Author	Topic:   What is going on??
Nivek	posted 4/29/03 7:56 AM     I used to get updates on the 40th ... nothing lately (four months). Date has changed for the third time since I first heard of it. Price has also changed. Seems it may not have the momentum it did a year ago, and possibly not the interest in going either ... and I don't mean that from a personal level.
Michael Robinson BSSAA	posted 4/29/03 2:32 PM     The BSSAA has continously updated its information at its website on the reunion. Dates only change for additional events we may agree to hots or cancel. The cost of the Gala was never set prior to our publishing the ticket price. Therefore we are on target with our plans. Please visit our website to place your order for tickets.
Nivek	posted 5/13/03 8:03 PM     Actually, first I heard of the reunion, it was to be in May/June!! So I guess things have changed!!
Vanessa	posted 5/28/03 4:51 PM     First comment - any of my BSS friends I run into haven't even HEARD of the reunion! So yes it is in August..but a notice in the paper or on City TV might do alot and allow people to plan their vacation schedules around the event. August will be here before you know it. You should be plugging it at least 6 months in advance and also consider that not everyone has web access. In response to Nivek the price has doubled since I last inquired (i was originally told $35.00)... it's now $75.00 at the Constellation (interesting choice) where you have to also PAY for parking. Just the dinner and a dance..hmm. It just seems like a lot - is some of the ticket price going towards a charity? the BSSA? If so you should state that. I just did a 100th Anniversary reunion for a canadian corporation (without sponsorship), at the Delta Meadowvale for $40.00/head Dinner and Dancing. So I'm just curious...not trying to be overly critical - it's just a question.
Michael Robinson BSSAA	posted 5/28/03 7:52 PM       We are trying to have the local media plug the Reunion, but they are very picky about what they want to print. The BSSAA never advertised any dates other than an August time. The price of $75 per ticket was the first time any costing was released for the Gala, never did the BSSAA provide any other pricing. As for venues, there are places that offer lower pricing but none were able to accommodate the volume of people we projected. In speaking to other groups of the same size, including TL Kennedy Secondary School our price of $75 is right on target. One lesson we did learn from our last reunion was that because of a low ticket price many individuals had to cover the extra costs out of their own pockets. Finally, any funds raised frm all of the reunion events will be placed into a charitable fund, the BSSAA Foundation whish is a registered charity through the Peel District School Board. http://www.bssalumni.com
Nivek	posted 6/8/03 7:25 PM     To support what Vanessa said, I just ran into (by chance) two friends, in the last week, from my days at BSS ... here in Brampton even!!! Neither of them even heard of the reunion, and both asked me if it was a "legitimate" reunion, or just someone planning something on their own!!! Vanessa, as well as my two brothers, a sister, and three of my friends also remember the first instance of the site that stated a June event, and $35!!! As this is only two months away, don't you think word should be out to more than those in Brampton?? North Park's reunion (and site) was far better planned than this!!! Nivek~
Nivek	posted 6/8/03 7:58 PM     As a side bar, I was really looking forward to attending for my 20th anniversary, and seeing people I had not seen in years. Now I am not so sure. The first instance of this site, while *very* basic, was far superior to what is here now. Nothing works!!! (and I'm not the only one to post that comment). I am getting 404's (page not found) everywhere!! Updates are few and far between, and not too informative at best. It appears to me this is no longer a "reunion" for BSS, but rather a lot of the old staff/faculty and a few "corporate" type alumni getting together for golf and a dinner in more of an elitist environment, leaving out what made BSS what it was. The average everyday student!! Yes, I golf, and do dinner. I am also an IT professional, and I have created better, more up to date sites, in my sleep, in less than 30 hours of work!! I would like to see friends from my days there, not just say "I golfed at the BSS 40th" ... with people I never met while I was there. Nivek~
Jerry	posted 6/9/03 4:03 AM     Nivek, best to check out the www.bramaleasecondary.org board to find your friends / confirm they are going and go from there. Regards, Jerry '67
BSSAA Executive	posted 6/9/03 4:36 AM       Nivek: Firstly, if we could hold a private party with only people you know we woudl do so. There are siz IT professional workign with the BSSAA. Unlike you we are more business focused and not limited to "techie" comments. We do peovide updates regularily as events occur. We also post a regular copy of our meeting minutes on the website. As for creatign a website in your sleep, we have seen many corporate websites and not too many cater to the wide range of needs of the BSSAA. If you have a skills that you can use to improve communicatiosn with BSS Alumni, please volunteer. If you are unable to provide constructive comments or assist, them let those who give of their time do what they must with the resources they have. We occasionalyl have problems with 404 errors but generally this occurs either at the provider side or when we change a large number of pages in a short period where we may remove a page in order to make the change if it is substantial. The BSSA is catering to approximately 1,000 regular viewers in order to target the 12,000+ alumni out there. By all accounts (email messages) we are told by the majority that we are doing a great job and it was time someone took the initiative to something of this kind. It is not perfect but is it far superior to what is offered by other alumni organizations in the secindary school world. http://www.bssalumni.com
