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School District Convocation Celebrates New Beginnings
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Edenton-Chowan Schools Kick Off New Year with Convocation
School, Home, Community Shape New Year
If the spirit inside the Edenton-Chowan Public Schools Convocation Friday, Aug. 14, was any indication, the district is ready for the new school year.
The 2026-27 Convocation welcomed teachers, administrators and support staff for a spirited gathering that was part pep rally, part recognition ceremony and part reminder of the important connection between schools and the community.
Superintendent Tammi Ward introduced this year’s theme: “School, Home, Community.”
The message was simple: all three must work together to give students the best opportunity to succeed.
“Students should never have to choose between the community that shaped them and their dreams,” the presentation emphasized. “We believe they can do both.”
The morning began with breakfast provided by the Rocky Hock Baptist Men, followed by a welcome from the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education and an invocation by Board of Education member Sharronne Battle. The John A. Holmes JROTC presented the colors. Tracy White recognized schools, special guests and new members of the ECPS team.
Representing the “School” portion of the program was Jonathan Spears, a 2024 graduate of John A. Holmes High School. Spears spoke about the teachers who influenced and encouraged him and helped shape his decision to pursue a career in accounting. Now entering his third year of college, he thanked several former teachers by name for the difference they made in his life.
The “Home” portion offered a parent’s perspective. Sara Del Carmen Gonzalez Preciado spoke about the importance of keeping parents informed about their children’s progress, particularly families who are still learning English. She shared some of the challenges she has overcome and emphasized the value of educators taking the time to explain a child’s progress and successes and to encourage parents along the way.
The “Community” portion brought local organizations into the conversation, with Susan Creed representing the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce and Brooke Rich representing the Edenton-Chowan Education Foundation. Their participation reinforced the day’s central message that educating young people extends beyond the classroom and depends upon partnerships throughout Chowan County.
There was plenty of fun mixed in with the message. Staff members competed in games and challenges, including a lively “Rock, Paper, Scissors” competition that brought participants to their feet as the field narrowed to the final winner.
The remainder of the convocation included recognition of ECPS employees through the district’s annual “Of the Year” awards, including teachers, principals, support staff and other outstanding employees. Ward also presented the district’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, followed by a Global Ready Teacher spotlight, closing activities and convocation trivia.
It was a high-energy start to a new school year — and a reminder that while teachers and students will soon return to their classrooms, education remains a partnership between school, home and community.
Annual lighthouse day brings visitors to edenton
Lighthouse Day Shines in Edenton
National Lighthouse Day was celebrated across Eastern North Carolina on Saturday, August 8, and Edenton’s historic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse welcomed more than 250 visitors for a rare opportunity to explore all three levels of this treasured waterfront landmark.
Local State Historic Site docents guided guests through the lighthouse, sharing stories about the lighthouse keepers and their families and what daily life was like while living and working above the waters of the Albemarle Sound.
Built in 1886 and placed into service in 1887, the Roanoke River Lighthouse originally stood in the Albemarle Sound near the mouth of the Roanoke River. Its light helped guide ships navigating from the Sound into the river during an era when waterways were vital transportation and commercial routes for Eastern North Carolina. The lighthouse served mariners until it was decommissioned in 1941.
The lighthouse is particularly significant because it is the only known surviving screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina. Its unusual two-story design was supported above the water on iron piles screwed into the bottom of the Sound, and its fourth-order Fresnel lens provided the beacon that helped sailors safely find their way.
After being moved to shore and spending decades as a private residence, the lighthouse was eventually brought across the Sound to Edenton and painstakingly restored. Today, standing proudly along Edenton’s waterfront, the nearly 140-year-old lighthouse continues its mission in a different way—not guiding ships, but helping visitors discover an important chapter of North Carolina’s maritime history.
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.
Edenton Welcomes Dog Eared Books to South Broad Street
Dog Eared Books Brings the Independent Bookstore Experience to Edenton
Edenton readers have a new place to browse, discover and talk about books with the arrival of Dog Eared Books, an independent bookstore bringing 11 years of bookselling experience to town.
Owners Carrie and Nick brought Dog Eared Books to Edenton after operating the shop for 11 years in Palmyra, New York, just outside Rochester. Carrie, an avid reader who had already spent 15 years working in the library industry, decided it was time to turn her love and knowledge of books into a business.
It wasn't necessarily the easiest time to open an independent bookstore.
“When we opened in 2015, bookstores were failing at an astronomical rate,” Carrie recalled.
Dog Eared Books survived and developed a loyal following, in part by learning what its customers wanted to read — something Carrie now looks forward to doing all over again in Edenton.
“I know what the people of Palmyra want to buy,” she said. “It's going to be a learning curve to see what the people of Edenton want to buy.”
