St. Ann's Italian Knights Italian Night Successo
SPELLER HONORED @ DAR AWARDS LUNCHEON, NEW OFFICER INDUCTION HELD
ADACHI REVIEWS SHREK @ THE TAYLOR
DAR ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON HONORS MANY
NEW OFFICERS INDUCTED
The spirit of service, preservation and patriotism was celebrated during the recent May Awards Luncheon hosted by the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) in Edenton.
The annual luncheon brought together chapter members, award recipients and guests for an afternoon recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to historic preservation, community service and civic leadership throughout the region.
Held under the sponsorship of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR, the luncheon featured a full program of presentations and recognitions highlighting the chapter’s ongoing commitment to honoring service and preserving local and national history.
Bonnie T. Henn, Regent of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR, welcomed attendees to the event. Clara Patton King, chapter chaplain, delivered the invocation, while Reva Hinson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Caroline Butler, the chapter’s Historic Preservation Chair, presented the American’s Creed as part of the program.
The luncheon also recognized the work of the May Luncheon Award Committee, which included Reva Hinson, Kay Caveney, Claudia Dodson, Caroline Butler and Nicole Dalton.
One of the featured presentations of the afternoon was the Presentation of Excellence in Historic Preservation. Caroline Butler presented the honor to Dr. Benjamin Speller and the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation.
Several additional awards recognizing leadership and service were presented throughout the luncheon. Bonnie Henn presented the Outstanding Senior Award to Sandy Sperry and also presented the Hannah White Arnett Award to Jay Henn.
The Hannah White Arnett Medal is one of DAR’s newest recognitions. It may be awarded to a member in good standing of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) or Sons of the Revolution (S.R.) for unselfish devotion, tireless efforts, and assistance to the DAR; and who has dedicated his time, energy, talents, and/or resources to the organization in support and furtherance of the DAR mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism.
The Women in History Recognition presentation was made by Bonnie Henn and honored Virginia Wood and Beth Taylor for their contributions and dedication to preserving and sharing history within the community.
Community service also remained a central theme throughout the afternoon. Reva Hinson and Kay Caveney presented Community Service Awards to Anne Rowe and Karen Foley for their volunteerism and efforts benefiting the local community.
The luncheon additionally highlighted honors and awards recently received by chapter members and the Edenton Tea Party Chapter during the state conference, recognizing the local chapter’s continued involvement and leadership within the North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The program concluded with the installation of officers led by Clara King, followed by announcements, closing remarks from Bonnie Henn and a benediction offered by Clara King.
Throughout the event, the recurring themes of patriotism, volunteerism, education and historic preservation reflected the longstanding mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Organizers noted that the luncheon serves not only as a time of recognition, but also as an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations working to preserve the history and character of Edenton and surrounding communities for future generations.
The annual luncheon continues to be one of the chapter’s signature events, bringing together members and residents who share a commitment to honoring America’s heritage through community involvement and public service.
SPELLER HONORED
DR. BENJAMIN SPELLER WAS HONORED WEDNESDAY FOR HIS LIFETIME OF VOLUNTEER WORK
ADACHI REVIEWS SHREK
SHREK, Back on the Big Screen for its 25th Anniversary
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Shrek’s cinematic debut, and Universal has decided to redistribute the film across the country, including right here in little old Edenton. I doubt that anyone under 30 will have seen Shrek on the big screen but now would be the perfect opportunity to do so. It would be worth the small investment.
Shrek is an ogre, hated and feared by all in town. He enjoys his solitary life in the swamp until the tyrannical Lord Farquaad banishes a bunch of fairy-tale creatures to Shrek’s swamp. In return for removing the creatures from Shrek’s home, Lord Farquaad demands that Shrek rescue Princess Fiona who is being held prisoner in a dragon-guarded castle tower. Shrek and his companion Donkey successfully free Fiona, and that’s when Shrek and Fiona fall in love.
As promising as that romantic storyline might be, the relationship worth following is that between Shrek, voiced by Michael Myers, and Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, who is given the best lines in the film and makes the most of it. The hilarious ongoing banter between the two won the film an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and Shrek became the first film to win an Oscar for Best Animated Film. There are many memorable lines in the film. One of my favorites: “It’s rude enough being alive when no one wants you, but showing up uninvited to a wedding?”
By the way, Shrek’s physical features were heavily inspired by Maurice Tillet, a real-life French professional wrestler from the 1940s known as "The French Angel". Tillet suffered from a condition causing bones to grow disproportionately, resulting in a unique facial structure that DreamWorks animators reportedly used as a reference for the iconic ogre. I suppose in a rather perverse way, Mr Tillet would have been proud of the honor bestowed upon him.
