NEWS
LIFE
LEISURE
Students cope with closed schools
Polo Club offers surprising fun
Hop Stop reveals exciting plans
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ECRWSS PRESORTED STD US POSTAGE PAID GARDENA, CA PERMIT NO. 40
POSTAL CUSTOMER
THE POWAY EAGLE
Volume 1 Issue 7 • March 2020
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www.www.EagleSD.com
LIFE GOES ON
ife is different now. Efforts to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic reached Poway in full force last week. Residents are dealing with a prolonged period of relative isolation, planning emergency finances and caring for children who no longer have classes to attend for the immediate future and possibly beyond.
Word of the coronavirus already had the public on edge as everyone waited for new developments. Local shoppers followed the trend of bulk-buying as they stocked up in case orders were announced to restrict public contact. After all, similar declarations had been given in other countries and even in some areas of the U.S. See CORONAVIRUS, Page 3
The Tovey family poses together at the Poway Library. (photo courtesy of Yerika Tovey)
Beautiful, colorful culture Baile Folklorico brings culture to children Slot cars await another race at Vocal T.R.A.C.K. Speech & Language Therapy Center. (courtesy photo)
Race track therapy T By Hoyt Smith
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local couple is using slot cars as a therapy tool. Christian and Noemi Grasso are both licensed and certified speech and language pathologists. Together, they own and operate Vocal T.R.A.C.K. Speech & Language Therapy Center, which combines as a clinic and a recreational slot car track in Rancho Bernardo. This unique operation was scheduled to be a main attraction at the Poway Americana Festival this month, now postponed until September due to the COVID-19 crisis. “We’re pretty geeky. We share an interest in comic books and slot car racing,” Christian said. “I got an idea in my head a while back that this would be a great activity for my patients. My wife said, ‘Let’s give it a try and see if we can incorporate some therapy concepts.’” So, they built a 68-square-foot, four-lane track which now doubles as
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NEWS, Pages 2-4
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a means of healing and having fun. “I thought merging this with our business would create something very unique,” Christian explained. “It’s turned out to be a very creative tool and something that everybody really seems to enjoy.” The Grasso’s track was designed to be accessible to various special needs users, including people in wheelchairs. Christian designed it so that there aren’t any blind spots or hidden areas on the racetrack that the racers can’t see. “It’s something that anyone can do with some assistance,” he said. “We have trigger controllers. If someone has cerebral palsy and can’t manipulate a trigger controller, then we have a controller where they can compress a plunger.” A slot car fan since he was a kid, Christian said he started getting back into it as a hobbyist later in life. “It’s been good therapy for me too. See RACE TRACK, Page 5
POWAY LIFE, Pages 5
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By Ashley Shah
he traditional Hispanic dance program called Baile Folklorico began in 2010 at Valley Elementary School (VES). The program started with just a couple of mothers who wanted to bring their culture into their children’s lives. Sandra Garcia took the lead role in helping the program grow and immersing students into the dance and culture. In 2011, Yerika Tovey took over the organization. “I love this art. I did this when I was in high school and I just love it,” Tovey said. This program is offered for students in first through fifth grades at VES and runs from February to April. The students practice every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. This year there are 33 students involved. “Our daughter started dancing Baile Folklorico last year when she was in first grade. Her interest and passion grew even more the moment she got her colorful dress. We enjoy watching the performances and are very proud of her and all the students. We are very fortunate to have
LEISURE, Pages 7-8
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SCHOOLS, Page 9
someone as talented as Yerika to teach our kids,” Martha Rivera said. “Yerika’s patience and talent have made this a wonderful experience for our daughter.” These students have performed in many places, including the Poway Library’s “Dia Del Niño” celebration, retirement homes, the International Festival at Del Sur Elementary School, the Poway Americana Festival and Valley Elementary’s own “Dia Del Niño” celebration. This year, the students were scheduled to perform at the Poway Library “Dia Del Niño” festival in April, and possibly at local retirement homes. “My twins have danced with Mrs. Tovey for about a year and a half, and it’s been an amazing experience for both of them. I am so appreciative to be a part of this. It fills a component for the students with culture,” Nila Boquin said. In previous years, most students would get involved by word of mouth. However, this year the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has gotten involved in helping more students join. “I try to invite kids that don’t have something to do after school so that they can get more involved and See BAILE FOLKLORICO, Page 8
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HOMES, Pages 10-11