Board members read this...

The Board Members read this Newsletter. Let them know how you feel about the things they are doing by checking the appropriate response: Do You Approve? Yes!! ( ) Undecided ( ) No!! ( )

7/30/2011

Approved Board Minutes - 6-23-11


Approved DH Board Meeting minutes
page 1
Approved DH Board Meeting Minutes
page 2

7/29/2011

Diamondhead’s Front Entrance




A BIG SHOUT OUT to the beautification committe for a job well done on the main gate entrance J Wright

Benefit Golf Tournament

Financial HighLights 6-30-11

Board Meeting 7-28-11

All Board Members Present
President Ray Massey opened the meeting in prayer.

The June Board meeting minutes were approved.

Financial Report – Treasurer Tom Lockette
See Financial HighLights in separate post.

7/26/2011

Reply from post entitled "Diamondhead Hero" dated June 18th

     I would like to say thank you to Jana Stephens for those kind words, but I do not consider myself a hero. The true hero here is Tara, you and the rest of your family. It was Tara ’s strong will to live that determined the outcome. You and your family unselfishly have spent countless hours by her side during this ordeal and showed her the love and devotion that only comes from a true hero.
     I want to thank Earl Freeland of the Diamondhead Police Department who by chance had his scanner on and heard the call. Officer Freeland stated to me “something told me I needed to respond”. I also want to thank Lake Hamilton First Responder, Leonard Anderson, who also assisted in the incident.
     I will keep Tara and the rest of the family in my prayers for it is through
the glory of God and his hands we will find comfort and healing, for it is through him all things are possible.
     Your letter means more to me than any certificate or degree that I will ever earn.
Officer Richard Lee Hilborn II

Message from Officer Hilborn

In my job we very rarely get to see the good in people. It usually takes a devastating event to pull a community together. This year I saw a community come together for no other reason than for the sake of fun and the love of their community.

On July 4, 2011 , there were not enough donations made to the Diamondhead Community fireworks funds to put on a professional display. But what I saw that night topped several professional displays I have seen in the past. Members of the community spent their own money and donated their time and equipment to celebrate our nations Independence Day.

Byron Efird and his family set up their sound system and set off a very nice display of fireworks. Noah, the new owner of Greenside Market, donated a very large fireworks display, along with Kevin Cooper who also donated a very nice display. I am sure there are many more that I was not aware about. These people spent their hard earned money to give to their community in these difficult economic times. Most firework displays only last approx. 30 minutes, where as this one went on for a couple of hours.
I would like to say thank you to all those who went above and beyond that night and to the entire community for making me feel as if I am a part of the Diamondhead Family.

Officer Richard Lee Hilborn II

Lake Catherine Polution site

Jerry Wright has sent us this link to a Satilite View of the Willow Creek Polution area.

Notice the color of run off, from willow creek into lake catherine. zoom out to see the location.
Jerry Wright
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I'd like to share a Google Maps link with you. Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=34.460304,-92.965182&spn=0.001752,0.003422&t=h&z=19

7/25/2011

Great idea for our Neighborhood!

What to take to bed with you  - not a joke
Pretty neat idea. Never thought of it  before.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night

7/24/2011

Response by Board Member - Charles Wood

    First I would like to say that it is very nice to see that potential new board members are acknowledging that we have By-Laws. However, as with most subjects, it is very important to start at the beginning in order to get the full meaning.
    For example, there are a couple of important passages in the By-Laws pertinent to the presidents authority prior to Article VII, Sec. 8, which was quoted by Byron Efird in his post dated 7-23-11 in "Your Thoughts Matter!". 

(1) Article II, Sec. 6, Parliamentary Rules. Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure shall govern and control all matters not specifically covered by these By-Laws.

(2) Article VI, Powers and Duties of the Board of Directors, Sec. 1 (g), employ a manager, an independent contractor or such other employees as they deem necessary, and to prescribe their duties;

    Now a specific quote from Robert's Rules: "Whatever the structure of the organization, the president has authority to do only the things that are assigned to that office by the bylaws. Often, those elected to the office of president misunderstand their role in the organization and believe that the members have given them free reign to run the organization any way they please, thus setting up a dictatorship."
      Finally, if the Board is responsible for hiring and prescribing the duties of the GM, it seems only logical that they [The Board of Directors] would also determine whether those duties have been performed properly and, if not, the appropriate action; such as reprimand and/or termination. As a Board member, I feel that I should, at the very least, be informed as to the allegations that were brought against our GM.  This was not done.  Also, in my opinion, the accused should have a hearing to present his side of the story.
     I would like to hear from the DPOA members, how they feel about it. 

Charles Wood
WoodCharles@hughes.net 
 262-9266

7/23/2011

"Helping our neighbor"

Logan Gilsinger, JoAnn Rhodes, Reed MacFarland,
Jessie Waren & Caleb Cotton

Jo Ann Rhodes and Tom Moore were busy helping their neighbor, Wendy Jones, early this morning by removing rocks from her front yard.  Tom has agreed to mow if the rocks were removed.  Jo Ann rounded up some neighborhood boys to join her in the effort.




