Alex and George's Lasting Impact

Many Edenton residents are familiar with the George & Alex Memorial Foundation through its annual “Live Your Dash” 5K and Fun Run or the Spring Zing fundraiser. Proceeds from those events support the George & Alex Memorial Scholarship, awarded each year to a graduating John A. Holmes High School senior for the past 14 years. What many people may not know, however, is who George and Alex were and the lasting impact they had on the Edenton community.

Alex Boehling and George Parrish were the best of friends, along with George’s twin brother, Daniel, and Joseph Westbrook. They excelled academically, athletically and as student leaders. Alex graduated as valedictorian of the John A. Holmes High School Class of 2006, while George ranked among the top 10 percent of his class.

“We all have that one friend—or maybe two—we always want to be around because there’s never a dull moment,” said Joseph Westbrook. “You know you’re going to have fun, and when the day is over, you can’t wait to see what the next adventure will bring. That was Alex. He was incredibly smart, fiercely competitive and had a drive unlike anyone I’ve ever known. Whatever he set his mind to, he was determined to succeed, and more often than not, he did.”

Beyond academics, the boys played soccer and tennis, loved being outdoors and were known for hosting bonfires that attracted friends from throughout the area.

“We definitely got into a lot of mischief, but I feel like we balanced it out well and were still seen as good kids and positive members of the community,” said Daniel Parrish. “George and I babysat, worked on the farm, mowed lawns and did odd jobs. Since we had a truck, people would call us for all kinds of work, especially after Hurricane Isabel.”

Life on the water was another shared passion.

“Growing up in Edenton, almost everyone can relate to spending time on a boat, whether it was fishing, cruising or enjoying water sports,” Westbrook said. “For us, it was wakeboarding. Looking back, I realize how lucky we were that our parents trusted us enough to take the boat out as teenagers. Those summer memories are something I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

George passed away in 2007, followed by Alex in 2011. Determined to honor their lives, family members and close friends, led by the Boehling family, established the George & Alex Memorial Foundation and Scholarship Fund.

The foundation's first fundraiser was a community 5K race, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship for a John A. Holmes graduating senior.

“The mission of the George & Alex Memorial Foundation is to fund scholarships for local students,” said Mary Boehling, Alex’s mother. “The scholarship is awarded to a student who reflects the character, values and accomplishments of George and Alex.”

Today, the foundation is guided by approximately 16 board members, including family members, lifelong friends, healthcare representatives and community leaders. Several have served for more than a decade.

The scholarship has grown significantly over the years. What began as a $2,500 award has evolved into a $20,000 scholarship distributed over four years. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $115,000 in scholarships. Recipients are selected using five criteria: academic achievement, community service, extracurricular involvement, athletics and a personal interview.

“We were honored to present Hailey Roberson as this year’s recipient,” said Anne Parrish. “She plans to attend the University of Mount Olive to study nursing.”

Funding for the scholarship comes primarily from two annual events: the George & Alex Memorial 5K Race and Fun Run and the Spring Zing fundraiser, now incorporated into the Rockfish Festival.

The race, held annually on the third Saturday in September, will take place Sept. 19, 2026. Approximately 300 runners and walkers participated last year, making it one of the largest races in the area. Designed as a family-friendly event, it also features a children's Fun Run and concludes at the Herringbone, where volunteers prepare lunch on the famous “Big Red” grill.

Run the East manages registration, race logistics and timing, while local businesses, volunteers and community partners provide strong support. Many runners and volunteers return year after year, making the event a true community tradition.

The foundation’s second fundraiser, formerly known as Spring Zing, is now part of the annual Rockfish Festival and features a silent auction and sausage plate sales to benefit the scholarship fund.

When reflecting on their lifelong friends, both Joseph Westbrook and Daniel Parrish spoke less about accomplishments and more about the friendships that shaped their lives.

“I have two kids of my own now,” Westbrook said. “More than anything, I hope each of them finds an Alex Boehling in their lives—a friend who makes them laugh, encourages them, inspires them to be better and helps create memories they’ll carry forever.”

Daniel shared a similar sentiment.

“I’m so proud that we’re able to keep their names alive while giving back to aspiring students,” he said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see the time, money and effort so many people have devoted to honoring George and Alex through this foundation.”

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Help Make a Difference JOIN 'RAINES' ARMY'

Some legacies are measured not by how long someone was here, but by the lives they continue to touch.

