Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict swears in new patrol deputy James Gribbon. (Clallam County Sheriff's Office)

Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict swears in new patrol deputy James Gribbon. (Clallam County Sheriff's Office)

NEWS BRIEFS: Clallam sheriff swears in new patrol deputy . . . and other items

PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict recently swore in the newest patrol deputy, James Gribbon, formerly of Moscow, Idaho.

Gribbon traveled to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Burien, where he participated in and successfully completed the academy’s physical agility test for admission.

The 720-hour basic academy curriculum provides recruit officers with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for law enforcement service.

Gribbon is a 2005 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Tacoma and graduated from Washington State University in Pullman with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.

HeadStart opens

PORT ANGELES — The ChildCare Center at the Commons, 2203 W. 18th St., has closed in preparation for the startup of the Olympic Community Action Programs’ HeadStart program, which will begin operating in the facility Friday, July 1.

“This is an exciting partnership with OlyCAP,” said Serenity House Executive Director Kim Leach. “We’re thrilled to have a nationally recognized and funded early childhood education program on site with our family programs.”

Cora Kruger will remain as director of children’s programs for Serenity House and will organize family activities, parenting classes, HomeWork Club and other services.

“Our decision to close the ChildCare was not easy or taken lightly,” said Leach. “It was based primarily on financial viability of the center and the agency. We continue to find ways to strengthen the agency, and the HeadStart opportunity came at the right time.”

OMC greets three new therapists

PORT ANGELES — Physical Therapists Nora Heaton and Lydia Rogers along with Occupational Therapist Angela Byars recently joined Olympic Medical Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Heaton earned a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, and specializes in pelvic pain and rehabilitation, and bowel and bladder control.

Rogers completed a doctorate of physical therapy at Oakland University, Michigan, and applies manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, kinesio taping techniques, functional-task assessments and pain management techniques in her practice.

Byars earned a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from San Jose State University and a certification in the Leduc Method of lymphedema therapy.

Veterans benefit

PORT ANGELES — The Mt. Olympus Detachment Marine Corps League and White Crane Martial Arts will be host a fundraiser garage sale at White Crane, 129 W. First St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26.

Funds will go toward scholarships, equipment, Toys for Tots and other local veteran activities.

Donations also will be accepted.

For more information, phone 360-460-2431.

Volunteers sought

PORT TOWNSEND — The Boiler Room is seeking new volunteer baristas.

Applications are available at the nonprofit at 711 Water St.

Volunteers can sign up for training shifts under the yellow trainer names at the weekly meeting at 5 p.m. Mondays.

At least three training shifts must be completed.

A food handler’s card is required and needs to be brought in within 10 days of the first training.

Other volunteer positions are also available.

For more information, phone 360-379-8247 or email brvolunteercoordinator@gmail.com.

Brain health

PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., will host clinical neuropsychologist Kris Rhoads at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30.

Rhoads will discuss natural ways to exercise the brain and enhance memory.

He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders.

He currently serves as the primary neuropsychologist for the University of Washington’s Memory and Brain Wellness Center.

For more information, visit www.nols.org and select “Events,” phone 360-417-8500 or email discover@nols.org.

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