It's Sunday May 19, 2024 Dock Quote: “The things that...
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY EVENING
Animal advocate, twin sister, loving wife & mother. The Story
Trinkets & Treasures. The Story
Collegiate sailors compete on the Neuse. The Story
April Town Board Meeting 2024. The Story
March Town Board Meeting 2024. The Story
Everything you need to know about this weekend. Guest Columnist
Motorboats, Sailboats, and a Masthead Float. The Story
April is Volunteer Month. Letters To The Editor
A pirate ship, a pun, and an impersonation. The Story
Repairman, Husband, Helper. The Story
Residential to Multi-Use Rezoning Requested. The Story
Adventurer, Craftsman, Loving Husband. The Story
Collegiate sailors train in Oriental. The Story
Smoke, fire, and ash. The Story
The 2024 Oriental Woman's Club Chowder CookOff. The Story
Appreciation for the helping hands. Letters To The Editor
A boy and his sloop. The Shipping News
February Town Special Meeting. The Story
Solo sailor, celestial navigator, dear friend. The Story
What's happening, where and when. The Story
"This was supposed to be my forever house". The Story
Febraury 2024 Town Board Meeting. The Story
Work on a dedicated space begins. The Story
Waiting on bids, no time frame for a fix. The Story
Loving friend, mother, and helper. The Story
Small Town Filmmakers on the Big Screen. The Story
Family Man, Loving Husband, Commissioner. The Story
Get Your Boat Ready For Freezing Temps. Captain's Blog
Public input wanted. Letters To The Editor
Commodore, Sailor, Volunteer, Friend. The Story
A new dragon joins the run. The Story
It takes a village to house a dragon. The Story
Powered by wind, sun, and music. The Shipping News
The other side of The Spirit of Christmas. The Story
Candy, kids, and Santa. The Story
Mother, educator, adventurous spirit. The Story
Two new Commissioners & legal questions about liaison position. The Story
What's happening, where and when. The Story
Gallery Founder Judy Wayland Writes In. The Story
Dr. Jim Ross retires. The Story
500 wheels and a flock of turkeys. The Story
Area Non-Profits That Could Use Your Donations. The Story
How you can help out or join in. The Story
Journalist, NPR Reporter, Rock DJ, Gardener, Wife & Friend. The Story
Adventure seeker & loving father. The Story
Price, Roe, Litzenberger, Overcash, Crosser elected. The Story
The candidates up for election Nov 7. The Story
A ring-tailed crew member not seen before. The Shipping News
There are tunes in town tonight: At the brewery, Packhouse plays from 5:30p on (along with the BokaNina’s Pacific Island food truck, 4-8p). Ken Belangia is at the Red Rooster/Silos starting at 7p.
The Oriental Farmer’s Market has taken off this year. It’s packed again this weekend – all slots occupied. Candles, microgreens, honey, duck and chicken eggs and more. It runs Saturday morning 8a-11.
ODC hosts sail racing Saturday & Sunday this weekend. Saturday a PHRF race, for larger keel boats. Sunday, dinghy racing. The circus comes to Pamlico County Saturday – Family Fun Day is 10a – 1p, at the Pamlico County High School Football Field.
Wines Around The World is theme for Saturday’s Wine Tastings at Nautical Wheelers, 2 & 3p. Saturday at New Village Brewery its the Jasmine Tasty Thai food truck, 4-8p. Patrick Bliss plays beginning @ 5p. Patrick cancelled due to rainy forecast.
9:47a The 2024 Hurricane season runs June 1 – Nov 30.
The Tropical Weather Outlook from NHC / the National Hurricane Center (and found here on TownDock) used to follow those same dates. But a couple years back, enough early season storms had snuck in, that NHC began issuing the Tropical Outlook every year starting on May 15.
And here it is (kindly saying no tropical storm formation expected in the next 7 days):
• Atlantic Tropical Storm Outlook
The longer form version (for weather geeks) is the Discussion:
• Atlantic Tropical Weather Discussion
NOAA/NHC have announced they will release their 2024 season outlook next week, on May 23. TownDock will publish that, with a localized angle.
The waters of the Caribbean are warmer than they have ever been. If NHC’s forecast is similar to other 2024 storm season forecasts, one might expect a busy season to be the prediction.
Meanwhile, we do know the storm names on tap for 2024:
Oriental was fortunate not to get a significant storm visit in 2023 (or 2022, 2021 or 2020). The last hurricane to visit our town was Dorian in 2019. Here’s a high water view from Hurricane Dorian, Sept 6 at 7a:
Dorian delivered a 6ft 2 inch surge to Oriental. That’s a lot of water, but still 3 feet less than the waters from Hurricanes Florence (2018) and Irene (2011).
9:16a Plein Air painters take a break today; they’ll return to Oreintal Thursday, canvases in tow and some ready for sale.
