The  Optimists  Alumni  Drum  &  Bugle  Corps

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

. . . March On!

News of Interest to Corps Members

The most recent changes are listed first.

January 22, 2010

I regret to inform you that Doris Wilson, Ted Wilson's mother has passed away. We offer our condolences to Ted and his family.

Visitation and Service will be at

December 24, 2009

On December 21st, Serena Ann Douglas was welcomed into the Tracey clan. Mother, Carissa, father, Patrick and baby are all doing well. Serena Ann is Carissa and Patrick's sixth child and Rick and Cindy's tenth grandchild!

November 11, 2009

Please keep Karen Bosworth in your thoughts and prayers.  We've just learned that Rosamund Bosworth, Karen’s mother, recently passed away. We offer our condolences to Karen and to her family.

October 23, 2009

Our Christmas Social

Sunday September 20, 2008

Today was our Annual General Meeting. Gord Brown was elected by acclaim as "Secretary". As part of this meeting elections were held for Corps President as well as the three "Directors at Large" positions.

July 17, 2009

I'm sad to report that, on Thursday, July 16th, Paul Thompson's sister, Bernadette Stolte (nee Thompson), passed away. Here are the details for the visitation and funeral

May 9, 2009

Sadly, I pass on the details of the funeral arrangements for Eleanor Carell, mother of Bob Carell

Image of a stork with a baby
February 20, 2009

Shannon Sweeney is a proud father!! And Terry Sweeney is a proud grandfather! Shannon's wife Tina had baby girl on Wed. Mother and daughter are doing fine. Dad changed his first diaper during his Wed night sleep over at the hospital.

November 18, 2008

It is with great sadness that I pass on the details of the funeral arrangements for Edith O'Halloran (Gord's wife)


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September 28, 2008

Sunday September 28, 2008 was our Annual General Meeting. As part of this meeting elections were held for the three contested positions on our Board (all Directors at Large).

Brian Byrne were elected by acclaim as "Treasurer" as was Bill Kane for the VP position. Voting was held for the three contested positions. Carol Munro, Gord Brown and Mike Lang were elected. Our new Executive consists of:

Many thanks to the members of the previous Board for all of their work over the last year. Congratulations to Carol, Gord and Mike who were elected and many thanks to Phil Hennings who, while unsuccessful, expressed his willingness and commitment to serve in yet another role.

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September 17, 2008

Obituary for Tim Roussel

Roussel, Timothy Valentine "Tim" of Chilliwack, passed away suddenly September 15, 2008 at the age of 55 years. Tim was predeceased by his parents Ray and Shirley and is lovingly remembered by his family; his wife of 27 years Denise and his son Curtis. He is also remembered by his 4 brothers, Ray (Carrie), Rick (Susan), Dennis and Lorne, sister Mary (John) Gibb, father and mother in law Sandy and Phyllis, brothers in law Gord (Betty), Jim (Barb) and sister in law Lynn as well as many other family members and friends. Tim's love of family and friends, his great sense of humour, and passion for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday September 19 at 1:00 p.m in the chapel of Valley View Funeral Home 14660 72 Ave. Surrey. If desired in lieu of flowers donations in Tim's memory may be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.


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September 16, 2008


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August 26, 2008


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June 30, 2008

Funeral for Dot Kane, Bill and Jim Kane's mother


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June 28, 2008

On Friday, June 27th, Dot Kane, the mother of Bill and Jim Kane, passed away. We offer out condolences to Bill, Jim and to their familes.


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May 30, 2008

On Thursday, May 29th, Jim Dwyer's father passed away. We offer our condolences to Jim and to his family.


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March 3, 2008

On Saturday, Kevin Clancy's mother passed away (see the notice in the Toronto Star). We offer our condolences to Kevin and to the Clancy family.


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February 12, 2008

Some folks have been wondering about George Wright. For those who don't know, George is focusing on his health and is taking a break from the corps this year. We'll see him back in the line next year.


