Long before I met this gentleman, I had heard stories about him. That's not so unusual, right? Well, what makes this man special is that the stories that people told me in the grocery store, in their living rooms and in the parking lot at church.....these were all good stories. How often does that happen?

Let me share some of these stories with you.

Recently, he was blessed by His Holiness, the Pope. Now, before you get any of those "Mother Theresa" ideas in your head, read on. This is no ordinary blessed guy we're dealing with.

First, I had better tell you that where ever this man goes, fun follows. I've seen him dressed as Elvis... in both the pre- and post-jelly donut phases. Recently, he appeared as a "Face of the Day" disguised as a chicken. His buddy (who tagged along in a cow costume), tells me that our friend returned home one evening to find a fifty-pound sack of chicken feed on his front porch and a flock of chicks setting up residence in his back yard. Later that evening, a police officer appeared on the doorstep in response to complaints that the family had set up a chicken ranch.

Not to be outdone, our hero invited the perpetrator of this prank to lunch at Lucca's. When the waitress lifted the covered tray, she revealed a plate full of chicken feet.

This man is also known for bringing out greatness in others, uncovering talents that were previously hidden. In fact, it was in his back yard that the famous Stel "Stool man" Manfredi debuted on the World's Smallest Stage. Word has it that, with a little help from Arthur Murray, Mr. Manfredi will be premiering on Broadway soon.

I've also heard a rather famous legend about a dinner party. Imagine sitting down to dine on a spaghetti dinner with a group of your closest friends....without plates. The evening concluded with wine without a wine bottle and dancing to the oldies station in the back yard. Martha Stewart and Miss Manners take note: many months after this party took place, people were still raving about the event.

There are lots of other stories from lots of other friends, and they're all wonderful. He's an avid hunter, and a gracious host. He's devoted to his family, adores his wife, worships his grandchildren. I asked him once what he enjoys more than anything else, and he replied without any hesitation, "making people smile".

Chances are, if you and the spousal unit kicked up your heels at a local soiree, this gentleman quietly sponsored the event. Over the course of the last year, he has helped underwrite several local fund raisers, including the Alegria Guild Black Tie Bash, the Saint Joachim's Harvest Festival, the Saint Joachim's Gnocchi dinner, the Sunrise Rotary's Trees for Charity and the Elk's Sweetheart Dance.

Next week, we're gathering to benefit the Madera Community Hospital Foundation at their annual dinner dance on Saturday August 10th at the home of Lee and Anna da Silva. As usual, we'll be dancing....this time to the sounds of Papa Clutch and the Shifters. Tickets are available by contacting MCH's Community Relations Director Rae Gomes at 675-5503. There are a lot of good reasons to attend this dinner, but let me add one more to the list: it's another event that this gentleman helped to sponsor.

If you were to ask him about the Foundation Dinner, he would modestly defer your compliments to Chair Diedre da Silva, co-chairs Lana Manfredi and Margaret Diebert. He would talk about the great causes that the Foundation supports, primarily the purchase of medical equipment for the local hospital. He would talk about what wonderful hosts Lee and Anna are. He would tell you great stories about his friend Bob Kelley, and then the subject would change to something else, and before you know it, he's deftly side-stepped your compliment. The one intended just for Monte.

For those of you who know Monte Pistoresi, then you are already acquainted with his generous nature and his dancing feet. When I hear a great band playing, I turn and look for Monte. When I find him he's dancing with Leona in the middle of the floor.

Mr. Pistoresi, you're a blessing on two dancing feet. Thanks again Monte, for the smiles, fun and friendship.