Each year, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s leadership meets for its mid-year meetings. For the past several years, the Alpha Omega Foundation has held its mid-year meeting at the same location as the Fraternity. This has been done to foster a closer, more efficient and effective working relationship and understanding between the fraternity and the foundation.
This year’s mid- year meetings were held at the Harbor Beach Marriott Hotel, in Ft. Lauderdale. We selected this location because this lovely hotel will be the location of our 2011 International Convention. We are very excited that two very enthusiastic and hard-working fraters have agreed to serve as Co-Marshals, and the names of Andy Lasky and Marty Braverman will be submitted for the office of Marshal-Designate at the upcoming convention in December in San Diego.
The Admin Committee held its meetings and deliberations on Thursday, July 22nd. The Admin has been working very hard all year to enhance communication and services to our fraters, and to “improve the AO experience.” On Friday, July 23rd, the Fraternity’s Board of Directors met and discussed various issues of importance to the fraternity. Significant time was spent discussing creating and implementing a meaningful and effective strategic plan, that will help secure Alpha Omega’s future. Any Foundation members that were interested in attending were invited to this meeting, and many open and important deliberations existed.
Friday evening was, of course, Shabbat, and fraternity and foundation members, as well as fraters from the Ft Lauderdale area were invited to join us for a lovely dinner at the hotel. We began with the traditional prayers over the wine and the Challah, as well as the singing of the “Mishebeach” (prayer for healing). We then enjoyed each other’s company and an enjoyable meal. Over 60 Fraters from the area were at this Shabbat dinner.
The Foundation held its meetings on Saturday, July 24th, and a number of essential discussions occurred during their deliberations. Many of the fraternity’s Board of Directors attended the foundations meetings as board members. A greater understanding of the foundations workings were achieved by all.
At both meeting, the GOHI Chapter Challenge Grant information was introduced and discussed. The purpose of this Grant Challenge is to expand the involvement of chapters and chapter membership to serve the needs of a community in need, locally, nationally or internationally. The goal is to encourage the development of new projects, and exciting models of volunteerism. There will be cash grants to chapters to assist in their good work, and assisting other chapters in creating something that can be duplicated. Alpha Omega is grateful to our corporate sponsors for this program, which includes Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Capteck, and Huraeres. International Editor Fred Margolis and the Global Corporate advisory board have worked diligently in bringing this program to fruition. We will be sending out the grant applications to the chapter presidents soon.
Once again this summer, the Florida Regency is holding its Summer Meeting. This year, it is being held at the Oomphoy Resort on Palm Beach from August 13-15th. Contact PIP Howard Pranikoff at (386) 673- 3468, or e-mail him at Hpranikoff@aol.com for additional information and details.
Our enthusiastic, energetic, forward thinking, and dedicated Marshal, Bob Simon, reviewed the exciting details of the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, California, from December 25th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011, and the great hotel rate is available from three days before the Convention to three days after. The Convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, and the special Alpha Omega rate is only $149 per night per room. Bob and his committee have arranged a value-packed, events-driven, CE loaded, fun and fraternal convention that will be spectacular! International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is organizing a special community service program for December 25th, so that our attendees can also participate in the “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” aspects of the Fraternity’s Judaic principles. If you’ve never attended an AO Convention, I urge you to come this year and learn how AO is truly one big family! If you’ve been to conventions before, but missed a few, please consider coming again this year, and enjoying this very special week. If you are a regular convention attendee, you will be very excited about what Bob and his committee have planned for this year! Details and registration is available from: aosunnydays.ao.org.
An organization like Alpha Omega is dependent on dedicated volunteers, like the individuals who diligently attended this year’s meetings. We are all very grateful to those fraters who give of themselves selflessly for the benefit of all fraters.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Incredible AO World
THE INCREDIBLE AO WORLD
I just got off the incredible Webinar sponsored by Demandforce, our new corporate partner, exclusively for Alpha Omega members. BOD Member Mike Stern reviewed his experiences in using Demandforce in his practice. Those that watched this well attended Webinar had the opportunity to gather meaningful information about an exciting member benefit. For those that were unable to attend the Webinar, it has been archived for future reference. Demandforce has committed to conducting quarterly Webinars for our members, and we are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with them.
The world of Alpha Omega often seems to be a variation of the “Six Degrees of Separation” theme, as I have often stated. In my past two blogs, I wrote about the great work being done in Jerusalem by D.V.I. This year, D.V.I. is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, and the American Friends of D.V.I. Is honoring, among others, Steve Kess (our Corporate Board Member and executive of Henry Schein), at their dinner on November 28th in NYC, during the Greater NY Dental Meeting. If you will be in NY around that time, D.V.I. is certainly most deserving of your support, and Steve Kess deserves our support for what he has done for AO and DVI, as well as what Schein has done for so many worthwhile charitable endeavors.
Many of the Alpha Omega Gamma Chapter members (at Tufts) will be participating in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this August, for their second annual mission trip. This trip is the finest tradition of our GOHI tradition, which emphasizes tzedaka and tikun olam. Please contact Marshall Knauer (fund-raising chair for Gamma Chapter) at marshk716@gmail.com or Dr. Steven Spitz (drspitz@smileboston.com) for additional info, or to help. I am personally very proud of the Gamma members, because when I was at Gamma as a student at Tufts, we conducted a fundraiser that raised enough money ($1000) to make Gamma a Founder of the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity, and I was thrilled to see our plaque on the dental school dedication wall when visited. More “6 Degrees!”