Editor's note: Darryl Adachi is a longtime Edenton resident. Adachi blends sharp wit, cinematic insight, and hometown charm into movie reviews that are as entertaining as the films themselves.
VOLUNTEER TUTORS SHAPE THE FUTURE
Inside the Tutor Room at the Edenton Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle, students gathered around tables this week working through math problems, reading assignments and homework with the help of a dedicated team of volunteer tutors who continue to make a lasting impact on local children.
The afternoon tutoring program pairs young students with community volunteers who provide one-on-one academic assistance in subjects such as reading and math while also offering encouragement, mentorship and personal attention in a supportive learning environment.
Photographs from the tutoring sessions showed volunteers sitting alongside students as they practiced addition problems, reviewed word lists and worked through classroom assignments together. In one session, tutor Bruce Rutland assisted two students with math worksheets, while other volunteers helped children with reading exercises and homework review.
The volunteer tutoring team includes Julie Tunney, Anne Van Benschoten, Bruce Rutland, Kathy Masters and Jim Butler. Also pictured with the group was Liz Brentjens, Youth Connect Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle.
Many of the volunteers have dedicated years of service to the organization and its students. Jim Butler has volunteered with the tutoring program for approximately 20 years, reflecting the long-term commitment many tutors have made to supporting local youth.
The tutoring program is part of the Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle’s broader mission “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full
potential as responsible, productive and caring citizens.”
Club leaders say the Tutor Room provides students with more than academic support. The setting also helps children develop confidence, improve communication skills and build positive relationships with caring adults who encourage them to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
With a focus on academic success, character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles, the Boys & Girls Club works to provide young people ages 6 to 18 with a safe and positive environment filled with supportive relationships, opportunities, recognition and fun.
Throughout the afternoon sessions, students could be seen smiling proudly as they completed assignments and shared their work with volunteers.
Organizers say the volunteer tutors play an important role in helping students stay engaged academically while also giving parents confidence that their children are receiving additional support after school.
The Edenton Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle continues to rely on community volunteers whose dedication and consistency help strengthen the educational opportunities available to local children each day.
CAMILLE WOULD BE PROUD
It was though Edenton Chef Ed Ross transported the flavors of Providence’s famed Italian eatery, Camille’s into the kitchen of St. Ann Parish Hall last weekend as the Knight of Columbus created an Italian meal Francis Ford Coppola would be excited to serve
The event drew a strong crowd of residents and visitors who enjoyed an “all you can eat” menu of classic Italian favorites prepared by Ross and fellow Knights of Columbus.
Guests were welcomed into a warm atmosphere inspired by a traditional Italian feast, complete with hearty portions of Lasagna alla Bolognese, sausage and peppers, spaghetti with marinara sauce, antipasto salad, garlic bread with roasted garlic butter and parmigiana, hand-filled cannoli, Italian cookies and beverages. .
Ross, well known throughout the community for his outgoing personality and enthusiasm, added energy and humor throughout the evening as he balanced duties as both chef and host. Organizers said the event reflected the Knights of Columbus’ ongoing commitment to community, hospitality and service, while also offering residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Italian-style dinner close to home.
“Everything was made fresh from scratch — nothing was store-bought or frozen,” said Ross. “I believe that if you are paying for a meal out, it should be special, something you wouldn’t normally have at home.”
While Ross describes himself as a self-taught culinarian, he credited much of his experience to his time working at The Herringbone alongside Chef Kyle Murphy.
“I still feel funny referring to myself as a chef,” Ross said. “I’m simply someone who loves to cook and is self-taught, although I learned a great deal from Chef Kyle Murphy at The Herringbone when I worked there.”
Ross noted that a dedicated team of 15 to 20 Knights of Columbus volunteers worked behind the scenes preparing food and serving guests. The council is made up of more than 90 men from St. Ann Catholic Church.
“It’s a wonderful group of men whom I’m blessed to know,” Ross said. “This was a great community event and a lot of fun for everyone who attended.”
In addition to bringing the community together, proceeds from the dinner will benefit local charities, including St. Vincent de Paul, Special Olympics and the LAMB Foundation, which supports local students with special needs.