The boys at work!  What a pretty sight!

7/22/2011

Town Meeting - 7-21-11

Members present:  Tom Lockette, Jack Watson, Jim Hannon (acting President) Terry Shipp, Mary Pracht, Charles Wood.

Jim Hannon started meeting by explaining his “opinion” regarding the “secret” meeting.

Dave Johnson “has applied for a city manager’s job somewhere out of state.  He is waiting to hear about the results.  I think he would prefer to stay in the area.  Obviously there is a disparity in the money we could pay and the money he was making previously.  He has more experience doing that job than any of us can ever envision.”

John Cummings:  So, was an offer made?

Jim Hannon:  No.  The only thing we did is told him (David Johnson) what Eric (Markle) was making and asked him if he would even consider this job at that price.  He said he would have to consider that question after he heard from the other prospect he has.

Sam Porterfield:  Excuse me; doesn’t that sound like an offer?

Terry Shipp:  No, there was no offer.  He came out here to talk with us.

Sam Porterfield:  It still sounds like an illegal meeting.  You called board members together without any notification.  That is illegal – against the ByLaws.

Jim:  You are entitled to your opinion, but I disagree with you.

Sam:  Well, you can disagree ‘til the cows come home.  It was still an illegal meeting.

Jim:  That is your opinion.

Board Member - Mary Pracht's "Good Bye" Speech

DHPOA Lawsuit - "Police Shooting" one year ago

Diane,

Ensminger filed against me for no less than $75,000 in October 2010 and I was served papers on March 28, 2011. Our attorney petitioned the courts requesting Cindy be included as an "Intervener."

This man, Ensminger, will not leave us alone. Not only does he try to murder us one year and one day ago, 21 July, 2010, now we are going to be dragged through the courts by him.

Cindy and I have no option, none, but to counter sue Ensminger and name DHPOA as a third party.

There is no other way out of this nightmare other than thru the courts.

We will be filing soon.

        jerry chambliss.

7/20/2011

BINGO

Our next Bingo night will be August 6th. Lions Club voted tonight that they will raise the jackpot to start at $500.00. Everyone had faith in the idea of "if they build it, we will come". We were almost full last Saturday night. So hopefully we can pack the club house on August 6th.

Thank you to all the folks that have been our faithful followers. Pease come and have some FUN with us.

Jo Ann Rhodes
Lions Club Treasurer

7/19/2011

Rick Noffsinger is encouraging you to VOTE !

Here is your opportunity! VOTE!
It’s not going to be long now. Soon the nominating committee will be counting the votes and Diamondhead will have 3 new board of directors. If you have not turned in your ballots please do so. Your vote counts.
Food costs up 57% the last few years. Entergy up 34%. Insurance costs have sky rocketed and now the government has threaten to attack the Senior benefits. Crime is on the increase. Let’s face it, the economy suck’s. Guess what? We live in our own society here in Diamondhead. Diamondhead is a very unique place to live. Diamondhead is one big family that has its own problems and battles, but at the end of each day all our troubles seem to disappear.
My love for Diamondhead is unconditional. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Please vote for your favorite candidate. It’s your turn to shine!

      Rick Noffsinger

7/18/2011

Katherine Denow - Candidate for the Board of Directors

I was saddened but not surprised to see that secret meetings between select board members is still the norm. I really don't understand the rational, but then I'm a very open person. I understand that people have their "pet projects" or special interests, but we really need all the people represented. I have stated my "pet projects" for all to hear and will restate them here for all to see. I want our dues to be as low as possible, and our property values to be as high as possible. We lack a few things which tend to turn away some prospective home buyers, and truthfully I would like these things myself. These are a reliable television cable company, high speed internet, and a bank. Hey, a Chinese take out and a pizza parlor would be good too, but we've got to start somewhere.

I know that many people think I am anti-golf course. This is one of those vicious rumors that was started to discredit me as a candidate. I PLAY GOLF!!! I haven't had the time lately, but I do love the golf course and I do play (but not very well). I also swim, so I am not anti-pool either.

If I am elected, I can promise everyone that I will keep them posted on any progress I make in my quest for cable, high speed internet and a bank branch. In fact, if I make ANY progress, I will shout it from the housetops!
To reiterate, the present board is far too one sided. We need people on the board who represent the rest of the community. I know I always have and I always will.
Katherine Denow -Board Candidate

BINGO Jackpot of $850 was Won last Saturday!

The jackpot of $850 was won last Saturday night. We did not get her name. But she does have a home or condo here. We would like her to get in touch with me or John Cummings just to get her reaction of winning. It would be a great story for the Focus or Tiki Times. When we decide the next starting amount I will let you know. The next Bingo will be July 30th.


Jo Ann Rhodes

7/16/2011

Indian Springs Creek - Polution

UMETCO Minerals Corporation’s chronic non-compliance with state law. I am hoping to inspire as many as possible to attend the hearing at 10 a.m. on July 21 in State Capitol room 130.

