AO's 2010 President's Blog

Alpha Omega President Goes To Europe

2010-12-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

What an amazing time these last couple of weeks has been? My Presidential visitation began the evening of Thursday, November 18th, when Richard and I left from JFK International Airport for Zurich. As our flight arrived early Friday morning, we were met at the airport by terrific, enthusiastic and energetic Zurich chapter president Mark Margolin, who transported us to the hotel that he had recommended, prior to going into his office to see some patients in the morning. He gave us a chance to check-in, settle in, and acclimate to the six hour time change, before picking us up later in the afternoon, and showing us around, prior to bringing us to his home, where his wonderful wife Susi fussed and prepared a fabulous Shabbat dinner, where we were joined by several of the members and spouses of the Zurich chapter. This chapter is quite active and philanthropic, despite being a relatively small chapter of 29 fraters. However, when one considers that there are only about 19,000 Jews in all of Switzerland, and not too many Jewish dentists, this is quite an impressive group!
Susi and Mark were wonderful hosts on Saturday, and gave us an opportunity to understand their country, and the needs of their chapter. We had the opportunity to see three distinctly different sets of stained glass windows, and witness the incredible precision that the Swiss are renowned for. The Swiss enjoy a far higher than average income, but also have some of the highest costs anywhere. We really got to know the Margolin’s, and Susi, who years ago worked at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine Founded By Alpha Omega as a dental technicians and instructor, provided superb insight. In addition, because Susi is extremely involved and active with Hadassah as Vice President of the Zurich chapter, she and I discussed the logic of some sort of cooperative efforts between Hadassah and Alpha Omega. I have begun discussions with some of the Hadassah leadership this year, and hopefully, with Mike Tenenbaum’s blessing, will be able to strengthen the ties between our two organizations sometime in 2011.
The Zurich chapter held their Semi-Annual meeting on Sunday at the incredible home of Martin and Nitza Katz. The Katz live in an historic building in Schaffhausen, and hosted this meeting with charm and ease. Nearly 70% of the Zurich chapter attended the meeting, and I had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of Alpha Omega. This was an extremely interesting and involved group, and my extensive conversations with Robert Levy, the Chapter Treasurer; David Reinisch, who has volunteered to be the chapter’s webmaster; Robert’s partner Mirjam, who works for a local television station; Isaac Weinberg, who does an incredible amount of dental outreach(GOHI) including his most recent work in the Amazon; and Debra Hofer, who has relocated to Zurich from Rhode Island; as well as Mark and Susi; and Martin and Nitza; gave me a spectacular insight into how, while there are many different needs throughout the world, we are all joined together by our common thread of the Judaic values of tzedaka and tikun olam.This group was particularly interested in the GOHI concept, and committed $15,000 to Tel Aviv University Dental School, for endodontic microscopes. What an amazing effort from such a small group! Since there are so few Jewish dental students, the one dental student attends all the Zurich chapter’s activity. We had a terrific conversation with Lani Gati, the student, as she so kindly drove us back to Zurich from Schffhausen.
After spending a considerable amount of time with Mark and Susi again on Monday, we boarded our Eurail train early Tuesday morning, for Stausberg, for our two hour train ride. As we disembarked in France, the unbelievable Philipe Levy was there waiting for us. Phillipe was extremely attentive, making sure that everything was okay, and that we did not need anything and understood the French language. He took us all around his beautiful city, and we joined several other members of his chapter, including Thierry Ross, for the dedication of a dental unit at the Jewish retirement home. This was a very significant event and many dignitaries were present representing the local and state government and the press coverage was extensive .GOHI concepts certainly resonated with the members of this chapter, and because my French skills are so poor, it was particularly great that Phillipe stayed by my side as my translator and interpreter. That evening, Thierry and his wife hosted us at their lovely home, and we were able to better understand the needs of this chapter, and much more insight into Alpha Omega France.
Early the next morning (Wednesday), we boarded the mostly “fast” train to Paris to attend the ADF Convention, and have the opportunity to meet with representatives from most of the French chapters. In next week’s blog, I will review the activity during the four days in Paris, and our exciting meeting with the incredible Tree of Peace of Artist.
With less than a month left in my term as International President of Alpha Omega International President, it has been a year of striving to serve the fraternity to the best of my ability, and to emphasize our members, while really listening to the voices of members from around the world. I hope to see many of you at the Convention in San Diego at the end of the month, where Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have worked very hard to bring attendees a fun and fraternal week. I look forward to greeting all of you there.

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It's Nov 4th, + Alpha Omega Has News

2010-11-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

As I’m writing this, I find it amazing that it already November 4th, which, by the way, is also my 32nd Wedding Anniversary. With our fabulous International Convention in San Diego only seven weeks away, I urge you to make your reservations now to attend an unbelievable week of fraternalism, professionalism and Judaic values. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have “left no stone unturned” to assure that this will be one of our greatest conventions ever. Please go to: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org for fabulous details and to register. Everything from the fun-packed schedule, to the top-notch Continuing Education, to our magnificent Honors Night, to the very attractive hotel room rate at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, makes this a “must attend” convention. Our bloc of rooms at our San Diego location with the great group rate are moving quickly, so please act fast.
Packed into this great Convention schedule is some of the finest Continuing Education offered anywhere? Not only are there four days where there will be Video Continuing Education offered, but there will top-notch “live presenters,” also, including: noted Professor Hessam Nowzari, who will be presenting his “Global Smiles Initiative” lecture; USC Dean Avisai Sadan; several “Pearls” short presentations; and student Poster presentations/ table clinics. In addition, in attendance for all or part of the Convention will be the Deans of both Israeli dental schools, Adam Stabholz and Iliana Eli; the head of the School of Postgraduate Dentistry at Ramban, Eli Machtel; and the Dean of A.T.Stills University, Jack Dillenberg; and D. Walter Cohen, Dean of Drexel Medical School and an Achievement Award winner himself. At Honors Night, we will not only be installing our International Officers for 2011, but will be bestowing our highest honor, our Achievement Medal Award, to Stan Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein.
We will be introducing our fabulous Tree of Peace program to enhance our efforts for our Global Oral Health Initiatives. This program is based on the moving Tree of Peace sculpture that Allen Finkelstein generously donated in 2007 and sits in front of HU Dental School founded by Alpha Omega International Dental School, and should help “brand” and “recognize” our many generous fraters. This program will become a symbol of recognition for not only representing our good work, but also for rewarding the generosity of those who donate to our worldwide causes.
In a couple of weeks, I shall be traveling to Zurich, Strasbourg and Paris, to meet with many of our European fraters, and to hopefully strengthen the bonds of friendship, understanding and fraternalism amongst our members worldwide. When I return from that trip, I am honored to be able to go directly from the airport to Manhattan, to attend the DVI (Dental Volunteers for Israel) 30th Anniversary Gala, to indicate Alpha Omega’s solidarity and support for that magnificent organization and cause. One of the honorees will be our Board Member, Steve Kess.I hope to see many of our local fraters there and many out of town fraters who will be in for the Greater New York Dental Meeting, as well.
When I began this year as your International President, I pronounced that my main goal was to make 2010, “The Year For Our Members.” We have made great strides this year in that direction, and I hope that my Blog has helped to communication some of what has been going on. Please consider joining us at our International Convention in December in San Diego, and “get the feeling,” the enthusiasm, and the fraternalism, that makes Alpha Omega so unique.

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AO- Nurturing Our Future Leaders

2010-10-21T18:49:00.001-07:00

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.

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Boston & Leadership & More Rain Predicted!

2010-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

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.

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"Shuffling Off to Buffalo" - - AO Style

2010-10-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

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!

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Alpha Omega's President goes North -Deliciously Satisfying

2010-09-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

As we conclude our High Holidays, and have searched our souls, repented our past, and sought to be better and more personally fulfilled for the coming year, I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a year of health, happiness, success, and personal enrichment.

As soon as the Shofar was sounded, indicated the conclusion of Yom Kippur, I realized that I would be spending my next few days busy with my responsibilities as Alpha Omega’s International President, not the bagel slicer at the break fast. Very early Sunday morning, I departed on my Jet Blue flight out of JFK International Airport, for my flight to Buffalo. My plan was to visit with my Northern friends, spending Sunday and Monday with the Toronto and Pi chapters, and Tuesday with the Buffalo alumni and undergraduate chapters, before flying back Wednesday morning, to spend time with my patients back in my office on Wednesday afternoon.
However, before I tell you about my wonderful visits with these great Alpha Omega areas, I want to bring you up to date about the “rest of the story” - - that is, what occurred as a result of our involvement with the California Dental Association. The American Dental Association and its officers immediately responded, and indicated their understanding of our concerns. In fact, the ADA requested to be included on the Blog notification list and was very interested in our social media activities and our communication efforts. They want to learn from us. The ADA will be having a committee this year examining ways to enhance both their own, as well as component societies sensitivity to diversity and our concerns, as well as similar concerns by other ethnic and religious groups. On the other hand, after ten plus days, the California Dental Association President, Dr.Thomas H. Stewart, wrote that the “California Dental Association (CDA) deeply regrets the overlapping dates of Rosh Hashanah and the convention. The decision to move forward with the dates of our convention was not made lightly or without respect and understanding of its impact.” Dr. Stewart continued by saying that, “unfortunately, there was no alternative solution for the San Francisco meeting this year.” Dr. Stewart concludes his letter by stating that, “No other scheduled convention or conference dates coincide with any Jewish holidays. As future years schedules are planned, CDA’s priority will remain to avoid any such conflict and respect the observances and faiths of our many members.”

While I very much appreciate receiving the above letter, it shows the fact that often leaders of other organizations do not fully understand the significance of the High Holidays to most Jews. While I understand the difficulty in rescheduling, it is essential that we insist that non- Jewish leaders understand that we take insensitivity to our Jewish High Holidays as an insensitivity to our Jewish identity. While, unfortunately, we did not learn of this meeting until a very late date, I propose that we act to assure that these types of events and insensitivities do not occur in the future. I suggest that one of the duties of our newly refashioned Regents system, is that Regents, in coordination with our Headquarters Office communicate with the State Dental Societies, the various component dental societies, as well as the dental schools, etc., to explain our concerns in advance, and supply these groups with the upcoming Jewish calendars and a with a link to that information. In addition, I would suggest that the Regents create a format to coordinate their activities to assure that this never again occurs. If we do this successfully and vigilantly, something good, important and essential will happen as a result of this insensitive California situation.

After I drove across the Canadian Border, and was greeted and welcomed by the Boarder Officer, I proceeded to my hotel. I settled in and the Toronto Chapter’s President- Elect Elliott Weidman picked me and drove me to have dinner and conversation with the officers of both the Toronto and Pi (University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry) chapters. We then went to an amazingly warm reception, hosted with grace by President Mel Kay and his wife Cookie in their lovely home. The hospitality and enlightening conversation gave me further insight into the workings of this great chapter, and I was able to observe why the Toronto chapter is, in fact, the largest Alpha Omega chapter. Because of the size, scope and efforts of the Toronto chapter, there is a concerted effort to have multi-faceted programming to appeal to members with different interests, concerns, age groups, etc. Their programming is extensive and exciting!
International Convention Representative Avi Wurman picked me up Monday morning and we were able to have an in-depth discussion on various alternatives he is looking at for the 2013 Convention. Our 2010 Convention, of course, is in San Diego, the 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, and in 2012 we will be in Scottsdale,AZ. Another reason to attend the San Diego Convention this December to have an opportunity to voice your opinion on where future Conventions should be held. Of course, Bob Simon and his committee have created a Convention program with great CE, fabulous events, great functions, a terrific hotel room rate, etc., so you should be there anyway. Please go to the Convention Web site at: http://aosunnydays.ao.org to see all the great details, and for registration information. You do not want to miss a minute of this great week…so register NOW!
Avi and I then went to the University Of Toronto Faculty Of Dentistry, and we met with Dean David Mock. David is a member of our Toronto chapter, and is serving his second consecutive full term as Dean. Serving more than one term is rare, but David agreed to help oversee a proposed upgrading of the dental facility. I spent lunch meeting with all classes of Pi chapter, and welcoming them, and congratulating them both on choosing dentistry, as well as choosing Alpha Omega. We had a good exchange of ideas, and I encouraged the students to learn the big picture beyond just being a student. Pi Chapter President, a second generation AO, Sari Hershenfield and her committee made me feel most welcomed. He dad, Ken Hershenfield is proud of her, as are all the Toronto AO’s. There were several multi generational AO Families, including the Kays, Pearlmutters,Chapnicks,Glick,Laski to name a very few. The Pi Chapter advisor, Brian Laski, won a very prestigious Orthodontic award at U of T this year and is an outstanding mentor. I had the opportunity to see and visit the AO Toronto’s building (house) and got a little tour of Toronto, before being taken to the Reception and Dinner meeting at a local synagogue. It was a wonderful feeling spending time and sharing ideas with over 250 members of my AO family! I got to see many old friends and make many new AO Friends in Toronto!
I left early Tuesday morning to drive back to Buffalo, to continue my visitation with their chapters. More about these great Alpha Omegas in next week’s blog. I did not want this blog to be too long and I did not want you ,all, to miss a minute of my great excursion to Buffalo. So we will shuffle back to Buffalo in next weeks’ blog.
I urge you all to remember two great upcoming events: Steve Anderson and the Leadership Seminar in Boston in Oct 15-17. Check out ao.org for details, or e-mail Michael Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com. Of course, then the , next event is the year-end finale- the AO Convention from December 25- Jan 1. Go to http://aosunnydays,ao.org for details.

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AO- As Relevant As Ever!

2010-09-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

As we approach the High Holidays, it is important for all of us to appreciate how relevant Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity remains, even after more than 100 years. This past week I received information from a concerned California frater. The California Dental Association (CDA) had scheduled their semi-annual meeting in San Francisco, from September 9th- 11th. The CDA, and on its own website, had an apology posted. They stated that it was done because there was no other scheduling option. As we are all aware, there is always another option, and the Admin Committee felt that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity should go “on the record” objecting to this insensitivity, with the hope to avoid similar insensitivities in the future. These types of insensitivities have occurred elsewhere through the years, and I am very proud of the fact that Alpha Omega has always “stood up” and objected. The following is the content of the letter sent to the President and President-Elect of the CDA:
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Thomas H. Stewart, DDS, President & Andrew Soderstrom, DDS, President-Elect
CDA
1201 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Doctors Stewart and Soderstrom:
It has brought to my attention that you are holding your semi-annual meeting in San Francisco on September 9-11. As you are undoubtedly aware, these dates are in direct conflict with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, one of the holiest of the Jewish High Holidays. Based on your posting on your website, you apologize for this, but claim that there was basically no option because of such items as scheduling, etc. While scheduling often causes obstacles, more sensitivity would require that you make far more of an effort not to hold meetings on Jewish High Holidays. Since there are over one million Jews residing in California, representing approximately 3.5% of the state’s population, and the percentage of Jewish dentists in the state is a higher percentage than that, it is certainly inappropriate to hold meetings that conflict with these dates. With the second largest Jewish population in the United States, I hope you realize how this can be viewed as insensitive, at the very least. How would others feel if your program conflicted with other important holidays? You certainly would not consider holding this type of event in conflict with those holidays. We run numerous meetings, and holiday calendars are available years in advance. There are always alternative dates when a meeting can be held with a little more effort. Since I have been informed that this meeting is largely subsidized by members’ dues to CDA, you have effectively precluded a significant part of your membership from being able to take advantage of attending this meeting, and taking CE courses and receiving credits that others can!
Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity was founded over one hundred years ago, in 1907, to combat rampant anti-Semitism within dental education. We have over 6,000 members worldwide, have founded and funded two dental schools, and our Alpha Omega Foundation has provided millions of dollars in supported for scientific and healthcare programs worldwide. We hold our International Convention every year in December, and this year we are convening in San Diego. We have numerous members and chapters throughout California, and this insensitivity is certainly an affront to them. While I trust that your intent was innocent, and was simply a scheduling error, I request that in the future, you seriously consider consulting a calendar to assure that there are no more of these scheduling conflicts. I believe that it would be a considerate and caring thing for you to issue some sort of apology to your Jewish members to show you are sensitive to their needs. As you know, some of the most renowned dental practitioners, educators, etc., in California are Jewish, and I am sure you would like to let them know that you care about them and their needs. In the future, please feel free to contact Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and request a holiday calendar, so as to avoid even the perception of insensitivity. In these times, with so many conflicts and disagreements between people, I am sure you agree with me that we must all work together to be much more attuned to each other’s sensitivities.
I look forward to hearing from you so that I can be assured that you recognize why we are so sensitive about this issue.
Yours truly,

Charlene S. Berkman, D.M.D.
Alpha Omega International President for 2010
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Another important aspect of our fraternity is the “family” aspect, where we share life cycle events, both good and sad. This past week, PIP Barry Chapnick informed us of the passing of one of our Buffalo fraters. One of the events at every International Convention is our Memorial Service, where we honor the memories of our fraters who departed since the previous convention and the memory of the six million. Under the Chairmanship of Sam Unger, we will be holding our Memorial Service once again, this year at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego. Our Conventions are all about sharing - - sharing friendships, sharing knowledge, sharing joy and sharing the losses of loved ones. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have organized a truly memorable week, and I highly recommend experiencing the unique AO experience by attending this year’s Convention.
The Alpha Omega Foundation also sells Tribute Cards, contact Gail Shupak (schupakdmd@aol.com) so that a charitable donation can be given in honor of the memory of a departed frater, or any other loved or cherished one. We all know the song, “We are family,” and indeed Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is truly our international family!

