Ode to Article II - item 6

Checks and balances

Ladies  and gentlemen of the Detroit Hockey Association,the following e-mail was  sent,in reply to our un-elected VP requesting a MAHA meeting:

Subject: RE: Requesting a Meeting

Marilyn, I’m turning this over to Bob Howey to schedule a meeting and resolve.  I will be out of town this weekend and I think it is too crucial of an issue to sit any longer.

Bob will be setting up a meeting tomorrow or Sunday to meet and review the events that transpired and render a formal decision.  All parties will be invited to provide input.

DHA must bring all relevant election materials so that the Directors can review them.  Including:

·        Names of the Election Committee

·        Meeting Minutes for the January Meeting

·        Notification of the time, date, and location of the election to the membership.

·        All Ballots

Doug Diroff

MAHA District 2 Chairperson

734.243.6345 H

The Meeting  was held on Saturday,May 19th  @ the Kennedy ice  arena in Trenton,Marilyn,Allen,Cynthia,Roy,Greg Hurst,and myself were present from the DHA.

 Marilyn was heard first,and she promptly blamed the City of Detroit for all of the delays  in holding an  election. The  blame for  not having a general membership  meeting,was  shifted  to  the parents of the participants  in  our association,who according  to  our VP "Never stepped  up". The Vp  was asked  for the ballots from this last  election,but  did not  produce them,and there were no  minutes from the January general membership meeting..because..(even  after  my BEGGING to  have  one),we  never  had  one. We  found out that .our 'election  committee' consisted  of only  one person (there are  no checks  and  balances this way)..We also learned that MAHA  had requested changes in our by-laws for some time now,which leads  to questions about  why  those of us appointed  to the by-law committee last August were told "don't  worry about  revising them at this  time" .. My  side was  heard  next ..and then the district board made  a decision:that the DHA MUST have a  new  election.before September 1st 2012. PLEASE  show up and  vote..vote the way you  did,vote your  conscience..vote  for the  FUTURE of the DHA..and don't allow  ANYONE to hi-jack THIS election or bully  people into  voting for something that is NOT working...ANYONE  who voted  in the election on May 12th 2012,is eligible  to vote in  the  new  election..please do so..it's your right..and your responsibility! I  am requesting that the DHA post  election times on this page...and per MAHA mandate.give.30 days notice!

DHA HELD HOSTAGE DAY 4!!

I  received the following e-mail from MAHA district 2 representative Doug Diroff  at around 2 pm today..What is  the delay in posting the election  results? And.. I  would like an apology from the DHA board members who pronounced me guilty,and didn't  allow me to  hand  out  awards  to the I-program,or the Squirt  team..the e-mail says  it  all:

Doug Diroff	1:59 PM (8 hours ago)
to me

Bill, I spoke with Marilyn yesterday and told her to accept the ballots and the results.  I understand why they were upset, but if the person was asking for advice this should not have invalidated the results.

I'm aware of what has been happening with Detroit and have been working with Will and now Marilyn to continue to grow DHA as a thriving association.