Raines was a very happy, adventurous and incredibly intelligent child. He died two months and two days shy of his second birthday, and much of his life was spent at the hospital.

He loved Edenton, the beach, the Durham Ronald McDonald House and Duke Gardens. His best friend was his sister, Reid. His favorite songs were “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “The Wheels on the Bus.” When he grew up, he wanted to be a mail truck.

Near the end of his life, every morning he would walk outside and say, “It’s a beautiful day.”

Raines also changed the children’s hospital at Duke. He enjoyed drawing pictures for other patients and delivering them like mail. Now, on the stem cell transplant floor, all rooms have a “mailbox,” and there is one at the clinic as well, so patients can keep in touch with each other.

Raines changed the world even though his life was remarkably short. One of the most profound lessons Raines taught me was to practice gratitude religiously and to appreciate all the little blessings of everyday life.

He was also tough as nails. He endured shots in his eyes, countless chemotherapy drugs, more than 60 surgeries and a stem cell transplant. In his final act of love for life and mankind, he donated his brain, eyes, spine, spinal fluid, blood and a skin tissue sample that are now available to researchers around the world.

Raines was born with a spontaneous genetic mutation commonly called RB1. It caused him to have bilateral retinoblastoma, which is essentially cancer in the globes of both eyes.

About 300 to 350 cases of retinoblastoma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Retinoblastoma accounts for approximately 3% of childhood cancer cases. There is a 96% survival rate for retinoblastoma patients to the age of 15, and nine out of 10 patients are cured.

Unfortunately, because the treatments involve chemotherapy, these patients often develop secondary cancers later in life, and their life spans can be shorter than normal. For many patients, it also affects their vision. Raines was blind in his right eye.

Raines’ retinoblastoma, however, was very unique because it metastasized to his spinal fluid and caused cancerous tumors throughout his brain and spinal cord. This was incredibly rare, and I believe there are fewer than 100 recorded cases of this happening in human history.

The median life span once retinoblastoma metastasizes like this is about six months. Raines made it 10 months.

At the end, however, there was not even a clinical trial for which he qualified, so we completely exhausted all treatment options. What we found in our journey with Raines was that simply having options provided hope. When we exhausted those options, it was devastating.

His priceless donation is of little value without the funds to actually engage in the research, which is why we started Raines’ Army—to raise funds for brain, eye and spinal cancer research.

Help Continue Raines’ Legacy

On September 19, we invite you to join us for the 2nd Annual Raines’ Army Fundraiser in honor of our sweet Raines.

Pediatric brain cancer changes the lives of far too many children and families. We can’t change Raines’ story, but together, we can help change someone else’s.

Every ticket purchased is more than admission to an event—it is a promise to keep fighting, to keep remembering and to keep believing that one day no family will have to endure the heartbreak of pediatric brain cancer.

Please come, bring your family and friends, and help us fill the room with love, hope and purpose. Your support means more than words can express.

Buy your tickets today and help us continue Raines’ legacy of making a difference.

Because every child deserves a future, and every act of kindness brings us one step closer.

https://givebutter.com/.../raines-army-inc-first-annual...

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Friday Foods & Finds Returns to Downtown Edenton September 18

Food trucks, music and downtown shopping will come together for an early evening of fun on South Broad Street.

Downtown Edenton will be the place to kick off the weekend on Friday, September 18, as Friday Foods & Finds returns with food, music, friends and an opportunity to enjoy everything downtown has to offer.

The event begins at 4 p.m. at 325 S. Broad Street and brings together food trucks, live music and activities in a casual outdoor setting designed for the entire family.

Friday Foods & Finds offers residents and visitors an opportunity to grab something to eat, enjoy the entertainment and then spend some time exploring Edenton's downtown businesses.

The September gathering continues the community atmosphere that has made downtown events popular — neighbors catching up with one another, children enjoying activities and visitors discovering some of the shops, restaurants and businesses that make downtown Edenton special.

The event is presented with the support of Main Street Edenton, Visit Edenton and Surf, Wind and Fire, with the goal of bringing people downtown and encouraging them to spend the evening enjoying local businesses.

And with September bringing slightly cooler evenings, it should be a great time to gather with friends and enjoy downtown.

Friday Foods & Finds
Friday, September 18, 2026
Beginning at 4 p.m.
325 S. Broad Street, Edenton
Food Trucks • Music • Downtown Businesses

For vendor, food truck or volunteer information, contact Events@mainstreetedenton.com.