On the “6 Degrees” theme, our GOHI Corporate Advisory Board Committee chair, Steve Kess recommended that we produce a methodology to bring GOHI to the next level, by having corporate sponsors (including Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Captek, and Huraeres) fund the GOHI Challenge Grant, for chapters to start creating and implementing a GOHI project, and sharing the idea with others, in order to make it far more duplicatable. This program will enable two matching grants and two initiation grants annually for at least the next 3 years. Please contact our Headquarters Office at headquarters@ao.org and have the GOHI Challenge Grant Information and Grant Request Form, to get full details and to apply.
This year’s International Student Representatives, Whitney Mostafiz and Matt Rossen have been energetically leading our student members. They have been encouraging our student chapters to “lead by example” by raising funds for a Global Oral Health Initiative. They are also encouraging students to arrange to come to San Diego for this year’s International Convention. At this year’s Convention, as part of the Continuing Education program, we are holding the first- ever student Poster Presentation Contest, with cash prizes being awarded. Contact Whitney at Whitney.Mostafiz@gmail.com for any additional information.
Our Fall Leadership Seminar is being held in Boston from October 15-17th. Corporate Board Member Steve Anderson will be conducting a fabulous full day seminar on October `15th, and we will then have a great Leadership Seminar the rest of the weekend. Boston’s Brian Miller is one of the “masters” of organizing scientific seminars, and has been organizing Boston’s renowned seminars for many years.
As if there wasn’t enough reason already to be excited about the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, we have once again secured Candi to run our Children’s Convention. Candi has coordinated AO Children’s Conventions for many years, and parents are always thrilled and happy with her attention to detail, etc. Between the great Continuing Ed being planned, great schedule and program planned by Marshal Bob Simon and his committee, great events, fabulous hotel rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (amazingly low $149 per night room rate), Fun Foundation nights, golf, unbelievable events planned (including evening on the USS Midway and Spouses Function on Hornblower Cruises), this is a Convention to be at! Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org, for additional information and to register.
Our mid-year Admin, Board of Directors and Foundation Meetings are coming up next week in Ft Lauderdale. We are also looking forward to our Shabbat Dinner with some of the local Ft Lauderdale area fraters.
There is so much available for everyone at Alpha Omega. Each of us has different interests, priorities, etc. Alpha Omega is here to accomplish its important missions, honor the sides and base of our triangle, and serve the needs of our members. We look forward to everyone’s involvement, and together, we can assure AO’s continued greatness and relevancy.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
I just got off the incredible Webinar sponsored by Demandforce, our new corporate partner, exclusively for Alpha Omega members. BOD Member Mike Stern reviewed his experiences in using Demandforce in his practice. Those that watched this well attended Webinar had the opportunity to gather meaningful information about an exciting member benefit. For those that were unable to attend the Webinar, it has been archived for future reference. Demandforce has committed to conducting quarterly Webinars for our members, and we are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with them.
The world of Alpha Omega often seems to be a variation of the “Six Degrees of Separation” theme, as I have often stated. In my past two blogs, I wrote about the great work being done in Jerusalem by D.V.I. This year, D.V.I. is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, and the American Friends of D.V.I. Is honoring, among others, Steve Kess (our Corporate Board Member and executive of Henry Schein), at their dinner on November 28th in NYC, during the Greater NY Dental Meeting. If you will be in NY around that time, D.V.I. is certainly most deserving of your support, and Steve Kess deserves our support for what he has done for AO and DVI, as well as what Schein has done for so many worthwhile charitable endeavors.
Many of the Alpha Omega Gamma Chapter members (at Tufts) will be participating in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this August, for their second annual mission trip. This trip is the finest tradition of our GOHI tradition, which emphasizes tzedaka and tikun olam. Please contact Marshall Knauer (fund-raising chair for Gamma Chapter) at marshk716@gmail.com or Dr. Steven Spitz (drspitz@smileboston.com) for additional info, or to help. I am personally very proud of the Gamma members, because when I was at Gamma as a student at Tufts, we conducted a fundraiser that raised enough money ($1000) to make Gamma a Founder of the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity, and I was thrilled to see our plaque on the dental school dedication wall when visited. More “6 Degrees!”
On the “6 Degrees” theme, our GOHI Corporate Advisory Board Committee chair, Steve Kess recommended that we produce a methodology to bring GOHI to the next level, by having corporate sponsors (including Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Captek, and Huraeres) fund the GOHI Challenge Grant, for chapters to start creating and implementing a GOHI project, and sharing the idea with others, in order to make it far more duplicatable. This program will enable two matching grants and two initiation grants annually for at least the next 3 years. Please contact our Headquarters Office at headquarters@ao.org and have the GOHI Challenge Grant Information and Grant Request Form, to get full details and to apply.
This year’s International Student Representatives, Whitney Mostafiz and Matt Rossen have been energetically leading our student members. They have been encouraging our student chapters to “lead by example” by raising funds for a Global Oral Health Initiative. They are also encouraging students to arrange to come to San Diego for this year’s International Convention. At this year’s Convention, as part of the Continuing Education program, we are holding the first- ever student Poster Presentation Contest, with cash prizes being awarded. Contact Whitney at Whitney.Mostafiz@gmail.com for any additional information.
Our Fall Leadership Seminar is being held in Boston from October 15-17th. Corporate Board Member Steve Anderson will be conducting a fabulous full day seminar on October `15th, and we will then have a great Leadership Seminar the rest of the weekend. Boston’s Brian Miller is one of the “masters” of organizing scientific seminars, and has been organizing Boston’s renowned seminars for many years.
