| What's Happening - Events In Oriental, NC

It's Monday September 25, 2023 Dock Quote: “In seed time...

News From The Village Updated Almost Daily

Coming Events in Oriental and in and near Pamlico County

A Matter of Balance – at OUMC, Mondays & Thursdays, Sept 25 – Oct 23 from 1-3p.

Prime Time sponsors this series of workshops where participants learn to manage concerns about falls, emphasizing practical strategies to reduce and control fear and increase activity levels so that seniors can improve their quality of life and remain independent.

Learn to set realistic goals, how to get up after a fall, change the environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercises to increase strength and balance.

Class size is limited to 16 participants. This eight (8) session program is held Mondays & Thursdays, beginning September 25 – October 23, from 1 – 3p.

Held at Oriental United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 404 Freemason Drive, Oriental, NC 28571.

The Pamlico County Manager’s Office holds a public meeting Monday, September 25 at or after 7p regarding the Opioid Settlement Fund.

The meeting is at the Pamlico County Courthouse Annex, 202 Main Street, Commissioners Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Bayboro, NC 28515.

This meeting is an opportunity for municipal governments to learn of proposed uses of opioid settlement funds and to provide input on how they would like to see the county spend its allocation of those funds. More information on the settlement fund can be found at https://ncopioidsettlement.org.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can submit written questions or comments to the Clerk of the Board before the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted up to 24 hours after the public meeting. Any written comments may be submitted via email to chantelle.allison@pamlicocounty.org or by mailing to :

Clerk to the Board
Pamlico County
PO Box 776
Bayboro, NC 28515

Citizens with disabilities requiring special needs to access the services or public meetings of Pamlico County Government should contact the County Manager’s Office five days prior to the meeting by calling (252) 745-3133.

Announcing The Gathering picnic, Monday, Sept 25 at 6p.

Work weekends? Is Sunday church not for you? You’re invited to check out The Gathering – a new group sponsored by Oriental United Methodist Church to make space for community and worship in a non-traditional setting. There’s no hard sell – just a place to gather and enjoy.

The picnic meal is provided. Please RSVP by Friday, Sept 22 to get an accurate count. Call 252-249-0213 or email orientalumc@orientalumc.org.

Tour four new custom homes at Arlington Place Tuesday, Sept 26 from 4-6p

Tour four home plans: The Breezeway, The Capehouse, The Lakeside and The Stillwater.

Arlington Place is a waterfront community in Minnesott Beach, with average elevations at 21 feet above sea level. It is some of the highest land in Pamlico County. Find your lot and build your custom home. Whether you’re looking for a cottage or an estate, a waterfront or forest view, there’s an opportunity to build it at Arlington Place.

Arlington Place is at 57 Burton Farm Road in Arapahoe, NC 28510.

Tuesdays, September 26 & October 3, 5:30 – 7:30p, Women 16 and up are invited to register for “Empowerment Self-Defense for Women” at Pamlico County Community College.

Darla Bolon teaches the class. Learn effective prevention skills in a safe and supportive environment. Participants practice setting appropriate psychological and physical boundaries and other strategies intended to reduce vulnerability to becoming a target of violence. This class involves physical techniques anyone can learn, regardless of physical skill or abilities.

Darla Bolon has 35+ years of counseling experience with an emphasis on working with victims of crime. She is a certified Self-Defense Instructor with the American Women’s Self-Defense Association and the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation.
Her specialty is educating people about their personal safety and empowering them to become their own best protectors.

Fee is $25 for both classes. Pre-registration is required – call Denise at 252-249-1851 × 3113 or email: dmcdermott@pamlicocc.edu. For specific questions about the class, contact Darla at 614-327-7209, darlabolon@gmail.com.

Pamlico Community College’s Cultural & Life Enrichment Program is a non-curriculum, self-supporting program offering courses sourced from the skills of the community’s residents. They are designed to promote personal growth and self-enrichment.

Upcoming PCC Fall 2023 Courses:
• Bridge for Beginners: Tues, Wed, & Thurs, Sept 26, 27, & 28, 5-6p
• Fall Bird Watching: Tuesdays, Oct 10 – 31, early mornings
• Beginning / Intermediate Guitar: Tuesdays, Oct 10 – Nov 14, 6-7:30p
• Basics of Sewing: Mon & Wed, Oct 11 – Nov 13, 9a-noon
• Traditional Ceramics: Call for schedule, classes held at Kil’n Thyme Ceramics
• Plant Based Cooking for Health & Wellness: Call to be put on list, limited seating. Oct 3 – Nov 7, 6-7:30p.

