BAKER LEADING STEAMERS
Although Lauren Baker lived across the Chowan River in Askewville as a young girl she grew up watching the Edenton Steamers. Baker loved playing sports as a child. Sports was something that Lauren claimed “came naturally to her” and softball became her game of choice in college.
Lauren’s love of the game and her overall knowledge of the sport was one of her strongest traits.
When Lauren had the opportunity to volunteer last season and become fully involved with the Steamers she took a swing at the chance and connected on a home run career. When the Steamers were searching for a new General Manager they didn’t need to look far, Lauren was already on the bench and will lead the Steamers as their new, female GM, into the 2025 season.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to lead the Steamers and for the community”, said Baker. “Edenton is such a great place to become involved. Our community stays engaged throughout the year which makes it so special to be a part of.”
Baker didn’t just raise her hand and get the job. As a Columbia International University Alumna with a degree in Sports Management along with a successful college softball career her qualifications are stellar.
Being a female in sports taught Baker about leadership and has helped her grow her career in sports management.
“It has shaped me into who I am today,” said Baker. “As sports is evolving so are females in leadership roles in the industry.” Baker hopes to inspire the next generation of women to ‘get in the game’. She maintains a very positive attitude towards the game and points out the ‘nay sayers’ about women in key management positions in national sports is easing.
She became a standout athlete for the CIU Rams, earning the 2023 Deb Thompson Award for her competitive excellence and selfless service. Senior year, Lauren posted a .402 batting average, helped her team to a runner-up finish at the NCCAA Softball World Series and was named to the All-Tournament team.
Lauren’s attitude and dedication towards the game, the players and overall success of the team, drives her to succeed.
When asked if she has visions of going to the Major Leagues, Lauren sits back, smiles and claims to be concentrating on home runs for Edenton.
FOR REGULAR SPORTING UPDATES
RE ENACTING THE SIGNING OF THE RESOLUTE
WOMENS CLUB EXCITED ABOUT ENTRIES
The muralization of Edenton over the past two summers and the quality of the work turning brick into historic canvas has been one of town’s most applauded artistic accomplishments. The murals and artists creating them proved to be the highlight of local sidewalk chatter from visitors and locals. Afternoon walks were suddenly filled with daily artistic surprises around a few corners.
This March, Edenton and the stunning murals may well be the talk of the state thanks to the recent efforts of the GFWC Edenton’s Women’s Club.
Earlier in the month you may have noticed a group of women dressed in ruffled gowns, hand knitted shawls, and delightful dresses signifying Edenton’s rich history.
The women’s club group proceeded to stroll down Broad St. on their way to the mural gracing Surf, Wind and Fire’s King St. wall and then proceeded to the Chowan Arts Council building to pose in front of the Tea Pot mural and finally, to the Creswell building for the third photo shoot of the day under the Resolute mural.
The staged photo shoots are part of the local women’s club initiative to participate in the NC GFWC Annual State Arts Fair mural contest, which is held in March.
Murals that highlight the local culture and display pride in their town’s history and traditions, as well as showcase local celebrities or figures prominent in the historical legacy of the community could be submitted in the contest. The Edenton’s Women’s Club has submitted the three accompanying photos for consideration in the contest. The winners will be announced on March 22, 2025.
Matt Lively designed and created Edenton’s first public mural located on the side of the Chowan Arts Council building. The famed tea pot took center stage along with Lively’s personal touch of his renowned Beecycles. Lively then went on to create the interactive Bass catching mural, depicting Edenton’s waterfront on the Surf, Wind and fire building The larger than life mural project was designed to highlight local flora and fauna, and includes an interactive photo for anglers to “catch” a nine foot tall bass.
Max Dowdle was commissioned to create Edenton’s third mural celebrating the historic 250 Year Tea Party Celebration. The mural was created on the side wall of the Creswell Furniture store building on Broad Street.