As if there wasn’t enough reason already to be excited about the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, we have once again secured Candi to run our Children’s Convention. Candi has coordinated AO Children’s Conventions for many years, and parents are always thrilled and happy with her attention to detail, etc. Between the great Continuing Ed being planned, great schedule and program planned by Marshal Bob Simon and his committee, great events, fabulous hotel rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (amazingly low $149 per night room rate), Fun Foundation nights, golf, unbelievable events planned (including evening on the USS Midway and Spouses Function on Hornblower Cruises), this is a Convention to be at! Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org, for additional information and to register.
Our mid-year Admin, Board of Directors and Foundation Meetings are coming up next week in Ft Lauderdale. We are also looking forward to our Shabbat Dinner with some of the local Ft Lauderdale area fraters.
There is so much available for everyone at Alpha Omega. Each of us has different interests, priorities, etc. Alpha Omega is here to accomplish its important missions, honor the sides and base of our triangle, and serve the needs of our members. We look forward to everyone’s involvement, and together, we can assure AO’s continued greatness and relevancy.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, July 8, 2010
AO Presidential Reflections at mid year
PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS
It’s hard for me to believe that my Presidential year is already half over. I have tried to keep readers of my Blog informed about my weekly activities and Alpha Omega “going-ons.” After a fabulous dozen days in Israel, a safe return home, and another active week of AO activities, I am devoting this blog to some personal reflections and observations.
After 103 years, Alpha Omega has continuously evolved and adapted. We are now a truly International organization, and for AO to remain relevant, we must stay true to the mission symbolized by our triangle. The uniqueness of Alpha Omega is that we combine all three sides of this triangle - - Fraternalism (our unique family feeling and relationship), Professionalism (our devotion to the finest principles and ideals of the health professions), and Judaism (the combination of the Judaic values of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam,” and our commitment to Israel).
My recent trip to Israel helped me focus far more clearly on the unique characteristics of that amazing country and its incredible citizens. Our Israeli fraters do not need to concern themselves with the Judaic aspect of our organization, because being Jewish is basically a fact of life to those residing in Israel. While our fraters pride themselves on their professionalism, they do not only need Alpha Omega for continuing education (first, there is no Continuing Ed requirements in Israel, and second, they have numerous other availabilities for professional enhancement and education). They enjoy the fraternal aspect of the triangle, but most fraters do not feel it is an overwhelmingly compelling reason to belong. They should learn how important is truly is to all of us. As Israel’s Regent, David Ash explained, he explains to other dentists in Israel, that they need Alpha Omega to “give back” and as I said ‘to funnel their “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.” ‘Israeli fraters find it very difficult to get more involved on an international level, because their cost of transportation to an International Convention is often much more than it is for North American fraters, without the tax` deductibility. Students have so many challenges after graduating from dental school that it is difficult for them to make membership in Alpha Omega a priority at the early stages of their professional lives. Many students must then serve military commitments, or seek employment in a rather challenging environment. But I met many eager student who wanted to learn about AO.
There are many health challenges and worthy causes in Israel. Hebrew University is a world-class institution, which is most deserving of our support. TAU has been in a state of flux for years, has major infrastructure challenges, has financial challenges, and although everyone had great things to say about new Head of School Iliana Eli, still needs major restructuring financially, as well in its relationship with the government, the University, and its faculty. We are all rooting for TAU to succeed but we must remain supportive while encouraging the school to take the necessary steps to assure its future success.
One of the major dental educational needs in Israel is post-graduate, specialty education in the north of the country. It is for that reason that about two years ago, the dental program at Rambam Hospital in Haifa opened their Graduate School of Dentistry. This is an extremely well managed, well run, and impressive program. The program also has a relationship both with the hospital itself, as well as the Rappaport Medical School. Since Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are both in central Israel, the dental health needs in the North are stretched, because there are far fewer dentists practicing in the North. This program also encourages dentists practicing in the North, as well as serving the urgent dental and oral needs of the under-served population in this region. I was very impressed with this program.
At Ziv Hospital in Sefad, Alejandro Rusental runs a small but essential program that serves the poorest socio-economic population in the country, while under threat of bombs from Lebanon. Alejandro provides high quality care, and exemplifies the finest principles of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.” Another great cause!
Many of us are familiar with the wonderful work done by DVI, providing highest quality dental care to needy children in Jerusalem. Although many consider Jerusalem a “big city,” its population is only 800,000 and over 200,000 of that population are children under the poverty level. DVI charges nothing, receives almost all its supplies courtesy of generous contributions, uses volunteer foreign dentists (many of which are Alpha Omegans). However, since they receive no funding from the government, and the worldwide economic situation as well as Israeli politics has had adverse impacts on funds received. A great program!
Our Boston Alumni Chapter supports a very worthwhile program -The Luba Slome Dental Center in Jerusalem. It was recently featured in an outstanding article in Dr. Bicuspid.com June 8, 2010. The center offers educational workshops both at the clinic and in the schools of Jerusalem. Fees are reduced for their services and they have taught thousands of families how to improve their oral hygiene and with prevention come less dental disease. Although I did not see this facility, I know the quality of our Boston Fraters commitment and their fundraising efforts for this nonprofit dental clinic are very commendable. Each chapter should pick a project and support it as Boston does. Watch for our exciting GOHI Chapter Challenge program that will encourage such chapter involvement.
The Holocaust Survivors program, organized by Shlomo Matalon ,Eldad Helft and David Ash ,AO Regent is a great success. The Tel Aviv Chapter and the senior dental students provide free treatments offered at Tel Aviv School of Dental Medicine, treating survivors with no financial ability to pay. Thanks to the campaign organized by Drs. Ziv Simon, Max` Cutler and Lionell Greenberg funds were raised to start this worthwhile program. The students and Alumni treat many incredibly needy “Survivor “senior citizens, who otherwise would not receive dental and oral health care.