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AO Leadership is our most Important Asset

2010-08-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

In order for our organization to continue to evolve and succeed, and maintaining AO’s mission statement and purpose, we must emphasize developing strong and effective leadership, on the local, regional, national and international levels. We, your present leaders have a plan: Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity will be holding its Leadership Seminar, in Boston, October 16-17. President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is coordinating an important program. We want you to attend this valuable program. This program is being coordinated in conjunction with the same weekend that Steve Anderson will be running a great practice management and development seminar for our Boston Alumni Chapter on Friday Oct 15.Watch for an E-Blast coming to you soon announcing these details. All are invited to attend both events. While there is a small fee for the Steve Anderson program run by the Boston Alumni chapter, there is no charge for the Leadership Seminar, but you must register separately for each event... Go to the website at: www.ao.org for details, or e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com.
While you are visiting the website at: www.ao.org, be sure to click-thru to the information about a new free Member Benefit, called the Absolute Card. This is a great discount card being made available for FREE to Alpha Omega members, with superb discounts and savings available at numerous locations. (I have been informed that the usual price for this card is approximately $199). An added value to AO Membership your leadership is proud to offer you.
Those of you who are directly billed by our International Headquarters Office have recently received your dues statement for 2010- 2011. Once again, we have held our dues stable, with no increase again this year. In this envelope, there were two flyers enclosed: (1) Benefits of membership; (2) International Convention in San Diego from December 25- January 1. With our added emphasis on you, our members, as well as serving our mission statement and combining our sides of our triangle (Professionalism and Fraternalism) with our base of Judaism (Judaic values and the Voice of the Jew in Dentistry), I feel that all of you are even more committed fraters and even prouder of your membership and affiliation. I encourage you to visit our Convention website at: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org to get all the great convention details, including the incredibly low hotel room rate, our great value added program, event-driven program, our community service activity, great CE credit, as well as the fun, family, and fraternalism that makes our Alpha Omega International Convention so unique and worthwhile.
I urge you to also be on the lookout for information about our new Demand Force Webinars, coming up in October, after the Jewish holidays. There will be two dates planned, one is Oct.14. With summer coming to an unofficial end, and my kids getting ready for back to school, and the fast-approaching High Holidays (I am always the cook and host), I hope you will soon have the time to refocus on the significance of Alpha Omega, and how it stands for the “best” in all of us. Please check the AO website on a regular basis, keep reading my blog, and read the AO Now and E-Blasts that are sent to you with timely and relevant information. I know that the most important aspect of Alpha Omega is our Fraters!
With two-thirds of my tenure as International: President now over, I hope that I have helped to motivate many of you and have made Alpha Omega have even more significance to you than before. I wish you all, “L’Shanah Tovah,” and hope that this will be the best, “sweetest,” happiest, and personally most satisfying year for all of you!

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2010-08-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of August (although in New York today it was still in the 90’s), and I am nearly two-thirds through my tenure as your Alpha Omega International President. Lots of important and great things are going on, as well as planned for the rest of this year.
For any organization to be successful and to continue to evolve and succeed, it must utilize a well organized leadership development and training program. This program needs to available on several levels: (1) elementary or beginning, to get newer fraters more involved; (2) intermediate, to properly develop chapter leaders and the energetic up and coming leaders (3) advanced, to qualify, interest and develop leaders such as Board Members, etc; (4) elite, to help upper level leadership to be better prepared for the challenges of leadership and line officers. Last Spring, we held the first of our two Leadership Seminars in Seattle, and October 16th, we will be holding our second leadership program of 2010 in Boston. We will be using a similar format as we did in Seattle, with the Boston chapter having our Corporate Board Member Steve Anderson give one of his fabulous seminars on Friday Oct.15, followed by our Leadership Seminar on Saturday. International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is once again coordinating the leadership program, and it will be a motivating, enriching and educational event. Additional information is available from our website at www.ao.org, or for specific information, contact Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com. The Hotel Lenox is in downtown Boston and students and alumni are encouraged to attend.Don't be left out of this leadership loop.
We are actively trying to enhance our presence on social media, and I urge you to all sign up as Facebook Fans of Alpha Omega. If you have any questions about how to do this, e-mail Mike Tenenbaum at: tenedent@aol.com.or the headquarter office.Join us on twitter ,too.
What could be better than coming to the International Convention from December 25th to January 1st at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, in San Diego, California. Of course, a contest! Register for the Convention by Rosh Hashanah and when you pay only the low convention room rate of $149, you will be entered into a drawing to be upgraded free to a one bedroom suite. One lucky frater will be upgraded to a suite at the low room rate of $149! Now, not only can you go away to a great hotel in a great location for a value- packed, event- driven, CE loaded week of fun, fraternalism, and professionalism, but you might also be upgraded to a suite! Don’t miss this great week that Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged for all of us! Special highlights include: Fun Welcome Event; Fabulous Dinner, Open Bar and Museum Tour of the historic USS Midway; incredible spouses Champagne Brunch Harbor Cruise on Hornblower Cruises; Formal Honors Gala and Cocktail Reception honoring both AO’s Officers and Achievement Medal Award Recipient, Schein CEO Stan Bergman; Delicious Shabbat dinner; fun, musical New Years Eve bash; nightly hospitality; optional touring available at below public rates with pickup at hotel; even a couple of breakfasts; and great CE credit included. Not only that, but the Alpha Omega Foundation is offering a special evening at the Historic Abbey, a great event not to be missed! If you’re a regular at AO Convention attendee, I truly hope you attend this year’s historic and great one. If you haven’t been to an AO Convention, come on back and rekindle old friendships and make some new ones, and see what you’ve been missing!Also urge one of your chapter leaders to attend because we'll have leadership training at the Convention,too. If you’ve never been to an AO Convention, there has never been as great an opportunity between the program, events, value, hotel rate, location, as there is this year. I look forward to AO having a terrific “family gathering” in December24-Jan 1 in San Diego. Visit the convention website at: aosunnydays2010.ao.org.an sign up by Sept 8,to be eligible for the suite upgrade! See you there!

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AO Need Dues paying Members !

2010-08-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

In the next few days, headquarters’ billed chapters will be receiving your dues statement from our International Headquarters. All others will receive their bills directly from your chapter. However you get your statement, you will be receiving the 2010- 2011 dues statement soon. As International President for 2010, I greatly believe in my commitment to all of our fraters. For that reason, my central theme for 2010 has been to commit this year as “The Year for our Members,” for without the continued support and encouragement of our members, an organization cannot function properly. Thank you for paying your dues promptly.
So, why do I believe it is so important to belong to Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity? As members, we often speak of our triangle, with Professionalism and Fraternalism as the sides, and Judaism as the base, but what does it really mean? Most of us can participate in professionalism in a variety of different ways including various dental organizations and dental societies, as well as participating in Continuing Education offered from many sources. There are also other organizations, societies, and even fraternities, where one can share friendships and enjoy camaraderie. Of course, Judaism and Judaic principles are also addressed via a variety of different vehicles, including Judaic organizations, synagogues, etc. In view of this, then, why is your membership in AO so important?
Only Alpha Omega addresses all three of these important principles, and embraces them. While you might be able to get certain aspects elsewhere, only AO offers all three! It is quite rare to find one organization that can address one’s professional needs, while emphasizing truly getting to know and understand one’s fellow members (other fraters). While we rarely think of anti-Semitism today, every day somewhere it rears its ugly head! AO must remain vigilant and continue to be the “voice of the Jew in dentistry,” as well as opposing bigotry, prejudice, and bias, in any form, against any individual or ethnic group. Only Alpha Omega permits its members to relate to his professional peers on a basis of building a relationship - - a feeling of family!
One of the reasons that I encourage fraters to attend the International Convention is to get that special “AO feeling” of fraternalism, family and friendship. Regular convention attendees keep coming back because of the friendships and relationships they have developed over the years. Our 2010 International Convention will be held this year at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay from December 25th, 2010 through January 1st, 2011. Our Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have prepared an amazing convention filled with a combination of things including: great events; great functions; great spouse’s event; fabulous Continuing Education; galas and parties; hospitalities; and that “special AO feeling.” Go to: http://aosunnydays2010.ao.org for detailed information including program, flow sheet and registration information. A great special discounted hotel room rate of only $149 per night has been arranged for Alpha Omega, and is even available from three days prior to the convention. We are running a contest for all members who sign up prior to Sept 8th, if you win, you will get an upgrade to a suite for the price of a regular room. I urge you to consider attending, and discovering the “AO secret!”
Alpha Omega continues to evolve to better meet the needs of our members, while still maintaining our mission. The AO NOW was just published and sent via e-mail, please read it and enjoy. The AO NOW will come out every 6 weeks, check your in box. Note that we have many member benefits and partnerships our members should take advantage of and be part of the AO family. We need happy and contented members, and are striving to meet your needs and wishes. I challenge you in the coming months and years to recommit to AO, get more involved, and work to make AO even better. I urge you to contact me to discuss how we can all do “just a little more” to make AO even more vital!
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Alpha Omega 's GOHI Chapter Challenge

2010-08-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

One of the outstanding characteristics about Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is our diversity of interests and activities, and how different chapters around the world operate differently to “merge” our International mission with the interests of their local chapter and members. As we aim to make our Global Oral Health Initiative (GOHI) something that can combine our international mission with local areas of concern, we are introducing our GOHI Chapter Challenge. The purpose of this program is to expand the involvement of chapters and members, to serve the needs of a community in need, locally, nationally or internationally. This challenge is aimed at encouraging more members to volunteer and get into the “GOHI spirit.” Using this challenge, the GOHI Corporate taskforce seeks unique programs that are reproducible by all interested local chapters. Best GOHI practices from each chapter in North America (alumni or student) will compete for monies to be applied toward the proposed program. We are able to offer these monetary awards through the loyal support of our corporate sponsors: Henry Schein; SS White; Kuraray; Captek; and Heraeus (commencing in 2011). In the very near future, chapter presidents and chapter treasurers will be receiving the complete details, as well as the Grant Request Form (for applying). Dr. Phillipe Levy recently e-mailed me that the French chapters have been having a competition for best French chapter, and every year at the ADF they decide. Phillipe proudly let me know that last year his Strasbourg chapter got first prize, and Lyon got second prize. Our International Director Andre Amiach has often reported about the many fine activities that the European chapters undergo. The French chapters have been extremely charitable and generous, particularly with their contributions to Tel Aviv University, DVI, Hebrew University, and many other charitable endeavors. The European Regencies are also offering their European convention, which is a biennial event. The European Convention will be held in Marseille from June 16 to June 19, 2011, and I encourage all fraters to consider attending this convention, and indicating our solidarity and support for our European fraters. Contact Dr. Marc Nataf for additional details at: nataf2@orange.fr
There are so many wonderful activities that so many of our fraters are conducting throughout the world. Our London fraters through the efforts of their London Charitable Trust; as just stated, our French fraters; our North American fraters; our Israeli fraters through the Israeli foundation, and their tradition of volunteerism; etc. We can and should all appreciate what all our chapters and all our members are doing, and hopefully learning from their “best efforts.” I encourage all to look for the GOHI Chapter Challenge as an opportunity to have your chapter shine in then AO world.
We often speak of our Judaic base or our Fraternal side, but we sometimes forget to discuss the other side of our triangle - - our Professionalism. Many of the finest clinicians are fraters, and Fred Margolis, Mike Stern, and Gary Scharoff have been formulating a best method of creating an AO Speakers Bureau , where paid up AO members will be able to post their short bio and topics they lecture on (as well as a link to their own website, if they have one). Stay tuned for further developments.
We are now in August, and our International Convention is only four-and-a-half months away. I sincerely urge any of you who have not yet made your reservations, to make the decision to attend this year’s Convention in San Diego. The special convention rate of only $149 per night at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is unheard of, and Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have planned a value-packed, event-driven, CE loaded, fun, fraternal, professional convention, with our core values of “tzedaka” honored through our Community Service special program (organized by President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum). Our special evening aboard the historic USS Midway, our amazing Spouses Event, our creative programming and the students poster presentation, and that special feeling that you only feel at an AO Convention, makes this something you should attend. I urge you to preview the Convention through the Convention’s website, where you can see the flow sheet, hotel information, and register. Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org. Watch for a special contest we are planning for convention attendees!
My dear elder statesman and friend, and unofficial AO historian PIP Bill Kampel provides us with some interesting and fun AO trivia: (1) Since the first AO Convention was held in 1912 (although the organization began 5 years prior), this year’s Convention will actually be our 98th (although celebrating our 103rd year). (2) Since AO’s first non-US chapter (or International chapter) was created when the Pi chapter in Toronto was created in 1921, so this year’s convention would be our 89th International Convention. (3) As an aside, the first AO convention held outside the US was held in Toronto in 1925. So do we call this year’s Convention our 103rd (since this is how we have been counting for years), or our 98th, or our 88th International Convention? While it probably doesn’t matter, I just thought it was some pretty “great” trivia that I thought many of you might enjoy!
In closing, I want you all to think about how there are so many great fraters around the world, doing so many wonderful things. I urge all of us to enhance and improve our communication skills, and learn from each other, and help each other fulfill our common goals and missions. Let me know what you are doing in your chapter, by taking on The GOHI Chapter Challenge!
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AO MID-YEAR MEETING WAS A SUCCESS!

2010-07-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

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.

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The Incredible AO World

2010-07-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

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.

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AO Presidential Reflections at mid year

2010-07-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

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.

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GREETINGS FROM ISRAEL- Part Two

2010-07-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

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…..

