Original Committee members

In 1995 ret, Det Roger Rodriguez ran an afternoon reunion luncheon at a beach front restaurant in Bradenton FL. To my surprise 110 people showed up for this reunion. Freddy Amatrano, and Louie Constantino flew down for this.  I was amazed by the amount of people that attended from all over Florida.  I thought to myself if this many people showed up for the luncheon, I knew many people would probably show up for a weekend reunion.  I asked Roger If I could have his list of names, which he gave me. After that for 2 years I worked on making a database of names and addresses.  I had in my mind how I wanted to do this reunion but the only thing I did not know how to get a contract at a hotel.  Bill Wood being president of the IPA for many years, I asked him if he would help me get a contract, Woody and I went around to many Hotels till we found a hotel in Ormand Beach, FL “The Granada” Hotel. That reunion was held August 8, 1997 and ran every year at various venues up until the end of the 2017 reunion, when the torch was passed on to Bill McKechnie, who wanted to “Keep The Spirit Alive”   Lou Hollander 

  For many years I had the privilege of serving in the capacity as the Master of Ceremonies for Louie Hollander's, NYCTP Florida Reunion. They were fun events that gave friends and colleagues the chance reunite and relive their service together. 

  In 2017 Louie made the decision to step down as chairman and he asked if I would take it over. I must admit I was reluctant because after ten years of serving as President of the Transit PBA I was not really looking to get that involved again. But Louie convinced me that the tradition could not be allowed to die and we simply had to "Keep The Spirit Alive" ... so I agreed. 

  I was extremely fortunate to be able to convince some very fine dedicated people to work with me over the years to run the reunions.  People such as : Marilyn Scahill, Nick Russo, Alan Berkowitz, Christine McIntyre and Norman Rapport to serve with me in bringing the reunion to what we saw as a different level. We desided in order for the reunion not to get stale we would move it to different hotels which we did. Each venue was a little different and I think with each change came something new and better. At our last reunion we were able to run we had attendees from  nine different states with over 300 people at our banquet. It was the largest reunion we ever held. We also announced at that event that myself and the dedicated committee i was blessed with would run just one more where we would would work hand and hand with whoever was going to take on over the position so they could hit the ground running. Well then came Covid and all bets were off, I am proud to say that we ended our tenure on a high note with money in the bank which we hope will lend to the success of future reunions. 

    I can't say enough about Joe Wolff and the committee he has put together for stepping up in an effort to "Keep the Spirit Alive". I am sure they will do a stellear job. For my part I pledge that if there is anything I and I know i speak for the others I served with  can do to help all they need to do is call.        Bill McKechnie