Students from the Madera High School special education class and their teachers take a photo with Pistoresi Ambulance Employees Association officers,  who donated $500 Tuesday for the class’ trip to Disneyland.   The leave  at  10:00 am today.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is about to be invaded by 22 special education students from Madera. “Only two of my students have ever been to Disneyland,” said Scott Sweazy, special education teacher at Madera High School.

At 10 a.m. today, 11 students and 11 chaperones are leaving Madera for Anaheim and Disneyland.  The trip has been in the planning stages for more than three years.  They are taking two vans, with Sweazy driving one and teacher Nancy Burgess driving the other. 

“We take a field trip every year,” Sweazy said. “When they were freshmen we went to Monterey. It was the first time many of them had seen the ocean.”  He promised the students  that in their senior year, they would make an overnight trip to Disneyland. Fundraising efforts for the project were given a boost when a small story about the project appeared in a Fresno newspaper.  

Donations came from as far away as Springfield, Ill., Carlsbad and Riverside.  “All I can figure is that people read the story online and mailed us checks,” he said.  “One lady sent us $3 with a note that said she hoped that would help.”  Some of the donations received were substantial. Pamela Green donated disposable cameras so each student could have one. Her friend, Kathy Chandler, arranged for a donation from the Walgreens photo department to process the film when they get back, he said.
The Pistoresi Ambulance Employees Association made a $500 donation Tuesday. President David Sims, Vice President  Chad Murdoch and secretary Lonel lHarris delivered the check. The students also got to see their ambulance, up close, with lights flashing.  

 What initially started out to be an overnight trip ended up being a three-day, two-night excursion. The organizers had hoped to collect enough money to provide each student with about $50 spending money. People have been so generous that each student will have $100 to spend on souvenirs for the trip, Sweazy said.

 They have also been able to add some extras to the Disneyland experience, beyond the $31 group rate admission ticket. One night they will attend a pirate themed dinner.  The next morning they will have breakfast with Disney characters.

What they thought would be a pizza night has turned into a nice dinner at the House of Blues restaurant while they are in Southern California. On the way home they plan to stop in Venice Beach.  “I want them to get to feel the sand and the ocean,”  Sweazy said. 

On Tuesday, the rolling backpacks, donated by United Education Institute College of Fresno, were packed and ready to go. On Thursday when they are in Disneyland students will be wearing neon green shirts, purchased with donations.

(click on photo below to enlarge)

At its annual Community Awards Dinner, local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1981 honored 11 people in nine categories.  Merits of recipients ranged from life-saving accomplishments to writing and speaking well. Post Commander Bill Jones introduced attending honorees to about 170 people during the VFW’s monthly social on Thursday after dinner.  Friends and families of recipients cheered them on as they walked onstage to receive their awards.  “We’re a family oriented post so this is what it’s all about,” said Jones.

The Paramedic of the Year Lance Hoffrage knows first hand what helping people directly is all about. Hoffrage, who has been a paramedic for Pistoresi Ambulance for 15 years, resuscitated Madera resident Carol Adams after she had a heart attack  in her home last July. “Lance was there within four minutes after the call came in.  He came in and found her really, clinically dead.  She was not breathing, she had no heart beat.  So they started CPR, they started an IV, put an airway down, defibrillated her three times and on the third defibrillation he got a pulse back,” said Monte Pistoresi, owner of Pistoresi ambulance.   Adams hugged, kissed and thanked Hoffrage onstage.

Recipients were as follows: Voice of Democracy essay and speech winner Alejandra Galindo; Patriot Pen Essay winners Gabriela Hernandez and Jasmine Castillo; Teacher of the Year Linda Ogle; Student scholarship winner Kevin Bursey; Boy Scout of the Year Kristofer Padilla; Law Enforcement of the Year Madera Sheriff Josefina Roderick:  Firefighter of the Year Joseph Maleski

Paramedic of the Year Lance Hoffrage; Madera Tribune Employees of the Year Tami Jo Nix and Wendy Alexander.  Galindo, a sophomore at Madera High School, was joined onstage by her history teacher Mike Hinton who is a former two-time Teacher of the Year honoree. She was presented an award and stipend.  Castillo,  who was one of the two winners for the elementary school essay contest, also won first place in District 11 which is comprised of Kerman, Chowchilla, Fresno, Mariposa, Madera and Biola.  

