A round up of all things from our neck of the woods…
First, when Cindy Gandee passed away Jan. 21, I mentioned her death in these pages – click the link to her obituary.
Her husband Tom – he’s a good guy, who I think is originally from or at one point lived in Greenbrier County, W.Va. – a fact that connects us since my family lived in the Mountaineers’ state for many years.
Anyway, because Tom is mourning, I thought it best to wait for a spell before spilling any ink about Cindy on these pages of this community newspaper.
Though more people knew Cindy far better than I did, I can say with certainty that she was a very kind person, a gracious host and committed to Edenton and her church, St. Paul’s Episcopal. She always found time to say hi to me and anyone else. There was a light and warmth in Cindy’s eyes that truly positive people express – she was that, happy. Tom, you are in our prayers.
Cindy’s memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 8, in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and will be conducted by The Reverend Melody Purdue. The burial will follow in the church memorial garden. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held at the shop Cindy owned, “A STILL LIFE”, 212 South Broad Street, immediately following the service.
In other news, the stoplight/sign is up at the intersection of Granville and MLK Drive – so pay attention and don’t blaze through that intersection like one of our county commissioners did recently because it is so new – he said he would be more careful.
Chowan Arts Council’s Member Night is between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. this evening (Thursday) at the CAC. Join or renew your membership at our Member Night you will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the 2025 CAC Gala, Destination: New Orleans April 5th (must be present to win). Also- get a chance to meet your CAC board, and enjoy live music, homemade eats, and of course beverages!
If you get a chance, take a walk to see the Kadesh AME Zion’s new steeple – it’s out front – on W. Gale Street. That repairs and commitment to preserving that church – well, that’s something to behold.
In 2003 Hurricane Isabel ravaged the church – that is at least 100 years old – but that didn’t stop the Kadesh congregation from rallying the Edenton community to come together and restore this beloved building, both for the benefit of the church body and the community.
My memory is hazy, but I think I recall that Councilman Sambo Dixon, among other local notables, who helped to lead some of the preservation efforts and a fundraising campaign to restore this historic building to serve as a community, cultural and educational center for Edenton, Chowan County, and Northeastern North Carolina.
Speaking of churches, St. George’s Orthodox Church on East Church Street – carpenters have been busy, work is progressing nicely. On a sunny day, I think I saw John Morehead walking with a group of carpenters downtown by the Penelope Barker House. Christ was a carpenter – so I’ve always thought carpenters were blessed. And I like the incense they have during church sermons.
And restoration work on the Manning House on East Church Street is coming along nicely — when it’s restored, that’s where Wade Rogers and his wife will live. Restoration work starts around sunrise and ends at sunset.
One more note from the CAC — Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 13 between 6-7pm for a night of opera at CAC! Refreshments will be served and you will enjoy the musical stylings of soprano Sarah Kim, mezzo-soprano Sandra Krueger, tenor DeVonte Saunders, and baritone Walter Swan, accompanied by the accomplished pianist Sarah Weeks. Guests will be treated to beloved opera favorites for a night of cultural bliss!