A C T L O C A L LY – T H I N K G L O B A L LY IN THIS ISSUE Lionell And Robin Greenberg Honored Page 2 2013 AO Trudi Birger Award Recipients Page 3 DC Chapter & JSSA Page 4 AO Greater Detroit Chapters Page 5 Thank You Outgoing Directors and Regents Page 6 AO International Board Positions For 2014 Page 6 2013 AO Chapter Efficiency Awards Page 7 2013 Convention Spotlight - GOHI Event Page 7 Upcoming Events Page 7 Convention Spouses' Luncheon Special Guest Speaker David Shore, Creator Of House Page 8 Ship to Shore Convention 2013 Flowsheet Page 9 NY Chapter Hosts Marcy Schwartzman Page 10 AO Germany Chapter Update Page 11 AO Birthright Israel Page 11 AO Ohio State Psi Chapter Revitalized Page 12 AO Starts New Chapter in Ottawa, Canada Page 12 Remembering Kristallnacht Page 13 Fraters in the News Page 13 Connect With Alpha Omega Page 14 2015 AO European Convention in London / Job Board / AO Store Page 15 Please Support Our Advertisers and Partners Page 16 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2013 PRESIDENTAL MESSAGE Marcy Schwartzman This year the first night of Hanukkah coincided with the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Small wonder that some have already humorously decided that this year we ought to call the day by a new name – Thanksgivukkah. This combined event will not occur again in our lifetime! While latkes will most likely share their prominent place at the festive meal with the turkey served at many American tables, this is a time to reflect on the differences between these two holidays. The Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621. They were thankful for their survival, and the bounty of the summer’s harvest. The puritan Pilgrims originally modeled that first celebration after the Jewish and biblical celebration of Succoth. It is a holiday that was officially recognized as an American National holiday by President Lincoln in 1863. To this day, Thanksgiving remains as a powerful reminder of America’s recognition of God’s role in their national prosperity and an opportunity to give thanks for the bounty in their lives. Hanukkah, on the other hand is a holiday whose story is perhaps more relevant to our own emotional selves. Its threat was not only to our bodies, but touched our souls. The Greeks sought to transform the world to their beliefs, and the Jews were not willing to assimilate. The Maccabees rose up to lead the Jewish nation and conquered their oppressors. The miracle of the oil that lasted eight days reminds us to be thankful for both our spiritual and material blessings. In this season of this extremely rare situation, may we all adapt the Attitude of Gratitude for all that we are blessed with in our lives. Happy Hanukkah! Marcy Schwartzman International President www.ao.org A L P H A O M E G A | A O N O W 1