The Down East Seniors Club held its July 25 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Gary Brinn led the meeting. The singing of “God Bless America” was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Hamrick gave the invocation and read factoids for the date in history. Brinn provided humor.

Stewart Rumley introduced Clay Carter, director of personal enrichment initiatives at Beaufort County Community College, as the speaker. Carter, who has been with BCCC in various positions for 31 years, spoke about the North Carolina community college system in general and BCCC in particular. In 1957, North Carolina passed a community college bill, but it was 1962 before community colleges were established locally. Today NC, with 58 community colleges, has the third-largest system in the country. BCCC was established in the late 1960s on Market Street in Washington. In the early 1970s, it moved to the current location on U.S. Highway 264 East, where there are now 14 buildings. BCCC serves the counties of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington. BCCC staff teach some classes in each of these counties. About 2,000 students are now taking courses leading to an associate degree or college transfer. Ninety-five percent of students who complete the degree or college transfer program are employed or in college within a year.

Hamrick won the 50/50 drawing.