ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- The longtime leader of a champion Pennsylvania-based drum and bugle corps has resigned in the wake of a newspaper report that contained allegations of sexual misconduct spanning nearly four decades. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Man missing since 2021 was murdered, co-worker arrested: DA, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. YEA! I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. In 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities. 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Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. This is art. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Edwin Garrity of the Holy Name Catholic parish in Garfield, New Jersey founded the Holy Name Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 1934 as an activity for the boys in the parish. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . "[12] As a part of the terms of probation, the corps' reassessed their planned travel to the West Coast to open the season, and instead decided to proceed with a schedule redrawn for East Coast shows. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. "There were some tears. Also in 1971, the Garfield Cadets, along with the 27th Lancers, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock, formed the United Organization of Junior Corps (also known as the "Alliance"). Follow More from Medium Mark. The parent organization of the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps has settled part of a lawsuit by its former CEO George Hopkins over his salary and benefits after he was fired in the wake. One in four trooper positions are vacant. [2][3][4], In 1972, the Garfield Cadets, along with the nine other corps from the Alliance and the Midwest Combine, plus the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands were founding members of Drum Corps International, which remains as the sanctioning body for junior corps in North America. George Hopkins, the director of The Cadets, talks about the 2017 show, "The Faithful, The Fallen, The Forgiven." George talks about the process of designing the show, the use of the singers, the three different uniforms worn by the corps, and about the issues the activity is facing around amplification Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. The City of Erie welcomed The Cadets with open arms, offering access to local business relationships, services, volunteers, and new opportunities for funding and partnerships. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. in May, stating it had lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public in the 2018 Inquirer account. Brisk with west to northwest winds around 10-20mph gusting to 30mph.. Mostly cloudy with less wind and a few breaks in the clouds overnight. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. And I never said no. What is clear ---I need an assistant. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. The Alliance members felt that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the monies those shows earned. In written remarks later directed at Hopkins, she said she had joined the Cadets bright-eyed, eager, and innocently believing that through hard work and integrity most things were possible., Instead, she said, working for the Cadets meant being subjected to verbal and sexual abuse. YEA rejects ex-director's resignation, fires him amid allegations, New twists appear in relation to former Cadets Director George Hopkins, Investigation underway into YEA! [13] The corps' compliance with the terms of probation was sufficient for DCI to allow the corps to compete in 2018, and the probation was lifted in May 2019. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. I felt so used.". I think from here on out, theres a new level and a new sense of accountability that we as alumni of the Corps are unified in making sure that these experiences dont happen again, said former Troopers color guard member Vanessa Connell. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. Through his attorney, Hopkins denied "any nonconsensual relations" with the sisters and also denied having "any relations whatsoever" with Lee Ann Riley while she was a minor. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Never thought for once you were a liar!! and only for this show no black uniform. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. "This is a painful moment for all those who care about The Cadets," Youth Education in the Arts, the nonprofit that runs The Cadets, said in a statement on its website. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. Board of Directors Resigns, New Board to Guide Organization", "Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault", "Finding no resignation letter, YEA board fired Hopkins with no severance", "DCI action on YEA! In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Im angry. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Consent matters.. The judge opined that this situation is very different than, say, a defendants statement to police, a full copy of which would be made available to the defense by the prosecution. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. The women are among roughly a dozen connected to the Cadets organization who say they were sexually assaulted by Hopkins dating back to the 1980s. One former Youth Education in the Arts employee who spoke to Philly.com on condition that she was identified only by her first name, Marie, said Hopkins routinely harassed and assaulted her at work. In my opinion, its impossible to march drum corps and not be broken in some way when you come out, because its a very rigorous physical and mental activity, said Calhoun, a former baritone. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Hopkins' accusers ranged from 16 to 37 at the time of the abuse and harassment they say they endured, including three who were members of The Cadets and five who worked for Youth Education in the Arts, the parent organization that Hopkins also led as chief executive officer until his resignation. 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I expect my final paycheck on October 18 which should include the agreed upon amount for moving expenses that has not been paid since starting in February 2017. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. Updated Nov 13, 2018. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. 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In February 2023, CAE announced a long-term partnership with the Erie Sports Center, resulting in a decision to move The Cadets and all operations of CAE to Erie, Pa. George Hopkins, former director of Allentown's elite Cadets drum and bugle corps, pleaded no contest to indecent assault after an Inquirer investigation revealed years of misconduct. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. He began as Director in 1983 Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said the woman in the 2008 allegation decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that.. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). also sponsored the recently inactive 2016 DCA Champion Cadets2 Drum Corps, 2014 WGI Independent Open Champion Cadets Winter Percussion, and Cadets Winter Guard; USBands (formerly United States Scholastic Band Association); the Urban Arts Center of the Lehigh Valley, which included the Xcape Dance Studio.[18]. money, and members. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. On July 4, 1986 the Cadets performed as a part of the Liberty Weekend celebrating both the hundredth anniversary and the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. It said it was reaching out to Youth Education in the Arts, and also planned an internal review to see whether any current members of the DCI staff knew about the allegations and failed to report them. (CAE). And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. Consent matters.. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. George Hopkins, the former director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, was charged Tuesday with sexually assaulting two former employees, another striking turn in what had been an illustrious, four-decade-long career that took Hopkins to the top of the national youth activity. reached a settlement in January 2019. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. GEORGE HOPKINS 1983 - present George Hopkins, better known as "Hop" to his friends and marching Cadets, is the current Director of our corps, as well as the longest serving (25 years and still going strong). As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. Instead, Beyer is very much in the public eye, and the defense is asking to see the entire video interview, not a reporters notes, he said. With no 2020 drum corps season, Cadets Arts & Entertainment focused its attention on establishing clear policies, strict safeguards and strategic committees that meet regularly to help guide The Cadets forward. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. There was upset from some people, as you can see, and others saw the progression as an effort to maintain the Cadets as an organization steeped in tradition but also very, very progressive when it came to new ideas, new concepts, and fresh presentations. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. The woman addressed Anthony in court, telling him of years of fear, shame, and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. After the hearing, Hopkins' lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers' stories. Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli GH doesnt love the CADET Organisation he made himself an empire..to support him with his RV and 200K salary plus all the other extras.Laughing at everyone all the way to the bank.. Laura Masker I am not disagreeing with you as far as GH is concerned. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. In addition to The Cadets, YEA! [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. She said the memories can, at times, still knock the wind out of me, but I get up., I dont just get up and go to work to hide my pain and put the abuse behind me, she wrote. I just felt like, Well, youre right. Wyoming teachers are leaving. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! The corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. For more than 30 years, George Hopkins has been a major proponent of changes in instrumentation, education and contest guidelines, such as initiating the use of band instruments, electronics, removal of sidelines and other alternatives. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. In the criminal case, prosecutors alleged Hopkins, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, sexually assaulted a former employee at his Allentown apartment, after they met at a bar to discuss drum corps rules. The dozen women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. The women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. It comes from a lot of different places.. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Crews contend with tons of snow as they work to reopen I-80, Powell sisters die in crash with semi-truck, Long shifts, odd calls, brutal weather: inside the Wyoming Highway Patrol staffing shortage, Ex-Casper doctor imprisoned for sexually assaulting patients released years early, Lovell steps up after local sportswriter dies from car crash injuries. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. He resigned his position in April 2018, but the YEA board rejected his resignation and fired him, citing the sexual misconduct allegations lodged against him. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. that title. "We are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity guided by the following founding principles: To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants; and To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence.". I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said, READ MORE: Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. The judge did question how the defense would know if the witness impeached her own testimony on the stand, if it didnt know ahead of time what she may have said in an earlier interview. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. [22][23], At the annual World Championship Finals, Drum Corps International (DCI) presents awards to the corps with the high average scores from prelims, semifinals, and finals in five captions.
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