Potter-Sommer has been involved in the Oxford VillAGE Network that was formed with a coalition of agencies and volunteers to make Oxford more of a retirement destination.
“When I took the position, I said, ‘I will give you ten years.’ I feel like I’ve contributed and we have a good successor in Steve Schnabl. He likes to network. He’ll go out and shake hands. His skills and experience will help build the endowment,” Potter-Sommer said.
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Asked about highlights from her decade as executive director, Potter-Sommer reeled off a list that included:
- a partnership with Miami University that brings students in for a host of volunteer projects
- "Supper for a Buck" events on Mondays along with Monday programming that expanded hours at the center one evening a week
- the addition of a half-dozen vehicles through the Ohio Department of Transportation
- creation of the annual Soul Celebration event that promotes diversity within the center
- adding a once-a-week congregate meal site in Reily on Tuesdays
Potter-Sommer’s bucket list for retirement includes several exciting prospects.
- Start a rent-A-goat company: She read of a company in Germany which raises goats sort of as living lawn mowers. "My husband is not too thrilled but I like goats. I had one when I was a kid," she said.
- Train birds of prey: She hopes to volunteer at the Hueston Woods Raptor Rehabilitation Center where injured birds are cared for and taken out for education programs. "I always wanted to do that. Wouldn't that be a thrill to train a bird?"
Potter-Sommer also hopes to find ways to combine her concern for the environment with her training in gerontology, in which she holds a master’s degree. “My dream is to get older adults to travel and clean up beaches, if (local residents) would put us up,” she said. “We could even clean up the town’s streets.”
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For some years now, a life-size cardboard cutout of long-ago “Singing Cowboy” Roy Rogers has stood behind her when she worked at her desk. It was left by a volunteer and has remained, except for a few road trips.
“He went to Branson, Mo., with us,” Potter-Sommer said with a smile. “He’s just been hanging out in my office.”
This week, he might be singing the famous cowboy’s signature song “Happy Trails To You” in her honor.
The center will give her a send-off into retirement at noon Friday, April 28, at the weekly covered dish luncheon. Those attending are asked to bring a toast and a great story to tell. People are asked to RSVP for the event by signing up at the center, calling 513-523-8100, or e-mailing Jeanne Glaser at jglaser@oxfordsenior.org.
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