So we had our changeover retreat this past weekend (yes, the weekend of the humongo snow storm!) up in Innisfil, Ontario at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre. It was so nice and I know there were some who were apprehensive about going up given the weather forecast, however Yash and I felt it was so important that we do this as it would most likely set the pace for the incoming NSA. Needless to say, the weather was crappy on the Saturday while we were up there but by the time it came for us to leave on Sunday afternoon, the sun was shining and it was like it had never even snowed! I couldn’t believe the job that the snow plows did during the day… kudos to you guys! Especially since we had heard on the evening news on Saturday that the OPP had closed down a section of Hwy 400 between where we were to Barrie!

Well, here are some photos from the changeover ceremony and the group shots afterward!

This would be the incoming VP Clinical Education: Amel and the outgoing member: Judy! I have to say, if you were ever to meet Judy, this girl is one ball of energy! I’m not kidding you… she’s always perky and always has this incredible smile on her face!

Next up, Meighan and Laurie… these two gals are going to be great VP Socials! I love their enthusiasm and passion already and their events are going to be outstanding next year!

This one’s a bit sentimental to me b/c I held it last year as VP Internal Communications… and now Tracey’s passing the flame on to Michelle. From what I’ve seen of Michelle, she’s going to be yet another great VPIC!

Yay! The coveted NSA stamp changes hands! I was so excited to get this and evidently, so is Michelle!

Sarah did an awesome job as one of two OAND reps this year and I have no doubt that Katie will be the same!

See?!? There’s Judy smiling away in the background! Can’t miss that smile!

This was our outgoing shot…. in the group (L to R): Chris, Rikki, Sarah, Laura, Tracey, Mike, Tobey, Judy, me, Nick, Scott and Jon. We were missing Ashley and Mike that weekend… we missed having them with us!

I LOVE this photo! Isn’t this so fun?!?!? Rikki’s especially awesome!

This final series is great… this is the incoming NSA executive for 2008-2009 (L to R): Shawn, Meighan, Michelle, Laurie, Ellen (you rock!), Jayani, Amel, Kat, Katie, Adrian, Crystal, Nick and Yash (he’s going to be a great president… I’m so happy to be passing the torch on to him!)… They’re also missing one person: Jacqueline.

So keep scrolling down to see what ensues… I’m not sure who it was, I suspect Mike or Jon, picked up a handful of the fresh, white stuff and launched it over to the group! I love the following reactions!

Overall, this was a fantastic weekend and I hope everyone had as much fun as I did! NSA rocks!

Happy weekend!

J.

So, it turns out there are a few extremely proactive colleagues of mine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and they have been working day in and out to organize a fundraiser in the form of a golf tournament for cancer research in naturopathic medicine. I’ve volunteered my services as a photographer for the event and after a few preliminary conversations with Jon, Frank and Mike, I will be the official photographer for that event! There are still details that need to be hashed out… but it’ll all come together.

As for this tournament, it’s a great cause and reason to raise money as the more research is conducted into naturopathic ways to treat and co-manage cancer with conventional medicine, the more credibility our area of medicine garners and better, safe and confident care can be administered. If you want more information, check out the tourney website by clicking on the logo above for details and how to register. They’ve already garnered quite a bit of interest as well as celebrity involvement from Darcy Tucker and Matt Stajan of the Leafs. Oh, and did I mention it was going to be held at the Angus Glen Golf Club, probably one of the most prestigious golf courses in the country??? if you already know about this information and want to register, just click here! Take my word, it’s going to be a great event!

J.