Alpha Pi hits the Poconos

Last weekend (December 19-21), the chapter went on our annual excursion to the Pocono's. We rented a vacation house that was way too nice for us in a community that was way too quiet for us. The house had a pool table, game room, lots of hang out space, and most importantly, an outdoor hot tub. Suffice to say, everyone had an awesome time. Brother-at-Large Steve Brecher was responsible for planning the entire weekend and did an outstanding job. 30 brothers went up for the weekend, which made meals interesting. Over the course of the 3 days, we consumed about 12 pounds of meat and cheese and 3 loafs of bread in addition to a 25 pound turkey, 22 2-liter bottles of soda, dozens of pieces of fried chicken, and lots of miscellaneous snacks. The weather was interesting on the way up with snow and ice reducing the driving speed on the Northeast Extension to about 25 MPH. But everyone made it up fine, and the drive was well worth it.

Picture: (L-R) Mike Abrams, Jon DeSantis, Joe Raffanello, and Steve Brecher enjoy the outdoor hot tub in 15 degree and snowy weather.

Fall 2008 Awards

Congrats to the following brothers who won awards during the fall semester:

September:

Brother of the Month-Brian Engle

Minor Board of the Month-Joe Raffanello (Philanthropy Chairman)

Executive Board of the Month-Jon Kriner (Rush Chairman)

October

Brother of the Month-Harrison Bobbins

Minor Board of the Month-Andy Markowitz (Jewish Organizational Chairman)

Executive Board of the Month-Alex Shelow (Exchequer)

November

Brother of the Month-Pesach Kessler

Minor Board of the Month-Mike Abrams (TUGA Representative)

Executive Board of the Month-Jeff Gutkin (Pledge Master)

Brother of the Semester-Brian Engle

Minor Board of the Semester-Harrison Bobbins (Sports Chair)

Executive Board of the Semester-Steve Brecher (Brother-at-Large)

Alumni Chapter hosts first event

Yesterday, Alpha Pi's new formed Alumni Chapter hosted its first event: a brunch at The Ugly American restaurant in South Philadelphia. 20 men were at the event, and it was a great launching point for what will be an incredible organization for Alpha Pi men. Brotherhood is for life and is not a merely a 4 year undergraduate experience. A particular thanks goes to the alumni who organized the event and are spearheading the alumni chapter including Jeff Silverman (Class of1986), Dan Grossmann (Past Master, Class of 1984), Marc Prine (Past Master, Class of 2008), Brad Hoffman (Class of 2008), and Matt Raisman (Class of 2007.) Also, Alumni Chairman Alex Shelow and Lieutenant Master Mike Shulman put much time into the planning and excution of the event. The next event will be a Temple men's basketball game at the Liacouras Center on campus in mid-February. If you are interested in the alumni chapter or have any questions, please contact Jeff Silverman at jeffsilverman@optononline.net.

Picture: Alumni and undergraduate brothers at the restaurant

Flyers at Date Party

Last night, Alpha Pi held its end of the semester Date Party at Plough & the Stars in Old City. It was a great evening, but at about midnight we got a special surprise. The General Managerof the bar told us several members of the Philadelphia Flyers were in the bar celebrating their overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes (about an hour beforehand.) He asked if we would mind if they joined our event, and of course we said no. Jeff Carter (the NHL's second leading goal scorer), Mike Richards (the captain of the Flyers), and others were there, and they all were very courteous in taking dozens of pictures and talking to everyone. It really capped off an incredible night.

UPDATE (12/15/08) The event has picked up some online sports blog interest. Check out this article on SportsbyBrooks.

UPDATE: (12/18/08) The event was featured in an article in yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer. You can read the article online. The original SportsbyBrooks article (see above) has been syndicated on at least a dozen other blogs and wire sources, and has on the original site alone, had over 36,000 unique views.

Picture: Above (L-R) Alex Schwartz, Jon DeSantis, the Flyer's Jeff Carter, Mike Shulman, a date, and Harrison Bobbins.

New officers elected

This afternoon the chapter elected three positions. Our new Rush Chairman is Brian Engle; our new Pledge Master is Ben Nadell, and our new Social Chairman is Jeff Gutkin. Congratsulations!

Picture: Below: the Spring 2009 Executive Board. Top row: (L-R) Pledge Master Ben Nadell, Rush Chairman Brian Engle, Brother-at-Large Steve Brecher, House Manager Alex Mandel, Sentinel Mike Slutsky, Exchequer Alex Shelow, Master Jon DeSantis, and Scribe Brandon Cohen. Bottom row: (L-r) Lieutenant Master Mike Shulman and Social Chairman Jeff Gutkin.