Tonight is open mic night at The Silos at 7p, and the Wednesday Night Sail at 5:30p.
High near 80, southwest winds at 5 mph, and chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.
Two budget meetings were scheduled for the week: one Wednesday, one Thursday. Those have been rescheduled: budget meeting #3 is Thursday (tomorrow) at 9a. Meeting #4 is Monday at 4p. Both are open to the public.
Other rescheduled events: the monthly Jam Sessions at Pamlico Community College. A play and a graduation have bumped them off May’s calendar. The musical meetings will return in June.
Sad news to share: Oriental resident Janice Coakley has passed away. You can read her story here.
11:10a Plein Air painting is going on in Oriental. “Plein Air” is French for outdoors – something about saying one is Plein Air pianting sounds a tad haughtier than just paintin’ outside.
As well as simply seeing the artists working (4 were spotted on or near the harbor this morning), there is an artist demo scheduled today from 4-6p by the harbor (likely to be cancelled by rain). The artwork being done will be available for sale: Today from 4-6p at the New Bern Farmers’ Market, again Thursday in Oriental at Barcos courtyard.
The weather may not cooperate for the artists this afternoon – rain is on the way.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
4:10p White / Brown Goods pickup in Oriental is Saturday, May 11.
What are white / brown goods?
Appliances and furniture. Couches, chairs, appliances, tables, mattresses, bed headboards & frames, yard furniture and boxes.
They need to be curbside tomorrow before 7a. Curbside tonight might be better. Pickup starts early and there’s only one pass.
2:22p A book sale, a Mother’s Day tribute, and a Gala for charity. It’s all happening this weekend.
At 5p tonight, food truck All About Churros serves up empanadas and churros at The New Village Brewery. Sticks & Strings play in the beer garden with guest Helt Oncale at 6p.
Down the road at The Red Rooster, The Mad Fiddler is on Bantam Stage at 7p.
Hope Clinic’s BBQ fundraiser starts at 6p tonight, with a preview of the silent auction items.
Get fresh eggs, soaps, and greens at the Oriental Farmer’s Market Saturday morning, 8-11a. Friends of The Pamlico County Library have their ‘Bring Your Own Bag’ book sale from 10a – 2p in the library parking lot in Bayboro.
The Mad Fiddler plays in the Brewery beer garden Saturday at 5p, and Roadside Dogs Food Truck serves on site from noon to 7p.
Saturday night’s Hope Regala starts at 5:30p. (Both Hope Clinic weekend events are sold out.)
Mother’s Day is Sunday. Dee Dee King & Friends host a musical Mother’s Day Tribute. There’s a free musical workshop for the kids at 1p. The big show starts at 5p.
New Village Brewery is open Sunday, with food truck Frank’s Franks serving starting at 2p. Dee Dee & Friends are there from 7-9pfor an after-party and meet & greet.
2:15p Live HarborCam video is back.
Some tree trimming to clear the HarborCam view coming in the next few days.
8:23a The Foreign Landers are at The Old Theater tonight. Have a listen:
More about tonight’s performance here.
The Old Theater’s Summer Film Festival, set to begin May 17, is cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.
7:53a Lots going on in and around Oriental today.
At 9a, Commissioners meet at Town Hall for budget meeting #2. At 10a, Prime Time hosts a card making class at OUMC.
The county wide Rabies & Microchip Clinic starts at 3p at Grantsboro Town Hall.
Sailors meet on the water at 5:30p for the Wednesday Night Sail, and musicians gather at the Silos at 7p for Open Mic Night.
The details for Wednesday’s events are all in What’s Happening.
3:46p Commissioners meet this evening at 6p for the monthly Town Board Meeting.
Wednesday morning, Commissioners meet at 9a at Town Hall for the second Budget discussion.
One of the topics they’ll need to discuss: hiring several new employees. Since March, Oriental has lost two employees, with two more on the way out.
Public Works Director and Water Plant ORC Andrew Cox left in March. He’d been with town for 11 years. Tammy Cox, Deputy Finance Director, who has also been with the town 11 years, will leave in June when school ends.Thomas Jones’ last day was April 19. He was with town for 5 years.
Demetrius Green’s last day is this Friday, May 10. He has been with Oriental for 18 years.
There are now two employees left in Public Works: Daniel Early (8 years) and Joshua Gibson (25 years).
Since 2021, Public Works has had a staff of five. Before then, it was six.
11:12a Free plants. Games, old and new. Furniture for your home, and your pet.
It was all at Saturday’s annual Town Wide Yard Sale.
Partly sunny today, with southwest winds at 10-15mph. High in the mid 80s with a 50% chance of rain.
