Every time I have the pleasure of seeing our wonderful Fraters from the Boston area, I am reminded of what makes Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity so great! This chapter knows how to combine all three sides of our triangle - - they continuously run some of the finest scientific and education programs (PROFESSIONALISM) under the leadership of Brian Miller; they support the students at three dental schools, and have a kinship and a warmth that is exemplified by the inimitable Murray Miller (FRATERNALISM); and they generously support numerous charitable endeavors both in Israel and elsewhere (JUDAIC values of tzedakah and tikun olam). This past weekend condensed all of these three aspects into one great fraternal weekend. It began with a fabulous all-day program on Friday, conducted generously by the wonderful and energetic Steve Anderson (an AO International Board member). Steve, of course was his usual wonderful self, and Brian Miller made sure that all details were fully prepared. Friday night, Steve Spitz opened up his lovely home for a traditional Shabbat dinner (even if over 60 people were there). All day, Saturday, until mid-day Sunday, approximately 70 enthusiastic fraters attended our Leadership Summit. This program, organized by President- Elect Mike Tenenbaum, and facilitated by Nicole and Ayelet from our Headquarters Office, was amazingly well attended, especially by students. Students from as far away as California to the west, and Florida to the south, north from Buffalo and of course from Boston schools came to be part of this conference. I found that individuals that attended were a true indication of how motivated our next generation of potential Alpha Omega leaders are, and how invested they are in contributing toward Alpha Omega’s future.
Our Student Activities Committee (SAC) is composed of three of the most enthusiastic, hard working co-chairs in recent memory. Andrea Heckler, Rachel Davis, and Richard Halpern. They work closely and in coordination with our motivated and energetic ISR’s Matt Rossen and Whitney Mostafiz. Matt and Whitney spent countless hours making phone calls, sending e-mails, and reaching out to students to motivate them to attend this seminar. These two ISR’s deserve the thanks of each and every member of Alpha Omega.
Bobby Geiman, Columbia’s President and Matt Schorr, Yoni Moskowitz ( our singer) and many others from his chapter took the Bolt bus to Boston and contributed their enthusiasm and input. I have come to know several of the members of this chapter in the past couple of years, and this is one of the most terrific group of students I have seen in quite some time. Justin Ohnigan from this chapter carried over his enthusiasm from this program to plan a Chemlog implant (Alpha Omega Winery) and cheese program for students and alumni on November 7th.
Many of us know Harvey Quinton as the New Yorker turned Floridian, who left our four seasons to depart for the south where he could scuba dive year around. Harvey has worked very closely with the students from Nova chapter, and brought eight students to the seminar from Nova. What an outstanding group, who learned and listened to make AO the best at NOVA. Jessica Blanco, and Sal Colombo stand out as great participants at the seminar. They initiated 65 new students this year.
Student Representative to AO Foundation Jonathan Miller brought along t-shirts and scrubs, as a Foundation fundraiser. The students enthusiastically believe in tzedakah and tikun olam, and are some of our strongest advocates for GOHI. Our student webmaster Nat Lawson traveled up from Alabama to participate and share. For those of you that do not know Nat, he is related to the incredible Alpha Omega “Shaw” family, and is following in the glorious AO tradition of his relatives!
Heather Stephens traveled all the way from the west coast for the Summit, and is very much looking forward to encourage many others in her chapter to come to the San Diego Convention, especially because their esteemed dean, Dr. Avishai Sadan, end their Periodontics Professor Hessam Nowzari, will be giving a Continuing Ed seminar on December 31st. The last time I saw Dean Sadan and Professor Nowzari was at Hebrew University, where they were amongst a group of alumni from the Class of 1991, many of which have become deans and other leaders of the profession. However, this time, Avishai and Hessam will be presenting their seminar in English (at Hebrew University, they had English slides, but conducted the seminar in Hebrew).I look forward to being able to follow the lecture with ease the second time around.
All those in attendance left the seminar with warm fraternal feelings, and a better understanding of what Alpha Omega is all about. Leadership Seminars are essential for Alpha Omega to develop leaders, and accomplish its mission.