Historic Edenton Trivia more than just a thought

Test Your Knowledge of Historic Edenton

How well do you know Edenton’s fascinating history?

Friends of State Historic Sites–Edenton will host “Pour Me a Fact: Historic Edenton Trivia” on Thursday, September 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Edenton Bay Trading Company.

Gather a team, brush up on your local history and prepare for a fun evening of trivia, laughs and a little friendly competition. “Period dress” is encouraged, but certainly not required.

Admission is just $2 per person, with prizes awarded for first and second place as well as best team name.

Proceeds benefit the Historic Edenton State Historic Site. For more information, contact eventsfoshse@gmail.com or (703) 887-4476.

Edenton Farmers Market Gives Back with Community Pig Pickin’

The Edenton Farmers Market has always been about much more than buying fresh produce. It is about neighbors supporting neighbors, local farmers and artisans sharing what they produce, and volunteers giving their time to create a welcoming gathering place for the community.

On Saturday, September 19, that spirit of giving will be on full display when the Farmers Market hosts a free Community Pig Pickin’ during its regular Saturday market.

Under the leadership of Edenton Farmers Market President Mary Wolfe, volunteers and market vendors work throughout the season to keep the market thriving. For this special Saturday, many are going a step further, volunteering their time and bringing side dishes to accompany the pork being prepared by Lee’s Hill Top Farm.

Food will be served free to the community from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There is no charge for anyone who would like to stop by and enjoy a meal.

The Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with vendors offering the locally grown and produced goods shoppers have come to expect, including fresh produce, baked goods, seafood and artisan items.

Events such as the Community Pig Pickin’ demonstrate just how much Wolfe, the market’s volunteers and its vendors contribute to Edenton. Week after week, their efforts provide a place for local growers and makers to sell their products while creating a gathering spot where residents can visit with friends, meet their neighbors and support local businesses.

The special community meal is made possible with funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Edenton Farmers Market extends its appreciation to the sponsors, Lee's Hill Top Farm, participating vendors and the many volunteers whose generosity makes the day possible.

Come hungry, shop local and enjoy a Saturday with your neighbors — September 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edenton Farmers Market.

Make Sure to stop by to watch the progress of nature...

From Caterpillar to Butterfly at the Cupola House Nursery

There is a small miracle of nature taking place in the gardens of the Cupola House.

Each year, special nursery boxes are set up in the gardens to provide a safe place for caterpillars as they make one of nature’s most remarkable transformations—becoming butterflies. Caretaking this annual project are Jonny and Barbara Springfield, who diligently watch over the nursery boxes and their tiny residents as the transformation unfolds.

The butterfly life cycle begins when an adult butterfly lays its eggs on a host plant. From those eggs emerge larvae, better known as caterpillars, whose primary job is to eat and grow. When the caterpillar reaches the proper stage, it forms a chrysalis, or pupa. Inside, an extraordinary biological process called metamorphosis takes place as the caterpillar’s body is reorganized and develops into an adult butterfly. When the transformation is complete, the butterfly emerges, allows its wings to expand and dry, and eventually takes flight.

Providing a protected environment during these vulnerable stages can help shield caterpillars and chrysalises from predators and other dangers.

Butterflies are more than beautiful visitors to the garden. As they travel from flower to flower feeding on nectar, they can help with pollination, while both caterpillars and butterflies are important parts of the food web. Their presence can also be an indicator of a healthy habitat with the plants and resources needed to support wildlife.

Thanks to the watchful eyes of Jonny and Barbara, visitors to the Cupola House gardens have an opportunity to see nature at work—from a tiny caterpillar tucked safely inside its nursery to the moment a beautiful butterfly is ready to spread its wings. And perhaps the most magical moment comes at the end, when local children can gather in the gardens to watch the newly emerged butterflies be released and take their first flights into the Cupola House gardens. We will keep everyone informed as this transformation takes place to release the butterflies from the nurseries.

The Rivals of Amziah King...89 on Rotten Tomatoes

By Darryl Adachi

Until I committed myself to earnestly studying and memorizing the title of The Rivals of Amziah King, I kept referring to it simply as “the Matt McConaughey movie.” The title gives you no clue as to what the film is about. However, with the movie having been generally well reviewed—and boasting an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes—I was persuaded to check it out at the Taylor.

