Potter Club Reunions - The Future
A Discussion as follow up to the 2009 reunion.

Prior to the reunion at Alumni House Milan Krchniak penned a message to Potter Alumni to stimulate discussion about our future reunions and the their respective locales.  Milan said, "Pottermen (and guests): Where to in the future? For example, should we incorporate our reunion into the activities in October for Homecoming / Family Reunion Weekend at the University each year? Should we maintain our separate reunions? Should we try to meet in different parts of the state at different times? Other thoughts? Let's talk about it."

Decisions need to be made about our future and discussion is needed to help define a best solution.  Some wrote with thoughts prior to the reunion, others have added to their ideas since.  Listed below is a running account of the thoughts.  Please add yours by contacting any of the Albany Group or send to the webmaster, highamwj@stny.rr.com

From Art Weigand, `54, (Paul Ward distributed this piece at the banquet):
Greetings.  Unfortunately we can’t attend the reunion this year, but I wanted to give my input into the Albany Group issue of future Potter reunions.  First, some definitions and observations:

“Mossbacks” refers to those of us who spent our collegiate years at the “old” Western Avenue campus.  “Youngsters” refers to those who spent some or all their collegiate years at the “new” University campus.  Mossbacks, in addition to Potter membership, have a bond because the great majority spent their career in some aspect of education somewhere in the State of New York.  Youngsters may or may not share that bond.  Mossbacks will support and attend Potter reunions wherever and whenever they are held, for as long as we are still upright.  The majority of Mossbacks have limited interest in Homecoming, because they don’t feel much commonality with the “new” University.  Youngsters, on the other hand, may be attracted to Potter reunions if they are held in proximity to, and in conjunction with, Homecoming.  All of us, I think, have enjoyed holding the reunion in various other locations in the State, but we are realistic enough to know that, as we age, there may be fewer volunteers willing to chair and sponsor such reunions.  Conclusion:  In the absence of volunteers to make other arrangements, I think we should assume future reunions will be held in or in the near vicinity of Albany, and in conjunction with Homecoming.

That being said, I have some opinions about the format.  Much of the pleasure of a reunion is in the opportunity to spend time with old friends.  This year’s reunion is too thin for this purpose.  It is essentially a one-night stand, with optional Friday tour.  We need to fatten the schedule.  While a two-day meeting may not be practical, I think the reunion should be held at a full-service motel/hotel where all activities will be in the same location, as has been done successfully in the past.  This would simplify logistics and arrangements.  We should include a hospitality room on Thursday afternoon, where early arrivals can relax, greet old friends, tell some lies, and perhaps quaff a cold one while waiting to register for the reunion and check in for accommodations.  I would like to see an optional Friday breakfast, preferably a buffet.  Breakfast would be completed in plenty of time to take a tour, if offered, and to check out, for those leaving.  This would also fit nicely with the Homecoming activities later in the day.  Art

From John Centra, 54:  In thinking about next year I would agree with Paul’s comment that going to different parts on the State to see and do things we may not otherwise have experienced is important.  Given that let me offer three possibilities for next year:
The Hyde Park area.  It offers the Roosevelt homes (maybe we could entice Joe P. to give a few comments at dinner), the culinary institute, and several estates on the Hudson that we could visit.
The Lake George region.  A boat ride on the Lake would be one attraction, complete with drinks and snacks.
*
  The Thousand Islands area.  A boat ride among the islands is amazing and there is a nice hotel in Clayton, NY, that could be available.

September or June would likely be the best times for the reunion at any of these places.  Perhaps we could offer these as possibilities to our members and request someone (from each respective area) to make the arrangements. What do you think?  John

From Bob Sage, `55: Hi Again Guys.  For what it's worth, here are some thoughts on the 2009, and future reunions:
1.  All of the points that Art Weigand made in his letter are right on target from my perspective.
2.  The central location (or activities hub) at a full service motel/hotel is very important as we all age a bit. 
I'm afraid the Alumni House is not quite up to putting on a quality event and banquet.
3.  His idea of a reception on the evening of arrival/check in really drives the whole essence of the reunion, followed by the next day's
activities whatever they may be; homecoming or not.  In the latter regard, I am on record for the following day's activities be more
related to history and tours of points of interest, versus a guest speaker.
4.  The bottom line is that the reunion(s) should have a focus on the opportunity to get together, renew old friendships and enjoy
each other's company.  I regret that the one day and speaker format just completed did not offer me much of a chance to accomplish
that.  I also vote for the two-day event wherein the first evening reception, with the chance to really "chew the fat", will set the tone
for the following day.  The assumption would be that the banquet would be the culmination of the reunion (sans speaker), and
devoted to Potter business, and more opportunity to renew the strong bonds that exist within our fellowship.

It was great seeing you all again.  If you are ever down this way, the door is always open.  In Fellowship,  Bob

From Paul ward (replying to Bob Sage):  Thank you for your thoughtful comments on future Potter Reunions. I too, thought that Art's input was on target. More time for conversation and reminiscing is the bottom line in having these events. Talking with Jack, having them regularly at "Homecoming Week-end" has its merit as far as logistics etc. However, I wonder whether, excepting for the anniversary classes, that it would draw a good quorum? I also wonder whether meeting in Albany  every time might get a little tiresome as far as events, etc. The other fact is that the so-called Albany group are pretty well getting to an age where the energy to plan and carry out a program is difficult. Not sure whether there are others in the area who might be willing to pick up the mantle.

As mentioned Thurs. evening and supported by John Centra, that arranging for programs at different parts of the State, I believe, is appreciated by many members. This, too, requires someone to take the responsibility. We know that much of the logistics is taken up by Jack Higham; but he needs assistance to carry these meetings off. I think John had some very good suggestions for meetings: Thousand Islands, Hyde park area, and Lake George for boat ride etc. We have done that at least twice; but some time ago.  Paul