GREETINGS FROM ISRAEL – Part Two
Our magnificent Israel experience continues! Israeli’s face almost constant stress, risk and danger, and we observe they persevere with the help on many sweet shops, ice cream parlors and delicious coffee shops. We have learned that while Israeli Jews approach education and other areas in their life in a Western manner, they maintain their individuality and special identity and character. They also love World cup Football and each neighborhood has their favorite team. Although Israel has some of the highest health standards in the world, they also have a large impoverished and needy population. When this is combined with a fairly high cost of living, we now realize how amazing this tiny nation is! While we, North Americans, complain about our price of fuel, Israelis pay the equivalent of close to USD6.50 per gallon. Americans complain about taxes, yet Israelis pay a much higher tax rate than we do. Plus Israelis also pay a VAT on nearly everything! And yet they grow, and progress!
One of the most special parts of our Israeli journey was our wonderful host Israeli Regent David Ash. He and Haya spent so much time with us that we are now a close AO family! David arranged a great walking guided tour of the Rothschild Street and the Bauhaus Architecture area in Tel Aviv for us. Doron and Jannet Talmor both AO Dentists joined us. They are another great Israeli couple who taught us about Israeli life as dentists, parents and fraters. In the evening, David brought us to his home to spend time with Haya and their family to celebrate farewell to Shabbat. Haya was a wonderful hostess, fussing and preparing food and beverage galore! Jewish mothers are the same worldwide, as she is warm and welcoming.
We had the privilege of spending time strolling through the Old City of Jaffa, and enjoying some incredible photo opportunities for Richard and bargaining opportunities for me. Gifts were purchased for our family at home and we even got through on the phone to our sons to check on their “vacation” from us.
This past Monday was an indication of the high esteem that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is held in Israel, as Vladi Dvoyris Tel Aviv’s Vice President, who is presently in military service, arranged a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Richard and I were shown the great work of the dental division of the IDF, beginning with a thorough visitation of Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv. This dental corps provides high quality dental care to individuals in the military, some elderly and/or needy, Holocaust survivors, etc. Our trip began when Vladi and Major Pinhy Baz-Chama picked us up to go to Sheba. There we met the Chief Dental Officer at the IDF Surgeon General HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Alon Shenkman, who spent the entire day with us, showing us the good work the dental corps was doing, not only at Sheba, but also on their many military bases in the north. Alon explained to us the history of using mobile clinics on military bases and the life of a Dental Coup Officer. We visited three bases in the Northern part of Israel, and saw first- hand what a major contribution these dedicated professionals perform for the soldiers! The dentist at one of the bases was a young man named Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Goryunov, who told us what an important influence David Ash was on him, since David had been his teacher and AO mentor. Pinhy Baz- Hama is becoming the officer in charge of dental operations for the North, while he still working in the orthodontic clinic in Sheba one day per week. At the end of our visitations in the North, LTC Alon Shenkman took us to Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel, overlooking Syria and Lebanon, in the Golan Heights, and personally told us of the historic and strategic significance of the Golan. Then suddenly, Alon said, “Here they come,” as a group of special intelligence forces led by the highest ranking Colonel in the North came to “show us around” .All this because Alon felt the Alpha Omega International President was deserving of such attention! What an amazing experience! What a fabulous group of Israelis and new friends in high places for AO!
No visit to Israel would be complete without a trip to Yad Vashem and the Western Wall. David Ash and the Jerusalem chapter President Boaz Shay arranged for special guided tours at both locations .We were joined by members of both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv chapters. Several members of the Haifa chapter had planned to also join us, but they participated as a group in the March on Jerusalem in support of the Israeli soldier who has been held captive for over four years without Red Cross help, and without even a whimper from the rest of the world! The whole country is upset about this injustice and is marching on Jerusalem. Amongst the fraters who joined us for this experience were Dr. Boaz Shay, the President of the Jerusalem chapter, Dr. Dafna Bendet and her husband Erez (two of the warmest individuals anywhere!), and International Board of Director member Miki Yitzhaki. Our Western Wall tour, caves, tunnels and archeological experience were expertly guided by professional tour guide who is also a Fifth Year Hebrew University dental student Mike Joachim, and an AO student as well.
One of the most touching experiences were our two separate visits to DVI. Michelle Levine,Director of International Relations and development,michelle@dental-dvi.org.il, showed us everything about DVI, and spent many hours with us. Two of our Toronto fraters were volunteering at the time, which made it even more special! Dr. Steven Kazman has been volunteering at DVI for 21 years. He not only volunteers but has contributed significant monies and supplies to their efforts. While we were there, there was a dedication of the x-ray room by Steven, who previously had dedicated it for his parents. The other Toronto volunteer was Dr. Alan Vinegar (who is Larry’s cousin), our 6 degrees of separation get smaller and smaller. Alan and Steven demonstrated the best of Alpha Omega, not just talking about “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” but really doing something proactive about it! Alan also brought his friend Barbara, a full time Hebrew Day School teacher and she has been helping at DVI with paperwork and anything they ask of her. DVI is an amazing story. Many of us know that Trudi Birger began this worthwhile program 30 years ago with the help of her husband and then mayor Teddy Kolleck. Due to outstanding and continuous support from Henry Schein Co., which donates many of their supplies, and they have a wonderful,supportive Board of Directors who promotes DVI, and the volunteer dentists supplying the dental services, DVI is able to serve the most needy and poorest children of Jerusalem. DVI serves children of any nationality or ethnicity, if they are needy. No one is charged at DVI and the care ,concern and quality of service is outstanding.. Of course, because of the worldwide economic crisis, DVI has lost some of its pledged monies, and this money is necessary to pay staff, rent, utilities, etc. This is a great group of caring health professionals, and a great example of caring people teaching dental health,prevention,intervention and doing good dentistry! Roy Petel, a Pedodontist and a Clinical Instructor at Hebrew University, is the dynamic, caring wonderful individual who is DVI’s General Director. This project is worthy of our caring, concern, time as volunteers and support as Alpha Omegans!
