SOCIALLY SPEAKING , Karen Foley

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.

Welcome to fall and the many vivid jewel-toned leaves starting appearing to grace Edenton’s historic tree lined streets. Racking will be hearty this year from early signs.  

The humid days of summer are only be a memory, whisked away by cooler fall winds. Headling the fall season, in Edenton style, is the 50th annual Peanut Festival and the Battle of the Bands. The event has been expanded to include two early morning fun - runs through Edenton, a sack race for the kids following the parade and music filling the streets to guide attendees to the Battle of the Bands at John A. Holmes HS.. The Cupola House Colonial Market returns with a wonderful array of quality vendors for early holiday shopping.  

I had the pleasure to interview two outstanding individuals in our community for ESL’s fall profiles.

Robert Leath is making a significant contribution to Edenton’s historic preservation work. He has an accomplished background in the provenance and preservation of historic properties. Joan Maxwell, President of Regulator Boats shares her philosophy on running one of the country’s most respected boat building businesses. Both of these individuals are making a positive difference in our community.

This issue also includes a story on the efforts of the Edenton Boys and Girls club to improve their young member’s reading and math abilities in elementary school. On the topic of children, local author Barbara Springfield talks about her new children’s book, ‘The Pinecone Walk’.

Decade old businesses, the foundation of town, are also  highlighted for the proprietor’s positivity on town. We’ve also focused on fall fashions and events to wear them.  

Embrace the change my friends. It’s going to be a busy fall season. Let’s get raking..

Socially yours,

Karen

Fall is in the air. Kids are back to school, many with new back packs thanks to the efforts of so many local organization that pulled together a great back to school event.  Spear-headed by the Chowan Chamber Susan Creed and the town team including Chief David LaFon, Fire Chief Billy Bass, Mayor High, Mainstreet Edenton team, and the Edenton-Chowan School district.

Many local residents returned from their summer travels including restauranteurs, Joe and Stephanie Wach from their multi-state, six week road trip that completed their bucket list of visiting every state in the country.  Congrats. 

Now a new season of fun begins in Edenton. The calendar is filling up quickly with events throughout town and Edenton Social Light will be covering them all.   

It’s only the beginning of September and the calendar is packed with activities.  Here is a brief synopsis of some of the stories being covered.

The Historic Chowan County Courthouse on East King Street will be have two special events that you don’t want to miss. The Constitutional Day event on Sept. 17 will include a number of local talent advocating for the US Constitution, including Rev. JonathanTobias speaking on"How a Garden Saved the Constitution" and a cast of local residentsdepicting historical figures. The JROTC Color Guard from John A Holmes High School will also add a bit of formality to the event.   

Chimes in the Courthouse clock tower will once again be heard echoing throughout townas the refurbished clock strikes on the hour.  Thanks to the efforts of clock fixer extraordinaire Joe D’Apuzzoand the DAR the clock will once again sing. Join in the celebration starting at 4:45, September 18.  

If you haven’t had the opportunity to walk through the back gardens at the Cupola House, make it a point to see the butterfly nursery created by Jonny Springfield.  Butterfly hatchings are occurring regularly during these early September days. The Cupola Garden team and local residents were part of The Great Southeast Pollinator Census counting the interactions with native plants which took place in late August.  

Now that the humidity has made it much more pleasant to enjoy outside activities, get on those running shoes for the Live Your Dash, 5K and Fun Run on September 20 supporting the George and Alex Memorial Foundation.  

September 7 is the date for another great Sunday block party with music by Island Gerry. Artemis & I.O. on King Street will have a book reading for kids 1 to 9 years old featuring local author Barbara Springfield’s children’s books.

As fall approaches it may be time to clean out your closet. The downtown fashion merchants have been getting their fall selections ready for Edenton’s second Friday night shopping soiree on  September 12 til 7:30 p.m..  

After a very rain filled summer, everyone is looking forward to a cool night on South Broad Street. Browse the stores, plan a dinner out and meet up with your friends from their summer travels. Edenton Social Light will have its fall issue back in the news boxes and in the stores on Sept. 27.  Thanks for reading and thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support.  

The Chowan Arts Council gallery is more inviting than ever before. We should be thankful we have such an artistically inviting space capturing the creative pulse of town and surrounding areas. It’s a calming gathering spot to get inspired while admiringt he collections from regional artists. Artist Chet McAteer was the star of the CAC featured artist reception Friday evening offering a glimpse of his most recent work. Each piece he creates is not just a visual experience but an exploration of the texturesof life.  

“These textures, in their imperfection and weathered beauty, inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of what I can create," said Chet.

Chet shared his stories through his art with a packed house for the event. Many paintings found a new home by the evening’s end, including some who purchased an early Christmas painting to be promptly displayed at home, ahead of the holiday.

