And Now It’s Time to Make the Matzo Ball Soup
It seems that the First Quarter of my Presidential Year of 2010 sped quickly by. There always seems like there’s so much to do, and so much I’d like to accomplish! I am really excited about what’s gone on so far this year, and this past week was another inspiring one for Alpha Omega.
Last Sunday, I drove down to the Philadelphia area, where Marc and Bobbie Rothman hosted a terrific gathering, where we had the opportunity to meet, talk to, and listen to the Dean of the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, Dr. Amid Ismail. Amid is a warm, endearing and charming man, who is inspiring in both his plans for the Kornberg School of Dentistry, as well as his involvement with the Bridge to Peace Program. The Bridge to Peace Program, the vision of the inimitable D. Walter Cohen, is an effort to unite people through creating “bridges to peace” via people of varying backgrounds and faiths uniting for the betterment of mankind. Hebrew U and Al-Quds U school of Dentistry, the first Palestinian Dental School had a historic summit/conference to “Bridge the Peace”.
I was inspired by the stories of so many of the attendees that I have simply chosen a few to cite as examples: Ethel Abrams is a Hygienist whose late husband was active in AO; Seth Baer, who joined Jordan Goldberg’s practice when he graduated in 1999 as an Associate, and is now Jordan’s partner; Jordan Goldberg, who has been active in Alpha Omega since graduating in 1985, and attends almost every International Convention with his wife Judy, and has been a Convention Treasurer at two International Conventions (Jordan always seems to have a smile on his face!); Eric Cantor, there will his sons, is an inspiring example of local Leadership with true leadership and energy (Eric is working very hard as President of the Philadelphia chapter); Joseph Greenberg, an inspiring man who teaches at both Kornberg and U.Penn; Harold Middleberg, who graduated a year after Jordan and served as Chapter Treasurer when Jordan was Chapter President (Jordan and Harold always stood on the outer ends of any group picture because they are SO much taller than most of us!); and Bernie Dishler, a 1962 graduate, who made the very important point that AO alumni should make a point of meeting and mentoring AO students, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because at some point, as a dentist wants to find someone to take over his practice, those AO relationships will really be important! It was great to see the always inspiring and fascinating Allen and Danielle Finkelstein, who traveled down from New York City because The Bridge To Peace Program and Alpha Omega are so important to Allen. Reuniting and having the chance to speak to and gain insights from the “our AO sage” D. Walter Cohen is always inspiring! This is just a sampling of the fabulous group of individuals who spent a few hours on a Sunday, because they wanted to learn more, and get involved. Congratulations to the Philadelphia alumni Chapter, and the great staff at Kornberg for planning a terrific program! I look forward to some great things in the future in a newly created “partnership of purpose,” between Alpha Omega and Kornberg (and Amid Ismail).
This past Tuesday, over sixty fraters signed up for our first alumni webinar, providing an insight into some exciting new AO developments and offerings by Schein, both for individuals and for local chapters. I hope that those on the call will communicate the information to others in their local area. I especially want to thank Schein’s Michelle Penrose, and their Director of North American Dental Sales and Leadership Jim Philhower, for all their efforts and commitment toward a stronger relationship between AO and Schein. Because of the wonders of the electronic media,we got immediate positive feedback. They are working to assure that Schein Canada extends the same benefits program in Canada that is being planned for the U.S., so that fraters from both countries will benefit from these “soon to be announced” member benefits!
The Administrative Committee has been working very diligently to assure that the transition to our new management team, Third Eye Group, is as smooth and seamless as possible. Each Admin member has been evaluating their existing written job descriptions, and revising them so that they are more relevant to AO today. Each Admin member has also been creating a list of where the Management company will be able to best assist them in their AO position.
Our Executive Director Marty Zimmerman has been working closely with International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum, to assure that the upcoming Leadership Seminar in Seattle is a true leadership summit. Make sure you attend this powerful program,check it out on AO.org. International Treasurer David Schneider has been working diligently, not only on the multiple tasks of his office, but also working closely with Convention Rep Avi Wurman, and Convention Marshal Bob Simon, and others, to bring convention goers a value-packed, CE loaded, events driven, fabulous week of fraternalism, professionalism and Judaic values. I urge you to seriously consider attending this convention this year. San Diego is calling you ,so attend Dec 25-Jan1. You’ll be glad you did!
I want to wish all of you a “Zizen Pesach.” Now, it’s time for me to sign off because, “It’s time to make the Matzo Ball Soup.”
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for
TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN!
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN!
