Senate Resolution No. 2404 BY: Senator RITCHIE CONGRATULATING Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell upon the occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in paying tribute to those flourishing marriages that have stood the test of time to serve as a paradigm for present and future generations; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell upon the occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 30, 2019; and WHEREAS, Michael Schell and the former Jacqueline "Jacki" Finch were united in marriage on August 30, 1969, at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Binghamton, New York; and WHEREAS, The couple met while they were students at Ithaca College where Jacqueline Schell earned her degree in speech pathology and audiology and Michael Schell received his degree in communications; and WHEREAS, After graduating, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell resided for many years in the Washington, D.C. area; during this time, Michael attended law school at Catholic University; in 1974, they returned to New York to raise their family, and were actively involved in their community and local politics; and WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of five daughters, Amy, Julie, Amanda, Carey, and Kathryn, and the loving grandparents of 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell are and always have been a tower of strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family; and WHEREAS, Their devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and tradition; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell have lived and continue to live their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and WHEREAS, They have passed these same values to their loved ones, producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell have touched the lives of their family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage, which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess for one another; and WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a milestone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when an occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell upon the occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schell.