Poway Gives Back: Paw-Parazzi, Books for Kids & Art in the Park

CAR WASH FOR ROLLING READERS

Nearly 25 Poway High School students will host a car wash, hoping to raise $3,000 to launch a Rolling Readers program at Valley Elementary in Poway. Rolling Readers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, at-risk children enjoy reading. An army of volunteers travel each week of the school year to San Diego's poorest neighborhoods to read aloud to a classroom. Currently there are 205 volunteers serving 44 schools. The children also receive a new book to take home and cherish. The program was recently expanded to include Title 1 school, Valley Elementary, with the help of former Channel 10 news anchor and Poway resident Hal Clement and former Poway Unified trustee Linda Vanderveen.

Poway High junior Anna Vaus is organizing the car wash and says $3,000 is the approximate cost to pay for the program at Valley. The car wash is Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RB Oil Change located at 12472 Rancho Bernardo Rd. Car washes are $5 with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the charity. Learn more about Rolling Readers on their website: rollingreaders.org.

AND THE WINNER IS...

We mentioned a couple of weeks ago that a new Mr. Titan would be crowned in a pageant on March 8, held at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Congratulations to Poway senior Eric Rudeen, who beat out seven other senior boys for the crown by showing off his talent, strutting on stage in formal and spirit wear, and through his answers to questions asked of him during the pageant. Rudeen wins the crown, a free prom ticket and a free ticket to Grad Night.

PAWS IN THE PARK

The annual walk to raise $100,000 for the Escondido Humane Society is this Sunday, March 24. This year there are free games, contests, opportunity drawings and about 50 vendors in the Paw Vendor Expo selling everything your dog could want. Among the contests are a new Paw-Parazzi Parade and a canine basketball game called Hoosier Hounds. Online registration ends at 5 p.m. Saturday and day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy. in Escondido. The walk will begin at 9 a.m., with a 1.5 mile and a 2.5 mile walk available. The games begin at 10:15 a.m. It's free, but you're encouraged to make a donation or seek pledges. The Escondido Humane Society cares for 6,000 homeless animals annually. All pet types are welcome but all dogs must be on leashes. For fundraising suggestions go to escondidohumanesociety.org or call 760-888-2235. My boy Bear and I will see you there.

ART IN THE PARK

This free crafts and family fun event is Monday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Poway Community Center Auditorium, 13094 Civic Center Dr. It's being held rain or shine. For more call the recreation office at 858-668-4671.