Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . 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. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. Cadets are in troubleGH loves it that way.He wants there to be no Cadets if something happens to him.Cadets are in trouble for the FUTURE!!! The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Marching as the Cadets of Garfield; wearing uniforms of white shorts, red golf shirts, and "Aussie" hats; and using instruments borrowed from the Chicago Cavaliers, the corps managed to finish in second place (one spot ahead of the defending champion Cavaliers). After the summer of 2020, the first summer in years without a Troopers tour, Ian Calhoun said he started to hear from friends hed made at the corps who were interested in reporting some of their experiences to the advocacy group MAASIN (Marching Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network). For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. {{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. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. I cried a little bit," she recalled. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . The Cadets have won these caption awards:[25], John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award, George Zingali Best Color Guard Performance Award, Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award. Never marched in high school band. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. Former drum corps director expected to plead guilty to sex assault charges, Fire broke out in a Lower Macungie apartment building, Champions of Magic's Alex McAleer gives an exciting look at the upcoming live show, Pet of the Month: Nina from Ruff Life Rescue, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor needs volunteers, Allentown Public Library celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday with children's activities, Kindness Project teams up with Flavor Nation to give away free tacos, History's Headlines: The Lehigh Valley's music man, Berks County Parks invites people to their Winter Wellness Walk, Royals host "kids takeover" game where kids get a taste of the sports business, Wilson School students raise $83k to fight childhood cancer, Berks County Intermediate Unit receives $3.18 million in grants for Head Start programs, 'First in the nation' bill to provide free screenings for breast cancer to receive full Pa. Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? I just felt like, Well, youre right. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. 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. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. 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. On November 13, Hopkins was indicted in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania for sexual assault, based on accusations of two women who are former employees of YEA. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. Former drum corps director awaiting trial in sex assault case sues for severance, Former drums corps director pleads no-contest to 2010 indecent assault, Closure of YEA is final chapter in series of struggles over the years, Fire broke out in a Lower Macungie apartment building, Champions of Magic's Alex McAleer gives an exciting look at the upcoming live show, Pet of the Month: Nina from Ruff Life Rescue, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor needs volunteers, Allentown Public Library celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday with children's activities, Kindness Project teams up with Flavor Nation to give away free tacos, History's Headlines: The Lehigh Valley's music man, Berks County Parks invites people to their Winter Wellness Walk, Royals host "kids takeover" game where kids get a taste of the sports business, Wilson School students raise $83k to fight childhood cancer, Berks County Intermediate Unit receives $3.18 million in grants for Head Start programs, 'First in the nation' bill to provide free screenings for breast cancer to receive full Pa. Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. But even after he was let go, Connell said he was still allowed around corps members who knew what had happened and had reported him to the administration because he was the organizations connection to the housing site where they were staying. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. Some people may be able to give 12 hours a day to the cause, and that is great for them and you, but my life is outside of YEA! 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. 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. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. George Hopkins Bio His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, Shortly after, more victims came forward, and the accounts of two of these women became the basis of the criminal charges brought in November 2018. Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. What is clear ---I need an assistant. money, and members. 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. "I just kept saying no, don't do this, I don't want to do this," said Marie, who said she went by her middle name at work. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? It took a summer without performances, said Connell, for people to step back and realize that what they thought was tough love was actually systemic negligence. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. George Hopkins, the former director of the renowned Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps, appeared in a Lehigh County courtroom Tuesday morning and gave up his right to a preliminary hearing on . They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. In addition, YEA! Twelve women have told the Inquirer they were sexually harassed or abused by Hopkins over the nearly four decades he served as director of Allentown's famed Cadets, years during which he achieved rock-star-like status in the activity. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's video interview, George Hopkins' defense attorney wants access to the Philadelphia Inquirer's unedited video, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. 10 in E minor, Op. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Drum Corps International, the sanctioning body for competition youth drum corps events, said in a statement that it was "deeply concerned" by the allegations against Hopkins. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. 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]. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. 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! Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps - Wikipedia The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets was one of the thirteen founding corps of Drum Corps International (DCI), is a ten-time DCI World Champion, and is the oldest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America.[1]. 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. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. for more than $650,000 in severance and back pay, the organization filed a counter-suit against the former director for $1.5 million in losses which it alleges to have lost due to the sexual misconduct scandal. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. This action was taken in reaction to the rigid, inflexible rules of the American Legion and VFW (the primary rule makers and sponsors of both corps and shows) and the low or nonexistent performance fees paid for appearing in the various competitions. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. George Hopkins Bio Advertisement Allentown News During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. 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. 253 votes, 88 comments. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. April 13, 2018. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, Outlast Forces Lone Wolf Contestants to Embrace Team Dynamics for Netflix Competition, Diego Luna: Andor Ending With Season 2 Is Really Important for My Mental Health. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence Hopkins, George. This amount of the lawsuit included recovery for lost sponsorships and pledged donations to The Cadets and YEA!, a major loss of participants in the US Bands program, as well as legal fees incurred due to the scandal. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from one victim who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010 at age 26, and who provided her account to The Inquirer in 2018. Executive Director, Youth Education in the Arts Director, nine-time DCI World Championship Cadets D&B Corps Social Studies Teacher: Aston Township HS (PA) 1979-80 Band Director: Northern Highlands High School (NJ), 1984 Taught numerous bands. (CAE). Hopkins, George | WDCHOF George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps who was accused of sexual misconduct by nearly a dozen women, pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation in Lehigh County Court on Thursday. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, and Hopkins pleaded no contest to that charge. 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. Newspapers publish newsworthy items all the time, and they cant be dragged into court every single time a defense attorney wants to know what other information is out there, Berry said. 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.. [10] The organization also hired a Chicago labor and employment law firm, Franczek Radelet, to investigate the accusations against Hopkins as well as YEA!s policies and procedures for providing a safe environment for youth members, employees, and volunteers. Calhoun marched in 2016 and 2017 before leaving the corps in July of his second year in the midst of mental and physical illness, compounded by the rigors of tour. Charges were filed against Hopkins in November 2018, months after Youth Education in the Arts launched an investigation after about a dozen women accused Hopkins of sexual misconduct. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. These sort of militaristic rituals, paired with constant reminders about how grateful members should be for their spot on the corps, foster a culture of negligence that came to light last month when several former members went public with allegations, leading to the resignation of former corps director Kristy Jackson. On April 5, 2018, allegations were made in published reports that the longstanding corps director, George Hopkins, sexually harassed or abused multiple members of the corps and staff over a period of years. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. The. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, to which Hopkins pleaded no contest. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns
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