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I'm trying to parse this as something other than "my wife studies my tapeworm for a living" but its too funny.

The horse is dead. Let it remain dead with dignity rather than displaying the bones at the county fair and charging a dollar to take a look. All of you, on both sides. Let it go.

I like that. You win the interNUT today. 🥇

I’m not sure. I think we need a lower term. How about pageantry scum?

Wow, you really do miss Brasso.

Biology professor here - parasites are important ecologically; don't besmirch them by lumping them in with those who personally profit off the labors of the youth in the activity. Parasites are cool (& off-topic - the people who wrote the movie Alien understood parasitology & really got it right. I show clips to some of my classes.)

Oh man Brasso!

I teach for a living as well (though mostly now days I just manage those who teach,) but I am not allowed to refer to any of the students as parasites no matter how much they may act the part. And to be on topic, my fathers favorite two corps were the 27th and the Troopers. Even when I was getting myself prepared to start auditioning for Spirit and such, my father would always talk about how I was tough and that winter and spring rehearsals wouldn't be THAT bad in Mass. (P.S. I despise cold weather)

This.

I actually do miss BRASSO. He could be ferociously tedious, but he knew his ####.

Pageantry Parasite? (Even though a leach is a parasite I like the alliterative quality)

My goodness…

Another example of pageantry leeches sucking the donation nipple for their own personal use, all in the name of a foundation and/or fundraising. Okay!

dang am I in the wrong non-profit group. Still miss my dad during the business meetings when the bank balances were read. “How the #### can we have so #### much money and still be non-profit”.

I have no dog in this hunt, but why did you feel it was necessary to cancel your reunion and thus incur a $30K loss when it was scheduled a month before Denise's reunion? I hope your family can someday reconcile as life is short.

Everyone … please meet Patte Bonfiglio Blake. As far as I am concerned, she is an angel. Before I flew home hours after 1979 Finals, she gave me my medallion and Finals patch while standing in the diesel fumes of our two remaining busses. I will never forget the moment.

Another example of shady characters aka pageantry leeches, which is relatively common these days in the activity!

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Since I was the individual who posted Denise’s appeal for funds, I have had personal messages that 1) Question if I actually marched in 27th in 1979. (For the record, I absolutely did, and FU Disgruntled Post 1971 Drum Corps Enthusiast for suggesting otherwise, and insert as many”#” s that you think reflects my indignation for this insinuation). 2) Was I was bitter about the experience. (Yeah … right … it just was one of the best experiences of my life … though come to think of it … I was a little salty that Bridgemen were within a point of us at Finals, if that counts as being bitter). And 3) How did I come by this super secret information? Well, I have tried to post the link, but I get a 403. For the sake of brevity let’s just say, I heard it from a friend, who heard it from a friend, who heard it from another that funds were being solicited. I have publicly stated that this a very sad situation … sibling against sibling is about as sad as it gets … and I only wondered about tax implications—a question asked and answered to my satisfaction, so I certainly hope that I am not being cast as a knife wielding assassin.

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I miss the presence of@whitedawn on these boards bringing actual legal expertise. Thanks much!

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Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps 8221if74S l847o023hre2s · It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to the Crossmen’s founding director, Harold "Robby" Robinson. He was a true drum corps legend, DCI and Crossmen Hall of Fame member. To the Crossmen, he was the rock that our corps was built on. Robby and his beloved late wife, Charlotte, were second mom and dad to hundreds of students - opening their home and hearts without hesitation. His tireless work efforts, dedication, and sacrifice were the model for what became the Bones spirit. No matter the challenge, Robby would never let us give up. If things got tough, it was time to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Even today you will hear someone yell out “boots” and everyone knows, it is time to step up - just like Robby would have wanted. We will be forever grateful for Robby and all he has meant to the Crossmen. When all else is gone, only the Bones remain!

I was going to say anything by Holst.... But 86' Star for me as well

I have a soft spot for 95 Cadets, that was a good dang show

I will stand corrected on one important detail. I did not know that Patte’s organization was for profit. However I want to be clear that much of what you said about Denise Bonfiglio and her qualifications are what I said in previous DCP posts when she was named director of the Cadets. I know she had an admirable career in the private sector, I am aware of her accomplishments in the drum corps and color guard world, and quite frankly believe she may be the only person who can keep Cadets moving in the right direction. You need someone who is both steeped in the tradition of drum corps but is also forward thinking. She is both.

Tim K is correct. All anyone has to do is to follow the Foundation on their FB page. There are photos showing the names of every recipient. I believe two winners every year except for 2020 (no championship) and possibly 1 in 2021.

No highly successful person in the marching arts has ever done anything wrong!