This past week was another exciting, active, and revealing week. I worked in my office on Thursday until early in the afternoon, and then drove up to Newton, Mass., to enjoy the company of some of the fabulous Boston fraters, at a lovely dinner with alumni chapter officers, and some student officers. One of my great AO memories is always enjoying watching the three “Boston Millers” do their near-vaudevillian routine at every Convention, of “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller.” Many of you know Murray for all he’s done for AO both locally and internationally. Brian is a regular Convention “goer,” and has been the driving force behind the great scientific programs that the Boston alumni chapter is known for. The third Dr. Miller is my dear friend Lenny, who was a regular convention attendee for years, and was involved in numerous AO activities for many years, now living in York, Maine.
The Boston alumni chapter should be commended for the relationships that they build with the students in their area. The alumni work very closely with the students, teach them about AO, and create the fraternal feeling that stays with someone for a lifetime. Since many of these students relocate outside the Boston area after graduation, it is really important for the alumni where these young fraters eventually settle, to reach out to them, and get them involved. As witnessed by the fact that both of this year’s ISR’s are from schools in Boston, and Stephanie was the ISR the previous two years, the students from the Boston chapters become really involved and get involved in leadership positions.
Early Friday morning, I drove over to Murray Miller’s home, and our Meritorious Service Award winner acted as my guide, compatriot and chauffer for the day. I have known Murray since I was a student at Tufts, and he is “one of a kind.” His warmth, sincerity, energy and love of everything about Alpha Omega are something we should all strive to emulate! We first proceeded to Boston University Dental School, where Senior AO Dental students gave me a tour of the facilities. I had the opportunity to meet with one of my role models, Alpha Omega’s own Sydell Shaw, who is an active member of the Admission Committee. I have known Sydell since I was a youngster, and I can honestly say that the example she set was one of the factors in my becoming a dentist. On behalf of the Boston Alumni chapter, I presented Sydell with a check for the Dean’s Discretionary Fund. I, also, had the honor to present another check from the Boston alumni chapter to Shawn Groyeski (Chapter President and editor of the AO Articulator) as a recipient of the Chapter Efficiency Award. The Boston chapter is supportive of the students with fraternalism, as well as providing financial support and incentives. ISR Matt Rossen and I then met with several students for a Lunch & Learn about AO International and student involvement.
Next, Murray and I went over to Tufts, and incoming Gamma chapter President John Keating gave us a tour of the new top five stories of the dental school. When we met with Tufts Dean Dr. Lonny Norris, I kidded that the view, 15 floors above Boston, is certainly better than I remembered from my dental school days. We had a wonderful meeting where we discussed Alpha Omega, upcoming events with AO and the Dean, AO leadership at Tufts, etc. Once again, the Boston alumni chapter had a check for me to present for the Tufts Dean’s Discretionary Account.
Our last stop on the Dental School express was to Harvard Dental School, where Dr. Bruce Donoff is Dean. Dr. Donoff is not only extremely supportive of the student chapter, but is an active member of the Boston Alumni chapter. We discussed a number of matters, including the outstanding student leadership at the school, as well as the Harvard Public service programs, that Harvard students participate in. We had a very interesting conversation about the similarities and analogies between the Harvard program and Alpha Omega’s GOHI projects. Dr. Donoff and I even enjoyed playing a little “Jewish geography,” because he is a member of Temple Emanuel in Newton, where Richard and I were married, and my grandfather was the Founder. When I mentioned that, Dr. Donoff even commented that he even knew that my uncle was the first Bar Mitzvah boy at that Temple. He also mentioned seeing my uncle the week before! Many of us know about Harvard’s incredible student leadership in Stephanie and Whitney, but I had the opportunity to witness first-hand how the excellent leadership at this chapter continues, with the energetic and enthusiastic incoming Co-Presidents Rebecca Grammer (who gave us the tour alongside Whitney) and Sabiella Spodek.
The Boston area’s fraternalism continued into Friday evening, when Steve Spitz hosted a Shabbat dinner at his home. Over 40 fraters, families and students enjoyed Fraternalism and Judaism at its finest! I was pleased to see the Hadassah School of Dental Medicine Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity’s Dean Adam Stabholz, who joined us for Shabbat dinner. Adam was in Boston for the week for a Senior Dental Leadership Conference at Harvard, hosted by Dean Donoff. Amongst the presenters at the Conference was AO’s own Alan Finkelstein. The keynote speaker was our 2010 Achievement Medal Award recipient and CEO of Henry Schein, Stan Bergman. Adam was very thrilled to let me know that Alpha Omega had been mentioned on several occasions, and compliments were given to AO about our generous contribution to the Pan American Health Organization for their Oral Health of Haiti program, our GOHI initiatives, and our being leaders in the initiative for a Public/ private partnership toward improving dental health worldwide.
Despite a record- setting rain (at least it wasn’t snow!) and gale winds, approximately 60 people attended a Sunday brunch. Here, student leadership was installed and new fraters were initiated. When I began my drive back to New York, I thought about how the Boston area’s fraters - - both alumni and students- - work so well together to learn and grow as friends, fraters and leaders. When a student comes to your area from the Boston Alumni chapter’s guidance, you have a worker and a future leader.
