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Josephus "Jos" J. H. P. Muffels, 1953 - 2024:

Adventurer, Craftsman, Loving Husband. The Story

The Spring Break 'Trophy' Regatta:

Collegiate sailors train in Oriental. The Story

The 2024 Dragon Burn:

Smoke, fire, and ash. The Story

Chowder Chow-Down:

The 2024 Oriental Woman's Club Chowder CookOff. The Story

Letters: Thanks from the Friends of the Library:

Appreciation for the helping hands. Letters To The Editor

Wes Barbour and SV Summer Wind:

A boy and his sloop. The Shipping News

"You Are Wrong.":

February Town Special Meeting. The Story

Phillip Ira Sax, 1948 - 2024:

Solo sailor, celestial navigator, dear friend. The Story

Oriental's 125th Birthday Celebration Guide:

What's happening, where and when. The Story

Resignation, with Regrets:

"This was supposed to be my forever house". The Story

An Irritated Public & A Question Left Unanswered:

Febraury 2024 Town Board Meeting. The Story

Ground Breaking: A New Library Is Coming:

Work on a dedicated space begins. The Story

Worms Damage Dock, Cause Closure:

Waiting on bids, no time frame for a fix. The Story

Anna Ice, 1938 - 2024:

Loving friend, mother, and helper. The Story

48 Hour Film Project - 2024:

Small Town Filmmakers on the Big Screen. The Story

Alan Herlands, 1949 - 2023:

Family Man, Loving Husband, Commissioner. The Story

Winterization 2.0:

Get Your Boat Ready For Freezing Temps. Captain's Blog

A More Accessible Oriental:

Public input wanted. Letters To The Editor

Gerry Crowley, 1944 - 2023:

Commodore, Sailor, Volunteer, Friend. The Story

Dragons Ring in 2024:

A new dragon joins the run. The Story

Friends Of The Dragon 2024:

It takes a village to house a dragon. The Story

Pauline and SV Elektra:

Powered by wind, sun, and music. The Shipping News

The Nativity, A Few Carols, & Lots of Lights:

The other side of The Spirit of Christmas. The Story

2023 Spirit of Christmas Parade:

Candy, kids, and Santa. The Story

Barbara Gaines, 1937 - 2023:

Mother, educator, adventurous spirit. The Story

2023 December Town Board Meeting:

Two new Commissioners & legal questions about liaison position. The Story

2023 Spirit of Christmas Schedule:

What's happening, where and when. The Story

Village Gallery Is Closing Dec 24:

Gallery Founder Judy Wayland Writes In. The Story

PCC President Retiring:

Dr. Jim Ross retires. The Story

2023 Turkey Pedal:

500 wheels and a flock of turkeys. The Story

Giving Locally 2023:

Area Non-Profits That Could Use Your Donations. The Story

The 2023 Spirit of Christmas is Coming:

How you can help out or join in. The Story

Melinda Penkava-Smith, 1959 - 2023:

Journalist, NPR Reporter, Rock DJ, Gardener, Wife & Friend. The Story

Bradley Scott Pickard, 1973 - 2023:

Adventure seeker & loving father. The Story

Election Results 2023:

Price, Roe, Litzenberger, Overcash, Crosser elected. The Story

Meet the 2023 Oriental Town Board Candidates:

The candidates up for election Nov 7. The Story

The Coati & The Mermaid:

A ring-tailed crew member not seen before. The Shipping News

A Library Building by the Numbers:

$2.159 million raised so far. The Story

Letters: An Update, Extension, and Shift:

The Whittaker Creek Channel. Letters To The Editor

Letters: Thanks, from England:

A salute from across the pond. Letters To The Editor

Hundreds Turn Up for a Chili Meltdown:

The 2023 Chili Cookoff. The Story

Letters: Thanks from The Old Theater:

Chili Cookoff Success. Letters To The Editor

Rain and Roadsters:

The 2023 Oriental Classic Car Show. The Story

Town Elections Are Nov 7:

Why I am running for Oriental Town Commissioner. Letters To The Editor

A Storm, A Ripped Sail, and A Trophy Cup:

The 2023 Oriental Cup Regatta. The Story

Francis "Frank" J. Murphy, 1936 - 2023:

Sailor, Singer, Community Volunteer. The Story

Photo IDs Now Required to Vote:

How to vote in the November municipal elections. The Story

Fingerpickin' Champions & Bluegrass New Yorkers:

Ol' Front Porch Music Festival 2023. The Story



Cahoon Construction began repairs on the town’s free docks Monday. Wednesday morning, they were at work on the town dock on Hodges Street. Worm damage to the pilings prompted the repairs. (Click for the big view and more)

Wednesday March 27, 2024

9:15a Oriental’s original town dock is being repaired this week. An inspection in early February revealed that worms had been making a meal (and a home) of the dock pilings. That makes the dock unsafe for humans.

Monday and Tuesday, Cahoon Marine Construction repaired the town dock by Oriental Marina & Inn. Two pilings and several deck boards were replaced.

Wednesday morning, they’re at work on the Hodges Street dock. It needs eight pilings replaced, and at least 20 deck boards.

Also key, the docks will be ready in time for the Oriental In-Water Boat Show, April 12 – 14.

Tuesday March 26, 2024

11:36a Condolences go out to Dr. Diana Silimperi-Muffels. Her husband Jos Muffels passed away March 18.

Born in the Netherlands, Jos met and married Diana in Bangladesh. They settled along the coast in Merritt nearly two decades ago.

Jos’ story is here.

7:11a It could be said that Oriental runs on volunteers.

A group of them are meeting this morning at town hall at 9a: the Oriental Tree Board.

They’re responsible for the Crepe Myrtles lining the streets.

And for Oriental’s designation as a Tree City for the last 29 years.

Want to know more about what they do or have questions about your trees? Visit their 9a meeting; it’s open to the public.

Today’s winds are still from the northeast, now at more of a stroll than a sprint: 5-10 mph. High near 60.

Monday March 25, 2024

5:11p The SailPack Regatta is coming April 20 -21.

Fifteen to twenty colleges send their sailing teams to compete in the regatta.

But before then, there’s a smaller event – and a week of training – that happens during Spring Break in Oriental. It’s the newly named Bow to Stern Trophy Regatta.

Check out the scene from the 2024 Trophy Regatta here.

UNC sailors at the 2024 Trophy Regatta.

In Ferry Boat news, the Cherry Branch – Minnesott Beach ferry returns to a full schedule starting Tuesday, March 26.

The full, updated Ferry Schedule is here.

2:18p The Gathering is a relaxed social space for those who don’t have the time for or interest in traditional church services, but still wish to gather and talk. They meet the last Monday of the month at 6p.

Tonight’s meeting has been moved to The Green House at 403 Mildred Street, behind St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

All are welcome.

7:17a Winds out of the north – northwest have driven waters over Hodges Street by the Oriental’s harbor. It’s been keeping them there:

Those pushy northwest winds continue today at slightly diminished speeds: 10-15 mph, gusts up to 25.

Repairs on the two town docks are supposed to begin today. No word yet if the high water / winds will delay the work.

As of this writing it’s 40 degrees. The forecast says Mr. Sun will come out, and temps will rise to a high of 60.

Oriental NC Forecast
Weather Radar
Neuse River Marine Forecast
Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
Neuse River at Oriental Water Level Gauge

Friday March 22, 2024

There’s rain and brisk winds in the forecast. This evening winds out of the east at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 30 tonight. After midnight, winds out of the southeast at 20-25mph, gusts up to 35.

100% chance of rain tomorrow morning. By mid-afternoon, it drops to 40%. Temps are forecast to be warmer – near 70.

Music has returned to the New Village Brewery Beer Garden. Tonight, Mac the Swamp Donkey pays live from 5-7p and Saturday evening, it’s Hoff ‘n’ Finch.