Fiction is a particular favorite, and the shelves include mystery, fantasy, historical fiction and today's popular genres, along with nonfiction, history and other selections. New books arrive almost daily, and the inventory will continue to evolve based on what Edenton readers are buying and requesting.
The store also carries used books, most of which initially made the trip south from customers in Palmyra. Dog Eared Books purchases used books from customers for cash or offers a larger amount in store credit, giving readers an opportunity to trade a finished book toward their next read.
“We like our used-book experience to feel like the new-book experience,” Carrie explained. “If you can't afford a new book, you can still get a great book at a reasonable price.”
That philosophy extends to young readers. Dog Eared Books carries everything from board books for the youngest children through chapter books and young-adult titles, with used children's books priced at no more than $3.
The bookstore is very much a family affair. Nick helps with the business, while Carrie's mother, Jane, also lends a hand. Jane lives conveniently in the apartment directly above the bookstore, making it easy for her to help when needed.
The shop is already becoming part of Edenton's reading community. The Edenton Book Club is purchasing its selections through Dog Eared Books, and local authors are welcome as well. The store has space devoted to their work, and authors whose books meet the store's guidelines can submit them for consideration through a form on the Dog Eared Books website. The store purchases accepted books rather than taking them on consignment, with the possibility of author signings in the future.
For Edenton, the arrival of Dog Eared Books also represents something increasingly valued by readers: the experience of a true neighborhood bookstore. Independent booksellers offer something an online search can't easily duplicate — a person who listens when you say what you enjoyed last time and can walk you over to a shelf and suggest what you might love next. Small bookstores can become gathering places where readers exchange ideas, children discover the pleasure of choosing their own books and local authors find a place on the shelf.
So far, Carrie and her family are enjoying their new hometown.
“Love the town,” she said. “The people are so welcoming. You have everything here — the weather, the architecture, the water, all these great little shops and the museums.”
And then there is another Edenton attraction they've been diligently exploring.
“The food,” Carrie added. “We're eating our way through one restaurant at a time.”
Dog Eared Books is currently open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hours may evolve as Carrie and Nick learn the rhythms — and reading habits — of their new hometown. Located at 419 South Broad Street, Edenton
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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...
‘Sippin’ Celebrating the Simple Life on Albemarle Sound
Visiting the Edenton’s farmers market over the summer months I noticed that Market President Mary Wolfe has added a number of interesting produce, meat and artisan vendors. On last week's shopping I met Tina Bradner and Pam Jones who are two sisters from Virginia Beach that have already shared life’s greatest adventures together. They were lucky enough to marry their best friends, raise families, and create a lifetime of memories along the way. These days they are proud empty nesters and some of their favorite people call them GiGi. When it came time to dream about the next chapter of life, they found themselves drawn to the charm of Edenton. Like many folks for Virginia decided to make the move to the Albemarle sound.
“We decided to build homes side by side on the Albemarle Sound, never realizing how much that decision would change us,” said Tina. “The moment we settled in, we fell completely in love with life on the sound.”
What started out as simple evenings with friends became something bigger.
“We realized that the feelings we experienced here , the laughter, the friendships, the sunsets, and the easy-going coastal lifestyle, was something we wanted to share with others,” said Pam. “We love the historic town of Edenton and the Sound. We wanted to create something people could take home as a reminder of the memories they made while here in Edenton. That is how Sippin’ on the Sound was born.”
Sippin’ on the Sound sells fun, casual lifestyle T-Shirts, Koozies, Poly Outdoor Coastal Décor. They plan to add hats and drink-ware. Currently they have a booth at Edenton Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am – 1pm. They are also at other special events throughout the year in Edenton. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook: “Sippin on the Sound”
“More than a brand, Sippin’ on the Sound is a way of life. It is slowing down, gathering with friends, watching the water, and sharing stories,” said Tina. “It is celebrating the simple moments that become the best memories. So whether you are sitting on a dock, cruising the water, or relaxing on your porch you are part of Sippin’ on the Sound’s Sandbar Social Club.
Weather -Aug.14- Aug. 20
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
Historic Edenton, North Carolina
7-Day Weather Outlook — August 14–20, 2026
Friday, August 14
🌤️⛈️ Hot and humid; afternoon thunderstorm
High: 96°F • Low: 77°F
A very hot start to the weekend. Sunshine and clouds give way to a possible afternoon thunderstorm.
Saturday, August 15
🌤️⛈️ Partly sunny, humid; thunderstorm possible
High: 88°F • Low: 75°F
Not quite as hot, but humidity remains high with a thunderstorm possible.
Sunday, August 16
☁️ Mostly cloudy and humid
High: 90°F • Low: 78°F
A muggy summer day with considerable cloud cover.