If you have a skill to share with the community, or would like more information about current course offerings, contact Denise Meyerson at PCC’s Cultural & Life Enrichment Program at 252-249-1851 Ext. 3113 or email dmeyerson@pamlicocc.edu.

For full course listings including descriptions, location, cost, and date & time, 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 1730 GPS time. There is a warning horn at 1725 (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.

The Village Gallery presents an exclusive showing of Mark Hewitt Pottery, Wednesday September 27, from 4-6p. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of this specially curated collection.

Mark Hewitt is a world-renowned artist and the recipient of numerous awards within the art community. Mark’s works are displayed in multiple museums throughout the US and UK, including a permanent exhibit at the Renwick Gallery in the Smithsonian Institute of Art, Washington DC.

You’re invited to The Village Gallery for wine and hors d’oeuvres while browsing the collection.

The Village Gallery is located at 300 Hodges Street, Oriental, NC.

The One-Off Book Club meets Thursday, September 28 at 4p, in the backroom of M&M’s Restaurant.

Nelda Coats and Nancy Piner invite you to join them in the continuing discussion of Life Worth Living: a Guide to What Matters Most, a new book by the faculty of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture.

No need to have read the book. All are welcome to come and join. Based on one of the most popular Humanities courses at Yale, A Life Worth Living draws on major world religions and secular figures to figure out what makes a good life.

If you have any questions, contact Anne Sims at 336-583-0689 or just show up at M&M’s Restaurant, on the corner of Water and New Streets.

Join the Pamlico Friends of the Library at their Fall membership meeting for an update on the new library, and a book talk from author Heather Cobham, Thursday Sept 28 at 7p.

Find out the progress with the new library building and stay for special guest and local author, Heather Cobham.

Heather’s presentation addresses both the historical and fictional aspects of her latest novel, Calling the Circle. She’ll discuss her research and writing process, life in 1914 Oriental, and the inspiration for Calling the Circle.

Meeting will be at the HeartWorks building at 709 Main St., Bayboro, in the Marybelle Hollowell Annex.

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.

Start your weekend with live music at The Red Rooster Pavilion. Friday, September 29, Mike Bramble plays on the Bantam Stage.

Cash bar and order dinner on the Silos’ Chow Now app. Music starts at 7p. The Red Rooster is behind The Silos on the Broad Street extension in Oriental.

Hear live music every Friday night throughout the summer. Here’s who’s coming next:

Oct 6 – TerryLynn Melody
Oct 13 – Stagger Brothers
Oct 20 – Brant Island Strings
Oct 27 – Dr. Paul

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

Vendors May Include:
• Ultimate Baits and One of a kind Candles
• Diana, microgreens, honey
• Duck and chicken eggs
• Rice Creek Farm
• Photographic prints
• Terrariums
• Stained Glass
• Art prints
• Flower Wreaths
Fresh grown produce and plants will be available from Mark Fields in front of the Provision Company.

As always, market is weather permitting.

You’re invited to a block party at Lou Mac Park, Friday, September 29 at 5p to help Fay Bond celebrate 100 years on the planet.

Gather at the park by 5p to watch Fay’s grand entrance. Dance to music Hoff n’ Finch, TerryLynn Melody, and DJ Cheryl Thompson.

A small donation will get you hot dogs from PAWS (the Pamlico Animal Welfare Society), hamburgers and sodas from the Rotary Club, and cake from the Women’s Club.

NO gifts – your presence is enough. If you insist on buying anything, Fay and family emphasize that cards or gift cards to Dollar General for turtle food are welcomed.

Fay Bond has been a part of the Oriental community for over 50 years and is known locally as the watermelon lady, the turtle lady, and as a senior Olympic Gold medalist.

Lou Mack Park is located along the water at South Avenue and Freemason Street. In case of rain, party will be held at the Oriental Woman’s Club.

• 53 Years of Watermelon Sunday
• The Turtles of Fay Bond

Join Prime Time for Eating Smart & Moving More, Friday, September 29 at Oriental United Methodist Church, from 10a – 1p.

This is a hands-on experience in the kitchen teaching how to cook small, healthy, and simple meals. Lunch follows the session. The program promotes healthy eating and physical activity, was developed by the NC Extension Service, and is centered on Eating Smart and Moving More Planning Guide. Funded by Resourceful Communities.

