ADCA TAKEOVER

[jamshundred]

In a Dexter chat forum yesterday, a former member of ADCA leadership referred to a former ADCA member as being part of an attempt to "takeover ADCA". That is no more or less revisionist history.  The people who walked out in Meadville PA had been fighting what they considered a "takeover" by a majority count of fellow directors.

The term "ADCA TAKEOVER" was the name of a website set up to give interested members information that became available as to the political turmoil.   It did nothing more than publish time lines, and copies of documents and emails relative to the situation. 

Todays membership is absolutely uninformed about the details of the split and they have been groomed to be bitter and angry towards members of another group placing all blame where all blame does not lie.

So, let's begin at the beginning and work our way forward.   I welcome those who wish to add their experience and perspective to the dialogue.  History should be recorded as accurately as possible and to do that it takes the perspective of all participants.

I will work through MY experience in individual threads. 

[jamshundred]

In the beginning. In late fall of 2003, ADCA region 3  which encompassed the upper northeast including Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, needed to elect a new Director.   It was this election and the events surrounding it whch became the first volley fired in the political upheaval that created the fracture in ADCA.

Members of the region in general may or may not have known what was taking place behind the scenes but it is obvious there were involved members in leadership and outside of leadership who did.  It became public with a post made in January 2004  on the Dexter chat group at the time,  Yahoo Dexter Cattle 2.    The contributor was an anonymous person who never signed their real identity and who has not fessed up to this date.    This ADCA member used the screenname Mericharmed and based on comments in the postings one can make a fair assumption Mericharmed was either a member of Region 3 ,  or was being fed "inside" information not available to the general membership by someone in ADCA leadership or most likely both, or was in fact an officer/director.

 There were posts from Mericharmed on two chat groups, the Northwest Dexter group, ( they were deleted by the board owner Sandy Thomas after the split) and the ones on DexterCattle2 which still exist.   I will post the four from Yahoo DexterCattle2.

I am including Merricharmed post #1 at this time and will add the other two later.   Merricharmed's initial post was the first time that members of ADCA not part of leadership or outside of the northwest region were aware of the political situation that was developing.  On the original ADCA TAKEOVER website only information and supporting documents were published with at times an explanatory comment.  There was little opinion discussion included.  That will not be the case here.  I will comment as to my own experience and opinions. 

 

Mericharmed - Yahoo Post #5857  Jan 26, 2004

I don't normally get upset by things going on with Dexters. I'm one
of those live and let live, but someone (who I thought was a friend)
has let me know about something they are doing "for the benefit of
Dexters." It certainly sounds to me like this person is trying to
benefit his own ego.

There are times when it is best to "lose the battle and win the
war."

I can't share the details because although others are, I feel it
would be unfair to those that are trying to do things right. This
person should not be sharing this information in phone calls to
others.

When someone's ego gets in the way of breeding good Dexters, I think
the other members should not support this. I won't let this person
know that I am no longer his friend, but I won't buy any cattle from
him and if I get a chance, I will let those in the know be aware that
members don't always agree with the dissidents and trouble makers.

Enough said.

Charmed here

END COPY

______________________________________________________________


To be continued;

Judy




     

Attachments:

[jamshundred]

Following the original post by Mericharmed several members questioned the content, confused as to it's meaning and suggestions. In response, Mericharmed followed up with post # 5861  January 26, 2004

Mericharmed post #2    Yahoo #5861 

        I think Sandi knows exactly what is going on. She is a Director and
knows all the politics that are occurring. When one member starts
challenging rules, regulations and the Board, I question this
person's loyalty to anything, leave alone the Dexter breed.

I am sure Sandi can share this information. I cannot since I am not
a Board member or officer, just a member.

The Dexter breed doesn't need trouble makers that will divide and
destroy all the good things that others are doing.

When the time is right, I will voice my opinions and tell this person
what I think of him and share my name, address and phone number.
Right now I am gathering data to share with the other Dexter breeders
and that is much easier if no one knows who I am.

Ask your Directors and officers to send out a report on this person's
shenanigans, as members you have a right to know.

 The original posts and the responses by other contributors are still available on the forum.   In this post Mericharmed is referring to a response by Director Sandi Thomas, ( # 5860) in which she comments:

 Not a clue as to what this refers to, much less whom!