Denise Parkinson
Hot Springs, AR
501.802.1003



7/14/2011

Tiki Times

I want the residents of Diamondhead to know that Suzi Combs is willing to start up the Tiki Times again,if at all possible. It will be by subscription only at a cost of $20.00 a year mailed to your home. We would like to start the mailings next month, if we can get 100 subscribers. As of this day we have 25. Please contact me (Theresa Cummings) 262-1143 or Susie Combs at TikiTimes@yahoo.com  if you are interested.

Thank you, Theresa

7/13/2011

Meeting by Board Members

I try not to pass on “Rumors”.   I have made it a goal to only report facts in this newsletter.  When I hear information, I do the research needed to disregard, or substantiate, the issue of concern.   I need to report on a meeting attended by select Board members where DPOA business was discussed.  This meeting was not advertized 3 days in advance, as instructed in our By-Laws:

            Article V                                                                            
Section 2:  Special Board Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held when called by the President of the Association, or by any two (2) directors, after not less than three (3) days notice to each director.  Notice of special meeting shall be posted in conspicuous places in the community in order to notify property owners of the meetings.
                Section 3:  Quorum.  A majority of the number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board, unless specified otherwise in these By-Laws.

Only select Board members were informed of this meeting that took place last Wednesday evening, July 6th.   Business was conducted when these select Board members decided to present an offer to employ a new general manager.  The offer of $50,000 was presented (or discussed?) to Dave Johnson of Hot Springs Village.  Mr. Johnson was once the General Manager of The Village, where he received in excess of $100,000 per year.   We were told by President Ray Massey at the last Board meeting of Thursday, June 23rd , that Todd Belz would be the acting GM until the next Board met on August 20th to decide to keep Mr. Belz as GM or “replace him with someone of their choosing”.  Recorded on June 23rd and posted on June 28th in the Diamondhead Committee Report.

7/12/2011

Polution in Lake Catherine - Video

Dear Garland County officials, Ouachita River Commissioner Chaney, et al: I am sending this link to provide a visual record of UMETCO Minerals Corporation’s chronic non-compliance with state law. I am hoping to inspire as many as possible to attend the hearing at 10 a.m. on July 21 in State Capitol room 130. Please feel free to forward this video link to anyone you can think of, Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0BV4fKYROQ

Please bear in mind that:

1) The spring in this video is at the heart of an uncollected million-dollar fine;

2) The ADEQ is in the process of changing the law and lowering water standards INSTEAD of collecting the fine;

3) UMETCO Minerals Corporation has spent a great deal of money via CRJW to create a sophisticated website and p.r. materials to promote their agenda;

4) The local populace has no way of leveling the playing field other than to seek redress through the system created to safeguard public health;

5) This spring flows from beneath an un-lined landfill containing 10 million tons of vanadium mining waste which flows directly into Lake Catherine/Ouachita River.

The attached documents provide further clarification of the scope of the problem. [An Adobe file is available upon request, a Word document is posted below]

Thank you and God Bless,

Denise Parkinson
Hot Springs, AR
501.802.1003

The Last Wish - Polution in Lake Catherine

The Last Wish

Hot Springs neighbors suffer in silence in the shadow of UMETCO’s non-compliant landfill operation.

*Names marked with an asterisk have been changed to protect individual privacy.
By Denise Parkinson

At the summit of Stanage Drive, the view to the west takes in rolling hills that cradle a lovely sunset. Adjacent Stanage Terrace has the same Ouachita Mountain view, in real estate terms a selling point. Except that for families wanting to move away, the view behind this small neighborhood cancels it out: UMETCO Minerals Corporation’s hundreds of acres of vanadium mine waste, hidden in the hills above these wood-frame cottage.
With no signs, buildings or anything displaying the word “UMETCO” anywhere to be found in the area, it takes a little digging to learn that the vast grass-covered hill behind these houses is actually a mining landfill. Beneath the grassy surface lie 10,000,000 tons of bleeder sludge and byproducts of nearby Stratcor Minerals Corporation’s vanadium ore-roasting operation.


7/10/2011

The Lions club is picking up trash along the highway between the the Deli & DH Reality starting at 7:15 Monday July 11. I have rounded up some of the kids in DH to help us old people pick up trash along the highway. We will be in our bright orange vests.. Please take your time going to work that day to NOT hit any of us. We do have their parents permission for them to help. I will also be out there with them. We are trying to make a litter free entrance to DH & the state park so folks from all over can see what a wonderful place we have here.

One person that I have gotten to meet is Scott Waren, who we will be loosing to report to the Navy on July 18th in LR. He has been such a good friend to me & others here. He is replacing Debbie Clement so she will not have to pick up garbage. Reed MacFarland is helping me & Jessie Warrin will be replacing Thersa Cummings so she won't have to pick up trash either. Please honk at us as you go by SLOWLY so we know you have read this & will not throw your trash out next time.

I love DH & want to see this as a beautiful place.
Jo Ann Rhodes

7/05/2011

Bingo Night

Bingo pot goes up to $850 on Saturday July 16th. No one won last Saturday.

Thanks,
JoAnn Rhodes

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