Ambrosianis picked to lead parade

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Lions Club is ramping up its Independence Day preparations by choosing Jack and Mary Jo Ambrosiani as this year’s grand marshals.

A prestigious position chosen by Lions Club members every year, the grand marshal status goes to individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of community spirit. In this case, members chose the Ambrosianis for their philanthropic activities and involvement in local organizations.

“Every year, we look for people in the community that have served others and really set themselves apart,” Lions Club member Tom Dabrowski said. “This year, we wanted to honor the Ambrosianis for the wonderful things they’ve done in this community.”

Through the Ambrosiani-Pastore Foundation, the couple have taken on a variety of community improvement projects with a particular emphasis on education and scholarships. For instance, the foundation bankrolled the Get Real classes that help establish the necessary skills to make good relationship, finance and health choices.

“I think that trying to get kids pointed in the right direction is a major need in the community and country,” Jack Ambrosiani said.

All the work the Ambrosianis do for young people in the county makes them a particularly appropriate choice for grand marshal this year, considering the theme is “children are our future.” Both individual students and the school district as a whole have benefited from their foundation’s work.

One difference this year is the fact that two people will share the grand marshal status. Typically, the honor goes to only one recipient. However, Dabrowski said that according to longtime Lions Club members, there is precedent for the action. Ultimately, however, honoring both individuals was simply the most appropriate action to take.

“They operate as a pair, so we’re honoring them as a pair,” Dabrowski said.  

Although the title of grand marshal carries an air of authority, the responsibilities that come along with it are fairly minimal. The only thing the Ambrosianis will need to do is ride in a convertible in the Fourth of July parade.

“It’s a pretty easy job,” Dabrowski said. “This is more about what the community can do for them than what they can do for us. It’s a chance to recognize them for what they do.”

According to Ambrosiani, the day will be a useful time to reflect on the heritage that made America a great nation and emphasize attitudes of self-reliance and problem-solving through diligence. He’s grateful to the Lions Club for the opportunity and the distinction.   

“We’re very honored,” he said. “We feel it’s a real privilege to be selected and we appreciate it a lot."