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PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS- Israeli Chapter Visitations- PART ONE

2010-06-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS—Israeli Chapter Visitation- Part One
Greetings from Tel Aviv! As I sit down to write this week’s blog, I want to share with you my observations and insights that I have gained in these last few days in Israel. Having departed from JFK International Airport on Sunday evening, our flight was delayed due to runway construction. Unfortunately, we then missed our connecting flight from London’s Heathrow to Israel, and instead of leaving London on Monday morning at 8:30 am, we were rescheduled onto a flight that left London at 3:30pm, instead of arriving in Israel at about 3:30pm, we ended up arriving at about 11:30pm. Unfortunately, my bag ended up on another vacation, and arrived two days later!
Early Tuesday morning, Regent David Ash promptly picked me up and we arrived at the AO Tel Aviv Chapter’s annual Zicher day meeting, where we joined approximately 250 attendees. I was warmly greeted by Tel Aviv Chapter President Shahar Blachash, and all the others in attendance. This meeting was excellently organized, with more than a dozen sponsors, and prominent international speakers. David Ash gave an outstanding and thorough presentation, utilizing the Power Point presentation designed by Wendy Spektor, speaking passionately of the importance of Alpha Omega. It was also good to see Hebrew University Hadassah University School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega’s Dean Adam Stabholtz, in attendance at this meeting as well. I was given the opportunity to address the gathering, and bring greetings from AO International, and stressed the importance and significance of this year’s theme “ the Year for the Member” , and communicating the unique nature of AO on a local as well as an international level. One of the speakers, David Manton from Melbourne Dental School, is a pediatric dentist who specifically inquired about Fred Margolis, and was saddened to both have missed his much anticipated lectures in Australia, and made a point of wishing Fred a speedy recovery. One of the young dentists that I had the pleasure of meeting at the lecture was Dr. Dudu Jagudaev, who has recently opened his new office, a graduate of the University of Lithuania, with family in Russia and Tel Aviv, Dudu wanted me to know that it meant a lot to him that Shahar (the Tel Aviv chapter President) has been such a meaningful and powerful mentor to him. Interestingly enough, Shahar spoke glowingly of Dr. Joseph Fish, who has meant so much to him as a mentor. In a 6 degree of separation Alpha Omega way, it is interesting to note that Dr. Fish was the original member of the student chapter at Tel Aviv University.
Our incredibly attentive, passionate, punctual, sensitive and kind host, David Ash, picked us up and we joined approximately 25 members of the Tel Aviv chapter for a wonderful, fraternal evening. It was great seeing Danny Kaufman and Hagay Slutsky, and rekindling old friendships. This brought about memories of the first Alpha Omega International convention in Israel, when Richard’s father, PIP Eli Brody, was International Treasurer and Convention Rep, and the late PIP Yehuda Kaufman was Convention Treasurer, and Richard worked with a small group of Israeli fraters, led by the late Dean Jack Lewin-Epstein, and worked with Yehuda to assure that all details, including registration went smoothly. I had the opportunity to speak to Ephraim Winocur, the Coordinator of the Orofacial Pain &TMD Clinic at Tel Aviv University, who told me that his daughter was beginning her MBA at Columbia University in September 2010, and I made a point of telling Ephraim and his wife to have his daughter contact me when she came to New York, and that she was welcome to join us for the Jewish holidays. It was great sitting next to Oran Abramowsky, Hagay’s partner, and professor at Hebrew University. Tel Aviv University Dean Haim Tal was nervously looking forward to the next few days, when the Israeli government was to give him the word on the status of the dental school. When David Ash had some car trouble, Haim drove us to our hotel from the restaurant and we shared a wonderful conversation, and Haim let me know he was looking forward to my visit to the dental school the following day.
Shahar Blachsash picked us up the next morning, and we made a brief stop at one of his offices, and had the opportunity to meet the inimitable Dr. Fish, and soon realized why Shahar felt so highly about him. Shahar then took us on a tour of Rabin Square, amongst other areas, before taking us to the dental school. At the dental school, we had a meeting with Dean Haim Tal, Head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Editor of the Journal of the Israeli Dental Assoc. Benjamin Peretz, and Executive Director Haim Naor, and had an open and thorough discussion about the status and obstacles regarding the dental school. Although it was obvious that these men were under incredible stress waiting for the government’s decision, they were excellent hosts, and Haim Tal promised to call me as soon as he knew anything regarding the school’s status. After being taken on a tour of the school, I had the opportunity to meet with the 5th Year students and faculty and emphasize how important AO was to their future, what AO has done for the profession, especially in Israel. I advised them to look on all of the walls and rooms, etc. where Alpha Omega is prominently mentioned, let them know that the people attached to those names were giving ,caring AO’s and answered their questions. I emphasized that the members of the Tel Aviv chapter were willing and eager to mentoring them, and reviewed the details of the Holocaust Survivors Program being done by the Tel Aviv chapter members, and what a great community service project this was for them to participate in. We were taken to a working lunch on campus, where discussions continued. Late that afternoon, having “missed us,” David Ash unexpectedly called us and insisted on picking us and taking us to another wonderful dinner, and great AO conversation.
At 7:30 am on June 24th, David Ash and his charming wife Haya picked us up for our visit with the Haifa chapter. Our first stop was at Rambam hospital, where Haifa chapter President Josef Herskovits joined us. He has enthusiastically lead and help grow the Haifa chapter for the last two years. Frater Dror Aizenbud, the Director of the Orthodontic & Craniofacial Unit, escorted us around the health care facility, and showed us all the great work and new construction they were doing. Dror is so energetic and such an incredible “force” that he is also on the faculty of The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. Approximately two years ago, Rambam Health Care Campus started The School of Graduate Dentistry, and we were soon joined by Prof. Eli E. Machtel, the Director of the School. Between David Ash’s persistence and insistence, and Dror’s vitality and commitment,and my encouragement Professor Machtel has become an Alpha Omega “believer’ and new member . This program is unbelievable because it was started with the vitality, commitment and vision of Eli ,with Dror and the faculity’s help.They will succeed because of the great work they are doing in serving the large underserved population in the northern part of Israel. Since both Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University are in the central part of the country, this program treats many people who otherwise might never receive adequate treatment, and the new graduate school is training specialists for Israel, where there is a great need for dental specialists. We also had the pleasure of witnessing some of the incredible work and cases they are treating. Their results with Cleft Palate patients were truly inspiring. This is a great program led by terrific people, and the Haifa fraters are a terrific group! They then introduced me to Ido Perlman PhD., the Dean of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, who emphasized how valuable the efforts of Dror and Eli and the graduate program and dental clinics were to his overall medical curriculum.
Through the efforts of Frater Nelly Steinbock, whose patient is the Medical Director for the Baha’i Center, we were given a private, breath-taking, inspirational tour of the Baha’i World Centre and Gardens. My friend and former patient, Helen Gantz, who has moved back to Haifa, joined us, and has now become Nelly’s patient. We were joined by about a dozen Haifa fraters, as well as David and Haya’s son and daughter-in-law. To make the visit even more amazing, I received a “happy call” from Haim Tal, giving me the good news that the government had approved the Tel Aviv dental school’s plans to accept a new first- year class. David and Haya brought us to check in at our hotel in Haifa, and I immediately sent e-mails informing some of the fraternity and US AO Foundation leadership that the school received its much anticipated and awaited approval to continue! That evening Dror Aizenbid and his wife opened up their beautiful home and gardens and hosted a dinner for close to fifty Fraters and spouces. In additional to delicious food, and spectacular hospitality, Dr. Josef Herskovits gave meaningful and heartfelt greeting, and introduced me to the Haifa fraters. I spoke about Alpha Omega on an international level, and how important each and every member was to our fraternity, and brought them up to date on some items I believed were relevant. After we ate, Dror gave an exemplary scientific presentation and Power Point presentation. After a very full and satisfying day and night, David and Haya, Richard and I returned to our” hard to find “Haifa hotel.
As I am writing this, it is now approximately 10 PM Israeli time on June 25th. Today, we visited the Ziv Medical Center in Zefat, Israel. This program, under the Directorship of Dr Oscar M Embon, serves one of the poorest areas of Israel. This area of Israel has been often attacked from the close by Lebanese border, and treats the “risky” Golan Heights/ Galilee area. I was the recipient of two lovely books from him, a history of the hospital and a local cookbook that’s sales benefit the hospital. Dr. Alejandro Roisentul is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who has had the vision and vigor to open a small program to treat the oral and dental needs of the under-served of this area at Ziv Medical Center. Alejandro, and his wife Juliana, who is both an educator and a Dental Hygienist, moved to Israel from Argentina, and have truly made a difference in the Zefat region by selflessly serving and educating the healthcare professionals of the area and the population! By the way, I would recommend you looking at Chapter 6 of the Quintessence publication of Current Concepts of TM Disorders, where Alejandro is a co-author of the chapter. After our hospital tour and meetings, Alejandro arranged for us to be a given a personal tour of the old city of Zefat by the city’s Mayor. We were able to observe both beauty and history simultaneously. The old city is the founding home of spiritual Judaism (Kabbalah), and has incredible Jewish roots! We were welcomed into their home and met their children and pets before setting off back to Tel Aviv.
This week began to reopen my eyes to the complexities and big picture of Israel, and Israel healthcare, specifically dental and oral care. All of the Israeli population have important oral health needs, and while the dental schools in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are incredibly important programs, these programs I have witnessed in the north are essential to the overall quality of oral health care in Israel. I look forward to reporting more to you in next week’s blog, and will report on my many visits during the upcoming days. All of us in Alpha Omega should recognize the important work being done by these great fraters, and hopefully support them in any way we can. We have the opportunity to address all of Israel’s population’s issues, and should realize the important place this concept is in our overall GOHI visualization. One of Our Global Oral Health Initiative’s goals is to help bring dentistry to the underserved around the world, and I have found great Fraters doing it right here in Israel and they deserve our help and a better understanding of their programs and aims.

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Fraternalism is Friendship AO Style

2010-06-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

I have said many times and written often in my blog, that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is unique in many ways. No other organization provides the combination of fraternalism, professionalism and the important base of Judaic values and principles. This week I was pleasantly reminded of great example of the unique aspects of Alpha Omega’s fraternalism.
At the 2001 Alpha Omega International Convention held in New York City, our convention was symbolic for many reasons, but most important was the tragic September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks, where New York was the most tragic and dramatic target. It was important both for New York City and for the nation to resume relatively “normal” activities, because otherwise we were permitting the terrorists to dictate to us. The Convention steering committee held many brainstorming sessions in the period immediately before the convention, discussing all the ways to make the attendees at this convention receive “super special” treatment, and receive not only perceived value, but “more bang for the buck.” As a result of this, my husband Richard led three walking tours and an early morning walk over to the Today show. Each walking tour had between 25 and 75 walkers, despite the very cold weather. One couple that went on every walking tour was newlyweds, Bob and Colleen Klein, from Columbus Ohio. Richard recognized that Bob and Coleen were “new” to convention s, and took them under his wing, helping them appreciate the city, have a great time, and feel welcomed by Alpha Omega. Bob and Colleen have so enjoyed their convention experiences that they look forward all year to coming and spending time with their Alpha Omega family! Since 2001, Bob and Coleen have attended every convention except this past year’s, where they had to cancel at the last minute because of family commitments. Bob and Colleen have already made plans to be coming to this year’s convention in San Diego. The Klein’s have become very dear friends of Richard and me, and stayed with us for several days this past week. This has become an “unofficial rite of summer” and we all look forward to the Klein’s visit to our home most summers.
The story of Bob and Colleen Klein teaches us important lessons (do I sound like your Rabbi?) and information relevant to Alpha Omega. It shows how important fraternalism is, and true caring about getting newcomers involved. It also demonstrates how important the New York convention’s steering committee’s willingness to ‘think outside the box” was in making that historic convention a truly special experience for all that attended. It also demonstrates that one of the best ways to get a Frater truly committed to the fraternity is to get them to an International convention.
If you have not already made your arrangements and reservations to attend this year’s Convention in San Diego, I urge you to consider attending. I can tell you what a special experience it is, but until you experience it yourself, you don’t realize the full scope and significance. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have created a fun-packed, value-filled, CE loaded, event-driven, community service, fraternal, and professional week that you will truly enjoy! Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org and you will see all the great details, and be able to reserve. We have secured great group room rates at The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, in San Diego, to go along with the great value-packed convention program. Please come to San Diego, and remember to say hi to the Klein’s, they are very friendly in an AO sort of way!
I bet we all have dear friends like the Klein’s, who friendship was cemented at an AO convention. Come to convention and make your new friends.
I am looking forward to my upcoming Presidential visitation to our fraters in Israel. David Ash and his committee have arranged numerous activities and visitations, and I am proud to represent Alpha Omega during my visitations to “our” dental schools in Israel, as well as all the other great programs the fraternity and the AO Foundation have so loyally supported. Next week I will report from Israel.

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Alpha Omega President goes to Montreal Ooh -La- La!

2010-06-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

As I have written and said all year, I have committed 2010 for Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity to be “the Year for our Members.” With that in mind, I have attempted to enhance communication, and to have our members get the most information quickly. For my Montreal presidential visitation, I opted to fly into Burlington Vermont, and drive to Montreal, rather than fly directly into Montreal, because the airfare was much less expensive. No sooner had Rona and Bill Steinman heard we were flying into Vermont that our telephone rang, with Rona insisting that we stop along the way at their lovely home on Lake Champlain,Vermont. Rona and Bill welcomed us with their incredible warmth and hospitality, fed us, and then led us into Montreal via a border crossing that only a “native” would be able to find. After settling into our hotel, Mike Tenenbaum picked us up, and brought him over to his home for an intimate “taste and drink” gathering. Marlene was a perfect hostess, and we enjoyed our small gathering with Marlene and Mike, Rona and Bill, Sam Israelovitch and Sarah Rowniak, and Marvin Steinberg and Gail Caplan. Immediately following, Mike drove us over to the home of incoming Montreal chapter president Allan Lisbona and his wife (also an endodontist and frater) Stacy Abrahams, who gracefully hosted a large chapter barbecue and social gathering. When you visit them,make sure you see their basement!
I had the pleasure of meeting, greeting and speaking to numerous fraters. I particularly enjoyed my lively discussion with Mel Schwartz and his wife Dr. Shirley Schwartz. Mel is a Representative of the Order of Dentists, as well as being on the accreditation committee for foreign dentists desiring licensure in Canada. Shirley is a practicing pediatrician. Along with Jerry Duschkin, also a Representative to AODQ, we discussed many issues including faculty attitudes, new Canadian Laws and AO.
The inimitable Mort Lang and his wife Fidelia, helped give me an historic perspective of Montreal dentistry and Alpha Omega. The Montreal chapter was born about 60 years ago, out of the Mount Royal Dental Society (MRDS). MRDS began 90 years ago, and the AO Montreal chapter is both a fraternity, as well as a dental society. Mort recounted how my father-in-law Eli was very helpful and kind to him when Eli was Marshal of the 1965 New York convention, getting him a better room at the last minute.
It is always a pleasure to meet and talk to the dental students who are the future of AO. I had the pleasure of having a wonderful conversation with Erica Kader, who is beginning her first year at McGill, and Matthew Miller, a recent McGill graduate, who will be entering the Endo program at Nova this Fall. I am sure that our Florida fraters will warmly welcome Matt.All of you will meet him at the 2011 convention in Fort Lauderdale.
The Montreal chapter is an extremely efficient and effective one, that all other AO chapters could point to with pride. Harry Wise, a Past President, has served as Editor of their excellent journal, “The Probe & Mirror,” for a few years. He and his wife Barbara continue their tremendous dedication to the principles of AO and they enjoy the AO Conventions. Harry’s twin brother, Marty Wise coordinates the incredible JIAS clinic that many of the Montreal fraters volunteer and staff.Many members donate their time to treat newly immigrant families at the Jewish Hospital clinic or in their offices.
The next morning, Eli Raviv (Montreal chapter president and Director of the GPR program at Jewish Hospital) picked me up, and escorted and introduced me around, First, we met with Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill, Dr. Paul J. Allison. We had a very interesting conversation about AO and the community. Dr. Allison showed particular interest in getting involved in the Tomorrow’s Smile program. Dr. John Bloomfield, a former dean, gave us the cooks tour of McGill. Dr Jeff Meyers popped by to show us his cases in the Oral Surgery suite. We went from there to the Universite de Montreal, where the Vice Dean Andre Prevost took us personally on a tour of the dental school. We also had the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with Professor Dr. Annie St-Georges, and shared some ideas. We followed that by going over to the Jewish Hospital, where Eli proudly showed off his fabulous program and I met his son Dr. Roy Raviv (one of his residents). Eli and I even had the opportunity to see the pro-Israel demonstration, where the Jewish community marched to the Israeli Consulate to demonstrate solidarity with Israel during these trying times. During all this time, Marlene Tenenbaum entertained Richard, by giving him an extensive tour of the city, feeding him, and, of course, entertaining Richard as only Marlene can.
That evening, I had the honor of attending and officiating at the Installation of Montreal chapter’s new officers, and give out Senior certificates. There was a great turnout, and Eli’s words about the importance of Israeli solidarity, and Michael Tenenbaum’s extremely kind and touching introduction of me, were certainly additional highlights. I had so many opportunities to speak to alumni members as well as student members, that I realized why the Montreal chapter is such a success. They have great people/ fraters! One extremely revealing story of what makes AO so very special is the story of Dr. Myriam Feldman. Myriam is originally from Argentina, and she became aware of AO years ago, when there was an active AO chapter in Argentina. When Myriam decided she wanted to emigrate to Montreal, she contacted Alpha Omega fraters in Montreal, who assisted her in facilitating her moving to Montreal. Myriam is a dedicated frater, and presently serves as one of Montreal chapter’s Vice Presidents.
Many of Montreal’s fraters are active and involved females, and it has been that way for quite some time. Dr Linda Schwartz was their first woman president. I could not have been made to feel more welcome!
One of the great things about being International President of Alpha Omega, is that it gives me the opportunity to really get to know so many wonderful fraters around the world. This is precisely why I feel so strongly that the more fraters who attend an AO International Convention, the more dedicated and committed fraters we will have. Attending an AO Convention has many important pluses, but none is more important than getting a real opportunity to observe the full scope of Alpha Omega on an International level. Please consider attending, and look at what it’s all about at: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org where you can see all that will occur, as well as register. I look forward to seeing you in San Diego this December.

