Sophie Parks Captures Waterman's
WHITFIELD CAPTURES BEST OF SHOW AT ANNUAL GFWC ARTS FESTIVAL MEETING
REGISTER FOR OUR VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST

REGISTER FOR OUR VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY CONTEST

The GFWC-NC District 9 Gathers
While wind whipped through Edenton Bay on Saturday chilling the air to Arctic temperatures the warmth of artwork and the importance of it to a community was on display and warmed the United Methodist Church’s Family Center as representatives from the six regional chapters of GFWC-NC District 9 held their Arts Festival Meeting. The meeting was also a tribute to area art students.
Woman’s Club members contribute art supplies to the schools to assist students with the tools needed for their creative talents. Local, state and national budget restraints have been reduced to the p[point a crayon is costly. The clubs support student’s art with the annual anxiously anticipated event. Students art judged on a number of categories from each of the regions and awarded 1st and 2nd place ribbons. Both middle and high school students participated from each region.
District 9 President Faye Perry offered welcoming remarks followed by remarks Edenton Woman’s Club club President Mary Ervin.
Clubs from as far away as Ahoskie were represented and members from Camden, Elizabeth City, Outer Banks and Roanoke Island Clubs attended the event.
Renowned Edenton artist Julia Townsend Co-Founder of The Peanut Factory spoke on the importance art plays not only in our personal lives, but also in education along with the influence art has on a community.
Following Townsend’s talk, attendees enjoyed lunch before Arts and Culture Chair Beverly Parker and Roanoke Island Woman’s Club President Mary Pendill announced the festival art awards.
The judges for the show were Debbie Boyle, Patrick Dablow and Robin Sams.
This year’s Best of Show Winner was Ja ‘Cee Whitfield for a pen and ink self portrait.

Relief is here for individuals with chronic pain or just want to feel better.
Penny Asby has been a Massage Therapist since 1968. She is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist and has opened ‘The Healing Nest’ at 607 West Queen Street, Edenton adjacent to the Kuttin-Up Hair Salon. She previously owned a spa in Greenville, NC.. In 2007 she became a traveling nurse, a role she still holds today.
“While nursing has allowed me to care for people in critical moments,” said Penny. “I missed the hands-on, preventative and holistic healing that massage therapy provides. The Healing Nest has allowed me to combine both worlds, clinical knowledge and therapeutic bodywork.”
Penny’s goal is to help people feel better before they reach burnout, injury, or chronic pain. Edenton is fortunate to have a number of massage therapists. The Healing Nest focuses on specialized modalities and therapeutic niches tailored to individuals needs, according to Asby. One client who wished to remain anonymous said “Penny has truly healing hands. She is a skilled professional, listens to my body and knows just where I need work. Every visit is magical and transformative!”
The Healing Nest Focus:
“As a nurse, I see firsthand how stress, poor circulation, inflammation, and untreated pain affect long-term health,” said Penny. “Massage is not a luxury — it is a vital form of self-care and preventative wellness, especially for caregivers, parents, workers on their feet all day, and anyone carrying chronic stress.”
Penny also offers chair messages at her spa or special events. Gift Certificates are available and make a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.
Appointments are By Appointment Only with flexible hours.
Bookings can be made online at thehealingnest.square.site or by calling/texting 252-217-6483. Facebook at The Healing Nest – Edenton NC.

