The Down East Seniors Club held its April 24 meeting at The Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Charles Smith led the meeting. Jim Hackney played for the singing of “God Bless America, followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Gene Schwartz gave the invocation, Ed Hamrick shared factoids for the date in history, and Hackney and Smith provided humor.

Stewart Rumley introduced Mike Dail, Washington’s new Director of Community Services, the position formerly held by John Rodman. Mike related that he is only in his third month but already loves working in Washington. He is a native of Gaston, in Northampton County near I-95 and the Virginia line, a 1997 graduate of East Carolina University, and worked in Greenville several years prior to coming here. His work includes planning, inspections, historic preservation, waterfront and docks, building and grounds, and recreation and parks. His first priority is to enhance the appearance of our parks with increased maintenance, and future plans are to beautify major corridors such as Fifth and 15th streets, John Small and Carolina avenues, and Market Street with tree plantings in appropriate locations to provide lovelier entryways in our city. Streetscape Phase 1 on West Main Street from Gladden to Market streets will begin soon, a new police station is slated to be constructed on a western corner of the former Dr Pepper plant property, and the two homes bracketing the parking lot for Brown Library are to be improved. Some citizens are dreaming of a new library possibly near the new police station, but that would be a long way into the future.

Mark Eakes won the 50/50 drawing. At the May 1 meeting, Polk Culpepper will present Jeff Plisko of Washington Sky Diving.

The Down East Seniors Club is a group of older men who meet every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at The Blind Center of North Carolina at Third and Harvey streets. They enjoy refreshments, fellowship, and interesting programs. Guests are welcome.