The Down East Seniors Club held its Jan. 6 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Ed Hamrick led the meeting. Charlie Mike Smith led the singing of “God Bless America” and gave the invocation. Dick Paul provided humor.

Chip Laughinghouse, executive director of the Blind Center, thanked the club for inviting Blind Center clients to join in the singing of Christmas carols in December. He also said the center needs volunteers, either individuals or groups, to serve lunch to the center’s clients.

Mike Gwynn, program coordinator, distributed a schedule of program chairmen for January through July.

Stewart Rumley introduced Steve Brodie with Pacific Seacraft as the guest speaker. In 2007, Brodie and his father purchased the company and moved it from California to Washington. Pacific Seacraft was a noted builder of ocean-going sailboats in the 31- to 44-foot range. Since the business has been here, the length offerings have extended to 61 feet. During the recent economic slowdown their primary business was in refit and restoration of existing boats; now their new boat orders have picked up. They are currently in the process of building a customized-design, 45-foot boat for Jimmy Buffett. Their sales come from a limited dealer network, magazine advertising, participation in boat shows and (to a large extent) word of mouth from existing customers.

Charlie Mike Smith won the 50/50 drawing.