ADACHI REVIEWS 'TONY' at the TAYLOR. A GREAT READ, BEFORE YOU SEE, REVIEW, click here

COASTAL STITCH BRINGS NEEDLEPOINT TO TOWN

1767 COURTHOUSE HOSTS NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

COASTAL STITCH GRAND OPENING, OCTOBER 2

While some are known to be spinning old yarn each morning at the Edenton Coffee Shop and beyond, a new yarn is taking shape at Coastal Stitch, a needlepoint shop soon to open in the recently renovated Elizabeth Wozelka House at 103 West Queen Street.

Coastal Stitch occupies the first floor of the historic property. Proprietor, Kelly Cross began Coastal Stitch as an online business in January. While online shopping offers convenience, selecting and matching needlepoint threads can be challenging through a screen. Many customers have trusted Kelly to choose and coordinate threads for their projects and ship to their homes.

For the past 15 years, Kelly has worked at ECU Health Chowan and Bertie Hospitals. She began her career as the Volunteer Services Manager, overseeing volunteers and the hospital gift shop, before transitioning into marketing and team member experience. Kelly’s passion for retail dates back to childhood so when she discovered needlepoint opening a shop felt like a natural fit.

“Currently, the nearest needlepoint shops are located in Williamsburg, Raleigh, and Wilmington”, said Kelly. “My goal is for Coastal Stitch to become a destination shop for stitchers throughout eastern North Carolina, particularly those east of I-95 and in the Outer Banks region.”

By opening a physical location in Edenton, customers will have the opportunity to see colors in person and feel confident that their projects will turn out exactly as envisioned. Kelly’s plan includes continuing to operate the online store, offer shipping nationwide, and provide convenient local pickup options.

“My love of stitching began in the 1980s when I learned cross-stitching alongside my mother. As life became busier with raising a family, I set the hobby aside,” said Kelly. “In 2024, my daughter introduced me to needlepoint and shared how much she enjoyed it. At that moment, I realized it was something I could do as well, and I have not looked back since.”

Coastal Stitch will offer classes beginner to advanced level classes along with monthly stitch clubs. Classes and clubs will be available during daytime and evening hours, as well as on weekends, to accommodate a variety of schedules.

“We are excited to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 2 at 5:00 p.m., followed by our grand opening on October 3 at 10:00 a.m. On October 2, we will also welcome our earliest supporters and loyal customers to a private appreciation event. During our grand opening day on October 3, the shop will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” said Kelly.

The turnout from locals has already impressed the new business owner.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support, encouragement, and well wishes from fellow downtown business owners and community members,” said Kelly. “I owe a special thank you to Joe and Stephanie Wach for their support throughout this journey.”

Coastal Stitch has also received enthusiastic feedback from needlepoint enthusiasts across the country who are excited to visit Edenton. Needlepoint stitchers are known for traveling near and far in search of a special canvas, unique threads, or simply to support a local shop owner.

“I am grateful to be part of both the wonderful Edenton community and the welcoming needlepoint community, and I look forward to serving stitchers from near and far for years to come,” said Kelly.

Regular business hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., select Sundays, and closed on Mondays

Why needlepoint now?

The Needlepoint boom can be directly associated with screen time. After hours spent looking at screens, many people are drawn to a hobby they can hold in their hands. Needlepoint offers a simple change of pace: choose a canvas, thread a needle and watch a design emerge one stitch at a time.

That appeal is drawing younger people to a craft long associated with older generations. Bright, modern designs and small projects make it easier to try, while stitching groups offer a chance to put down the phone and spend time together. Social media may introduce people to needlepoint, but the pleasure comes when the screen goes dark and the stitching begins

Naturalization Ceremony at Historic Courthouse...

...WELCOME

New American citizens took the Oath of Allegiance on Thursday, Sept. 17, in a courthouse that has stood since before the United States declared its independence.

The naturalization ceremony was held at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle administered the oath and later presented certificates to the new citizens, according to the event program.

The Albemarle Chorale performed the national anthem. Members of the John A. Holmes High School JROTC posted and retired the colors, while Beth Taylor, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution, offered welcoming remarks.

For those taking the oath, the ceremony marked the final step toward U.S. citizenship. For Edenton, its setting gave that moment a connection to the nation’s beginnings: The courthouse was already standing when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

The program closed with congratulations to the new citizens of the United States.

RAINES' ARMY FUNDRAISER

.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...

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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Town News

ADACHI RECOMMENDS 'TONY': Banderas could be nominated for real Oscar

By Darryl Adachi

Anthony Bourdain described his younger self as “spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless.” Indeed, in Tony, currently playing at the Taylor, the young college student Anthony Bourdain is depicted as all of these—so much so that for the first thirty minutes of the film, you keep asking yourself, “Why are you still here?” Young Anthony was, in short, a jerk—not that this should necessarily determine whether you stay for the entire length of a film. After all, there are antiheroes who lack traditional qualities such as moral courage or integrity but still manage to draw an audience’s sympathy and support. (Think no further than Timothée Chalamet’s role in Marty Supreme.)

That said, I, along with the rest of the moviegoing audience, decided to stay. After a somewhat slow start, the film picks up after Tony arrives in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the summer after his first year at Vassar. With no money, no place to stay and no friends, he has little choice but to take a dishwashing job at a local restaurant. Lazy, incompetent and disinterested at first, he plies his trade in exchange for a place to sleep, free meals and a few dollars a week.

