
Pelicans stand on a weather-damaged pier in Vandemere during sunrise. (Photo by Andrea Bruce)
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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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SUNDAY, MAY 3
Village Weekend Movie Challenge screening and awards at the Old Theater in Oriental. Admission and beverages by donation, free popcorn. 3 p.m.
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.) Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.


MONDAY, MAY 4
Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room in the Courthouse Annex. If there is a larger crowd, the meetings are held in the second floor courtroom. The courthouse is at 202 Main Street, Bayboro, NC 28515. Here are notes from the last meeting. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)
Join artists Paula Rozov and Pappy Khouri every 1st and 3rd Monday at the Broad Strokes Gallery Open Studio. Must register to join. Broad Strokes Gallery sets up space at the back of the main gallery for artists to paint and work with each other. This is not a workshop or a class, but a chance to work on your own materials. Tables will be available. Bring your own reference materials, easel, canvas / paper, paper towels, odorless solvents, water container and any other materials you usually use. Canvas or panels 16” × 20” or under are best for this set-up. Cost is $20. Stop in to Broad Strokes Gallery to reserve your spot before May 4. No walk-ins due to limited space. The Gallery is at 730 Broad St. For more information, call 252-249-6164. 9 a.m.-noon
Oriental Rotary Club meets every Monday at the back room at Brantley’s in Oriental at 6 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. 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 and 5 p.m.
The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 6-7 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, MAY 5
The UKULELE HOALOHAs of ORIENTAL, better known as the UHOOs, meet most Tuesdays at Oriental United Methodist Church (404 Freemason Street). New members are welcome to join and should contact Claudia Bemis at [email protected]. We focus on enjoying being together while singing and playing our ukuleles. We periodically perform at events. Beginner class starting up in March. 2-4 p.m.
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, MAY 6
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 in Bayboro, 5 p.m.
Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Night Sail Race on the Neuse near Oriental. 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. Social at the Tiki Bar after the race. Questions? Contact Joe Valinoti – [email protected]. The race starts at 1700 GPS time.


Thursday, May 7
THURSDAY, MAY 7
Pamlico County Special Olympics holds their Spring Games at Pamlico County High School football field. About 50 athletes from 5 schools and the community come together to compete in the standing long jump, running long jump, track and field events, and softball throw. Supporters and the public are invited to attend to cheer on the athletes. Entry is free of charge. 8:30 a.m.- Noon
Intermediate French Conversation Group. The group meets on the first and third Thursday at the new Pamlico County Library, 13896 NC 55 in Alliance in the community room at the rear of the building. For questions and to RSVP contact Marsha at [email protected] or call/text 252-617-5960, 2-3 p.m.
Open jam session at Pamlico Community College, the first and fifth Thursday of every month. It’s open to all. At the PCC Delamar Center Auditorium. PCC is on Hwy 306 between Grantsboro and Arapahoe. All levels welcome. For more info, contact 252-249-1851 ext 3113 [email protected] 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 8
Capt. Bob & Friends at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 5:30-8 p.m.
Mike Bramble at The Red Rooster Pavilion in Oriental. Cash bar and order dinner on the Silos’ Chow Now app. The Red Rooster is behind The Silos on the Broad Street extension in Oriental. Hear live music every Friday night, April – October (and into November). 7 p.m.
Kick off the Hope Regala weekend with a relaxed and fun evening at our Friday Night BBQ & Music event at beautiful River Dunes. For only $35 per person. Food and Raffle baskets and time with friends—all while supporting Hope Clinic. This casual evening is a wonderful way to start the Regala weekend and help us continue Growing Hope for neighbors in our community who need access to care. Tickets available at www.hoperegala.com or call the office at (252) 745-5760! 6-9 p.m.




SATURDAY, MAY 9
A meaningful Raise Your Paddle giving moment supporting Hope Clinic’s work in our community. This special evening brings friends together to celebrate and strengthen. Hope Clinic’s mission of Bringing Health and Hope Within Reach for uninsured adults in our area. Tickets $85 per person and available now at www.hoperegala.com 5:30 p.m.
Hoff ‘n’ Finch at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 5-8 p.m.
Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.
Karaoke at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
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.) Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.