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December 23, 2007

Jan's and Judy's sister, Wanda Forsythe, died yesterday (Dec 22nd). The funeral is at Ward's funeral home at Weston Road and Lawrence between twelve and two on December 24, 2007. Jan's sister, Wanda, specifically requested no flowers at her funeral. Jan would appreciate prayers for her sisters soul and comfort for the family. We offer our condolences to Jan, Judy and Bill.


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December 17, 2007

We received this sad message from Gary Duggan ... his brother Bob passed away on Saturday December 15, 2007.

Bob Duggan was an alumnus of De La Salle Drum and Bugle Corps, of its predecessor De La Salle Blue and Gold Band and its successor, Oakland Crusaders Drum Corps. In that regard, he stands alone.

In 1953, as a student at De La Salle College 'Oaklands', Bob joined the De La Salle Blue and Gold Band. He was a member of the Blue and Gold through 1957. When the Band reorganized to become a drum and bugle corps in 1958, Bob was a member of the original De La Salle Drum Corps . He rejoined Del in 1966 as an instructor with the horn line and as a Drum Major.
In the early '70's Bob became corps Director of the Etobicoke Crusaders. He held that position in 1975 when Del and the Crusaders merged. Bob was the original Corps Director of the Oakland Crusaders.

Arrangements are as follows

A notice is to be in the Tuesday Toronto Star.


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November 12, 2007

John Longstreet of the Toronto Signals passed away on parade in Georgetown Saturday evening. This was sudden and quite unexpected. At the time of his passing, he was out front, leading the band as Acting Drum Major.

John first joined SIGs in 1952! He was second-generation SIGs (his father was a founder), a former member of Canada's Marching Ambassadors and an alumnus of the Western Tech Trumpet Band. These connections have made him widely known in Canadian senior band and Drum Corps circles. John will be sadly missed by all who knew him!

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Turner and Porter "Peel" Chapel
2180 Hurontario Street
Mississauga Ontario
The funeral home is on Hwy #10 just north of the QEW on the West side.

Visitation: on Tuesday November 13, 2007 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 until 9:00 pm

Service: Wednesday November 14, 2007 at 1:00 pm (cremation)

Reception: will follow the service. It will be held at:

2542 Argyle Rd. (downstairs reception room)
Mississauga Ontario

Note: At this time it is unknown if there will be a special band tribute. Marilyn will be talking with her Mother and will advise us. We will keep everyone informed when we have more information.


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October 11, 2007


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September 25, 2007

I'm sad to report that Brian Hogan has resigned from the corps. Brian was a charter member of the Optimists Alumni. We know that it was a very difficult decision for Brian to make and we want him to know that he'll be missed.


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September 24, 2007

Sunday September 23, 2007 was our Annual General Meeting. As part of this meeting votes were to be cast for two amendments to our Constitution and elections were to be held for the two contested positions on our Board.

After some discussion we learned that the corps plans on applying for a Trillium Grant and the Trillium Foundation prefers a larger board of directors. As a result of this discussion both of the proposed amendments to the constitution were withdrawn by the individuals who had suggested them.

Peter Burton and Ron Chong were elected by acclaim as "Directors at Large". Voting was held for the two contested positions. Len Perrin was re-elected as president and Henry Beben was elected as Secretary. There is still a vacant position on the board (Director At Large) since there were not enough candidates to run for all positions. The new board will review the constitution and decide a suitable method for filling this position. Our new Executive consists of:

Many thanks to the members of the previous Board for all of their work over the last year. Congratulations to Len Perrin and Henry Beben who were elected and many thanks to Carol Munro and Ric Brown who, while unsuccessful, expressed their willingness to serve and their commitment to the corps by choosing to run in these elections.


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September 12, 2007

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2007 beginning at 11:00 am at the Legion.

