Have you checked out the orchid society around there? It's the NENYOS. They meet in Colonie. I met one member on another board and one in the flesh. Nice people.
Check out my post about the orchid show in Syracuse. You should go if you are interested in meeting others in the area with similar interests.
I graduated in Ben Schwartswalder's days. Remember Jim Nance and Floyd Little? That was my days. When SU plays Michigan (rarely) I still route for the Orange!
I am familiar with the names but that was way before my time. I wasn't even born then. I grew up with coach Mac in the late 80's- early 90's. Ahh, those were the days.