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Alpha Omega Oozes Fraternalism

2010-06-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the most significant difference between Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and other organizations is the fraternal aspect of our triangle. Certainly, all three sides of the triangle are essential components, but, of the three sides, only the fraternal aspect is unique to our fraternity. Other organizations and institutions offer venues and arenas that satisfy our Judaism, Judaic heritage, and Judaic principles (particularly, tzedka and tikun olam). Other organizations offer members of our profession venues for professionalism, continuing education, etc. However, only Alpha Omega offers a true fraternal experience with our peers, as well as honoring Judaic principles, while representing the finest professional ideals.
Many of us hear the word “fraternalism” and visualize the frolics of college fraternities. The free dictionary.com defines “fraternalism” as: “showing comradeship; brotherly.” In that sense, Alpha Omega is a fraternity in the finest aspect of the word. Fraters from around the world have developed a family- like bond. Regular attendees at our annual International Conventions develop a bond with fraters that, in many cases, they only see once a year. In some aspects, our conventions are like large, extended family reunions, while welcoming first-time and non- regular attendees into the family party. Our regular convention goers have traditionally become the most devoted to our fraternity. I urge anyone who has attended convention in the past to join us again in San Diego this year. I urge those who either have never attended our International Convention, or have not attended in some time, to join us at the Hyatt Mission Bay in San Diego this year from December 25 to January 1. We have unbelievable special convention room rates of only $149 per night available (can take advantage of this from 3 days prior to 3 days after) for our convention. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged a outstaning, fun- packed week filled with fraternalism, professionalism (CE credit included in registration), and Judaic values. President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum has planned a community service afternoon for the afternoon of December 25th. Please go online to: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org for specific details and information, and to register.
Past Regent, member of the Board of Trustees, and Convention Marshall Lynn Gitlin contacted me this past week. Lynn and I were roommates at an AO Convention while in dental school, and have been friends ever since. One of Lynn’s residents was relocating from the San Francisco area to the New York area, and Lynn asked if we would welcome her and make her feel comfortable in relocating. That is exactly what AO is all about - - as we say in Hebrew, “L’dor v’dor” (from generation to generation)! Fraternalism makes one frater outreach on behalf of another, to help out generations that follow us. It is our fraternal responsibility to teach new members what fraternalism is really all about!
When I went to dental school in the 1970’s at Tufts, one of the warmest of the Boston alumni was Murray Miller. Murray is and has always been a fine example of fraternalism, and was recognized at our past convention with our Meritorious Service award. Since I will be visiting our Montreal fraters from Sunday to Tuesday, I called Murray to get his recommendations, and see if he’d like me to say “hi” to anyone special, etc. Murray has always been a leader who led by example, both with his actions and his enthusiasm.
Marty Weinberg recently contacted regarding several fraternal matters. He was very enthusiastic and excited about the membership growth and strengthening that is occurring in his Dallas chapter. Marty is another frater who truly cares about Alpha Omega.
Leaders of one local chapter can be quite helpful to leaders of other chapters by helping us gather a Best Practices manual. I urge local leaders to contact me with ideas regarding: (1) their best events; (2) their most interesting event; (3) their successful membership programs; (4) their most memorable program; (5) their best received event/ program. Please describe these in as much detail as possible, with any other comments, questions, ideas or concepts, and forward to me at: csberkman@aol.com

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Volunteers are Alpha Omega's Foot Soldiers

2010-05-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

In my blog last week, I gave an overview of the important work done by some of our committees, specifically Achievement Medal and the various other awards committees. Any member can nominate an individual for the awards mentioned last week. Like most organizations, Alpha Omega depends on the dedication and hard work of its volunteers, in coordination with our Headquarters staff. Therefore, this week, I want to give an overview of some of our other international committees.
Our Communications Committee oversees written and electronic communications. The committee is chaired by the International Editor, who oversees and monitors communications. Written communication includes the Alpha Omegan, AO Now, and Articulator. Fred Margolis, in his third year as International Editor, has been the Editor of the Alpha Omegan, and has had oversight regarding the other two publications. Recently, our Executive Director Marty Zimmerman, with the oversight of both Fred and International Secretary Marcy Schwartzman, has taken over the production of the AO Now. Shawn Groyeski is editor of Articulator, which is the student publication, and this year Articulator was distributed electronically to our entire membership. In addition, this committee is involved with our website, data base updating, and evaluating and recommending any technologies that might enhance member communication. Gary Scharoff has diligently served as our Webmaster for several years, spending countless hours, communicating with the Administrative Committee and our Headquarters office, to best serve our fraternity’s internet needs. I want to thank our immediate Past Editor and I.P.I.P. Dan Uditsky, as well as PIP Steve Braunstein (International Editor prior to Dan) for all their efforts and stepping up to assist Fred this year.
Our Continuing Education Committee is responsible for assisting chapters’ foster professional excellence. Our Corporate Board Member (and Honorary Member) Steve Anderson has generously donated his time and efforts to provide fantastic sessions in Seattle this past spring, and an upcoming one in Boston on October 15th. In both cases, these were done on the same weekend as our Leadership Seminars. Co-chairmen Michael Szikman and Avi Wurman lead this important committee, whose goals include: encouraging participation in these programs; encouraging chapters to update Headquarters on their continuing ed programs; work with the Convention Committee, as needed, to coordinate CE at the International Convention; work with SAC to obtain information for post-graduate directory. This committee, in conjunction with Headquarters, is responsible for applications and certifications from the ADA, CERP, and the AGD PACE programs.
A new feature on our Website offers fraters seeking associates, as well as individuals seeking to associate, an enhanced method to learn of Associate opportunities. If you are either looking for an Associate, or looking to Associate, please contact Gary Scharoff at: gms@pipeline.com, for details.
No organization can exist without fiscal oversight and stability.
Alpha Omega is very fortunate that our International Treasurer David Schneider is following the excellent example of our previous International Treasurer, International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum, in his tenaciousness, attention to detail, and fiscal responsibility. The International Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee, which reviews all financial matters, and provides input and recommendation in the creation and implementation of a meaningful budget.
A subcommittee of the Finance Committee, our Convention Subcommittee is co-chaired by International Treasurer David Schneider and Convention Representative Avi Wurman. Under the supervision of the Convention Representative, this committee explores various aspects related to Convention, including future site selection. The Convention Representative and International Treasurer are also intimately involved with present Convention details.
Non-Dues Revenue Subcommittee Chairman Alan Moltz has worked diligently investigating and recommending programs that might benefit both the Fraternity and our members. Currently, on our Website, you will notice Demand Force’s Banner. Look forward to web seminars regarding practice management that Demand Force will be offering to our members in the coming summer months. Another corporate partner who is offering a great member benefit is Chemlog, who will be offering valuable courses free to our members. Look for details to follow and check the web site oftern, AO.org.

I have previously discussed how Alpha Omega is, in many ways, like one big family, or like the 6 Degrees of Separation game. This week I received a pleasant phone call from Montreal Frater, Dr. Edward Slopcoff, to let me know how excited he was that Alpha Omega International finally has a female International President. Dr. Slopcoff reminisced about his and others efforts in the 1960’s to encourage AO to accept female fraters. Previously, Jamie Feldman had told me about his similar memories regarding this issue. The incredible thing is that Dr. Slopcoff stated that he was particularly excited because his past student, Murray Miller, was this year’s Meritorious Service Award recipient. Since I first met Murray when I was a student at Tufts, and we have been close ever since, this 6 degrees of separation actually turned out to be only one degree of separation.
We must all remember that one of the things that make AO unique is our “extended family,” or fraternal aspect. One of the reasons that I feel so strongly about encouraging fraters to go to Convention is to feel “first hand” what the AO experience is really all about. We can talk about it as much as we want, but the only way for someone to understand what it means, is to witness it firsthand. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged for a memorable, value- packed, event- driven, CE loaded, fun convention at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego from December 25, 2010 to January 1, 2011. Everything is all set - - all we need is you to attend and encourage other to also. Go to the Convention Website at: www.aosunnydays2010.ao.org to get details and to register.
As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, I wish all of you a safe, wonderful, meaningful and relaxing long weekend. I will be at my local parade to support the troops, how about you?

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Award Winning Alpha Omega

2010-05-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

One of the phenomenal things about the Alpha Omega experience is our wonderful tradition. Part of that tradition includes certain honors and awards that we give to worthy recipients.
Alpha Omega’s most prestigious award is our Achievement Medal. The recipient of this award is someone who has made outstanding contributions to dentistry or its allied sciences. Past recipients include such notable individuals as Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, Albert Sabin, Herbert Schilder, Murray Massler, Isaac Schour, Abram Sachar, Robert Shira, D. Walter Cohen, Morton Amsterdam, Ronald Goldstein, Gordon Christianson, John Ingle, Hans Selye, and many other “giants” of our profession. This year’s recipient, to be awarded at our Annual Convention in San Diego, is Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein. Those serving on the Achievement Medal Committee serve for two consecutive years, the first year to select the recipient, and the second year to arrange and oversee the actual granting of the Award. Traditionally, the Chair of this committee is a Past International President, and is selected by the International President-Elect to provide over his/her Presidential year’s event. Our Achievement Medal Committee 2010 (Select 2009/ Award 2010) is Past International President Michael Kampel, and the Chair of the 2011 Committee (Select 2010/ Award 2011) is Past International President Cliff Litvak. The committee is composed of the Chair (a Past Intl Pres), another Past International President, and traditionally three to five additional fraters.
There are several other Award Committees. Each of these is chaired by a Past International President, and with the exception of the Special Awards and Presentations Committee, have five additional members.
The most prestigious award given to a frater is the Meritorious Service Award. This award is granted to a frater who has not been an International President, and has demonstrated exemplary service to Alpha Omega over a ten year period. For example, in the past two years, the award was given to two exemplary individuals, Sam Unger and Murray Miller. The Meritorious Service Award Subcommittee is chaired by the Immediate Past International President, who this year is Dan Uditsky.
The “charge” of the Certificate of Merit Subcommittee is to identify a candidate who has shown special service to the fraternity, either on a local chapter or International level. It is chaired this year by Past International President Steve Braunstein.
The Honorary Membership subcommittee this year is chaired by Past International President Joel Schaumburg. This committee’s goal is to bring forth a candidate who is not an Alpha Omega member, who has made an outstanding contribution to dentistry or the allied health professions, or has otherwise made an outstanding contribution to Alpha Omega.
Steve Spitz chairs our Special Awards and Presentations Subcommittee. This committee evaluates possible candidates for: Chapter Efficiency Awards (evaluating student and alumni chapters); The Young Alumni Leadership Award (given to a frater who has been a chapter member for at least five years, showing both exemplary service, as well as demonstrating potential as a future leader); Certificate of Academic Achievement (recognizing a student member with the highest academic average through three years); Alpha Omega Scholarship Award (recognizing the student who graduates with the highest academic average from participating schools); and the Trudi Berger Community Service Award (recognizing the individual, group or chapter, which has performed exemplary service to the community).
Organizations such as Alpha Omega depend on the service and efforts of volunteers. In our case, our volunteers are our fraters. It is, therefore, only fitting that we maintain our tradition of honoring and recognizing worthy individuals for their efforts. I encourage everyone to help Alpha Omega, serve on some of our committees or contribute in a manner that “works for you.” In this, our “Year For Our Members,” it is as essential as always to officially say, “Thank you,” to those individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to Alpha Omega’s goals and missions.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Shavuot. Since Shavuot is our celebration of our Torah, I feel it is an opportune time to talk about “hands on” devotion to certain of the Torah’s themes—specifically Tzedaka and Tikun Olam. As you can see from the description of our main awards, we recognize those that have done more for mankind, and served our Fraternity and society in a demonstrable way.
We would love to have as many people serve on committees as are interested. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact either me or International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum.

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"Lucky " Lady AO President communicates in Conn.

2010-05-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons that I have decided to visit certain areas or certain chapters. Sometimes my Presidential visitation has been because the local chapter leaders want Alpha Omega’s International President to preside over some event, feeling that appearance might help the local chapter. At other times, visitations are made for specific purposes, such as having conversations with Deans, meeting with corporate sponsors, attending a specific meeting or event, meeting with local fraters and hopefully imparting an International “flavor” to them, meeting and greeting fraters to open up additional avenues of communication, etc.
Our Hartford Alumni Chapter has suffered from some of the same challenges that several other alumni chapters have also faced. At one time a chapter with over 100 fraters, the chapter today still exists, but has very little activity. For many years, Bill Sherman has been the “face’ of the chapter, having served in many capacities including Regent. Bill and his wife, Sam, have been regulars at International Conventions, and consistent supporters of the AO Foundation. Fortunately, Paula Stern has been acting as Chapter Treasurer for several years. Robin Santiago is further proof of the fact that Alpha Omega is “family,” as Robin’s father; Howard Mark is a former Regent, and long-time Alpha Omegan. All of us who know Robin are very proud of the fact that she will become President of the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) on October 16, my birthday. Robin has been coordinating Continuing Education for the CSDA. I wanted to try to “jump-start” the Hartford chapter, and personally sent out by e-mail and “snail mail” invitations to an Appetizers and Cocktails get-together late in the afternoon on Thursday of the CSDA Annual Meeting, held at the Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, CT. Since the chapter had nearly no activity in some time, and I was not at all sure how many would attend, I made the get-together casual, and held it at Margaritaville at the Mohegan Sun. The approximately twenty people that attended still had strong feelings for Alpha Omega, and we had great conversations about what was happening today with Alpha Omega. Several indicated interest in the Steve Anderson seminar in Boston on October 15th. We also discussed the International Convention in San Diego in December. We spoke about how we would all try to help the members of this chapter get more information about Boston Alumni chapter activities, as well as International events and happenings, and all that attended thought it would be great to have another get-together at the CSDA 2011 meeting.
It was great to see a young couple who originally lived in Detroit stop by the get-together. David Fenton is presently an Oral Surgery Resident while his wife Jodi Levy is in General Practice in Manchester CT. The two of them spoke glowingly of their wonderful remembrances with the Detroit Alumni Chapter fraters while they were there. David was pleasantly surprised to see one of his professors, Dr. Judd Fink and his wife Becky already at the Get- Together when he arrived. Our dear friend, Andy Ponichtera, who was once in charge of Graduate Prosthodontics at U.Conn, and his wife Pam, was glad to rekindle some of his long-time relationships with several of the attendees. Andy and Pam enjoyed attending the Cruise Convention this past year so much, that they are considering attending again this coming year. Norman Katzoff stopped by, and was glad to see Alpha Omega doing something at the CSDA meeting. Even one of our fraters from Virginia, Frederick Krochmal, who was attending the CSDA meeting and saw one of our signs, stopped by and made new “friends” from Connecticut. All important things begin with my first personal step, and I am hopeful that this get- together was an important step toward some sort of revitalization in the Hartford area.
Our active Boston alumni chapter member and Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Bruce Donoff, and his wife, Madelyn, former Chair of the Boston chapter of Hadassah, will be the honorees at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Jerusalem Dental Center for Children, on June 13th at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline MA. This clinic has been providing much needed dental care at significantly reduced fees for a population which otherwise would not be served.
The Board of Directors of Alpha Omega International Fraternity held their monthly conference call on Monday evening. Your Board has been working diligently to enhance communication and improve member benefits. Many topics were discussed including GOHI and the proposed GOHI Grants Program; the Leadership Seminar in Boston in October 15-16; and the International Convention in San Diego from December 25th to January 1st.
As always, please feel free to contact me at any time with any ideas, concepts, feedback, or concerns.

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ALPHA OMEGA INTERNATIONAL DENTAL FRATERNITY- Across the Pond + Back Again!

2010-05-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

ALPHA OMEGA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY- Across the Pond + Back Again!

