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January 2025 Events, Resources and Volunteer Opportunities in Pamlico County, NC

January 2025 Events, Resources and Volunteer Opportunities in Pamlico County, NC

Andrea Bruce
January 01, 2025

Dragons joined the new year celebration in the harbor of Oriental, NC, last night. Photo by Andrea Bruce

Happy New Year!!!

Take a look through our calendar of events sourced from every corner of Pamlico County…enough to keep you busy for sure. Also, at the bottom of this long page is an important list of resources and volunteer opportunities. If you have something to include or see a needed correction, please email: [email protected]

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 NEW YEARS DAY

The 32nd annual Instead of Football Regatta. An Oriental New Year’s tradition. Sailors meet at noon at Oriental marker #1 (SC1). Warning horn is at 11:55 a.m. 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 3 p.m. 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. 11:55 p.m.

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

Who Lived in Pamlico County First? Native Americans of Pamlico CountyNew Exhibit runs through mid-January 2025 at Oriental's History Museum. Native Americans of the Algonquian tribes lived in this area long before white men came to these shores. The Museum's new exhibit explores their history, culture, and living environment. On display will be our collection of artifacts coming mostly from the shores of the Neuse River, tossed up during storms and collected by local residents. Oriental's History Museum is located at 802 Broad Street. Hours are: Friday 11-3, Saturday 1-4. Admission is always free, donations gratefully accepted. For more information contact us: [email protected].

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3

Pamlico County Public Library Book/Tech Mobile Visits Oriental at the Piggly Wiggly, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Arapahoe Town Hall, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon. You’ll find them in Lou Mac Park in Oriental 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 [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room at 7p, in the Courthouse Annex, unless there is a larger crowd. Then meetings are held in the second floor courtroom. The Courthouse is at 202 Main Street, Bayboro, NC 28515. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here, 3 p.m.

The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 4 – 5:30 pm 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.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. For more information contact Chris Mele at 252-626-6928. St. Peter is at 1149 White Farm Road in Oriental, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8

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

Wednesday Night Sail Race. Boats rendezvous at Oriental Marker #1SC for a relatively carefree race around the government marks. Just show up. The race does the “normal” US Sailing countdown. 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. Contact Joe Valinoti – [email protected]. The race starts at 5:30 p.m.

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9

The Gathering, at The Bean in Oriental. You’re invited to check out The Gathering – a new group sponsored by Oriental United Methodist Church to make space for community and conversation in a non-traditional setting. There’s no hard sell – just a place to gather and talk. Call 252-249-0213 or email [email protected]. 6 p.m.

PCHS Wrestling Pamlico Tri w/ Manteo & South Lenoir HOME Weigh-in 4:00pm 5 PM – 8 PM

Thursday, Jan. 9

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

The 48 Hour Film Festival at the Old Theater in Oriental is a competition for local filmmakers to produce a short film in only a weekend for all levels from beginner to pro. Film teams will attend a kickoff meeting on Jan 10 to draw a genre and receive the required elements. They have the weekend to plan, write, and film to submit their entry by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 12

At the Old Theater

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

Pamlico County Library Book Sale, the Friends hold monthly book sales at the white trailer (annex) located behind the current library. Open from 10:00am to 2:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. Take as many books as you wish and donate what you can...no set prices. We look forward to seeing you! 10-2 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

NAACP monthly meeting, Senior Service Building in Alliance, 6 p.m.

Youth Group at the Oriental United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall, 5 p.m.

The One-Off Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month, at the Perry Griffin Foundation House. Nelda Coats and Nancy Piner invite you to join them in the continuing discussion of Wake Up Grateful, The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted, by Kristi Nelson. 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. 4 p.m.

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Check in and get your boat assignment at 5 p.m., leave the docks at 5:30 p.m. Return at 7:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing. (Bring a snack and drink to share). Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

Oriental Town Commissioners meeting, Town Hall. Second Tuesday of every month. Open to the public, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

AI Specialist, Dr. Justin Rose, for our FREE, in-person seminar, “AI is your Ally,” on January 15, sponsored by Small Business Center, Pamlico Community College and Imagine Pamlico. Register NOW at: www.PamlicoSBC.com

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

PCHS Wrestling Tri w/ New Bern / West Craven HOME Weigh-in 4:00pm 5 PM – 9 PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

The third and fifth Thursdays of the month mean Open Jam Session at Pamlico Community College. 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 [email protected], 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

PCHS Basketball East Carteret (3 games) HOME 4:30 PM – 9 PM

48 Hour Film Festival Screening, Old Theater in Oriental, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

48 Hour Film Festival Screening, Old Theater in Oriental, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

48 Hour Film Festival Awards Ceremony, Old Theater, Oriental, 3 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Check in and get your boat assignment at 5 p.m., leave the docks at 5:30 p.m. Return at 7:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing. (Bring a snack and drink to share). Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

PCHS Basketball Jones*(3 games) HOME 4:30 PM – 9 PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

PCHS Basketball Martin Co (JV & Varsity Boys ONLY) HOME 5 PM – 9 PM

Vox Fortura at the Old Theater in Oriental, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalists Coming to Oriental. Vox Fortura, a dynamic all Black male classical vocal quartet, was founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom and immediately exploded onstage as semi-finalists on Britain’s Got Talent, debuting their signature Classical/Soul fusion style. Old Theater in Oriental, presented by Pamlico Musical Society, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Celebration of Service: George Peacock at the Pamlico Heritage Center in Grantsboro. Please join us as we recognize George Peacock for his dedication and years of service to the Pamlico County Historical Association. Should you wish to send a note of recognition for Mr. Peacock, please forward your reply to [email protected], 3 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

Pamlico County Board of Education Meeting, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (monthly)

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Check in and get your boat assignment at 5 p.m., leave the docks at 5:30 p.m. Return at 7:30 p.m. for refreshments and socializing. (Bring a snack and drink to share). Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

PCHS Basketball Lejeune*(3 games) HOME 4:30 PM – 9 PM

RESOURCES

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 [email protected], Kim at 670-8987

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. They seek to let our collective voices be heard to influence positive change. They meet as needed. All are welcome to join them. For more information, follow them on Facebook or call Diane Lemieux at 802-318-1083

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 7:30 pm. (a great meeting for new members).

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

“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 7 p.m. at 403 Mildred Street in Oriental. 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 6:30-6:70 p.m. 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 7 pm. 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 [email protected] or Katherine Hudson at 252-745-4510 for information about the date, time and location of the next group meeting.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

*The Neuse Neighbors Network (NNN) needs you. NNN is a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to helping local seniors age in place. NNN volunteers choose the type and timing of the tasks they can help with. There are no fixed commitments and you can meet new people. For more information on volunteering or becoming a member, call 252-665-8807 or email [email protected]

*Vennie Himbry is looking for land or a building to be donated to her non-profit called the Bayboro Development Center to help people who have been incarcerated in the county get back on their feet. Contact Vennie at [email protected]

*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.

*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.

*Horses of Pamlico is looking for volunteers to visit the horses or help with farm repairs. They would like to have regular volunteers who can commit to at least one day a week. No experience with horses necessary. Must sign a waver. Text Sharon Vandiford for more information, 252-474-7838

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