PORT ANGELES — Three Port Angeles High School graduates, Zach Gavin, Ella Ventura and Harrison Fulton, received their “graduation blades” from the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association last week.

Gavin, Ventura and Fulton have a combined 22 years of competitive rowing under their belts. All three were selected and participated in the Pacific Northwest Olympic Development program in 2019, culminating at a national regatta in Sarasota, Fla. If people are interested in joining OPRA, they can contact RowWithOPRA@Outlook.com or at www.parowing.org/ contact.html.

Women’s sailing

PORT ANGELES — From Sept. 30 through Oct 2, Olympic Peninsula women are invited out on the water of the Port Angeles Harbor as part of the Community Boating Program’s Women’s Sailing Program.

This course was held in spring to a full classroom of women at the Port Angeles Yacht Club with U.S. Sailing-certified instructors and uses the U.S. Sailing curriculum, which emphasizes safety and fun. The goal for students is to have a positive educational experience on and off the water and foster a lifelong love of sailing. Due to the popularity of the program, the Community Boating Program decided to run a second offering this year in the fall.

“I was fortunate enough to be one of the three women instructors for the fun-filled weekend,” said Kay Rudiger. “It’s always exciting to see how much everyone grows and gains confidence over just three days. Each woman came with a different level of experience, differing concerns and challenges, and a strong desire to find their voice in a sailing environment.”

“I’m amazed at how much I learned and how good it felt to be in this caring learning environment,” said Carolle Scholl. “All students had different skill levels, but we were able to work together no matter that some of us are absolute beginners, and this is because all instructors were patient, caring and fun.”

The Community Boating Program offers other sailing courses throughout the year including a full suite of keelboat courses and a youth sailing program. They also support those learning to paddle with scheduled monthly paddling groups. To learn more about the program offerings and schedule, go to the program’s website at www.communityboating program.org or call 360-457-4132.

Sequim Elks tourney

The Sequim Elks is hosting its second annual Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 27 to benefit the Tall Elks Program, which provides needed services for children.

Since 1954, the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children Inc. has provided home-based occupational or physical therapy to children with developmental delays or physical disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to the family.

The tournament, a rodeo scramble full of fun and crazy ways to play the game, will be held at Sunland Golf Course in Sequim. The tournament is open to anyone with golf clubs. Lunch will be provided at the Elks Lodge afterwards with a silent auction and competition games. Prizes will be awarded.

Sign up at Sunland Golf or call Sequim Elks (360-683-2763) for a registration form, or call Maura Mattson (360-681-0533) for more information and registration forms.

From left, students Theresa Tetreau, Karena Stocket and Kelly-Anne Kirk on the water as part of the Community Boating Program’s women’s sailing program. (Courtesy photo)