After spending the whole day in my office last Wednesday, I boarded my flight from JFK International Airport to go “across the pond” to spend some time with our London fraters. For weeks, I was unsure if Trans-Atlantic flights would be traveling, because of the volcanic ash covering much of the Continent. However, as a sign that “it was meant to be,” the skies cleared and European flights resumed a few days before my departure. Arriving early Thursday morning (yet still later than scheduled), the “one and only” PIP John Wolfe picked me up at London’s Heathrow, and drove me to my hotel to settle in. I have known John and Linda for many years, and was fortunate to have been the Chair of the Board of Trustees when John served as a Trustee (prior to serving as the first International President from Europe). After settling in, John and I “caught up” and visited some nearby Roman ruins. I enjoyed having lunch with Linda and John at an old watermill restaurant.
Thursday night, I was hosted for dinner at the home of Adrian Mullish, his wife Cheryl and their children. For a dessert, Adrian, who serves as the London Chapter Council Chairperson, hosted a meeting with the London Chapter Council and the London Charitable Trust (Note: the London Charitable Trust is the London Chapter’s philanthropic arm). London Charitable Trust’s Chair, Professor Dr. Andrew Eder, should be extremely proud of the many accomplishments of the London Charitable Trust, including supporting an Israeli clinic, funding a chair at the Tree Top Dental Clinic (for special needs children), donating an ambulance in Israel, support of both Israeli Dental schools, etc. We had a very good and productive meeting, and I was asked to discuss what other chapters do in terms of Professionalism, Fraternalism and Judaism. The emphasis of the London Chapter has generally been professionalism and Judaic values (particularly Tzedaka and Tikun Olam), and we had an interesting discussion on perhaps adding a little more social (fraternal/ family) activities.
The London chapter started in 1969, and in 1970, the US Ambassador to England, Mr. Annenberg had discomfort from a periodontal problem. He visited an Alpha Omegan periodontist, Dr. John Zamit, who alleviated Mr. Annenberg’s dental problem, and after a discussion, Dr. Zamit convinced Mr. Annenberg to provide “seed money” to create an annual lecture, where an American lecturer would be brought over to do a scientific seminar (remember, that was a very big deal in 1970!). The first two speakers were Morty Amsterdam and D. Walter Cohen. The initial seed money ran out after ten years, and the London chapter continued to hold the annual full day lecture, as the culmination of their full year scientific programs (the other programs take place in the evening).
A trade show is held in conjunction with the Annenberg meeting, and Trade Show Chair Veronica Morris works very hard organizing the details of the trade show. Aron Marcus, their treasurer, was watching the finances while his associate Sarah Cohen, just back from maternity leave ,enjoyed the program and our AO chat. The funds that are made as a result of the lecture fees and the exhibitor support help support the worthwhile endeavors of the London Charitable Trust.
Many felt getting to the Annenberg Lecture was of paramount importance. Dr Michael Zybutz, a periodontist and active AO was a sponsor displaying his New Perio Software, Panda. He said he had to be there to support AO. Luke Barnett, Director of Luke Dental Lab had to brave the volcanic ash and escape the North Pole in Norway by van and ferry just to get to the Annenberg day .Being with his AO friends was that important. I expressed my appreciation to all the sponsors for their support of AO events.
I had the pleasure of seeing a number of people I know, and getting to know many that we now considers friends. My friends Morris Fine (next year’s Chair) and Joe Rich (a Past Chair) have been to International Conventions. Ed Scher, Joe Laps and Mike Sulton are seriously considering attending this year’s Convention, as well as Joe Rich (from Manchester, a past President of the BDA) Since Michael Sultan just ran and finished the London Marathon, he said if we have a Marathon, he’ll definitely be there! Arnie Kosiner, who sat next to me at the lecture, kindly, explained all the “ins and outs” of AO London, and dentistry in the U.K. Matt Zizmor from the Boston chapter attended the Annenberg again this year, as he had attended European regency meeting in Baden Baden. Matt enjoys combining travel with professional enrichment, and fraternalism!
Linda and John hosted me for Shabbat dinner as only the Wolfe’s can. Their genuine warmth and kindness comes through in everything they do! In addition to me, the Wolfe’s also hosted Matthew Zizmor and Elizabeth, as well as Simon Stern, a nice AO dentist, who is a Resident at a local hospital in Oral Surgery. Simon is very enthusiastic, and seemed to get the bigger picture about Alpha Omega as a result of our conversations.
There were many other wonderful and kind London Fraters, who treated me warmly and made me feel welcome. The day before I left, I went to downtown London, and visited the National Gallery and the show Enron. Sunday, Adrian Mullish picked me up and brought me back to Heathrow for my flight back to New York.
Many exciting things were occurring on this side of the Pond at the same time. On Friday, in Seattle, Steve Anderson gave a great full day seminar, and on Saturday Mike Tenenbaum coordinated the Leadership Seminar, led by our Executive Director Marty Zimmerman. Feedback on both parts of the weekend have been superb, and if you were unable to make it to Seattle, a similar weekend of Steve Anderson giving a seminar Friday, followed by a Leadership Seminar on Saturday, will be held on the East Coast, in Boston, on October 15th- 17th. If you are interested in leadership, going to a Leadership Seminar is an important step for both alumni and students!
This week, I received an e-mail from PIP Bud Krasne, informing me of the South Florida chapter’s sponsorship of two awards to graduating students from their dental school. Buddy thinks it would be a great idea for other chapters to something like this in their local area, and I know, for example, that Boston alumni chapter has been doing this with the three dental schools in Boston area, and Detroit does this with their two dental schools. I am sure that several other chapters do this as well, and I think Buddy’s idea of publicizing this involvement is an excellent one! This would be a great local project! In addition, one of the new member benefit programs we are contemplating would help to begin the funding a Student Scholarship. Louisville has one for their students in need.
Everywhere I have been, I have been discussing many aspects of Alpha Omega, and encouraging fraters to attend the next AO International Convention in San Diego from December 25th to January 1st. If you are a regular Convention attendee, I look forward to seeing you again this year. If you have ever gone to Convention, please consider coming back this year, and if you have never attended an AO Convention, you don’t fully understand the scope of Alpha Omega, until you come to a Convention. Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have been working diligently to arrange a memorable, value-packed, event-driven, Fraternal, Professional and Tzedaka- related program. Plan to arrive Dec 24 so you can participate in our group GOHI project on Dec 25. Information is available at: aosunnydays2010.ao.org.
I’m off this week to the Connecticut Dental Association (CDA) meeting, where I hope to create some additional excitement and awareness in the area. If you will be there, come to Margaritaville on Thursday for some appetizers and a cocktail, between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
If we all speak to one person who becomes involved again in AO, just imagine what Alpha Omega can accomplish!

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Feeling the warmth in Motown

2010-04-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

FEELING THE WARMTH IN MOTOWN
After working all day in my office this past Thursday, Richard and I took a Delta Airlines flight to Detroit. Marv Sonne was at the airport waiting for us, and drove us to our host home at Chateau Schaumburg. Even though we arrived at Chateau Schaumburg after ten o’clock, Ellie and Joel had a delicious platter of selected delicious cheeses and wines ready to greet us. Marv stayed about a half hour, and then left to get home to Fran while they were both awake. Ellie and Joel Schaumburg were our hosts for the weekend, sharing their home, putting us up, and showing us warmth as only they can.
The next morning, Joel drove us to the Vista Tech Center at Schoolcraft College. The Detroit Chapter had Richard Brody as their speaker for their Spring Seminar, a full-day seminar called, “Getting the ‘Yes’ in Any Situation - - Professional, Fraternal and Professional Relationships” that ran until about 4:00 PM. The seminar was so well received that Joel commented on how unusual it was for there to be as many people in the audience after lunch as before lunch. While an interactive demonstration was being shown on getting out one’s comfort zone, and getting to know things about someone we meet, we all learned all about Frater Daniel Lipnick, and we will all remember him as a result of this exercise. While, obviously, I have heard Richard numerous times, the group seemed to enjoy both the content as well as the interactive content.
Fraternalism abounded as a group of fraters joined us at an excellent local restaurant for Shabbat dinner. The Detroit fraters are a close group, obviously truly liking each other. What was really great that while some fraters attended all the events over the weekend, others attended one or two events.
After taking us to a delicious breakfast at Woody’s on Saturday morning, Ellie and Joel took us to the unique Henry Ford Museum and to Greenfield Village. We had a fabulous time with this fun loving couple, and we all totally enjoyed our authentic late 1800’s lunch at a restaurant in the Village.
After returning home for a short rest, we soon left for another great Alpha Omega event, where a number of fraters and their spouses met at a different local restaurant, and thoroughly enjoyed each others company. We talked AO, the convention and family both AO and otherwise.
Sunday morning, we attended the Spring Paid- Up Brunch and Installation of Officers. I had the honor of helping in the Installation of Detroit’s chapter officers, and presenting 50 year pins to: Henry Citron, Donald Gale, Arnold Golnick, Lawrence Haber, Robert Lavine, Jerome Lesson and Eugene Smoler. I was honored to address the group with my vision for AO, and my goal of making this year truly, “The Year for Our Members.” It was gratifying that so many Detroit members are planning on attending the Convention in San Diego, and I hope many of you do too! Info regarding the convention is available at: aosunnydays2010.ao.org. I enjoyed meeting the Alpha Nu President Jonathan Blattand and Adam Garfinkle Chi Chapter President and their members. The event was presided over by outgoing President Marc Dwoskin, who served in that capacity for the past two years. The Detroit Chapter is indeed fortunate that Marvin Sonne has agreed to once again serve as the chapter President for the next two years. How could any chapter be in better hands? The function ended with a one-hour Keynote presentation by Richard, “Becoming a Better Listener.”
The Detroit Chapter is certainly an AO alumni chapter that we all can point to as an example of a chapter that exemplifies what AO is all about. They exhibit superb fraternalism, outstanding professionalism, and their commitment to the Judaic principles of Tzedaka and Tikun Olam. A little over one year ago, the Detroit Alumni Chapter began the Jewish Dental Clinic, which is dedicated to providing basic and essential oral health care to the needy Jewish community of metro Detroit. What a GOHI model for all our future GOHI projects to emulate!
It was great catching up with the Detroit chapter members that I knew, and to make the acquaintance of so many new friends! As always, it was a pleasure seeing regular convention goers such as Ester and Steve, and Joyce and Steve. Fran and Marv Sonne, Ellie and Joel, and Jamie Feldman. They are all magnificent hosts. Special thanks to Detroit’s Editor Bob Lavine and Bylaina, Outgoing Chapter President Marc Dwoskin and Chicki, and Detroit Chapter’s Secretary Gail, for all their extra efforts in our behalf. Many of us know Mark Luria for his extraordinary service to Alpha Omega in coordinating the Externship program, as well as a regular at Conventions, the father of an Alpha Omegan and he is another integral member of his local chapter.
One of the chapter’s members, Milton Gordon, is retiring and has orthodontic equipment available, if anyone wants or needs some. Please contact me if you would like to get into contact with Milton regarding these items.
Anyone who is interesting in seeing photos from this great weekend, thanks to Jamie Feldman, they are available to view at: http://president.aodetroit.org.Check out Marvin's tie and my dress,we match and coordinate so well.
While I was in Detroit, I received a great e-mail from Gary Solomon, the present President of the Dallas Alumni Chapter. Dallas splits the year in half, and has their Chapter President serve six month terms. Gary brought me up to date on all that’s going on with the Dallas chapter, as well as the new leadership that will be taking the helm next year. Dallas’ two Presidents this year decided they needed to be strong leaders and very hands-on to attract and maintain membership, and they have been attracting significantly larger turnouts to their events. Gary also worked closely with Mark Luria, to help bring students to “shadow” dental practices, to see first-hand what a dental practice is like. Here, through the hard work and outreach of Mark, he was able to get Gary (an enthusiastic local leader) to arrange for a local Detroit student Frater to come to Dallas, and learn.
As you are reading this blog, I am in London at the Annenburg Lecture. I look forward to my visitation with our UK Fraters, and other fraters who travel to attend this prestigious meeting. At the same time, Mike Tenenbaum is coordinating the Leadership Seminar in Seattle. If you were unable to attend, you will have another opportunity in the fall at the Boston Leadership Seminar Oct 15-17. At both events, a special presentation by Steve Anderson is occurring the same weekend.
As you can see, there is a lot going on at Alpha Omega. I urge you to get more involved, and you will feel even more connected. I hope you seriously consider attending our terrific Annual convention from December 25th to January 1st. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have created a fabulous value packed program, filled with events, functions, continuing education, a community service program, and Fraternalism- AO Style! Try it – You’ll like it!

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My old Kentucky Home :AO Style

2010-04-22T02:13:00.000-07:00

My Old Kentucky Home: AO Style
Although we like to believe that, as International President, our visitations are important to expose fraters to the “bigger picture,” and to learn more about the scope of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, one of the most important reasons that Alpha Omega’s International President visits many local chapters is to realize how many wonderful fraters there are all over the world.
I left New York this past Saturday afternoon, after spending the day in my office, to visit our alumni and students in the Louisville area. My airplane arrived in the evening, just as the Thunder celebration was to begin (FYI, Thunder is the official beginning of the two week celebration proceeding the Kentucky Derby on May 1st). Thunder is a celebration and fireworks exhibition that takes place in Louisville, and is one of the major occurrences in the city. Larry Gettleman was kind enough to pick me up and negotiate the traffic and street closures associated with the celebration. Larry had made my reservation at a lovely Bed and Breakfast in downtown Louisville, and served as my “personal guide” and fabulous host for much of my stay. After Larry dropped me off at the Inn, I walked about a mile and a half down to see what Thunder was all about. When I told the “locals” the next day, many of them were amazed and nearly beside themselves, for fear for my safety. I told them that as a New Yorker, we have no fear. What a great beginning to the visit - - truly beginning with a bang!
The female fraters spent Sunday on the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and Richard Halpern was kind enough to serve as our “designated driver.” Great fun and great camaraderie and it was extra special because a recent Louisville grad Tori Sandoval, who is now practicing in Kingman Arizona was able to join us. I even tasted Fried Pickles! That evening a group of fraters including Rachel Davis and Les and Hannah Davis went to a comedy club, and we got to know each other better, while laughing away with the comedians, one of whom was the brother of Frater.
Early Monday morning, Larry Gettleman picked me up, and took me over to the University Of Louisville School Of Dentistry. Dean John J. Sauk and I had a very fruitful and open conversation, and we spent over a half hour together. I also was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend some time with Assistant Dean Wood Currens. During my tour of the dental school, I mentioned that my father-in-law was not only a University of Louisville Dental School graduate, but was also President of both the Dental Alumni Association, as well as the University Alumni Association, over sixty years. I was immediately taken over to a wall that had the pictures of the 1939 graduates, and for those of you that knew PIP Eli Brody, he looked much the same then as later on in life. I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the students, and particularly enjoyed my one-on-one conversations. I was then planning to enjoy a casual lunch with the AO students, but because of late arriving pizzas, it gave me the opportunity to also address the entire sophomore class, and assist in doing a “Rush” program.
Larry then took me to meet Louisville’s long-time Mayor Jerry Abramson, a “nice Jewish boy,” who is retiring as Mayor and is considering “moving up.” We shared a laugh as I recommended President, because I told him that I was enjoying the position. Larry then brought me over to discuss the details of a 911 Medical ID Card Plus program that Max Behr is helping us with. This appears to be a win-win situation for fraters and the fraternity and our patients, and in the near future, I hope we are able to “cross all the T’s” and get the details to you! We are continuously striving to bring you valuable member benefits!
Since we still had a little time before the evening’s festivities, Larry drove me over to Churchill Downs. This was very exciting to me because I am a former equestrian and Eli worked at the Derby when he was in dental school. Larry then drove me back to the University Club, where I attended and addressed the students and alumni at a dinner honoring graduating seniors. One of the topics discussed was AO’s involvement in RAM. Alpha Omega has taken a lead role in a program known as RAM (Rural Access to Medicine), which helps bring health care to Louisville’s under-served. To me, that is what GOHI is all about! At the dinner, I had the honor to present a 50 Year Pin to Hirschel Weinberg, as well as President’s Pins to outgoing alumni President Scott Norton, and Student Chapter President Mike Rowe. At our last International Convention, two prestigious awards were given to Louisville fraters. I had the honor and privilege of presenting the Young Alumni Member Award to Rachel Davis, and Certificate of Merit Recipient Larry Gettleman. Amongst the Louisville fraters who were such hospitable hosts were Howard Green, Harold Hamburg, Herschel Weinberg, Max Behr, Robert Mann, Howard Klein, David Fox, Alan Gouls, Les Davis, and, of course the new chapter president Rachel Davis and Larry Gettleman. I also want to thank Richard Halpern for all his assistance. (He and Rachel are two thirds of the Student Activities Committee and doing a great job with Andrea Heckler.)
Tuesday morning, Larry got up very early to drive me to the airport for my early flight back to New York. I bid a fond farewell to a great city, with great hosts, and fraters who epitomize the three sides of Alpha Omega’s triangle!
I arrived back in New York, and Tuesday evening, your Admin held our weekly conference call to assure that your fraternity remains on track with all its objectives. Be on the lookout for The Articulator editor Shawn Groyeski, working with Fred and Marcy, which should be out soon. Very soon, the very exciting details about our new Medical Protective Programs for graduating students will be sent to all graduating students. Keep your eyes out for this letter and application.
The Seattle leadership program is fast approaching. You can still sign up - contact Mike Tenenbaum at: TENEDENT@aol.com. Another one in Boston is scheduled for the Fall, so plan ahead if you are unable to be in Seattle. I urge you to take advantage and learn from these great programs! If you have not yet made your reservations for the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, please plan on attending, because it will certainly be a convention full of fun, value, events, CE, and Alpha Omega’s special fraternalism. Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org for full details! I look forward to greeting you there!
On a more somber note, International Editor Fred Margolis has been informed of certain health issues that will require attention and special care. Let us all say a “mischer be-ach” for a full and speedy recovery and return to health! We all love Fred and I am sure that our common love and respect for him will be a source of strength for him during his recovery.
Now, it’s time to leave again for Detroit where a fabulous weekend of fraternalism and professionalism is planned. I will report the details in next week’s Blog.