EDENTONIANS TRAVEL TO ITALY FOR A NIGHT OF KNIGHTS
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
DAR SEARCHING FOR ANCESTORS
MARILYN HEISER ART STUDIO TOUR
MARILYN HEISER ART STUDIO TOUR
ROCCO'S LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME
MARILYN HEISER ART STUDIO TOUR
BLESSING OF THE FLEET, MAY 30
COMMUNITY SAILING BEGINS
Weather Update-MAY 22 - 28
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, May 22 — Thursday, May 28, 2026
Friday
☀️ Mostly sunny and warm
High: ~84°F • Low: ~66°F
A bright kickoff to the holiday weekend.
Saturday
🌤️ Partly sunny, hot and humid
High: ~87°F • Low: ~69°F
Summer-like warmth continues.
Sunday
⛈️ Humid with scattered thunderstorms
High: ~85°F • Low: ~70°F
Storms possible during the afternoon and evening.
Monday
🌦️ Mostly cloudy with showers possible
High: ~81°F • Low: ~65°F
Unsettled conditions linger into Memorial Day.
Tuesday
🌤️ Partly sunny and less humid
High: ~79°F • Low: ~61°F
Improving weather with drier air arriving.
Wednesday
☀️ Sunny and comfortable
High: ~80°F • Low: ~60°F
Pleasant late-May conditions.
Thursday
🌤️ Mostly sunny and warm
High: ~83°F • Low: ~63°F
Quiet weather closes out the week.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
A warm and increasingly humid Memorial Day weekend takes shape across Edenton, with temperatures climbing well into the 80s Friday through Sunday. While sunshine dominates early in the weekend, moisture builds by Sunday, bringing scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Unsettled weather may linger into Memorial Day Monday before drier and more comfortable air gradually returns Tuesday through Thursday. Overall, the pattern leans warmer than normal with a mix of summer-like heat, humidity, and periodic storm chances.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• ☀️ Warm holiday weekend start
• 🔥 Summer-like heat Saturday
• ⛈️ Storm chances Sunday
• 🌦️ Unsettled Memorial Day
• 🌤️ Drier air returns mid-week
HISTORIC MARTINIQUE HOUSE TO BEGIN NEW LIFE IN EDENTON
Historic Homes, Cupola, Barker House have a new neighbor adding to Edenton's Story
One thing that can save the deterioration of history is preservation. Case in point is the Martinique house, believed to be the oldest remaining home in northern Chowan County. While that may not seem monumental to some, the future of the home is monumental to many.
The town of Edenton, along with a growing group of preservation advocates, is quickly becoming recognized on the national preservation stage for its efforts to save historic homes, buildings and cultural landmarks. Protecting significant properties has become a major part of the town’s long and impressive history.
For more than seventeen years, the Martinique farmhouse has sat empty in northern Chowan County, slowly deteriorating while preservationists searched for a way to save it. The centuries-old structure had reached a point where action was necessary before the building was potentially lost forever.
The Edenton Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the proposed relocation of the historic Martinique house from rural Chowan County to Edenton’s waterfront following an extensive public meeting that included both strong support and concerns from residents, preservationists, and community leaders.
Town officials presented the proposal as part of a larger waterfront improvement effort tied to the Harbor Towns project and a partnership involving the Town of Edenton, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation, and other preservation organizations. The plan would relocate the centuries-old structure to the waterfront near the Penelope Barker House, where it would serve multiple public purposes, including a dock master office, sailing classroom space, visitor gathering area, and maritime education center.
Town Manager Corey Gooden outlined the conceptual site plan, explaining that the proposal would also improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the existing waterfront parking area. The redesign would convert the current two-way traffic pattern into a one-way circulation system while adding ADA-accessible crossings and reorganized parking spaces. Officials said the project would ultimately increase parking efficiency while maintaining access to the playground and surrounding public spaces.
Supporters emphasized that the Martinique house represents an important part of Chowan County’s architectural and cultural history. Several speakers noted the home’s connection to maritime history and the story of enslaved Alan Parker who escaped to freedom on the Chowan River. . Preservation advocates argued the structure offers an opportunity to expand how African American history is interpreted along Edenton’s waterfront.
Former Sheriff and current Clerk of Court Dwayne Goodwin spoke about the home’s historic ties to the Winborne family and former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John Wallace Winborne, who grew up at Martinique. He also expressed support for preserving the structure before further deterioration makes restoration impossible.
Residents questioning the proposal raised concerns about traffic flow, parking loss, tree removal, waterfront views, long-term maintenance costs, and whether the site could physically support the structure. Others questioned whether sufficient funding existed to fully restore the building once relocated and whether the project was moving too quickly. Several speakers also voiced concerns about potential structural impacts on neighboring properties during construction and foundation work.