We are now only approximately two months before the Yearly International Convention in San Diego, from December 25- January 1st. We have great group rates at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, and Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have planned an eventful, fraternal, community-oriented, value-packed, Continuing Ed loaded week. I urge you to consider attending if you have not yet finalized your plans. Go to: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org, for details and to register. If you’ve never been to an AO Convention, go to one and “you’ll be hooked.” If you haven’t been in a while, come to this Convention, and you’ll see what you’ve been missing. If you are a “regular,” you’ll love what Bob and his committee have in store for you this year! I look forward to seeing you all in San Diego.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Boston & Leadership & More Rain Predicted!
As I prepare to leave this coming Friday morning for Boston,the weather calls for a Nor’easter. I will once again have the opportunity to listen to the inimitable Steve Anderson at the Boston Alumni Chapter Scientific Meeting, and then participate in the Leadership Program that President-Elect Mike Tenenbaum has planned, I have several thoughts .The Friday program is once again is being chaired by Boston Alumnus Brian Miller, who has been coordinating programs for the Boston chapter for over two decades. Brian is a great example of one of Alpha Omega’s many “unsung heroes,” as someone who makes a significant contribution to AO on an ongoing basis, quietly and without fanfare. Brian is a regular International Convention attendee, and it has been my pleasure to know Brian as a friend since my dental school days. For years, Brian, Murray, and my dear friend Lenny Miller always kidded with each other with their own variation of a vaudeville routine, “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller,” “Dr. Miller.” Our Corporate Board member Steve Anderson has been generously donating his time, efforts, and monies to Alpha Omega for some time, and his Boston presentation is another example of his generosity. To give you an idea of how good a presenter Steve is, when he gave a presentation at the Queens County Dental Society (QCDS) in conjunction with Queens Nassau AO chapter some time back, QCDS Executive Director Bill Bayer, who hears hundreds of speakers annually, said that Steve’s presentation was so valuable, interesting, and professionally presented, that it was one of the very few that he remained in the room for the entire presentation. What better recommendation than that! Thank you, Steve.
On Friday night, BOD member Steve Spitz is hosting a Shabbat dinner at his home. What a wonderful Judaic and fraternal gesture!! So, between Steve Anderson’s presentation on Friday, and Steve Spitz magnificent generosity, we have a first-hand example of all three sides of the AO triangle - - - professionalism, fraternalism and Judaism.
We are anticipating a very large turnout (one of the largest in years) of students and alumni, for the Saturday/ Sunday Leadership Seminar. Any organization that wants to evolve and succeed, as well as achieve its mission, must take seriously its commitment towards leadership identification, qualification, training and development. Leadership training should be ongoing. Our next leadership program will be at the San Diego Convention. If you are interested in playing a leadership role, or sharing with others knowledge gained from their experiences and expertise, please attend our leadership programs. I have been speaking about the need to enhance our leadership training and development, and programs like this one are an important step in that journey.
I had the pleasure of speaking to the motivating and energetic Stephanie Rashewky this week. Stephanie, who was the only ISR in my memory to serve two years in that position, is presently in an Anesthesiology Residency at Stony Brook. In the coming weeks, I am planning a drive out to see her, and to make a special presentation to her in honor of her years of exemplary AO leadership in the presence of the Dean.
One of the great challenges involved in leading Alpha Omega is the need for much advance planning. Programs like the Boston Leadership program take the Chairperson many months to develop and plan, and to arrange all necessary details. Our International Conventions are well over a year in the planning, and with only a little over two months to go, I urge those of you who have not yet made your reservations and arrangements to attend this year’s International Convention in San Diego, to do so as soon as possible. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged a unique program. As an extra bonus, our Convention Group Rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is the unheard of, only $149 per night per room. Get all the details and reserve online at: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org.
With about 80% of my term now complete, I hope that I have been able to address my stated goal of opening up channels of communication, and rededicating ourselves to Member Benefits, and to our members. Attendees at the Boston Leadership will be amongst the first to see our new Member Benefits Power Point presentation, put together and coordinator by International Editor Fred Margolis and presented by David Schneider. I will be presenting and promoting the GOHI Chapter Challenge and the evolution of a GOHI project for each chapter. With the Jewish holidays now complete, I wish all of you, a year of personal fulfillment, and that every day, you are given more and more reasons to be proud to be an Alpha Omegan. Together, Alpha Omega can achieve every one of our goals.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
On Friday night, BOD member Steve Spitz is hosting a Shabbat dinner at his home. What a wonderful Judaic and fraternal gesture!! So, between Steve Anderson’s presentation on Friday, and Steve Spitz magnificent generosity, we have a first-hand example of all three sides of the AO triangle - - - professionalism, fraternalism and Judaism.