 Another local and district winner was Boy Scout of the Year Padilla. Padilla’s win in the district automatically makes him eligible to compete statewide, said VFW member Ramiro Gutierrez.  The Madera High School senior collected more than 800 suitcases in a drive he organized last year to donate luggage to foster home children.  Padilla’s community service project fulfilled requirements to become an Eagle Scout.  “When foster kids are removed from their homes a lot of times they’re forced to put their things in plastic trash bags because that’s all they have to carry their stuff,” said  Padilla. “So I chose to do this project because I wanted to help people more directly.”

Lifetime Achievement Award
2008 Honoree

Monte Pistoresi

Helping people is tantamount to Monte Pistoresi.  Born in Miramonte, California to Pete and Irene Pistoresi, he spent his childhood growing up in Madera County.

In 1942, the owner of a mortuary company who ran a local ambulance service asked Pete Pistoresi, if they could leave their ambulance at his automobile dealership and towing service.  In doing so Pete would also need to operate the ambulance service for “a few weeks”.   The “few weeks” stretched into months and months into years.  Monte Pistoresi left home to attend the University of Santa Clara and to serve in the United States Army. Upon his return he started working at the family’s Chevrolet dealership where he was the business manager and took on the responsibility of running the ambulance service. In 1981, Monte became the sole proprietor of Pistoresi Ambulance Service and has served the citizens of Madera with great care for over 26 years.

Throughout his career there have been countless stories of great meaning to Monte. Most often it has been those patients who were in cardiac arrest and responded to his treatment resulting in recovery. In 1984, a friend of his collapsed; her heart had stopped.  Monte provided treatment, she fully recovered and for many years, on July 27, they would get together on her birthday to celebrate the life that he had saved.

Pistoresi expresses that his success is due to the many blessings that God has provided him throughout his life which includes his tremendous family:  Leona, his wife of 48 years, and his four children:  Tim, Michael, Patti, Ted and their families which include seven wonderful grandchildren.  He also acknowledges with gratitude the importance of his friends, great employees, and the ability to work together with all the organizations that make up the Madera emergency response and healthcare system.

Over 45 years ago when Monte ran his first ambulance call he was overwhelmed at the impact it made on him in being able to help someone in need.  He knew at that very moment that he would give of himself to others and that this would be the key to a fulfilling life.  Through his inspiration and contributions he has become a ‘heartbeat’ of our community.

Monte Pistoresi has unselfishly established himself as a true humanitarian of our community through his active involvement and generosity.  He has been involved with a  number of organizations including but not limited to: Madera Chamber of Commerce, Madera Community Hospital Foundation from 1990-1998, Madera Community Hospital Board of Trustees 1998-2008, Madera Kiwanis Club, Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce, Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce, Madera Elks, Madera Chapter of the NAACP, Madera County Emergency Medical Care Committee, Madera Linkage Foundation, Madera County Action Agency, Women’s Prison Citizens Advisory Committee, and the City of Madera Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.  His community activities include the Madera Academic Decathlon, MLK, Jr. Celebration Committee, Children’s Hospital Central California Kids Day and Holiday Toy Drive.  He has also been an active sponsor of Madera Babe Ruth League, Madera Little League, Madera Youth Soccer League, Madera Bobby Sox, Madera High School Football and Baseball, Madera Police Officers Association, Madera Community Hospital Foundation, Second Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, Jesse Owens Games, Madera City & County Firefighters, Sober Grad, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Trees for Charity, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Alegria Guild.

His dedication to Madera and giving to others has not gone unnoticed.  Monte has been recognized  and received accolades as:  the 1995 Madera Chamber of Commerce Salute to Education’s Businessperson of the Year; the Apostolic Blessing Support of St. Joachim’s in 1996; 1996 Citizen of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1997 Madera Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award; Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 2000; the 2001 Valley Children’s Kid’s Day Award; the 2001 Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award; received the Humanitarian Award by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee in 2003; and was the 2005 Volunteer of the Year awarded by the City of Madera Parks and Recreation Department.