There are so many wonderful programs, and so many needs in Israel. I have come to believe that we North Americans do not fully understand the complete needs of the underserved people of this nation. We should be proud of our support, but should utilize to a larger degree our greatest asset in Israel - - our Israeli Fraters. We should consult with our fraters in Israel to receive valuable feedback as to the nation’s dental needs and priorities. They are there and know the situation and areas of greatest need - - we are not. They , also can be our helping hands to do the tzedaka and tikun Olam and bind the fraternalism of AO with the needs of a nation.
Doing this will not only benefit the overall impact of our contributions to Israel, these other programs would provide greater visibility for Alpha Omega, and thus encourage past members to get involved once again, because they would see what AO does all over the country. I believe that it would probably make sense to create a four person advisory committee of Israeli fraters- - one from each of the three chapters in Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa), and chaired locally by the Israeli Regent ( who changes every two years.). This committee would identify worthy programs that we should consider for additional support. If we wish to be International, we must listen to our Fraters in other nations, and understand their unique needs and opportunities. If all our fraters, throughout the world listened to each other and worked together more, just imagine how Alpha Omega could evolve and how much greater we will be.
I urge you all to make every effort and really consider coming to our International Convention this December 25- January 1 in San Diego. There, you will not only experience a great week filled with fraternalism, professional enhancement, and enjoyment, but you will have the opportunity to meet and speak to fraters from many other places, and discuss how, despite the uniqueness of each culture, how our common interests both unite us and make us stronger! Go to: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org, and read about the Convention, and even register online. I look forward to greeting many of you at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego at the end of the year.
Alpha Omega means many different things to many different people. Think back about why you joined, and why you remain a member today. Let others know everything today’s AO has to offer. If we all work together, we can assure that AO remains relevant and worthwhile for many years to come!
PS :Sign up for the Demand Force Webinar scheduled for July 15….see our web site www.AO.org for details.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
It’s hard for me to believe that my Presidential year is already half over. I have tried to keep readers of my Blog informed about my weekly activities and Alpha Omega “going-ons.” After a fabulous dozen days in Israel, a safe return home, and another active week of AO activities, I am devoting this blog to some personal reflections and observations.
After 103 years, Alpha Omega has continuously evolved and adapted. We are now a truly International organization, and for AO to remain relevant, we must stay true to the mission symbolized by our triangle. The uniqueness of Alpha Omega is that we combine all three sides of this triangle - - Fraternalism (our unique family feeling and relationship), Professionalism (our devotion to the finest principles and ideals of the health professions), and Judaism (the combination of the Judaic values of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam,” and our commitment to Israel).
My recent trip to Israel helped me focus far more clearly on the unique characteristics of that amazing country and its incredible citizens. Our Israeli fraters do not need to concern themselves with the Judaic aspect of our organization, because being Jewish is basically a fact of life to those residing in Israel. While our fraters pride themselves on their professionalism, they do not only need Alpha Omega for continuing education (first, there is no Continuing Ed requirements in Israel, and second, they have numerous other availabilities for professional enhancement and education). They enjoy the fraternal aspect of the triangle, but most fraters do not feel it is an overwhelmingly compelling reason to belong. They should learn how important is truly is to all of us. As Israel’s Regent, David Ash explained, he explains to other dentists in Israel, that they need Alpha Omega to “give back” and as I said ‘to funnel their “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.” ‘Israeli fraters find it very difficult to get more involved on an international level, because their cost of transportation to an International Convention is often much more than it is for North American fraters, without the tax` deductibility. Students have so many challenges after graduating from dental school that it is difficult for them to make membership in Alpha Omega a priority at the early stages of their professional lives. Many students must then serve military commitments, or seek employment in a rather challenging environment. But I met many eager student who wanted to learn about AO.
There are many health challenges and worthy causes in Israel. Hebrew University is a world-class institution, which is most deserving of our support. TAU has been in a state of flux for years, has major infrastructure challenges, has financial challenges, and although everyone had great things to say about new Head of School Iliana Eli, still needs major restructuring financially, as well in its relationship with the government, the University, and its faculty. We are all rooting for TAU to succeed but we must remain supportive while encouraging the school to take the necessary steps to assure its future success.
One of the major dental educational needs in Israel is post-graduate, specialty education in the north of the country. It is for that reason that about two years ago, the dental program at Rambam Hospital in Haifa opened their Graduate School of Dentistry. This is an extremely well managed, well run, and impressive program. The program also has a relationship both with the hospital itself, as well as the Rappaport Medical School. Since Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are both in central Israel, the dental health needs in the North are stretched, because there are far fewer dentists practicing in the North. This program also encourages dentists practicing in the North, as well as serving the urgent dental and oral needs of the under-served population in this region. I was very impressed with this program.
At Ziv Hospital in Sefad, Alejandro Rusental runs a small but essential program that serves the poorest socio-economic population in the country, while under threat of bombs from Lebanon. Alejandro provides high quality care, and exemplifies the finest principles of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.” Another great cause!
Many of us are familiar with the wonderful work done by DVI, providing highest quality dental care to needy children in Jerusalem. Although many consider Jerusalem a “big city,” its population is only 800,000 and over 200,000 of that population are children under the poverty level. DVI charges nothing, receives almost all its supplies courtesy of generous contributions, uses volunteer foreign dentists (many of which are Alpha Omegans). However, since they receive no funding from the government, and the worldwide economic situation as well as Israeli politics has had adverse impacts on funds received. A great program!