 ( Original message is 5859, this message is 5860 and the follow-up by Mericharmed is 5861.   On the heels of 5861, the next post relating to the discussion was also posted by Director Sandi Thomas as follows:

Wait a Minute!
This is a very underhanded way to achieve what? I have no idea
which item of business that I, as a Director, know about that you
may be referring to! We are working on a number of issues, none in
hiding!
If you have a concern about something and won't say what it is why
have you said anything at all? If you wish to discuss something feel
free to contact me......or other Directors. Don't try to slam me or
others here without saying what your problem is.

Note:  The original post on the Yahoo board ends with Director Thomas' email addresses and phone number and I have deleted those.

There were a few other posts that addressed the original poster asking for clarification and one post that spoke to the issues #5971 then the conversation moved on to other topics. 

To be continued  

 

[jamshundred]

On February 3rd, 2004 another post appeared on the Yahoo board authored by Mericharmed. #5982.   Here is that post;

mericharmed

Feb 3, 2004

From what I have read on the NW cattle, there seems to be a problem with egos. One Regional Director--not a breeder and has a conflict of interest but thinks he should serve. Also another former officer thinks he should get to serve and was told he couldn't because of some wording--he got really nasty (naughty, naughty, shame, shame) and another Director who thinks that region doesn't belong to the
ADCA--maybe should join the first Director's cattle club and then
won't have to worry. I wonder if the other members in the Region
feel that way??? Get those egos under control. If you play nice, we
can all play together.

I think some of the good breeders need to get active--those of you
who are worried about Dexters and not about your ego. I think there are enough of those "ego boosters" to last a lifetime.

Ask your Directors about all this. There are a couple who just can't
wait to be asked. They love sharing all this gossip.

I was a lurker on this list for years but perhaps now is a good time
to get active.

The following copied post #5987 is an interesting post relating to the previous Mericharmed post. Germantrader is another screen name steeped in anonymity.  This poster never signed a name nor devulged their identity. 

germantrader2002

Feb 3, 2004

Hey, I think we need Bill to sort all of this out--he is so good at
that stuff.

It sounds to me like a lot of shaninghans is going on. If Region 3
doesn't want this Director and thinks he has a conflict of interest,
they need to be writing to the Board and the Officers.

Or, someone needs to just bite the bullet and write him and tell him
to resign and why. I can't believe that if he is an honest and
decent person that he wouldn't understand that there is a real
conflict of interest here and he may have stepped in something that
is not good. If not, then perhaps someone needs to get on his
miniature cattle group (if one exists) and tell his members about
what he's doing. I would think they wouldn't like him abandoning his
group for Dexters either. Honesty will probably work the best in the
end. Or am I dreaming?

My gosh it had gotten so quiet on here that I hadn't even logged on
forever. It sounds like the fun is just starting. I even joined the
new group today to see what is happening there.

Germantrader

To be continued

[jamshundred]

Interest/curiosity has now been raised among members and contributors on the forum. One member begins a new thread titled "Conflict of Interest Questions",     admits confusion and asks to be informed. A couple others repeat this sentiment.  

In post #5994 GN Nanci offers some information;

5994  Re: [Dexter Cattle] conflict of interest questions

gnnanci
Feb 3, 2004

Region 3 is kind of a catch-all of States. I believe it includes
Washington, Hawaii, Alaska and part of Canada. In my opinion, it has been hard for this spread-out group to organize, like it did when Washington was with California and Oregon, when I joined ADCA. This year the region was up for a new Regional Director election and hardly anyone voted, I heard it was 8 people, but you could confirm that with a board member. Anyway nobody was nominated to run except two people. 1. One person who supposedly did not want the position,
2. Somebody other person who doesn't breed Dexters. This mix-up made people less likely to vote and some went for the proverbial "Snoopy" write-in. The person who doesn't breed Dextgers got something like four votes and now is supposed to be the new regional director. The problem is that this person, you can see his website at www.minicattle.com has not registered a Dexter in 10 years, since he registered one Dexter bull that he crossed with (if I remember right)Herefords to create what black baldies. He subsequently took these animals and bred them to a variety of other breeds including Jerseys and Galloways to create crosses with patented names, like Kentshire and Mini Panda. He also operates his own mini cattle registry as a business venture. He does not breed Dexters. His only Dexter, which may be dead now, was only used for crosses. He gets a lot of criticism from his buyers, but I won't go there, except to say that within the last few days he has answered such critism by publicly threatening a lawsuit against people who criticize him on a yahoo group, and used the title, Director Region 3, American Dexter Cattle Association as part of his signature.

