Archived News 2011
December 11, 2011: In Memoriam: John A. Morley, 1951 (Obit supplied by Paul Ward.)
John Arthur Morley, of Burnt Hills, died December 8, at the age of 85. He was born in Brooklyn, to the late Susan Webster and Arthur Joseph Morley. He graduated from Great Neck High School in 1943 and went directly into the U.S. Navy, serving on the submarine USS Queenfish until the end of World War II. In 1949, he wed his college sweetheart, Dorothy, in Portageville. They were happily married for 62 years. John graduated from the New York State College for Teachers in 1951 and, in 1952, earned his master's degree in secondary school administration from the same institution. He worked briefly for the New York State Department of Audit and Control, and the Department of Taxation and Finance. In 1958, he began his 24-year tenure as school business administrator for the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District. After a short retirement, he consulted for A.W. Lawrence and Company until 1997. John was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed woodworking and boat building, was a keen reader, and delighted in political discussion. John was predeceased by his oldest son David Morley, and is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and by his children Peter Morley, Barbara Morley (John Chamberlain), Paul (Kim) Morley, Sarah Morley (Theo Macris), Lisa (Christopher) Madden, Laura (Talbot) Hardman, and Heather (Darius) Ismail, and by his grandchildren Emma, Justin, Britt, Galen, Megan, Trevor, Kathryn, Olivia, Thomas, and Allison, and by his sister Susan Paxon. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, December 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake. The funeral mass will be celebrated there at 11 a.m. He will be interred at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Memorial donations may be made to the Tutwiler Community Education Center, PO Box 448, Tutwiler, MI, 38963. Arrangements are by Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home.  John's wife, mentioned above, was Dorothy Conaway, 1950, Psi Gamma Sorority.

Snow Bird Reminder: If you are heading South, or already live there, and want a list of other Snow Birds, or other Potter men living in the South, contact us for a tailored list of names.  Maybe you can arrange a local reunion.

Potter Club Fall/Winter Albany Luncheon, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, Latham, 76 Diner at Noon. Contact Milan Krchniak or Claude Palczak with your intentions by 12/13.

November 7, 2011:  Reunion 2011 Recordings:  An audio recording was made of the Banquet Program.  Segments are posted under Reunion11 (See link at the left).  The segments include: Dave Manly, `52, Invocation; Paul Ward, `53, Potter Man of the Era Award; Jack Higham, `57, UAlb Alumni Association Citation of Appreciation; Carlton Coulter, `35, Recollections; Ken Doran, `39, Recollections; Gene McLaren, `45, Recollections; Potter Club Song. conducted by Ron Graves, `58

In Memoriam: Harold A. (Tom) Garno, `59, passed away, November 3, 2011, in Florida.  This information provided by Dick Willis, `59.

October 25, 2011:  Reunion Photos.  All photos of the Reunion received are in the Photo Gallery in the 2011 Reunion Album.  These include photos taken by the UAlb photographer and pictures taken by Maureen Culbert and Bonnie Tomaszewski Kisiel, `67.  We can use any or all photos taken of the events over the three days.  If you have some, or know of ones taken, contact the photographer and send them to us.  Paper pictures can be returned.  Electronic files are preferred.

Reunion Recordings:  An audio recording was made of most of the Banquet Program, including the open mike portion.  When we can get the recording broken down into manageable pieces we will have the recordings available under the Reunion11 link.

Another New EEP Found:  John (Buddy) Wleklinski, 1979, Camillus, NY, contacted us by email.  While he is listed in the UAlb Online Directory, there had been no affiliation shown for Potter Club.  If you know of others who have "slipped through the cracks," let us know.

We now have 958 members listed in our Potter Club Alumni Database.

The Future for Potter Club Alumni Association Gatherings:  If you are a snow bird and plan to have a gathering near where you are wintering, let us know a date and place and we can:
a) send an email to a selected list;
b) put a blurb on this page of the web site;
c) send you a contact list so you can send complete information to anyone you wish.

If you have such a get together and take pictures, send copies to us and we can post them in the Photo Gallery.

if you are interested in organizing any kind of a get together of Potter Club Alums, we can: do a), b), and c), above for you.

Potter Club Alumni Association Membership Directory:  We can make PDF files of membership available  to any Potter Club Alumni making the request.  A set can be generated for any year, group of years, or for the entire list.  We will not publish this list to the web site because of privacy and security concerns, and there are no plans to create another CD as we did for the 75th Anniversary Reunion.  An abbreviated membership list is posted on the web site.

