DOWN EAST SENIORS CLUB

The Down East Seniors Club held its Jan. 15 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Charles Smith led the meeting. Jim Hackney played for the singing of “God Bless America,” which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Smith gave the invocation, and Hackney provided humor.

Mike Gwynn introduced Ernie Coleman, sheriff of Beaufort County, as the speaker. Coleman, in his second term as sheriff, said the sheriff’s office operates independently from the county government but depends on it for funding and providing buildings and their maintenance. The sheriff’s office includes 110 people to provide the following services to the county: 24/7 patrol, 24/7 911 communications (for law enforcement and fire), detention center, narcotics enforcement, crime investigation, bailiffs, inmate transport to court as well as to and from other locations in the state, and school resource officers. He also answered many questions.

Philip Ninan won the 50/50 drawing.

At the Jan. 22 meeting, Curtis Brookshire will present Serena Sullivan with Beaufort County Community College.

The Down East Seniors Club is a group of older men who meet Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. They enjoy fellowship and an interesting program. Guests are welcome.