Space is limited, please RSVP to Debora Steenson at 252-675-0909 or director@primetimepamlico.org.

Held in the Fellowship Hall of the the Oriental United Methodist Church, 404 Freemason St., Oriental.

Prime Time is a mission of the Oriental United Methodist Church. Prime Time provides benefits the 50 and above regardless of church or non-church affiliation. Prime Time provides services and activities promoting the physical, social, mental, and spiritual well being in the Oriental and surrounding areas.

Harborfest for HeartWorks 2023 is Saturday, September 30 at 5:30p.

Support over 400 at-risk Pamlico County children who attend free Afterschool and Summer Programs and/or receive counseling at StillWaters. Attend Harborfest for HeartWorks, a Gala evening of drinks, live music and dancing, a live auction, and a tour of the classrooms and renovated facilities.

Enjoy an open bar and a gourmet buffet by The Chelsea of New Bern. Bid on trips, oyster roasts, works of art, basketball tickets, and more.

Before the event, take part in the online auction from Sept 23 until Oct 1 at 5p. (Online Auction items will also be on display at the event.)

To buy tickets, join the online auction, or become a Sponsor for Harborfest, click here.

To make the auction a success, donations of works of art, crafts, jewelry, trips, or other items and experiences are needed. To donate, call 252-745-9703 or drop by HeartWorks at 709 Main St., Bayboro.

HeartWorks is a 501©(3) nonprofit community service agency. “Our mission is to address the underserved mental and physical health needs of youth and their families in Pamlico County and surrounding areas. Education is the cornerstone of our efforts. Nurturing is our method.”

Oriental’s History Museum presents a retrospective of the artwork of Lucille Styron Truitt. Some pieces will be available for sale.

Lucille was a self-taught artist who began painting in the 60s. She also owned ‘The Old Store’ with her husband – the inspiration for today’s Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival.

For over 40 years, Lucille painted local landscapes, fishing vessels, harbors, and the coastal fishermen at work. Mayor Sally Truitt Belangia, Lucille’s daughter, will be on hand Saturday, greeting visitors and answering questions about Lucille and her painting career.

Lucille’s work will be on display through January 27, as the museum’s Fall Special Exhibit.

The Oriental History Museum is at 802 Broad Street. Hours are: Friday 11-3 and Saturday 1-4. Admission is always free, donations gratefully accepted. For more information about the museum and this exhibit contact us: orientalhistorymuseum@gmail.com

Want to learn how to bellydance? Think you’re not tall, young, thin, coordinated, or flexible enough to dance? Think you can’t get a workout, improve your balance or flexibility unless you’re in a gym? Find out otherwise Tuesday evenings. Beginner’s Class at 5:30p.

Learn to dance with a group or on your own – slow and asynchronous or quick and with the beat, with just the steps of the dance or with props like veils and fans. Find out about the cultures, traditions, and dancers that influence today’s forms.

Wear relaxed clothing you can move in, bring socks and water. Ages 16 and up. All body types welcomed. $30 a month. $10 drop-in. Email for more information: dragonbellydance@gmail.com.

A Caregiver’s Support Group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month, 1p in the coffee room at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oriental. All caregivers invited.

Questions? Contact Ann Clement, email svpeacefour@yahoo.com.

Oriental’s monthly Town Board meeting is the first Tuesday of the month.

Town Commissioners meet in the large boardroom at Town Hall at 8a, Tuesday, October 3. Town Board meetings are open to the public.

Agenda posted when available.

The 9th Annual Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival is set for Oct 6 & 7, 2023.

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.

• Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival 2022
• The 2019 Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival – headliners The Way Down Wanderers
• Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival 2018 – headliners Chatham County Line
• 2017 Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival – headliners The Red Clay Ramblers

The Craven – Pamlico Regional Library Book / Tech Mobile is in Oriental Friday, Oct 6, from 10a – noon at the Piggly Wiggly, and 2-4p at the Town Hall parking lot.

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 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.

Join the Creative Card Making Class, Wednesday, Sept 13 at 10a -noon at the Oriental United Methodist Church. Meets the second Wednesday of the month.

Meet up with friends to make cards and socialize. Class is led by Cheryl Mcaskill, a Stampin’ Up demonstrator. Cheryl will provide most of the supplies as needed. Each person will make $8 cards. Cost for paper and supplies is $25 / month.

Advanced registration is required, contact Debora Steenson to register or for more information at 252-675-0909 or director@primetimepamlico.org.