October 15, 2011:  Reunion plus 2 weeks.  It has taken some time for the dust to settle and for us to get our act together.  Gradually we will have many pages to view on the web site, including:
Photos (see Photo Gallery link at the left);
Program Booklet (see Reunion11 link at left);
Musings as to where we go from here (see Discussion of the Future link at left)
Final Lists for Attendance and Regrets (see Reunion11 link)

Photos:  We need of photos of all events taken by anyone attending the reunion.  If you have some to share, email them, send paper copies or a CD, or call Jack to make other arrangements.

September 29, 2011:  The Eve of the 80th! Three very late cancellations with regrets.  Medical emergencies for Ben Jackson, `50 and Bernie Robbins, `57, and travel problems for John Benton, `57.  We wish them all well.  See latest Reunion 11 Attendance  and Reunion11 Regrets at the respective links.

September 23, 2011: ONE WEEK to GO! Another late registration and another regret received.  See the complete list of regrets at the Reunion 11 link and the complete list of those attending at the same link or at : Reunion 11 Attendance. The list of those attending shows only spouses attending.  Our guests are shown with their titles in place of their city of residence for simplicity.

September 16, 2011:  R-Day minus 14:  Numbers are very nice.  Several relatives of Edward Potter will be attending.  See latest attendance at Reunion 11 link or at: Reunion 11 Attendance.

September 12, 2011: Our Condolences to all Pottermen and their families who were in any way affected by the tragic events of 9/11/2001.

Reunion:  18 days to go: Both mail and phone calls have picked up.  The numbers look quite nice.
See latest attendance at Reunion 11 link or at: Reunion 11 Attendance.

A couple of new regrets have been received.  See all of them at the Reunion Link at the left.

Dick Willis, `59, unable to attend the upcoming reunion due to a stroke in March, sent a copy of the 40th Potter Club Reunion Program for the archives.

A lengthy letter came from Jim Morrissey.  Excerpted from his letter is the following: 
I cannot make the Potter Club Reunion due to a stroke suffered two years ago.  I want to publicly thank Milan Krchniak and Paul Ward for attending the wake for my brother John, who passed away 3 years ago.  Paul is most deserving of the Potter Club accolades.

I plan (eventually) to donate a large model of the DH 4 airplane that Edward Eldred Potter was flying at the time of his demise in France.  About 6000 of these planes were built, 2000 by DeHaviland in England, powered by Rolls Royce engines, and 4000 were built by Packard and powered by Packard engines.  Potter was flying a Packard DH 4.  I will be consulting with experts and researching the details on the DH 4 to accompany the model.  I'll keep you informed.  Jim Morrissey, `57.

September 6, 2011: D-Day plus 4:  Mail and phone calls picking up.  A few are still "the check is in the mail." See latest attendance at Reunion 11 link or at: Reunion 11 Attendance.

September 4, 2011: D-Day plus 2:  More mail and a few phone calls ("the check is in the mail").  See latest attendance at Reunion 11 link or at: Reunion 11 Attendance.
Totals: (received) EEPs attending:              =58
Total Attendance (received):                         =97
Totals: (anticipated EEPs attending):          =62   
Total Attendance (anticipated):                     =121 (113 at banquet)
Totals: EEPS sending regrets:                     =46

August 31, 2011: 2 Days left to Register.  Will you be there?  Latest attendance and regrets at the Reunion11 link at the left.
   Totals:  EEPS  attending              = 50
   Totals: EEPS   sending regrets   = 46
   Total Attendance                           = 84 (banquet number)

August 28, 2011:  More Regs arrive, still a little slow.  Have you registered? 
   Totals:  EEPS Attending = 44;
   Total  Attendance= 72 (banquet number). 
A few will be attending either Friday reception or Saturday boat/lunch, but not banquet.

August 19, 2011:  Mail still arriving.  See latest at the Reunion11 link.  Total attendance now at 53.

In memoriam: Douglas Adamson, 1953, died August 16, 2011.  Info from Paul Ward.  See obit at link:
 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion-albany/obituary.aspx?n=douglas-t-adamson&pid=153162527

August 14, 2011: Registrations and Regrets are "trickling" in.  See latest lists of both at the Reunion11 link at the left.

Another Lost EEP found!!  Paul O'Leary, `44, found by Ben Reed, `47.  Ben has been in touch with Paul regularly and noted we didn't have him in our list.  Ben also passed along the info of the passing of Bill Tucker, `47, in 2010.

In memoriam: Harold Duffey, 1941, (08/08/2009); William Tucker, 1947 (in 2010 as noted above); Charles Moden, 1965, (03/05/2011).

Latest lists for Deceased Pottermen and Lost EEPs have been updated.  See links.

July 29, 2011:  Registrations are arriving!  Early bird winners are: Dave Manly, 52 and Eric Kafka, 60.  See the latest list of registrants and regrets at the Reunion11 link at the left.

July 17, 2011:  Brochures are in the mail for the 80th Anniversary Reunion, 9/30/11 -10/2/11.  Copies of the brochure pages and related inserts are at the Reunion11 link. 

As registrations and replies arrive lists of those attending and those sending regrets will be posted at the same link.

July 11, 2011:  An astute observer of our web site, Elaine Frankonis, `61, BZ, contacted us that we had an error in the date for the UAlb Homecoming Weekend.  It is Friday October 14 - Saturday October 15, 2011, and has been corrected in our Potter Reunion Information page. 

So, UAlb Homecoming will be 2 weeks after the 80th Anniversary Reunion of Potter Club.

July 1, 2011:  80th Reunion Plans Near Final:  Dot the i's and cross the t's and the planning is nearly final.  Brochure to go out about July 16 to nearly 500 Pottermen for whom we have reasonably good addresses.  The brochure will be posted here, along with the Schedule of Events and Program.  See Reunion 11 link for all of these and more.

The Reunion 11 Program will feature a Commemoration Celebration honoring Pottermen who have brought distinction to Potter Club while in college and beyond.  Commemorative plaques will be unveiled for Myskania members; Presidents of Potter Club; University Distinguished Alumni; and University Athletic Hall of Fame.  A special plaque honoring the Potter Man of the Era will be given to John Paul Ward, 1953, for his singular exemplary service to the organization.  All of these plaques will hang in the  Edward Potter Memorial Room at Alumni House as the Potter Club "Wall of Fame."

May 15, 2011: 80th Reunion Planning Continues:  The 80th Anniversary Reunion Committee met in East Greenbush, May 11, to continue developing plans.  A second optional field trip has been added, that to the USS Slater (see the Reunion11 link at the left).  Other details regarding the latest tentative version of the Schedule of Events and Banquet Program are at the same link. 

Brochure:  The brochure is being prepared and will be mailed in early Summer.  Stay tuned here for the announcement of the mailing.  The brochure will also include an insert of your personal Potter Club Alumni Directory Page.  When you receive it review its contents and send back any revisions you want made.  A new directory will be available subsequently.

Tentative attendees and Regrets: Lists of those responding to the recent email survey can be found at the Reunion11 link.  These lists will be periodically updated as new responses arrive, and after registrations come in following the brochure mailing.

Potter Club Chorus Tape:  An audio tape has surfaced through Dave Manly, `52, that contains recordings of the Potter Club Chorus singing songs for the Christmas Sing, believed to be in1954, and several songs by a quartet, now idenified by Bob Sage, `55, as the Potter Club Quartet.  The tape has been converted to a digital format. These songs can be heard at the Potter Club Songs link at the left.  We are seeking more information identifying the details of this music.  Can you help?  Do you remember?  Were you there?

Newly Found EEPs, and In Memoriam:  Responses to our survey have uncovered more lost EEPs and another deceased Potterman. 
Found: Jack Lewis, `62; Albert Boosman, `63; Mike Governanti, `66; Joel Volinski, `72
Deceased: Ralph Warne, `66 (passed away, August 2001.  Info from brother Don Warne, `61)

April 26, 2011: Deadline for Survey reply - April 30, 2011
Following the deadline date an update will be posted under the Reunion 11 link.  Check it out soon.

Updates have been made to the Honored Pottermen Lists (see links at the left for: Past Presidents; Myskania; Athletic Hall of Fame, and University Awards).  If you note any errors, particularly omissions, please contact us immediately.

April 4, 2011: In Memoriam: John G. Lindberg, 1956  John Lindberg died at home in Naples, Idaho, April 1, 2011. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at the Becker Auditorium, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

John was born on May 29, 1934 in Cortland, N.Y. to Philip & Marion Lindberg. He was raised in the small town of Homer, N.Y. and always wished to retire to the comfort and friendliness of small town living. John graduated from Homer High School where he was active in soccer, basketball and track but soccer became his main love. John went on to Brockport State College in pursuit of a teaching degree. There his true talent for soccer excelled and he was selected as an All American Soccer player in 1952, 1953,1954. John graduated from Brockport with both a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Education Administration. His first taught at Eden, N.Y followed by a return to Brockport College where John taught college students professional teaching skills with young children. John’s teaching career of 36 years took him from N.Y. to Nevada and finally California, where to taught for 26 years. There he met and married a fellow teacher, Shirley Smith who has been his life long loving partner for over forty years. Those many years in education brought him recognition in both athletic and service awards: Homer Central School Athletic Hall of Fame; All American Soccer Player 1952, 1953, 1954; Eden Hall of Fame Award for Distinguished Service; New York State University for Outstanding Service Dedication and Contribution for Establishing Soccer as New High School Sport; 1992 Bonners Ferry Board of Education Service Award; Idaho Intermountain League Coach of the Year; Idaho High School Athletic League Distinguished Service Award. Upon retiring to Bonners Ferry, John learned soccer was not included as a high school sport. True to his community spirit, he immediately went into action and got permission to voluntarily start a free youth club team at the fairgrounds. As it grew, finding and personally purchasing a suitable field to accommodate the growth led to more participants. Finally soccer was accepted as a school sport. John was instrumental in creating a high school soccer field and this has led to a positive Bonners Ferry soccer reputation over the years. John’s soccer philosophy “First and foremost sportsmanship followed closely by respect for the sport itself and help for fellow team mates”.

