2010-2011 Message to Membership

Good afternoon Jr. Grads members!

As you know, the Jr. Grads held their 2009-10 AGM April 29^th at Ecole secondaire catholique Beatrice-Desloges. Ninety-nine (99) voting members attended the AGM which represents approximately 28% of our total membership.  Although this is typical of the AGM, it continues to be an objective of your past and current Executive to increase the participation of our membership at the AGM. 

The AGM is when the executives provide a review of the previous year's operations in terms of the accomplishments, challenges as well as objectives for the next year. Members then have an opportunity to ask questions or provide comments. Proposed motions are then presented, discussed and voted upon by the membership. The AGM is also the vehicle for the annual elections where members (in good standing) are provided the opportunity to nominate, second and vote for the executives they would like to represent the membership at the Executive level.

This year’s AGM had included many positions up for election including those prescribed by our by-laws as well as three (3) others given Executive resignations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have served on our Executive for all of their time and effort in serving the Jr. Grads and its membership. I would also like to congratulate our new Executive members:

·         Vice-President, Hockey Operations: Chris Herman

·         Director AA: Dave Keelty

·         Director B: Chris Martin

·         Vice-President, Administration: Denise Hoffman

·         Treasurer: Christine Maguire

·         Secretary: Annie Roberge

Please note that both the President and the Director of Development positions remain unfilled. After our first Executive meeting, it was decided by the new board that the President position will remain unfilled and duties will be shared by both Vice-Presidents while the Executive is hoping to find a successful candidate for the Director, Development position as quickly as possible. A call for applications for this position will be posted on our website shortly.

Having now served two years on the board and recently having been re-voted into my position as VP Administration, I am both confident and encouraged with the direction that the Jr. Grads have embarked in the last two years. Although I recognize that it is impossible to please 100% of our membership, many e-mails and conversations confirm that there is a majority of the membership that is happy with the work that has been accomplished to date and the direction we are taking. While there are some improvements that can and will continuously be made to our various procedures and processes, a sound foundation is being built.

In closing, I would like to thank all of our volunteers (coaches, assistant coaches, managers, treasurers, on-ice helpers and others) for their countless hours who have helped in allowing our Cumberland Jr. Grads players play the game, make new friends and most of all create lasting memories. I hope to see you all at our Volunteer Appreciation Night on May 27^th.

I would also like to encourage each and every one of you to contact any of our executives to discuss your issues and concerns or even offer accolades as well as identify potential solutions since this is where the focus should be. I truly believe you have a great team representing the membership at the Executive level who will continue to work hard at making Cumberland minor hockey a great hockey community.

While we will not be seeing each other in arenas over the next few months, it is a busy time for the Executive preparing for the Coach evaluation and selections and preparing for the try-outs and the beginning of the next season. Announcements and updates will be provided throughout the summer on our website so stay connected.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Denise

A/President and VP Admin