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AN EDITION OF
Star THURSDAY, AUG. 22, 20 1 3
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LEADING THE PACK, SHOWING THE WAY Roderick Thomas looks to add independence to the lives of people with disabilities.
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I think my reason for being here is to help people. It’s kind of humbling because I don’t seem qualified for it, but people seem to be learning a lot.” RODERICK THOMAS
BY DANIEL LANGHORNE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
If you think walking up to six dogs at a time is a challenge, try doing it from an electric wheelchair. Roderick Thomas, 33, of Yorba Linda has turned this feat into a small dog-walking business with the help of his trusted therapy and companion dog, Louie, a 4-year-old red Doberman. Thomas has congenital muscular dystrophy, which requires him to use a wheelchair, but that hasn’t stopped him from starting a few small businesses to stay active and inspire others who have the condition. “I like to have little jobs that I can pass on to other disabled people,” Thomas said. S E E WA L K S ● PA G E 3
Winery plans fundraiser for Marine injured in crash BY DANIEL LANGHORNE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Family, friends and coworkers of Matt Jachowicz of Placentia, a four-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, will raise their glasses Sunday at Winery at Main Street to support his recovery from a motorcycle accident Aug. 4. Jachowicz’s wife, Kaitlin, said her husband was heading home after visiting some friends after work when his motorcycle went down around Alta Vista Street and Jefferson Street in Placentia. Detective Corinne Loomis, a spokeswoman for the Placentia Police Department, said no other vehicles were involved and the cause of the crash is unknown. Matt Jachowicz was taken to Western Medical Cen-
ter Santa Ana, where he is awake and still recovering from a head injury. He was about to start his last semester in Cal State Fullerton’s pre-med program and doesn’t have health insurance, Kaitlin Jachowicz said. She said she’s expecting at least 100 people to attend the fundraiser, which will raise money for his medical expenses and tuition. “I personally don’t believe it’s because he’s a Marine,” she said. “It’s because of the relationships he’s made.” Patricia Heel, the owner of Winery at Main Street, said Matt Jachowicz has become a part of her wine club family since he became a member and later an assistant winemaker. Although it was once a joke around the
KEVIN LARA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Roderick Thomas travels down the street with his sister Shannon Pouliot and his dog, Louie. Thomas uses his wheelchair to walk dogs.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Football workouts are well underway for most high schools getting ready for the fall season. The Yorba Linda Star has been looking in to see what awaits our local teams and has been putting together in-depth looks at them. This week, we feature Esperanza (Page 1 2) and Valencia (Page 1 3). Next week, we will conclude our preseason coverage with a kickoff special that will include predictions.
FILE PHOTO: KEVIN LARA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Matt Jachowicz, left, poses for a photo with Winery at Main Street owner Patricia Heel and Jeff Heel. Jachowicz, who works at the Winery, had a motorcycle accident a few days after the photo was taken.
wine bar, Heel considers him an adopted son. “We realize how much we care for him, not just as an employee, but as part of the family,” Heel said. The fundraiser will run
from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Entry is $25 per person and includes one free drink ticket and a raffle ticket. Information: helpmerecover.com.
KEVIN LARA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Esperanza Aztecs coach Gary Bowers, center, speaks to the team after a recent practice.