Our Boston Alumni Chapter supports a very worthwhile program -The Luba Slome Dental Center in Jerusalem. It was recently featured in an outstanding article in Dr. Bicuspid.com June 8, 2010. The center offers educational workshops both at the clinic and in the schools of Jerusalem. Fees are reduced for their services and they have taught thousands of families how to improve their oral hygiene and with prevention come less dental disease. Although I did not see this facility, I know the quality of our Boston Fraters commitment and their fundraising efforts for this nonprofit dental clinic are very commendable. Each chapter should pick a project and support it as Boston does. Watch for our exciting GOHI Chapter Challenge program that will encourage such chapter involvement.
The Holocaust Survivors program, organized by Shlomo Matalon ,Eldad Helft and David Ash ,AO Regent is a great success. The Tel Aviv Chapter and the senior dental students provide free treatments offered at Tel Aviv School of Dental Medicine, treating survivors with no financial ability to pay. Thanks to the campaign organized by Drs. Ziv Simon, Max` Cutler and Lionell Greenberg funds were raised to start this worthwhile program. The students and Alumni treat many incredibly needy “Survivor “senior citizens, who otherwise would not receive dental and oral health care.
There are so many wonderful programs, and so many needs in Israel. I have come to believe that we North Americans do not fully understand the complete needs of the underserved people of this nation. We should be proud of our support, but should utilize to a larger degree our greatest asset in Israel - - our Israeli Fraters. We should consult with our fraters in Israel to receive valuable feedback as to the nation’s dental needs and priorities. They are there and know the situation and areas of greatest need - - we are not. They , also can be our helping hands to do the tzedaka and tikun Olam and bind the fraternalism of AO with the needs of a nation.
Doing this will not only benefit the overall impact of our contributions to Israel, these other programs would provide greater visibility for Alpha Omega, and thus encourage past members to get involved once again, because they would see what AO does all over the country. I believe that it would probably make sense to create a four person advisory committee of Israeli fraters- - one from each of the three chapters in Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa), and chaired locally by the Israeli Regent ( who changes every two years.). This committee would identify worthy programs that we should consider for additional support. If we wish to be International, we must listen to our Fraters in other nations, and understand their unique needs and opportunities. If all our fraters, throughout the world listened to each other and worked together more, just imagine how Alpha Omega could evolve and how much greater we will be.
I urge you all to make every effort and really consider coming to our International Convention this December 25- January 1 in San Diego. There, you will not only experience a great week filled with fraternalism, professional enhancement, and enjoyment, but you will have the opportunity to meet and speak to fraters from many other places, and discuss how, despite the uniqueness of each culture, how our common interests both unite us and make us stronger! Go to: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org, and read about the Convention, and even register online. I look forward to greeting many of you at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego at the end of the year.
Alpha Omega means many different things to many different people. Think back about why you joined, and why you remain a member today. Let others know everything today’s AO has to offer. If we all work together, we can assure that AO remains relevant and worthwhile for many years to come!
PS :Sign up for the Demand Force Webinar scheduled for July 15….see our web site www.AO.org for details.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Friday, July 2, 2010
GREETINGS FROM ISRAEL- Part Two
GREETINGS FROM ISRAEL – Part Two
Our magnificent Israel experience continues! Israeli’s face almost constant stress, risk and danger, and we observe they persevere with the help on many sweet shops, ice cream parlors and delicious coffee shops. We have learned that while Israeli Jews approach education and other areas in their life in a Western manner, they maintain their individuality and special identity and character. They also love World cup Football and each neighborhood has their favorite team. Although Israel has some of the highest health standards in the world, they also have a large impoverished and needy population. When this is combined with a fairly high cost of living, we now realize how amazing this tiny nation is! While we, North Americans, complain about our price of fuel, Israelis pay the equivalent of close to USD6.50 per gallon. Americans complain about taxes, yet Israelis pay a much higher tax rate than we do. Plus Israelis also pay a VAT on nearly everything! And yet they grow, and progress!
One of the most special parts of our Israeli journey was our wonderful host Israeli Regent David Ash. He and Haya spent so much time with us that we are now a close AO family! David arranged a great walking guided tour of the Rothschild Street and the Bauhaus Architecture area in Tel Aviv for us. Doron and Jannet Talmor both AO Dentists joined us. They are another great Israeli couple who taught us about Israeli life as dentists, parents and fraters. In the evening, David brought us to his home to spend time with Haya and their family to celebrate farewell to Shabbat. Haya was a wonderful hostess, fussing and preparing food and beverage galore! Jewish mothers are the same worldwide, as she is warm and welcoming.
We had the privilege of spending time strolling through the Old City of Jaffa, and enjoying some incredible photo opportunities for Richard and bargaining opportunities for me. Gifts were purchased for our family at home and we even got through on the phone to our sons to check on their “vacation” from us.
This past Monday was an indication of the high esteem that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is held in Israel, as Vladi Dvoyris Tel Aviv’s Vice President, who is presently in military service, arranged a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Richard and I were shown the great work of the dental division of the IDF, beginning with a thorough visitation of Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv. This dental corps provides high quality dental care to individuals in the military, some elderly and/or needy, Holocaust survivors, etc. Our trip began when Vladi and Major Pinhy Baz-Chama picked us up to go to Sheba. There we met the Chief Dental Officer at the IDF Surgeon General HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Alon Shenkman, who spent the entire day with us, showing us the good work the dental corps was doing, not only at Sheba, but also on their many military bases in the north. Alon explained to us the history of using mobile clinics on military bases and the life of a Dental Coup Officer. We visited three bases in the Northern part of Israel, and saw first- hand what a major contribution these dedicated professionals perform for the soldiers! The dentist at one of the bases was a young man named Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Goryunov, who told us what an important influence David Ash was on him, since David had been his teacher and AO mentor. Pinhy Baz- Hama is becoming the officer in charge of dental operations for the North, while he still working in the orthodontic clinic in Sheba one day per week. At the end of our visitations in the North, LTC Alon Shenkman took us to Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel, overlooking Syria and Lebanon, in the Golan Heights, and personally told us of the historic and strategic significance of the Golan. Then suddenly, Alon said, “Here they come,” as a group of special intelligence forces led by the highest ranking Colonel in the North came to “show us around” .All this because Alon felt the Alpha Omega International President was deserving of such attention! What an amazing experience! What a fabulous group of Israelis and new friends in high places for AO!
No visit to Israel would be complete without a trip to Yad Vashem and the Western Wall. David Ash and the Jerusalem chapter President Boaz Shay arranged for special guided tours at both locations .We were joined by members of both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv chapters. Several members of the Haifa chapter had planned to also join us, but they participated as a group in the March on Jerusalem in support of the Israeli soldier who has been held captive for over four years without Red Cross help, and without even a whimper from the rest of the world! The whole country is upset about this injustice and is marching on Jerusalem. Amongst the fraters who joined us for this experience were Dr. Boaz Shay, the President of the Jerusalem chapter, Dr. Dafna Bendet and her husband Erez (two of the warmest individuals anywhere!), and International Board of Director member Miki Yitzhaki. Our Western Wall tour, caves, tunnels and archeological experience were expertly guided by professional tour guide who is also a Fifth Year Hebrew University dental student Mike Joachim, and an AO student as well.
One of the most touching experiences were our two separate visits to DVI. Michelle Levine,Director of International Relations and development,michelle@dental-dvi.org.il, showed us everything about DVI, and spent many hours with us. Two of our Toronto fraters were volunteering at the time, which made it even more special! Dr. Steven Kazman has been volunteering at DVI for 21 years. He not only volunteers but has contributed significant monies and supplies to their efforts. While we were there, there was a dedication of the x-ray room by Steven, who previously had dedicated it for his parents. The other Toronto volunteer was Dr. Alan Vinegar (who is Larry’s cousin), our 6 degrees of separation get smaller and smaller. Alan and Steven demonstrated the best of Alpha Omega, not just talking about “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” but really doing something proactive about it! Alan also brought his friend Barbara, a full time Hebrew Day School teacher and she has been helping at DVI with paperwork and anything they ask of her. DVI is an amazing story. Many of us know that Trudi Birger began this worthwhile program 30 years ago with the help of her husband and then mayor Teddy Kolleck. Due to outstanding and continuous support from Henry Schein Co., which donates many of their supplies, and they have a wonderful,supportive Board of Directors who promotes DVI, and the volunteer dentists supplying the dental services, DVI is able to serve the most needy and poorest children of Jerusalem. DVI serves children of any nationality or ethnicity, if they are needy. No one is charged at DVI and the care ,concern and quality of service is outstanding.. Of course, because of the worldwide economic crisis, DVI has lost some of its pledged monies, and this money is necessary to pay staff, rent, utilities, etc. This is a great group of caring health professionals, and a great example of caring people teaching dental health,prevention,intervention and doing good dentistry! Roy Petel, a Pedodontist and a Clinical Instructor at Hebrew University, is the dynamic, caring wonderful individual who is DVI’s General Director. This project is worthy of our caring, concern, time as volunteers and support as Alpha Omegans!
Michele added to our Jerusalem education by acting as tour guide, showing the views of the old city and instructing Richard ,Barbara and I in the culture and history of the population DVI serves. We were later joined by Alan Vinegar, after his shift at DVI was finished for the day. Together ,we were enlightened by a visit to the Jerusalem Bird Observatory or JBO on the grounds of the Knesset .You can get more info on their web site,http://www.jbo.org.il/Eng%20index,htm. Spontaneously, we decided to donate to this little known spot of education, enlightenment and wildlife oasis in the middle of Jerusalem by planting trees. Richard and I planted a fig tree and Barbara and Alan planted an Almond tree. These will feed the migrating birds as the pass over Jerusalem and feed the sole of the visitors to this tiny wildlife preserve.
We had the pleasure of being hosted for dinner at a fabulous rooftop restaurant overlooking the Old City. Adam and Ayala Stabholz ,a AO international Board member, the Former Dean Jonathan Mann, Boaz Shay , Micki Yitzhaki (one of our BOD members ),David Ash and several of Adam’s principal people at the dental school treated us “royally”. It was particularly exciting when a fireworks extravaganza was set off from the next rooftop while we dined. The next day, Adam hosted us at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. We were able to witness first-hand how Adam has overseen this dental school becoming a world class facility. I was then honored to participate ,speak and “cut the ribbon” at the dedication of the Alpha Omega Conference Room on the 5th floor of the new wing of the school. This fifth floor, called the Alpha Omega floor is the area that Adam has dedicated to AO’s memorabilia and our history with the magnificent obsession to create this school in Israel.. The school also has a world class dental museum and a special case with Albert Einstein’s dental models and prescription for this new partial denture from 1945. Our Frater and dental historian Dr. Samuel Wexler and his wife ,Charlene were at the University last month creating the outstanding exhibits of period dental offices. They were royally treated by Adam and his staff while they recreated dental history in the museum. I had the opportunity to address and speak personally to the fifth year dental students, and several of them have been at AO International Conventions . They have been spreading the “AO Fever.” It was also great to see one of the infamous Columbia University “tall guys” who was also visiting the school at the time! ( Please, see the prior blog about the tall dental students of Columbia and their marvelous story and contributions this year.)While one would think that the day could not be “topped,” David Ash and Shachor, Tel Aviv’s President, showed me more Israeli hospitality! Shachor took a few of us to his relative’s superb restaurant in Jerusalem, and then David, Dafna and Erez took us to the “Light Show” at the King David Tower at the Western Wall. An amazing and breathtaking experience, but to top it off, I bumped into Robert Hersch, a Brooklyn chapter Frater, who was visiting with his 13 year old son. Introductions all around and we shared an AO experience together.
Our final day in Israel was spent meeting the incredible class of 1991 at a special memorial lecture series they presented at Hebrew University. I was asked to speak on behalf of AO and send our warm international wishes and goals for this our “Year for the Member”. When over 60% of the class has become specialists, and a large number have become renowned clinicians throughout the world , including a couple of deans of US dental school, you realize what an exceptional group this was. I invite you all to come meet one of the deans, Professor Avishai Sadan,of USC Ostrow School of Dentistry , who will be joining us in San Diego. Just another reason why you should be at the AO convention in December! David Ash drove us back to Tel Aviv, so that we can catch our early flight back home tomorrow. Thank you, David and Haya and all the AO Fraters who made these two weeks so very special for Richard and me. We are still awaiting the official naming of the Tel Aviv Dental School Dean. I apologies if I left anyone’s name out of our travel log as AO’s first couple.
This blog and last week’s blog were written to let you know what’s going on in Israel during my Presidential visit! In next week’s blog, I am planning to give my observations and personal insights on what these observations meant to me, in relation to Alpha Omega, our mission and our direction! Thank you for sharing my AO visitation and reading through to the end, which is really only a beginning…..
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Our magnificent Israel experience continues! Israeli’s face almost constant stress, risk and danger, and we observe they persevere with the help on many sweet shops, ice cream parlors and delicious coffee shops. We have learned that while Israeli Jews approach education and other areas in their life in a Western manner, they maintain their individuality and special identity and character. They also love World cup Football and each neighborhood has their favorite team. Although Israel has some of the highest health standards in the world, they also have a large impoverished and needy population. When this is combined with a fairly high cost of living, we now realize how amazing this tiny nation is! While we, North Americans, complain about our price of fuel, Israelis pay the equivalent of close to USD6.50 per gallon. Americans complain about taxes, yet Israelis pay a much higher tax rate than we do. Plus Israelis also pay a VAT on nearly everything! And yet they grow, and progress!
One of the most special parts of our Israeli journey was our wonderful host Israeli Regent David Ash. He and Haya spent so much time with us that we are now a close AO family! David arranged a great walking guided tour of the Rothschild Street and the Bauhaus Architecture area in Tel Aviv for us. Doron and Jannet Talmor both AO Dentists joined us. They are another great Israeli couple who taught us about Israeli life as dentists, parents and fraters. In the evening, David brought us to his home to spend time with Haya and their family to celebrate farewell to Shabbat. Haya was a wonderful hostess, fussing and preparing food and beverage galore! Jewish mothers are the same worldwide, as she is warm and welcoming.
We had the privilege of spending time strolling through the Old City of Jaffa, and enjoying some incredible photo opportunities for Richard and bargaining opportunities for me. Gifts were purchased for our family at home and we even got through on the phone to our sons to check on their “vacation” from us.
This past Monday was an indication of the high esteem that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is held in Israel, as Vladi Dvoyris Tel Aviv’s Vice President, who is presently in military service, arranged a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Richard and I were shown the great work of the dental division of the IDF, beginning with a thorough visitation of Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv. This dental corps provides high quality dental care to individuals in the military, some elderly and/or needy, Holocaust survivors, etc. Our trip began when Vladi and Major Pinhy Baz-Chama picked us up to go to Sheba. There we met the Chief Dental Officer at the IDF Surgeon General HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Alon Shenkman, who spent the entire day with us, showing us the good work the dental corps was doing, not only at Sheba, but also on their many military bases in the north. Alon explained to us the history of using mobile clinics on military bases and the life of a Dental Coup Officer. We visited three bases in the Northern part of Israel, and saw first- hand what a major contribution these dedicated professionals perform for the soldiers! The dentist at one of the bases was a young man named Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Goryunov, who told us what an important influence David Ash was on him, since David had been his teacher and AO mentor. Pinhy Baz- Hama is becoming the officer in charge of dental operations for the North, while he still working in the orthodontic clinic in Sheba one day per week. At the end of our visitations in the North, LTC Alon Shenkman took us to Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel, overlooking Syria and Lebanon, in the Golan Heights, and personally told us of the historic and strategic significance of the Golan. Then suddenly, Alon said, “Here they come,” as a group of special intelligence forces led by the highest ranking Colonel in the North came to “show us around” .All this because Alon felt the Alpha Omega International President was deserving of such attention! What an amazing experience! What a fabulous group of Israelis and new friends in high places for AO!
No visit to Israel would be complete without a trip to Yad Vashem and the Western Wall. David Ash and the Jerusalem chapter President Boaz Shay arranged for special guided tours at both locations .We were joined by members of both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv chapters. Several members of the Haifa chapter had planned to also join us, but they participated as a group in the March on Jerusalem in support of the Israeli soldier who has been held captive for over four years without Red Cross help, and without even a whimper from the rest of the world! The whole country is upset about this injustice and is marching on Jerusalem. Amongst the fraters who joined us for this experience were Dr. Boaz Shay, the President of the Jerusalem chapter, Dr. Dafna Bendet and her husband Erez (two of the warmest individuals anywhere!), and International Board of Director member Miki Yitzhaki. Our Western Wall tour, caves, tunnels and archeological experience were expertly guided by professional tour guide who is also a Fifth Year Hebrew University dental student Mike Joachim, and an AO student as well.