About midway through the film, you begin to get a sense of where the story is headed as Tony observes his colorful co-workers in the kitchen. It turns out to be his initiation into the culinary world. Chief among them is Chef, played by Antonio Banderas in a commanding and quietly moving performance. Chef takes Tony under his wing and begins to mentor him. Unknown to Tony, who initially has little respect for him, Chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world’s premier culinary college, and was once on the Michelin track. (When Tony first hears this, he assumes Chef once worked for the Central Intelligence Agency.)

It is never revealed exactly how or why Chef ended up in Provincetown, working in a small, nondescript restaurant, other than that “it was his own.” Chef is not ashamed of where he is. He is thankful for the cards he has been dealt and believes that God is watching over him. You like him. Banderas lends considerable weight to the movie, and I personally think his performance is worthy of Oscar consideration.

A bond begins to grow between Chef and Tony as Tony is given responsibilities beyond dishwashing. In an effort to impress a girl he knows, Tony wants to learn how to prepare a special dish and enlists Chef to help him. It is in this sequence that we first see Tony at the very beginning of his culinary career.

An accident in the kitchen brings the evening to an abrupt end, and we see Chef distraught as his business is destroyed. It is here that Tony takes another turn in his life, looking to care for someone other than himself by launching an event that ultimately saves the restaurant.

This film could have been darker, given what awaited Anthony’s future. But by keeping the story centered on just one summer in his young life, the film leaves us, in a way, with hope for Tony. You find yourself happy for him and for the decision he makes to pursue the culinary arts as his life’s work. We see a Tony who has matured to some degree and is finally becoming honest with himself and with others.

Toward the end of the film, Chef suggests that Tony begin calling himself by the more adult name “Anthony.” The only person who calls Tony “Anthony” is his mother.

“Smart woman,” Chef says.

Dominic Sessa plays the role of young Anthony Bourdain and does an admirable job. This is only one of a few films in which he has appeared and his first leading role. Another noteworthy performance comes from Leo Woodall, who plays Tony’s unhinged kitchen mate and poor role model, Sal. Sal’s misjudged actions ultimately open the door for Tony to take on a larger role at the restaurant.

The film overall has received positive reviews, including a 95% score from Rotten Tomatoes. There are no monsters to fight or buildings to swing from in this movie, but Tony turns out to be every bit as satisfying a moviegoing experience as the blockbusters that preceded it this summer.

MORE TOWN NEWS

Chowan Senior Center Month

September is Senior Center Month, a fitting time to recognize the important role the Chowan Senior Center plays in keeping area seniors active, connected and engaged in their community.

Under the guidance of Chowan Senior Center Program Director & Coordinator Sandra Taylor and her staff, the center at 204 E. Church Street has become far more than a place to stop by for an occasional activity. A North Carolina Certified Senior Center of Excellence, its mission is to enhance the quality of life for senior adults — something reflected in a September calendar filled with opportunities for fitness, friendship, education, recreation and even adventure.

One of September’s particularly valuable additions is a beginner-friendly self-defense class designed for senior adults. Taught by Rommel Cortezano, classes are scheduled Sept. 11 and 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., as well as every Monday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. The program offers seniors an opportunity to learn practical personal-safety skills while also building confidence and remaining physically active.

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.

Kayaking Offers a Different View

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Edenton’s waterfront, but perhaps one of the best is from the seat of a kayak.

Visitors and locals don’t even need to own one. The Town of Edenton offers kayaks, canoes and paddleboards for rent at the harbor, providing an inexpensive and easy way to get out on the water and see Edenton from an entirely different perspective. The Town says the equipment is available daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

And the price makes it an outing almost anyone can enjoy. A single kayak rents for just $5 an hour, while a two-person kayak is $7. Canoes are $10 an hour and paddleboards $5. For those looking for a longer adventure, all-day and overnight canoe and kayak options are also available.

Launching from the waterfront puts paddlers alongside some of Edenton’s most familiar landmarks. From the water, the Roanoke River Lighthouse, historic waterfront and shoreline take on a completely different appearance. The Town Harbor specifically promotes the rentals as a way for people to explore both the harbor and neighboring creeks.

One of those waterways is Pembroke Creek, where another kayaking experience awaits.

Pembroke Creek Park, at 716 West Queen Street, includes a boardwalk and dedicated kayak and canoe launch and is open from dawn until dusk. The Pembroke Creek paddling trail winds through several miles of water bordered by mature trees and offers access toward Edenton Bay. It is rated for beginner/intermediate paddlers with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level.

Wednesday evenings have also become a chance for local kayakers to simply get together and enjoy the creek. Last Wednesday, paddlers in bright green kayaks could be seen making their way along Pembroke Creek, enjoying the quieter water, the scenery and one another’s company.

It is an easygoing reminder that kayaking doesn’t have to be a major expedition. Sometimes it is simply an opportunity to get outdoors with friends and spend an hour or two enjoying one of Edenton’s greatest natural assets.

We walk beside the water, dine overlooking it and photograph its sunsets.

Every once in a while, it’s worth picking up a paddle and actually getting out on it.

COASTAL STITCH BRINGS NEEDLEPOINT TO TOWN

1767 COURTHOUSE HOSTS NATURALIZATION CEREMONY