LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Azzy and Paula Reckess upon the occa-
sion of their designation for special recognition by the Jewish Communi-
ty Center of Dutchess County on March 28, 2009

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute to
those individuals of firm belief and commitment who have devoted their
purposeful lives to the service of faith and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Azzy and Paula Reckess upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the Jewish Community Center of Dutchess County at
its Fifth Annual March Mystique, A Masked Ball, to be held on Saturday,
March 28, 2009, at the Dutchess Golf and Country Club, Poughkeepsie, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Azzy and Paula Reckess have continually demonstrated extreme
competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in their
unwavering service to the Jewish community and consequently have been
designated for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, Azzy and Paula Reckess have been members of the Dutchess
County community for 18 years; during which time they have brought
endless energy, passion and love to their family, business endeavors,
and numerous volunteer efforts; and
WHEREAS, The Jewish Community Center of Dutchess County stands today
because of their unwavering support and encouragement of others to join
together in promoting the mission of the institution and the Jewish
community; and
WHEREAS, Azzy and Paula Reckess met in Israel in 1974, and later
married in June of 1975; at this time, Paula worked as a Physical Thera-
pist in a children's hospital in Israel in which she specialized in
cystic fibrosis patients; Azzy was trained as a Social Worker and coun-
seled soldiers of the Israeli army; he would eventually rise to the rank
of Major in the Israeli Army; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Azzy and Paula Reckess moved to the United States
and, by way of Brooklyn they came to Dutchess County in 1981; they
developed and started a company building and operating assisted living
facilities, filling a critical need in the area, and today, it is still
a thriving enterprise; and
WHEREAS, Today, Paula Reckess manages office operations and their son,
Jacob Reckess, runs the facility's operations; and
WHEREAS, Azzy and Paula Reckess have been called upon to contribute
their time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and
have always given of themselves unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Paula Reckess has been a board member and is past president
of the Rabbi Erwin Zimet Hebrew Day School; she also brought her skills
to Temple Beth El as a board member, past president, and sisterhood
member; she has been on various committees including the Green Team (as
chairperson) and is a founder of the Kiddush Cup tennis tournament; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Paula Reckess is a member of ORT, JWI, and
Hadassah; recently, she served on the committee for the Anne Frank
Exhibit and co-chaired the Holocaust Commemoration committee through the
Jewish Federation of Dutchess County; in 2008, she biked 270 miles from
Jerusalem to Eilat in Israel to raise funds for the Arava Institute and
Hazon that brings together Arabs and Israelis; and
WHEREAS, Azzy Reckess was active with the Rabbi Erwin Zimet Hebrew Day
School as a board member and past president; he is a long time board
member and current President of the Jewish Community Center of Dutchess
County, as well as a member of the Harding Club; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Azzy Reckess has chaired Jewish Community Center of
Dutchess County committees that have produced several Israeli Independ-
ence Day celebrations and Hasidic festivals; he has also chaired the
Russian Immigrant Settlement committee; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Azzy and Paula Reckess have stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their children, Gila, David
and Jacob, as well as their grandson, Owen, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of their lives and rejoice in their achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Azzy and Paula Reckess have displayed
throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when persons of
such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend those indi-
viduals for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Azzy and Paula Reckess upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by the Jewish Community Center of Dutchess Coun-
ty; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Azzy and Paula Reckess.