LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Miller upon the occasion of his
retirement from the Blind Vendor Merchant Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
individuals whose lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence
and who bring great pride to the citizens of our great state; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
Robert Miller upon the occasion of his retirement from the Blind Vendor
Merchant Program; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Bob", Robert Miller has most recent-
ly operated Bob's Newsstand at the Senator John H. Hughes State Office
Building; and
WHEREAS, Robert Miller was born the eldest son of nine children, and
was a native of Hannibal, New York; and
WHEREAS, After losing his vision due to glaucoma at the age of 22,
Robert Miller pursued mobility training, and later went on to attend the
Blind Merchant Program at the Jewish Guild for the Blind in New York
City; and
WHEREAS, For more than 35 years, Robert Miller has worked with the
Blind Vendor Merchant Program in locations that included, the Syracuse
Post Office, the James Hanley Federal Building, the U.S. Postal Encoding
Center, and most recently, the Senator John H. Hughes State Office
Building; and
WHEREAS, Robert Miller also served for more than 20 years on the New
York State Committee of Blind Vendors, as well as President of the Syra-
cuse Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, an organization
that collectively helps many blind members, blind college students and
parents of blind children; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, Robert Miller was a recipient of the New York State
Senate Achiever's Award, an award that recognizes those who have over-
come physical and mental challenges and who have worked hard to improve
their communities; and
WHEREAS, An active athlete, Robert Miller has participated in many
bowling competitions with the Salt City Blind Bowlers, and in many
"Beep" Baseball competitions for people without sight with the Syracuse
League of Beep Ball; and
WHEREAS, Known for his passion for carpentry, Robert Miller not only
enjoys doing his own home remodeling projects, but he also has volun-
teered his talents to do other projects such as when he built picnic
tables for the employees of the John H. Hughes State Office Building;
and
WHEREAS, Even in his retirement, Robert Miller will continue working
part-time in the Blind Vendor Merchant Program, maintaining a small
vending delivery route, that will allow him more time for home remodel-
ing, and to spend time with his family; and
WHEREAS, Upon his retirement Robert Miller and his wife, Deborah,
their four sons, two grandsons, two granddaughters, and their new grand-
child on the way, plan to spend many days relaxing on his boat or at his
camp on Sandy Pond; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure in the John H. Hughes State Office Build-
ing, Robert Miller's sense of humor and kindness earned him the
affection and admiration of all the employees who enjoy visiting him on
a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, Robert Miller has been an outstanding advocate and mentor for
the blind, both young and old, and an excellent role-model to those with
or without sight; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long
and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 and pay tribute to Robert "Bob" Miller upon the occasion of his
retirement, and wish him many wonderful years ahead; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Miller.