Honor Robert W. Lenz

Assembly Resolution No. 792 BY: M. of A. Norris HONORING Robert W. Lenz upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Robert W. Lenz upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 46th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Samuel's Grande Manor, Clarence, New York; and WHEREAS, Robert W. Lenz, affectionately known as Bob, has been called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, A resident of Clarence, New York, since fourth grade, Bob Lenz graduated from Clarence Central High School before attending Erie Community College where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts; and WHEREAS, Bob Lenz currently serves as the Innkeeper of Asa Ransom House Country Inn, a charming bed and breakfast and restaurant in Clarence, New York; and WHEREAS, At the age of 14, Bob Lenz began his illustrious career in the restaurant business working for Art Zimmerman who owned the Millroad House and catered the monthly Lions Club meetings at the Coachmen's Inn; and WHEREAS, Throughout college, Bob Lenz continued to work at the Coachmen's Inn, first as a dishwasher, then bartender, waiter and eventually manager; and WHEREAS, After valiantly serving his country as a member of the United States Army, Bob Lenz returned to Clarence to manage the Red Mill restaurant; in 1975, he purchased the property on Main Street and opened Asa Ransom House restaurant before adding on to the original house to create lodging; and WHEREAS, A railroad activist and avid traveler by train, Bob Lenz has logged over 20,000 miles a year for many years across the United States; he is past president of the Empire State Rail Passengers Association and a member of the National Association of Rail Passengers; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was past president of Select Registry, an organization of over 300 historic and distinguished Inns; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Clarence community, Bob Lenz has chaired the Annual JC Antique Show for 25 years, and has been an important contributor to the Clarence Hollow Farmers' Market; and WHEREAS, In addition, he served as a long-time board member of the Clarence Hollow Association and as a volunteer for Walk the Villages, Doors Open Niagara, Art on Wheels, and at the Buffalo Visitors' Bureau events; and WHEREAS, Bob Lenz currently serves the Town of Clarence courts, overseeing the individuals assigned to community service; he is also an active member of Eastern Hills Church where he serves in the Connection Center; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Margarethe, two daughters, Abbey and Jenny, two stepsons and three grandchildren, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 Bob Lenz, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Robert W. Lenz upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Robert W. Lenz.