Tonight in the Brewery’s parking lot, get plantains, oxtail, and jerk chicken from Island Fyah Jamaican food truck, 3-8p.

Tomorrow, you’ll find Roadside Dogs occupying that space, serving pork bowls, chicken tenders, and (as their name suggests) hot dogs.

Over at the Oriental Museum, browse through the special exhibit highlighting Oriental’s buildings and landmarks of the past. Open from 1-4p Saturday.

At 2p, the sailors of the Neuse Sailing Association invite you to the Shrimperoo – a shrimp feast on the lawn of the Oriental Marina & Inn. Check out their sailing club, or just enjoy the shrimp dinner, live music, and conversation. $10 to get in.

Looking for pictures from the Dragon Burn? Find them here.

Thursday March 21, 2024

1:59p The town dock on Hodges Street has been closed out of safety concerns since early February. Worms and rot have made the dock unstable.

The Town put out a bid and selected the construction proposal from Bobby Cahoon Construction.

Dock repairs begin Monday, March 25 – on both docks.

The Hodges Street town dock will have 8 pilings and around 20 deck boards replaced, along with several headers & stringers (supporting structures).

The town dock next to Oriental Harbor Marina & Inn will have two pilings and about six boards replaced.

Cahoon Construction Company told Town Manager Diane Miller it should take around three days to complete both repairs.

Meaning the docks will be ready in time for the Oriental In-Water Boat Show, happening April 12 – 14.

10:24a Up, down, and up again. Over the past few day, winds have clocked from northeast to southwest and back, playing with local water levels.

Today, light/moderate northeast winds are once again pushing water levels up a bit:

50% chance of rain Friday with winds coming from the east. Thunderstorms in Saturday’s forecast.

Today, it’s sunny with a high near 60.

Oriental NC Forecast
Weather Radar
Neuse River Marine Forecast
Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
Neuse River at Oriental Water Level Gauge

Wednesday March 20, 2024

10:32a Sunny and cool again, high near 70. Chance of rain Saturday.

Today’s winds are out of the southwest at 10-15 mph, gusts up to 25.

Thursday join the Lunch & Learn with Prime Time to get an update on the progress of the new library – noon at OUMC. Later on, pick join or just sit back and listen to the third Thursday Jam session at PCC, starting at 6p.

In two Saturdays, on March 30 from 10-11a, it’s the PAWS Pet Parade. This year’s event includes an Easter Egg hunt (for the dogs).

Haven’t been to Pet Parade? Check out the scene, and get costume ideas, here.

Down at Lupton Park, Oriental United Methodist Church hosts a Community Easter Egg hunt for the kids, also from 10-11a.

If you’re looking for a human Easter Egg hunt before then, head to the Provision Company. Now through Easter they’re hiding eggs through out the store. Some eggs have in-store discounts (for the adults) while others have treats (for the kids).

Tuesday March 19, 2024

1:42p $10,000. You have a 1 in 200 chance of winning it when you buy a $10k Golden Raffle ticket for the Hope Regala, happening May 10 & 11.

Your chances increase if you buy two (1 in 100) or the limit of three (1 in 67) tickets.

This year’s live auction includes a Trails and Rails adventure in the San Juan National Forest of Colorado, seven nights in Costa Rica for 8 guests, and a gourmet dinner for 8.

Proceeds from the Hope Regala benefit the mission of Hope Clinic to bring healthcare to the medically underserved in Pamlico County.

7:06a Sunny, cool, and windy.

High temps near 55 today, northwest winds at 10-15 mph and gusts up to 25.

Though cooler temps may suggest otherwise, today is the first day of Spring.

Monday March 18, 2024

5:18p A chowder chow-down happened last weekend, raising around $2,500 for the Oriental Woman’s Club, and feeding about 250 chowder enthusiasts.

Check out the Saturday scene here.

1:06p Spectrum Internet has returned to Oriental (and Pamlico County).

9:56a Spectrum Internet is down in Oriental.

Their estimated repair time: 2p.

