2001 summary not yet published |
The first Panama Canal Fire Fighters reunion organization committee meeting was held in Santiago, Varaguas de Panama in February 2000. Roy Paddy, Beverly Jones, and Wallace Teal were in attendance. It was decided to have the first reunion on October 6, 7, 8, 2000 in Miami, FL. We had talked about having a reunion for several years and it was time to finally have one. How many people does it take to have a good reunion? The number wasn't very important, just the idea of trying to get a few co-workers together for a good time and to meet some new people. As I began to hear from some people that were interested and we solicited the assistance of Aubrey Wilmont, Lionel Hudson, and Vivian Smith to assist with locating and informing people, it became apparent that we might have as many as 25 in attendance. I was contacting people that I had not seen in many years and I realized that the time spent organizing was going to be well worth it. The Miami Airport Holiday Inn was selected for the reunion location and they were very cooperative in assisting with arrangements. We spent Friday evening getting acquainted with old friends and making new ones. On Saturday we took a cruise on one of the local Casino ships and on Sunday we relaxed and socialized with entertainment at the Bayview Mall. Fifty-eight people attended Sunday evening's dinner which was well presented by the Holiday Inn and everyone had plenty of wonderful food to eat. There were several drawings for door prizes and the drawing for the grand lotto prize. Our guest speaker was Cedric Gittens. Roy Paddy dazzled us with his wonderful singing and the dancing continued until midnight. There were representatives from five different states and Panama. Everyone had a great time. |
Panama Canal Fire Fighters Reunion October 5, 6, and 7, 2002 Miami, FL Over 70 letters were mailed to residents in the states and letters had been distributed in Panama. Almost all personnel in the states were personally contacted by phone, the Holiday Inn had announced the reunion on its marquee, flyers were placed at the front desk for registered guests, IPAT posters were in place and the mood was set for Reunion 2002. Percival Williams from Tucson, AZ was the first arrival on Thursday because he was to depart on Sunday afternoon. Snacks and beverages were provided for the entire weekend in a generously sized hospitality room. Fifteen rooms were occupied during the weekend by attendees. The hospitality room, decorated with IPAT posters, opened at 2 P.M. on Friday and by 7 P.M. it was jammed with 45 guests reminiscing about the past and discussing plans for the future. Cyril Prince, Domino Tournament Director/Coordinator, had a great number of people sign up for the First Annual Fire Fighters Reunion Domino Tournament and after he explained the Fourth Street Colon rules the action and competition began. Preliminary games were single elimination. With a very watchful eye, more that once Cyril had to step in and resolve a game dispute. Finally after some very close games the scene was set for the finalist show down for the following night. The last person departed the hospitality room at 1:45 A.M. By 7 A.M. Saturday, the hotel lobby was busy with people going out for breakfast. The 40 passenger shuttle bus arrived at 10:30 for transportation to the Majestic Casino Boat. We had an enjoyable cruise that consisted mainly of fellowship and dominoes. I don't think there were many big winners. By 6 P.M. everyone began arriving in the hospitality room. Once again there was a lot of food and drinks and this time we had imported music by Victor Hinds. It was now time for the championship domino game. Right away the question was addressed: "Can a team member be substituted in the tournament?" Alex Henry who was on the winning team Friday night could not return for the championship games. Director Cyril Prince determined that, under Colon Fourth Street Rules, a team member could be substituted under extreme circumstances. The teams now consisted of Aubrey Wilmont and Anna Hansell against Lionel Hudson and Vincente Archibald. The best two of three games of 200 points each would determine the champions. The team of Aubrey Wilmont and Anna Hansell (new team member) took the first two games. Time slipped by so quickly and everyone was having so much fun that the hospitality room remained open until 2:15 A.M. Sunday morning the lobby was filled with people waiting to board the bus for Bayside Mall. This day our trip consisted of shopping, relaxing, and just sitting in the park spending time together. We arrived back at the hotel with time for everyone to relax and catch a snooze before the dinner/dance. The Holiday Inn personnel had the banquet room looking very good. Guests began arriving at 6 P.M. The evening program began with a social hour, followed by a welcome by myself, prayer by Alex Savory, dinner, and introduction of guest speaker, Retired Panama Canal Zone Fire Chief Kenneth Daly. Chief Daly spoke of his career with the Panama Canal. There were drawings for the many door prizes, which had been donated by Percival Williams, Roy Gelbhaus, Aubrey Wilmont, Alex Savory, Claude Hogan, Victor Hines, Cedric Gittens, Alberto James, Roy Paddy and Wallace Teal. Cyril Prince presented certificates to the two final teams of the domino tournament. People were recognized for travel distances to the reunion. Calvin Shephard traveled from Panama to San Diego to Boston to Miami to join us. Fifteen attendees were recognized for loyal and enthusiastic support of the reunion with certificates for three years perfect attendance: Mavis Oldfield, Roy Paddy, Be Wilmont, Cedric Gittens, Cyril Oldfield, Beverly Jones, Aubrey Wilmont, Beverly Hudson, Lionel Hudson, Alex Hudson, Lumi Hudson, Cyril Prince, Victor Hinds, Clara Hinds and Wallace Teal. Roy Paddy recognized Beverly Jones for her contribution of keeping records and reports for the reunion. The Final Alarm was read by Mavis Oldfield and Raul Barrera offered a prayer. At this time music began and the dance floor stayed crowded until 11:30 P.M. There was a short pause during the dance for the Grand Lotto drawing of $100.00 which was won by Vivian Smith who performed an entertaining winner's strut. After the dance, most people gathered back in the hospitality room where food and drinks continued. The second to the last person left at 4 A.M. One attendee spent the night in the hospitality room. Monday morning some of the remaining guests of the hotel said goodbye and agreed to meet in Panama in 2003. Fire personnel attending the reunion included people from 8 states and Panama as follows: Vincente Archbold Victor Hinds Alex Savory Raul Barrera Claude Hogan Calvin Shepherd Ken Brown Julian Hoyte, Sr. Vivian Smith Kenneth Daly Julian Hoyte, Jr. Alfred Soley Frank Dutton Alex Hudson H. Wallace Teal Ernesto Franklin Lionel Hudson Charles Waldron Loyd Fray Alberto James Percival Williams Roy Gelbhaus Cyril Oldfield Aubrey Wilmont Cedric Gittens Roy Paddy Danilo Whittaker Vernal Henry Cyril Prince Buddy Wilson George Hinds, Jr. Luis Rollins H. Wallace Teal |
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Panama Canal Firefighters' Reunions |
Panama Canal Fire Fighters 4th Annual Reunion Executivo Hotel Panama City, Panama October 30 - November 2, 2003 The 4th Annual Reunion was a great success Details to follow soon. |