BSSAA Executive	posted 6/9/03 4:45 AM       Nivek Clarifications: From what we have been told, North Park has posponed their reunion due. Also it was being run and funded by the staff not alumni. TL Kennedy had their 50th and were very impressed by how we planned. Again their staff provided financial security aodn paid out of their own pockets for soem items. Our last reunion lost a considerabel amount of money - again staff paid the bills. We will nto loose money and force volunteers or staff to pay the bills. As for getting the mesage out. our local media has not been supportive in offering to doa column or sdvertisement space. They wany money and don't seem interested in community organizations any more. We could SPAM message to oevr 20M people but we would nt be able to handle the negative feedback to our email account. So what is left is word of mouth and walking the pavement. http://www.bssalumni.com
Doug Gilson	posted 6/10/03 0:21 AM     It's somewhat disappointing to see that an unidentified member of the BSSAA posted their responses to Nivek without taking the time to do a spell check of their posting. There is mention that the meeting minutes are posted. I'm still waiting to read the May General meeting minutes. One thing that can be said is the posts very likely did not come from Michael Robinson because Michael always takes the time to identify himself so people knew exactly who is speaking on behalf of the executive.
Jerry	posted 6/10/03 5:20 AM     Doug, I don't know why you're so disappointed that the author didn't use "spell check" - myself I feel spell check is a "tool" for semi-literates. Hell I don't even know how to find/use spell check ! I just use a dictionary. I figure the person was just in a big hurry to respond ! LOL ! Jerry
BSSAA Executive	posted 6/10/03 7:50 PM       Moving ahead. An ALumni, Nivek, has offered some valuable feedback to the BSSAA. He and the Executive Director spoke for quite some time to clarify the BSSAA's position and how he can help us evolve some of the projects we are working. We are delighted that Nivek will offer, as much as possible, his skills and expertise in the future to help ensure the success of the BSSAA and its programs. http://www.bssalumni.com
Doug Gilson	posted 6/11/03 5:33 PM     Well I certain that many of us will now sit back and await to see the results of the updates to this site.
Nivek	posted 6/11/03 6:35 PM     Indeed true. I sent a few items offline to Michael, and we have spoken as well. I did offer to help before there was a site, and I somehow got roped into assisting (not a problem!!). I don't expect only people I know at this event, but would like to see at least a few I know!!! LOL. I'm not too sure how much I can help, but will see what we can do. .... stand by!!!
Doug Gilson	posted 6/29/03 2:21 PM     Curious as to what brought about the reduction in ticket prices for the reunion Gala dinner and dance?
Michael Robinson	posted 6/29/03 7:06 PM       Reunion Ticket pricing drop! Those who live in the GTA area know very well how many businesses are suffer ing in the tourism market. Those who live in Brampton also know that the new Pearson Convention Centre is opening in August. Pearson had an open date and approached us to change venues. It was the right time for the BSSAA to negotiate. Our executive laid out the terms that would be acceptable and the Regal Constellation was very accommodating. Our Reunion Gala can still host from 450 - 1,500 people as we had planned. We did not give up anything in return. As for being curious, the negotiating team was made up of people who spend their professional lives cutting deals and they did a fablous job. As for the BSSAA it is our mandate to host events and do do to accommodate as many of our alumni as possible. If we can trim a dollar here, get a consession there, we will do what ever is possible for our alumni. There is nothing unique about an association looking after its members first.
Jerry	posted 7/1/03 5:35 AM     Mike you are so full of it, I'd swear you're a politician - maybe you missed your calling ! LOL jERRY
BSSAA Executive	posted 7/1/03 5:55 AM       Jerry, I like the other volunteers in the BSSAA do care about BSS, our alumni and the community. Our work and attitude is sincere. Had you become involved in our work you would see for yourself Sadly, you are the typical couch-surfer who finds fault with everything other do, but never once offer a constructive suggestion no other assistance. We can only assume your dislike for the BSSAA and what it is doing is a result of the unhappy years you may have spent at BSS. Unfortunately, you are one of only a few who do not have fond memories of BSS. Ask the students, the staff and the school's council as well as the Board and City Council. Include the Brampton Guardian and our many supporting partners. The answers you will get is that we are doing a great job and it was time a secondary school in canada tokk such an initiative.