“The Town of Edenton and Chowan Arts Council is thrilled to have had yet more amazing talent to complete Edenton’s third mural project. Max brought a huge part of Edenton’s history alive through his skill, brilliant colors, and the message of remembering the 51 brave women who signed legislature in 1774, creating the Edenton Tea Party. We are grateful to add him to the public art family here in Edenton,” said Chowan Art Council Director Meredith Timberlake,
Dowdle worked closely with community leaders in interpreting the 250 year Tea Party messaging. The goal of the mural was to remind both locals and visitors of the important significance this historic event created in Edenton 250 years ago.
“I am passionate about creative placemaking, which involves using art and design to revitalize public spaces and create more vibrant and inclusive communities. I believe that public art has the power to transform ordinary spaces into something extraordinary, to spark conversation and encourage reflection, and to bring people together in new and unexpected ways,” said the artist.
The murals will be judged at the State Arts Fair in March.
Make sure to pick up the print edition of Edenton Social Light in February at area retailers...
CAMERAS, STEEPLE, RAISED, JAWS DROPPED IN AWE
Edenton's love of history and its citizen's constant move forward to preserve that history was apparent at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Friday, April 4 as the town hosted a practice known to the past. The steeple was raised on the historic Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church. The attendees of the gathering were offered an inside tour of the historic house of worship now under renovation. A group of preservation students from Clemson University enjoyed the tour and the steeple raising event.
State Representative and native son Ed Goodwin was on hand to see a project that is dear to his heart. Goodwin was joined by the artisan craftsmen bringing the project to life, led by Down East Preservation.
Events You May Have Missed
CAC Framing the Senior Arts Competition
Many people don’t realize they have any artistic ability at all until they retire or become seniors. An abundance of free time could be be attributed to the increase older Americans play in the arts.
There is a growing trend within the senior population across the country to become more artistic. Seniors previously considered non artists, are engaging in artistic expression and finding they are award winning artists while rediscovering artistic activities fueling a desire to be creative. With additional free time and a focus on maintaining a cognitive well-being, older Americans are finding fulfilling ways to connect with themselves though a variety of media.
The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services sponsors the NC Senior Games including a SeniorArts competition category.
The Chowan Senior Center had over 65 members competing across Eastern NC in the senior games this year including SilverArts program participation. The Senior Arts competition was added in 1991 and has become a major component added to the traditional athletic competition.
To celebrate the local senior competitors, the Chowan Art Council (CAC) in conjunction with the Albemarle Commission on Aging presented Art from nine Senior Centers in Eastern NC. The show premiered at the CAC on May 18 and ran though the end of the month.
SilverArts Competition saw entries in fiber art, digital art, mixed media and photography in both digital and film. Over 70 pieces from seniors in Chowan County and other counties across ENC were judged and awarded medals for their art.
Edenton DAR hosts Raleigh Chapter
It’s been a busy season for the local Edenton Tea Party Chapter, NSDAR. The organization recently gatheredto honor the many individuals who contribute their time and talents to community historic efforts, including an award to Tom Woods, just days before his passing. The award was for the Wood’s portrayal as costumed interpretors as the Blount’s of Mulberry Hill, signers of the Edenton resolves.
Last week, the Edenton chapter hosted the Samuel Johnston Chapter of Raleigh. Edenton Historic Commission Executive Director Robert Leath offered a tour of Hayes Farm. The group also toured the Barker House, the Cupola House and enjoyed a tour of town on the trolley. They ended the day with meet at greet at the home of Ann Rowe.
The photos of the Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church were taken this week. Progress has been noticeable over the past weeks as the Spire is being completed.
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EDENTON CHOWAN CHAMBER WELCOMES TRACTOR SUPPLY CO.
TRACTOR SUPPLY GRAND OPENING RIBBON CUTTING ATTRACTS LOCALS, VENDORS, PETS
The Edenton Chowan Chamber of Commerce held a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Chowan County's newest business, Tractor Supply Co. on Saturday. County and town officials along with anxious shoppers watched the ceremony. County Commission Chair Bob Kirby may have described it best. "This is a boy's boutique," Kirby said in Welcoming Tractor Supply Co. to Chowan County. Edenton Town Councilmen Bob Turner and Aaron Coston were joined by Town Manager Corey Gooden in welcoming the Tractor Supply team. Recentlyh the company interviewed over 100 applicants and filled 22 positions at the store. The parking lot was alive with patrons anxious to tour the inside of the new store, vendors offering drinks, snacks and deals, along with many pets enjoying the activity.
