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.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
AO- As Relevant As Ever!
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
- - - - - - - - - - - -
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, August 26, 2010
AO Leadership is our most Important Asset
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Friday, August 20, 2010
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, August 12, 2010
AO Need Dues paying Members !
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Alpha Omega 's GOHI Chapter Challenge
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!
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
Thursday, July 29, 2010
AO MID-YEAR MEETING WAS A SUCCESS!
Each year, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity’s leadership meets for its mid-year meetings. For the past several years, the Alpha Omega Foundation has held its mid-year meeting at the same location as the Fraternity. This has been done to foster a closer, more efficient and effective working relationship and understanding between the fraternity and the foundation.
This year’s mid- year meetings were held at the Harbor Beach Marriott Hotel, in Ft. Lauderdale. We selected this location because this lovely hotel will be the location of our 2011 International Convention. We are very excited that two very enthusiastic and hard-working fraters have agreed to serve as Co-Marshals, and the names of Andy Lasky and Marty Braverman will be submitted for the office of Marshal-Designate at the upcoming convention in December in San Diego.
The Admin Committee held its meetings and deliberations on Thursday, July 22nd. The Admin has been working very hard all year to enhance communication and services to our fraters, and to “improve the AO experience.” On Friday, July 23rd, the Fraternity’s Board of Directors met and discussed various issues of importance to the fraternity. Significant time was spent discussing creating and implementing a meaningful and effective strategic plan, that will help secure Alpha Omega’s future. Any Foundation members that were interested in attending were invited to this meeting, and many open and important deliberations existed.
Friday evening was, of course, Shabbat, and fraternity and foundation members, as well as fraters from the Ft Lauderdale area were invited to join us for a lovely dinner at the hotel. We began with the traditional prayers over the wine and the Challah, as well as the singing of the “Mishebeach” (prayer for healing). We then enjoyed each other’s company and an enjoyable meal. Over 60 Fraters from the area were at this Shabbat dinner.
The Foundation held its meetings on Saturday, July 24th, and a number of essential discussions occurred during their deliberations. Many of the fraternity’s Board of Directors attended the foundations meetings as board members. A greater understanding of the foundations workings were achieved by all.
At both meeting, the GOHI Chapter Challenge Grant information was introduced and discussed. The purpose of this Grant Challenge is to expand the involvement of chapters and chapter membership to serve the needs of a community in need, locally, nationally or internationally. The goal is to encourage the development of new projects, and exciting models of volunteerism. There will be cash grants to chapters to assist in their good work, and assisting other chapters in creating something that can be duplicated. Alpha Omega is grateful to our corporate sponsors for this program, which includes Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Capteck, and Huraeres. International Editor Fred Margolis and the Global Corporate advisory board have worked diligently in bringing this program to fruition. We will be sending out the grant applications to the chapter presidents soon.
Once again this summer, the Florida Regency is holding its Summer Meeting. This year, it is being held at the Oomphoy Resort on Palm Beach from August 13-15th. Contact PIP Howard Pranikoff at (386) 673- 3468, or e-mail him at Hpranikoff@aol.com for additional information and details.
Our enthusiastic, energetic, forward thinking, and dedicated Marshal, Bob Simon, reviewed the exciting details of the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, California, from December 25th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011, and the great hotel rate is available from three days before the Convention to three days after. The Convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, and the special Alpha Omega rate is only $149 per night per room. Bob and his committee have arranged a value-packed, events-driven, CE loaded, fun and fraternal convention that will be spectacular! International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is organizing a special community service program for December 25th, so that our attendees can also participate in the “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” aspects of the Fraternity’s Judaic principles. If you’ve never attended an AO Convention, I urge you to come this year and learn how AO is truly one big family! If you’ve been to conventions before, but missed a few, please consider coming again this year, and enjoying this very special week. If you are a regular convention attendee, you will be very excited about what Bob and his committee have planned for this year! Details and registration is available from: aosunnydays.ao.org.
