History of TMR: 1975-1985

1975-76

Attendance reached all-time high to that point. Those from business and industry increased most. Largest categories of membership came from business and civic associations. The year was marked by two special events. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, a "TMR Party Nite" was arranged at the Hotel Syracuse. Highlights of the popular evening: Ray Gantter's musical history of TMR (still available on tape), Leo Jivoff's stories, and John Searles's dancing. During the year, TMR marked our national Bicentennial with 10 special programs on various enduring themes or issues in American History. Academic scholars, mostly from SU, developed these lectures. TMR members contributed funds for a publication containing summaries of the ten addresses (copies are still available). TMR began attracting state government officials as speakers, including commissioners of health, transportation, and environmental conservation. This trend increased in later years. Cable television for Syracuse was debated, as was off-track betting. A TMR Salon was initiated at Plaza Nursing Home with informal discussion and refreshments late Friday afternoon. Sarah Auchincloss received the fourth Community Service Award.

1976-77

A busy year. TMR organized a two-day bus trip to Toronto for intensive discussions with officials on various aspects of metropolitan government. As one result, TMR organized for Onondaga County a local competition to design a lapel pin appropriate for this county. Cleary Graphics' design was selected from 35 entries, and the county had pins manufactured. Another result was a presentation in Syracuse by Arthur Naftalin, former Mayor of Minneapolis, founder of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Citizens League. This eventually led to the development of the Onondaga Citizens League. TMR's home, the Snack Bar in Peck Hall, was changed to small classrooms. For one month, we moved to the lower level of Reid Hall. This proved impractical and TMR moved to its present site, the large classrooms on the first floor of Peck Hall. A series of monthly programs was devoted to presentations on health issues. Joe Golden described his "fishbowl" theory of culture ten years later (ten years after his first presentation at TMR on the need for a cultural center). The zoo was discussed again. A moratorium on prison construction was urged. Two TMR charter members retired. John Searles was honored at a TMR Salute Dinner at the Hotel. Walter Welsh received the fifth annual TMR award for Meritorious Community Service. There were a large number of "outside" speakers this season-national director of the Institute on Corrections, deputy commissioner of the State Commerce Depart-ment, Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, Mario Cuomo, Urie Bronfen-brenner, Albert Mayer, Arthur Naftalin, Commissioner of Vermont's Environmental Conservation Department, and the Erie County Executive. There were 162 active members, 71 percent of whom attended more than one-third of all sessions. Average attendance was 90.

1977-78

The program theme for the year was criminal justice. A committee chaired by Jack Estabrook planned eight monthly sessions on various topics in that field. Charles Wayne delivered one of his hilarious reports on solid waste disposal. John Hennigan gave arguments for consolidating county sanitary districts. Mike Bragman forecast what he would accomplish as chairman of the County Legislature. Peter Andreoli lectured on "Ethics in Govern-ment." Amelia Greiner gave her first report on the YCS project. There were quite a few programs on health, including an appearance by Kevin Cahill, Governor Carey's advisor. Karen DeCrow returned to TMR to talk about women's rights. There were seven sessions of the TMR-Plaza Social Hour. Just before Christmas, the TMR session was a party-with Irish coffee, Bloody Marys, bagels, and entertainment. A "welcome to spring" party was organized for April. TMR held a second salute dinner at Hotel Syracuse to honor "Mr. Downtown Syracuse," Malcolm Sutton. Two Community Service Awards were presented, to Claire Anderson and Frank Wood. TMR was effectively portrayed in an article in The Forum for Continuing Education, a national publication, by Frank Funk. Syracuse Magazine gave much publicity to TMR, as did the Syracuse newspapers, and television and radio stations.

1978-79

The Onondaga Citizens League was launched. There were about 150 paid members. Through diligent work by a Study Committee, OCL issued its first report to the community, "Equality and Fairness in Property Assessment: Recommendations for Onondaga County." A more detailed analysis of membership indicated 31 percent were from business or commerce, 20 percent from government, 17 percent from education, 11 percent from social work, 10 percent from health. Thirty-eight had been members for ten or more years. Mary Anne Winfield chaired a committee which planned a series of programs on "Decision-Making in Onondaga County." First in the series was Stephen Rogers. Some TMR members toured the Jamesville Penitentiary after Don Stoughton talked about the need for a new prison. Other speakers talked about alternatives to prisons. John Dyson, State Commissioner of Commerce, surprised all by urging a steam plant for the State Fairgrounds. Following his talk, Mike Bragman and John Mulroy explored other alternatives for the plant, including McBride Street. The "Lone Ranger," mask and all, introduced Bragman. There were many non-Syracuse speakers this year, in addition to Dyson. Guest speakers included the State Comptroller; the State Commissioner for Energy; Pat Murphy, head of surgery for McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario; Chairman of the State Commissions on Corrections, Mario Cuomo; Jim Hanley, President of the National Council on Crime and Delinquen-cy; Director of the State Communities Aid Association; Judge Challeen from Winona, Minnesota; Director of the State Council on Children and Family; Mayor Paul Lattimore of Utica; and the State Director of Division for Youth. A TMR Salute to Rhea Eckel Clark was held at the Hotel Syracuse. There was a holiday party and a "welcome to spring" party. The 7th Community Service Award went to Harold Osborn. TMR issued a special award to John Mulroy in recognition of his 14 years of support for TMR.

1979-80

Ed McLaughlin introduced the study topic for the Onondaga Citizens League this year, "Young People in Trouble." Albert Mayer returned with his plea to enliven downtown Syracuse. Leo Jivoff announced plans for a hospice for Onondaga County. The series topic for the year was "Down-town-Possibilities for the 80s." One of the liveliest speakers on the topic was the mayor of Ithaca, who described how to beat the suburban shopping malls. Peter Andreoli drew the largest audience in TMR history to hear his report on his special prosecutions. Tom Benzel described the capabilities of the Carrier Dome at SU. Roy Bernardi analyzed what's wrong with the current city administration and "Skip" Meno impressed all with his analysis of public school problems and trends. A big party to celebrate TMR's 15th anniversary was planned for April 17 at Hotel Syracuse.

1981-82

Christopher Keene gave the first of several sparkling reports on the Symphony. Jim Introne, then State Commissioner of Mental Retardation, talked on a comprehensive service system. Dick MacPherson predicted his football season. The first clambake was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Schmidt. The monthly Social Hours at Sutton Pavilion featured nostalgic and funny programs in honor of various TMR "classes" -e.g. 1965-66 group members. The SU Political Science department conducted the first survey of member attitudes, etc.

1983-84

By this time, there were 123 organizations, businesses, and offices represented in TMR-most from business, including 29 heads of business and 22 heads of agencies. Average attendance was 126. Henry Bersani explained how Mario Cuomo was elected Governor. F.X. Matt described his role as a regional brewer. Bud Andrews described plans for the Galleries project. The OCL report on consolidating police services was presented. Several programs on local government. Astronaut Story Musgrave described NASA's program. One of the funniest TMR programs was a "roast" of Lee Smith on his birthday. The new Case Center at SU was described. Alan Robinson talked about artificial intelligence. Medicare and Medicaid reform were discussed by Cesar Perales and others. Bob Collins gave a great talk on "retirement." The beginning of our 20th year was marked by a reception at the home of Chancellor and Mrs. Eggers, a dinner dance at the Hotel Syracuse, and citations from the Governor, State Legislature, County Legislature, Mayor, Common Council, Rep. Wortley, Chamber of Commerce, MDA, and the County Executive. TMR was also honored by the National University Continuing Education Association as an "outstanding contribution in the field of community development and service."