Proxy Forms in Acrobat Format:

Proxy Forms as pictures (bigger files)

There are four components to the day's program.

  1. General Corps' business will include final reviews and reports from the President, Treasurer, Business Manager, and Show Director. Time will be allotted at the conclusion of their presentations for your questions and answers.
  2. All members in good standing will be entitled to vote for the 2 Proposed Constitution Amendments below:
    • Submitted by Paul Thompson on July 24, 2007
      • Beginning the Elections of 2008, candidates who run for any Executive Office (President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer) and who are unsuccessful may then submit their names as candidates for the position of Director at Large.
      • Rationale:  We want to encourage those with the most talent and experience to contest these executive positions and not forfeit the opportunity to serve on the Board
    • Submitted by Ric Brown on August 8, 2007
      • Beginning the Elections 2008, the Board of Directors consist of the following:
        • President/Director
        • Assistant VP/Director
        • Secretary/Treasurer
        • Business Manager
        • Director at Large
  3. All members in good standing are entitled to vote for the positions below:
    • President/Corps Director for 2008 & 2009
      • the candidates are Carol Munro and Len Perrin
    • Executive Secretary for 2008 & 2009
      • the candidates are Henry Beben and Ric Brown
  4. We will conclude the day's events with a rehearsal

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August 27, 2007

Vic Decloux has passed away.  The father of Marc, Vic was a long time supporter of all things Optimist. We offer our condolences to Mary Jane, Mark and to all of the Decloux family.


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August 20, 2007

The elections and the Annual General Meeting are held during the first rehearsal following Labour Day. That date has been scheduled for Sunday, September 23, 2007.

Nominations for our Board of Directors

  1. Henry Beben is nominated for the position of Secretary (July 31)
  2. Len Perrin is nominated for the position of President/Corps Director (August 15)
  3. Carol Munro is nominated for the position of President/Corps Director (August 18)
  4. Ric Brown is nominated for the position of Secretary (August 18)
  5. Peter Burton is nominated for the position of Director at Large (August 18)
  6. Ron Chong is nominated for the position of Director at Large (August 18)

Proposed Amendments to our Constitution

  1. Submitted by Paul Thompson on July 24, 2007
    • Beginning the Elections of 2008, candidates who run for any Executive Office (President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer) and who are unsuccessful may then submit their names as candidates for the position of Director at Large.
    • Rationale:  We want to encourage those with the most talent and experience to contest these executive positions and not forfeit the opportunity to serve on the Board
  2. Submitted by Ric Brown on August 8, 2007
    • Beginning the Elections 2008, the Board of Directors consist of the following:
      • President/Director
      • Assistant VP/Director
      • Secretary/Treasurer
      • Business Manager
      • Director at Large

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June 5, 2007


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May 21, 2007


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May 17, 2007


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May 4, 2007


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May 2, 2007

Dress Rehearsal

Now that we have our uniforms, we need to take them out for a test run!

This Sunday, May 6, part of our rehearsal will be devoted to "The Wearing of the Green"

This will allow us to ensure that all Members are wearing our uniform properly, will give you a chance to wear our uniform, thereby eliminating any unforeseen problems at our first performance of the season and affording us the opportunity to get properly prepared for "And the Bands Played On".

This will be treated like any other performance, so you are required to bring your complete uniform, including uniform shoes (Dinkles) and black socks.  Before hand, make sure that your uniform is fitted properly – including sleeves and cuffs properly sized and lightly pressed, as per the instructions given by Henry and Phil when you were issued your uniform.

Hopefully, this will iron out any bugs in our performance and will take care of any unforeseen problems, which normally occur on "Opening Night".

When Simcoe comes around, we'll be ready to crank up the WOW factor!

Brian Hogan & Dave Burgess, Drum Majors


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May 1, 2007


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April 27, 2007

Housing for DCA Alumni Spectacular


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March 9, 2007

Tom Mellors has joined the corps and is playing snare. Tom is a former Jolly Jester and Royalaire. Welcome, Tom!