We are anticipating a very large turnout (one of the largest in years) of students and alumni, for the Saturday/ Sunday Leadership Seminar. Any organization that wants to evolve and succeed, as well as achieve its mission, must take seriously its commitment towards leadership identification, qualification, training and development. Leadership training should be ongoing. Our next leadership program will be at the San Diego Convention. If you are interested in playing a leadership role, or sharing with others knowledge gained from their experiences and expertise, please attend our leadership programs. I have been speaking about the need to enhance our leadership training and development, and programs like this one are an important step in that journey.
I had the pleasure of speaking to the motivating and energetic Stephanie Rashewky this week. Stephanie, who was the only ISR in my memory to serve two years in that position, is presently in an Anesthesiology Residency at Stony Brook. In the coming weeks, I am planning a drive out to see her, and to make a special presentation to her in honor of her years of exemplary AO leadership in the presence of the Dean.
One of the great challenges involved in leading Alpha Omega is the need for much advance planning. Programs like the Boston Leadership program take the Chairperson many months to develop and plan, and to arrange all necessary details. Our International Conventions are well over a year in the planning, and with only a little over two months to go, I urge those of you who have not yet made your reservations and arrangements to attend this year’s International Convention in San Diego, to do so as soon as possible. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged a unique program. As an extra bonus, our Convention Group Rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is the unheard of, only $149 per night per room. Get all the details and reserve online at: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org.
With about 80% of my term now complete, I hope that I have been able to address my stated goal of opening up channels of communication, and rededicating ourselves to Member Benefits, and to our members. Attendees at the Boston Leadership will be amongst the first to see our new Member Benefits Power Point presentation, put together and coordinator by International Editor Fred Margolis and presented by David Schneider. I will be presenting and promoting the GOHI Chapter Challenge and the evolution of a GOHI project for each chapter. With the Jewish holidays now complete, I wish all of you, a year of personal fulfillment, and that every day, you are given more and more reasons to be proud to be an Alpha Omegan. Together, Alpha Omega can achieve every one of our goals.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Friday, October 1, 2010
"Shuffling Off to Buffalo" - - AO Style
As we complete the holiest of periods in the Jewish calendar, we are also beginning the final quarter of 2010. When last I blogged, I was departing from Toronto and crossing the border into Buffalo.
That afternoon, the incomparable Renzo Nylander picked me up, and took me to the lovely event at the country club, attended by members of both the alumni and student chapters. Renzo should serve us all as a role model of what a true “mensch” is - - selfless, always willing to chip in, and someone that can always be counted on. Renzo has served tirelessly in his local area, as well as in the International arena, presently completing his term as a member of the International Board of Directors. Renzo is always happy to explain that his long-term commitment to Alpha Omega was indoctrinated into him by the friendship and loyalty extended to him by P.I.P. Ed Dweck and his wife Ruth. This clearly points to the importance of the “personal touch” in Alpha Omega, and how important the fraternal aspect of the organization is. Regular convention attendees have had the privilege of meeting, getting to know, and being inspired by Renzo, who has been attending Conventions for the last four decades. One of the reasons that I encourage people to attend Conventions is to have the opportunity to meet wonderful fraters like Renzo. Give yourself a special treat - - come to the Convention in San Diego many great reasons and have the opportunity to be inspired by Renzo Nylander! Perhaps you will inspire someone else like Renzo has throughout the years!