The Friends of the Library broke ground on the new building in February. Want to know what’s next?

Join them and Prime Time for Lunch & Learn, Thursday, March 21 from noon to 1:15p.

Call Prime Time director Debora Steenson by the end of the day to reserve your spot for lunch: 252-675-0909.

8:29a Remember those near 60 daytime highs? They’re back.

High today near 60, northwest winds at 5-10 mph and mostly sunny. Overnight low near 40 and mid 50s tomorrow.

The Shrimperoo is coming, Saturday, March 23.

It’s the Neuse Sailing Association’s annual membership event and you’re invited.

For $10 a head, come out and talk sailing, enjoy live music and a shrimp fest on the lawn of the Oriental Marina & Inn.

Or you can just show up (with your ten bucks), and eat shrimp.

Sunday March 17, 2024

11:38a Tonight at the Old Theater, the Galvin Cello Quartet.

The show is at 7:30p. More info here.

7:57a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, lads & lasses.

Patrick really doesn’t look like a fellow that would inspire reckless adult beverage consumption. Regardless of whats in your glass, it is a day that seems to put an extra smile in many of us.

The results from yesterday’s collegiate regatta in Oriental – State swept it:

Word is State won a basketball tournament too. The ACC something. Maybe you’ve heard of it.

Carolina sailors, at the downwind mark:

More regatta photos coming Monday Tuesdayish.

Saturday March 16, 2024

1:47p Cajun, Venison, and classic New England. All were available for tasting at the Oriental Woman’s Club Chowder Cookoff.


Chowder trophies waiting for a home.

Here are the winners, in three categories:

The Restaurants:
• 1st Gary’s DownEast Seafood
• 2nd Barcos
• 3rd Yawl’s Café

The Home Chefs:
• 1st  Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office
• 2nd Zan’s Taekwondo & the South Pamlico Volunteer Fire Department
• 3rd Marine Corps Dragon Detachment

Aspiring Student Chefs:
• 1st Pamlico Christian Academy Mariner’s Culinary Team
• 2nd Pamlico High School Canes Cuisines

12:08p Standing by at The Red Rooster (behind The Silos) – a very green Dragon. Ready to burn, tonight.


(Chris Daniels photo)

8:15a The Oriental Farmers’ Market is back for 2024, with farmers & artisans on Hodges St by the harbor this morning. Open til 11a.

7:12a Sail racing, chowder, corned beef, wine, magic & dragon ignition are among today’s village missions. Click here for the lineup.

There are six college sailing teams in Oriental for today’s regatta, including NC State, Georgia Tech, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, and Embry-Riddle (Daytona FL).

Note: Today’s is not the big regatta. The Sailpack Regatta comes April 20, with crowds of college sailors in town, 18-20 teams participating.

After a cloudy morning, partly sunny and just mid 60s today. On the Neuse north 10-15 knot winds, calming to just 5-10 this afternoon.

Oriental NC Forecast
Neuse River Marine Forecast

Friday March 15, 2024

2:41p Commissioners met at Town Hall for their annual budget retreat this morning and afternoon.

The different boards and departments made presentations outlining their achievements and goals for this year.

Commissioners met a potential new auditor, discussed hiring a Finance Officer and Public Works employee (replacements for resigning staff), looking into the costs and savings of moving to an electrical water meter reading system, and using money from the town’s general fund to bolster any funds put towards road repair.

Most of those items will be discussed in further detail at the next Town Board Budget Workshop in April. A date has not been set.

Oriental resident and business owner Camilla Wheeler, who was present for the entire meeting (8a – 1:30p), thanked Commissioners for working together, “this was a great meeting. Thank you for that.”

The next monthly meeting is Tuesday, April 2 at 6p at Town Hall.

8:18a Get your Hawaiian shirt ready. You’ll want one of those lil’ umbrellas to put in your drink.

It’s going to be 80 today.

Oriental NC Forecast
Neuse River Marine Forecast

Those drinks with umbrellas may be useful fortification this morning for those attending the town board budget retreat.