Sunday had one more AO activity for me - - the Initiation at Columbia. Under the dynamic, enthusiastic, and fabulous leadership of Columbia chapter president Bobby Geiman, and his fellow officers, they have successfully revived this chapter. Twelve individuals were initiated, and each new member was also given a T-shirt by the Eta chapter. Through the financial support of the New York alumni chapter’s NYACAO (which helps funds the student chapters), a sumptuous Kosher Chinese Buffet was provided. I especially want to thank Sam Unger, Gail Schupak, and Andrew Rutman for their invaluable help for this initiation. What a great culmination to the weekend!
Monday night, Michael Tenenbaum and I had a very constructive conference call with the enthusiastic and active chairpersons, Andrea Heckler, Richard Halpern, and Rachael Davis, and our ISRs, of the SAC (Student Activities Committee). We had a thorough discussion about how alumni and students can work more effectively together, and how the transition from being a student member to an alumni member can be made smoother and more seamless. We created the beginning stages of an action plan to have this committee even be more productive. This committee is extremely hard- working, and very eager.
Tuesday evening was our much anticipated Student Webinar, a first effort into using this type of communication to enhance and improve direct communication with the students. Approximately 60 individuals attended this webinar for Student Leadership, and there appeared to be a high level of enthusiasm. The feedback that we have received is very favorable! Henry Schein is seeking the participation of young leaders as part of an Advisory Board for the Next DDS program. Further information is available at: www.thenextdentist.com.
I am very excited about the upcoming Alumni Webinar this Tuesday, March 23rd, ‘” WE Can Do It”. This is a communication method in its start-up form, and I am hopeful that this will help with our efforts to enhance the Alpha Omega membership experience.
This was a busy week for me and AO.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for
TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
This past week was another exciting, active, and revealing week. I worked in my office on Thursday until early in the afternoon, and then drove up to Newton, Mass., to enjoy the company of some of the fabulous Boston fraters, at a lovely dinner with alumni chapter officers, and some student officers. One of my great AO memories is always enjoying watching the three “Boston Millers” do their near-vaudevillian routine at every Convention, of “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller.” Many of you know Murray for all he’s done for AO both locally and internationally. Brian is a regular Convention “goer,” and has been the driving force behind the great scientific programs that the Boston alumni chapter is known for. The third Dr. Miller is my dear friend Lenny, who was a regular convention attendee for years, and was involved in numerous AO activities for many years, now living in York, Maine.
The Boston alumni chapter should be commended for the relationships that they build with the students in their area. The alumni work very closely with the students, teach them about AO, and create the fraternal feeling that stays with someone for a lifetime. Since many of these students relocate outside the Boston area after graduation, it is really important for the alumni where these young fraters eventually settle, to reach out to them, and get them involved. As witnessed by the fact that both of this year’s ISR’s are from schools in Boston, and Stephanie was the ISR the previous two years, the students from the Boston chapters become really involved and get involved in leadership positions.
Early Friday morning, I drove over to Murray Miller’s home, and our Meritorious Service Award winner acted as my guide, compatriot and chauffer for the day. I have known Murray since I was a student at Tufts, and he is “one of a kind.” His warmth, sincerity, energy and love of everything about Alpha Omega are something we should all strive to emulate! We first proceeded to Boston University Dental School, where Senior AO Dental students gave me a tour of the facilities. I had the opportunity to meet with one of my role models, Alpha Omega’s own Sydell Shaw, who is an active member of the Admission Committee. I have known Sydell since I was a youngster, and I can honestly say that the example she set was one of the factors in my becoming a dentist. On behalf of the Boston Alumni chapter, I presented Sydell with a check for the Dean’s Discretionary Fund. I, also, had the honor to present another check from the Boston alumni chapter to Shawn Groyeski (Chapter President and editor of the AO Articulator) as a recipient of the Chapter Efficiency Award. The Boston chapter is supportive of the students with fraternalism, as well as providing financial support and incentives. ISR Matt Rossen and I then met with several students for a Lunch & Learn about AO International and student involvement.
Next, Murray and I went over to Tufts, and incoming Gamma chapter President John Keating gave us a tour of the new top five stories of the dental school. When we met with Tufts Dean Dr. Lonny Norris, I kidded that the view, 15 floors above Boston, is certainly better than I remembered from my dental school days. We had a wonderful meeting where we discussed Alpha Omega, upcoming events with AO and the Dean, AO leadership at Tufts, etc. Once again, the Boston alumni chapter had a check for me to present for the Tufts Dean’s Discretionary Account.