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February 18, 2007


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February 10, 2007


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January 31, 2007


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January 26, 2007


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January 18, 2007

Here's the visitation and funeral information for David Byrne, Brian's brother, who passed away on Jan 16th.


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January 17, 2007


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January 12, 2007


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January 3, 2007


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December 18, 2006


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December 15, 2006


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December 3, 2006


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November 21, 2006

Important Communication to All Members of the Optimists Alumni Drum Corps
From Len Perrin - President
 

Dear Fellow Corps Members:

On behalf of your Executive I would like to thank all of you for your support and the trust you have placed in us to lead your organization.  We can only pledge to you, to do our best to continue to progress based on the values and traditions of the Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps.

When the Alumni Corps started in the fall of 2002 we were focused on appearing at the G.A.S. annual convention to be held in Hamilton in May 2004.  This was the commitment that drove the Corps in its early days.  Since that time the Corps has made great strides in improving our collective musical capabilities but we do not have a clear picture of where we want to go and our next milestones.  You, the members have spoken and elected a new Executive body to lead the Corps in its future endeavors and to determine our future direction.  As your President I am convinced that we need to establish a set of realistic goals and how best to achieve them.  I am therefore pleased to advise that your new Board has unanimously agreed to proceed with the development of a Strategic Operating Plan to set the future direction of our Corps.

To be successful in this endeavor it is essential that the plan be based on a consensus of all participants.  Richard Robida has agreed to lead the development of the plan and has the full support of your Executive.  Each of you will be contacted by Richard or one of his committee members to get your input, ideas and opinions.

Thank you for those who have already submitted  the Member Survey form as part of our parade attendance records. This data will be used to keep you involved in this project.  If you have not yet forwarded this information  to our Secretary it is essential that you do so as soon as possible so all interested parties will be included.  Even if you have not committed to be an active member for 2007 we value your opinion and would like to include you in building a consensus for the future of the Optimists Alumni.

I plan to be an active participant in the development of the plan and will keep you posted on our progress.

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Len Perrin
 
If you have not already done so, please send an email to Paul Thompson (paulnew48 @ yahoo.ca) and include the following information:
  • Name
  • Instrument played
  • Home address
  • Phone
  • Email address
  • (If none, please advise)

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November 20, 2006

Update on new uniforms

On November 5th the Board created a committee to investigate and recommend a uniform. Henry Beben and Phil Hennings are the members of that committee. Their goal is to create the best possible uniform and do so at an affordable price.

In the two weeks since the committee was formed:

As a result of their research, they also decided to explore companies in the United States. So far

When they have completed their investigation and have prices, they will submit their report to the Board.


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November 6, 2006

Randy Cochrane with 1968 Guard Flag
Randy with the Flag
 


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October 29, 2006

 
Phil Hennings making presentation to Jamie Oatt
Phil making presentation
to Jamie
Phil Hennings' Handiwork
Phil's handiwork


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Friday, October 27, 2006

 

Skit for John Shearer's surgery Skit for John Shearer's surgery


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Sunday, October 15, 2006

On Oct 15, elections were held and a new Board of Directors was elected.
Our new Exec is:

Many thanks to the members of the previous Board for all of their efforts over the last year. Congratulations to those who were elected and thanks to those who cared enough to run in these elections but were unsuccessful. If at first you don't succeed, ....


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Sunday, October 15, 2006

On Oct 15, John Petti, who plays baritone, joined the corps. Most recently John played with Toronto Signals. Back in the mid-60s he marched with De La Salle Oaklands. Welcome, John.


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Friday October 13, 2006

On Friday, October 13 Mr. Nick Ferraro passed away. Nick was the brother of Rose, George Wright's wife, and the brother of Vince Ferraro, a former member of the Toronto Optimists. We offer our condolences to Vince, Rose, George and to the members of the Ferraro family.