GARRY T. EAGLES, PH.D.

, Superintendent
901 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, California 95501-1294

DATE:

May 2, 2016

Phone: 707/445-7000

FAX: 707/445-7143

www.humboldt.k12.ca.us

FROM:
Jenny Bowen
Public Information Officer
707-445-7767

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GLEN PAUL STUDENTS SWIM AT VECTOR POOL

Students at Glen Paul School look forward to Mondays. Each week, orthopedically impaired, medically fragile
students get to enjoy the benefits of a warm water swimming pool. "We are so fortunate, and grateful, for our
partnership with Vector Aquatic Center. Weekly use of their therapeutic pool provides many benefits for our
students, states Sally Carlson-Mircetich, who teaches adaptive physical education at Glen Paul. The
opportunity to be in the water offers such therapeutic value. The ideal properties of water, and perfect
temperatures, contribute to increased student independence, improved joint range of motion, induced relaxation
response, personal well-being, and relief from the constant effects of gravity, muscular pain, and a variety of
supportive devices used in their daily lives.
Glen Paul School is comprised of 16 special day classes for severely handicapped students. Programs are
designed to meet the special education needs of children and youth from ages 3 to 22. The goal of the Glen Paul
School program is to provide students with educational opportunities which allow them to gain maximum
independence at home, at school, in the community and in future job placements. The ages of students enjoying
the pool, in this class, range from ages 3 17. Carlson-Mircetich adds, Being in the water offers a great source
of joy and freedom for all. These enjoyable experiences make a difference to our students, and add to the quality
of their lives, which is our ultimate goal."
This facility fits a unique niche in our region, states Dr. Garry T. Eagles, Superintendent of Humboldt County
Schools. It was a huge loss to our community when Easter Seals closed their therapy pool several years ago.
Under the leadership of CEO Bill Ruff, he and his team were able to redefine who they were as an organization
and build a vision to support the construction and rehab of this facility to meet the needs of our rural
community. I applaud their courage, creativity, and ability to bring their vision to fruition.
Vector Physical Therapy & Aquatic Center is a nonprofit, outpatient, physical therapy rehabilitation clinic.
Established in 1979, it has been serving the community for 37 years. The Aquatic Center has been open for 3
years now. We are the areas only 92-degree warm water pool, says Vector Physical Therapy and Aquatic
Center CEO, Bill Ruff. We offer a multitude of programs and services, and through our evolution have really
become a community pool.
Vector offers land-based therapy and aqua physical therapy ranging from Orthopedic and Sports
Rehabilitation to Neurological Rehabilitation to Arthritis Therapy all meant to support healing and rebuild
strength. One of Vector Pools clients, Dan Jackson agrees, I look forward to my pool sessions. Being able to
utilize the pool at Vector has been a wonderful complement to my rehabilitation therapy after surgery. Having
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the warm water provides a low impact opportunity to regain my strength and balance in a really enjoyable way.
The staff is always friendly and helpful and provides support when needed. They are a great resource to this
community.
Ruff mentions that they also offer pool time for Families Advocating Autism Now (FAAN). It connects to our
mission and the kids really enjoy it. At Vector, we strive to meet the unique needs of our community by
allowing separate pool hours for various types of clientele. Vector pool has recently seen an uptick in their
usage with the increase of their recreational programs. We offer Mommy & Me swim, youth swimming
lessons, and even birthday parties, states Ruff. During spring break when kids were off school, our numbers
jumped, which demonstrated the interest in having a pool for kids to play in. Summer is around the corner and
we anticipate a busy season ahead.
Vector Aquatic Center is located at 3289 Edgewood Road, in Eureka. For more information about Vector or
Glen Paul School please visit: www.vectorpt.org or www.humboldt.k12.ca.us/glenpaul

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