Spring Meeting 2010
The NCCNA again held its annual meeting on April 27 at the beautiful Woodland Community Center. Both the NCCNA Board of Directors and various members enjoyed the lovely facility last year, and it seemed a good idea to return.
Dr. Jeffrey Reinking, co-founder and medical director of the Auburn Pain Rehabilitation Medical Clinic, was the featured speaker. He whimsically titled his presentation Neuropathic Regimens: Reflections on Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog. 
He provided a very thorough overview of pain, discussing how pain affects the body, the need for pain control, how pain medications work, and addictions and other concerns. One audience member said she gain more understanding from hearing this presentation than she had from many such presentations in the past.
Dominick Spatafora, our good friend from the Neuropathy Action Foundation (NAF), stopped by to explain the latest efforts the NAF has been working on, particularly legislation and advocacy with California officials, and to again encourage people to attend the next Neuropathy Action Awareness Day, now the fourth, which is again being held in Sacramento.
President Bev Anderson, Vice-President Karen Polastri, and Treasurer Penni L. Smith gave the 2009 annual report. Bev then explained her plans to retire at the end of the year, and the challenges the NCCNA faces in order to continue. Bev was surprised with a "thank you" placcard and the gift of a new computer. Member Joyce Barfuss, the "Apricot Lady," gave Bev one of her special apricot gifts. After a lunch break, the Board led a discussion of the future of the NCCNA, getting the input of group leaders and members so they can better plan the days ahead.
The day ended with Tara Stiles doing a Tai Chai presentation, leading the audience in several basic techniques. She
discussed how the Tai Chai movements can help with chronic conditions.
The NCCNA recorded all the speakers, and has a DVD available with presentations from the event. You can even get a DVD with the annual meeting presentation and discussion of the future if you want.
You can enjoy the highlights of our 2009 Annual Meeting, 2008 Annual Meeting, and 2007 Annual Meeting, as well as taking a look the rest of the photos below.
Retta Gilbert (seated) and Mary Sprifke of the Davis support group help with registration.
Penni L. Smith prepares to video the speakers at the meeting.
Dominick Spatafora is always an engaging speaker. -->
A guest samples the breakfast layout.
Dr. Reinking explains how the nervous system works to send--or mis-send--pain messages.
NCCNA Vice-President Karen Polastri discusses the future of the association.
Treasurer Penni L. Smith and President Bev Anderson listen as a member of the audience offers suggestions.
Bev receives a special gift from Joyce Barfuss, "The Apricot Lady."
Bev receives a placcard in recognition of all her work for the NCCNA. It says,"The members, support group leaders, and board of directors of The Northern California Chapter of The Neuropathy Association thank and salute Bev Anderson, president and founder, for a dozen years of tireless work for this organization, spurred by deep compassion for those who deal with the daily challenges of neuropathy and a strong desire to offer 'hope through caring and education.' We are grateful, Bev, for your service, dedication, commitment, and generosity, and we hope that as you take on new challenges, we can faithfully oversee the association so that it becomes more than you ever dreamed it would be. Presented this twenty-first day of April, two-thousand ten, at our annual meeting."
Ernette Rivera staffs the DVD table, where recordings of various events could be purchased. DVDs of this meeting are also available now.