As a youngster growing up, Monte may not have known how he would bring such happiness to others, but there was one thing he did know — the game of baseball.  Since 1963 he has been involved in coaching Little League and for the last 25 years has been an umpire.  His passion for the game is evident in the many hours he has spent coaching, umpiring, and passing on his love of the game.

Through Monte’s care and compassion, his love for helping others, has touched and strengthened the very heart of Madera.  Our vital signs are good.  Thanks to his continued care of our community the beat goes on.

Pistoresi Paramedics asks…is your career “secure” ?  (click on picture for larger view)

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Answers to the age old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  took center stage on Thursday.  Thomas Jefferson Middle School hosted its fourth annual Patriot Career Fair in the B.J. Robinson Gymnasium.  Guidance counselors Melissa  Cato and Trino Cadaoas invited local businesses, government agencies and area colleges to offer career information and advice to about 500 eighth graders.

Additionally, 30 seventh graders in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program were allowed to attend. “AVID is a program that helps prepare students for college,” said Cato. “It is an elective class that is also offered in high school, so the goal is that the students in the AVID class here will continue to take it in high school.”   The curriculum teaches the students organizational skills, study habits, and makes sure they are taking the correct classes for a career path that matches their interests, she said.

“We believe we need to get the kids to start early thinking about a career,” said Cadaoas. “We hope to show them there are a million things out there they can do.” Because Madera is a small town, many of the students don’t know there is a big world of opportunities out there for them, he said.

“We really appreciate the community involvement, people donating their time to talk to our students,” Cato said.  In the 45 minutes allotted during the four sessions, students had to talk with at least  three different businesses and ask the presenters five questions.  In addition to the typical questions such as what the job pays and what kind of benefit package the companies offer, the students also needed to find out what certificates or licenses the jobs require and what the employers are looking for in a worker. The business representative then had to sign off proving the student had spoken with them. The AVID classes are taught by Tom Holt in seventh grade and Anthony Trentacosta in eighth grade.

“The class gives the students background information on many different careers so they can start planning for their futures,” Trentacosta said.  Aspiring journalist Abraham Zurita enjoys working on the school newspaper, the  “Patriot Pride,” with Hal Raines as the teacher. The studious young man said he enjoys writing sports stories and stories about what is going on in the school.

“Each story starts with an outline, then the rough draft, several edits and the final draft,” Zurita said.  Digital photography is also part of each assignment. To make an interesting photo the Rule of  9 is employed, he said.  Also known as the rule of thirds, the principle states that  a rectangular photo is  considered broken down into nine segments with the most interesting parts of the photo placed along the two horizontal lines.

Uniformed law enforcement officers from both the Madera police and sheriff’s departments, as well as the Department of Corrections and the California Highway Patrol talked to the students about the duties of their offices. Representatives from the Madera Superior Court, court reporter Linda Howden and the court interpreters distributed literature on the job opportunities they offer.  Colleges in attendance included California State University, Fresno, Fresno City College and the Madera Community College Center.

Pistoresi Ambulance paramedic  crew attends  a  victim of a drive-by shooting.  

CHP Sgt. Lincoln McKenna is transported home by CHP Helicopter and Pistoresi Ambulance Paramedics.   Sgt McKenna sustained an injury and the loss of his lower right leg during a “road rage” incident.   Shown in the picture are Sgt McKenna,  CHP officers Andrea Brown and Jeff Andriese,  and paramedic Lance Hoffrage and EMT-1 Robert Carranza.    For  full story on accident see “The Ranchos Independent News” at  www.theranchos.com and see the November 2010 issue.

