Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County offers informal orientations in Carlsborg and Port Angeles on Thursday and Friday.

The Carlsborg meeting will be from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday. Those interested in attending are requested to call 360-775-7806 for directions.

The Port Angeles meeting will occur from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at hospice’s headquarters at 540 E. Eighth St.

Those who are interested in volunteering, or seeking to learn more about hospice are encouraged to attend the free meetings.

Current volunteer opportunities include volunteer equipment maintenance positions at the Port Angeles office. Both offices are in need of weekday morning delivery drivers and assistants.

For more information, call 360-452-1511, visit hospice’s website at www.vhocc.org or its Facebook page.

Fire emergency

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency in the entire state due to wildfire threats.

Inslee signed the proclamation Tuesday as dry hot conditions continue and several fires burn in the state. The proclamation notes that there have been “abnormally dry conditions” throughout July and above-average temperatures, causing “a high risk of severe wildfire outbreaks requiring an immediate response.”

The move allows for assistance from the Washington National Guard, which has already been requested by the Department of Natural Resources. Among the requests are the use of aviation assets and crews to be sent to the eastern part of the state.

Preschool openings registration

PORT ANGELES — Creative Learning Preschool, 712 E. Fifth St., has openings for the 2018-19 school year.

Registration is required and ongoing.

To receive a registration form, call Debbie Roberts at 360-417- 8090.

Beginning its 23rd year, the preschool’s curriculum includes — but is not limited to — arts, music, math, science, basics for kindergarten readiness, sharing and manners, as well as writing skills.

Pre-K classes are Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, and beginning classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Class times are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m. all days.

For more information, visit www.creativelearninginfo.com.

Cancer center gets new director

SEQUIM — Dean Putt has recently joined Olympic Medical Cancer Center as director of the cancer program.

Putt has worked in health care for 40 years — 24 of those years in cancer care administration.

“Dean really stood out as a good fit for Olympic Medical Cancer Center and he brings significant knowledge and expertise in cancer programs to his role,” said Dr. Josh Jones, chief physician officer, Olympic Medical Physicians and cancer center chief administrator, in a news release.

Putt most recently worked in Grand Junction, Colo., as a cancer center director, and joined OMC’s Cancer Center about a month ago.

He has worked to build a cancer program and new facility in Yuma, Ariz., start a medical oncology practice for Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M., and began his career as a cancer care administrator at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis.