2010 SAM Weekend

Four Points by Sheraton

Kingston, ON    é    June 11-13

On behalf of those who joined us, we would like to thank our hosts MIA President Scott and Carla Van Camp who welcomed us to their hometown.  A special thank you to Carla who put together those lovely welcome gifts.  Chocolate covered licorice sticks – never had them before but they were great!

My wife Barbara and I enjoyed Friday afternoon walking the streets of Kingston and doing the usual tourist activities as I know did many other members and their guests.  We toured the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception and was amazed by their organ but was disappointed by its silence.  However, as luck would have it, when we toured St. George's Cathedral (Anglican) just across the street from the Four Points, I was thrilled to hear the organist practising for Sunday's service.  We spent nearly an hour there listening and enjoying the history (apparently Farley Mowat was once a parishioner of this church.

Our Friday night President's Dinner and Dance was thoroughly enjoyed by all and this year the Stanley Cup playoffs did not interfere with the dancing.  As usual, our resident DJ  Jason Rolland had everyone up and moving.

The weather was absolutely wonderful except for Saturday but although we had a few showers in Kingston itself, the golfers out in Gananoque had a dry day.

Speaking of the golfers, the rain early Saturday morning meant that they had to keep their golf carts off the grass – ensuring that they got plenty of exercise.

At Scott's request, we actually had two golf tournaments:  a couple's and our regular golf tournament.  We hear a lot of high praise regarding The Smuggler's Glen Golf Course and some members even booked for the next day.

And thank you Scott for arranging our Saturday night.  What a wonderful evening we had!  Our cruise aboard the Island Queen was magnificent.  The food was great!  The company great!  And the scenery – what can I say?  You had to be there.

After the cruise, many of our younger crowd continued to enjoyed the nightlife that Kingston provides.  We can't tell you about those escapades because we've already accepted bribes to forget what we know in order to protect the guilty.

Kingston truly is a lovely place to visit with everything very conveniently located including a free ferry ride (passenger or vehicle) to Wolfe Island.  Barbara and I took advantage of the remainder of the weekend on Sunday, which turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, to visit Wolfe Island.  Unfortunately, we didn't take our vehicle and really didn't get up close and personal with any of the 85 windmills dotting Wolfe Island.  We finished our visit in Marysville on Wolfe Island with a lovely lunch on the patio overlooking the water.

I'd like to close by thanking all who attended because it is our members that make these weekends such a success.

Malcolm Haylock

Manager, MIA

More pictures on the Gallery page.

Deerhurst Resort

Huntsville, ON    é    June 10-12

We hope that you and others will join us next year at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, ON.

As a result of the G8 Summit this year at Deerhurst, our group will benefit from the many improvements and upgrades that have been made. 

Our dinner and dance Friday night will be held in the Peninsula Room in the Main Pavilion providing gorgeous views of Peninsula Lake from either inside the room or the surrounding deck.

Our Golf Tournament will be onsite at their Deerhurst Highlands golf course – a Robert Cupp and Thomas McBroom par 72, 7,011 yard masterpiece – flowing through the granite and dense forests of the Group of Seven fame.  In fact, there is a 2nd course at Deerhurst, the 64 par Lakeside, with the front nine holes skirting Peninsula Lake.

If you're not into golf, Deerhurst offers many alternative activities.  Book a day at the Spa or on the water.  Take the family horseback riding or fishing or hiking. Hit the indoor or outdoor courts for a game of tennis or workout in the fitness centre or on the squash court.  Or just relax on the beach or at any of the outdoor pools.

World famous Algonquin Park is also nearby for your enjoyment.

A then for a special treat, on Saturday night we return to the beautiful Peninsula Room where, after dinner and the golf presentations, we will entertained by Live at Deerhurst who will perform their current stage show privately for the MIA.

Music Friday and Saturday night will be provided by a group of musicians from Live at Deerhurst.

You won't want to miss this fabulous weekend so mark your calendars now.  You may even want to get in some extra golf on the Friday so contact them (1‑800‑461‑4393) and see when you can book.  Alternatively, there are many other great courses in the area such as Bigwin Island.

In the meantime, we hope to see you out for the Annual Charity Golf Tournament in support of Mesothelioma Research on August 20th at our new venue – Nobleton Lakes Golf Club.

And don't forget about Ladies' Night in Toronto at a new location.  This year's event will be held Friday, November 19th at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre hotel.