It’s difficult to get a handle on exactly what kind of movie The Rivals of Amziah King is. Is it a character study? A documentary about bees? A musical? A buddy movie? A heist caper? A revenge thriller? The film is unique, to say the least. It meanders through its first hour, setting up a story about a beekeeper/musician, his former foster daughter, and his musical band. The early part of the movie plays almost like a music video, featuring a lot of foot-stompin’ bluegrass songs performed by Amziah and his friends. From there, the movie moves into what seems more like a family drama, coupled with some good larnin’ about the secret life of bees. Mixed in with all of that are a couple of sequences that are, at the same time, funny and decidedly unpleasant—and, I might add, seemingly irrelevant to the rest of the film.

McConaughey plays Amziah King, an Oklahoma beekeeper who spends his days tending to his hives and his nights playing bluegrass music with his friends wherever they happen to gather—at a fast-food place, a church potluck dinner, or someone’s home. Amziah is the hub of his social circle, its spiritual anchor. It is while stopping at a local diner that Amziah becomes reacquainted with Kateri, played to great effect by newcomer Angelina LookingGlass. As a young girl, Kateri spent two years in foster care with Amziah and his then-wife. The two reconnect, and a bond begins to develop between them.

Amziah persuades Kateri to work with him on his bee farm, where she becomes his apprentice—and where she is subjected to various long-winded pontifications on bees, life, and other earthy and spiritual topics. McConaughey’s folksy preacher/philosopher persona also comes through as Amziah shares life lessons with friends who seem to hang on his every word. It is to McConaughey’s credit that his long-established laid-back personality allows him to credibly portray Amziah. His performance is one of the movie’s strong points.

One is not quite sure where the story is headed during the first half of the film. However, an episode involving the theft of Amziah’s colony of bees occurs at the end of the first hour and acts as a catalyst for the remainder of the film, completely altering its direction and driving it toward its finale. At this point, it becomes Kateri’s story, as the film takes on the qualities of a noirish revenge drama. LookingGlass gives a solid performance as the film evolves into a crime thriller, albeit not a particularly hard-boiled one, thanks to some implausible plot developments and an ending that seems somewhat rushed.

All that said, the audience that saw the film with me seemed, on the whole, satisfied with it. There were questions about the overall direction of the film, the need for certain sequences, and, not least of all, Kateri’s true character, which seems to take a complete about-face in the latter half of the movie. Viewers are asked to believe that Kateri can be excused for some of her highly questionable actions because she looks so angelic. It might be best to see the film without any preconceived expectations and simply let it slowly develop and take you to its conclusion. One family who attended my showing was watching the film for the third time. If that isn’t a recommendation, I wouldn’t know what is.

Making A difference in our community- The American Legion

A Thrift Shop Transformation That Supports Our Veterans

I was on a search for inexpensive glass vases to make a few arrangements for friends using flowers from my zinnia garden. I wanted vases they wouldn't have to worry about returning.

I hadn't been out to the old thrift store at 1370 North Broad Street since it closed well over a year ago. Frankly, I didn't even know it had reopened. It was a nice day, so I decided to drive over and see what I could find.

When I opened the door to the now Chowan Veterans Thrift Shop, I was amazed.

What happened to the old, cluttered and unorganized thrift store?

The transformation of this much-needed community business was undertaken by the American Legion. Edenton American Legion Post 40 Commander Ed Mathews took it upon himself to resurrect the former Habitat for Humanity.

I don't think I have ever seen a thrift shop more neatly organized. They even have seasonal end-cap displays. Everything was priced, items were arranged by category, and linens were labeled and neatly stacked on the shelves. Friendly and helpful volunteers, easily recognizable in their blue shirts, were throughout the store ready to answer questions and lend a hand.

What a wonderful surprise to see such organization along with local browsers, Trish Rand and Angela Sikes almost amazed as I was at the organized selection.

Somehow, all that "old stuff" had been transformed into cherished pieces simply waiting for a new home. I walked from aisle to aisle thinking about the tremendous amount of work that must have gone into creating such a clean, welcoming and well-organized shop.

But the best part of the story is where the money goes.

Funds raised through the Chowan Veterans Thrift Shop help support Chowan County veterans.

So, if you're like me and haven't visited the thrift shop in a long time, make it a point to stop by. You may be just as surprised as I was. You'll find a clean, organized shop and a pleasant group of volunteers ready to help you find that one thing you didn't even know you needed.