It was great to see friends and acquaintances now home from summer vacations or venturing out thanks to cooler weather.  

The atmosphere throughout the entire gallery space, hada different feel. It took a few tours through the space to understand the changes made throughout the gallery. When speaking with a few local friends, they mentioned that they had the same feeling.  The space felt more tranquil, more organized and had a profound impact on many of the guests.  When I asked Kim Asack, who has been the gallery’s manager for the past few months, she explained that she made a number of changes so that an artist’s full portfolio of work was featured together in the same space to create a stronger impression with the viewer.  

Asack also made a strategic decision on the integration of other art including  pottery, wood work, jewelry, and sculptures within the space, adding tables and display units to improve exposure of the artists work. With help from some of the CAC board members including Edenton Bay Clay Works, Richard Heizer, who did a lot of heavy lifting to open up and enlarge the hall gallery, creating more light and viewing space. The intimate room to the right of the hall gallery has becomethe featured artist showcase where you will find Chet McAteer’s art displayed until the end of August. You just might find a special piece of art for someone for Christmas.   

We are so fortunate to have such a bountiful selection of art from local and regional artists. The juried artists have earned their opportunity to be part of this wonderful organization. Asack, did a marvelous job welcoming both locals and visitors to the gallery’s new look and feel. Her appetizers were creative, well presented, bountiful and enjoyed by all. She is agreat addition to the CAC organization.  CAC’s next event will be a lecture on working with clay by Richard Heizer, on Aug. 23rd.   

Socially yours,

Karen

With the cooler weather this past week, it started to feel a bit like fall. It been a very warm and wet summer and it'snice to feel a bit of coolness in the air.  The Steamer games have come and gone but the Farmers Market and Bunch farm stand is filled with harvested veggies, sure to please.

I have also noticed an upswing in town activities for August starting with the Friday night stroll on South Broad Street tonight and the Chowan Art Council opening party tonight featuring Chet McAteer. Read about his art on the front page of ESL online. His art exhibit will be up for the month of August. Its National Lighthouse day Saturday. Take the tour of the Roanoke River Lighthouse from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and hangout for the Saturday night free Sounds of summer concert waterside, at ColonialPark, featuringThe Bonafides. They're a terrific group of friends from New Bern,  having a blast while playing songs they love. Local Surf Wind and Fire owners Danny and Sheila Batten are members of The Bonifides. Get ready to do some dancing.  

This week is also about FIGS. Spruill Farm in Roper,   in conjunction with the Peanut Factory has scheduled a  5K run, fig tasting and yoga at the farm both Saturday and Sunday. The details are on the hone page. 

On Tuesday August 12 at 5:30 p.m fig enthusiasts will have the opportunity to support the Peanut Factory fundraiser event aboard the Albemarle Queen. The fundraiser features Cheryl Orr providing appetizers and her special Fig cocktail.  

It looks like we'll be free of rain for the weekend events. So it's time to get out and socialize, catch up with friends and have some fun. Let’s embrace August by enjoying the fruits of the summer and a semi-sunny weekend ahead.  

This is an opportunity to make a positive difference.

While we may live in a ‘commercial food desert’ we’re fortunate to be surrounded by farms, many growing produce. Rocky Hock’s nationally renowned Bunch’s Produce comes to mind immediately. You can almost smell the melons on Rocky Hock Rd. Yet, within our community we have families, especially children and seniors, facing hunger risk due to food insecurities.   

While the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry plays an important role in resolving hunger problems and easing concerns, there is a grass roots effort that planted seeds on Morristown Rd. that has grown into Feed the Hungry Farm.

The crops are abundant at the farm, raising another problem. Rob Slaughter and Michael Moore’s farming success created a growing challenge. So we’re raising a call for help.  

For the past two weekends  Slaughter and Moore have been calling all volunteers to help get the crops off the vine. The heat has caused havoc with the farm and the volunteers. Next week is critical to the crops.  

Thefarm was established in 2024 by Slaughter and  Moore in partnership with the Heritage Associationto support the community food pantry. On Saturday morninglocal volunteers were in action at the farm.  Anne Rowe arrived early and picked two bushels, however, the heat kept many away.  

Koko Wooly, a first time farm volunteer picked two bushel baskets of red and green peppers of which there was an abundance.  

All of the produce picked at the Feed the Hungry Farm is donated to the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry.

The many rows of ripening melons, squash, cucumbersand corn arestill in neatly planted rows, waiting to be picked.  

Everyone’s calendar is packed, busy with family and summer activities. If your July 19 is empty, consider picking a basket of peppers, or a wagon of Cantaloupe, ears of corn, tomatoes, and squash. The morning picking begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m..Volunteers can arrive and leave at theirpleasure.  This is a great opportunity to bring the family together and get picking with each other. A great summer lesson for kids and teens to understand giving back to the community and what it takes to get a tomato to table.  

