NEWS

It is with sincere sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our more recent Optimists Alumni members, Russ Braman, on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Russ played baritone on our 2019 Tour in South Korea, and was a member of our good friends south of the border, Prime Time Brass.

Obituary and service information may be found here... https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../russell-braman...

Our In Memory page with slide show for Russ is here.

It is with sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Marc Burns on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Marc was a cymbal player for the Toronto Optimists for a few years back around 1964.

Marc's brother, Denis, announced the following to Marc's Facebook friends:

"Marc passed away last evening.. Thank you for being his friend. There is no formal service. Please celebrate his life in your own way. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Pilgrim Hospice. That place was Heaven for Marc."

The Optimists Alumni have had a full schedule this year and the Fall/Christmas season is no exception.

Recently, the group performed at the St.Catherine's Grape & Wine Festival Parade, keeping the name "Optimists" traditionally embedded in this annual trend as their historic Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps did so many years ago.

Also a regular event, the Optimists Alumni performed in the Kitchener Oktoberfest Thanksgiving parade, positioned as the second band at the front of the parade. You can view their performance in our Gallery here.

Have a look at their huge upcoming Santa Claus parade schedule in the events on our site here.

You are welcome to join us! Come visit us at a rehearsal in either Kitchener or Pickering. Contact us for details.

Directors at Large:

1) Rick Lang- Acclaimed to a One Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

2) Soo Lee- Acclaimed to a One Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

3) Doug Roblin - Acclaimed to a One Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

4) Barry Woods - Acclaimed to a One Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

Treasurer:

Matt Davis - Acclaimed to Two Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

President and Corps Director:

Mike Lang - Acclaimed to Two Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

Vice-President:

Mark Sichewski - Acclaimed to Two Year Term starting Oct. 1, 2022

Special Note:

We have been extremely fortunate to have enough candidates willing to help out to fill all elected positions. At the same time we have key vacancies with appointed positions that we have not had the same success filling. They include, Equipment Manager, Secretary to the Board, and Social Committee Chair to mention a few. Two of those positions actually work best when volunteers also provide valuable assistance. Bottom line we truly hope as many members as possible find a way to be involved to contribute to our ongoing success.

It is with a heavy heart we inform you of the loss of a true friend and former member, Marylin Sturino. Marylin passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Online memorial details my be found here.