In my case, I walked out with a dozen clear glass vases, ready to be filled with pretty flowers from my garden.

My total cost? Eleven dollars.

Even better, I left knowing that the money I spent was helping support our local veterans.

That's a win-win for everyone — and a credit to the American Legion and the many volunteers who have given their time and energy to completely transform this community thrift shop.

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Weekend Event at the Cupola House

Edenton Counts Its Pollinators

Under semi-cloudy skies Saturday morning, local residents gathered in the Cupola House Gardens to take part in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, joining thousands of citizen scientists across the Southeast in counting the insects that help keep our gardens and environment healthy.

Master Gardeners from Chowan and Perquimans counties coordinated the Edenton event and assisted participants as they selected flowering plants, observed them for 15 minutes and recorded the bees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps and other insects that stopped by.

The annual census provides researchers with valuable information about pollinator populations and the plants and habitats that support them.

For younger participants, the morning included some hands-on fun. Children created colorful bees to take home for their gardens while learning about the important role pollinators play in nature.

Evan and Harper Williams, joined by their mom, Jill, learned how to make their own garden bees as part of the morning's activities.

Held in the historic Cupola House Gardens, the event offered a simple reminder that sometimes contributing to science is as easy as finding a flower, watching closely and taking the time to count what comes buzzing by.

Weather -Aug.28- Sept. 3

Historic Edenton, North Carolina

7-Day Weather Outlook

Historic Edenton, North Carolina

Weather Outlook — September 3–10, 2026

Thursday, September 3
☀️ Hot and humid
High: 97°F • Low: 76°F
A very hot start to the period. Mostly sunny conditions with dangerous afternoon heat. A Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m., and the heat index could reach roughly 106°.

Friday, September 4
🌤️⛈️ Very hot and humid; afternoon storm possible
High: 99°F • Low: 78°F
Potentially the hottest day of the period. Sunshine and clouds with a stray afternoon thunderstorm possible. The heat index may again become dangerous.

Saturday, September 5
⛈️ Warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms
High: 90°F • Low: 71°F
A cold front begins changing the weather pattern. Afternoon thunderstorms are likely, with locally heavy rain and gusty winds possible. The NWS currently puts the precipitation chance around 70%.

Sunday, September 6
🌤️ Turning cooler and less humid
High: 84°F • Low: 67°F
A dramatic improvement following Saturday's storms. Clouds give way to sunshine with noticeably lower humidity.

Monday, September 7 — Labor Day
☀️ Mostly sunny and pleasant
High: 82°F • Low: 64°F
Beautiful early-September weather. Sunshine, much lower humidity and a refreshingly cool night make this one of the week's best outdoor days.

Tuesday, September 8
🌤️ Sun and clouds, comfortable
High: 83°F • Low: 64°F
Another pleasant day with a mixture of sunshine and clouds and temperatures remaining in the lower 80s.

Wednesday, September 9
🌤️ Warmer with some high clouds
High: 90°F • Low: 70°F
Temperatures begin climbing again as warmer, more humid air returns.

Thursday, September 10
☀️ Very warm with sunshine and a few clouds
High: 92°F • Low: 70°F
Summer isn't finished yet. Mostly sunny skies accompany another return to the lower 90s.

Weekly Outlook Summary

This week's weather has a very clear storyline: extreme heat followed by a refreshing taste of early fall.

Thursday and Friday are exceptionally hot, with Friday potentially reaching 99 degrees. Saturday becomes the transition day as thunderstorms accompany a front moving through the area.

Behind that front comes a significant change. Sunday through Tuesday should feel dramatically better, with highs only in the lower to middle 80s and nighttime temperatures dipping into the mid-60s. Labor Day Monday currently looks especially nice.

The cooler break doesn't last indefinitely. Temperatures begin climbing Wednesday, with lower 90s possible again by Thursday.

Weekly Weather Headlines

🔥 Dangerous heat Thursday and Friday
🌡️ Friday could reach 99°
⛈️ Thunderstorms likely Saturday
🍃 Cooler, less humid air arrives Sunday
☀️ Beautiful Labor Day weather
🌙 Overnight lows could reach 64°
🌡️ 90-degree temperatures return late week

George & Alex Foundation, Live Your Dash, Raines' Army Set For Sept 19