Make an event out of it. Get your employees together, pack a picnic and go for a picking picnic. A team building experience.  

If you can make it, make sure to bring a largehat and bottled water. Ask any farmer, getting your hands dirty in Eastern NC, dirt is a great feeling, especially when you are making a positive difference.  

The  Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry provides nutritionalassistance to food insecure families living in Chowan County, with a focus on at-risk children. The Food Pantry serves300 household  and 235 senior adults each month. They also oversee the weekend meal program for over 200 children attending Edenton Chowan Public Schools. The Children’s Summer Nutrition Program, serves hundreds of meals to children between mid-June and mid-August each year. The Food Pantry counts on the food from the Feed the Hungry Farm, and the so the farm relies on volunteers to help harvest. Next Saturday, the crops are in dire need of picking. Come for an hour or stay for a few, you will be providing a great service to our community. Make a farm day of it...Don’t worry the Farmers Market is open until1 p.m. so you can make it back for their celebration.  

Editor’s note: If it’s raining, the event will be cancelled. Use your best judgment for your health in association with the heat. Bring water and a big hat.  For questions, please call Mary Morris at 252-482-6585 at the Chowan County Cooperative Extension or email mary_morris@ncsu.edu

Rockwell could have painted it...

Although Edenton’s July 4 event calendar was overflowing with celebratory, patriotic events and traditional games and hoopla, Joseph Hewes’ reappearance on the courthouse green, explaining in period fashion how the Declaration of Independence became so important to Edenton, may have been the emotional highlight of the weekend.  

Herringbone owner Joe Wach may have explained it perfectly.  

“In Colorado its barbecues and parties, but to be able to stand on the very spot those men stood and risked everything is an emotional moment. You really are moved,” said Wach

It was an amazingly, wonderful weekend throughout town.   

Edenton’s pride in its rich, American history was on display and shined brighter, throughout the weekend, then the spectacular display of vibrantly exploding colors over Edenton Bay, Friday after dark.

Many must have read the signs across town reminding people of the DAR reading as guests paraded with chairs, blankets and coolers to the green,  

Opening the event,  American Legion Post 40 presented the colors.   

Edenton Tea Party Chapter, NSDAR Regent Bonnie T. Henn offered opening remarks and  Reverend Dr. Koby Strawser, Pastor, Edenton Baptist Church provided the opening prayer and Benediction.  Chaplain Clara P. King led the American Creed.

Beth Taylor and Kathleen Towers co-chaired the ceremony honoring  Hewes along with the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Reverend Dr. Jonathan Tobias.  

The ceremonial wreath, donated by Sawyer Designs, was presented by Unanimity Lodge #7 Worship Master Mark D’Onofrio and laid at the foot of the Joseph Hewes Monument on the Courthouse Green.

Retired U.S. State Department attorney, Richard (Dick) F. Mayer created a biographical sketch of Joseph Hewes. Mayer stepped into Hewes’ shoes and transported the crowd to a different time, even though they gathered in the original spot Hewes’ spoke.  

What a privilege and honor to stand on the very ground.  

Mayer’s passionate impersonation of anAmerican Founding Father and a signer of the Continental Association and the U.S. Declaration of Independence was delivered with sincere reverence. Hewes would be proud of Mayer’s knowledge and delivery. Those gathered were enlightened to hear of Hewes’ life and proud Edenton is home to Mayer.

Heidi Critz’ voice filled the tree canopied courthouse green as the gathered accompanied Critz in the National Anthem.  

Over 400 locals and visitors joined this yearly, the 26 for the DAR, ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence. The historic courthouse was the quintessential backdrop for the traditional red, white and blue regalia gracing porches, bicycles, lawn chairs, blankets, dresses, trousers, shorts, shirts, faces, flags and dogs.

With his bass voice resonating the words, “In Congress, July Fourth, 17 and 76,” Tobias drew a quiet hush over the lush green of red, white and blue. For the next 13 minutes and 18 seconds – its a must watch video if you have not heard Tobias’s reading, he captivated the gathering.  

While the DAR sponsored reading headlined the yearly tradition, Broad St. was filled with people admiring the vintage cars in an array of styles and colors.  The Chowan Arts Council had an  Artist in Residence Open House. Artist Mary Evans displayed her talents for the steady stream of art and cupcake enthusiasts. While Evans was taking brush to canvas, many were enjoying the cupcakes created by culinary artist Kim Asack.

Golf carts dressed in red, white and blue, paraded down Broad St. with flags flying high, flirting with flying streamers. The blocks-long parade had folks in awe at the number of golf carts filled with families, friends and dogs.  

The Optimist Club sponsored watermelon spitting, decorating and eating contests, which turned out to be stickily successful. The sand pit treasure hunt following the seeded activities provided reasons to clean the car Saturday morning. 

