The Down East Seniors Club held its June 3 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Stewart Rumley led the meeting. Jim Hackney played for the singing of “God Bless America” and Charlie Mike Smith gave the invocation. Dick Robinson and Dick Paul provided humor.

Program Chairman Rudy Burns introduced Alvin Powell, president of the Beaufort County Police Activities League (BCPAL). Mr. Powell is a retired FBI Special Agent with experience in counter-terrorism, aviation and boating. He brought together a large group of local people and organizations in the founding of the BCPAL. BCPAL works with local police and first responders to benefit children with after school programs, field trips, summer camps, career days, workshops and special events. The objective is to improve relationships youth have with law enforcement and first responders and help them plan their futures. The young people are taught life skills (with emphasis on being careful who you hang out with), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers, and respect for adults, especially parents/guardians. They receive instruction in the technical principles of aviation and boating as well as hands-on experience with airplanes and boats. They also learn about robotics and automotive design through designing and building a go cart. Tools they use in design include CAD (computer aided design), 3D printing and wind tunnel testing. More information about BCPAL is available at beaufortpal.tigersix.net.

Ed Lubin won the 50/50 drawing.