Jerry	posted 7/1/03 2:59 PM     Don't take yourself so seriously ! I in no way slighted the lofty intentions of the BSSAA. I simply made light of the noble verbosity exibited - no need to get into a big diatribe ! I did take note of the contigency option for an attendence of 450 - good move ! I have been involved with conventions (Corvette) in the past and have witnessed the plans of egotistical shakers & movers fall apart as they ignored reality. Jerry (with as much "on my plate" as I can possibly handle !)
Nivek	posted 7/4/03 8:52 AM     I must say I feel perhaps I was correct in saying the reunion was more a "high school elite" type thing. I posted a few comments, enough to get the attention of Michael, and we took comments off-line. I was then told to "put up or shut up". I have a few times volunteered my time, and did so again with Michael. I even attended the Wed. meeting I was asked to, and during that, I asked FOUR times what I could do to help, other than "Tech" (which was slighted over for the most part ... see the site). I still have yet to hear a thing!!! Well, that was a month ago, and still no signs at the school (I was past there 1/2 hour ago) about the reunion. My suggestions, and those brought up, have not been addressed, with the exception of one article in the Guardian. After I left that meeting, I called everyone I had contact info for (21 people) ... only two had heard of the reunion ... and all but three live in Brampton!!!! (and they wonder why the Gala tickets had not been sold yet!!!). Obviously my services are not required, so those that will be at the “beer garden night”, I’ll see you then. BTW (Michael) … North Park *DID* have theirs, and I could care less about T.L. Kennedy’s event. They obviously had proper planning. I want to see people *I* went to school with at the BSS event!!!!
BSSAA Executive	posted 7/4/03 9:14 AM       The BSSAA has not had any plans for bringing together volunteers until next. Those who have said they were available will be contacted next week. We have to bring about 200 volunters together and allocate their tasks. it is not easy. We have focused on confirming all the events and tomorrow we confirm the last major one. The BSSAA in no way is an elite group. it simply has a considerable amount of strategic planning to do before we even call volunteers together. We certainly appreciate the support of all volunteers and do not wish to waste your time with unproductive gatherings. We ask all of our volunteers to be patient. It would help if you signed up for volunteering at our website as this is the best way to track your availability
Doug Gilson	posted 7/4/03 2:08 PM     Geez Jerry I didn't know that you too had unhappy times while you were attending BSS and I guess Nivek must have also.
Nivek	posted 7/5/03 11:19 PM     Quite the contrary, I had a lot of fun and good times at BSS. I was a Yearbook photographer three years as well. I want to see people *I* knew attend this event. I just last night spoke to another BSS alumni (#22), and he also did not know of the reunion (and lives here). All I am saying, even though this event is planned to NOT go into the red, that things should have been done to let more people know of the event. Prior to the June 15th ticket deadline (price increase). I'm sure more tickets would have been sold!!! If I personally talked to 22 people, and only a couple of them know of this (none knew of the website), there must be some merit in what I am saying!!!
Nivek	posted 7/5/03 11:32 PM     I also thought I was to assist with the site, in order to improve flow and usability. A couple of comments were taken, but nothing much has come of those talks ... sorry Doug. A few 404's were fixed, but it's still hard to navigate through.
Jerry	posted 7/6/03 5:14 AM     Nivek, To me it seems like the bsalumni people got too ambitious with to many do-gooder plans, hall of fame etc that the reunion has been taken for granted and lost it's emphasis. Once I read the remarks putting down people wanting to get together for a party while the more righteous ones were going to crusade for more noble causes, my interest was diminished. Jerry, who had some of the best times of his life there from '63 to '67
Doug Gilson	posted 7/6/03 2:22 PM     Like both of you, I had some great time while attending BSS. I was active in the political groups they had (Model Parliament and U.N.) along with being part of the stage crew for the musical production of Guys and Dolls and being a member of the dance committe for those great Friday night dances we had. Jerry - I think you hit the nail on the head. The focus has drifed away from the reunion with the addition of the Wall of Fame and the Trust Fund. Those are things that should have been developed after the reunion. Did you notice the pictures in the Wall of Fame? Check it out. Very interesting. Nivek - I can see your frustration. You offered your help. Oh I have seen 1 flyer for the dance in the local grocery store. Haven't seen much in the Guardian yet. I'm sure that the 3 of us will see a very blunt reply to our posts.