One of the most touching experiences were our two separate visits to DVI. Michelle Levine,Director of International Relations and development,michelle@dental-dvi.org.il, showed us everything about DVI, and spent many hours with us. Two of our Toronto fraters were volunteering at the time, which made it even more special! Dr. Steven Kazman has been volunteering at DVI for 21 years. He not only volunteers but has contributed significant monies and supplies to their efforts. While we were there, there was a dedication of the x-ray room by Steven, who previously had dedicated it for his parents. The other Toronto volunteer was Dr. Alan Vinegar (who is Larry’s cousin), our 6 degrees of separation get smaller and smaller. Alan and Steven demonstrated the best of Alpha Omega, not just talking about “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” but really doing something proactive about it! Alan also brought his friend Barbara, a full time Hebrew Day School teacher and she has been helping at DVI with paperwork and anything they ask of her. DVI is an amazing story. Many of us know that Trudi Birger began this worthwhile program 30 years ago with the help of her husband and then mayor Teddy Kolleck. Due to outstanding and continuous support from Henry Schein Co., which donates many of their supplies, and they have a wonderful,supportive Board of Directors who promotes DVI, and the volunteer dentists supplying the dental services, DVI is able to serve the most needy and poorest children of Jerusalem. DVI serves children of any nationality or ethnicity, if they are needy. No one is charged at DVI and the care ,concern and quality of service is outstanding.. Of course, because of the worldwide economic crisis, DVI has lost some of its pledged monies, and this money is necessary to pay staff, rent, utilities, etc. This is a great group of caring health professionals, and a great example of caring people teaching dental health,prevention,intervention and doing good dentistry! Roy Petel, a Pedodontist and a Clinical Instructor at Hebrew University, is the dynamic, caring wonderful individual who is DVI’s General Director. This project is worthy of our caring, concern, time as volunteers and support as Alpha Omegans!
Michele added to our Jerusalem education by acting as tour guide, showing the views of the old city and instructing Richard ,Barbara and I in the culture and history of the population DVI serves. We were later joined by Alan Vinegar, after his shift at DVI was finished for the day. Together ,we were enlightened by a visit to the Jerusalem Bird Observatory or JBO on the grounds of the Knesset .You can get more info on their web site,http://www.jbo.org.il/Eng%20index,htm. Spontaneously, we decided to donate to this little known spot of education, enlightenment and wildlife oasis in the middle of Jerusalem by planting trees. Richard and I planted a fig tree and Barbara and Alan planted an Almond tree. These will feed the migrating birds as the pass over Jerusalem and feed the sole of the visitors to this tiny wildlife preserve.
We had the pleasure of being hosted for dinner at a fabulous rooftop restaurant overlooking the Old City. Adam and Ayala Stabholz ,a AO international Board member, the Former Dean Jonathan Mann, Boaz Shay , Micki Yitzhaki (one of our BOD members ),David Ash and several of Adam’s principal people at the dental school treated us “royally”. It was particularly exciting when a fireworks extravaganza was set off from the next rooftop while we dined. The next day, Adam hosted us at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. We were able to witness first-hand how Adam has overseen this dental school becoming a world class facility. I was then honored to participate ,speak and “cut the ribbon” at the dedication of the Alpha Omega Conference Room on the 5th floor of the new wing of the school. This fifth floor, called the Alpha Omega floor is the area that Adam has dedicated to AO’s memorabilia and our history with the magnificent obsession to create this school in Israel.. The school also has a world class dental museum and a special case with Albert Einstein’s dental models and prescription for this new partial denture from 1945. Our Frater and dental historian Dr. Samuel Wexler and his wife ,Charlene were at the University last month creating the outstanding exhibits of period dental offices. They were royally treated by Adam and his staff while they recreated dental history in the museum. I had the opportunity to address and speak personally to the fifth year dental students, and several of them have been at AO International Conventions . They have been spreading the “AO Fever.” It was also great to see one of the infamous Columbia University “tall guys” who was also visiting the school at the time! ( Please, see the prior blog about the tall dental students of Columbia and their marvelous story and contributions this year.)While one would think that the day could not be “topped,” David Ash and Shachor, Tel Aviv’s President, showed me more Israeli hospitality! Shachor took a few of us to his relative’s superb restaurant in Jerusalem, and then David, Dafna and Erez took us to the “Light Show” at the King David Tower at the Western Wall. An amazing and breathtaking experience, but to top it off, I bumped into Robert Hersch, a Brooklyn chapter Frater, who was visiting with his 13 year old son. Introductions all around and we shared an AO experience together.
Our final day in Israel was spent meeting the incredible class of 1991 at a special memorial lecture series they presented at Hebrew University. I was asked to speak on behalf of AO and send our warm international wishes and goals for this our “Year for the Member”. When over 60% of the class has become specialists, and a large number have become renowned clinicians throughout the world , including a couple of deans of US dental school, you realize what an exceptional group this was. I invite you all to come meet one of the deans, Professor Avishai Sadan,of USC Ostrow School of Dentistry , who will be joining us in San Diego. Just another reason why you should be at the AO convention in December! David Ash drove us back to Tel Aviv, so that we can catch our early flight back home tomorrow. Thank you, David and Haya and all the AO Fraters who made these two weeks so very special for Richard and me. We are still awaiting the official naming of the Tel Aviv Dental School Dean. I apologies if I left anyone’s name out of our travel log as AO’s first couple.
This blog and last week’s blog were written to let you know what’s going on in Israel during my Presidential visit! In next week’s blog, I am planning to give my observations and personal insights on what these observations meant to me, in relation to Alpha Omega, our mission and our direction! Thank you for sharing my AO visitation and reading through to the end, which is really only a beginning…..
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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