Congrats Phi Deuteron

The Phi Deuteron Pledge Class became brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity last night with the ritual ceremony at 2000 North Broad, the first of many pledge classes to be initiated in the Mansion on the Corner. The chapter now has 61 undergraduate brothers and over 725 alumni brothers. The new brothers are: Dan Lyons, Aaron Wolf, Rob Farber, Alex Gionet, Jason Hoffman, Tyler Seidman, Alex Lassoff, Ziv Noah, Shane Gottlieb, Scott Levine, Max Lieberman, Dave Paley, Daniel Israel, and Michael Stoll.

A Great Past 10 Days

It has been an exciting time to be a college student at Temple lately. In the last days, the Phillies won the World Series, we celebrated Halloween, and Obama won the election (despite your personal politics, an Obama victory in North Philadelphia made for a lot of fun.) For the Phillies pennant victory, the largest celebration on campus took place outside our house at the corner of Broad & Norris Streets. In the end police blocked traffic in both directions, and hundreds of students celebrated the win.

Pictures: Above: brothers, pledges, and friends on election night after Obama's big win. Below: (L-R) Jeff Gutkin as a survivor, Joe Littman as Joe the Plumber, Mike Abrams as himself, Matt Muchnick with green hair, Joe Raffanelllo as a a survivor, Sean Rapp as ?, Alex Shelow as a Sixer (should be a great season...), and Alex Schwartz as gothic. Mike Shulman (in front) as the joker from the Batman movies. Far below: the Phillies pennant celebration outside our house.

Alpha Pi Hits the Big Apple

Last Friday night into Saturday, several brothers and pledges went up to New York city for a night on the town then spent the evening at Brother Jeff Gutkin's house in central Jersey. While regrettably having to be in New Jersey for a bit, everyone had a great time.

Picture: Brothers in the city. Top row: (L-R) Steve Zhitnitsky, Jon DeSantis (on statue), and Addison Levitt. Bottom row: (L-R) Alex Shelow (in red hat), Jeff Gutkin, Brandon Cohen, Mike Abrams, Brian Engle, Mike Shulman, Harrison Bobbins, and Joe Raffanello.

Alumni event this Saturday

The chapter is hosting an alumni event this Saturday along with Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. The event begins at 1 PM and is at the Draught Horse located on Cecil B. Moore Ave on campus. Not only will you get to see all your brothers as well as friends from the sorority, you can also enjoy football on the restaurant's large TVs. Hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks are on the house, and there is a cash bar. This is also a great chance to meet our new pledges. RSVPs are appreciated in advance, and can be made to Alumni Chairman Alex Shelow at aepi@temple.edu. Pictures will be posted here after the event.

Intramurals Update

Currently, the chapter is participating in soccer, football, and volleyball. While thus far, the volleyball and soccer teams are struggling, the flag football team is having an impressive season. After suffering a tough loss in the opening week, the team has scored two straight victories, including a 2 touchdown victory yesterday evening. The team is led by Quarterback Michael Abrams and Wide Receiver Steve Brecher, but everyone on the team has been contributing to its success. Next week, we begin intramural basketball play, and this year looks promising on the court. Harrison Bobbins has been doing all of the work in getting teams signed up and in getting brothers to participate as the chapter's Sports Chair.

Picture: Our beloved Flag Football Captain, Brandon Cohen

Alpha Pi participates in AIDS Walk

Yesterday, 30 AEPi brothers and pledges were some of the over 4,000 walkers in the 8.4 mile Philadelphia Aids Walk. The purpose of the walk was to raise money and awareness of the disease. The walk began in Eakins Oval in front of the Art Museum, continued down Kelly Drive, crossed the Schuylkill River, and then returned to the Art Museum on the oppositeite shore. It was an extremely cold day, but everyone had a great, crossed the time walking for a great cause.

Picture: (L-R) Brother Matt Muchnick, pledge Dan Lyons, and brothers Jon DeSantis and Sean Rapp walking down KellyDrive..

Phi Deuteron Pledge Class Inducted

Yesterday night, the chapter inducted 14 pledges in the ritual ceremony. The new pledges are: Jason Hoffman, Daniel Israel, Tyler Seidman, Michael Stoll, Max Lieberman, Dan Lyons, Scott Levine, Alex Lassoff, Ziv Noah, Aaron Wolf, Shane Gottleib, Alex Gionet, Rob Farber, and Dave Paley. Their Pledge Master is Jeff Gutkin (class of 2010), who has prepared a sound pledge program that will prepare the pledges to be great brothers. Past Master Dan Grossmann (Class of 1984) was on hand and participated in the ceremony. The chapter was able to conduct the ceremony in our soon to be home: 2000 North Broad Street, which drastically improved the seriousness, importance, and impact of the ceremony.

