LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Omega Institute upon the occasion of
receiving the Business of the Year Award from Abilities First, Inc. on
April 30, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice 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
organizations and individuals who 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 commend
Omega Institute upon the occasion of receiving the Business of the Year
Award from Abilities First, Inc. at its annual gala, "Gait to the Gala,"
to be held on Friday, April 30, 2010, at The Grandview, Poughkeepsie,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1977, by Stephan Rechtschaffen, M.D., and Eliza-
beth Lesser, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies was inspired by schol-
ar and Eastern meditation teacher, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan; together,
they envisioned a dynamic "university of life" designed to foster
personal growth and social change; the name "Omega" came from the teach-
ings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a renowned 20th-century philosopher,
who used the term "Omega Point" to describe the peak of unity and inte-
gration toward which all life is evolving; and
WHEREAS, In 1981, Omega Institute expanded from rented facilities in
New York and Vermont to its current home in Rhinebeck, New York, on the
former grounds of Camp Boiberik, a popular Yiddish camp; over the years,
the campus has been restored while maintaining its simplicity as it has
grown to nearly 200 acres and more than 100 buildings, including the
Sanctuary, the Ram Dass Library, and the new Omega Center for Sustaina-
ble Living; and
WHEREAS, Today, Omega Institute is the nation's most trusted source
for wellness and personal growth, welcoming more than 23,000 people to
its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck and at exceptional
locations around the world; and
WHEREAS, A nonprofit organization, Omega Institute has consistently
been at the forefront of human development; from nurturing early
dialogues on the integration of modern medicine and natural healing; to
designing programs that connect science, spirituality, and creativity;
to laying the groundwork for new traditions and lifestyles, Omega
continues to be a place where people from all walks of life come for
inspiration, restoration, and new ideas; its mission guides them to help
people find health, happiness, and community while living gently on the
Earth; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions 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
commend Omega Institute upon the occasion of receiving the Business of
the Year Award from Abilities First, Inc. on April 30, 2010; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Omega Institute.