BSSAA Executive	posted 7/6/03 11:49 PM       Responses: BSS Trust Fund This projest wasa actually in the works before we committed to a reunion. It is being driven by a couple of people who joined specifically for a long term commitment to the school and the community. It actually dooes not require much work and the real work starts after the reunion. Wall of Fame & Inspiration This project has always been an integral part of the reunion, if time & resources permit. It is a request of the school as one item they would like the BSSAA to do. We do realize that the majority of profiles will come long after the reunion. It is our hope to make this a project within the school along with the students. The Media We do not control what the media prints. We also do not have the financial resources to buy advertisements. It is also against BSSAA policy to allow members to fund projects from their own pockets. Each projects must be self-sufficient and pay for itself, including upfront deposits. This ensures that we do not end up with bad feelings after the event; which is common in many reunions. Reunion Our plans are right on target includign projected slaes for events. This week we are finalizing the Beer Garden/Wine & Cheese Affairs. Everything is set for the Gala and the Kids Soccer Event. Most fail to comprehend that this celebration is more than a reunion for alumni. It is also a community event and we are doing our best to show BSS, the Alumni and the students at their best. Never once did we take a selfish approach and focused on planning an event that only alumni would enjoy.
Nivek	posted 7/7/03 0:47 AM     Again, a typical "marketing" or "corporate" response. Since I personally spoke to 22 people that had *NO* knowledge of the event .... in six weeks form now ... I can't see how this would be more a "community event" as to a reunion. THERE IS STILL NO SIGNAGE AT THE SCHOOL!!!! It's all a "build it and they will come" (no media, signage, or advertising). No wonder ticket sales were not what was hoped for/expected!!!
Ann Nonomous	posted 7/7/03 1:30 AM     Speaking of the Wall of Fame. Can't wait to see Ruth's profile.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/7/03 5:38 PM     Two profiles I will be interested to see are Ron Fellows and Andrew Cassels. Curious as to when they attended BSS.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/7/03 5:39 PM     Two profiles I will be interested to see are Ron Fellows and Andrew Cassels. Curious as to when they attended BSS.
BSSAA Executive	posted 7/7/03 7:18 PM       Ron Fellows was a clasmate of mine in 1975-1977. Andrew Cassels is the most recent BSS ALumni He only left a year or two ago. As we are asking everyone to write their own profile, it will take some time. By the way can we get you to do your profile and send it in to us. The information is on the website. Michael Robinson
Doug Gilson	posted 7/7/03 10:57 PM     The following information was taken from the Columbus Blue jackets home page Andrew Cassels #25Position: Center Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Shoots: Left Birthdate: July 23, 1969 Born: Bramalea, Ontario 2001-02 Club: Columbus (NHL) As you can see from this information it would be hard for him to have graduated in the last year or two as stated. "Andrew Cassels is the most recent BSS ALumni He only left a year or two ago." Andrew will be 34 later this month. Because I am not submitting my name for the Wall of Fame there really is not purpose for submitting a profile.
Russ Grabowski	posted 7/8/03 3:09 AM     Andrew Cassels was in Grade 9 when I graduated Grade 13 in 1984. Whether he graduated 12 or 13 from BSS is another question. Best to ask him or someone in his grade. The majority of those who make it to the NHL are playing in the OHL at age 16 or 17. If I remember correctly Cassels was drafted in the first round by the Canadiens, at age 18 ...so did he actually complete his schooling at BSS. More than likely, no.
Russ Grabowski	posted 7/8/03 3:32 AM     Oh and on another topic...yeah Ruth Spibey's profile should be a classic. She advertised on Classmates three years ago that she hosted Adult Websites and that there was big money to be made. Wonder if its pure coincidence that I started recieved x-rated spam after she got hold of my email address from the bramaleasecondary.org site. Wonder how she managed to climb her way to the top of the alumni organization team based on her background.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/8/03 3:54 AM     Thanks for the up date on Andrew Cassels. Funny I had the same problem with the x-rated spam email but mine would increase everytime I posted a critical remark on the bramaleasecondary.org site. I'm not sure how you email address got in her hands but Olav says there is no way it came through his site. The resonse I got from here was that they were in no way responsible for the x-rated email that I was receiving. You might notice that Olav sent out a mass email to all those that are registered with BramaleaSecondary.org. He will not pass over email address to this site. Yes I had seen the advertisement that Ruth had on the Classmates site. Matter of fact it's still there and you don't have to be a member to check it out.
