Assembly Resolution No. 844

BY: M. of A. Norris

HONORING Mike Bowers upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever of
the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce
on March 21, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend 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
Mike Bowers upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce,
to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, March 21, 2024,
at Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bowers was nominated for this prestigious award for
his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his beloved community of
Clarence Center, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bowers and his wife of nearly 49 years, Debbie, moved
to Clarence, New York, in 1986, when they were employed by the Clarence
Church of Christ to serve as student ministers and assist in general
ministry; and

WHEREAS, A love of sports began Mike Bowers' community connection in
town; his three children, Josh, Caleb, and Krista, all attended Clarence
High School, during which time he served as a Coach for the Town of
Clarence Baseball Association; he also assisted with Clarence Youth
Basketball and has attended hundreds of sports and musical events at the
local schools; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Mike Bowers, the Clarence
Church of Christ started the renowned Upward Basketball program for boys
and girls in grades K-4; he has also led several food packing events for
International Disaster Emergency Services where, with the help of
community groups, the church can pack 65,000 meals in one weekend; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bowers has been instrumental in the success of several
church initiatives, including its day-habilitation program for
individuals from Heritage Christian Services, as well as its Family
Promise program, providing space for displaced and homeless families;
furthermore, each December the church provides meals and toys to local
families through the Christmas Giving Project; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Mike Bowers has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the

recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mike Bowers upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Lifetime Achiever Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March
21, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mike Bowers.