across from the Pamlico High School. Hospice Thrift is open 10a to 4p Monday-Friday and 10a-4p on Saturday. All of the proceeds go to support Hospice of Pamlico County.

Donations of gently used clothes, housewares, small appliances, knickknacks, bedding, books, office supplies and more are always appreciated and may be dropped off during shop hours at the store. For more info, contact the store manager at 252-745-5033.

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30p. You’ll find them in Lou Mac Park on Sunday afternoons in summer, weather permitting. In inclement weather, they gather at the Oriental United Methodist Fellowship Hall (and possibly for the winter).

All are invited – come on by and learn to drum. (They have some spare drums for you to try.) Have questions before you go? Contact Doug Carmichael at Dougcarmichael@embarqmail.com.

In just a few years, the prayer shawl ministry at Oriental United Methodist Church has knitted or crocheted more than 1650 shawls for those in need. The group meets Thursday mornings from 10-11:30am at the church to crochet or knit shawls and pray for the recipients of them.

The weekly gatherings have brought together people from all walks of life and religious faiths. (And even non-knitters; if you don’t know how to knit, stop on by and get a lesson and join in.) Contact Leigh Price at 249-1361 with any questions.

The NAACP of Pamlico County holds its regular monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month at 6p at the Pamlico County Senior Services Center at 800 Main St, Alliance. All interested persons are invited and welcome to attend.

For more info, contact chapter President Doug Pearsall at nellie98@embarqmail.com or Hattie Harrell, 1st Vice President truesister2@yahoo.com

Oriental Mayor Sally Belangia holds office hours from 8-9a on Wednesdays at Town Hall. It’s a chance for constituents to talk with the Mayor. Appointments not necessary.

On the third Tuesday of the month the Craven/Pamlico Beekeepers Association meets to talk bees at the Craven County Cooperative Extension Center. The informal “Bee Social” gets underway at 7p. The actual meeting starts at 7:30p and is open to the public. More on CPBA and local beekeeping at their website. The Craven Cooperative Extension Center is at 300 Industrial Drive, New Bern.

Concerned about your drinking? Help is available.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets throughout the week at several locations in the area: At Oriental Free Will Baptist Church at 600 Ragan Road in Oriental, Tuesdays at 8p, and again Friday nights at 8p. (2nd brick building on the left).

At Alliance United Methodist Church at 687 Main Street in Bayboro, Thursday at 7:30p (a great meeting for new members).

At St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 402 Freemason Street in Oriental, Sunday at 7p.

“If you want to drink, that’s your business… If you want to stop drinking, that’s ours.” Alcoholics Anonymous Craven/Pamlico Hotline: (252) 349-0898.

Al-Anon – for those worried about someone with a drinking problem – meets Tuesday at 7p at 403 Mildred Street. It is open to all.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) – At Oriental Free Will Baptist Church at 600 Ragan Road in Oriental (2nd brick building on left). Open Meeting Tuesdays from 6:30-6:70p. Women’s Group Saturday 6:30p.

Narcotics Anonymous – A group atmosphere which provides help from peers, and offers an on-going support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Never Alone – meets Wednesday at 7p at Alliance United Methodist Church, 687 Main Street in Bayboro.

For a list of other meetings in Pamlico County, including Narcotics Anonymous, click here.

The Pamlico Survivors of Suicide Support Group (SOS) is a free support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. Whether it happened recently or decades ago, all are welcome to attend these sessions which are led by experienced counselors.

Contact Branson Dunn at 304-839-4131 pageese@yahoo.com or Katherine Hudson at 252-745-4510 for information about the date, time and location of the next group meeting.

The Minnesott Mens’ Golf Association holds a Golf Tournament every second Saturday of the month.

Tee time is 9:15. Call the Golf Shop at Minnesott (252-249-0813 and press ‘1’ for the Golf Shop) for more information about joining the MGA. Fees for golf as well as the tournaments.

Any Marine on active duty, retired, or honorably discharged with ninety days of active service is invited to join the Oriental Dragon Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 1800 for dinner — meeting begins at 1900 — at the Oriental Fire Station 19 on Straight Road in Oriental. The Dragon Detachment participates in Toys for Tots, Spirit of Christmas, Croakerfest, the Marine Corps Birthday, as well as national initiatives.

For additional information on joining this detachment, contact Commandant Marty Musella at 252-249-0694. Semper Fi.

Share ideas with fellow anglers. The Lower Neuse Anglers Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month, at 6:30p. They meet at Brantley’s restaurant every month on the second Tuesday at 6:30p, and welcome members and non-members alike. For more info, contact Bob Dillard at gbobdillard @ gmail.com or 704/236-4716

The Oriental Paddle Group goes out kayaking on Friday mornings, setting out from the Wildlife Resources Commission ramp at the end of Midyette Street at 9a. Come and join the group, led by Larry Summers and Bill Hines as they paddle up nearby creeks. One benefit of these jaunts is the birds you can see. As Liz Lathrop of the Pamlico Birders group put is, “We have had interesting birds each time. The birds are not as skittish when you approach in a noiseless kayak.”

Call Bill Hines by Thursday evening prior to let them know you’ll be joining Friday morning: 252-571-0264.

The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 6 – 7:00p at The Oriental United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The Chorale performs in concert at least four times a year, including Spirit of Christmas weekend and opening the Croaker Festival.

If you love to sing, the Chorale is the place to spend a few hours every Monday. Everyone is welcome. For more info, contact Carla Byrnes at 745-4793 or 670-4960.

When you go to the bank, you can help the food bank feed those who don’t have enough to eat.

Pamlico County Fishes And Loaves is collecting canned goods and has a drop-off point inside First Citizens Bank in Oriental. Fishes and Loaves is a cooperative effort of a number of churches and organizations in Pamlico County working to provide food to the hungry.

The Oriental Woman’s Club holds its meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 1pm at the clubhouse at 1007 Gilgo Road.

Guests are welcome. Meetings include refreshments, a special speaker and short business session.

OWC is a service club focused on community service, as well as state, national and international concerns of women and children. The OWC awards several scholarships annually to Pamlico County High School and Arapahoe Charter School graduating seniors who continue their education at the college level.

For more information about club activities and membership, check out orientalwomansclub.org.

The Pamlico Amateur Radio Society meets at Brantley’s Village Restaurant at 9am on the last Saturday of every month (except June). They invite all HAMS and those interested in amateur radio to attend. For additional information, please call Bill Michne WM3X, drmichne73@gmail.com, 252-249-1175 or visit our website at N4PRS.org.

Friends of the Pamlico County Library meets at the library on Highway 55 in Bayboro. This is the group of folks who help sustain the library. For info, call 252-745-3515.