Senate Resolution No. 3576

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

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.