Senate Resolution No. 1194

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the
Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the Sidney Albert
Albany Jewish Community Center to be celebrated on Sunday, April 28,
2019, at Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this prestigious awards ceremony recognizes
individuals for their contributions to the Center and the Jewish
community-at-large by acting as moral pillars and dispensers of wisdom
and advice, providing continued service and leadership, and acting
generously in the spirit of Tzedakah; and

WHEREAS, Widely known for their extraordinary dedication to Israel
and the local community, Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood's philanthropic
and leadership endeavors continue to inspire all of those who are lucky
enough to know them; and

WHEREAS, As a member of Brandeis University's third graduating
class, Adrienne Rockwood has served as President of the University's
National Women's Committee (Albany chapter) for two terms and is a life
member of the organization; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she is a life member of Hadassah, a legacy she
has passed on to her four daughters, and has served as co-President of
the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center Foundation Auxiliary; and

WHEREAS, Adrienne Rockwood has also been a lay chaplain for Jewish
Family Services since the program's inception and has been
Chair/co-Chair for numerous special events at Temple Israel, including
the Circle of Humanity Award program; and

WHEREAS, In her professional life, Adrienne Rockwood began her
career as an elementary school teacher in Boston; she also served as
Director of the Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center at
Temple Israel, where she turned an already successful program into an
award-winning early education experience; and

WHEREAS, Adrienne Rockwell went on to pursue a new path as a career
counselor; in addition to running a private practice, she also held
positions in a number of local libraries, authored a weekly column in a
daily newspaper and established programs for returning women students at

Hudson Valley Community College, Schenectady County Community College
and The Sage Colleges; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman then took a position as a
Representative for the State of Israel Bonds before serving as Vice
President at Family and Children's Services of Albany; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bill Rockwood has been an active member of the Capital
Region Jewish community for many years; at Temple Israel, he has served
as President as well as on various committees; he also served as a board
member for Beth Abraham Jacob; and

WHEREAS, A past commander for the Jewish War Veterans Post No. 105,
Dr. Bill Rockwood served as the President of the Vaad Hakashruth of the
Capital District; additionally, he is the former President and Executive
Vice President of Jewish Educational Resources of New York (JERNY); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bill Rockwood's professional career spans more than 40
years; at The Sage Colleges, he served as Chair of the biology
department and as the Founder and Director of the Sage Project in
Alcohol and Drug Abuse; and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from academia, Dr. Bill and Adrienne
Rockwood chose to share their love of helping others by founding Senior
Hope, an outpatient clinic serving the 50+ population in the Capital
Region; Bill continues to work with local organizations assisting people
with addiction issues; and

WHEREAS, In 2006 Adrienne and Bill were both honored by Senior
Services of Albany as recipients of the Third Age Achievement Award, a
program which recognizes contributions and achievements made by those
over the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, Married for 65 years, Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood are
the proud parents of five children and the loving grandparents of 16
grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Dr. Bill and Adrienne
Rockwood have displayed throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood, that future generations may know and
appreciate their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and
their respect and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the Pillars of the Community Award by the
Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood.