Friends of the Albany Roundtable

2008-09 Annual Report and Preview of 2009-10 Luncheons

The following are highlights of the Luncheons and activities of the Albany Roundtable
Civic Lunch Forum during its 30th season:

2008-09 LUNCHEONS

Robert Altman, President and CEO of WMHT Educational Communications,

kicked off the season in October by talking about WHMT’s public television,
radio, and educational services to more than half a million households in eastern
New York and Western New England.
Jim Barba, President and CEO of Albany Medical Center, discussed the medical
education, biomedical research and patient care activities of northeastern New
York’s only academic health sciences center at the November luncheon. This
luncheon was sponsored by Hiscock & Barclay for $1,000 and the Roundtable
Raffle was a voucher for an overnight stay courtesy of The Morgan State House.
Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings returned to give his annual talk about the state of
the city at the January luncheon, which drew a capacity crowd and was sponsored
by KeyBank for $2,000 and the Roundtable Raffle was donated by Capital Wine
on Lark Street.
State Senator Neil Breslin addressed the February luncheon just as the Democrats
were putting together a shaky – and short-lived – majority. M&T Bank sponsored
this luncheon for $500 and the Roundtable Raffle was a pair of tickets to the
Albany Symphony.
Paul Grondahl, journalist and author, discussed the state of media and showed an
excerpt of a DVD he produced documenting his experience at the inauguration of
President Barack Obama in January. O’Connell & Aronowitz sponsored this
luncheon for $500 and the Roundtable Raffle was donated by Capital Repertory
Theatre.
Just months after taking office, Congressman Paul Tonko discussed the prospect
of a “green economy” and themes that ran through his career as engineer,
Assemblyman, and Chair of NYSERDA. The April luncheon was sponsored by
Tech Valley Communications for $750, and the Roundtable Raffle was donated
by Good Leaf Tea Company on Lark Street.
The Albany Roundtable celebrated its 30th anniversary in May with an evening
cocktail reception and presentation by visionary author, architect and urban
planner Jaime Correa. Berkshire Bank served as a “New Urbanist” sponsor for
this event at the $1,000 level.

GOOD PATROON AWARD

Christine M. Miles, Director of the Albany Institute of History and Art, receivee the
prestigious Good Patroon Award in October for her commitment to making the museum
a broadly accessible cultural and educational resource. Wally Altes provided the
introductation.

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STUDENT GUESTS

The Albany Roundtable was delighted welcome 16 students student from Albany High
School’s International Baccalaureate Programme to attend luncheons as our guests. The
IB Programme prepares students for university and encourages them to ask challenging
questions; learn how to learn; develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture;
and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries
and cultures. IB Program Coordinator Thomas McGurn, organized the student’s
participation, and Ms. Carrie Barown served as chaperone. Student guests were:

Maxim Axelrod, Victoria Jue, and Nicholas Holterman.

Emma Fullem, Rose Germano, and Mackenzie Riley.
Joelle Adler, Anthonasios Anton, and Jake Valentine.
Hugh Kelley, Avery Sohn and Amanda Wall.
Sam Garrison, David Mikaylov, Alexandria O’Connor and Lauren Thorna.

2009-10 LUNCHEONS

The Luncheon dates for 2009 and 2010 are: October 14th, November 10th, January 13th,
February 10th, March 10th, April 14th and an evening event in May, date TBD.

Kirby White, a founder of the Capital District Community Loan Fund and author
of two mystery novels, will address the Albany Roundtable at the first luncheon
of the 2009-2010 season on Wednesday, October 14.
Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Tech Valley Communications, will be the speaker for
the November luncheon. PLEASE NOTE – this luncheon will be held on
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 as Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day and Washington
Avenue will be closed for the parade.

2008-2009 ACHIEVEMENTS

Grew membership base from an uncertain number* to 81 members through

membership solicitation at each meeting, membership mailings in December and
June. *Friends and Misc. donations totaled $975 in 2007, was not itemized in
2008. Friends membership income was $2,805 from 9/08 – 9/09.
Enhanced financial stability by increasing bank balance from $4,250 to $10,211
Roundtable Blog – www.roundtable.blogspot.com
Roundtable Raffle
New Location – University Club
Constant Contact for email marketing

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