LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Watts upon the occasion of his
designation as MERRICK LIFE's 2009 Father of the Year

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those illustrious individuals who devote their time and ener-
gy to raising their children, helping them to develop the skills neces-
sary to succeed throughout their lives, and enabling them to build lives
of dignity and self-worth; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Michael Watts of North Merrick, New York, stepfather to 17-year-old Lisa
and father of 21-month-old Anna Noelle, upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as MERRICK LIFE's 2009 Father of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Michael Watts, husband of lifelong Merrick resident Jennifer
Watts, has made himself a valued member of the community in the years he
has lived there; and
WHEREAS, When Michael Watts and Jennifer met, Jennifer was divorced
and had a six-year-old daughter, Lisa; Michael entered their lives when
Jennifer was going through a difficult time and created magic; and
WHEREAS, Although Michael Watts knew and respected the fact that Lisa
had a father, he somehow managed to fit in; Jennifer, Michael and Lisa
did everything together as a family; Michael went to every single play,
concert, and game Lisa had; he was there for her Communion and Confirma-
tion, and has always just seemed to manage to be there when she needed
something; and
WHEREAS, Even going through the difficult teenage years, Michael Watts
has remained a patient and understanding stepfather and role model in
Lisa's life; and
WHEREAS, He works nights at UPS and is a former Golden Gloves boxer,
though today his toughest fight is keeping little Anna Noelle still
while changing her diaper; and
WHEREAS, Jennifer Watts, who works as a nurse and who nominated Micha-
el for the high honor of Father of the Year, appreciates that although,
like many families, they do not get to spend as much time together as a
family as they would like, Michael Watts' presence as a father is
constant, and will always be; and
WHEREAS, Father's Day is a time to commend and celebrate fathers; it
is the one day of the year designated to praise and pay tribute to
fathers and all other men who have taken on that role in children's
lives, whether they be a stepfather like Michael Watts, or an uncle,
grandfather, friend, or Big Brother; and
WHEREAS, Michael Watts is a man of singular distinction; he represents
a model of professional, community, and family life worthy of emulation
and his distinguished record as a father and stepfather merits the
recognition and praise of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Watts upon the occasion of his designation as MERRICK
LIFE's 2009 Father of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Watts.