Held at the Oriental United Methodist Church at 404 Freemason St. in Oriental. This is a Prime Time event.

The 2023 Oriental Cup Regatta is set for the weekend of Oct 13-15 out on the Neuse.

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

A look at past Oriental Cup Regattas:
• Bodacious. TrailerTrash. Victorious.
• The 2021 Oriental Cup Regatta
• 2019 Oriental Cup Regatta – the year there was an actual ‘cup’

The 9th annual Oriental Classic Car Show is Saturday, October 14, 2023. Check-in starts at 8:30a. Trophies awarded at 2:30p.

It offers what may be the most beautiful backdrop of any car show this side of the Pacific Coast Highway. All of it is free to see. It’s an open show with People’s Choice judging of the best of hot rods & customs, sports cars, muscle cars, pre ’50 antiques, ’50 -‘91 antiques, Vettes, pre ‘60s trucks, ’60 & newer trucks, and post ’91 moderns.

Registration link and more info here.

See previous shows:
• 2022 Oriental Classic Car Show
• The 2021 Classic Car Show
• 5th Oriental Classc Car Show
• Classics, Customs & Moderns: The 2018 Oriental Car Show
• Classic Cars Gather In Oriental For 3rd Year
• 1st Annual Oriental Classic Car Show

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

The August 17th session has been cancelled.

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

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

The New Bern Historical Society presents the 33rd Annual GhostWalk, Oct 19 – 21, from 6-9:30p.

Visit 13 ghost sites in historic New Bern, where the ‘ghosts’ of New Bern tell stories from the town’s past in the 1920’s.

Family-friendly event. Guides lead you through stops in Cedar Grove Cemetery, to hear stories based on real historical characters and events. The rest of the event is self-guided, with historical spirits telling tales on outdoor porches in downtown New Bern. Downtown theaters provide skits, and local historic churches offer low-cost meals for GhostWalk visitors.

Tickets for the New Bern Historical Society’s GhostWalk are good for all three nights and are available at www.GhostwalkNewBern.com, by calling 252-638-8558, or at the Historical Society office at 511 Broad Street. Tickets can also be purchased at Mitchell’s Hardware downtown, and at both Harris Teeters in New Bern beginning Sept 27.

Adult advance tickets are $19 with a special $15 price for active-duty military, students and Historical Society members. Adults day of the event are $23. Children under 12 are $5, children under 3 are free. Your ticket is your Ghostwalk map.

Try a lot of chili and help the Old Theater raise funds. The 15th Annual Chili Cookoff is Saturday, Oct 21 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 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 the Old Theater: 919-221-5362 or vp@oldtheater.org.

In the meantime, check out the chili from previous years:
• 2022 Chili Cookoff
• 2021 Old Theater Chili Cookoff
• 2019 Old Theater Chili Cookoff

Do you bake? Cookies, cakes, pies? The the Old Theater wants your creations.

The Old Theater is looking for volunteers to bake fresh goodies to be sold during the Chili Cookoff.

Bakers will need to deliver their baked, packaged goods to The Oriental Inn & Marina Courtyard between 10 and 11a on Saturday, October 21.

The bake sale table will be in the center of the courtyard. Package baked goods in clear plastic bags to sell for $1 – $3. If baking cookies or other small goodies, place 3 items per bag for $1. For larger items like sweet bread loafs, price for $3.

If your baked goods contain allergens (tree nuts, peanuts) or they are Gluten free, please note it on the package.

Volunteers are also needed to work the day of the cook off at the bake sale table and work other duties as well.

For more information call 919-221-5362 or email vp@oldtheater.org.

Pressing Pause: Contemplative Practices for 21st Century Living – Tuesday, Oct 24

Reverend Dr. Anne Sims leads this three part series. You do not have to have a religious affiliation to join.

This free series provides easily accessible tools anyone can use for pressing pause from time to time. Learn to pause and re-center when frightened or frustrated, re-connect when life starts to get to you, and remember how to contemplate joy and wonder.

While contemplation has been a practice of most religions, one doesn’t have to practice any particular faith to gain its benefits. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, Pressing Pause will give you tools to feel more grounded, whole, and connected.

~~Workshop 1: Prayer Beads, Thursday, March 23, 2-4p~~
~~Workshop 2: Walking the Labyrinth, Thursday, May 18, 2-4-p~~
Workshop 3: Practicing the Pause on Paper, Tuesday, Oct 24, 2-4p

Sponsored by PrimeTime. To register for these events, contact Debora Steenson at 252-675-0909 or email director@primetimepamlico.org

Saturday, October 28, the Witches of Silverbrooke present the 6th Annual Witches’ Crawl in Oriental.