Thanks for the info, Denise!

a few questions: how then if Patty is so wrong per your very detailed commentary...that seems to me you were there or being fed information to post...how is it Patty won in court? i see you bring up Hopkins name. You have proof of his involvement in any way shape or form to back up your allegations? yes starts up have expenses. but after all these years only $2000 out in scholarships? where was the fundraising? thats all for now. i'll wait for whoever is feeding you info to give it to you type. and for the record i dont have a horse in the race

From the IRS Website: "A section 501(c)(3) organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, such as the creator or the creator's family, shareholders of the organization, other designated individuals, or persons controlled directly or indirectly by such private interests. No part of the net earnings of a section 501(c)(3) organization may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. A private shareholder or individual is a person having a personal and private interest in the activities of the organization." Drum Corps, like any other exempt organization, are given the privilege of tax exemption, provided that they serve a public purpose. The cult of personality is poisonous in any charitable organization, and there are many unfortunate examples, particularly in our activity. There is another organization in the same region, which has seen the best of times and the worst of times. It has resisted the strong man form of governance, including surviving a nearly fatal period of upheaval, by using a board or directors, and casting the full light of day on its operations. No man is an island. No one is irreplaceable. No one owns a Drum and Bugle Corps.

This situation has gotten so complicated over the years and it is too bad. If you followed the old 27th FB page, you may recall heated posts around 2011 or so when a 2012 reunion was in the works which turned out to be a disaster. If you know people who attended and they shared stories, you wouldn’t believe them. We’re talking about four good people, two of whom have one vision of their father’s legacy, and two of whom have a different perspective. Two of the four who battled in court are not exactly shrinking violets either. Both sets of siblings view their parents as saints, but in the case of their father both see a very different man and very different opinions of the legacy of 27th. Many people commenting know at least by reputation one of the individuals involved, people in the Boston area involved with drum corps in the late 60’s-80’s may know three or all four personally. They are good people and all of this could have been settled out of court. Unfortunately it was not and it’s probably not over. However, if you know 27th Lancers and it’s history, one minute they are a big happy family, the next it’s a world war. It was often described by alums as “political” and there were always factions, alumni from one era would not associate with alumni from other times. Some years the corps was concerned about the good of the activity, other years they were fierce competitors with no regard to anyone else. Some believed George B should have stepped aside to let someone direct the corps rather than disband it. Some folks wanted to restart the corps which also went to court and there was an attempt to start an aiumni corps called Light Brigade. There are some who still believe the rise of Garfield Cadets killed 27th and there could be some truth to that and one daughter directing Cadets, though more recent has not helped, especially when she is compared to her father as a director with a heart like her mother. All of this is a long intro to something we need to be keeping in mind. This is at its core a family dispute. Over the years too many people involved with 27th got into family matters because George B and Patsy were surrogate parents for so many. Being father like is one thing, but it is not the same as actually being the parent. Too many people have put their noses in this situation who should have stayed out of it. Just because he shook your hand one day does not mean you knew the man. Just because you marched with 27th does not make you a Bonfiglio. I would also be careful about making too many snap judgments about especially about Denise or Patte. This is probably not over.

Makes me believe all the shadiness supporters of Scott Litzenberg claimed when the carpet was pulled out from under him during his time at the Cadets.

"'The 27th Lancers' were dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of their dissolution was signed by the state clerk and by DCI executives. The 27th Lancers were as dead as a door-nail." It's sad and silly to see squabbling among siblings as to who controls the legacy of a drum corps that has been dead since Ronald Reagan was President, and all that happened is that lots of money was spent on attorneys that could have been put toward scholarships instead.

I think Cadets are a spent force in terms of competing at the top of DCI. I think they are at the point where they can either design good shows for the bottom half of finals, or do "tradition" and be like the Troopers were 15 years ago.

There have been MANY discussions here about My 27th Family and I would Love to clear up any Questions or concerns and maybe you all can understand that when your Parents spent their entire Lives Selflessly Helping children and can’t be here to defend or speak for themselves SOMEONE has to make the tough decisions and “DO THE RIGHT THING” no matter the cost.

I believe the court case only dealt with 2013 and $2,000 was awarded in 2013. Since that time I believe two scholarships have been awarded annually and are given out at the ceremonies after semi’s when Hall of Fame members and age outs are recognized. If they have been awarded each year, that would be $16,000.

