The following news items have been submitted by organizations throughout northeastern North Carolina. To submit a brief for submission, email albemarle.observer@gmail.com
Meet and Greet
John C. Spruill, Republican candidate for NC House District 1, will hold a meet and greet starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Leon Nixon Catering, 749 Virginia Road, Edenton.
Come enjoy good company, and a candid conversation about the future of Eastern North Carolina— growing jobs, supporting our farmers and small businesses, and keeping our communities safe.
There will be a short program, Q&A, and time to visit with John one-on-one. Your support at any level helps us share a results-driven message across the district.
The family-friendly event will feature light refreshments. Donations are welcome.
RSVP at the link – https://secure.anedot.com/john-c-spruill-election-committee/meet_and_greet – or send Spruill a quick message if you plan to attend. If you decide to attend last minute, you can still come by.
Award to Honor Owens Family
ELIZABETH CITY – The Albemarle Area United Way Board of Directors has announced that the Oct. 30 dinner award program will honor Jim and Katie Owens.
“We consider it a privilege to honor Jim & Katie with our sixth Keel Club Philanthropy Award. They have quietly given substantial dollars, donated time, and leveraged talent to benefit many in our community,” said Bill Blake, Executive Director for the nine-county regional United Way. “Jim & Katie exemplify the meaning of servant leadership.”
Jim Owens is the retired CEO/Chairman Emeritus of Caterpillar Inc.. He grew up in Elizabeth City, and graduated from NC State, so despite traveling the world, North Carolina, especially Northeast NC, holds a special place in his heart.
The Keel Club has significant meaning as a coastal community. The keel of a ship is the main timber of the ship’s bottom that extends from bow to stern and supports the whole frame. The keel is designed carefully and prepared through the efforts of many people working together for a common purpose. United Way is stronger because of these generous leadership donors.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Seven Sounds Brewing, Water Street, Elizabeth City. The evening will include a cocktail reception, musical entertainment, and dinner catered by Cypress Creek.
Corporate tables and sponsorships are available. Individual tickets are $75
and can be purchased online at aaunitedway.org, by calling 252-333-1510, or by visiting the AAUW office at 1413 Parkview Drive, Elizabeth City.
Clock Will Chime Again
EDENTON — Historic Edenton State Historic Site will host a public celebration to announce the restoration of the 134-year-old clock that graces the historic Chowan County Courthouse. Historic Edenton is administered by North Carolina Historic Sites, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The event will take place at the historic courthouse (117 E. King St.) at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Pamela Wagner, chairwoman of the Friends of State Historic Sites Edenton, will open the event by sharing a brief history of the clock. At exactly 5 p.m., the clock will officially begin keeping time again, signaled by chiming bells. Local officials will conclude the celebration with an overview of ongoing improvements and restoration efforts in downtown Edenton.
Joe D’Apuzzo, a retired local mechanical systems expert, was hired to repair the clock, which last chimed in 2021. D’Apuzzo spent weeks making numerous trips to the top of the hot and dusty courthouse bell tower to investigate and analyze the workings of the 1891 Seth Thomas clock. He carefully cleaned, lubricated, and replaced several parts to get the clock running again, making careful adjustments to ensure the piece keeps perfect time. Finally, after calibrating the time and chime mechanisms, the clock is ready to keep Edentonians on schedule again.
COA to Host Star Nights
MANTEO – College of The Albemarle (COA) invites the community to its upcoming COA Star Nights event on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m. This event will take place at COA – Dare, 205 Hwy. 64 S, Manteo.
COA Star Nights is a family-friendly, educational experience designed for all ages. Attendees will explore the night sky through various telescopes, viewing the Moon’s craters and a variety of constellations.
If you can’t make it on Sept. 5, don’t worry—we have three more Star Nights planned:
- COA – Elizabeth City: Oct. 3, 2025, and April 24, 2026
- COA – Currituck: Feb. 20, 2026
All events will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.
No rain dates have been scheduled for these events. In case of cancellation due to weather, updates will be provided via COA’s social media channels.