If you are following the discussion here or on the original site you will note the concerns are beginning to take form.

There are a number of posts in this thread with concerns and comments.

You can read them on the original site.  The discussion dies down and moves on to other topics and then a new thread is started and the pot is stirred again.

Post # 6095  February 14   Title:  Region 3 Election Info

cddexter
Feb 14, 2004

You wanted the real goods? Here's the scoop.

I'm Carol Davidson, Region 3 member.

November 1st: Nominations closed.
November 10th: There were THREE nominees: Janice Thomas nominated by Mark Youngs, Carol Davidson nominated by Fred Chesterley and Dick Gradwohl nominated by Charlie George.
November 10th: ADCA employee called Janice and me.
November 11th: Janice decined.
November 13th: Carol declined.
November 16th: ADCA employee called Dick, who accepted.
November 17/18th: ADCA employee called and asked Mark Youngs to run, even though nomintions closed weeks earlier; Mark agreed.
November 19th: Ballot sent out with two names: Dick and Mark.
mid-January: Kathy called Dick to confirm he was the new Director.

The Region has 42 members, 18 voted; a good turnout.
The vote was Dick: 12; Mark: 6.

Re the gossip: For what it's worth, Gradwohl does have Dexters, is a breeder, and meets the requirements for a Director. The election of Gradwohl was doublely legal in that he won by a clear majority vote in a well supported election (43% turnout), and by virtue of being the only legitimate candidate. Any other result would NOT have been legal, as Mark Youngs was added long after nominations closed.

I am going to add follow up discussion here for two reasons.  (1) It shows an increasing concern and tension over this election and internal issues some are voicing, and with the exception of one or two people the contributors move into positions of power after the frac

6096   Re: Region 3 Election info

gnnanci

Feb 14, 2004   

When I started asking around about this election, I found out,
(mainly off-list) that people have issues with the actual election
process of ADCA, and that is an important, but I believe it is a
separate issue from the concerns voiced about Region 3. Being a
nominee, you have inside information into other aspects of the
election process as a whole.

1. Gradwohl is not a breeder by most people's definition: His
Dexters are used mainly for crossbreeding purposes and are registered
in his own Miniature Cattle Registry. He has not registered a Dexter
in ADCA, (the only purebred Dexter registry in the U.S.,) in 10
years. He may have every legal right to run, (according to ADCA's
poorly worded by-laws), and he may be the rightful
winner. . . . . .but why would he want to run in the first place?
2. I remember my region's ADCA ballots simply giving a name and a box
to check. Was everyone aware of Gradwohl's lack of involvement with
purebred Dexters or was he just a name and a box?

Nobody implied tampering or cheating, or questioned if the
appointment is legal. People questioned motivation. Why would
someone want to be on a board of directors for a breed he does not
promote, particularly when he raises competing breeds, and runs a
competing registry? I, personally, questioned the lack of choices
and the apathy on the part of us, as members. This would never have
happened if breeders were more active. People had the choice of
someone who bred Dexters, but said he did not want to run; and
someone who wanted to run but did not breed Dexters. A mixture of
apathy and rock-the-boat-mentality got Gradwohl elected. Coming from
California, I know those are both very powerful forces!

I realize now that there are other concerns and other hot debates.
But, I see the issue of "whether or not Gradwohl has a conflict of
interest" as a distinct concern.

6097 Re: [Dexter Cattle] Region 3 Election info
Feb 15, 2004

Thanks Carol. It is interesting to note that the folks in that region
were aware and voted. The underlying question is, did they know
what/who they were voting for. While Gradwohl does meet the
requirements to be a director, it DOES appear to the casual glance, that
he does NOT promote the breed, but rather, touts his own custom designed
cows (nice gig!). Since he was a professor of marketing, and taught
that, I can understand his schtick and why he wants to sell his cows
over Dexters. His marketing is brilliant. Look at the cutesy panda cow
toy he sells. LOL

The questioning thought resonates to me that perhaps his serving in the
position as Director of his region is not out of caring for the breed,
but rather for the furtherment of his project on his designer cows.
Since I don't know him, I also place the caveat that I could be wrong,
but appearances of his website sure incline my thinking towards that
conclusion, from what I have witnessed.