Thursday March 14, 2024

2:40p This afternoon & tonight: Bupkis. Nada. You’ll just have to entertain yourself with normal village goings on.

Friday, BokaNina Fusion Pacific Island food truck is at New Village Brewery, 3-8p. Packhouse plays in the beer garden 5:30p until. At Oriental United Methodist Church Friday night its Songs & Sweets. You get to listen to music, and eat pie.

Saturday. The Bow to Stern Collegiate Trophy Regatta (six college sailing teams) starts 11a on the Neuse, ends mid/late afternoon. You can see the races from Lou Mac Park.

The Chowder Cook-Off is 11a-1p at Oriental Marina Inn. Tickets just 10 bucks, and it goes to Oriental Woman’s Club. Taste the wine of rare grapes at Nautical Wheelers at 2 & 3p. Kiyomi Aupri Fine Art Gallery celebrates their grand opening from 2-5p. There is magic at the Old Theater Saturday afternoon @ 3p. The show is entitled Magic is BS.

Saturday night, Pamlico Arts’ big shindig: The Dragon Burn @ The Silos. Gates open 5p, it burns after sunset. Tickets support the arts. Food & adult beverages available.

Also Saturday, St Peter the Fisherman corned beef & cabbage dinner, 6-9p. No tickets at the door; Nautical Wheelers has tix, or call Pat ODonnell 252-571-5883.

Corned beef & cabbage is good for you. So eat more Sunday (it is St Patrick’s Day) at M&Ms Cafe. Buffet starts @ 11a and runs all day. Sunday evening 7:30p, Pamlico Musical Society presents Galvin Cello at the Old Theater.

It’s all (it’s a lot) in What’s Happening.

9:39a Mister sun is showing off today. High near 80. Same again Friday, too.

Oriental NC Forecast
Neuse River Marine Forecast

Every year Oriental’s town board has a “retreat”. They don’t retreat per se – it’s at Town Hall. But they do meet Friday 8a -2p (ish) discussing the town’s prior year projects, and plans for the new year. The public is welcome.

Wednesday March 13, 2024

11:33a The Friends of the Pamlico Library write in to say thanks for all the help.

6:35a It’s 40 degrees this morning, but a big temperature swing is ahead.

Sunny with a high today in the mid 70s, then near 80 for Thursday & Friday.

Oriental NC Forecast
Neuse River Marine Forecast
Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast

The first official day of spring 2024 is March 19.

New weekly specials at The Pig: Here’s the Piglet deals for March 13-19.

Tuesday March 12, 2024

You may notice collegiate sailors in town this week (and see them out sailing on the Neuse). Sailing teams from NC State and Embry-Riddle (Daytona Beach FL) are in Oriental this week for spring break. These students are on a “working” spring break – they are taking sail training @ Bow To Stern Boating.

We talk with Sailpack sailor Robert Chase and Bow To Stern’s Jim Edwards:

More schools arrive later this week. Teams that will participate in this weekend’s regatta include Embry-Riddle, Georgia Tech, NC State, Georgia (UGA), North Carolina (UNC), UNC Wilmington and U South Carolina.

This morning sailors rigged their boats before heading out on the water.


The big regatta is coming April 20 – the Sailpack Regatta. Expect well over 100 sailors in town, 18-20 teams participating.

Monday March 11, 2024

9:10a Spring is on the way, despite what the temperatures say.

Sunny today and through the week. High today near 60, but warming up to the mid to upper 70s by Friday.

A new season means a new batch of birds visiting the area. The Spring Birding Class at Pamlico Community College can assist in figuring out which ones are living in your trees. And which are waking you up in the morning.

Birds not your thing? PCC has other classes beginning this month like sewing and self-defense.

On PCC’s To Be Announced list: Observational Astronomy and Plant-Based Cooking. These classes don’t have dates yet, but you can call to be put on the list for notification: call Denise McDermott at 252-249-1851 Ext. 3113.