City Honors Those Who Help the Disabled

People who help those who need a little extra help were honored by the city Tuesday night. 

The Fountain Valley City Council presented the city's Advisory Committee for the Disabled 2011 Disability Friendly Awards to two individuals and one business for their service to those with special needs.

The winners

• 2T’s Automotive 

Mayor John Collins presented the Annual Disability Friendly Business Award to Anthony Fontana, owner of 2T's Automotive. 

According to nominator Bobby Rohan, Fontana has been kind and courteous and taken a special interest in Rohan because of Rohan's disability.

Rohan said when his van needs repair work that could last longer than a few hours, Fontana comes to Rohan's house -- Rohan cannot rent a car -- picks up the vehicle and returns it when finished.

"I feel that he is not able to do this to all of his customers due to being very busy all day, but because of my circumstance, I know that he goes out of the way to take care of me," Collins said, reading Rohan's statement. 

• Eman Lahm of The Mane Event Hair Design

Lahm is "very kindhearted and understanding to anyone who has any kind of special needs," said Collins, reading from a statement by Rohan, who also nominated Lahm.

According to Rohan, Lahm has served him and his daughter -- who also has special needs -- in a number of ways, especially by cutting their hair quickly.

"She always gets us in and out without any wait since my daughter ... is unable to sit still due to her disability," Rohan said in the statement.  

Lahm also goes to nursing homes to give free haircuts to the elderly, and she recently held a cut-a-thon to raise money to support a man with stage-four cancer, Rohan said.

• Joy Mangan of King of Glory Lutheran Church

The night's final recipient was Mangan, nominated by Heather Traer. 

Mangan -- who became a quadriplegic several years ago but through hard work has regained some ability to move -- helped influence the company she works for, Thrivent Financial, to support Fountain Valley's dances for disabled people two years in a row, according to Traer.

Mangan also shopped for prizes and snacks for the dances and attended both as a volunteer.

"She is an inspiration to me as an 'overcomer,'" Collins said, reading Traer's statement. "She does what she can for others less fortunate than herself. She believes you can always find a way to reach out, even if you are paralyzed."