The Down East Seniors Club held its Feb. 7 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Chip Ide led the meeting. Ide led the singing of “God Bless America,” and Charles Smith gave the invocation. Ed Hamrick read factoids for the date in history, and Dick Paul provided humor.

Polk Culpepper spoke about Open Door Community Center and introduced Dot Moate, board chair of ODCC, who also spoke about the center. ODCC is a local organization of concerned individuals which is working to open a shelter in Washington for homeless women and children. The homeless are people who have no shelter, sleep at someone else’s home or sleep in their car. ODCC has purchased a building on Cowell Farm Road and is seeking city approval to convert it to a homeless shelter. They plan to accept homeless women and children in the shelter for up to 60 days. During this time, they will counsel the women in an effort to help them obtain their own housing. A major obstacle is housing affordability. Half of Beaufort County’s population spends 30 percent or more of their income on rent. ODCC is seeking supporters and volunteers. They plan a dinner theater fundraiser on April 27.

Mark Eakes won the 50/50 drawing.