Over 200 Chowchilla Athletic Foundation (CAF) supporters filled the
SFA Hall for the annual Hall of Fame dinner held last Saturday evening,
February 12.
Seven dedicated members of the Chowchilla community were honored as
the newly inducted members of the CAF Hall of Fame.
The evening began with a social gathering at 6 p.m. Attendees
socialized while roaming the room to check out the donated silent
auction items and raffle prizes. The auction items were put together
from each Chowchilla Union High School sports team and the monies
brought in on that item went directly to the team.
Alex Pittz, CAF founder and president, welcomed everyone and Tim
Pistoresi said the invocation.
Pittz explained that the mission of the CAF was to provide for
Chowchilla’s youth. Since 2003 to July of 2008 the foundation has
grossed over half a million dollars in revenue and over 60 percent of
the money has gone directly to student athletes. “That says a ton about
the support that this community gives,” stated Pittz. He then asked
that each person that has or is coaching to stand. The crowd quickly
gave them a round of applause.
Pittz said the goal of the Hall of Fame dinner was to recognize
those who have given up their time and energy for the sports programs.
“Coaching is not done for the money, each coach has their heart into
it.”
Pittz introduced past inductee Bertie Hargis, who presented the
first Hall of Fame inductee, Maureen Riley.
Hargis spoke of Riley in her earlier years of coaching and her
dedication for the past 27 years at CUHS.
Riley has served as a teacher’s aide, teacher, coach, counselor and
currently serves as the Director of Guidance. She has one of the most
impressive coaching resumes in Chowchilla history, coaching girl’s
basketball for seven years, volleyball for five years, and softball for
three years. In girl’s basketball under Riley, CUHS won five league
championships including the 1987 and 1988 teams who were undefeated
league champions. The 1987 team won the Valley Championship and made
the first state playoff appearance in school history. The 1988 team was
the Valley runner-up and finished second in the California State
Championship. Her 1987 volleyball team was the first Chowchilla
volleyball team in school history to qualify for the playoffs and her
1986 softball team was the first softball team to qualify for the
playoffs.
Riley stated, “I might not be coaching a sports team, but in
counseling, I coach these students to bigger goals and have a bigger
team.”
Monte Pistoresi was the next inductee and was introduced by his son
Tim. He told how his dad, Monte, was not only there for him playing
catch and coaching him, but he was there for the teams. Monte has a
passion now for umpiring, and he “knows the rules” stated his son.
Monte graduated from Chowchilla in 1956 and begun coaching and
serving the community almost immediately. He served in the Army in 1961
and 1962 before returning to Chowchilla in 1963. From 1963 to 1977 he
started umpiring youth games and still holds rules clinics for umpires
throughout Madera County.
In the early 1980′s he took over Pistoresi Ambulance in Madera
County and continued his community service by being an ongoing sponsor
of youth athletic teams and providing an ambulance at all Chowchilla’s
high school football games.
The next inductee to the Hall of Fame was the original Chowchilla
Chain Gang, Reno Cornaggia, Ron Hansen, Tony Machado, Dennis Hansen and
Jack Nelson. Jack Nelson was not able to attend the dinner.
The five original members of the football chain gang have been
volunteering at Chowchilla youth and high school football games for over
40 years. Each member was introduced.
Cornaggia was introduced by his son, Pat. He told how his dad was
a competitive person. He was proud to be a Chowchillian and be involved
in the community.
Cornaggia joined the chain gang in the 1960′s and was also a
volunteer coach for American Legion baseball and an assistant at
Chowchilla High.
Ron Hansen was introduced by his daughter-in-law Paula Hansen. She
spoke about his dedication to the community and watching his
grandchildren play team sports.
Ron graduated from Chowchilla in 1956 and played on the 1955
championship football team. He joined the chain gang in the early
1960′s and is still on the sidelines helping. He is an avid supporter
of youth sports teams in Chowchilla and attends almost every CUHS home
football game, baseball game and Chowchilla Little League games.
Tony Machado was introduced by Dave Alexander. Machado is an asset
to the Chowchilla community through his dedication and eagerness to help
on the field. Alexander had the crowd in stitches with laughter as he
told stories about Machado.
Machado graduated from Hilmar and moved to Chowchilla in 1955. He
helped start the Pop Warner football program in Chowchilla and has been
coaching and volunteering his time ever since he arrived. Machado is
still part of the chain gang and enjoys the camaraderie on the field.
Dennis Hansen was introduced by his daughter Susie Spomer. She
spoke about how her dad was always at the games for her throughout
college. In fact he attended all the games that her siblings were
involved in. He loved pulling the chains when her brother, Steve, was
playing football.
Hansen graduated from Chowchilla in 1960 and has been on the chain
gang at the youth level since 1978 and continues to volunteer on the
current chain gang for high school games.
Jack Nelson was the fifth chain gang member to be inducted.
Nelson graduated and played football for Chowchilla and at one time
held the school’s rushing record. He started volunteering as a coach at
the Pop Warner level and won the youth championship in 1979. He went on
to coach at the high school junior varsity level in 1980-81 and
eventually took over as the head coach for the varsity team. He began
volunteering on the chain gang after his coaching career around 1987
and continues to help.
After the inductions were completed, Pittz thanked everyone,
including Don Smith for the prime-rib dinner, Kelly Smith for
volunteering his time to provide the evening with music and the
Chowchillla FFA for helping serve and clean up. Pittz encouraged
everyone to stay and enjoy the music and dancing.
“The evening was another success,” stated Pittz. “Each year it
gets better and better.”