Michele added to our Jerusalem education by acting as tour guide, showing the views of the old city and instructing Richard ,Barbara and I in the culture and history of the population DVI serves. We were later joined by Alan Vinegar, after his shift at DVI was finished for the day. Together ,we were enlightened by a visit to the Jerusalem Bird Observatory or JBO on the grounds of the Knesset .You can get more info on their web site,http://www.jbo.org.il/Eng%20index,htm. Spontaneously, we decided to donate to this little known spot of education, enlightenment and wildlife oasis in the middle of Jerusalem by planting trees. Richard and I planted a fig tree and Barbara and Alan planted an Almond tree. These will feed the migrating birds as the pass over Jerusalem and feed the sole of the visitors to this tiny wildlife preserve.
We had the pleasure of being hosted for dinner at a fabulous rooftop restaurant overlooking the Old City. Adam and Ayala Stabholz ,a AO international Board member, the Former Dean Jonathan Mann, Boaz Shay , Micki Yitzhaki (one of our BOD members ),David Ash and several of Adam’s principal people at the dental school treated us “royally”. It was particularly exciting when a fireworks extravaganza was set off from the next rooftop while we dined. The next day, Adam hosted us at Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Founded by Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. We were able to witness first-hand how Adam has overseen this dental school becoming a world class facility. I was then honored to participate ,speak and “cut the ribbon” at the dedication of the Alpha Omega Conference Room on the 5th floor of the new wing of the school. This fifth floor, called the Alpha Omega floor is the area that Adam has dedicated to AO’s memorabilia and our history with the magnificent obsession to create this school in Israel.. The school also has a world class dental museum and a special case with Albert Einstein’s dental models and prescription for this new partial denture from 1945. Our Frater and dental historian Dr. Samuel Wexler and his wife ,Charlene were at the University last month creating the outstanding exhibits of period dental offices. They were royally treated by Adam and his staff while they recreated dental history in the museum. I had the opportunity to address and speak personally to the fifth year dental students, and several of them have been at AO International Conventions . They have been spreading the “AO Fever.” It was also great to see one of the infamous Columbia University “tall guys” who was also visiting the school at the time! ( Please, see the prior blog about the tall dental students of Columbia and their marvelous story and contributions this year.)While one would think that the day could not be “topped,” David Ash and Shachor, Tel Aviv’s President, showed me more Israeli hospitality! Shachor took a few of us to his relative’s superb restaurant in Jerusalem, and then David, Dafna and Erez took us to the “Light Show” at the King David Tower at the Western Wall. An amazing and breathtaking experience, but to top it off, I bumped into Robert Hersch, a Brooklyn chapter Frater, who was visiting with his 13 year old son. Introductions all around and we shared an AO experience together.
Our final day in Israel was spent meeting the incredible class of 1991 at a special memorial lecture series they presented at Hebrew University. I was asked to speak on behalf of AO and send our warm international wishes and goals for this our “Year for the Member”. When over 60% of the class has become specialists, and a large number have become renowned clinicians throughout the world , including a couple of deans of US dental school, you realize what an exceptional group this was. I invite you all to come meet one of the deans, Professor Avishai Sadan,of USC Ostrow School of Dentistry , who will be joining us in San Diego. Just another reason why you should be at the AO convention in December! David Ash drove us back to Tel Aviv, so that we can catch our early flight back home tomorrow. Thank you, David and Haya and all the AO Fraters who made these two weeks so very special for Richard and me. We are still awaiting the official naming of the Tel Aviv Dental School Dean. I apologies if I left anyone’s name out of our travel log as AO’s first couple.
This blog and last week’s blog were written to let you know what’s going on in Israel during my Presidential visit! In next week’s blog, I am planning to give my observations and personal insights on what these observations meant to me, in relation to Alpha Omega, our mission and our direction! Thank you for sharing my AO visitation and reading through to the end, which is really only a beginning…..
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS- Israeli Chapter Visitations- PART ONE
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fraternalism is Friendship AO Style
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Alpha Omega President goes to Montreal Ooh -La- La!
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Alpha Omega Oozes Fraternalism
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
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Volunteers are Alpha Omega's Foot Soldiers
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?
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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?
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Award Winning Alpha Omega
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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