The Down East Seniors Club held its April 17 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Charles Smith led the meeting. Smith led the singing of “America the Beautiful,” which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk Culpepper gave the invocation, and Ed Hamrick read factoids for the date in history. Bob Diefendorf and Mark Eakes provided humor.

One guest was recognized.

Ed Bolen introduced Bishop Samuel Jones as the speaker assisted by his wife, Mother Regina Jones. The Joneses head up the Purpose of God Annex which conducts many programs to guide and aid local residents and has been doing so for 20 years. There are programs for children (after school, homebound students and summer), parenting, Project New Hope for those with criminal records and help for homeless families to get housing, just to name a few. Discipline, morality, willingness to work and Christian ethics are the basis for all the programs. Project New Hope has helped 1,600 people from seven counties get jobs. To continue the programs, the Annex is in need of donations of funds, clothes, furniture, appliances, cleaning supplies, snacks, etc. The Annex receives no government funding.

Gary Brinn won the 50/50 drawing. Julius Brauer passed out cross bookmarks which were made by his sister-in-law, Rita Ballance.

At the April 24 meeting, Bobby Roberson will present Mike Dail, Washington director of planning and development.

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