The Washington (evening) Rotary Club held its weekly meeting Thursday at the Washington Yacht & Country Club.

Following a social period in the Upper Deck, club members and guests assembled in the Pamlico Room.

President David McLawhorn convened the meeting, and Bill Wall then led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Bartow Houston had everyone join in singing a verse of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” then he offered a blessing prior to the meal.

After the meal, Dr. Tim Klugh introduced his guest, Liz Liles, the new director of the Blind Center. Ms. Liles gave a brief, but very informative report about the center’s activities, upcoming events and future plans, with specific information about the special Sept. 16 annual fundraiser, “Dining in the Dark,” to be held at the WY&CC.

James Gaynor, program chairman for the evening, introduced Randy Woodson, executive with First South Bank, who is a member of the board of directors of the Albemarle Food Bank. Mr. Woodson made brief pertinent remarks, then introduced Liz Reasoner, executive director of the Albemarle Food Bank, based in Elizabeth City.

Ms. Reasoner spoke about the scope of operations of the Food Bank, with particular emphasis regarding the demographics of the 15-county area it serves.

There are 15 partner agencies aligned with the Food Bank in Beaufort County.

Latest county population figures show 47,587, with 8,540 “food insecure” people, which is 17.9 percent of the population, of which 24.4 percent are under 18, or 2, 490 children.

After questions and answers, President McLawhorn thanked the presenters for providing an unusually in-depth program, and presented each with a “highly coveted” Rotary pen.

Charlie Brown led the members in reciting the Rotary Four-Way Test.

President McLawhorn then adjourned the meeting.