The simple solution to me, is for Gradwohl to address the issue (come
clean as the politicians say), and put the matter to rest, in an
amicable way. Certainly not making threats against peoples whose intent
is to help the dexter breed themselves. I am confident he will read
this post, so perhaps he will do the right thing, and do just that.
Perhaps he might do more to promote Dexters in addition to the designer
cows, and lend his marketing capability to that end as well. Or, if he
sees a conflict, he might even do the altruistic thing, and resign.

Failing that, it would suggest to me that the only resolution available
to the folks in his region, would be to affect a recall, if that is
possible, or vote him out next time. And that would only be if they
thought he was misrepresenting them, or that he did not perform to
recognized standards.

It certainly wouldn't feel good to me to have someone serving in a
capacity of directorship that didn't perform within my expectations, but
that is just me. If it disturbs folks that much, they will resolve the
issue.

Does the national board have the ability in the bylaws to recall or
censure or remove in a case where someone has not performed, or has done
deeds which should require their removal? This subject certainly lends
itself to that question, in terms of curiosity. If in fact someone is
not functioning to the stated purpose of the Association, can they be
removed?

Thank you for letting us know what happened.

Dennis, expressing his opinions and observations ( :-)> )

6098  Re: Region 3 Election info

dollarlessbill

Feb 15, 2004

View Source
---congrads to Mr Gradwhol if he won fair and square and placed
himself in the possible place to be the director if he won and did.

Maybe he has good intentions for the Dexter breed and has not been
given the chance to speak. But why in the world would anybody cast a
vote in favor of someone they did not even know??? Why not do a
little resurch first before you vote. Mybe this is why we get so
many people in our goverment like we have got, the lever is pulled
by the sound of the name we like best or is best looking or what
ever reason that might pop in to ones head.

So why not let him have a chance to prove himself, and yes he
should make a announcement of intention's as to his involvement into
the ADCA if he has been dorment so long.
Why would he want the position if he had no interest in the ADCA?
Why would he put himself in a position if he had no intentions of
fullfilling his duty as a officer knowing that would do more harm
than good to him and his marketin?.

And why not ask the person that nominated him, why he thought he
was the best person for the position and what he had to contribute
to the betterment of the Dexter.

I just don't understand how something so simple can turn into such
a big deal after the fact.
If the people in region 3 voted him in then they should stand
behind him now. Lets ask the ones who voted his way their opinion???

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything"?

Bill

6099  region 3

cddexter
Feb 15, 2004

Dennis:

There are very few members in this region who don't know who Dick is,
and if at 2:1 they chose him over Mark, then he is strongly and
legitimately the peoples' choice.

Despite the gossip, instead of pre-judging him, I'm going to wait and
see what kind of job Dick does. If he abuses the position or shows
himself to be a bad Director whose actions injure the breed, there
will be time enough THEN to take steps to remove him if that is the
decision of his region and the Board. Everythng else is speculation.

If you have concerns, why not call Dick? Even though you aren't a
member of Region 3, he will probably be polite and try to help you.
This back and forth rather libellous guesswork on a public forum is
doing more harm to the breed than Dick ever could.

6101 Re: [Dexter Cattle] region 3

 [e-mail]
Feb 15, 2004

Whoever wrote this?


Good for you. I absolutely 100% agree with you. Nobody knows Dick's
intentions, but Dick.., and I would venture to say (though I don't know him) that
they are good ones. No one (I don't think) would volunteer for the work
involved being a Director unless they were interested and somewhat devoted (even
partially) to the Dexter Breed. He was voted in by majority- end of discussion.
Just because he has mixed breed cattle or promotes mini breeds beyond pure
Dexters-does that necessarily mean that someone calling up with pure Dexter
interests or questions will not be treated to the same information and references
that we all (the Directors) give them?? I think that it is a disgrace that
the conversations or rather petty arguments taking place about Dick's election
are even taking place. He could be an asset to Dexters because of his
marketing background and until proven guilty of some wrong doing should be highly
commended for stepping up to the plate and accepting the committment and sometimes
hard, thankless work that all of us do as Regional Directors for the ADCA.
Just my thoughts.