Doug Diroff, MAHA District 2 Chairperson

The Last Word

Once again rumors and innuendo have  begotten lies. The 'major infraction' referred to  by our un-elected  VP has to do  with a parent  from  the I-program,seeking me out and  asking me 3  times, "who from the I-program is  running on  this  ballot?" After  trying to tell  him  3 times over  the  noise of  the  dinner,I put a mark next to the candidates name. It  did NOT change  his  vote. He also told our un-elected VP the  EXACT SAME THING! If we  are  coming  clean on  this  election..lets take  it  all the  way. When  I  was harassed  into leaving the banquet Saturday,I  did so,quietly,for the sake  of the kids there. The harassment began when  someone said  I was  marking  other  people's ballots..however..once in the hall-way..I was  yelled at for 'swaying votes'...how DARE I   answer people  when they  ask me  who  I  am voting  for,or who I think the best candidate  is?!? According to the  'board  members' there,the only place where the  general membership could formulate an opinion  about  a candidate, was at the  'meet and greet' on  the Thursday before  the  election. NEWSFLASH: Most parents from the  I-program AREN'T AT JACK ADAMS ON THURSDAYS!..ALSO..MOST I-PROGRAM PARENTS DIDN'T EVEN  REALIZE THAT  THEY WERE  PART OF THE ELECTORATE. These parents  were eager  to  work  to  grow  the DHA and  were  anticipating their  role in  making changes  to  help  this  happen. I  was  told  by  the  board members that bringing a petition  to the banquet was  WRONG!..How  dare  I  interrupt  peoples enjoyment,to do  something to protect  the future of the DHA?!? How dare I NOT?? More than 3/4of the people at the  banquet signed  the petition to remove  the  residency clause from the DHA  bylaws. I  have challenged the  un-elected VP  to show me..and the general membership what EXACT  rule was broken during  this election..so far the reply was "have a  nice  day  sweetie"-click.  Just as  during the past 2 seasons,so many  things  were done wrong,and in a way  that  was NOT  democratic at  this election. I have  given you the truth about what  occurred at the banquet, and  I have corroboration ,anything else beyond this,I  WILL consider  defamation of character..The people of the  DHA have asked for a  change,be adults and step down! (the term 'un-elected VP' refers to the fact that last years  elections  were NEVER held,and neither by the  way were any general membership meetings,where people could  request amendments)

Power to the People

"Null and Void"?

Ladies and gentlemen of the Detroit Hockey Association,as of this time,(8:50am Monday May 14th),the general membership of the Detroit Hockey Association have not been  told the results of the election which took place,Saturday May 12th. Instead ,a forwarded message  was sent from the secretary, asserting election tampering,and the election is  now null and void. The Detroit  Hockey Association conducts it's elections  and all meetings under  'Roberts Rules of Order'.  Under Roberts Rules of Order, the case of 'tampering' is non-existing. In  fact two ballots  were  REMOVED by  board  decision, because  the board came to an agreement with those running for positions,to remove  the supposed  tampered ballots and  then  ALL  would  accept the  results of  the  election. Some on  the  current  board have made  it  clear that they believe campaigning  for board members is illegal,it isn't. Some  believe they  can enforce their own union  election rules on  the  membership of  the Detroit Hockey Association,they can't. Two excellent candidates (Wendell Brown,and Greg Hurst) ,who have young  children involved in  this program,PROBABLY won  this  election (for the positions of  President and  Executive Vice President),but the results are not being made public. The General Membership of the Detroit  Hockey Association spoke loud  and clear Saturday,they voted  for  change,but instead we  have the Detroit Hockey  Association being held hostage to the whims  of three  people  who are NO LONGER  legally serving board  members. Please do  the  right  thing,and stop standing  in the way of progress,and let  the will  of  the people  be done. You can  NOT  in  good  conscience disenfranchise  the general membership of  the Detroit Hockey Association,just because  you don't agree  with the results of this  election. I don't want this situation to  become ugly,the  Detroit Hockey Association doesn't need that,but at  the  same  time,what happened Saturday can do one of two  things to the DHA. First,it can  be  the  bright new beginning that we  all know  is needed..OR it  can be the  final black eye on a once proud association,that  would render the DHA  unable to  sustain  itself. This shouldn't be a tough  decision, the  election was held,the  people  spoke,RESPECT THE PEOPLE!

Changes

Today,once again,the actions,and overly dramatic over-reactions, of current board members, have cost the DHA  players. Although struggling  to attract players,some have  seen  fit  to  continually chase away new,and returning players. These same board members blocked an aggressive recruiting program last Fall,and were verry upset  when they found  that more than half of the general membership at Saturday's banquet had signed a petition to REMOVE the 2004 residency rule  from the  current by-laws. If by some quirk of fate,no changes were made at the top of the  DHA board after these elections, then I fear for the future of the DHA.

The nominations are in & upcoming events

Rosland Allen roslandallen@gmail.com  has received all DHA officer nominations you may also call or text her at 313-475-0192 with any questions regarding the nominees.


Following are the end of the year events per DHA's Secretary Cynthia Wardlaw.