It was great to see the crowd gathered throughout Waterfront Park. Sailors flocked to the town docks once the sun began its departure and the Albermarle Queen left the dock for a fireworks cruise to watch the display sponsored by the Edenton Optimists Club.  

It was a Rockwell Day. We are all fortunate to be part of a community that values its American history and proudly celebrates its founding. A remarkable, memorable weekend. 

The Edenton Town Staff, the Town Ambassadors and the Edenton Police Department deserve a standing ovation for their constant welcoming presence. Thank you to all the vendors, volunteers and organizations that worked at making everyone’s holiday so memorable.

As we move from the rainy days of spring, summer arrives on June 21st. The kids are out of school and ready to enjoy the long days of summer. This weekend, Edenton has a packed weekend for locals and  visitors with live music, events and celebrations. Thursday night, Edentonian’s are invited to Carrozza, the new Italian restaurant on South Broad street for a ribbon cutting at 5:30.  Chef Gavin Holteris excited to announce that Carrozza will start opening for weekend dinners.  I have had the privilege of dining on his Chicken Picatta and handmade pasta, just perfectly prepared.  

Edenton will be hopping Friday night with a number of great activities. Downtown merchants are open til 8:00 p.m. for a Sip and Stroll event. Edenton’s two newest restaurants, Carrozza and the Broad Street Dinner will debut their dinner menus with new special night offerings.As you meander down Broad St., the Chowan Art Center’s opening night features The Inner Banks Artists show which is juried by artist Matt Lively who painted one of Edenton’s historic wall murals. Music artist and producer, Chris O’Neill has teamed up with The Peanut Factory to create a new music/theater space.  Friday night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. enjoy a free music venue with many local artists strumming in summer. Make a point to stop in and support local artists.

The Farmer’s Market is a great first stop on your Saturday morning. It opens at 8:00 a.m.. Take a walk down by the water. Mornings are a great time to rent a kayak at the harbor for a morning paddle. Ask the dock attendant for a map of the three water trails.  If this is a bit too strenuous, jump on to Mark’s Liber-tea for a tour of the bay. He has some great historic stories about Edenton.  Upon your return, have lunch on the Herringbone deck or stroll up Broad to Roots for a sumptuous salad or oversize sandwich. You can’t go wrong picking either of these two great spots.  Grab your lawn chairs and meet back up with friends for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Dance or lounge to the music by Mike Munson and the Uphill Band. The Edenton Bay Trading company is also hosting a music trivial night for music buffs.  

Mellow out on Sunday with brunch atBroad Street Dineror at the Herringbone. Stopin for a freshly roasted cup of coffee at the Kracken or an ice cream from Huckleberry’s.Congratulations you made it through another fantastic weekend in Edenton.  EdentonSocialLight.comhas all the details on this weekend events. While you are on the site.  Sign up and get the updated social news right to your email box weekly.  The printed summer edition of Edenton Social Light gets distributed this weekend with many local profile stories and features. Stop into any retail shop or visitors center and pick up a copy.  

When I arrived home from the DAR luncheon, I told my husband “The meatloaf was the closest I’ve had to our renowned sun-dried tomato meatloaf.” I am sure the St. Paul’s meatloaf recipe is well protected by Priscilla Sharpe who was in charge of the luncheon but if you ever have an opportunity to try it, it was delicious.

This past week it was my pleasure to join DAR Regent, Bonnie Henn at the organization’s May awards luncheon. The Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, NC Society gathered to honor the many individuals who contribute their time and talents to community historic efforts.   

Cupola House Association President Vonna O’Neill accepted “The Excellence in Historic Preservation Award” for the Cupola House Association. O’Neill and the association are known their dedication and vision in preserving the Cupola House and grounds, along with returning the original first floor woodwork to the property after spending time in Brooklyn. Period wardrobe enthusiast, Rae V. Ohlert was recognized for “Women in the Arts” for her ever changing historical wardrobe of period costumes. The “Community Service Award” was given to 19 recipients for their unwavering volunteerism during the many historical events over the year including Docents of the Edenton Town Trolley, the Candlelight Tour and the Pilgrimage.   

Nona Smith and Sandee William, took the DAR oath as they became the 96 and 97 newest members of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter.  Other members were honored with NC State and national DAR awards. State awards included first place awards for both the Independence Day and the Edenton Tea Party 250 Commemorative Events. The Chapter also received “Best Americanism Program” and the “Tricolor Chapter Achievement Award”, a top state award designation of achievement demonstrating excellence across several categories.

It was a celebratory day of awards and appreciation to its membership and outside individuals who strive to preserve and protect Edenton’s American History.For more ‘good news’ and photo coverage of the event in the printed summer issue of the Edenton Social Light premiering in June.