Sally Coad

6103 Re: [Dexter Cattle] region 3

 

Dennis

Feb 15, 2004

It is to the extent that anyone who owns a dexter, regardless of locale,
has a viable equity in their popularity, and because I own several and
plan to own more, it is indeed my business, as it is everyone's IF the
breed is not being taken care of and not being promoted. I don't
pre-judge him, in fact I went out of my way NOT to prejudge him. I
simply made relevant observations, open to anyone with a normal mind and
disposition.

Frankly also, I have no desire to waste my time calling him. The time I
spent, was spent investigating him via the internet, and lookng at his
site. At this time he is a non issue to me. I simply state what I saw,
in response to all the back and forth issues. As far as libelous
behavior, there was none on my part. Simply observations, and
statements that can be correlated and substantiated in any courtroom.

It is a closed issue to me, but obviously there are still some folks on
here that care enough to express their concerns, and those concerns are
legitimate. He does in fact need to step forward, at least within his
region, and put to peace this issue that has arisen. I think from a
business standpoint, as I stated, he is brilliant.

I do NOT share your thoughts that you wait until he either proves or
disproves himself. In any organization, it is the responsibility of the
folks in his position to address legitimate concerns, and as stated
before, this appears to have been one of them. Contrary to your
statements, he was NOT elected 2:1, but rather, of the people that
voted, he was. That does not mean that it would be acceptable to the
populous as a whole. Perhaps the others are apathetic, and simply
regret their apathy.

Finally, I think that most folks don't look upon this forum to make the
decisions to buy or not. Most decisions I have been made aware of, are
by folks who know someone who owns them, and gains an interest from
there. Just another opinion though.

So, be at peace. My questing is over, and I responded to the person who
answered my original concerns. I think I shall breed my cows to create
a new breed too, called pandemonium! I LIKE it! rofl. Would THAT be
infringement? LOLOL


Dennis who is unconcerned about your region, except where it impacts the
value of my cows.......

6105 Re: region 3

 Chris Ricard
Feb 15, 2004

Sally

I think that you are missing the "Bigger" picture here. I would
suggest that you go back and re-read the posting from Carol……She
wrote :

November 10th: ADCA employee called Janice and me.
November 11th: Janice declined.
November 13th: Carol declined.
November 16th: ADCA employee called Dick, who accepted.
November 17/18th: ADCA employee called and asked Mark Youngs to run,
even though nominations closed weeks earlier; Mark agreed.
November 19th: Ballot sent out with two names: Dick and Mark.
mid-January: Kathy called Dick to confirm he was the new Director

The issue is that whoever the "ADCA employee" is, they apparently
tried to influence the outcome of an election. This is something that
needs to be looked into No ?

You as a director and a member should be concerned about this. I
would Suggest that this need to be investigated.

I would hope that this did not take place, if it did we as Assoc.
have some real problems.

Chris

The next quote is from a new thread but it is timely in that it relates a building of tension within the leadership and membershipl


6111  Tension and closet space

 gnnanci
Feb 15, 2004

I haven't felt this much tension in ADCA since the year the shortlegs
came out of the closet! If the breed can get through that nightmare,
it can get through anything. Only this time, I can't quite figure out
what the underlying issue is. Through the "bulldog trials," devotion
to the Dexter breed united us and the breed prospered beyond many of
our expectations. The strongest opponents agreed to disagree, and
moved on. Whatever is brewing now seems to be occupying a good amount
of closet space. However, I am sure it is possible for Dexter
breeders to move on, again . . . for the sake of what brought us
together in the first place . . . Dexters.

The following is a member making a slight correction to published info;

6115  Re: Region 3 Election info

 
frankiebonnie
Feb 16, 2004

You missed one item Carol--I nominated Mark Youngs for Director.

I don't see that listed in your note.

Sorry, I don't read this list much, but thought you needed your facts
straight.

