The Bristol Tramps Sports Reunion hosted its 39th annual dinner on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Clarion Hotel.

The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation by Father Al Fontana of St. Anthony’s Church. Chairman Tom Murrone welcomed the guests and introduced Maryellen Holden as toastmistress for the evening.  Mrs. Holden introduced the dignitaries in the room including Mayor Art Ward, State Representative Frank Nicastro, former mayor Bill Stortz and recognized Julie Larese’s daughter, Marion Gifford.  She also reminded those gathered that in 2010, the Bristol Tramps will celebrate their 40th anniversary and based on the size of the crowd expected, to secure tickets to the event early.

Following a family-style dinner, Mayor Art Ward provided a welcome on behalf of the City of Bristol to the capacity crowd of 385+ guests.  A moment of silence was held on behalf of former Mayor Stretch Norton, who passed away early in the day.

Mrs. Holden asked all coaches in the room to stand and be recognized—and thanked them for helping to shape the lives and characters of the young people in our community.  In addition, all past recipients of a Tramps Award were asked to stand.  Among those standing was Pat Dyer, who at age 91, is acknowledged as the oldest living Tramp honoree and Dan Valerio, Co Chairman of the Tramps Committee at age 90. A moment of silence was held on behalf of the service men and women from Bristol’s military serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq.

Scholarships and Awards were presented to the 2009 recipients.  Each gave a brief speech on their successes, thanked their families, colleagues and Bristol Tramps for recognition of their individual contributions to preserving Bristol’s Sports history.

The evening concluded with remarks by Chairman Murrone.  Mrs. Holden recognized the Bristol Tramps Committee members and thanked everyone for their attendance and continued support of the Bristol Tramps.  The evening’s event concluded with the benediction by Father Fontana.