LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sheila and Doug Ambrose and family upon
the occasion of their designation as the Family of the Year for 2010 by
Family Nurturing Center of Central New York, Inc. on Thursday, June 24,
2010

WHEREAS, From time to time, we take note of certain extraordinary indi-
viduals whom we wish to recognize for their valued contribution to the
success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors
which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
Sheila and Doug Ambrose and family upon the occasion of their desig-
nation as the Family of the Year for 2010 by Family Nurturing Center of
Central New York, Inc. on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the Radisson Hotel
Utica Centre; and
WHEREAS, This most prestigious honor is given in recognition of those
families who serve as outstanding examples of community commitment and
involvement in Central New York; and
WHEREAS, For the last 19 years, the Family Nurturing Center of Central
New York in Utica has fostered an awareness of the importance of nurtur-
ing family relationships by honoring families who exemplify nurturing
attitudes and behaviors; it was a unanimous decision, the Ambrose family
was chosen Family of the Year by their community in May; and
WHEREAS, The Family Nurturing Center was founded in 1988 to provide
parenting education and family support programs; the agency offers
services that empower parents and children to strengthen their relation-
ships and to meet individual and family needs; it also provides training
for individuals who work with families, toward the goal of preventing
child abuse and building nurturing families; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2010, the Awards Selection Committee read seven
letters that described the relationship and exemplary family life of
Sheila and Doug Ambrose and their children, Antonia, Augusta and Domin-
ic; and
WHEREAS, Doug is a history professor at Hamilton College and Sheila is
a writer and book editor; both parents are dedicated professionals with
doctoral degrees; the children, 12-year-old Antonia, eight-year-old
Augusta and six-year-old Dominic, are home-schooled and are nurtured to
become passionate readers; and
WHEREAS, The children are also encouraged to explore their individual
interests in music and outdoor activities; they are encouraged to be
themselves and to learn from others; their efforts are praised and their
accomplishments are acknowledged; and
WHEREAS, The children are clear reflections of how their parents have
nurtured a philosophy and lifestyle of love, respect, humility, care for
each other, compassion for others, active spirituality and worship,
patience and peacefulness; and
WHEREAS, The Ambrose family attends Our Lady of Lourdes Church in
Utica where they are active parishioners; Antonia is a member of the
choir and an altar server and Augusta is in training to follow in her
sister's footsteps; Dominic attends Kinder Music and is preparing to
make his first communion next year; Doug teaches Religious Education to
young teens and Sheila edits the Lourdes quarterly newsletter; and
WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of their duties and responsibil-
ities, Sheila and Doug Ambrose and family's ongoing efforts and notable
achievements have significantly contributed to bettering the quality of
life in their community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence should be celebrated and
recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sheila and Doug Ambrose and family upon the occasion of their
designation as the Family of the Year for 2010 by Family Nurturing
Center of Central New York, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sheila and Doug Ambrose and family.