PORT TOWNSEND — The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will offer a free training session for the new COASST Marine Debris program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
The training will be held in the Orca Exhibit classroom, located at 532 Battery Way.
Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to collect data that speaks directly to the source and transport pathways of debris, as well as to the potential harm to people, wildlife and local coastal ecosystems.
Attendees are asked to bring a sack lunch, or money to purchase food in the area.
No prior experience with scientific data collection is needed.
COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal and federal agencies, environmental organizations and community groups.
Those interested are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance.
To place a reservation, contact COASST at 206-221-6893; or email coasst@uw.edu.
Award deadline
SEQUIM — Soroptimist International of Sequim is seeking applicants for its annual Violet Richardson Award competition for young women within the Sequim School District.
Applicants must be female teens between the ages of 14 and 18, reside in the Sequim School District and include a maximum 750-word essay describing volunteer activities, the organization, goals and the impact of the problems addressed.
The first-place winner will receive a $250 award, and a $250 monetary gift will be given to a charity of the teen’s choice.
The second-place winner will receive a $250 award.
The deadline for application submissions is Sunday, April 30.
Winners will be recognized and presented with their monetary awards at a Sequim Soroptimist breakfast meeting Tuesday, May 23.
For more information or an application, email VRA@SISequim.org or visit sisequim.org.
Air Force graduate
SAN ANTONIO — A former Port Angeles resident recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
U.S. Air Force Airman Ryan Rodocker completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.
Rodocker is the son of Teresa Rodocker and Curt Rodocker of Port Angeles and is the brother of Paxton Rodocker.
The airman graduated in 2016 from Port Angeles High School.
