January 2024 Events and Resources in Pamlico County

Welcome to Down in the County! We are a weekly publication focusing on the people and history of Pamlico County, NC. This is our monthly events page.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1

Instead of Football Regatta. Sailors meet at noon on Monday, Jan 1 at Oriental marker #1 (SC1). Warning horn is at 11:55a. For more information contact Todd Cox at 802-999-7572.

New Year’s Labyrinth Walk in the town of Oriental with Reverend Dr. Anne Sims, 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

Learn to play the ukelele with the UHOOs. Join the beginner’s class. Meet at the OUMC Fellowship Hall. Contact Claudia Bemis at [email protected] with inquiries and to register for the class. 1 p.m.

Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room in the Courthouse Annex. If there is a large crowd it will be in the courtroom on the second floor of the Pamlico County Courthouse, Bayboro. Agenda here. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

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.

A Caregiver’s Support Group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month, in the coffee room at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oriental. All caregivers invited. Contact Ann Clement, [email protected], 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

Bullyproof with Zan’s Taekwondo at the Pamlico County Library in Bayboro. Registration required, spaces are limited. 1-12th grade, 1 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

Contact the Pamlico County Library for more information.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

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.

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. 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. Admission is always free, donations gratefully accepted. For more information about the museum: [email protected], Hours are: Friday 11-3 and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

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

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. 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 Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, 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 [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30 p.m. 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 [email protected]

MONDAY, JANUARY 8

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.

Agape Preschool Open House, meet staff and teachers and register for the 2024-2025 school year. All registration forms and information is available on the website. Located at Motion Church, Grantsboro. 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9

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 10

The Old Theater offers free technology workshops for anyone Interested in working on the Tech Crew. Sound System & Operation, 6 p.m.

Mystery Book Club at the Pamlico County Public Library, Each month we discuss a novel chosen from the winners of the Edgar Award.  The Edgar Awards are named after Edgar Allen Poe.  They were established in 1954 and are the premier awards for mystery writing each year. 5 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

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

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. 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 Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Show and Tell Saturday. Free Workshop by the Small Business Center in Bayboro on how to sell your products online, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Pianist Solomon Eichner plays at The Old Theater in Oriental, presented by the Pamlico Musical Society, in celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday. Buy tickets here. 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, 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 [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30 p.m. 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 [email protected]

Pianist Solomon Eichner plays at The Old Theater in Oriental, presented by the Pamlico Musical Society, in celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday. Buy tickets here.  4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15

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.

NAACP monthly meeting, 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 [email protected] or Hattie Harrell, 1st Vice President [email protected], 6 p.m.

Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room in the Courthouse Annex. If there is a large crowd it will be in the courtroom on the second floor of the Pamlico County Courthouse, Bayboro. Agenda here. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16

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 17

Getting Ready for Grant Writing, Free workshop for non-profits serving Pamlico County. Lunch included. Delamar Center, Pamlico Community College. To register. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Anime-Manga Appreciation for Kids at the Pamlico County Public Library (ages 8-13) Feel free to bring something to share with the group like trading cards, your favorite series, your favorite drawing, etc. We will play an Anime-Manga game, try food that is often showcased in Anime-Manga, and more. When the program is over you can browse our extensive Anime-Manga collection and take some books home! This month we will make our own trading cards! For even more fun, bring your own card collection for show and tell, 5 p.m.

The Old Theater offers free technology workshops for anyone Interested in working on the Tech Crew. Sound System & Operation, 6 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18

Open jam session at Pamlico Community College, 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 [email protected]. 6 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19

The Old Theater Film Festival kick-off in Oriental. Teams draw genres out of a hat and receive the required elements for their film. Teams then have 48 hours to do it all – writing, shooting, acting, editing – doing whatever it takes to submit a short film by Sunday, January 21, 5 p.m.

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 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 them. For more information, call Diane Lemieux at 802-318-1083, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

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

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. 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 Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, 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 [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30 p.m. 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 [email protected]

MONDAY, JANUARY 22

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 23

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.

The Pamlico County Republican Party meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month 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, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24

Chair Yoga at the Pamlico County Public Library, PCHS, 10 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25

Oriental Town Workshop meeting, Town Hall, 8 a.m.

Loom Club for Kids & Teens at the Pamlico County Public Library (Recommended for ages 7+) This program is great for those who already love to make loom masterpieces, or those who would like to learn, 3 p.m.

‘Breakfast for Dinner’ Fundraiser for Prime Time, at Brantley’s Village Restaurant. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a dinner with pancakes, link sausage or bacon, grits & fruit. Tickets are $15, and available at Nautical Wheelers, Brantley’s, Oriental United Methodist Church, from Prime Time Board Members or by calling Debora Steenson at 252-675-0909. 4:30 – 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26

The Old Theater Film Festival in Oriental. Judges select winners for best Best Film, Best Director, Best Acting, and more, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27

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

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. 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 Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Special Olympics Pamlico County sponsors ‘Go Freezin’ for a Reason’ Polar Plunge. Plunge into the Neuse River from the town beach (John Bond Beach) to help raise money for Pamlico County Special Olympics. Email [email protected] for questions. Sign-in opens at noon, lunch and prizes at noon – 2 p.m., plunge begins at 2 p.m.

The Old Theater Film Festival in Oriental. Judges select winners for best Best Film, Best Director, Best Acting, and more, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, 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 [email protected]

The Old Theater Film Festival Awards Ceremony in Oriental. Judges select winners for best Best Film, Best Director, Best Acting, and more. 3 p.m.

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30 p.m. 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 [email protected]

MONDAY, JANUARY 29

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 30

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 31

The Old Theater offers free technology workshops for anyone Interested in working on the Tech Crew. Light Board Operation, 6 p.m.

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

RESOURCES

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.

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.

*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

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]

*Child Advocates Needed: The NC Guardian ad Litem Program for Judicial District 3B (Carteret, Craven and Pamlico Counties) is recruiting volunteer Guardian ad Litem Child Advocates. We provide training and support for this important role as the "voice of the child" in court. When a petition has been filed alleging that a child has been abused or neglected, the Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate is appointed by the Judge to do an independent investigation of the child's circumstances, get to know the child and their wishes, and provide information in court about what is truly in that child's best interest. To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, go to www.volunteerforgal.org or call us at 252-639-3232.

*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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