End of the Banquet:

The End of the Year Banquet will take place next Saturday, May 12th 2pm-5pm at Adam Butzel Recreation Center.  All players will receive a participation trophy at the Awards Banquet.  The players and coaches are FREE and additional tickets (i.e. parents and siblings) are $10.00 per person.  I will have tickets available on Saturday, May 5th.  I will need a confirmation of who will be attending the banquet by Wednesday, May 9th.  Please either email, text, or call (Cynthia Wardlaw 313-727-7330 or cw20033@aol.com) me to confirm you will be in attendance. 

Upcoming Events:

May 9, 2012 (Wednesday):The last day of skating for the I-Program for this season

May 10, 2012 (Thursday):The last day of practice for the Squirts & Peewees for this season

May 12, 2012 (Saturday):The End of the Year Awards Banquet (This is where each player receives there trophy and the DHA board elections will also take place on this date)

Equipment return for the I-Program:

The I-Program receives loaner equipment and this equipment must be returned at the end of the season.  This equipment maybe returned May 9-12, 2012. Please remember equipment should be returned clean and in general good repair.

Volunteers Needed!!!!

I still need volunteers to help clean up our equipment cage.  Anyone that is able to come out and help for the next couple of practices I could really use a hand in sorting, organizing, and cleaning our equipment cage up before we close out the season.  Any and all help is and would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Registration Fees:

If anyone has a past due balance these must be paid ASAP!!!!  You will not be able to register for the upcoming season with a past due balance.  Please also remember for DHA board positions or voting privileges you must be a member in good standing this includes having a fees paid in full.  *Please contact me (Cynthia Wardlaw) regarding any question regarding past due balances.

Please look for information at the banquet and throughout the summer regarding early registration discounts.  That's right if you register early for next season you can save yourself some extra cash!!

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,

Cynthia Wardlaw

313-727-7330

cw20033@aol.com

DHA Board Election Nominations Due Saturday, May 5th - Nominate Someone

Date: 4/28/2012

To: The General Membership
Re: DHA Board Elections Well it’s that time of the year!!! It’s election time!!

You all have one week, starting today to put your nominations in for our board. Now the person you nominate will have to be an active member and in good standings (Article III) no outstanding bills, etc…. Also, persons on the election committee will not qualify for any position due to conflict of interest.

All nominees must be residence of Detroit, MI, according to the 2004 bylaws. In order to vote you must be 18 and older. Each household has (2) votes. To vote you must also be a member in good standings, your Secretary will have that info for you.
 If you don’t have a copy of the by-laws, you can obtain them from the DHA website HYPERLINK

All positions are open (see descriptions at the bottom of this message).
The board positions up for election consist of President, Exec. Vice President, Director of Teams, Secretary, Treasurer, Ass.Sec./Treasurer, At-Large Members (2).

 If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email
roslandallen@gmail.com or send a text, just put your name in text so I know who you are please, 313-475-0192. Roz Allen

*FYI: All nominations must be submitted to the DHA nominating committee by Saturday, May 5, 2012. Please submit your nominations electronically at roslandallen@gmail.com or in person to the nominating committee and include the following information.


Nominee’s Name: ________________________________________
Position Nominating For: ___________________________________
Nominated By: __________________________________________
Date Submitted: ________________________________________


Following are descriptions of the responsibilities associated with each position:

 Section 1: Elected Positions
a) President: The President is the Chief Executive of the DHA. In her/his capacity, the President shall fulfill the following responsibilities:
1) Exercise general supervision over the business activities of the DHA.
2) Serve as an ex officio member of the all-standing committees.
3) Preside at all meetings held by the DHA.
4) Communicate expectations with respect to rules, regulations and conduct to the coaches, managers, and parents.
5) Uphold and enforce the Bylaws of the DHA.
6) Enter into any and all legally binding contracts, agreements and other relationships, acting on behalf of the Association and at the direction of the Board.
7) Shall represent the DHA to the City of Detroit, Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA), USA Hockey and any other organizations.
8) Oversee the annual audit and quarterly reports of the financial books of the DHA.
9) Shall be authorized to act and take immediate action on decisions pertaining to the DHA in lieu of the Board in an emergency situation. Each Board member shall be notified within 48 hours of such actions.
10) Shall be an authorized signer at financial institutions holding DHA funds
11) Designate the chairperson or acting chairperson on all committees where the position is not filled with the approval of the Board.
12) Supervise and direct the activities of all officers and Directors of the Board and see that the respective functions of those members are performed.