9:23a Summer – it has arrived. Near 90 degree temps coming this week. Take a look:
Two Board Meetings happening this week:
• Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meets tonight at 7p in Bayboro
• Oriental Commissioners meet Tuesday night at 6p at Town Hall
Coming later this week: a rabies / microchip clinics for your pets, live music from The Foreign Landers at The Old Theater, a creative card making class, the Wednesday night sail, and The Hope Regala.
10:55a Helt Oncale is coming to the Old Theater, today @ 3p. Have a listen:
More about the show here.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
7:55a The 2024 TownWide Yard Sale is underway. Be brave and plunder. Here’s the yard sale map.
Cloudy this morning, then the sun should appear in the afternoon.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
• Neuse River at Oriental Water Level Gauge
Tonight at the Silos/Red Rooster is an Ol’ Front Porch fundraiser. Tonight’s performance is free (as is the October festival).
Here’s a musical reminder why donating to Ol’ Front Porch pays big village dividends. It’s the Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, from their October 2022 performance in Oriental. Lead vocalist Rebekka Nilsson’s voice lures you in…
Yappy dog vocalists in background, names unknown.
2:30p On tap this weekend: Tonight karaoke meets marachi – Pamlico Arts presents Lip Synco de Mayo, starting at 7 @ the Red Rooster (Silos). At New Village Brewery tonight Hoff ‘n’ Finch at 6p, Tanja’s Hella Fat Food Truck from 5-8p.
Saturday is Oriental’s annual Town Wide Yard Sale, starting at 7a. The yard sale map is here. You know you need a 3 in 1 exercise machine with built in PEZ dispenser. On yard sale day, it’s probably out there. The Farmer’s Market runs Saturday 8a-11 on Hodges near the harbor. Also on Hodges St OWC has their annual plant sale 8a-12p.
Saturday night it’s an Ol’ Front Porch Fundraiser starting 5p at the Red Rooster, Southern Hellcats play. Saturday night at the brewery a Grateful Dead Tribute at 6p, teamed with community potluck dinner.
Sunday is the Arlington Place Arts & Crafts Fair, 10a – 3p. Sunday at the Old Theater Helt Oncale @ 3p. Oncale is an award winning singer/songwriter serving up rhythm & blues, bluegrass & Cajun.
9:22a The Town Wide Yard Sale starts at 7a Saturday morning.
Most are in town, but there are yards full of treasure on Kershaw Rd, and out in Dolphin Point.
You’ll need a map to find those sales. The map is here.
Nautical Wheeler’s’ Oriental location is closing early today – at 3p. Staff are heading to the New Bern location for the New Bern Bear Unveiling at 4p.
3:17p Lou Mac Park. It’s a shady spot to rest, read a book, or watch the river.
Lou Mac’s oak trees were planted in 1929; there were six originally. Only two remain: a low, spreading live oak and a tall, leaning water oak.
Oriental’s Tree Board has determined the water oak will have to come down; it “is decayed and has other structural defects that makes it a high-risk tree for a public park.”
Not all shade will be lost with the removal of the water oak. The Tree Board has been planting other trees in the park as insurance against future tree – and shade – loss.
There’s no date yet on when the old oak will be removed. Read the full press release here.
8:52a There’s still a few tickets left for the $10k Golden Ticket Raffle Drawing. Hope Clinic Director Yolanda Cristiani writes in:
The Hope Regala is May 10 & 11.
10:29a This Friday, Nautical Wheelers receives an honor over a year in the making.
But you’ll have to visit their New Bern location to see it – a New Bern bear statue.There are over 50 bear statues throughout New Bern, adopted and cared for by the city’s businesses. Each is painted by a local artist.
This is not the Nautical Wheelers’ bear – theirs will be unveiled in front of the Nautical Wheelers’ New Bern store Friday at 4p.
You’re invited to 202 A Craven Street to help them celebrate and to see the newest New Bern Bear in person.
10:11a The Town Wide Yard Sale. It’s happening this Saturday.
One day every year, the town and surrounding communities bring out their treasures, ready to send them off to new homes.
Sales start at 7a. The Yard Sale map will be posted here later this week.
Happening the same Saturday: the annual shred event.
Unburden yourself of up to 75 pounds of documents for free. All you have to do is drop them off at the Shred-It truck behind the Bayboro Court House between 9 and noon on Saturday.
Tomorrow night – Tuesday, April 30 – you’re invited to 401 Freemason Street for the King Blues Jam. Hear Big Jim Kohler, Bernard Purdie, Helt Oncale and more from 5:30 – 8:30p.
Bring a chair, your own snacks, and a donation for the musicians.
7:05a High near 80 today. Low 80s Monday. And the next day. And the day after that.
It’s all lovely and warm for you warm summer people. Or a too hot summer warning for how come it can’t be perpetual spring & autumn temps people.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
• Neuse River at Oriental Water Level Gauge