On Saturday night, the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps (MVAC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner at the New Hyde Park Inn. Although members celebrated 25 years of service to the community, there was a somber note. Earlier that day, Louise DiGiorgio, who founded MVAC with her husband Joe, suffered a heart attack.

While Joe and Louise couldn't attend the celebration, they were in the thoughts and prayers of all gathered. During a photo slide presentation during which photos of the Ambulance Corps members and various events were shown, the biggest applause were for Joe and Louise DiGiorgio.

Anyone who knows Joe and Louise would not be surprised that they started the Ambulance Corps. They are the type of people who truly care about others and through their dedication and persistence along with the help of many along the way, the community now enjoys a valuable service with a foundation built on care and community service.

I had gone to the DiGiorgio's house on Jerome Avenue on two different occasions; once when Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy went to present Joe with the citizen of the month award for her Congressional district. I also visited with the DiGiorgios to interview them for a story about how they started the Ambulance Corps.

In the DiGiorgio house, you can feel the warmth of these two special people.

Last Wednesday, a longtime friend of the DiGiorgios, Mayor Jack M. Martins went to the hospital to see Louise and to see if Joe needed anything. While speaking with Joe, the subject of the renovations to the MVAC headquarters on Elm Place came up. The mayor, during the celebration that night, announced that a fund drive would be undertaken and Mayor Martins promised he would raise $5,000 for the cause.

People will be willing to help MVAC because the members beginning with Joe and Louise are always there to help others.

We join with the community in keeping Louise and Joe in our thoughts and prayers.

- Joe Rizza