One of the real treats of being your International President is having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful fraters during visitations. The alumni and student chapters in Buffalo were certainly examples of that! Their evening program, chaired by President Jeff Goldberg, featured three student speakers, installation and my presentation and initiation of 22 new members to the student chapter. Student Chapter President Eugene Khaylofsky, the first speaker, has done a wonderful job leading his chapter to a higher level, by combining all aspects of our fraternity to encourage greater involvement. Having the opportunity to meet and listen to second year dental student Amy Panzok, our second speaker, was a special treat. Amy spent the summer in a program at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity. Amy gave a terrific presentation discussing her two research projects that she was involved with, and is a great cheerleader for Alpha Omega, interspersing AO- related slides in her presentation. Amy profusely thanked all the Alpha Omegans who helped facilitate her trip to Israel, and was truly an inspiration to us all! Another student, Ariel Cohen, who speaks Spanish fluently, showed the “tikun olam” that we are so proud of us an Alpha Omega tradition. Ariel visited the Dominican Republic with a group from Buffalo, and volunteered his services in an area that was much in need of care. Blair Braunstein (PIP Steve Braunstein’s son and Secretary of the student chapter) was leading his student chapter’s fundraising efforts, selling molar shaped cutting board and miniature impression tray key chains( a great fund raiser, he will bring to convention). In another example of a second generation Alpha Omega story, Stacy Schoff and her dad were both at the event. Stacy is planning on attending the upcoming Leadership Seminar in Boston, in two weeks. As I have in all my visitations, I have been encouraging our past, present and future leaders to consider attending the Leadership Seminars, to learn more, both about AO and acquire leadership skills.
Buffalo Alumni Chapter President Jeff Goldberg acted as the emcee for the evening, and oversaw an inspiring evening of well coordinated programming. It was great to see 22 students initiated as new fraters. Marshall Fagin coordinates a very worthwhile community service program supported by our Buffalo fraters. They help staff a dental clinic to help the underserved population receive dental care that they otherwise would not. This program permits students to perform dental care under the supervision of licensed dentists, and is another fine example of GOHI- style projects that so many of our local chapters have been conducting for many years.
Of course, no mention of the Buffalo chapter would be complete without a mention of Renzo Nylander and his annual visits to Ghana to serve the many underserved in that needy nation. I would also feel remiss if I did not thank P.I.P Steve Braunstein for all his assistance prior to my visit, his advice throughout this year, and for taking me on a tour of Buffalo, and being such a wonderful host. After taking me on this late night tour, Steve insisted that I return to his house, where Terri and he were incredible hosts. I have known Steve for many years, and we still laugh about the time at the Dearborn (Feel the Warmth) Convention that Richard had to jumpstart Steve’s diesel car. I left Buffalo early the next morning, and flew back to New York to see some patients.Work, ugh!!!
The week was a typical busy Alpha Omega week, with lots of discussions, phoning, conference calls, e-mails, etc. It was great to see that International President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum, working so hard on the final touches for the Boston Leadership Convention.
Please remember our two major events coming up this corner.
(1) In Boston, on the weekend of October 15-17th, the Boston alumni chapter is sponsoring Steve Anderson’s seminar on Friday, and, under the leadership of Mike Tenenbaum, the Leadership Seminar will be held on Saturday and Sunday. If you receive E-Blasts, you have received information about these programs, and, for more information e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com, or call our International Headquarters at: (877) MRS-TINT.
(2) If you have not yet done so, plan on joining all our great fraters like Renzo, at our International Convention in San Diego, from December 25th to January 1st. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have created an incredible event. If you really want to know why it is so important to be a member of Alpha Omega, and you want to feel really good about belonging, while enjoying a great week, join us at Convention. The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay’s special AO Convention rate of only $149 per night is just one of the great values extended at this program. Go to the convention website at: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org to get detailed information, as well as a link to register. I hope to see you there!
Have a great week!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
That afternoon, the incomparable Renzo Nylander picked me up, and took me to the lovely event at the country club, attended by members of both the alumni and student chapters. Renzo should serve us all as a role model of what a true “mensch” is - - selfless, always willing to chip in, and someone that can always be counted on. Renzo has served tirelessly in his local area, as well as in the International arena, presently completing his term as a member of the International Board of Directors. Renzo is always happy to explain that his long-term commitment to Alpha Omega was indoctrinated into him by the friendship and loyalty extended to him by P.I.P. Ed Dweck and his wife Ruth. This clearly points to the importance of the “personal touch” in Alpha Omega, and how important the fraternal aspect of the organization is. Regular convention attendees have had the privilege of meeting, getting to know, and being inspired by Renzo, who has been attending Conventions for the last four decades. One of the reasons that I encourage people to attend Conventions is to have the opportunity to meet wonderful fraters like Renzo. Give yourself a special treat - - come to the Convention in San Diego many great reasons and have the opportunity to be inspired by Renzo Nylander! Perhaps you will inspire someone else like Renzo has throughout the years!