The witches perform the Witches’ Dance and take donations for a different charity every year. This year, they dance to benefit Friends of the Pamlico Library and their effort to construct a new library building.

Donations can be made at the event to any participating witch or online at pamlicofol.org. If writing a check, please make out to FOL (Friends of the Library),

There is a ‘Little Witches Performance’ at 5:45p. The Silverbrooke Witches perform at 6, 6:30, 7, and 7:30 at the corner of King & First Streets in Oriental, Saturday, Oct 29.

The Oriental Dragon Boat Festival at River Dunes is ~~Saturday August 12~~ rescheduled to November 3 & 4. Several of the class-specific boats were damaged in an accident during transportation.

****

The day begins at 8a with a Captain’s Meeting, followed by opening remarks, a parade of teams, the ‘dotting of the eye of the dragon’. Races begin around 9:45a with the last race ending about 3p. An awards ceremony follows the last race.

Dragonboat Racing has been called “the ultimate team sport” because of its ability to accommodate a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels. Crews vary in makeup, style, intensity, experience, age and purpose. This festival has had racers from 12 to 87. There are Military Men and Women’s Teams, Cancer Survivor Teams, Senior Teams. Youth Teams, Club Teams, NonProfit Teams, Community Teams and Corporate Teams.

For those not in the boats, there’s food vendors, live music, kid’s activities, a parade of teams and more.

For additional info, or if you’d like to participate on one of the teams, contact organizers at 252-675-9424 or email: info@orientaldragonboat.com.

Oriental’s Thanksgiving morning bike ride is on for Thanksgiving 2023. Not a Spandex event. Plaid is acceptable.

You’ll take your time as you pedal along the roads in town. And work off some calories in advance of the big dinner later in the day. Show up at the Town Dock 9a on Thursday, November 23 for the Thanksgiving bike ride around Oriental.

The route follows the waterfront, visits the boatyards and a few of the marinas in the town limits and swings down Midyette Street and back to the harbor.

No registration necessary. Just show up by the Town Dock (across from The Bean) at 9a.

Take a look at previous Thanksgiving Day bike rides:
• 2022 Turkey Pedal
• 2021 Turkey Pedal
• Two Rides, One Event: 2020 Thanksgiving Day Bike Ride
• Tour de Oriental: The 2019 Thanksgiving Bike Ride
• Bikes, Trikes, and Tandems: The Thanksgiving Bike Ride 2018

The second weekend in December is when Oriental celebrates Spirit of Christmas, December 8-9.

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 2023 schedule will be published about a week before the event. Meanwhile, take a peek at Spirit of Christmas past:
• A Parade, Paddleboards, a Dragon and a Grinch
• The Spirit of Christmas 2021
• Spirit of Christmas 2020
• 2019 Spirit of Christmas Weekend

Touch a dragon for good luck…. Be out on Hodges Street on December 31 to ring in 2024 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 30th annual Instead of Football Regatta is January 1, 2024

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 Sunday, 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.

Need more info? Call Nelda Coats at 252-639-1616, or email at neldacoats@gmail.com.

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

Special Olympics Pamlico County invites you to the ‘Go Freezin’ for a Reason’ Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 27.

Plunge into the Neuse River from the town beach (aka John Bond Beach aka Minuscule Beach) to help raise money for Pamlico County Special Olympics.

Sign-in opens at noon, lunch and prizes at noon – 2p, plunge begins at 2p.

Don’t want to test the Neuse in January? There’s a Virtual Plunge option.

Registration opens soon. The town beach is on Neuse Drive between Ragan Rd and Vandemere St.

Questions? Email pamlico@sonc.net

NYRA’s (Neuse Yacht Racing Association) annual FREE race/cruise/party is the Parrothead Regatta, Saturday July 20, 2024, sailing down the Neuse from New Bern to Oriental.

It’s kind of a race, but it includes water cannons, pistols, and balloons. Inter-boat attacks are permitted and encouraged. The race starts at Marker #17 (across from Fairfield Harbour). Race ends at Oriental. Free social for all racers after.

Both town docks at Oriental – the one at Hodges and the one near the pump out are reserved for NYRA on Saturday.

• Find out more about NYRA here.

Ongoing Events:

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday from 7-8:30p at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church beginning April 25, 2023.

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.