Valentine’s Day Giveaway
Official Rules
✉ How to Enter
Subscribe to EdentonSocialLight.com during the contest period.
Each valid email subscription counts as one entry.
No purchase necessary.
🎁 The Prize
One (1) complimentary 30-minute massage session
provided by Penny Asby of Healing Nest,
Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist.
Prize is non-transferable and has no cash value.
📅 Contest Dates
Entries will be accepted now through 5 p.m. February 13.
Entries received after the closing date are not eligible.
★ Winner Selection
Before the contest begins, the massage therapist will select a pre-determined number.
Subscription emails are received in order and forwarded to the therapist.
The entry matching the selected number will be declared the winner.
✉ Winner Notification
The winner will be notified by email.
If no response is received within 72 hours, another entry may be selected.
🔒 Privacy
Email addresses are used only for Edenton Social Light subscriptions
and for Healing Nest, only.
Information will not be sold or shared.
✔ Acceptance of Rules
Participation constitutes acceptance of these official rules.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner….on South Broad Street.
Stores are filled with creative gift ideas for the special person in your life…
The store windows are decorated expressing LOVE but the streets have been quiet due to the weather. Let's bundle up and take a walk down S. Broad Street. Stop into the stores to warm up on great seasonal items and find that special Valentine's Day gift.
The merchants are open and their stores are filled with gifts selected for your favorite Valentine....you may even find some very good buys on winter wear.
Here’s a few suggestions from the S.Broad St. merchants.
The Style Shop- Novelty sweaters sure to please…don’t forget the great sale rack
Edenton Tea Company- Teas and tea cups including gifts ready to go.
Surf, Wind & Fire- Sportswear will say "I love you" also enjoy great saving on winter wear
Simply Stated- Fashionable sweatshirts say it all-you'll love the sale rack savings
Bryum’s Gifts- New wallet for mom or some serving pieces she'll love, or possibly she'll finally get that new bike...
Polka Dot Palm-Wonderful home accessories and a new woman’s clothing line
Still Life-Lots of jewelry and a fashionable wrap- perfect for all year long wear. Don't forget the chocolate and caramel sauces
North No. 4- The most adorable rabbits you could ever love
Christian Book Store-Lots of wonderful gifts for the entire family
Downtown Diva- Nothing tops a red dress for Valentine's Day - Diva has a great selection
Coastal Thread - Great items for both him and her- and then,
Stop in and get a coffee at Kraken Coffee House next store

Clerk to the County Board, Susan Stallings administered the Oath of Office to Timmy Turner and Karen Churman as new Tourist Development Authority board members last week. Timmy is the Events Coordinator for Main Street Edenton and Karen is the new manager at the Hampton Inn. The ceremony took place prior to the January TDA Board meeting. The TDA is also known as ‘Visit Edenton’ and works closely with Main Street Edenton in coordinating activities and promoting Edenton/Chowan county.

Our February issue focuses on features around town and the stories reaching far beyond. It will be available in Edenton on Saturday. However, if you send us your email we'll put you on the exclusive online edition list. Enjoy...

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Snowy days
It looks like winter is upon us in Edenton. Some may hate that fluffy white stuff but for others it brings joy. Kids and dogs frolicked in the snow this weekend, taking advantage of the opportunity that Edenton seldom experiences. Moms drag out the boots and warm jackets as kids eagerly await making snow men and snow angels.
For most of us, it’s a welcome time to catch up on things at home or enjoy finishing that favorite book that has sat idle far too long. Snowy days are the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of the many historical books available at the Barker House. The selection ranges from stories on Edenton’s American History, antique furniture, the Cupola House, North Carolina’s history during the Revolutionary war and favorites on the life of Harriet Jacobs. They also have a wonderful selection of children’s books for those little ones that would prefer to stay indoors.

Edenton is gaining notoriety across the country for its historic preservation efforts. Much has been written about the historical figures and buildings throughout Edenton as the first Colonial Capital from 1722 until 1743. One such individual is resident Michael L. Marshall who is an avid researcher and writer about local history, the decorative arts and material culture of the northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
“I have published some 15 paper since 2014 on the website of the Edenton Historical Commission under their Decorative Arts link,” said Michael.
After retiring from full time work in 2005, Michael found time for his real love: genealogy and history research. He is the author of four published books on the history of his hometown of Kernersville, North Carolina. Over the years, he has also served on the a number of historical and preservation societies.
“I have now launched my own website for publication called Edenton Journal of Material Culture" said Michael. “I'll be publishing my work on the site and I expect other authors will do so as well. I currently have four papers online that deal with Edenton-related history.”
The next four pieces he will be posting will cover the three earliest owners of Hayes, before Samuel Johnston bought it in 1765. One of those owners is the one that actually gave the plantation the name Hayes and the story will detail how that came about.
More on Micheals L. Marshall in the spring print issue of Edenton Social Light.

