The Down East Seniors Club held its Aug. 3 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Ed Hamrick opened the meeting with the singing of “God Bless America.” Charlie Mike Smith gave the invocation and Dick Paul provided humor.

Stewart Rumley introduced Debra Torrence, executive director of Arts of the Pamlico. Torrence assumed the position Aug. 1. She is working in a number of areas to expand the offerings of the organization, increase publicity about the offerings, recruit more volunteers and reduce the debt of the organization. The area for art sales in the Turnage is being enlarged. More exhibits are being solicited. A fall and winter community theater series has been announced. Some of the performances will include a dinner or dessert option. Matinee showings of movies have been added. Torrence is using her grant writing experience to apply for more grants that are available to non-profit groups such as theirs.

Hutch Stage won the 50/50 drawing.