An organization like Alpha Omega is dependent on dedicated volunteers, like the individuals who diligently attended this year’s meetings. We are all very grateful to those fraters who give of themselves selflessly for the benefit of all fraters.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
This year’s mid- year meetings were held at the Harbor Beach Marriott Hotel, in Ft. Lauderdale. We selected this location because this lovely hotel will be the location of our 2011 International Convention. We are very excited that two very enthusiastic and hard-working fraters have agreed to serve as Co-Marshals, and the names of Andy Lasky and Marty Braverman will be submitted for the office of Marshal-Designate at the upcoming convention in December in San Diego.
The Admin Committee held its meetings and deliberations on Thursday, July 22nd. The Admin has been working very hard all year to enhance communication and services to our fraters, and to “improve the AO experience.” On Friday, July 23rd, the Fraternity’s Board of Directors met and discussed various issues of importance to the fraternity. Significant time was spent discussing creating and implementing a meaningful and effective strategic plan, that will help secure Alpha Omega’s future. Any Foundation members that were interested in attending were invited to this meeting, and many open and important deliberations existed.
Friday evening was, of course, Shabbat, and fraternity and foundation members, as well as fraters from the Ft Lauderdale area were invited to join us for a lovely dinner at the hotel. We began with the traditional prayers over the wine and the Challah, as well as the singing of the “Mishebeach” (prayer for healing). We then enjoyed each other’s company and an enjoyable meal. Over 60 Fraters from the area were at this Shabbat dinner.
The Foundation held its meetings on Saturday, July 24th, and a number of essential discussions occurred during their deliberations. Many of the fraternity’s Board of Directors attended the foundations meetings as board members. A greater understanding of the foundations workings were achieved by all.
At both meeting, the GOHI Chapter Challenge Grant information was introduced and discussed. The purpose of this Grant Challenge is to expand the involvement of chapters and chapter membership to serve the needs of a community in need, locally, nationally or internationally. The goal is to encourage the development of new projects, and exciting models of volunteerism. There will be cash grants to chapters to assist in their good work, and assisting other chapters in creating something that can be duplicated. Alpha Omega is grateful to our corporate sponsors for this program, which includes Henry Schein, SS White, Kurary, Capteck, and Huraeres. International Editor Fred Margolis and the Global Corporate advisory board have worked diligently in bringing this program to fruition. We will be sending out the grant applications to the chapter presidents soon.
Once again this summer, the Florida Regency is holding its Summer Meeting. This year, it is being held at the Oomphoy Resort on Palm Beach from August 13-15th. Contact PIP Howard Pranikoff at (386) 673- 3468, or e-mail him at Hpranikoff@aol.com for additional information and details.
Our enthusiastic, energetic, forward thinking, and dedicated Marshal, Bob Simon, reviewed the exciting details of the upcoming International Convention in San Diego, California, from December 25th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011, and the great hotel rate is available from three days before the Convention to three days after. The Convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, and the special Alpha Omega rate is only $149 per night per room. Bob and his committee have arranged a value-packed, events-driven, CE loaded, fun and fraternal convention that will be spectacular! International President- Elect Michael Tenenbaum is organizing a special community service program for December 25th, so that our attendees can also participate in the “tzedaka” and “tikun olam” aspects of the Fraternity’s Judaic principles. If you’ve never attended an AO Convention, I urge you to come this year and learn how AO is truly one big family! If you’ve been to conventions before, but missed a few, please consider coming again this year, and enjoying this very special week. If you are a regular convention attendee, you will be very excited about what Bob and his committee have planned for this year! Details and registration is available from: aosunnydays.ao.org.
An organization like Alpha Omega is dependent on dedicated volunteers, like the individuals who diligently attended this year’s meetings. We are all very grateful to those fraters who give of themselves selflessly for the benefit of all fraters.
PLEASE VISIT: www.AmericasToothfairy.org for TOMORROW's SMILE UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES
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