John is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter & son-in-law, Laurie & Michael Naumann; Brother, Bill Lindberg; Daughter-in-law, Jan Soloy; 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren & several nieces & nephews.  Memorials suggested: Boundary County Education Foundation, Bonners Ferry High School Soccer Teams, or Pancreatic Cancer Research. Family and friends are invited to sign John’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.   News of John's passing was given to us initially by his brother, Bill Lindberg, `55.

March 31, 2011: Albany Lunch Group Continues Reunion Planning.  At a luncheon on March 16 in the Potter Memorial Room, Alumni House, UAlbany, developing plans were shared and discussed.  Attending were, chronologically: Carl Coulter, `35; Bob Umholtz, `51; Bob Lanni, `52; Milan Krchniak, `53; Jim Panton, `53; Paul Ward, `53; Jack Higham, `57; Bernie McEvoy, `57; Fred Culbert, `65; Grant Downs, `68; Gerry Leggieri, `68; Doug Davis, `69.   Photos of the assemblage are in the Photo Gallery (see link at left).

An email survey will be sent in early Spring to determine tentative interest in attending and potential numbers for the 80th Reunion in Albany.  The Reunion Brochure will be mailed in mid-Summer with a late August Registration Deadline.  Latest details are, and will be,  posted in the Reunion11 link at the left.

The 80th Reunion is expected to be the last formal Annual Potter Club Alumni Reunion, due to an aging and decreasing population; less mobility; and lack of local volunteers to serve as local organizing committees.  Smaller, regional reunions have not been ruled out and Annual Reunions could occur, given organizational manpower.  This aspect of the future is a likely topic for discussion at the 80th.  A Reunion theme, "Commemorations," will include recognizing all Pottermen who have been honored by the University or, who through their efforts while in College, have brought honor to Potter Club.  These 106 individuals are listed in the links at the left.  A dedicatory plaque will be unveiled at the 80th in their recognition and will become the "Potter Club Wall of Fame."  All distinguished Pottermen, 54 of whom are living, are strongly urged to attend the 80th celebration.

February 13, 2011: In Memoriam: Louisville, KY.  Robert G. Jacoby, 1952. 

January 23, 2011: 80th Anniversary Plans beginning to fall into place!  The Albany group is in overdrive getting the planning underway.  The Reunion will be held Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2, 2011.  As details emerge you will find them at the link at the left, Reunion11.  A thumbnail view will have the Reunion start Friday evening; full day of activities on Saturday, with banquet Saturday evening; and a Sunday program for the morning.  Visit The Potter Rail  to keep up on the plans and to make your input.  You can also email any of the Committee directly.

January 17, 2011: In Memoriam: RENSSELAER, NY  Jeanne VanEtten Bayer, 79, of Rosewood Gardens, died Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Rosewood after a long illness. Born in Kingston, she was daughter of the late Cortland Van Etten and Mabel Mac Collam VanEtten and wife for 57 years of Theodore J. Bayer. She was raised in Kingston and resided in Albany, Tupper Lake, Altamont and for 40 plus years in Ballston Spa and graduated from the nursing program at Union University School at Albany. Mrs. Bayer was a registered nurse at Rosewood Gardens for several years retiring five years ago. Prior to that she worked at Sunmount VA Hospital at Tupper Lake and as a private duty nurse. She was a long time member of the Rock City Falls Methodist Church. Her loves were being a wife and mother, gardening, cooking and ceramics. Survivors in addition to her husband, include her children, Pamela Grasso, Virginia Beach, Theodore C. Bayer, Gansevoort, Lisa Bayer (Alfred) Doucette, Chatham, Mass. and Allison (Scott) Alleman, Virginia Beach; two brothers, Phillip and David VanEtten, Lake Katrine; a sister, Joanne Krchniak, East Greenbush; her grandchildren, Abigail Bayer, Elias Cahoon Bayer, Sophia Grasso and Hannah and Madeleine Alleman and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Holly Bayer and a granddaughter, Jessica Bayer. Funeral service will be held Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue, Troy with Rev. Andy Russ, officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 10-11a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Alphonesus Cemetery in Tupper Lake. Contributions may be made in memory of Jeanne V. Bayer to the of NENY Pine West Plaza, Bldg 4, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205 or American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. Parkinson Plaza, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305-142. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com