b) Executive Vice-President: The Executive Vice President shall act in the place of the President, in his/her absence. While serving in this capacity, the Vice-President shall have full authority and privileges of the office of President. The Vice President shall:
1) Assist the President in the performance of her/his duties.
2) Be an authorized signer at financial institutions holding DHA funds.
3) Serve as the DHA representative to the Adams Butzel Advisory Committee and the MAHA District 2 meetings.
4) Be responsible for obtaining the appropriate permit(s) for conducting DHA fundraising raffles and lotteries.
5) Perform any duties assigned by the President and/or the Board.


c) Director of Teams: The Director of Teams shall oversee the operation of the House and Travel Program. In this capacity, the Director of Teams shall
1) Provide applications for DHA coaching and manager positions to all interested parties and function as primary contact person for all coaching applicants.
2) Make recommendations to the Board regarding the appointment of head coaches.
3) Appoint or remove coaches, assistant coaches, and managers until such time as the Board may approve or disapprove of the action.
4) Secure documentation to ensure that all coaches are certified.
5) Prepare, maintain, and update the DHA Manager's Handbook.
6) Represent DHA coaches at Board and League meetings.
7) Be responsible, in conjunction with the coaches, in assessing the skills of players, proper placement of teams in leagues.
8) Not be a coach, assistant coach, or manager of a team, except as specifically authorized by the Board.
9) Collaborate with the CEP/ACE manager and facilitate the training and education of coaches.
10) Make recommendations to the Board regarding the number of teams and levels (A, AA, B, Girls, etc.) for each age group. This recommendation must be presented to the Board before or on August 15. 11) Plan and coordinate all player tryouts and drafting of teams in each House division.
12) Supervise and assign responsibilities to the Manager Coordinator.
13) Perform any duties assigned by the President and/or the Board.

d) Secretary: The Secretary shall
1) Post notification of all DHA meetings.
2) Maintain the DHA bulletin Board located outside of the “Pro Shop.”
3) Keep true minutes of all DHA meetings and provide copies of the minutes of previous Board meetings to each Board member.
4) Keep accurate records of all DHA members.
5) Be responsible for all mailings.
6) Conduct all official correspondence, as directed by the President,
7) Report to the President any and all correspondence and other information received, and maintain an accurate and up-to-date file of all correspondence.
8) Provide current copies of the DHA By-laws to all members by posting a copy of the Bylaws on the “Pro Shop” bulletin board and/or on the DHA website, or otherwise distributing copies of the Bylaws. 9) Be an authorized signer at financial institutions holding DHA funds.
10) File any necessary insurance claims on behalf of any DHA member, if there is not a Risk Manager. 11) Re-file the DHA’s non-profit application with the State of Michigan.
12) Perform other duties assigned by the President and/or the Board.


e) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall
1) Have custody of all DHA funds.
2) Keep the books, issue quarterly reports to the Board and to the general members, and undergo an annual audit.
3) Be an authorized signer at financial institutions holding DHA funds.
4) Disburse all funds, based on proper receipts and all checks must be endorsed by two persons: him/herself or the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and by one (1) of the following: the President, Executive Vice President, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.
5) Treasurer shall prepare a budget for the approval of the Board and dissemination to the membership prior to Labor Day.
6) Be responsible for arranging an annual independent audit of the records.
7) Be bonded in the amount of $100,000 Dollars and record such bond with the Secretary.
8) Assist the Vice-President and other committees on fund-raising projects.
9) Be responsible for the supervision of the collection of registration fees and moneys collected through fund-raising activities.
10) Receive financial statements from each Team manager as specified in these Bylaws.
11) Perform any other duties assigned by the President and/or the Board.


f) Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: The Assistant Secretary/Treasurer shall
1) Act in the place of or with, the Secretary or Treasurer as needed.
2) Assist the Secretary and/or Treasurer as necessary.
3) Be bonded in the amount of $100,000 Dollars and record such bond with the Secretary.
4) Perform any duties assigned by the President, and/or the Board.

g) At-Large Members: Two (2) At-Large members shall represent the DHA Membership and shall participate in at least one standing committee. They shall also perform any duties ' assigned by the President and/or the Board.


h) President Emeritus: The position of President Emeritus shall be held by a past President of the DHA. He/she shall act as a link between the former and current Boards, their practices, and shall serve as the DHA’s ambassador to other hockey organizations, particularly the NHL Diversity Task Force. If this position is unfilled and a past President is not available or willing to fulfill the duties of the position, then the duties of the President Emeritus shall revert to the President.

End of season events: Coaches vs. Players, Annual Banquet, and DHA elections

Hello everyone,

I hope and pray all is well with each one of you!

I have some very important updates for you please save these upcoming dates on your calendar.

I would like to begin by thanking each parent, player, and coach for a wonderful 2011-2012. We appreciate your continued support of the Detroit Hockey Association (DHA) and thank you for the opportunity of allowing us to be a part of your lives through the wonderful game of hockey. I hope and pray it has been a positive experience for you and I am looking forward to an even better 2012-2013 season with your continued support!!!

Next I would like to congratulate and wish the Squirt and Peewee team good luck and continued success in their Spring season!!! Go Dragons!!

Okay now to our important upcoming events. I know many of you are starting to get busy with other sports and activities; there are just a few more very important events that I would like to see all of the players participating in if possible.

Important Dates:

April 28, 2012 (Saturday): Kids vs Coaches game (That's right the kids get to play the coaches in a game please see times for games below)

I-Program vs. Coaches game @ 12pm

Squirt & Peewee vs. Coaches game @ 2pm

May 5, 2012 (Saturday):This will be the last Saturday of skating for both the I-Program & Competitive teams.

May 9, 2012 (Wednesday):The last day of skating for the I-Program for this season

May 10, 2012 (Thursday):The last day of practice for the Squirts & Peewees for this season

May 12, 2012 (Saturday):The End of the Year Awards Banquet (This is where each player receives there trophy and the DHA board elections will also take place on this date)

* Equipment return for the I-Program:

The I-Program can return equipment May 9-12, 2012. Please remember equipment should be returned clean.

Please look for additional emails and updates regarding some of the above dates.

Volunteers Needed!!!!

Volunteers needed this Saturday, April 28, 2012 10am-2pm, which is Motor-City Makeover Day. Each organization within the ABC complex is required to clean-up their specific area inside and outside. We need your help!!! We especially need help with cleaning the equipment cage!! So please come out and support us and help make our arena sparkle!!!

FYI: The Detroit Dragon Peewee B champions will be recognize along with the other Little Caesar Amateur Hockey League house championship teams on May 5, 2012 at Comerica Park on the field at a Tiger's game. For anyone interesting in attending the game and supporting the Peewee team tickets are $20 for the baseball game. Please see Cynthia for ticket information.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank You,

Cynthia Wardlaw

313-727-7330

cw20033@aol.com

EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING

I have  requested an EMERGENCY meeting of the  board of  directors of the  Detroit Hockey association, on Wednesday April 11 2012 7:30 p.m. @ Jack Adams arena,to address some important issues that need immediate attention. If  you  are a board member in any capacity,please attend. Thank You.

Easter Break notes

REMINDER:

THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE  THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012. THE ARENA IS CLOSED FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAY AND WILL REOPEN ON TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012!!!

EASTER FUN FEAST SATURDAY AT BELLE ISLE CASINO 11AM-3PM FOOD, FUN, EASTER EGG DROP & MUCH MORE!!!

*I'll be there passing out flyers to recruitment more players any volunteers would be greatly appreciated!!!

Have a wonderful holiday!!!!

Cynthia

313-727-7330

cw20033@aol.com