The Down East Seniors Club held its Feb. 17 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Ed Hamrick led the meeting. Chip Ide led the singing of “God Bless America” and Charlie Mike Smith gave the invocation. Dick Paul provided humor.

Jack Pyburn’s wife, Leah, spoke on behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She asked the members to write unaddressed letters to American servicemen to express appreciation for their service and provide them encouragement. Jack will collect them at the next meeting; the DAR will mail them.

Bob Diefendorf introduced Rod Gurganus, Beaufort County Agricultural Extension Agent. Every county in the state has an Agricultural Extension Office, which is a part of North Carolina State University. Mr. Gurganus concentrates on assisting farmers with answers to questions and problems they encounter. This time of year, he mostly makes presentations to groups. During the growing season, he spends a lot of time in the field with farmers looking at their problems firsthand and advising them on how to make improvements. Beaufort County’s main crops are corn, soybeans and wheat. To the east, many produce crops — sweet corn, green beans, cucumbers, cabbage, etc. — are grown. To the west, other produce crops such as sweet potatoes are grown. These crops require much hand labor; local farmers prefer to harvest with machines. A few years ago, rapeseed was grown here for a while. That crop was dropped because wet winters caused mold to attack it and reduce the quality and quantity of yield.

Jack Pyburn won the 50/50 drawing.