OFFICIALS GATHER
EDENTON TOWN MANAGER COREY GOODEN and son, along with Chowan County Commission Chair Bob Kirby and Edenton Town Council Members Bob Turner and Aaron Coston.
EDENTON FIRST RESPONDERS
Youngsters enjoyed dreaming of one day sitting behind the wheel of one of Edenton's big red trucks...
An Ode to the Jimmy T...
That boat caught his eye
It was a just about now, three years ago, when we first laid eyes on the ‘Jimmy T’. My husband is a wooden boat enthusiast and the boat caught his eye. A call to Scottie Harrell prompted a price that was reasonable, but would have included the fee for a divorce lawyer as the last thing we needed was another wooden boat.
We drove by regularly. It always brought a twinkle to his eye.
Last week we drove by to look at the Jimmy T. We pulled to the covered boat slip section of Edenton Marina and John pointed and asked "Do you see the Jimmy T?" There was nothing viewable in it’s regular slip. A closer look proved the Jimmy T hadn’t moved forward, but down. Yes, last week, the Jimmy T found the bottom of Edenton Marina. It was a sad day. However, on Monday's snow day Edenton yachtsman Michael Reardon assured John Harrell could raise her without a problem.
ODE TO THE JIMMY T
Oh my, Oh me, what a beautiful floating site to see, the old Jimmy T.
A Chris Craft Body, with a nice sized stern, a cockpit and cabin for the space, you’d yearn
A nice cruiser of Mahogany and Teak,
not that fast, nice beam, not sleek
Oh my, oh me , what a perfect boat, the Jimmy T
She’d seen some voyages, from the shape she was in,
Might of caught a few big waves, maybe a whale’s fin.
Her varnish was peeling, a bit of rot here, more rot over there
she was up for sale, needed work, the price pretty fair.
It was a work in progress, although little was made
the dream of ownership was beginning to fade.
And then all of sudden, like a slow leak turned fast,
There was no Jimmy T, the Chris Craft succumbed at last.
Oh my, oh me, there’s not much more of the Jimmy T to see.
If you go by the marina, slow down a bit, the stainless steel cowl,
breaks water where the Jimmy T now sits.
Paul Clayton snapped this picture of the Jimmy T on nrighter days.
T -MOBILE AWARDS EDENTON $50,000 GRANT
ANOTHER NEW STAGE FOR EDENTON
Over the past years, Edenton's growth has been in stages. Now it has a new one.
Before the 5 K and 10 K award ceremony began on Saturday Ches Chesson and Timmy Turner announced through Turner's efforts, the town of Edenton was awarded $50,000 grant for Edenton to use towards the
installation a mobile stage to boost the caliber of community events, and to provide a local stage rental option for other local organizations and neighboring communities.
T-Mobile revealed the latest 25 towns to score a Hometown Grant, bringing the total to 425 recipients since the company launched its five-year commitment to small towns and rural communities in April 2021. With each town getting up to $50,000 to help fund local projects, T-Mobile has now given over $19 million in grants to towns across 48 states and Puerto Rico, supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and improve lives.
In the years since Hometown Grants started, small towns have used the funding on projects like building new hiking trails, upgrading tech at local libraries, revitalizing historic buildings, creating community centers and way more. The program has led to 169,000 volunteer hours and 1,288 jobs.
LACE UP THE NIKES, RUN FOR FUN, HERE'S LAST YEAR'S BBQ
SUNDAY's KING ST. BLOCK PARTY ATTRACTED NEIGHBORS & VERY LARGE PARK MONSTERS, FROLICKING KIDS & FALL LEAVES
New Edentonians enjoying an afternoon at The Krakken.
Neighbors enjoying the King St. Block Party sponsored by Main Street Edenton. Visit Edenton and Surf, Wind & Fire.
King St. camping on a Sunday afternoon...
The afternoon entertainment was terrific