Russ Grabowski	posted 7/8/03 2:06 PM       Hello Doug...no I know that Olav wouldn't allow our email addresses to get out there, however I made the mistake of making mine available about two years ago to get updates on the BSS Alumni events. This was back when we all initially started talking about these events. I'm pretty sure one thing led to another and I recieved a pile of spam every day. I'm not the only one...I have other classmates who experienced the same thing.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/8/03 9:22 PM     Russ...you might be interested to know that your email address is available on the data base here.
Russ Grabowski	posted 7/9/03 12:43 AM       Yes I know its here, and I'm hoping that people don't turn it into a dumping spot for the type of garbage that I was getting on a daily basis, but you never know.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/9/03 3:56 PM     Has the reunion committee arranged any deals for rooms at the local hotels (Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Best Western, Motel 6) for those alumni that might be planning on arriving here say Thursday or Friday and leaving Sunday?
Doug Gilson	posted 7/16/03 5:43 PM     I had the opporunity to drive by the school today. It's too bad that the only way you can see the announcement about the reunion is if you turn onto Balmoral Dr. off of Bramalea Road. If you are coming along Balmoral Dr. from Dixie Road you see an announcement about school registration, nothing about the reunion.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/16/03 8:38 PM     Heard today that the venue for the Gala Dinner and Dance may be changing to the Pearson Convention Centre as a result of the Constellation Hotel going into receivership. Any truth to this?
Jerry	posted 7/18/03 5:38 AM     Noo Doug, It's gonna be held at Victoria Park Arena ! LOL ! gEEZ you're gonna drive them crazy with your vigilance. Ha HA ! Jerry
Doug Gilson	posted 7/18/03 8:45 PM     Hey Jerry - someone else post that information over on the other site. Just want to get it clarified so it could be posted correctly over there too
Russ Grabowski	posted 7/18/03 10:22 PM     I don't think this is a bad rumour anymore...I am hearing it from multiple sources - the news is not good.
Doug Gilson	posted 7/19/03 4:53 AM     well it seems to be more than just a rumour now. There are a couple of postings at www.bramaleasecondary.org saying that people have received calls from the hotel cancelling their reservations because they are going into receivership. It's too bad because that likely means that the Alumni Association may very well lose their security deposit.
BSSAA Reunion Committee	posted 7/19/03 5:30 AM       No we are still going ahead. Good financial & risk management ensured Alumni funds are protected. The SHOW WILL GO ON. Sorry guys to spoil your fun again. Next time maybe you should check with the BSSA directly instead of using the forum to sound off, especially on sensitive topics. We know those of you who constantly know the BSSAA. We also know how rumours can spread. It is too bad the very few of you are so determined to focus on negative towards the BSSAA. http://www.bssalumni.com
Doug Gilson	posted 7/19/03 1:45 PM     Well Perhaps you should take the time to read 2 posts at Olav's site from people who have had first hand contact with the Constellation hotel. Sure it's great you had a back up plan which speaks volumes for the committee.
Ann (Eamon) Furtado	posted 7/21/03 12:59 AM       I take offense to the "nay sayer" comment and the direction to get in touch with the Alumni Association before making comments. I posted on the other website AFTER I phoned and left a message at the school and emailed the Alumni Association - which I never received a reply to either. I personally spoke with the hotel because they cancelled my room reservation and felt there was very poor information on what was to happen next. Please be a little more informed before lecturing people who sincerely are trying to help.
BSSAA Reunion Committee	posted 7/22/03 2:47 AM       We stick by our comments. There are a couple of peopel whose only comments are always negative. This is far fewer than the positive coments we have received. Unfortunately, the Hotel was taken over by the Trustee. Their goal was to switch registrations to a hotel of their choice. They refused to provide us with the names of the BSS registrants. On the other habd with all the work we have to do as well as our careers and family, time is limited tom respond to each message we receive. That is why we post updates on the website - only when we can provide clear and accurate information. Changing locations and Hotels took a few days as there were negitiations involved to ensure we receive the same cost structure we had from the Regal. The BSSAA does not have full time staff and depends on volunteers who attend the meetings to find out how they can assist or take charge of an event. http://www.bssalumni.com

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