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How's Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Doing?

2010-04-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

How’s Alpha Omega Doing?
I am very happy to report that the state of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is good, and is getting better and better. The transition of our Headquarters Office to the Third Eye Group is now complete, and your Administrative Committee has been working proactively to make sure there was a seamless and effective transition, and we are working very hard to assure that our members benefit from this transition to a new management company.
Since my last blog, I have enjoyed another week of fabulous Alpha Omega experiences. This past Saturday night, the New York metropolitan area chapters honored me with a lovely cocktail party and dinner. Queens-Nassau Chapter’s President and Regent of what was formerly Regency 3, Andrew Rutman organized and coordinated this terrific program. Members were there from the chapters in Staten Island, New York, Brooklyn, Queens-Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Eta Chapter (Columbia). There was cross-generational representation with several enthusiastic young fraters from Eta, as well as members who have been members well over 50 years. It was great to see so many close and dear friends, including Hannah, Bill and Kathy Kampel (unfortunately Michael was home ill), Gary and Don Scharoff, Alan Moss, Isabelle and Sam Unger, and so many others. It was fabulous seeing so many fraters who had not been at AO functions in quite a while, including Laurie and Michael Teitelbaum, Merle and Ed Perlow, Debby and Howard Kirschner, Muriel and Bob Bruskin, Cora and Mitch Greenberg, Debbie Blum, and many others. I hope it is the beginning of getting them reinvolved. Foundation Board Member Gail Schupak and Lloyd made me feel very special. Since this event was held on the South Shore of Long Island, it was really nice of the several members from Westchester to travel a distance to be at this event. I really appreciated the many kind words, and especially want to thank Andrew Rutman and Sam Unger for all they did and said to make this evening so very special. The inimitable Gary Scharoff was busy taking photos, which he has already on the AO.ORG website. Check out AO.ORG for all the great photos.
On Sunday, we held the first of our two mandatory Board of Directors Conference calls. In addition, we have instituted, this year, informal conference calls monthly to assure our Board members are kept up to date about developments in the AO world. We began with a moment of silence in memory and honor of Yom HaShoach. We reviewed Board member responsibilities and Board members prior to the call each submitted an activity report. The Board evaluated and approved enhancements to our Member Benefits program, including a relationship with D4D-E4D, Demand Force, Chemlog, an improved benefits program with Schein, and a new affinity program/card tailored specifically for dentists. Details will follow in an upcoming AO Now. A special thank you to BOD Member Alan Moltz, for all his hard work and effort, in coordinating all these exciting member benefit- type benefits. We also discussed the need for improved communications, and better outreach for past, present and potential members. If we all dedicate ourselves to letting those we know get more familiar with all AO is today, we will grow and be stronger as a Fraternity.
Anyone who is considering a leadership position on the International Committee, for either a Board of Directors position, or an Admin Committee position (if you have the necessary credentials), please contact me and I will put you in touch with the appropriate party. The Awards Committee is also looking to receive additional nominations for Honorary Membership, the Meritorious Service Award, Certificate of Merit, etc. Please contact me to get additional information or to make a recommendation.
Amongst the many e-mails I sent out this week was one to fraters in the Hartford area (inviting them to stop by an AO Hospitality at the Connecticut Dental Association meeting), and to fraters in the San Diego area inviting their involvement in the upcoming Convention. I was thrilled to have received two incredible responses right away, one from each area. In Connecticut, Dr. Calvin Mass wrote me the most heart-warming letter an Alpha Omega International President can possibly receive. Dr. Mass, an Alpha Omega since 1942 and now 92 years was very active in AO in the Hartford area for many years. He wrote how he remembered how exciting AO was when he originally joined, and that he was glad to see that I was so actively involved in the fraternity, and bring back some of that excitement. Bill Kampel remembers Dr. Mass as an active Conn. Member and past Chapter President. The Chapter President of the small AO chapter in San Diego, Dr. Robert Levine, e-mailed me how he and his staff are looking forward to helping out with the Convention in any way they can, and that he was hopeful that he could get members excited about the Convention, and use that to jump-start a reinvigoration of his chapter. We, the Admin committee, had a wonderful dinner with this chapter in late January. These two men are proof of Alpha Omega’s potential, and its members like that that which make me very optimistic about both AO’s future and potential!
I want those of you who have attended AO Conventions in the past to attend this year in San Diego, and to encourage other fraters who might have not attended a convention to “try it out” this year. This will be a great convention, and those that attend conventions develop the strongest fraternal bond. I am looking forward to some busy traveling in the next weeks, leaving for the great folks in our Louisville Chapter this Saturday (until Tuesday), and then traveling with Richard to a great weekend in Detroit from Thursday night through Sunday. Then on to England, across the pond, if the volcano stops puffing! More details to follow!

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Alpha Omega's unique form of Geography

2010-04-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

ALPHA OMEGA’s UNIQUE FORM OF GEOGRAPHY
Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity certainly has its own unique version of “6 Degrees of Separation.” A short time ago, Allen Sherman (not the Hello Mudda, Hello Fodda one), but Southern California’s perennial hard and diligent worker, and long-time active Alpha Omegan, who has been active both in his local area, as a Regent, and as a “regular” Convention attendee, forwarded me an article from an edition of the ADA News. This article featured Manhattan oral surgeon Dr. Ruben Cohen (also an Alpha Omegan), and discussed his many first response efforts and volunteerism. Dr. Cohen assisted at Ground Zero after 9/11, and had our loyal corporate partner Henry Schein delivers medical supplies within 24 hours of that tragedy to the American Express building. He even arranged for displaced NYU students to receive toothbrushes within hours after the terrorist attacks. He is also a long-time volunteer in Tanzania, where he helped build a dental clinic for Miracle Corners of the World (a NY-based not-for-profit that emphasizes leadership training, health care outreach, etc.) Doesn’t that sound like an AO-type GOHI-type project? Of course, after the Haiti earthquakes, Dr. Cohen was on the first planeload of volunteers to reach Haiti, and he was carrying four boxes of supplies donated by Henry Schein Dental. Dr. Cohen is certainly an example to all of us in Alpha Omega, with his practical application of AO’s triangle--- Professionalism at its highest; Fraternalism in his spirit; and his emphasis on the Judaic values of “tzedaka” and “tikun olam.”
The wonderful Milt Salzer is being honored with the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. We are all aware of all Milt has done and meant to AO, but our “6 degrees of separation”- AO style, continues! Others with Alpha Omega “linkage” who have previously received this award include four Achievement Medal Honorees (Bernard Sarnat, Dan Laskin, Dushanka V. Kleinman, and Murray Massler), Barry Freydberg, Charles S. Greene, Erwin Barrington, Myron Weiner, Marvin Weiss, and former Dean Seymore H. Yale. All Alpha Omegans should be honored by these fraters’ examples of exemplary professionalism. We all wish, Susan, Milt’s wife a speedy recovery as she is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow.
Dentists throughout the world have taken notice of how important it is to belong to Alpha Omega. This past week, both PIP Barry Chapnick, and BOD Member Andre Amiach forwarded information about significant interest in Amsterdam to form an AO chapter there. This is in its preliminary stages, but obviously exciting news for all of us. If members around the world are approaching us to become members, we need to rededicate our efforts in our existing areas. Let’s all dedicate ourselves to reinvigorating and exciting existing members, re-upping former members, and attracting potential new members. As Alpha Omega grows in number, we can achieve so much more!
When you visit our website at www.ao,org, you will take note of the fact that a new section has been added, to definitely benefit both younger and established members. This section will feature Associateship Opportunities, and will help pair our members from various generations. Another new member benefit!
If you have not yet made your reservation for the Leadership Seminar April 30-May 1, in Seattle, details are also available from the website. Get into the habit of periodically checking the website. Also remember that Conventional Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have arranged a great convention from December 25- January 1, in San Diego. I encourage you to either look at the details from the ao.org website, or go directly to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org, for all the exciting details, and for registration pages and payment opportunities.
Your Alpha Omega is a vibrant fraternity, with lots going on. Every day, we try to make it even better, for our members.

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MAMA MIA "AO Style"

2010-04-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

As we celebrated Pesach this week, I think of the lessons we should learn from this holiday - - - the importance of working together for a common good; the importance of learning from wise elders; the concept that miracles are possible; and that while Moses led the Israelites, the importance and support of his family- his brother Aaron and his sister Miriam. Reconstructionist Jews even set the Seder table with two symbolic glasses, instead of the one used at Traditional Seders. The other glass which sits side by side next to Elijah’s glass (which is filled with wine) is Miriam’s, which is filled with water, symbolizing Miriam’s well.
About twenty years ago, I introduced a program to Alpha Omega that I called “The Choice.” It was a program where Alpha Omegans would encourage teens and college students to seriously consider dentistry as a profession. During his year as International President, the late Mike Kohleriter reinvigorated the program. When I recently saw the wise elder, D. Walter Cohen, I asked him how we could get more potential Alpha Omegans to consider dentistry as a profession. Always the sage, Walter said that we have to teach the mothers that dentistry is a great profession, and they will then influence their children. That was made obvious to me during my recent visit to Boston. Shawn Groyeski ,BU President and our student editor, told me how he called his mother the night before to have her listen to the speech he was giving at the Alumni Brunch. At the BU luncheon, the BU chapter decided to use the CHOICE program to encourage local college students at Brandeis U to attend dental school. When Avi Feygin informed his mom that he was accepting a residency in NYC after graduating from BU dental school, his mother was thrilled because it meant he would be living closer to his parent’s home in New Jersey. Josh Bratt, a BU 3rd year student, excitedly told me how proud his mother was with his accomplishments. Stephanie Rashewky told me a great story about when she first purchased her Mac Book, she and her mother alternated weeks taking lessons so that they could easily communicate while she was at Harvard Dental School, with her mom at home in Michigan. At Pesach and throughout the year, mothers develop a bond and exert influence with their children that lasts a lifetime - - as a mom, I like to believe that moms count most!
In the March 15th ADA News, on page 40, Detroit Alumni Chapter active member, Marc Dwoskin is pictured volunteering with the Give Kids A Smile program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. This program is a great example of the potential our GOHI programs can offer in bring dental and oral health care to the undeserved. When the Admin Committee met in San Diego In January, we had the pleasure of meeting the Dean of Mercy Dental School, who is in regular communication with San Diego’s magnificent Irv Silverstein and his pre-dental students. Irv is doing the CHOICE program in the BIGGEST way. What a small, but wonderful AO World!
Perhaps the most emotional discussion I had this week was with PIP Bill Kampel. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill and Hannah, as well as Kathy and Michael, my entire married life. My husband’s family spent countless hours with the Kampels, and the Kampels have been at all of our simchas, as well as our sadder moments. The bond with Hannah goes back even further, because my mother-in-law Bea worked at Hannah’s family restaurant as a teenager. As many know, Bill has been the unofficial Alpha Omega Historian, as well as the 100th year event fraternity historian, and listening to his memories and observations is a privilege! Bill and I spent a wonderful time on the phone, when I asked Bill to reminisce about his years as a Line Officer of Alpha Omega. As some may know, Bill was the first Alpha Omega President installed in Israel in 1972 (by the way, Sandy Scheingold was the second). This became all the more relevant to me, because in doing our Pesach cleaning, we discovered some of my father-in-laws old pictures which included photos of the organizing committee from that first AO Convention in Israel 1972 (some recognizable faces included Jack Lewin-Epstein, Shalom Sussman, Yehuda Kaufmann, and of course Eli). Bill said that he had great memories from his years as a Line Officer, and raved about the wonderful committed fraters who were on the Line with him (including Larry Gimplin, Bud Krasne, Eli Brody, Ron Goldstein, and others). Bill explained that being the President was different then, because the President traveled predominantly domestically (there were far fewer International Chapters then), and life had far less technology (no internet, e-mail, etc.), thus communication was by “snail mail,” telephone, fax and face-to-face. Line Officers therefore depended less on Headquarters support, because it would have taken much more time to do it that way, and each officer had to do a lot more paperwork, etc. Bill happily told me that he remembered his Presidential year as a good year, with no memorable conflicts. He told me what great “team players” his fellow officers were. Bill and I agreed that one of the most important duties of the AO President is representing the Fraternity in a positive light, for its members. We both agreed that the Fraternity is all about its members!
I hope you have all had a Zizen Pesach, and that we all learn from the experiences of the Chag. Since Seder means order, let us also, in an orderly manner, work together to enhance the Alpha Omega experience. In the near future, we will be announcing our new and enhanced Member Benefits program. These enhanced benefits will be another bonus of Alpha Omega membership, but let’s all remember that Alpha Omega is important because of our triangle - - - our Professionalism; our unique Fraternalism; and our actualization of Judaic principles.

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Time to Make the Matzo Ball Soup

2010-03-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

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.”

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YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN!

2010-03-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

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 WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS!

2010-03-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Great News for AO from the Windy (and warm) City

2010-03-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

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.

"WE ARE FAMILY"

2010-02-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

This week’s blog should be subtitled, “We are family,” because the Alpha Omega family is an international fraternity with both alumni and student chapters. All fraters, whether they are students or alumni are equal fraters. Some students are not fully aware of the full nature and scope of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, and it is for that reason, and because we are indeed one big family, that our alumni and our alumni chapters need to do certain things for our students and student chapters.

Here are just a sampling of some of the things that our Alumni chapters can do to help our Student chapters:

(1) Educate them about Alpha Omega International
(2) Invite them to all alumni chapters functions without charge
(3) Participate in “Lunch & Learn” programs, where alumni take students out to lunch (doesn’t need to be fancy- pizza or a sub are fine!) and conversation. Bring in some relevant alumni clinicians to give students another look at the dental profession and help educate them
(4) Invite students to participate in all community service programs
(5) Invite students to participate in Holiday functions. Invite them over to your home!
(6) Familiarize students with the AO Externship program
(7) Advise and help them with the post-grad and job placement process.
(8) Have your chapter subsidize or partially subsidize a student’s convention tax, and invite and encourage them to attend Convention. Teach them what AO Conventions are all about
(9) Invite their spouses or significant others, if they have one, because “We Are Family.”

THESE ARE ONLY SOME SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE ALUMNI-STUDENT RELATIONS. NO ONE PERSON HAS ALL THE ANSWERS, AND I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO GATHER A “BEST PRACTICES” ALUMNI-STUDENT RELATIONS GUIDE. Please forward anything your chapter uses, or any ideas you think would help this process to me at: csberkman@aol.com, and I will update this list with the suggestions I receive!

On the day this is being posted, I am in Chicago at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, involved in a busy schedule of meeting and greeting fraters, speaking to vendors, and attending a series of meetings. One of the meetings is the Corporate Advisory Board meeting, where we are working on introducing a series of enhanced member benefits that will make the AO Brand a global one. I want to thank Steve Kess, chair of this committee, (our own Board of Director) and Michele Penrose from the Henry Schein Co. for all their efforts in coordinating this important meeting. It is our desire to develop strategic partnerships that benefit our members, AO, and our corporate partners.

On March 16th for the students, and on March 23rd for the alumni, we are hosting our first attempt of the year at utilizing Webinars for both discussing relevant professional resources available, as well as having a discussion of important, timely AO news. As some of you might remember, several years ago. PIP Howard Pranikoff was instrumental in initiating a CE Webcast program. This was years ahead of the pack, and before the web was universally used for educational programs, and therefore enjoyed modest success. This program is NOT intended for CE purposes - - this is the first time we are using the Webinar technique to enhance member benefits and member communication and information.
I look forward to reporting next week on the events at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, my visit with the Illinois Alumni Chapter and what my activities of the week will mean for Alpha Omega.

AO Leadership Seminar April 30-May 1

2010-02-19T05:03:00.000-08:00

As most of us were finally having seasonable weather instead of storms, last night I enjoyed an evening of unparalleled laughs and entertainment. I went to the Smithtown Theater for the Performing Arts, and enjoyed a “laugh-out-loud” funny version of “The 25th Annual Putnam Valley Spelling Bee.” The show was totally entertaining, and for me, the highlight was that my husband, Richard, was chosen as an audience spelling bee contestant. Richard not only is a great speller, but “got into” the silliness and extravagance of the show, participating, dancing, laughing and shaking. What a great way to relax!

International President-Elect Michael Tenenbaum has been extremely busy working with Wendy Spektor, arranging for an AO Leadership weekend April 30th and May 1st, in Seattle, Washington. On April 30th, Wendy and her Seattle chapter committee have arranged for our own Board of Director Member Steve Anderson to present a full day seminar. If you have never seen or heard one of Steve’s seminars, it is a positive, uplifting, informative and valuable experience. On May 1st, Michael Tenenbaum has been busy planning a dynamite AO leadership program, facilitated by our new Executive Director Marty Zimmerman. This program is intended for past, present and future fraternity leaders! Details and information, as well as registration, is available from the website at www.ao.org.

Student leaders should put aside March 16th at 9PM Eastern, for a Webinar featuring both the NextDDS program, as well as important AO leadership info. This is the first event of this kind and AO will learn as we go about new electronic communication.
Alumni chapter leaders should save March 23rd at 8PM Eastern for a great webinar, “We Can Do That.” Details will follow. All our new member benefits and the latest in AO news will be presented to our local leaders. This is the first effort at mass electronic communication to better inform our membership in a timely manner. We are trying many new things this year, so I hope you are as excited as I am!

I have been busy prepping for the Chicago Midwinter Meeting next week. I have a “packed” schedule full of meetings and events, where AO will make great additional strides in several areas, specifically member benefits. All of us owe Board of Director member Alan Moltz and his committee an incredible amount of thanks for all their preparation, research, and hard work! Stay tuned for details to follow!

I want to thank and commend International Editor Fred Margolis, who has put together a brief Power Point presentation on our annual convention this December in San Diego. I will be able to show it to fraters as I go on my Presidential visitations. This Convention is sure to be a value-oriented, fun-packed, event-driven, truly fraternal experience, with lots of CE available. Our AO Foundation has arranged a great Foundation Evening event, which is a perfect complement to our convention! Attend a Convention once, and you’ll come back again! Look forward to seeing many of you there! Details are available from ao.org.

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW- But this is no "snow job"

2010-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Let me begin this week’s blog by thanking all of you who are reading the blog, and especially those of you who have sent me comments and suggestions. I decided to do a weekly blog during my Presidential year in order to enhance communication with Fraters, and not to be any type of substitute for our more formal communications including our website, AO Now, our printed journals, etc. The advantage of a blog is that it can disseminate information quickly and casually. Dictionary.com defines a blog as an “online diary or personal journal,” and that is precisely what I hope to accomplish with this blog. My blog will permit Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s members to read about what I consider relevant and timely thoughts, as well as issues that might be timely. In order to keep this as timely as possible, I am writing this on Thursday evenings, so that our members will have the opportunity to read my latest “ramblings.” Because of that, it is important to understand that, almost by definition, a blog is not intended to be highly polished or edited - - think of my blog as my weekly AO diary for the age of technology.
These past two weeks certainly were “all about the snow.” First, there was the snowstorm that hit the Middle Atlantic States, particularly from the DC area to the Carolinas, on January 30th. My vivid image of that snowstorm was watching our International Treasurer David Schneider struggling to try to get flights home (for his birthday celebration) from our Admin meetings in San Diego. Fortunately, David got home safely, but not without a lot of angst. Then the first of the two Middle Atlantic snowstorms hit last week, bombarding the areas around Philadelphia, Southern NJ, and the Washington DC area. Record or near-record snowfalls hit in these areas, paralyzing the Washington DC area, and even closing down our US government federal offices. We were all very deeply worried about our fraters in the DC area, and were concerned for their well-being. Some examples included: Our AO Foundation Chair, Sam Blum had no heat or electric for 13+ hours, and was snowed-in; David Schneider ‘s lack of heat and electricity forced he and his family to temporarily move into a hotel (and he was fortunate to find a room); and Ben Williamowsky, who reported being “safe, but not shoveled or plowed, but had plenty of toilet paper as instructed by the TV news.” I am glad to let you know that they are all well. We, in Long Island, NY, were very fortunate about this second storm, but not as lucky when it came to the storm a few days later. While we got snow this time, it was certainly not as bad as elsewhere, nor as bad as forecast, and we luckily avoided getting the blizzard that we were told to expect. This e-mail and phone communication with our stranded fraters points to our Fraternalism. When I stayed home for one day when we got our snowstorm, and had no place to go, it was wonderful to read a great AO exchange discussion that was better than many CE courses I’ve attended. There’s a great example of our Professionalism, because we were able to take advantage of the expertise of several of our knowledgeable clinicians. With that in mind, International Editor Fred Margolis is always looking for great clinicians as contributors for the Alpha Omegan (contact Fred at: kidzdr@comcast.net).
In updating our records and trying to improve our member outreach, we realized that we needed some help in locating certain information about some of our Israeli fraters. Although currently serving in the Israeli Army, and no longer a student, Vladi Dvoyris stepped forward and helped in that effort. His e-mails now come from his army post. That is real commitment!
Our Global Oral Health Initiative (GOHI) is something that we are proud to point to as an example of our commitment to the Judaic value of “tikun olam” (healing the world). With that in mind, our fraters in the Washington DC area are conducting an Oral Cancer screening program. Kudos to these fraters, their worthwhile project, and commitment! I am sure that there are many other chapters doing many similar projects, and I would urge them to publicize them so that others follow suit. Please forward any GOHI project information or reports to Fred Margolis, who is gathering data for a future Alpha Omegan issue.
Our new ISR’s Whitney Mostafiz and Matt Rossen, along with our fabulous Student Activities Committee (SAC), have been very busy contacting individuals and chapters, organizing efforts, and reaching out in any way they can. I urge all alumni to reach out to the students in your area, and urge all students to reach out to your local alumni. Remember that we are in this together!
I am really pleased to let you know that the latest Convention flowsheet for the San Diego convention is now available on the www.ao.org website. You can register, see the flow sheet, and even see the Optional Tours available on that site. If you’ve never been to an AO convention, you’re missing something. This year’s convention is a fun-packed, CE loaded, event driven, value-oriented convention, where you’ll get to meet and greet fraters from around the world! I hope to see many of you there!
This weekend, I am doing something very “un-AO-ish.” Richard and I are heading to Boston to celebrate my brother-in-law Mike’s 60th birthday. Yes, this is the same brother-in-law who attended our cruise convention. Thank you to all the cruise-going Alpha Omegans for being so kind, warm and hospitable to my family during the convention. My brother-in-law, who lives around the block from us, recently underwent major surgery - - again thanks to all who expressed well wishes for his recovery.
My third brother-in-law, from Rockville, Maryland, very recently retired, and since he’s retired, the DC area has had three major snow storms. We always said it would be a cold day in H_ _ _ when he retired. Sorry Washington DC area for inadvertently wishing this weather on you!
Our corporate partner, Henry Schein, has arranged for us to take advantage of free webinars that they are sponsoring, to allow us to take advantage of an additional way to communicate, and to introduce member benefits and 2010 projects. Chapter Officers and leaders should save the date of March 23th at 8PM EST, and AO student leaders should reserve March 16rd at 9PM EST. These webinars will be an interactive opportunity to evolve AO even more. More complete details to follow!
As International President for 2010, I have declared this “The Year For Our Members.” These are not simply empty words, but a commitment on my part, and on your fraternity’s part, to build upon what we have done in the past, but enhance it for our members benefit. I hope, in the not too distant future, to be able to inform you of innovative and enhanced benefits, and to further demonstrate Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s commitment to our Fraters ---- YOU!
I welcome any questions, comments, suggestions, or sharing of ideas, through either the AO exchange, by telephone, or by e-mail to me at csberkman@aol.com. If we all work together, AO’s potential is limitless!

Great Leaders do not wait for things to happen...

2010-02-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Your Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Administrative Committee met from Thursday, January 28th through Saturday, January 30th, for marathon sessions of Alpha Omega meetings and events, and a site review for the our Convention hotel, at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego, California. Meeting with our AO International leadership who are so dedicated to the success of Alpha Omega makes me even more enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of our fraternity.
Our Thursday and Friday meetings were spent with the International Line Officers: President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum, Editor Fred Margoles, Secretary Marcy Schwartzman, Treasurer David Schneider, and IPIP Dan Uditsky; as well as PIP Advisory Member Michael Kampel, and representatives of our new management group, Third Eye Group; joining me in in-depth discussions of past, present and future planning for Alpha Omega. These meetings were true working meetings, where we continued working through breakfast and lunch, and attempted to address strengths and challenges that we face, and how to make the organization stronger. I emphasized my goal for 2010 to dedicate the year as the “Year for our Member.” Michael Tenenbaum demonstrated his incredible commitment to AO and his wise counsel, as well as discussing the year’s Leadership programs, and his goals. Fred Margoles continues to impress me with his attention to detail, and commitment to make the communications end of AO more accessible and valuable to our members. Fred reviewed numerous options for our communication vehicles. Marcy Schwartzman has worked diligently to enable our management team transition to be as smooth and seamless as possible, and has been tireless in her pursuit. David Schneider has stepped in at full speed to fill the difficult-to-fill shoes of Michael Tenenbaum, and is the first International Treasurer to also be serving as Treasurer for the Convention. David’s attention to detail and excellent evaluative skills should prove invaluable for AO. Dan Uditsky continues to give us valuable input and perspective. The PIP’s selection of Michael Kampel as their representative has proven to be a very wise one, and Mike gave us both historic perspective, his wisdom, and is someone who has a practical, pragmatic eye on getting things done. Three representatives from Third Eye Group joined our meetings- their owner Nicole, Office Coordinator Yolanda, and our new Executive Director Marty Zimmerman demonstrated keen insight and gave us valuable input. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with The Third Eye Group.
Thursday evening we met with our Trudi Birger Humanitarian Award winner Irvin Silverstein and the Dean of Detroit Mercy Dental School, followed by having the opportunity to visit with over 100 of the students that are involved in the UCSD Pre-Dental Organization. This group of college students devote numerous hours working with Irvin and volunteer dentists to run three free dental clinics for the under-served. What an awesome experience. I had the pleasure of speaking to them and we showed the Centennial CD. The idea of fighting discrimination resonated with this diverse group of students.
After a full day of meetings on Friday, we had Shabbat dinner at a local restaurant with about a dozen fraters from the San Diego area. All of these individuals have warm feelings for Alpha Omega, although there has not been a formal chapter in San Diego in some time. I learned that making personal calls is the most effective way to invite people, and not to rely on electronic communication, as I had called them, snail mailed and e-mailed them the weeks before our visit. Many of these fraters expressed an interest in getting involved with and attending our International Convention in San Diego in December.
Our meetings on Saturday were devoted to overall discussions about Conventions, and especially the upcoming San Diego convention and next year’s Ft. Lauderdale convention. Marshal Bob Simon and Spouse’s Marshal Larry Vinegar have molded an action packed schedule that will certainly make this one of the best conventions in history. We did a thorough site visitation to make the Convention even better! Special events have been planned including: a Dinner and Cocktail Reception and Tour on the historic USS Midway; a Spouses event on the Hornblower Cruises, enjoying a fabulous Champagne Brunch Tour of San Diego harbor; great functions at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay including a terrific Welcome Buffet, fabulous Honors night, Shabbat dinner and New Year’s Eve party; and a GOHI project on Dec 25 to “give back” to the community, as well as a great CE program. Our AO Foundation has arranged a great evening at the historic Abbey. The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is offering us deeply discounted rooms at only $149 per night (approximately $100 below the regular rates). I urge you to go to our website, www.ao.org, and click on the 2010 San Diego convention, and look at the great fun- filled flow sheet, and want you to make your plans by registering to come to this year’s convention. Once you come to one convention, you’ll feel how the three sides of AO’s triangle really come into place. It is great to spend the time with your AO Family.
Getting home on Sunday was more challenging for some of us due to the snow storms along the east coast, but it was worth the effort to be a part of this motivated group. I personally got my H1N1 vaccine while waiting for my plane from San Diego, as the true multi-tasker that I am.
My first month as International President has been quite active, and I feel we are on our way to evolving our beloved fraternity and positioning it to be even more relevant for the next 100 years. Together, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity will grow and fulfill its important purposes and missions.

Alpha Omega's Unsung Heroes

2010-01-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

The greatest part of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is our people. On Twitter, this week, on January 24th, @OnlineMktgByron tweeted the following quote that is so incredibly relevant to Alpha Omega, “Institutions are only as good as the people who are committed to them.” There are so many wonderful individuals that are Fraters, that I’ve decided in this blog to dedicate it to some of our “unsung heroes.” This is only a sampling of some of those heroes who I have had the pleasure of being in contact with this week. As I meet others this year, so will you.
If you have the opportunity at any time to come into contact with any of the following people, please take the opportunity to thank them from all of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity:

Gary Scharoff- A second generation Alpha Omegan, Gary has tirelessly served Alpha Omega for many years, in many positions. Behind the scenes, Gary has maintained our website, overseen the AO Exchange, efficiently transmitted our E-Blasts, and always been available to anyone that has any type of technical question. He has made himself available both day and night, and responds to e-mails as well as requests almost immediately. Sometimes it seems like Gary answers my questions, or gets something done, almost before he’s asked. His attention to detail and dedication to this Fraternity is something that we all take for granted, and I want to recognize Gary for all his efforts and hard work.

Jamie Feldman- Another second generation Alpha Omegan, Jamie seems to always be there whenever he is needed or asked. On the recent cruise convention, Jamie spent many hours taking professional quality pictures, and is hard at work putting together a DVD of the convention. Jamie puts together the AO Now E-Newsletter, and works steadfastly to enhance the Fraternity’s communication abilities. At home in Detroit, Jamie has served for several years as Regent, and works as a liaison between his chapter and International. Everyone who meets Jamie realize his friendliness, sincerity and warmth, and Alpha Omega is so lucky to have him!

Andrea Heckler- Although she very recently gave birth to a baby girl(a future AO President?), Andrea continues as a Co-Chair of the very important Student Activities Committee (SAC), making phone calls and sending e-mails to help coordinate this action-oriented committee which oversees and enhances our student member’s Alpha Omega experience. Andrea demonstrates that dedicated individuals are fabulous multi-taskers, and that dedicated fraters seem to always go “above and beyond.”

Andrew Rutman- For many years, Andrew has held multiple positions within Alpha Omega, both as Treasurer of the Queensboro/ Nassau chapter as well as Regent overseeing the chapters in the New York City/ Long Island area. Although Alpha Omega International Fraternity has not officially had the position of Regent in many years, Andrew has served as Regent of what was formerly known as Regency 3, working diligently to coordinate activities between the various alumni and student chapters in the area. Andrew has also served as a liaison between International and the New York area, and is a stellar example of why I feel it is so essential that Alpha Omega International Fraternity reinstate the position of Regent. Although rarely formerly recognized or acknowledged, I consider it both an honor and a privilege to call Andrew my friend!

Andy Lasky- Another of our unheralded Fraters, Andy works tirelessly for the Alpha Omega Foundation, and for his local chapter. Andy was the first frater to contact me, and tell me that he would volunteer to serve in any job or position that I needed him. Andy has been active Frater for well over 30 years, a regular convention goer, and has always been someone that the Fraternity can count on. Thank you., Andy.