Town officials and project consultants responded throughout the meeting, explaining that engineering studies, feasibility reviews, and environmental evaluations had already been conducted. Preservation consultant Andrew Ownbey told commissioners the structure had previously been moved and currently sits on beams designed for relocation, adding that professional house movers had determined the building remains structurally capable of being transported again. Officials also stated that commercial-grade foundation engineering and soil evaluations would address concerns about stability at the waterfront location.
Many supporters framed the project as both a preservation effort and an investment in Edenton’s future waterfront use. Sailing advocates, preservation leaders, and tourism representatives described the proposed building as an opportunity to create educational space for youth sailing, public programs, and transient boaters while preserving a historically significant structure that might otherwise be lost.
Edenton Mayor Hackney High addressed the commission near the conclusion of the meeting, encouraging members to focus on the narrow question before them — whether relocating Martinique to the site was historically appropriate. High emphasized that future design details, landscaping, exterior materials, and restoration plans would all return for additional public review before final approval stages.
Following the Historic Preservation Commission’s approval of the COA, the proposal moved to the Edenton Town Council for additional discussion during its May 12 meeting. Council members heard further comments from residents, preservation advocates, and organizations involved in the project before unanimously voting to move forward with the relocation plan.
The unanimous vote marked another significant step in what supporters describe as one of the town’s most ambitious preservation projects in recent years. Additional engineering, restoration, and design review phases are expected as planning for the Martinique relocation continues.
PRESERVATION WITH A PURPOSE...
"Saving Martinique is so important. This 18th century structure will provide a place to teach our youth to sail, give the people that care-for our waterfront a nice office and provide storage for sailboats and equipment. Parking will be improved and the history of Martinique will teach us about our shared past. This is a win/win for Edenton since the move and restoration will be fully-funded by a state grant," said Edenton Town Councilman Sam Dixon.
SELDOM THIS MUCH FUN AT A SPELLING BEE...
"I can spell ancient in my sleep, but up there, with a mic..."
Those are the words of one contestant — and likely the feelings of many of the spelling bee’ers who took part in last Thursday’s Edenton Boys and Girls Club Adult Spelling Bee at Herringbone.
What began as a fun community fundraiser quickly turned into one of the most talked-about evenings in town, drawing an overflow crowd of supporters who packed the restaurant and raised more than a few glasses cheering on the eight four-member teams competing for spelling supremacy.
“The guest bartender nights were fun, but it was time to think of another entertaining event,” said Herringbone owner Stephanie Wach, who, along with husband Joe helped create the spirited evening benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Albemarle.
As word spread about the event, enthusiasm soared. The Wach family, longtime supporters of the Boys & Girls Club and its mission, regularly host fundraising events for the organization, but this latest effort may have taken community excitement to a new level.
Joe served as emcee for the evening, guiding contestants and spectators alike through three lively rounds of competition — plus several dramatic tie-breaker moments leading up to the finals — as teams battled for a trophy and, perhaps more importantly, local bragging rights.
Contestants wrestled with deceptively difficult words and phrases, debating everything from how many “N’s” belong in mayonnaise to the proper spelling of lightning and whether an extra “S” was necessary.
The competition itself proved surprisingly intense. Some participants were seasoned veterans of Edenton Bay Trading Wednesday night trivia competitions, while others reportedly spent the evening before the event studying and practicing in preparation for the bee.
No matter the outcome, each contestant was enthusiastically cheered on by the packed audience. The atmosphere throughout the evening blended humor, community spirit and a shared desire to support local youth programs.
"The Herringbone staff had so much fun putting this event together! Huge thanks to all the teams for being such great sports and to our amazing community for cheering on the spellers. Everyone had a blast, and the energy was contagious," said Stephanie.
Most importantly, organizers say the event was a major success for the Boys & Girls Club, raising $7460.00 for the club. Overall, the evening generated strong community participation and meaningful support for the organization’s ongoing efforts to serve local children and families.
For those who missed the championship rounds, organizers encourage residents to watch the finals online. As one attendee joked afterward, “It’s worthy of Netflix.”
Coming Thursday, read how the dedicated volunteer tutors help students each afternoon at the Edenton Boys & Girls Club — another reminder that behind the fun and competition lies a mission centered on helping local children succeed.
