Fund-raiser features steamed oysters

The Pamlico Community College Foundation offers everyone a way to feel good inside and within at its annual Great Oyster Revival on Saturday, Feb. 25, 3-5 p.m. on the college campus.

One can feel good inside with the opportunity to partake of all the steamed oysters the little tummy will comfortably hold. Three will be chili too for those who want to switch from the gourmet shellfish.

For the steamed oyster novice, “Try it, you’ll like it,” says Bev Fruhling, PCC Foundation president. She noted that many who try their first oyster dipped in hot butter and cocktail sauce become hooked immediately on this delectable gift from the sea.

One can feel good within by attending this event because that $30 ticket not only provides the health benefits of a significant amount of seafood, but raises money to provide scholarships and other educational opportunities at Pamlico Community College.

The PCC Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the college to provide myriad services that state funding simply does not and cannot cover. From opportunities for faculty and staff development to opportunities for students to attend conferences and seminars, from financial assistance for students in need to practical needs of the college not funded by the county, state or federal government, the Foundation is the channel the public can use to assist the college with vital needs.

Many choose to make outright gifts to the Foundation such as the recent $10,000 anonymous donation designated for scholarship assistance. While the Foundation seeks corporate grants and gifts, much of the backbone of the PCC Foundation’s ability to help students comes from the general public attending fundraisers such as the Oyster Revival and the annual Pepsi Cup Golf Tournament held in May at Minnesott Beach Golf and Country Club.

Brought back by popular demand, local icon, retired judge, playwright, and oyster steamer extraordinaire, Jim Regan, from Oriental is again coordinating the feast at this year’s event.

He said, “I want people to come not only because this is such a great way to have great fun with their neighbors eating oysters, but also because of the great ways this helps other human beings. The work we do for the college helps individual students and when we help individual students in Pamlico County, we help Pamlico County.”

He added, “This college is a vital part of the well-being of Pamlico County. Helping the Foundation help the college is simply a win-win for everybody.”

To purchase tickets for the oyster roast, contact Dr. Cleve H. Cox, president, 252-249-1851 x 3007, Melody Henry, 252-249-2272, or by dropping by the PCC campus bookstore.

***

Pamlico Community College has two Cultural Enrichment classes scheduled beginning Feb. 9.

Kathleen Kichnet, Connecticut by birth, Massachusetts by education, and North Carolinian by choice, learned to knit at the age of 12. She describes knitting as a craft that brings one great relaxation, closeness to friends and is a craft to be enjoyed when alone or in a group of fellow stitchers.

Students can expect to learn skills to help them create a number of items, scarves, gloves, hat, and more. Instruction will provide basic knitting tips and techniques while affording the class members to complete a project of their own. Students should bring a skein of cotton yarn and a pair of #7 or #8 knitting needles to class.

The knitting classes will be held on Thursday evenings, Feb. 9-April 19, 5 – 6 p.m. The fee is $45.To enroll contact Leigh Younce at 252-249-1851 x 3033, lyounce@pmalicocc.edu.

***

What is Zumba?

Eliza Aaron, a Philippine native and licensed Zumba instructor, Eliza moved to North Carolina in 2003 with her family. She has taken a number of business classes at Pamlico Community College and now teaches Zumba as a personal business venture.

Zumba® is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness program. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3:45 p.m. beginning Feb. 16. Bring water and a towel to the class with you. To enroll, contact Leigh Younce at 252-249-1851 Ext. 3033 or by email at lyounce@pamlicocc.edu.

Ben Casey is director of community relations at Pamlico Community College. Email him at bcasey@pamlicocc.edu.