Sweet Megg and her band land at the Old Theater stage in Oriental. Monday, May 11, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, MAY 11
NAACP monthly meeting, the second Monday of every month. Senior Service Building in Alliance, 6 p.m.
Sweet Megg and her band land at the Old Theater stage in Oriental. Sweet Megg weaves jazz, country, and blues into an Americana sound. Originally from NYC and now based in Nashville, she travels the world, from Parisian jazz clubs to Southern honky-tonks. Megg and her band deliver 1920s New Orleans style, 1930s swing, straight-ahead jazz and some honky-tonky tonk. Tickets $30. Discount to $25 for OT members, military and students. Children under 6 admitted free. Available at Nautical Wheelers in Oriental and New Bern and online at www.oldtheater.org. 7:30 p.m.
The One-Off Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month at the Perry Griffin Foundation House in Oriental. 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, 4 p.m.
Join artists Paula Rozov and Pappy Khouri every 1st and 3rd Monday at the Broad Strokes Gallery Open Studio. Must register to join. Broad Strokes Gallery sets up space at the back of the main gallery for artists to paint and work with each other. This is not a workshop or a class, but a chance to work on your own materials. Tables will be available. Bring your own reference materials, easel, canvas / paper, paper towels, odorless solvents, water container and any other materials you usually use. Canvas or panels 16” × 20” or under are best for this set-up. Cost is $20. Stop in to Broad Strokes Gallery to reserve your spot before May 4. No walk-ins due to limited space. The Gallery is at 730 Broad St. For more information, call 252-249-6164. 9 a.m.-noon
Oriental Rotary Club meets every Monday at the back room at Brantley’s in Oriental at 6 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. 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 and 5 p.m.
The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 6-7 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, MAY 12
Oriental Town Commissioners meeting, Town Hall. Second Tuesday of every month. Open to the public, 6 p.m.
The UKULELE HOALOHAs of ORIENTAL, better known as the UHOOs, meet most Tuesdays at Oriental United Methodist Church (404 Freemason Street). New members are welcome to join and should contact Claudia Bemis at [email protected]. We focus on enjoying being together while singing and playing our ukuleles. We periodically perform at events. Beginner class starting up in March. 2-4 p.m.
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, MAY 13
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 in Bayboro, 5 p.m.
Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Night Sail Race on the Neuse near Oriental. 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. Social at the Tiki Bar after the race. Questions? Contact Joe Valinoti – [email protected]. The race starts at 1700 GPS time.


THURSDAY, MAY 14
FRIDAY, MAY 15

SATURDAY, MAY 16
Brant Island Strings performs at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 4-6:30 p.m.
Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.
Karaoke at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 17
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.) Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.
MONDAY, MAY 18
Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room in the Courthouse Annex. If there is a larger crowd, the meetings are held in the second floor courtroom. The courthouse is at 202 Main Street, Bayboro, NC 28515. Here are notes from the last meeting. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)
Oriental Rotary Club meets every Monday at the back room at Brantley’s in Oriental at 6 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. 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 and 5 p.m.
The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 6-7 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, MAY 19
The UKULELE HOALOHAs of ORIENTAL, better known as the UHOOs, meet most Tuesdays at Oriental United Methodist Church (404 Freemason Street). New members are welcome to join and should contact Claudia Bemis at [email protected]. We focus on enjoying being together while singing and playing our ukuleles. We periodically perform at events. Beginner class starting up in March. 2-4 p.m.
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, MAY 20
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 in Bayboro, 5 p.m.
Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Night Sail Race on the Neuse near Oriental. 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. Social at the Tiki Bar after the race. Questions? Contact Joe Valinoti – [email protected]. The race starts at 1700 GPS time.
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Intermediate French Conversation Group. The group meets on the first and third Thursday at the new Pamlico County Library, 13896 NC 55 in Alliance in the community room at the rear of the building. For questions and to RSVP contact Marsha at [email protected] or call/text 252-617-5960, 2-3 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 22
Nottaband performs at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 6-8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Noah Jackson Cobb performs at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.
Karaoke at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 24
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.) Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Oriental Rotary Club meets every Monday at the back room at Brantley’s in Oriental at 6 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. 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 and 5 p.m.
The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 6-7 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, MAY 26
The UKULELE HOALOHAs of ORIENTAL, better known as the UHOOs, meet most Tuesdays at Oriental United Methodist Church (404 Freemason Street). New members are welcome to join and should contact Claudia Bemis at [email protected]. We focus on enjoying being together while singing and playing our ukuleles. We periodically perform at events. Beginner class starting up in March. 2-4 p.m.
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, MAY 27
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 in Bayboro, 5 p.m.
Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Night Sail Race on the Neuse near Oriental. 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. Social at the Tiki Bar after the race. Questions? Contact Joe Valinoti – [email protected]. The race starts at 1700 GPS time.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
PAMLICO PROGRESSIVES INDIVISIBLE, Meets monthly, on the 4th Thursday, 5:00-7: @ Silos downstairs. Join like-minded people to talk about saving democracy, your social security and your country. Come to GOOD COMPANY at Silos, downstairs, eat pizza, meet your neighbors and talk in a safe space. All party affiliations are welcome. Sponsored by Pamlico Progressives Indivisible.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Ken Belangia performs at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 5:30-8 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Terratones performs at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, 6-8 p.m.
Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.
Karaoke at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 31
All invited to the 5th Sunday Sing. On (most) 5th Sundays, the churches of Oriental gather and sing a mixture of choral music and good old fashioned church singing. This is a free community event. Church affiliation not necessary to attend. The group will gather at St. Peter the Fisherman for an hour or so of music and then adjourn to the fellowship hall for refreshments and conversation. 6 p.m.
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.) Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.



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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Friends or the Library will participate in this year's chowder cook-off sponsored by the Oriental Women's Club. The event takes place on Saturday, March 21st. Please have a look at the attached volunteer needs and email or text Bonnie Cap if you can assist. [email protected] or 252-626-3559
*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 construct one ramp every month. Contact Tom Newman at 252-671-4811 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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