Monday, August 17
☀️⛈️ Very hot and humid; afternoon storm possible
High: 98°F • Low: 76°F
The week's hottest day. Sunshine pushes temperatures toward the upper 90s before a possible afternoon thunderstorm.
Tuesday, August 18
🌤️⛈️ Sun and clouds; isolated afternoon storm
High: 90°F • Low: 74°F
Still humid, but temperatures ease considerably from Monday's heat.
Wednesday, August 19
🌤️ Partly sunny and humid
High: 87°F • Low: 72°F
One of the more comfortable afternoons of the week, although humidity remains.
Thursday, August 20
🌦️⛈️ Showers and afternoon thunderstorms
High: 91°F • Low: 76°F
Morning showers may give way to scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon.
Edenton, Chowan County
Hot and humid with intervals of clouds and sunshine; a thunderstorm this afternoon; caution advised if outside for extended
Weekly Outlook Summary
Heat and humidity remain the big weather story in Edenton. Friday starts hot near 96 degrees before temperatures ease somewhat over the weekend. The heat surges again Monday, when the current forecast calls for a high around 98°F.
Scattered thunderstorms accompany the heat on several days, but this does not look like a week-long washout. Wednesday currently offers the most comfortable combination, with a high in the upper 80s, before shower and thunderstorm chances increase again Thursday.
For outdoor activities, the morning hours remain the better bet, particularly on Friday and Monday when afternoon heat becomes more significant.
Weekly Weather Headlines
- 🔥 Hot Friday — near 96°
- ⛈️ Weekend thunderstorm chances
- 🌡️ Monday could reach 98°
- 🌤️ More comfortable Wednesday
- 🌦️ Storm chances increase Thursday
Edenton Tea Party DAR Gathers for Late Summer Social
PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR HACKNEY HIGH
PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF BETH SKINNER TAYLOR
WHEREAS, the Town of Edenton has long been distinguished by the leadership, service, and dedication of the women of our community; and
WHEREAS, the storied history of female leadership in Edenton began on October 25, 1774, with the Edenton Tea Party, led by Penelope Barker and joined by fifty other courageous women, marking the first political protest organized by women in America; and
WHEREAS, the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was named in honor of this historic event; and
WHEREAS, Beth Skinner Taylor has continued this proud tradition of female leadership and has devoted her life to serving her community, her state, and the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and
WHEREAS, since 2014, Beth Skinner Taylor has worked tirelessly to honor the Vietnam veterans of Chowan County, and in 2019, she led the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the DAR in participating in the Wreaths Across America program; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, Beth Skinner Taylor received the Outstanding State DAR Member Award in recognition of her exceptional efforts to honor and thank Vietnam War veterans; and
WHEREAS, for more than twenty-five years, Beth Skinner Taylor, along with countless others, has helped organize the annual Independence Day Celebration at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse in Edenton, a celebration that has received numerous first-place awards for outstanding Independence Day celebrations in the nation; and
WHEREAS, in 2026, Beth Skinner Taylor was selected as a recipient of the national DAR “Women in History” award, recognizing women who have made significant contributions to their communities, their states, and their nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, W. Hackney High, Mayor of the Town of Edenton, do hereby proclaim and declare August 10, 2026, as
BETH SKINNER TAYLOR DAY
in the Town of Edenton, and ask all citizens to join me in honoring and celebrating Beth Skinner Taylor for her selfless dedication, extraordinary service, and enduring commitment to the betterment of our community, our state, and our nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the Town of Edenton this 10th day of August, 2026.
A TEA PARTY GATHERING
Members of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered Monday evening for their late summer social at Edenton Bay Trading Company. Around 40 people attended the event, including several members’ husbands, who were welcomed by Chapter President Bonnie Henn.
Five new members were presented with their DAR pins during orientation and introduced to fellow members. Pictured above, from left, are Rebecca Soule, Marcella Camic, Brittany Underwood, Cheryl Orr and Sheila Lane Shelton.
A special part of the evening’s program was a tribute to longtime DAR member Beth Taylor. Edenton Mayor Hackney High presented Taylor with a proclamation recognizing her leadership, her work on behalf of veterans and her 27 years of service chairing the DAR’s annual July 4th ceremony and Reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Karen Foley, publisher of the Edenton Social Light, also recognized Taylor’s years of service by presenting her with a photo book commemorating Edenton’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. The historic celebration marked Taylor’s final year chairing the annual ceremony. Foley also presented her with a framed photograph of Taylor surrounded by her family during the celebration.
Founded in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer service organization dedicated to three primary objectives: historic preservation, education and patriotism.
For the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, the evening offered an opportunity to welcome new members while honoring a longtime member whose decades of service have helped carry those ideals forward in the community.
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