The Down East Seniors Club held its Jan. 23 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Charles Smith led the meeting. The singing of “God Bless America” was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill Cheshire gave the invocation, and Ed Hamrick read factoids for the date in history. Bob Diefendorf provided humor.

Hamrick introduced Tommy Franz as the speaker. Franz told about his occupation as commercial crabber. He sets 600 crab pots in local waters during the months from March through October. The pots cost $40 each and a very stable boat is needed, so there is quite an investment required for this business. Catching of blue crabs is the most valuable fishery in North Carolina. Franz also told many more details about crabs and catching them and answered many questions.

Smith won the 50/50 drawing.

At the Jan. 30 meeting ,Stewart Rumley will present Adam Waters with Washington Public Works.

The Down East Seniors Club is a group of older men who meet Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. They enjoy fellowship and an interesting program. Guests are welcome.