Pamlico Garden Club

The Pamlico Garden Club met on Feb. 17, at 10 a.m., at King Chicken Restaurant for brunch and its regular monthly meeting. Hostesses were Rita Tetterton, Ruth Penrod, Anne Scott and Joyce White.

Each place setting had a gift bag filled with small ducks and birds with potted flowers. Ruth Penrod drew names for door prizes, which were won by Charlene Alligood and Ann Hill.

President Ann Hill presided and called the meeting to order. She also greeted guest Tricia Scott Woolard, coordinator of Educational Media/Graphic Services at Beaufort County Community College and daughter of club member Anne Scott. She was thanked for decorating the tables with the club’s theme of endangered species using deer, ducks, birds, bird nests, turtles and frogs nestled in driftwood and N.C. pine.

Juanita Clark was presented with a special award serving as vice president and a trophy was presented to Ruth Penrod for the many years as chairperson for Yard of the Month.

Anne Scott introduced the program speaker, Jackie Woolard, executive director of the Partnership for the Sounds. The Partnership organization managed the process of designing and building the N.C. Estuarium in Washington. The organization also runs the Estuarium. An educated staff with volunteers offers special programs for groups and special events.

Anne Scott, treasurer, reported that donations had been made for 2011 to the Audubon Arbor Day Foundation, Beaufort County Humane Society and the Marion Shepard Cancer Center.

It was voted to change the Yard of the Month project. Club members will select the yard and will be assisted by Betty Christian, Ruth Penrod and Fran Brundage. The club’s new project will be the yard of the Chocowinity Willow Manor. Plans are to improve the grounds and plant Knock-out rose bushes next to the sign that can be seen from U.S. Highway 17. Betsy Drummond, Betty Christian, Ann Hill and Joyce Ward are on the committee.

Next meeting is March 17 at King Chicken at 10 a.m. Jackie Woolard donated her love gift from the club to the Washington Estuarium.

Down East Seniors

The Down East Seniors met on Feb. 16, at the Hampton Inn. President Charles Moore opened the meeting at 10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Sample led the singing of “America,” and Harold Simmons delivered the invocation. Bill Noyes introduced his guest, former club president Stanley Lander. Burk Ferris introduced his brother-in-law, Alan McWhirter of Belhaven, who has designed and built several small boats.

Bob Byrum introduced his speaker, Steve Bussiere, owner of The Little Boat Shop of Bath. Bussiere had built many small boats in Maine and then decided to give his skills a North Carolina accent. He also gives instruction in boat building.

Dan Olson conducted the drawing, the winner of which was Vernon Teeter. A card of good wishes was signed by all members to be delivered by Dave Kelly to absent member Ed Gibson.

Down East Seniors

The Down East Seniors met on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Hampton Inn. President Charles Moore opened the meeting at 10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Sample led the singing of “America,” and also delivered the invocation. Dan Olson introduced his wife Lorraine, guest of the evening. Dave Kelly reported on his visit to Ed Gibson who is now living in Wilson.

Charles Kuehn introduced his speaker, his son-in-law, Thomas Swanner, CPA. Swanner talked about several aspects of income and estate taxation, and answered a number of questions from members.

Dan Olson conducted the drawing, the winner of which was Vernon Teeter.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #15

Following the dinner served for those in attendance, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #15 meeting was called to order by Betsey Lee Hodges, president. The opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the Constitution were presented. The treasurer’s report was given.

In unfinished business, members commented on letters written to representatives, a report was given on the “Give 10 to Education Program,” and it was reported 30 valentines were made and given for veterans in the nursing homes. A review was made of businesses to receive a certificate from the Unit in recognition for flying the American Flag.

In new business, a report was made from the Mid-Winter Conference held in Raleigh where Unit #15 was represented. It was announced that the unit would host the District 3 meeting on Saturday, March 5, at the post home and plans were finalized for the refreshments for the meeting. It was also announced that a member from the unit would be attending the American Legion Auxiliary National Awareness Assembly in Washington, D.C., to be held March 19-23. The members voted to make a donation to the Creative Arts Festival which supports veterans’ participation in a national contest displaying their talents in various arts categories.

The March meeting will be held on the last Monday in the month due to conflicts. Following the closing prayer, the meeting was adjourned.

Beaufort County Chapter N.C. Retired School Personnel

The Beaufort County Chapter of North Carolina Retired School  Personnel met at the Grace Martin Harwell Senior Center on Feb. 15, at 11:30 a.m. Carolyne Everett and Beth Harrell presented a program on “Places to Visit in a Day for Very Little Money.” The group was informed of many  places that could be visited within two hours of Washington.

Under business, Community Participation chairperson Delores Moore, reported that only 14 members turned in their volunteer hours, for a total of 3,598 hours. At an estimated value of over $20 an hour, that makes over $71,960 given to the community by the Beaufort County Chapter members.

President Carolyn Ambrose will attend the N.C. Retired School Personnel Convention in Durham on March 15-16.

The group dismissed and held a bag lunch social. The next meeting will be a memorial service to be held on May 9, at 11:30 a.m., at the Grace Martin Harwell Senior Center.