Our last stop on the Dental School express was to Harvard Dental School, where Dr. Bruce Donoff is Dean. Dr. Donoff is not only extremely supportive of the student chapter, but is an active member of the Boston Alumni chapter. We discussed a number of matters, including the outstanding student leadership at the school, as well as the Harvard Public service programs, that Harvard students participate in. We had a very interesting conversation about the similarities and analogies between the Harvard program and Alpha Omega’s GOHI projects. Dr. Donoff and I even enjoyed playing a little “Jewish geography,” because he is a member of Temple Emanuel in Newton, where Richard and I were married, and my grandfather was the Founder. When I mentioned that, Dr. Donoff even commented that he even knew that my uncle was the first Bar Mitzvah boy at that Temple. He also mentioned seeing my uncle the week before! Many of us know about Harvard’s incredible student leadership in Stephanie and Whitney, but I had the opportunity to witness first-hand how the excellent leadership at this chapter continues, with the energetic and enthusiastic incoming Co-Presidents Rebecca Grammer (who gave us the tour alongside Whitney) and Sabiella Spodek.
The Boston area’s fraternalism continued into Friday evening, when Steve Spitz hosted a Shabbat dinner at his home. Over 40 fraters, families and students enjoyed Fraternalism and Judaism at its finest! I was pleased to see the Hadassah School of Dental Medicine Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity’s Dean Adam Stabholz, who joined us for Shabbat dinner. Adam was in Boston for the week for a Senior Dental Leadership Conference at Harvard, hosted by Dean Donoff. Amongst the presenters at the Conference was AO’s own Alan Finkelstein. The keynote speaker was our 2010 Achievement Medal Award recipient and CEO of Henry Schein, Stan Bergman. Adam was very thrilled to let me know that Alpha Omega had been mentioned on several occasions, and compliments were given to AO about our generous contribution to the Pan American Health Organization for their Oral Health of Haiti program, our GOHI initiatives, and our being leaders in the initiative for a Public/ private partnership toward improving dental health worldwide.
Despite a record- setting rain (at least it wasn’t snow!) and gale winds, approximately 60 people attended a Sunday brunch. Here, student leadership was installed and new fraters were initiated. When I began my drive back to New York, I thought about how the Boston area’s fraters - - both alumni and students- - work so well together to learn and grow as friends, fraters and leaders. When a student comes to your area from the Boston Alumni chapter’s guidance, you have a worker and a future leader.
Sunday had one more AO activity for me - - the Initiation at Columbia. Under the dynamic, enthusiastic, and fabulous leadership of Columbia chapter president Bobby Geiman, and his fellow officers, they have successfully revived this chapter. Twelve individuals were initiated, and each new member was also given a T-shirt by the Eta chapter. Through the financial support of the New York alumni chapter’s NYACAO (which helps funds the student chapters), a sumptuous Kosher Chinese Buffet was provided. I especially want to thank Sam Unger, Gail Schupak, and Andrew Rutman for their invaluable help for this initiation. What a great culmination to the weekend!
Monday night, Michael Tenenbaum and I had a very constructive conference call with the enthusiastic and active chairpersons, Andrea Heckler, Richard Halpern, and Rachael Davis, and our ISRs, of the SAC (Student Activities Committee). We had a thorough discussion about how alumni and students can work more effectively together, and how the transition from being a student member to an alumni member can be made smoother and more seamless. We created the beginning stages of an action plan to have this committee even be more productive. This committee is extremely hard- working, and very eager.
Tuesday evening was our much anticipated Student Webinar, a first effort into using this type of communication to enhance and improve direct communication with the students. Approximately 60 individuals attended this webinar for Student Leadership, and there appeared to be a high level of enthusiasm. The feedback that we have received is very favorable! Henry Schein is seeking the participation of young leaders as part of an Advisory Board for the Next DDS program. Further information is available at: www.thenextdentist.com.
I am very excited about the upcoming Alumni Webinar this Tuesday, March 23rd, ‘” WE Can Do It”. This is a communication method in its start-up form, and I am hopeful that this will help with our efforts to enhance the Alpha Omega membership experience.
This was a busy week for me and AO.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for
TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, March 11, 2010
THIS WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS!
THIS WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS!
As this week’s blog is being posted, I am in the midst of a busy weekend in the Boston area. I am meeting with the Deans of the three Boston area dental schools as well as Adam Stabholz (dean of the Hebrew University Dental School), the Boards, the student chapters and the Boston alumni chapter. Returning to the Boston chapters as International President of Alpha Omega is like a “return to my roots,” having been born and raised in the Boston area, and beginning my AO experience in the Gamma Chapter at Tufts. I thank all my Boston hosts for treating me like “family.”