THE 'BONE WAS ABUZZ
Stephanie and Joe Wach and the entire Herringbone team, especially the bartenders who must have been dreaming about 'Smartie Pants" the drink of the night, deserve a round of applause for a terrific evening. Also, being voted captains of the Edenton Spelling Bee Team is quite an honor for Joe and Stephanie.
EDENTON'S VIBRANCY EXCITES GOVERNOR STEIN and TEAM
EDENTON A BLUEPRINT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Edenton’s inclusion on Governor Stein’s America 250 tour reflects the town’s growing reputation as a community balancing historic preservation with economic innovation — an approach state leaders say could serve as a blueprint for other rural towns across North Carolina.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and the members of the NC Council of State visited Edenton earlier in the week as part of the Governor’s America 250 Tour. Stein held a cabinet styled meeting in the historic Chowan County Courthouse in front of a courtroom packed with Edenton and Chowan County official, residents and volunteers.
The tour was multi-facetted. Aside from the council of state meeting where each of the Governor’s cabinet members offered a historical fact originating in Edenton, high praise for the town’s growth and accomplishments. Edenton Mayor Hackney High along with Town Manager Corey Gooden, Main Street Edenton Director Ches Chesson other town officials and Chowan County Commissioner Vice Chair Larry McLaughlin offered the Governor's team a walking tour to view not only Edenton’s past but its future.
The Governor was especially impressed with the Cupola House project and spent time, with interest viewing the project first hand.
Joined by Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight, Stein toured several local businesses and grant supported projects officials say are positioning Edenton as a model for revitalization.
“To ensure small town North Carolina thrives, we need to invest in downtowns and local economies,” Stein said during the visit. “Grants from the Rural Infrastructure Authority are helping towns like Edenton repurpose aging buildings to attract new companies, strengthen utilities, and keep Main Streets buzzing.”
The walking tour through downtown Edenton showcased a blend of economic development, historic preservation and outdoor recreation initiatives aimed at creating jobs and attracting long-term investment to the region.
One of the Governor’s first stops was Provalus, the long anticipated IT outsourcing company investing $6.48 million to establish a Center of Excellence in downtown Edenton. The project is expected to create 61 jobs and expand technology-based employment opportunities in northeastern North Carolina.
Stein also visited Kraken Coffeehouse and toured Down East Preservation, an award-winning conservation and design firm focused on expanding historic preservation efforts across eastern North Carolina. The Governor later stopped at Surf, Wind and Fire, a locally owned outdoor lifestyle business, where discussions centered on Edenton’s participation in the state’s Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) initiative.
Town leaders say the CORE initiative is helping communities across the region strengthen tourism and build a more connected outdoor recreation economy while preserving the area’s unique waterfront character and historic identity.
“Rural communities are essential to North Carolina’s continued growth and success,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Through strategic investments in downtown revitalization, infrastructure, workforce development, and broadband access, we are helping communities like Edenton build on their strengths, attract new opportunities, and create a stronger future for residents and businesses alike.”
The Governor’s visit comes shortly after North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority approved 12 grant requests totaling more than $5.8 million statewide. The projects are expected to create 277 jobs and leverage more than $43 million in additional public and private investment.
Among the grant recipients was Edenton, which received an $850,000 Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant to support lighting improvements throughout the town’s historic downtown district. The project is expected to leverage an additional $458,331 in combined public and private investment.
“Programs supported through the Rural Infrastructure Authority are making a meaningful difference in communities across our state,” said Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight. “Edenton’s investments in its historic downtown and outdoor recreation economy demonstrate how rural communities can preserve their unique character while creating new pathways for economic growth, tourism and job creation.”
Stein has placed a strong emphasis on rural development during his first months in office, frequently pointing to the importance of ensuring economic opportunity reaches every part of the state.
“Where you come from should not limit how far you can go,” Stein has said repeatedly while outlining his rural development agenda.
Last month, the Governor unveiled his recommended Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, which includes funding for rural infrastructure projects, workforce training and apprenticeship programs. The proposal would expand support for NC Career Launch, rural apprenticeship initiatives and work-based learning grants designed to help small businesses train employees in high-demand industries.
The administration has also announced major broadband expansion projects expected to connect approximately 93,000 homes, businesses and community institutions to high-speed internet access by 2030 through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
According to state officials, rural communities across North Carolina received more than $136 million in rural grant funding in 2025 through programs focused on infrastructure upgrades, housing and building revitalization, and business development initiatives.
The Governor’s Rural Listening Tour, launched in March, continues to bring Stein and cabinet officials into communities across the state to hear directly from local leaders and residents about the challenges and opportunities facing rural North Carolina.