Frankie

More negativity about the new officer;

6116  Re: Region 3 Election info

 germantrader2002
Feb 16, 2004

And so the plot thickens. Sounds like Carol had a beef with anyone
running against Professor Gradwohl.

Just a sideline. I called Professor Gradwohl about his Dexters--
didn't have too much nice to say--said he couldn't sell them and
would sell some for $200 and less just to get rid of them. They were
only good for donor cows for ET.

But, I'm retired so makes no difference to me. I long ago got out of
the politics of the group.

On February 17 Mericharmed returns and again the pot is stirred but expands into a new area.

6117  Region 3 Election and Region 6 news

 mericharmed
Feb 17, 2004

It looks like this Carol person owes someone a big apology. If Mark
Youngs was nominated, there could have been all kinds of reasons he
wasn't called sooner. Maybe he wasn't home?

But, there is even bigger news on the front. And, I received this
directly from the Director of Region 6. I am told that Region 6
hosted the annual meeting last year. They were forwarded a certain
amount of money to hold the meeting. The money obtained from the
meeting exceeded the funds forwarded to them. They are refusing to
return the money to the Association and the Regional Director's words
to me were that they earned it and there were no rules and
regulations that stated they needed to return any money to the
Association.

Okay members these are your dues, the money you pay for registrations
and transfers. The money for an annual meeting is a choice--if you
choose to go, you benefit, but when one region keeps the money that
members pay to go to something national, I have a problem with that.

The income should be returned so that it can be used for subsequent
annual meetings, for advertising, and things that benefit all the
members not a select group.

Since when do we need rules and regulations against taking funds for
your own benefit--something sounds mighty strange here--almost
illegal and your Directors are not dealing with it.

If Region 6 wants to make money, they need to do it among their own
group through dues or a bake sale or whatever--not take my money and
the money of other members so they can do things in their region. I
don't benefit from it. None of us are going to drive hundreds of
miles to go to their events. Do you receive any of their
publications? Are they sending out a newsletter to all of us like
the ADCA? Have you been invited to their events?

My thoughts, but these are the facts or is the Region 6 Director
lying?

Are we law abiding citizens or do we now break the law and say we
need something written before we can do anything about it. I am
embarrassed that no one is doing anything about this.

meri

More . . . . . . .

6118  region3

 cddexter
Feb 17, 2004

When I was called by an official employee of the ADCA on November
10th to ask if I REALLY wanted to be a director AGAIN or would I
support Janice instead (honest guys, this really happened), Mark
Youngs was NOT among those nominated. Good try, though.

NOTE:  The following two messages got knocked out of order with a new paste.   Jump back and read them in order to get the context.

6108 Re:
[Dexter Cattle] Re: region 3

 [e-mail]
Feb 15, 2004

Chris,

First of all, I have no idea why you would think I was addressing Carols
letter. I was not. OR that I do not see the "big picture".., I do. I did not
mention any "ADCA employee"..except for Dick. I was stating my opinion that Dick should not be bad mouthed about his "supposed" agenda that "supposedly" does not include Dexters. I think that he has been unfairly treated and spoken
of. I did not bring into question the electoral process he went through - or he was put through- to get to his position. And I certainly would not
criticize OUR Association without facts and solutions.., and also would not place my opinions of such, good OR bad on a public message board as hear-say. If change is to take place.., it takes the tribe not the warrior. Working together for the good of the breed and the good of the Association should be our goal- not to bad mouth certain individuals on a public message board.

Sally

6110  The bigger picture

gnnanci
Feb 15, 2004


The bigger picture, as I see it, is apathy. Regional director is a
thankless job that in many cases nobody wants. Nobody runs. Maybe the
regions are too small, it spreads out the human resources. I can
think of a couple times when people were afraid there would be NO
candidate at all. I am sure if we interviewed everyone who has
previously served or is currently serving on the board, we would find
examples of when deadlines have been extended and rules for
qualifications have been bent, just to get some sort of ballot mailed
out. It seems that any region with at least 30 members could cough
up two candidates, but it has repeatedly been a struggle during my
membership with the ADCA. In the case of Region 3, electing somebody
who actually wanted the job was likely a refreshing change.
Enthusiasm in a wonderful thing. I just wish we had more of it
directed towards our breed. And I don't just mean Mr. Gradwohl. We
have precious few breeders with energy and enthusiasm, and too much
of their time is wasted targeting and shielding blows from among the
ranks.

We have now reached the middle of February and so far all discussion and information received by members outside Region 3 ( or late the Region 6 discussion) has been addressed on a chat forum.

To be continued. .  . . . . .

[jamshundred]

After the Merricharmed posts in January and February the forum chat group returned to Dexter discussions of the day.  The ADCA general membership had no idea of the drama, manipulations, and internal struggles taking place within the leadership. . . . .  . . . UNTIL . . . . . . .  a letter arrived in the mail boxes of ADCA members dated 5-5-2004.   Before I print the copy of the letter a time line of the events leading up to the letter will add clarity.    With each item on the timeline will be the connecting document with the exception of the Mericharmed posts seen above.

                1-26-04    Mericharmed post on Yahoo DexterCattle2 forum #1
                2-3-04     Mericharmed post on Yahoo DexterCattle2 forum #2
                2-3 or 4    Mericharmed emails Director Richard Gradwhol direct  ( This email will be shown in context later in this historical).
                2-22-04    Director Gradwhol sends email to ADCA BOD stating he has received an email threat.

 
At this point in the escalating conflicts Richard Gradwhol has been nominated and elected Director in ADCA Region 3.   Richard Gradwhol at the time of his election as a Director was involved in breeding and registering crossbred mini cattle, and developing new breeds based on crossing Dexter cattle with other breeds.  Some of his trademarked cattle include, but are not limited too,. . .  Panda Cattle, Kentshire cattle,
Covingtonshire cattle, Burienshire cattle, Kingshire cattle, Lessor Jersey cattle, Mini Black Baldie cattle, white Dexter cattle.  There were members of ADCA who believed his outcrossing of Dexters and his miniature cattle registry were in direct conflict with his elected position in ADCA and complained that Richard Gradwhol had not registered a Dexter in ADCA for nine years prior to his election.   

It is now less than one month since the first Mericharmed post on the Yahoo chat forum and it would appear there is already a strategy formed and in place among some members of the BOD.

                2-23-04    Before noon on this date, Director John Potter emails the ADCA Officers and BOD with a proposal to change the governing infrastructure of ADCA.

                

                

[jamshundred]

Commentary-opinion

Reading through the time line entries above and the emails. . . . . I wonder if anyone else feels the same way *I* did originally.  ( And still do).  It was orchestrated.  The people involved were playing dirty.  There had been a power struggle within this organization for years as told to me by the registrar that proceded Rosemary and that registrar gave me names of two people she said were constantly creating turmoil.  There were those who felt Rosemary Fleharty had or took too much power and some of it was based in personality conflicts.  There were factors in place at the time that offered a perfect opportunity for what took place, and one major factor was several new Directors that were also very new owners ( who were permitted to be Directors by special exception).  The newbies were not aware of people, personalities, or history.    On 2-22-04 Rosemary Fleharty, the registrar/secretary/treasurer for years received a phone call that she was under investigation by police!   As I understood it at the time, ( and currently) Rosemary flipped out!  ( I would too - wouldn't you?).  She made the comment to the President of ADCA by phone that her job/life was "not worth it" and that she would resign.   Rosemary never officially resigned.  There are NO extant documents offering a registration.  There was a police investigation and it encompassed her workplace and job as well.   Dirty pool folks.  I will also add that *I* did a lot of digging to identify the person who wrote the email.  Mericharmed was a member of, and posted on the NW Dexter yahoo group.   This was a members only group.  You had to have a membership to participate.   (Posts relating to this incident were deleted).  I made copies of all posts and all members and I cross-referenced clues from this board and other sources.   I am confident I know the identity of Mericharmed and I am confident when I tell you it was NOT Rosemary Fleharty.   The person who used the identity of Mericharmed permitted Rosemary Fleharty to be reported and investigated by the police without coming forward is a ______________.   ( My word may or may not differ from yours).

Coming up next. . . . . . . the police report which includes the "threatening" email sent by Mericharmed to Director Richard Gradwhol which was turned over to the police, complaint filed, and first volley fired.   I believe that various major players in this drama had different agendas with different visions of the end result.