It is amazing that you are correct on some details and so wrong on many others. Let's get the facts straight. 1. The thought of forming a foundation was discussed at a family gathering in the fall of 2011. The brother had a diner and was too busy to be involved, the older sibling wanted complete control, which others disagreed with and she left the family gathering 2. At the Massachusetts Drum Corps Hall of Fame banquet at Florian Hall in early 2012, Denise, along with Peggy Twiggs, was inducted into the HOF. Patty was there in the audience. During her acceptance speech, Denise announced to the audience, several hundred people. the formation of the foundation. It was very well received by those in attendance. 3. Over the next few months, there were many meetings with Patty and about another dozen alumni to organize a 45th anniversary of the forming of the corps. The reunion WAS A HUGE SUCCESS - several hundred attended the two celebrations. There was an low key gathering with over a hundred on Friday evening, followed by a huge, dress-up dinner on Saturday evening with over 200. Patty invited the foundation to set up an awning to sell merchandise that had the foundation name and logo. 4. At the Saturday evening dinner, there were a few speeches, and Patty handed to Denise and Janine, a check to help support the new foundation. I believe the check was $500. How could Patty ever say she had no knowledge of the foundation, when in fact she handed a check over to D&J? 5. The finances. If anyone here has ever started a business, there are start-up costs. Legal fees to incorporate and to obtain the coveted 501(c)3. And there are aso expenses to have an emblem trademarked. All done legally and expensive. So your first year in business usually looks dismal. Subsequently, the foundation done has awarded scholarships every year at DCI semi-finals and their Facebook page can verify the photos of the winners. 6. Fund raising. The foundation strives to have two fund raising events each year. A bowling tournament in early February and a golf tournament in September. These events include members of other alumni corps, all gathering to help support a worthy cause and to reminisce. We were once warriors to our corps and drill teams, we are now older friends with fond memories and no bitterness. But there are bragging rights at each event for high score in bowling, or low score for golf. On the other hand; 7. Why did Patty change the legal status of the 27th Lancers from a non-profit, to a FOR PROFIT corporation? What income does the 27th Lancers need? They do not provide any benefit to any other organization. As a FOR PROFIT corporation, she can keep all the income after expenses. 8. Patty believes there is money to be made off the corps name. The corps folded in 1986, and there was a very successful alumni corps in 1994 and 95. The connection for the foundation was simple, tie the corps name to the foundation and the drum corps community would better identify with the organization. There was no deception. However, a judge saw a similarity between the two names, thought there could be some confusion about donations, and thus the Bonfiglio Foundation was formed. 9. Patty claims that she and her brother never wanted to do this lawsuit, yet, they did. They have dragged their siblings through courts to make a legal record of the words and statements spoken. Lawyers craft the questions and witnesses must answer. Have you ever tried to explain a drum & bugle to a non-follower? It was not a jury of their peers. 10. Does anyone think that the former director of the Cadets has an axe to grind. He lost his lucrative job and is friends with Patty. He is more than willing to try and tarnish the career of Denise. And; 11. Denise has had a stellar work career, rising the the level of vice president, and has done well in all areas of finance independently of any outside sources. Does anyone actually believe she would need additional income that might be derived from a foundation? 12. Denise has earned every accolade the marching arts activity can bestow on an individual. She's judged at the highest levels of WGI, she was with SCV during some lean years which culminated with a long sought-after championship, and she is now rebuilding one of the oldest, and proudest corps ever formed.

It goes back earlier than 2016. After a disastrous reunion in 2012, DB and JMcW announced that a foundation would be established to fund scholarships to honor their parents. Two scholarships would be awarded, both to young people pursuing careers in education. One recipient would be a music educator, the other an elementary school teacher, honoring their father’s love of drum corps and his career as a teacher. To fund the scholarships, the two sold 27th Lancer memorabilia. I know I purchased a 27th Lancer koozie and a CD. I believe there were t-shirts, coffee mugs, pens, anything you might see in a souvenir stand. This dates back to 2013. My understanding is the use of the 27th Lancer name and not the scholarship is what was at issue. I’m also thinking that the sale of the souvenirs did not go very well which could be the “expenses.” I don’t know this for a fact, it is just a hunch. I would wonder how much of a market there would be for 27th memorabilia. I know I loved 27th, so too did many of my friends, and while I made a small purchase, it was a one and done deal. I can’t see the sales funding a scholarship for years to come.

Interesting read.......I can tell you that Mr. B was not a happy camper after 1981 when he lost Mr. Z, Miss Twigs, and Mr. Sylvester to Garfield....and when the Cadets won the title in 1983, he rushed his corps to the buses with not a handshake....still, this isn't about Mr. B......nor is it about the family squabble over the corps name, alumni events, etc.........what I DO think is a HUGE concern (and the main concern) is that a charity was founded by DB for the supposed main purpose of providing scholarships for young people to march, and perhaps at the onset, things were genuine. However, when you take in over 14K in a calendar year, but only provide 2K in scholarships and the rest is "expenses"......thus over 76% administrative costs, and those being "questionable"....there are red flags all over the place. Also, info from the plaintiffs indicate that they tried everything to reason with DB, to no avail....she was "running the show", and "FU"....even though Mr. B in his will directives gave control to the plaintiffs....a civil court ruling stands, and DB is liable for a large sum of money....she is the CEO of a major corps with a $2 million+ budget, and has the checkbook.......also, with 17 other Cadet board members, many new, and the final verdict just being a few weeks ago, I would not be surprised if Cadets board members know nothing of this......from an outsider's perspective, looking at the suit, the judge's remarks, and especially the 990's for the foundation, it would have taken me 5 minutes to reach my verdict (the same as the judges), and I would be wanting to take a serious look at Schedule O attachments for 7 years, and would also want to see verified bank balance and transactions for the foundation (as there is over 21K that is supposed to be currently in there....maybe it is...maybe it's not....it may sound "paltry" in today's terms, but that's 20 more $1K scholarships that could be awarded.......)