For more info please contact the library at 252-745-3515. Pamlico County Library is located at 603 Main Street in Bayboro.

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 the fellowship hall of OUMC (404 Freemason Street). When weather permits the group can often be found in Lou Mac Park. New members are welcome to join. The UHOOS focus is on having fun while singing and playing together. Anyone interested should contact Judy Styron at cjstyron@embarqmail.com.

A starter group meets on Wednesdays at 2p in the fellowship hall of OUMC. This group plays three chord songs from the UHOO repertoire. Anyone interested is invited to contact Claudia Bemis at csbemis@yahoo.com.

Oriental’s recycling center, at the Oriental Recreation Park behind Fire Station 19, is staffed and open on Tuesdays, April 1 – Oct 31: 7:30a-6p and Nov 1 – Mar 31: 7:30a – 5:30p.

Pamlico County operates and maintains staffed convenience drop-off sites for residential recycling only. Each site is scheduled for one day/week, from 7:30a-6p. At 6p, recycling bins will be removed until the following week:

Monday: Reelsboro (5656 Hwy NC 55 East)
Tuesday: Oriental (Oriental Recreation Park – 130 Straight Rd)
Wednesday: Arapahoe – (Gary’s Restaurant Hwy 306 S)
Wednesday: Hobucken – (Hobucken Community Parking Area)
Thursday: Bayboro – (3rd Street Across from Courthouse Parking)
Thursday: Vandemere – (Hwy 304 Cash Corner)

The Grantsboro Transfer Station Recycling Convenience drop-off site will remain open the same days and hours as the Grantsboro Transfer Station: Mon-Fri 8:30a-4p, Sat 7:30a – noon. Convenience drop-off sites are closed on holidays.

There is a fine of $500 for any illegal dumping in Oriental.

For additional information contact Garry Cooper at (252)745-2094 or Jesse Bloomberg at (252)745-3283.

A group of area cyclists gets together for rides each Saturday and Sunday and welcomes you to join them. Rides start at 10a from the Bean from fall to spring, as the weather permits. In the spring, the start time shifts to 8:30a.

Saturday’s ride is about ten miles, at a conversational pace. Those who wish to can continue on a longer route at a faster pace in a single paceline format. The Sunday ride is faster, with pace and distance decided by the riders, usually between 15-17 mph for 25-30 miles in a single paceline format. Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at Keith.gapen@gmail.com.

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

People living with Parkinson’s Disease in and around Pamlico County now have a support group. Pamlico Parkinson’s Network provides a place to talk, as well as learn what those with PD can do – and what’s being done – to deal with the still-incurable condition. PPN meetings are open not only to people with Parkinson’s but also to those who care for – and about them.

For more info, contact Dave at dave@towndock.net, Kim at 670-8987 or Mel at melinda@towndock.net.

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.

We 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. We seek to let our collective voices be heard to influence positive change.

We meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 4:00 at the Pamlico County Heritage Museum at 10642 NC-55, Grantsboro, NC. All are welcome to join us. For more information, 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.

You’re invited to join in and play Pickleball even if you’ve never played the game before. New players and beginners welcomed – equipment available if you don’t have your own.

Play is open to residents and visitors alike, by Reservation only on Signup Genius. For information on rules, how to play, and a link to Signup Genius to register, email pamlicopickleball@gmail.com.

During fall, winter and spring, courts are open every day of the week,10a-12p every day except Sunday when times are 1-3p. Cost is $2 per player. A medical waiver must be completed yearly. Summer play is Friday 1-3p, Saturday and Sunday 10a-12p. If the courts are closed due to a conflict of activities at Camp Caroline, the closure will be noted on SignUp Genius.

Players can also play on the Oriental Town Court at the corner of 3rd Ave. and Vandemere.

TownDock.net visited the Pickleball players in 2017. See story here.

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 New Bern Hotline:(252) 633-3716

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, 4 – 5:30p 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.

Oriental Rotary Club meets every Monday at Brantley’s Village Restaurant starting at 6p. The club does good things throughout the community….from scholarships to road clean-up, and they produce our wonderful in-water boat show and classic car show too. For info about the club and meetings contact Beth Obenshain @ 919-932-0874. 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

Handy with a hammer and nails? Pamlico County Senior Services needs more volunteers to help build handicap access ramps at the homes of some of Pamlico’s older residents. Senior Services provides the materials while volunteers led by Tim Balfour construct one ramp every month. Contact Tim at 745-3247 to offer a hand for the next project.

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.

For What's Happening criteria click here.

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