Down East Preservation (DEP) owner Dawson Tyler and DEP interior designer Bailey Young presented an updated overview of the progress being made at the Hinton Hotel on East King Street at the January Town Council meeting.
“The target date for starting construction is July, 2026,” said Dawson during the presentation.He presented a positive message that strong progress continues to be made on the project. Bailey presented a number of slides that illustrated room designs. The hotel was built in 1926 during the DECO design period which the hotel will accurately reflect.
“As a nod to Edenton and Down East Preservation's historic preservation efforts we decided to take the hotel back to the 1920s styles", said Bailey. “In the 1920s, there was an increase of geometric shapes, rich colors, decorative motifs, and functional furniture styles with an emphasis on craftsmanship. Each room will showcase these unique qualities, expressed through a distinct design tailored to its layout.”
The DEP team will continue to give updates quarterly to the Town Council as the project evolves. Construction is estimated at 12 to 18 months.
The cold weather is upon us and as we look towards spring, Russell James claims the freeze is here for another 10 days. While we are all experiencing the chill, dogs, cats, and other pets also react adversely to cold. Don't forget about them. Hree are a few tips on keeping your pets comfortable during these ice forming days.
1).Bring them indoors: Dogs who are kept outdoors and “outdoor cats”—like those featured in Breaking the Chain a documentary produced by Oscar winner Anjelica Huston—often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Animals who are left outdoors in the cold can suffer from frostbite and exposure, and dogs who are kept tethered can become tangled and die when they’re unable to reach food, water, or shelter.
2). Gear up: Coats will keep dogs comfortable in cold weather (just be sure to remove wet jackets the moment dogs return home), secure harnesses can help prevent them from getting loose on walks, and booties will protect their sensitive paw pads from the frozen ground. Keep walks short in cold weather, especially for shorthaired dogs.
3). Don’t forget birds: During extreme winter weather, provide birds and other wild animals with access to an emergency water supply by filling a heavy nonmetal water bowl (tongues can freeze to metal) and breaking the surface ice at least twice a day.
4). Don't forget the walkers- After a long walk make sure to bring those wonderful companions home, feed them, make sure they have plenty of water, turn the heat up and walk down to Waterman's, The Herringbone or Carrozza and enjoy a warm meal and a drink, pets are a lot of enjoyable work. The rewards come in many forms.

📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday Feb 6 — Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Friday
☁️ Cloudy, chance of snow early
High: ~40–41°F • Low:~27–28°F
Light snow possible early, then lingering clouds.
Saturday
❄️ Snow likely, cold and blustery
High: ~32–34°F • Low:~18–20°F
Periods of snow with gusty winds; sharply colder.
Sunday
🌤️ Partly sunny, very cold
High: ~29–31°F • Low:~16–18°F
Clearing skies but persistent cold.
Monday
☀️ Sunny and cold
High: ~38–41°F • Low:~25–28°F
Bright sunshine with below-average temperatures.
Tuesday
☁️ Mostly cloudy with rain chance
High: ~42–44°F • Low:~29–31°F
Clouds thicken; light rain possible later.
Wednesday
🌧️ Chance of rain, chilly
High: ~43–45°F • Low:~31–33°F
On-and-off rain with continued cool conditions.
Thursday
🌤️ Partly sunny and chilly
High: ~41–43°F • Low:~28–30°F
Drying out with filtered sunshine.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
A wintry start to the weekcontinues across Edenton, with snow chances early Friday into Saturday, followed by a dry but very cold weekend. Sunday and Monday bring sunshine, though temperatures remain well below seasonal norms, especially overnight.
Clouds increase by mid-week as rain chances return Tuesday into Wednesday, but temperatures hold mostly in the upper 30s to low 40s. The week ends cool and partly sunny, with no significant warm-up expected.



We had a quick taste of it on Saturday. It really is closer than we think.
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The Edenton Social Light uncovers good news and highlights various events throughout town on a regular basis. Our print issue is published five times yearly. Send us your email and we will send you Good News, not for a change, but regularly. Also, don't hesitate to end us tips on your organization or event. We love covering good news.
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