This was another fascinating week. Sunday, Richard and I helped the daughter of Dr. William Jacobs of Jamaica, NY, pack up his office equipment. Bill Jacobs is a long retired Alpha Omegan from Columbia University, and Bill was sad to see his equipment packed up, but thrilled to know that it would be utilized at the Dental Clinic , Dentistry For All, in Guatemala, founded and run by Brad Krusky and Shane Fisher. Lots of our members have donated their services and worked there, including two of our SAC (Student Affairs Committee) co-chairs Richard Halpern and Rachel Davis, who just returned from a 10 day volunteer stint .
Monday evening was our monthly Board of Directors (BOD) conference call. Our dedicated Board members call in, and we discuss activities, plans, programs, etc. Among the topics discussed was the transition to our new Management Company, Third Eye, led by Executive Director Marty Zimmerman. The Third Eye Group is now answering our Headquarters office telephones, responding to e-mails and mail. The best e-mail address to reach headquarters at remains: headquarters@ao.org.
Wednesday night, our Global Corporate Task Force, held a conference call, to continue developing plans where our corporate partners and Alpha Omega can work together, enhancing AO’s image, and striving to achieve the goals and missions of our Fraternity . An exciting GOHI project program is in the “works”, so keep a keen eye out for future details in the Alpha Omegan .
With the assistance of our Corporate partners and our Board member Steve Kess , we have been finalizing the finishing touches for our March 16th Student Leaders Web/Seminar, and our March 23rd Alumni Webinar. All those who signed up are in for a knowledge packed hour of information.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to Stephanie Rashewsky, who will be graduating from Harvard in June. Stephanie, who served AO as ISR for two stellar years, is more enthusiastic about dentistry now than I have ever heard her before. She absolutely loves her externship at a Harvard-run dental clinic for the homeless, and is looking forward to moving on to her Residency in Anesthesiology at Stony Brook this summer. All of us in the New York area are thrilled to be welcoming her into the area, and I look forward to having her join us for the High Holidays this fall, the table is already set .
We continue to be proud of our involvement with many philanthropic organizations, such as DVI (Dental Volunteers for Israel). DVI’s Trudi Birger Dental Clinic is the only free facility in Jerusalem, and without it, thousands of children would have no access to dental care. We encourage fraters to consider DVI as a “volunteering opportunity.” Our own D. Walter Cohen is DVI’s Honorary Chairman, and International Editor Fred Margolis is a member of their Board of Directors.
I urge you to take advantage of all Alpha Omega has to offer, as well as participating in the many activities of your Fraternity. Examples include: Webinars; our enhanced Member benefits program; our upcoming Leadership Seminar in Seattle April 30-May1 (check the web site AO.org for details ); and our fabulous value-packed, events-driven, “family”-oriented, Alpha Omega International Convention December 25th to January 1st at the Hyatt Mission Bay in San Diego.
This blog is also going to be “picked up” by Tomorrows Smiles “Blog Locator,”giving even more exposure to our Fraternity’s causes. The more people know about AO ,the more recognition we will have as an organization. As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your comments, feedbacks and ideas, and hopefully will see many of you, either during my Presidential travels, or at the Convention in San Diego.
As this week’s blog is being posted, I am in the midst of a busy weekend in the Boston area. I am meeting with the Deans of the three Boston area dental schools as well as Adam Stabholz (dean of the Hebrew University Dental School), the Boards, the student chapters and the Boston alumni chapter. Returning to the Boston chapters as International President of Alpha Omega is like a “return to my roots,” having been born and raised in the Boston area, and beginning my AO experience in the Gamma Chapter at Tufts. I thank all my Boston hosts for treating me like “family.”
This was another fascinating week. Sunday, Richard and I helped the daughter of Dr. William Jacobs of Jamaica, NY, pack up his office equipment. Bill Jacobs is a long retired Alpha Omegan from Columbia University, and Bill was sad to see his equipment packed up, but thrilled to know that it would be utilized at the Dental Clinic , Dentistry For All, in Guatemala, founded and run by Brad Krusky and Shane Fisher. Lots of our members have donated their services and worked there, including two of our SAC (Student Affairs Committee) co-chairs Richard Halpern and Rachel Davis, who just returned from a 10 day volunteer stint .
Monday evening was our monthly Board of Directors (BOD) conference call. Our dedicated Board members call in, and we discuss activities, plans, programs, etc. Among the topics discussed was the transition to our new Management Company, Third Eye, led by Executive Director Marty Zimmerman. The Third Eye Group is now answering our Headquarters office telephones, responding to e-mails and mail. The best e-mail address to reach headquarters at remains: headquarters@ao.org.
Wednesday night, our Global Corporate Task Force, held a conference call, to continue developing plans where our corporate partners and Alpha Omega can work together, enhancing AO’s image, and striving to achieve the goals and missions of our Fraternity . An exciting GOHI project program is in the “works”, so keep a keen eye out for future details in the Alpha Omegan .
With the assistance of our Corporate partners and our Board member Steve Kess , we have been finalizing the finishing touches for our March 16th Student Leaders Web/Seminar, and our March 23rd Alumni Webinar. All those who signed up are in for a knowledge packed hour of information.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to Stephanie Rashewsky, who will be graduating from Harvard in June. Stephanie, who served AO as ISR for two stellar years, is more enthusiastic about dentistry now than I have ever heard her before. She absolutely loves her externship at a Harvard-run dental clinic for the homeless, and is looking forward to moving on to her Residency in Anesthesiology at Stony Brook this summer. All of us in the New York area are thrilled to be welcoming her into the area, and I look forward to having her join us for the High Holidays this fall, the table is already set .
We continue to be proud of our involvement with many philanthropic organizations, such as DVI (Dental Volunteers for Israel). DVI’s Trudi Birger Dental Clinic is the only free facility in Jerusalem, and without it, thousands of children would have no access to dental care. We encourage fraters to consider DVI as a “volunteering opportunity.” Our own D. Walter Cohen is DVI’s Honorary Chairman, and International Editor Fred Margolis is a member of their Board of Directors.
I urge you to take advantage of all Alpha Omega has to offer, as well as participating in the many activities of your Fraternity. Examples include: Webinars; our enhanced Member benefits program; our upcoming Leadership Seminar in Seattle April 30-May1 (check the web site AO.org for details ); and our fabulous value-packed, events-driven, “family”-oriented, Alpha Omega International Convention December 25th to January 1st at the Hyatt Mission Bay in San Diego.
This blog is also going to be “picked up” by Tomorrows Smiles “Blog Locator,”giving even more exposure to our Fraternity’s causes. The more people know about AO ,the more recognition we will have as an organization. As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your comments, feedbacks and ideas, and hopefully will see many of you, either during my Presidential travels, or at the Convention in San Diego.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Great News for AO from the Windy (and warm) City
BUSY and VERY PRODUCTIVE VISIT TO CHICAGO
I should have known it was going to be a great, productive and full filled few days in Chicago. Departing New York’s LaGuardia Airport on the 6:55 AM flight into Chicago’s Midway Airport, my flight departed and arrived on schedule. Considering that the meteorologists were predicting a major storm in the New York metro area beginning sometime Thursday and expected to last more than 24 hours, I was lucky to have left before the storm and returned back to New York on Saturday afternoon after the storm, to 40 degree temperatures. The 48 hours in-between were packed full of activities and positive situations for Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity.
My Chicago chapter hosts, led by IPIP Dan Uditsky, and International Editor Fred Margolis, were warm, friendly and involved. On Thursday evening, Milt Salzer organized a truly fraternal dinner, that attracted over 60 members and spouses. This is the Chicago chapter’s annual “Essen and Fressen” dinner gathering, where both local Chicago fraters as well as fraters traveling from all over to attend the magnificent Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, gather together to eat, discuss, and be fraternal. The Chicago dinner provides Alpha Omega with a great presence at the meeting. The Illinois chapter hosted an Alpha Omega hospitality late Friday afternoon at the McCormick Center. It was very gratifying to see so many Alpha Omegans, from Toronto, Montreal, England and the lower 48.
After dropping my bags off at the hotel on Thursday morning, I immediately jumped on the shuttle bus to the McCormick Center. Much of Thursday was spent in a variety of meetings to discuss and explore several possibilities to enhance Alpha Omega’s Member Benefits program. Fred Margolis and Mike Stern accompanied me for a number of these discussions, and I am very optimistic that some great new, improved or enhanced member benefits will be introduced shortly, as a result of some very good and frank discussions. Tune in for future announcements!
After meetings virtually all day Thursday at the McCormick Center, I returned to Harry Carey’s for dinner with fraters. I would like to mention just a few of the fraters in attendance that exemplify the quality and professionalism of our fraters. I had the opportunity to have a great conversation with Dr. Sam Wexler and his wife Charlene (I knew I’d like her because she had such a great first name!). Sam Wexler is a dental historian, who has set up historic dental operatories at such places as the Samuel B Harris Dental Museum (Baltimore), and in Israel at the Hadassah School of Dental Medicine founded by Alpha Omega International Dental Fraterniy. Sam described himself as a “collector of antique dental stuff.” He will be on hand for the opening of on of these exhibits in Israel in May.
Gerald Landes is the President of the Indianapolis chapter, who are a great group of fraters that meet every month for a fraternal and professional program. This year’s focus is implants. Gerald is also an excellent photographer who has attended numerous conventions, and demonstrated his tremendous loyalty and affinity for Alpha Omega, on both the local and international level. He is a funloving frater and I know you will like him when you meet him at the convention .
After hearing people repeatedly discussing obstacles facing Alpha Omega, and our need to attract younger, active members, I was very gratified to see what is going on in Chicago. The Chicago area fraters consists of lots of young dentists and families, with new practices and becoming associates. The Chicago chapter is very fortunate to have these young members ready to step up into leadership positions,helped and guided by Laurie Gordon-Shaw and Allen Moltz. Laurie is on the AO Foundation Board, and is very involved in running the annual Foundation auction fundraiser at our International Convention. This year’s will be held in conjunction with a Dessert Hospitality on Monday evening, Dec 27th in the evening, and the auction always has an interesting selection of items available to bid on (both a Silent Auction as well as a Live Auction). Allen is actively involved as a member of AO’s Board of Directors, and Chairperson of Non due revenue Committee which is working to enhance member benefits.
Rochelle Shaw will be benefiting from the two young dentists that I met, that are getting married and moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico to assist in “growing” that chapter.
Friday was another busy and productive day. The Global Corporate Marketing Task Force began with an “Omelets and AO” breakfast. Steve Kess, our corporate board member ,chairs this committee. The charge of this task force is to help determine the implementation for the Alpha Omega marketing plan. This committee is intended to begin a Corporate/Fraternity partnership, and to assist in raising funds for all global activities. Some very exciting ideas and concepts were discussed, and we hopefully soon, will be able to announce some major initiatives.
The Tree of Peace task force is working on producing brochures and supporting literature to assist the efforts of the AO Foundation of US, The Canadian AO Foundation, and the London Charitable Trust in this joint venture. It is hoped that this program will enhance AO’s image, create much-needed “buzz,” and assist in bringing some very important ideas to fruition. This committee had a brief meeting in Chicago after breakfast.
I had a very important meeting and conversation regarding the Tomorrow’s Smiles program. This program was created, founded and the initial funding was underwritten by PIP Ron Goldstein. Ron started this because he wanted to create something that would encourage under-served children to enhance their dental appearance, thus improving their self image. The program calls for school involvement in identifying candidates for the program, and the candidates agreeing to “give back” by encouraging younger children to use better oral hygiene. Alpha Omega is partnering in this program, by providing ‘volunteers” that will provide the dental care for these individuals. This is a great example of philanthropy not having to spending money, but volunteering in a dental version of “tikun olam.” I hope many of you decide to get involved in this volunteer effort, and I encourage you to contact: Jennifer Drake, Program Administrator, at: jdrake@ncohf.org, to get more information, and to get involved.
Mike Stern, accompanied by the publisher of the Alpha Omegan, walked the convention floor soliciting ads for our publication. As most of us realize, printing and mailing costs for our publication continues to increase, and we are evaluating all ways possible to maintain and enhance the publication’s prestige and appeal, while controlling our costs.
After greeting so many fraters at the hospitality at the McCormick Center late Friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of having dinner with several fraters, Board members, and the Dean of Kings College in London. We enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and lively conversation, discussing the future of dentistry, and the vital role that Alpha Omega should and could play in it.
I left Chicago on Saturday mid-day, and felt some important things had been accomplished, and even more had begun. Alpha Omega must continue to evolve and progress if we are to maintain our mission statement, and demonstrate our relevancy. I hope that by explaining some of efforts we are doing behind the scenes,you ,too, may want to get involved. You should be excitement in knowing all your Fraternity is doing for you .We are involved in creating a vitality for the next 103 years.
I should have known it was going to be a great, productive and full filled few days in Chicago. Departing New York’s LaGuardia Airport on the 6:55 AM flight into Chicago’s Midway Airport, my flight departed and arrived on schedule. Considering that the meteorologists were predicting a major storm in the New York metro area beginning sometime Thursday and expected to last more than 24 hours, I was lucky to have left before the storm and returned back to New York on Saturday afternoon after the storm, to 40 degree temperatures. The 48 hours in-between were packed full of activities and positive situations for Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity.
My Chicago chapter hosts, led by IPIP Dan Uditsky, and International Editor Fred Margolis, were warm, friendly and involved. On Thursday evening, Milt Salzer organized a truly fraternal dinner, that attracted over 60 members and spouses. This is the Chicago chapter’s annual “Essen and Fressen” dinner gathering, where both local Chicago fraters as well as fraters traveling from all over to attend the magnificent Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, gather together to eat, discuss, and be fraternal. The Chicago dinner provides Alpha Omega with a great presence at the meeting. The Illinois chapter hosted an Alpha Omega hospitality late Friday afternoon at the McCormick Center. It was very gratifying to see so many Alpha Omegans, from Toronto, Montreal, England and the lower 48.