Brian Miller- One of the fabulous unrelated Millers from the Boston area, Brian has been the “go-to guy” for locating great scientific speakers and programs for the Boston chapter’s heralded Brandeis Lecture. Brian goes about being a terrific, dedicated Frater quietly and unassumably, and is always there for Alpha Omega. Brian has been a regular convention goer for years, and is someone that it has been my pleasure to know since my student days. This year’s lecture is being given October 15th, with our Honorary Member and Corporate Member of our Board of Directors Steve Anderson as the speaker. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to Steve Anderson, or go to a Brandeis Lecture, I highly recommend both. This year, the SAC Committee has tentatively scheduled the Student/ Alumni Leadership weekend October 16-17, so that they might be able to piggy-back this event.

This is only a very partial listing and thank you to our Fraternity’s “unsung heroes.” Whenever you might see any of them, thank them for all they’ve done. I personally thank all of them, as well as all Fraters who donate their time and effort in the Fraternity’s behalf.

Inspiring People I've Spoken To This Week

2010-01-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

How proud it makes me to be Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity's International President when representing our fraternity I have the opportunity to speak to some fabulous, inspiring individuals. Some of the inspiring people I spoke to this week include:

(1)Dr. Irvin Silverstein of San Diego, California- This Trudi Birger Humanitarian Award Winner is an AMAZING individual. His endless energy in providing humanitarian work is exemplary, as is his program of training pre -dental college students to work in dental clinics, serving the under- served. Through this program, Dr. Silverstein has 150 of his volunteers seriously consider a career in dentistry, and over the years 137 have gone onto dental school. This week Irvin was busily preparing supplies to be sent to Haiti as part of the relief effort. He is a man that not only makes one proud to be a dentist, but especially proud to be a fellow frater.He walks the walk...
(2) Dr. Rachel Davis of Louisville KY- This second generation Alpha Omegan, in practice with her father (who on the recent cruise convention told me how much he loved redheads- NOTE: Rachel, her mother and I have red hair), is a recipient of the Young Alumnus Award. Her energy, enthusiasm, and attention to detail is immediately evident. Active on several committees, including as Co-Chair of the SAC (Student Activities Committee) and the Young Alumni Committee, Rachel has been busy identifying and speaking to enthusiastic, talented young fraters, and getting them involved on her committees. She has also been busy planning my visitation to Louisville in April, where I will be giving leadership training to both the students and the alumni.
(3) Dr. Joel Schaumburg of Detroit MI- This is one PIP who still shows his enthusiasm and excitement for the fraternity, and is very active in his chapter. He has been one of the Co- Coordinators of my weekend visitation to Detroit in April, where a fraternal and learning weekend program is being planned.
(4) Steve Kess- One of our Corporate Board Members, has been actively working to increase and improve the membership benefits for our fraters, and has been very helpful in developing our Corporate Advisory Committee. This committee will be meeting in Chicago during the Mid Winter Meeting. Steve has also been very helpful in coordinating with us Haitian relief efforts, as Henry Schein Corp. has the Henry Schein Care Foundation, which has already been active in raising and committing funds and supplies for Haitian relief. Steve is a terrific partner for Alpha Omega, and we are very fortunate to have him and the Henry Schein Corp. as allies and friends.
(5) Ben Williamowsky- Everyone knows what a wonderful man PIP Ben is, but this week, he and I have been actively discussing a coordinated and dedicated Fraternity/ Foundation appeal for Haitian relief. It is only fitting that an organization with a base of Judaic values be actively involved at this hour of need for Haiti, by providing Tzedakah, and offering Tikun Olam. By now, those of you who receive Alpha Omega International Fraternity's E-BLAST have receive an e-mail regarding the joint effort of the fraternity and foundation. I am very proud of how quickly we worked together!
(6) Every present or past Alpha Omega frater in the San Diego area, that I had the pleasure to speak to this week .I sent them snail mail, an e-mail and a follow up phone call to invite them for a Shabbat dinner with the Admin Committee at the end of the month. We are going to San Diego for our Admin Committee meeting, as well as a site visitation in advance of December's San Diego International Convention at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. I was very pleased that these fraters still cared very deeply for Alpha Omega, and were anxious to get re-involved.
(7) Sunday was spent making new Frater Friends at the AO NYC Alumni/Student Brunch. Many old AO Friends were there as well as the leadership of NYU and Columbia.See my Face book page for pictures.
This is just a brief sampling of some of my inspiring conversations of this past week. My many other telephone calls and e-mails continued to fuel my enthusiasm and love for Alpha Omega.

Cruise Convention Reflections

2010-01-15T03:17:00.000-08:00

January 15, 2010
It’s unbelievable that it’s been almost two weeks since I returned from the fabulous Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity convention. I’ve spent lots of time since the convention organizing things so I can achieve my mission for the year. I am dedicating 2010 as the “Year for Our Members.” We have made great progress toward providing more and better service and benefits to our members, and I urge you to “stay tuned” for some exciting news and information about the benefits of belonging. We are discussing ways that the International Officers Administrative Committee and the Board of Directors can more effectively work with local leaders to make Alpha Omega more relevant, and more of a priority to our fraters. I truly believe that my many nightly e-mails and telephone calls, as well as several conference calls, have been extremely productive for Alpha Omega. I pledge to use conference calls, webinars, e-meetings, etc., to further outreach to Alpha Omega’s leaders. Under the energetic leadership of Michael Teitelbaum of New York, we are actively getting more fraters involved with our AO Exchange, so that Fraters from around the world can interact in an informal, fraternal manner. We are going to enhance our use of various social media, to broaden our reach and visibility to the generations that use social media communication extensively. This year is going to be an important, growing year for Alpha Omega!
The first ever Alpha Omega convention on a cruise was a great success. We all had lots of fun. Our Admin Committee met on December 24th, and accomplished a lot, by thoroughly discussing all issues, ideas, and challenges we foresaw facing the Fraternity. On a personal note, my family and I spent that evening celebrating my husband, Richard Brody’s birthday, an event he has celebrated at more than 35 Alpha Omega International Conventions. Your Board of Directors held important discussions at their meeting on December 25th, and the Alpha Omega Foundation held its Foundation meeting on December 26th. Despite the challenging economy, I am thrilled to report that the AO Foundation once again gave out grants exceeding $100,000. When my mother, sister and brother-in-law, as well as friends of 35 years, Andy and Pam Ponichtera (an AO dentist in West Hartford, CT) joined us on December 26th, I felt truly honored to be joined by both my actual family, as well as my AO family.
Then, on December 27th, the actual Convention began aboard the Carnival Valor. For the first time ever, Alpha Omega held its convention on a cruise , and thanks to the hard work of many, notably Lisa and Bruce Braverman, and Michelle and Roger Spott, the convention was a smashing success. In addition to the great many activities always offered on a cruise, Alpha Omega convention attendees attended two private Cocktail parties, received welcome treats in their cabins, had our own Dining Room, and many other great perks. I had the pleasure of meeting many first time convention goers and we had a substantial representation of Fraters from “across the pond”. They actually came from across both ponds, from South Africa, Australia, France, England,and New Zealand. Continuing Education was available via a dedicated channel on each stateroom’s television, 24 hours a day and a live program of “Dental Pearls” was held shipboard. Last week, I blogged my Installation speech that I presented to those on the cruise (on January 2nd ). It was truly an honor and an emotional highlight for me to be installed as Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s International President for 2010.
It is impossible to describe the uniqueness of an Alpha Omega Convention, unless you’ve actually attended one. Those who attend invariably return, and often become more involved and committed fraters. Attending a Convention gives one the opportunity to see and understand the Alpha Omega “bigger picture.” I urge you to attend our next International Convention, scheduled December 25th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011, at the lovely Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego California. This Convention promises to be great, with many exciting activities planned, including a fabulous Spouses Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego Harbor, an evening dinner reception and event aboard the USS Midway, a great Continuing Education program, fun New Year’s Eve celebration, a GOHI service project, our formal Honor’s Night (honoring both our Officers, and giving our prestigious Achievement Medal Award to Stan Bergman (Henry Schein Corp.)), several Leadership training activities, important Business Meetings, and nightly themed hospitalities in the Presidential Suite and cocktail parties. Our Marshal Bob Simon and Spouses Marshal Larry Vinegar have been hard at work preparing a great time for all. Go to our www.ao.org website, and click-on 2010 Convention for more details. (By the way, Alpha Omega has secured an unbelievable nightly hotel rate of only $149 for our Fraters- about half the hotel’s listed rate). How could there be a better way to enjoy the holidays, receive CE credits, and go to a great locale, than to join The Alpha Omega Family at the 2010 San Diego Convention?

My Installation speech

2010-01-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Since all of you could not be on the cruise and hear my speech,I felt by reprinting it here it would inspire and inform more of the membership. I hope you enjoy and be stimulated to action.CSB

Before I begin my remarks, I would feel remiss if I did not thank a number of people for all they have done. I thank our past AO leadership, especially those who have mentored me and helped me get here today. Thank you to all the New Englanders who helped influence me in my early dental school days, and to all the New Yorkers who were so essential to my development since 1978. Thank you to all my Alpha Omega mentors that I have these last 33 years for everything! I truly miss the emotional, passionate discussions that many of our former convention regulars expressed - - - it never mattered if you agreed; you knew these Fraters cared and loved Alpha Omega.
AO’s Strength is, and, and always has been, its members. I would like to thank all those who have served AO in 2009,
Thank you to my mother, sister-and-brother in law, who are with me today, for all their life’s support. And thank you to my sons, Brad, Marshall, and, of course, Billy, and my husband of 31 years, Richard, who bleeds AO. Thank you, I love you all.
One of the things that makes Alpha Omega BOTH wonderful and unique is that every frater’s relationship, history and memories of AO have both similarities and certain things special to him or her. My AO history actually begins before I became a member. Thirty- five years ago this week, during the San Diego convention in 1974, my father-in-law, Eli Brody, was installed as the first Frater to be officially referred to as International President. Isn’t it amazing that when we meet for our next convention in 2010, during my Presidential year, that we will gather in San Diego once again? Thirty-three years ago, I attended my first AO convention, and shared a room with another female dental student. That student, Lynn Gitlin went on to become the first female International Trustee. She then influenced another student, Rochelle Shaw to attend and become active in AO. And that convention was held in Vancouver, where our present International Secretary Marcy Schwartzman resides! So, you see, we in AO have our “6 Degrees of Separation” game, too!
I am thrilled and honored that I have been chosen to serve as International President for 2010. In my 34th year of AO membership, I have been privileged to serve in many capacities, including Gamma Chapter President, Queensboro Chapter President, Regent of Regency 3, International Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Co- Registration Chair at 3 NY conventions, co-creator of “The Choice” program, and as a member of many committees.
Many of you probably remember my outspokenness at conventions during budget discussions and certain other issues. I have always tried to express my opinions clearly and concisely, and hopefully articulated my reasoning well enough to have at least some other people pay some attention. So, I come before you today to try to articulate my vision for Alpha Omega - - - short term, intermediate and long term. Long term is easy to explain - - - I believe that if we all work together, AO has the potential to be a leader, not only in dentistry, but also in the health professions, as well as in philanthropic endeavors. I believe that we can explain that in this evolving society, AO represents our best and highest aspirations - - -for a revitalization of the 3 sides of our triangle and how it makes us unique - - - that is, a combination of Professionalism, Fraternalism, and Judaic Principles. Other organizations or societies address one, or even two of these principles, but Alpha Omega is the ONLY organization that fills all three of those niches!
In the intermediate term, we have to explain to former members, as well as potential members, why belonging to AO is important! NOW! and RELEVANT NOW! And in the short term, we NEED to expand our membership to firm up our base, increase our clout, and create an economy of scale! We must all think back to WHY we originally joined Alpha Omega, and why we remain active members today, while others have not! In many cases, perhaps it is because ALL OF US have stopped effectively articulated our feelings for AO to others, and now we should start letting them both know why we still belong, and why they should, too!
So, I have decided that the theme for my 2010 Presidential Year will be “The Year For Our Members.” We who love AO need to become better prepared to answer the question, “Why Alpha Omega?” in an easy to remember, easy to say “sound-byte.” We must be able to motivate others to re-join us, as we re-double our efforts to evolve AO for this 21st Century, and we MUST have the ability to demonstrate why and how AO is relevant today! We must know how to concisely how to explain and answer questions and confusions! We must market ourselves better, and thanks to the efforts of Wendy Spektor and our corporate sponsors, new and better Membership brochures and materials have been created. A state-of-the-art PowerPoint presentation has been created, and NOW we must all learn how best to effectively use these and other materials and training. As I travel to our worldwide membership, I am planning on emphasizing membership and belonging, and AO’s relevancy, while working with local leaders to try to better articulate our message. When we all work together, we will accomplish these short term goals, which will better prepare us to address our intermediate and long term goals!
We need to reach out to those former fraters who have felt disenfranchised for whatever reason, and show them why it is more important today than ever for them to get back involved and support the mission of AO! Nearly one in20 US travelers are willing to take a trip to help the less fortunate or support a humanitarian cause. Volunteerism has grown in popularity since Sept.11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina. It is trendy and AO,GOHI, DVI and Tomorrow’s Smiles are all at the forefront of a worldwide trend. There is much more interest in reaching out and helping people in poverty. AO has numerous opportunities to offer its members to satisfy this need. A well organized project such as the ones AO has can be listed on our Face book pages, our web site and the AO Exchange. Our happy volunteers need to be featured and their stories told to others, getting the AO message out to all. Please join me in re-dedicating yourself to Alpha Omega’s future. Our leadership seminar in Cleveland this past October was dedicated to methods and techniques to better communicate to them why it is important that they also belong. The stronger our membership, the stronger our message, and the stronger our message, the better we can make our little part of the world.
Recently, I have started to track Alpha Omega’s visibility on the Internet. Using the Google Alert, and the term “Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity”, as a key search, I have been pleased with nearly daily references to Alpha Omega. I will be requesting our headquarters office to track and compile this for distribution in the future. I have also created an online blog so that interested members can follow what their International President is doing and my thoughts, ideas and reflections, throughout the Presidential year. This blog can be found directly at: http://tinyurl.com/aopres2010, or via a link from the AO.org web site. We will also have a strong Face book and LINKED-IN presence. We will ask each of you to join the AO exchange and be a part of this group. This will give a global contact point for all age categories of members.
My goal is that during my Presidential visitations, I will meet with the past, present and future leaders in the local area. My plan is to conduct informational and technique-driven, hands on training sessions. We will have conference calls with student chapter leaders, chapter presidents, PIP’s and other interested leaders. We must re-learn that Alpha Omega will only have meaning to our members if it is personal, and that requires personal conversations, not simply e-mail. We must work on reinvigorating our former leaders, encourage our present leaders and most importantly, work diligently to constantly develop new and future leaders. My #1 priority this year will be our Fraters and developing a strong, viable membership push.
If all of us here simply got one former member to rejoin our ranks, one potential member to join with us, and one existing member who needs encouragement to get a little more excited about Alpha Omega.Ao will grow and will be better suited and positioned for our future.
Alpha Omega must evolve without losing our identity. My challenge to All of us is to keep finding reasons and motivations to do this, rather than finding excuses and exclamations for why we can’t, or it can’t be done! IF WE THINK WE CAN, WE CAN! If we really want to make AO even more relevant to both existing members and others, we must go little outside our COMFORT ZONE. If we do that, we can and will re-invigorate our Fraternity. Together, WE CAN DO IT!
I am here to serve Alpha Omega and am honored to have the opportunity. Let’s work together to make 2010 the year Alpha Omega GROWS, and is re-invigorated. In the beginning of our 2nd century as an organization, we must use evolving techniques to improve upon what is, build upon our strengths, and better communicate our message. Working together, I am confident we will meet and exceed these goals.

Format for my Blog-AO Presidential year 2010

2009-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new form of communication by the AO President to the membership. I will be attending many local,state and national Dental meetings throughout the year.I will be traveling to many AO chapters and get to personally meet many AO fraters.I will post info and pictures on the AO web site,AO.ORG and now I will have an AO blog to keep you ,our members, informed.
First, thank you for renewing your membership in AO!

AO is a world wide International Dental Fraternity with Professionalism and Fraternalism as the sides of the Triangle with its base in Judaic Values. We advocate for oral health to all with our GOHI projects,see GOHI Facebook page, and support the AO Foundation. Because of your support and that of more than 6,000 other AO dentist, we advocate for our profession with educational programs,conventions,Tomorrow Smiles programs,and many other advocacy programs and activities .

Throughout the year, I will write this blog and hope to elicit your opinions and responses. I hope you will continue to look to AO for fraternalism ,as a professional resource, and a source of Judaic insight . I am privileged to serve you as your President and I want to hear from you about the value you find and want in your AO membership.