Construction is about to begin on a new, larger, state-of-the-art Paramedic Ambulance Station and administrative offices for Sierra Ambulance Service.
    A ground-breaking ceremony will be conducted at the site along Winding Way at the north end of Oakhurst on Thursday [March 2], starting at 10 a.m.
    Ed Guzman, general manager of Sierra Ambulance, explains that the service has housed its ambulances and crew at what has affectionately come to be referred to as the “bay,” on grounds of the Oakhurst Community Living Center, off Highway 49.
    That facility was built on donated land, with volunteer labor back in 1985. It was built at a time when Sierra Ambulance had a volunteer work force and the ambulance crew responded from their homes or work to the “bay,” picked up the ambulance and responded to calls.
    Several years later the facility was expanded to house an ambulance crew for 24-hour duty. During the last 15 years, call volume has tripled and the “bay” has become too small for the added personnel and equipment.
    Sierra Ambulance began fund-raising and saving money years ago with the intent to someday build a larger facility that would accommodate current and future needs.
    Last year the service purchased three acres of land along Winding Way behind Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital and is now ready to begin construction.
    “The new facility will be composed of two separate structures — a 1,250 square-foot crew quarters with a large, three-ambulance, attached garage,” says Mr. Guzman. “On the same site will be a 3,200 square-foot administrative building.”
    The administrative building will house the billing department, supervisors offices and a large classroom. “It is our intention to make this classroom available to community service groups in the area that may need classroom or meeting-room space,” says Mr. Guzman.

    NORTH FORK — “Community Service: Whose Responsibility in the New Millennium” was presented by three young contestants during competition February 16.
    Speaking at the 63rd annual Lions Club Student Speakers Contest were Matt Grow, Jeremy Mason and Lynda Rogers — each with their own interpretation of the theme.
    At the conclusion of the presentations, Jeremy, a Willow Creek High School senior and president of the schools’ FFA chapter, was announced as the winner. As such, he will go to the next level, which will be held at the Ol’ Kettle in Oakhurst on Wednesday [March 1].
    “Community service is helping others,” says Jeremy, who has diabetes and is the son of Ronnie and Robert Akin. “I will not let what I can’t do interfere with what I can do.”
    All the student speakers stressed the importance of giving of themselves without thought of compensation. Each received a cash prize and certificate of appreciation.
    Kenny Goodwin, president of the North Fork Lions Club for the second year, was master of ceremonies.