After dropping my bags off at the hotel on Thursday morning, I immediately jumped on the shuttle bus to the McCormick Center. Much of Thursday was spent in a variety of meetings to discuss and explore several possibilities to enhance Alpha Omega’s Member Benefits program. Fred Margolis and Mike Stern accompanied me for a number of these discussions, and I am very optimistic that some great new, improved or enhanced member benefits will be introduced shortly, as a result of some very good and frank discussions. Tune in for future announcements!
After meetings virtually all day Thursday at the McCormick Center, I returned to Harry Carey’s for dinner with fraters. I would like to mention just a few of the fraters in attendance that exemplify the quality and professionalism of our fraters. I had the opportunity to have a great conversation with Dr. Sam Wexler and his wife Charlene (I knew I’d like her because she had such a great first name!). Sam Wexler is a dental historian, who has set up historic dental operatories at such places as the Samuel B Harris Dental Museum (Baltimore), and in Israel at the Hadassah School of Dental Medicine founded by Alpha Omega International Dental Fraterniy. Sam described himself as a “collector of antique dental stuff.” He will be on hand for the opening of on of these exhibits in Israel in May.
Gerald Landes is the President of the Indianapolis chapter, who are a great group of fraters that meet every month for a fraternal and professional program. This year’s focus is implants. Gerald is also an excellent photographer who has attended numerous conventions, and demonstrated his tremendous loyalty and affinity for Alpha Omega, on both the local and international level. He is a funloving frater and I know you will like him when you meet him at the convention .
After hearing people repeatedly discussing obstacles facing Alpha Omega, and our need to attract younger, active members, I was very gratified to see what is going on in Chicago. The Chicago area fraters consists of lots of young dentists and families, with new practices and becoming associates. The Chicago chapter is very fortunate to have these young members ready to step up into leadership positions,helped and guided by Laurie Gordon-Shaw and Allen Moltz. Laurie is on the AO Foundation Board, and is very involved in running the annual Foundation auction fundraiser at our International Convention. This year’s will be held in conjunction with a Dessert Hospitality on Monday evening, Dec 27th in the evening, and the auction always has an interesting selection of items available to bid on (both a Silent Auction as well as a Live Auction). Allen is actively involved as a member of AO’s Board of Directors, and Chairperson of Non due revenue Committee which is working to enhance member benefits.
Rochelle Shaw will be benefiting from the two young dentists that I met, that are getting married and moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico to assist in “growing” that chapter.
Friday was another busy and productive day. The Global Corporate Marketing Task Force began with an “Omelets and AO” breakfast. Steve Kess, our corporate board member ,chairs this committee. The charge of this task force is to help determine the implementation for the Alpha Omega marketing plan. This committee is intended to begin a Corporate/Fraternity partnership, and to assist in raising funds for all global activities. Some very exciting ideas and concepts were discussed, and we hopefully soon, will be able to announce some major initiatives.
The Tree of Peace task force is working on producing brochures and supporting literature to assist the efforts of the AO Foundation of US, The Canadian AO Foundation, and the London Charitable Trust in this joint venture. It is hoped that this program will enhance AO’s image, create much-needed “buzz,” and assist in bringing some very important ideas to fruition. This committee had a brief meeting in Chicago after breakfast.
I had a very important meeting and conversation regarding the Tomorrow’s Smiles program. This program was created, founded and the initial funding was underwritten by PIP Ron Goldstein. Ron started this because he wanted to create something that would encourage under-served children to enhance their dental appearance, thus improving their self image. The program calls for school involvement in identifying candidates for the program, and the candidates agreeing to “give back” by encouraging younger children to use better oral hygiene. Alpha Omega is partnering in this program, by providing ‘volunteers” that will provide the dental care for these individuals. This is a great example of philanthropy not having to spending money, but volunteering in a dental version of “tikun olam.” I hope many of you decide to get involved in this volunteer effort, and I encourage you to contact: Jennifer Drake, Program Administrator, at: jdrake@ncohf.org, to get more information, and to get involved.
Mike Stern, accompanied by the publisher of the Alpha Omegan, walked the convention floor soliciting ads for our publication. As most of us realize, printing and mailing costs for our publication continues to increase, and we are evaluating all ways possible to maintain and enhance the publication’s prestige and appeal, while controlling our costs.
After greeting so many fraters at the hospitality at the McCormick Center late Friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of having dinner with several fraters, Board members, and the Dean of Kings College in London. We enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and lively conversation, discussing the future of dentistry, and the vital role that Alpha Omega should and could play in it.
I left Chicago on Saturday mid-day, and felt some important things had been accomplished, and even more had begun. Alpha Omega must continue to evolve and progress if we are to maintain our mission statement, and demonstrate our relevancy. I hope that by explaining some of efforts we are doing behind the scenes,you ,too, may want to get involved. You should be excitement in knowing all your Fraternity is doing for you .We are involved in creating a vitality for the next 103 years.
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