The office staff of Pistoresi Ambulance, from left, are Glenda Hernandez, Lance Hoffrage, Cathy Rodriguez, Robert Carranza and Citiali Gonzalez.

Owner Monte Pistoresi took over his father’s business in 1963 and continued the family’s vision of serving the public.“

It’s always been our philosophy to provide ‘caring care,’” Pistoresi said. “From day one when someone comes to work for me, I tell them to view the patient as a member of their own family.”

Pistoresi Ambulance serves Madera and Chowchilla with nine ambulances — four of them running 24 hours a day. Each vehicle is staffed with a paramedic and emergency medical technician, ready to respond to emergencies and provide assistance with a personal touch.

“We have all the latest and most updated equipment,” Pistoresi said, “but the big variable is the care that you provide. When it comes to emergencies, the only thing patients will remember is how they were treated, and if they were comforted and reassured”.

With about 40 employees, Pistoresi Ambulance responds to more than 12,000 calls per year. The business uses the same dispatch service as American Ambulance in Fresno and the calls range from automobile accidents to heart attacks. No matter what the emergency, one thing re-mains the same: A commitment to superior patient care.

“I think with the name ‘Pistoresi’ being on the side of the business, people can identify with a family name that they recognize,” Pistoresi said. “You want to maintain a good reputation because it’s your family name.”

Being a family-run business allows Pistoresi Ambulance to form connections with the community and make patients feel as comfortable as possible.

The Pistoresi name is well known to Madera residents, as the company has sponsored numerous local organizations over the years, including Madera Sunrise Rotary, Madera Special Olympics and Madera Community Hospital. The business also supports local youth teams, like Little League, soccer and basketball teams and Pop Warner Football.

Ted Pistoresi grew up learning the business, and has worked for his father, Monte, for nearly 30 years. “Ambulance calls would actually come into our house on a special phone,” Ted Pistoresi said.

Business has been booming since then: Call volume has nearly doubled in the last 25 years, but the company’s basic values remain unchanged.

“It’s not just about saving lives,” Ted Pistoresi said. “That happens occasionally, but it’s just about doing your best and doing a service that is definitely needed.”

After graduating high school and earning his EMT license in 1983, Ted Pistoresi planned to work for his father during his summers home from college. But after graduation, he decided to carry on the family tradition as a Pistoresi Ambulance paramedic. He has been a certified paramedic since 1990.

“The philosophy of my father is most definitely ingrained into me,” Ted Pistoresi said. He strives to ease patient’s nerves during emergency situations and safely give them the best treatment
possible.

Paramedic Lance Hoffrage began his career with Pistoresi Ambulance after completing training and attending a ride-along. “That was what really clenched it,” Hoffrage said.

The exciting aspect of the job may have lured him in, but the satisfaction of impacting lives keeps him coming in every day.

“Being able to help somebody out, sharing my experiences and teaching the lessons that I’ve learned,” Hoffrage said of what he likes about his job. Dedication and enthusiasm are hallmarks of Pistoresi Ambulance staffers, and community members take notice.

“They do recognize our name.” Ted Pistoresi said. “We’ve done a lot in the area with volunteering and community service.”

Madera and Chowchilla residents have come to know Pistoresi Ambulance as a trusted service run by dedicated individuals. While saving lives may seem extraordinary to the average person, it’s all in a day’s work for the Pistoresi’.
 

Paramedic John Mitchell and his partner Robert Hernandez, EMT-1, show off their ambulance equipment to a local student at a Career Fair at Desmond Middle School.