One of the real treats of being your International President is having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful fraters during visitations. The alumni and student chapters in Buffalo were certainly examples of that! Their evening program, chaired by President Jeff Goldberg, featured three student speakers, installation and my presentation and initiation of 22 new members to the student chapter. Student Chapter President Eugene Khaylofsky, the first speaker, has done a wonderful job leading his chapter to a higher level, by combining all aspects of our fraternity to encourage greater involvement. Having the opportunity to meet and listen to second year dental student Amy Panzok, our second speaker, was a special treat. Amy spent the summer in a program at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Fraternity. Amy gave a terrific presentation discussing her two research projects that she was involved with, and is a great cheerleader for Alpha Omega, interspersing AO- related slides in her presentation. Amy profusely thanked all the Alpha Omegans who helped facilitate her trip to Israel, and was truly an inspiration to us all! Another student, Ariel Cohen, who speaks Spanish fluently, showed the “tikun olam” that we are so proud of us an Alpha Omega tradition. Ariel visited the Dominican Republic with a group from Buffalo, and volunteered his services in an area that was much in need of care. Blair Braunstein (PIP Steve Braunstein’s son and Secretary of the student chapter) was leading his student chapter’s fundraising efforts, selling molar shaped cutting board and miniature impression tray key chains( a great fund raiser, he will bring to convention). In another example of a second generation Alpha Omega story, Stacy Schoff and her dad were both at the event. Stacy is planning on attending the upcoming Leadership Seminar in Boston, in two weeks. As I have in all my visitations, I have been encouraging our past, present and future leaders to consider attending the Leadership Seminars, to learn more, both about AO and acquire leadership skills.
Buffalo Alumni Chapter President Jeff Goldberg acted as the emcee for the evening, and oversaw an inspiring evening of well coordinated programming. It was great to see 22 students initiated as new fraters. Marshall Fagin coordinates a very worthwhile community service program supported by our Buffalo fraters. They help staff a dental clinic to help the underserved population receive dental care that they otherwise would not. This program permits students to perform dental care under the supervision of licensed dentists, and is another fine example of GOHI- style projects that so many of our local chapters have been conducting for many years.
Of course, no mention of the Buffalo chapter would be complete without a mention of Renzo Nylander and his annual visits to Ghana to serve the many underserved in that needy nation. I would also feel remiss if I did not thank P.I.P Steve Braunstein for all his assistance prior to my visit, his advice throughout this year, and for taking me on a tour of Buffalo, and being such a wonderful host. After taking me on this late night tour, Steve insisted that I return to his house, where Terri and he were incredible hosts. I have known Steve for many years, and we still laugh about the time at the Dearborn (Feel the Warmth) Convention that Richard had to jumpstart Steve’s diesel car. I left Buffalo early the next morning, and flew back to New York to see some patients.Work, ugh!!!
The week was a typical busy Alpha Omega week, with lots of discussions, phoning, conference calls, e-mails, etc. It was great to see that International President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum, working so hard on the final touches for the Boston Leadership Convention.
Please remember our two major events coming up this corner.
(1) In Boston, on the weekend of October 15-17th, the Boston alumni chapter is sponsoring Steve Anderson’s seminar on Friday, and, under the leadership of Mike Tenenbaum, the Leadership Seminar will be held on Saturday and Sunday. If you receive E-Blasts, you have received information about these programs, and, for more information e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com, or call our International Headquarters at: (877) MRS-TINT.
(2) If you have not yet done so, plan on joining all our great fraters like Renzo, at our International Convention in San Diego, from December 25th to January 1st. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have created an incredible event. If you really want to know why it is so important to be a member of Alpha Omega, and you want to feel really good about belonging, while enjoying a great week, join us at Convention. The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay’s special AO Convention rate of only $149 per night is just one of the great values extended at this program. Go to the convention website at: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org to get detailed information, as well as a link to register. I hope to see you there!
Have a great week!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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