Rick R

Bill was a great guy who was instrumental in developing the Drum Corps activity in Ontario. I remember him when I was marching in the Grantham Township Police Boys Band. Many of our Members ended up marching with the Militaires. Condolences to Bill's family and his many drum corps colleagues. RIP Bill. Rick R

Keep up the good work.All the best for 2012 Regards Rick R

The Niagara Militaires is probably one of the greatest Senior Drum Corps from the Niagara area. Today they are a well managed Alumni Corps that is continuing to improve with each outing. My first year in Drum Corps was in 1952 when the Grantham Township Police Boys Band. I am currently a member of the Militaires as well as the Hawthorne Caballeros and participate in both as my health will permit. I wish the Corps continued success and urge anyone who has any interest in any section to come out on some Tuesday and have a listen to whats going on. Or just come out to say hello. Good Luck to the Militaires. Rick R

Looks like a great Show that truly does feature some of the Legends of Canadian Drum Corps = see you there on Saturday/ Rick

Need 2 tickets for Thur, Fri & Sat. Thanks Rick R

Do you still the tickets - if so how much? Rick R

check it out www.optimists-alumni.org

Make sure you plan to attend the 2nd edition of the Legends Of Drum Corps Show. This all Canadian show features Canada's finest Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps including the legendary Preston Scout House and the Toronto Optimists. These corps along with the London Midlanders were some of the winningest corps in Canada & the US. Toronto Signal Corps relives the Military Pomp & Precision of another era. Also included are the Simcoe United Drum & Bugle Corps a composition of several well know southern Ontario Junior Corps. The Price is right the new venue will provide an exciting evening of 'IN YOUR FACE DRUM CORPS' August 28 - St Mikes College School - TORONTO Rick R

Only 6 days laft till the Optimists Alumni Open House - If you live in Southern Ontario or Western NY you need to be there. A great great reunion opportunity and a chance to sit in. See you on Sunday in Welland - it sure beats football Thanks Rick

Thanks Albion - you should come on over for a fun weekend in January - you can go to www.optimists-alumni.org for more info - bring your friends - remember Albion from many years ago. Are they still around? Love to hear from them. RickR

Thanks Mike of course I meant January 10th 2010. I checked with the Hotel for Saturday night and there are still some rooms available. See you there. Rick

Only 20 days left until the Optimists Open House in Welland. I have been receiving lots of e-mail and the interest level seems high. It's going to be a great Reunion. The Grantham Boys are going strong. Someone just sent me an MP3 recording from the NY Can Championships at Aquinas Stadium from August 1960. Grantham had an awsome horn line that year - and almost toppled Opti, later in the season. Hope to see several former Grantham members. Everyone is welcome. See you in Welland on the 11th of January.

So far six former Drum Majors of the Optimists have confirmed their intention to be there on January 10 at the Open House. This Event promises to be one terrific reunion. Those there will get an opportunity to see some Classic Drum Corps videos including: -- The limited edition 50th Anniversary - Toronto Optimists - Seneca Optimists 1958 to 2008 -- The Optimists Years of Glory - On the Field -- 1977 Seneca Optimists (perhaps the greatest hornline to ever come out of Canada) -- Kingsmen Alumni -- Madison Alumni -- Caballeros Alumni -- 2008 Plymouth MA Spouses and friends are welcome and a number of folks are planning to make a weekend of it so a block of rooms have been reserved at the Comfort Inn in Welland for Saturday night. COMFORT INN WELLAND NIAGARA 870 NIAGARA ST. WELLAND, ON L3C 1M3 CANADA Phone: 9057324811 Fax: 9057329654 All rooms have 2 queen sized beds and can accommodate 4 people - at a rate of $79.99 + tax (13%); Guests can call toll free at 1-866-295-5206 and advise they are booking under the 'Optimists Alumni Corps'. A hospitality suite will also be available on Saturday night. SEE YOU IN WELLAND! Rick