LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Bill Rohde upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Lynn and Nancy Wall Award by Abilities
First, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bill
Rohde upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lynn and
Nancy Wall Award by Abilities First, Inc., to be celebrated on Friday,
April 24, 2009, in Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, Abilities First is an organization which provides vocational,
educational, residential and clinical services to over 2,000 of its
neighbors with disabilities throughout the Mid-Hudson Area; this year's
theme is "Breaking News"; and
WHEREAS, The Lynn and Nancy Wall Award is given to a group or individ-
ual that has made an outstanding contribution to enhance the lives of
individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Bill Rohde is a Principal Engineer and senior partner in the
firm of Rohde, Soyka & Andrews, Consulting Engineers in the City of
Poughkeepsie; he specializes in the structural design of new buildings,
structural restoration of historic buildings, municipal engineering, and
civil environmental engineering design with an emphasis on "Green Site"
design; and
WHEREAS, An Abilities First board member from 1994-2000, Bill Rohde
was on the committee that established the annual gala in 1995 and served
on the gala committee for the next five years, co-chairing it for three
years; and
WHEREAS, Bill Rohde has designed and renovated many of its residences,
including houses in Millbrook, Rhinebeck, Creek Road and Spy Hill in
Poughkeepsie, and the eight apartments at Violet Gardens, ensuring ADA
compliance and seeing to the comfort and accessibility of all the resi-
dents; his attention to detail is legendary and his sensitivity to the
needs of people with disabilities goes beyond Abilities First; and
WHEREAS, A congregant of Christ Episcopal Church, Bill Rohde has
served on the Board of Directors of the Anderson School and the Bardavon
1869 Opera House; he is currently working with the Dutchess County SPCA
on its Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Carol, their six
children, as well as their six grandchildren, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they 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 Bill Rohde upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Lynn and Nancy Wall Award by Abilities First, Inc.; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bill Rohde.