Picture: (Above) Picture of the Phi Deuteron Pledge Class L-R front row-Daniel Israel and Dave Paley. second row-Max Lieberman, Shane Gottleib, Jason Hoffman, Tyler Seidman, Scott Levine, and Dan Lyons. third row-Alex Gionet, Rob Farber, and Michael Stoll

Phillies game and rush

Rush has officially begun! The two week rush period kicked off Friday night with dinner at Hillel and an after party at our house. Some upcoming events include a Poker Tournament, a night out in Chinatown, and an Around the World party. We've had over 30 guys by the house before rush even started, and we're very excited about the upcoming weeks. As usual alumni are invited to any event.

On September 8th, the brotherhood enjoyed a night out to the Phillies - Marlins game. The Phillies won the game 8-6, and Brother Alex Bord got drilled by a foul ball in his arm. He got taken to the first aid station, but he's just fine. 25 brothers were at the game, and we even managed to get yelled at by stadium employees for taunitng Marlins left fielder Josh Willingingham.

Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Alexander

What years were you active in Alpha Pi?
I pledged in the Fall of 2003 and graduated in May 2007.

Which positions did you hold in the chapter?

On the Executive Board, I served as Lieutenant Master, Master, and Sentinel.

One funny AEPi story from your time at college:

There are so many but one that sticks out to me was during my freshman year, one of my pledge brother's pledge name was Screech from Saved By The Bell. He hated the name and one day after he became a brother he walked into a room of a bunch of us. We said "Hey Screech, what's up?" He replied with "Stop calling me that, I really hate that name." Without missing a beat, the Lt. Master at the time said "Fine, you're Boner." The name is still with him today.

One piece of advice for undergraduate brothers:

Work hard to be the best brother you can be. If you don't always recall what it means to be a brother, go and read the ritual manual when you have a few minutes. There is a lot of good information in there that you don't always remember. Additionally, don't set limits for yourself. Strive to constantly raise the bar. This applies in school, in the fraternity and in life in general.

How has AEPi helped you since graduating?

AEPi landed me my first job which was working for the fraternity at it's international headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was a great experience in which I learned a lot about the fraternity as a whole. The things I learned will also help me act in an advisory role for whichever chapters I work with since I have been exposed to so many other chapters from all over the country.

What do you do now professionally?

I will be going back to school in the Fall to pursue a career in dentistry.

Married? Kids?

Single

Which brothers have you most stayed in touch with?

I am a recent graduate so I am still close with many brothers including some undergrads. I couldn't narrow it down to a few but I am close with at least 15 guys from my time.

If brothers want to contact you, how can they?

Brothers can contact me via email at jaaepi@gmail.com. That would definitely be the most efficient way.

Pictures: Above-(L-R) Matt Raisman (Class of 2007), Jonathan Alexander, and Marc Bodinger (Class of 2007) as undergrads. Below-(L-R) Marc Prine (Class of 2008), Rabbi Shalom Denbo, and Jonathan Alexander in Israel this previous summer.

Hoops for Hope

Yesterday, the chapter raised over $350 for one of our official philanthropies: Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. Shaare Zedek is Israel's largest provider of medical care to victims of terror and also the official health carrier for the Israel Defense Forces. The event was called Hoops for Hope and was held at the Bell Tower in the middle of campus. People participated by paying $1 to take a basketball shot and if they made the shot, they won a free piece of pizza courtesy of Owl's Nest Pizzeria. People could also pay with their Diamond Dollars, which is a debit account associated with student ID cards through the University. Not only was this event great for charity, but it was held on the first day of classes. AEPi's name was in the most popular spot on campus with thousands of students, staff, and administrators walking by and participating. This was great for our image and for publicity. It was also probably the first time in Temple history that the administration allowed a group to set up a basketball net at the Bell Tower. Joe Raffanello (Philanthropy Chairman) and Mike Shulman (Lieutenant Master) were primarily responsible for the event, and they both did an awesome job. We continue to prove that we are the best there is at Temple University. Everyone had a great job juggling the first day of classes with raising money for a great cause.

Pictures: Above-Doug Kahn can shakes. Below-brothers in front of the Bell Tower with the basketball net and banners.

Labor Day party

Twenty brothers and five interested guys (it's too soon to say rushes) went to Dan Grossmann's (Class of 1984, Past Master) house today for a Labor Day party. The house was awesome with an in-ground pool/hot tub, billiards room, 60" HDTV, basketball court, and trampoline. Dan and his exquisite wife Cindy were up to the task of feeding 25 college age guys, and the food was delicious. Everyone had a great time except when it was over and the realization that the school year begins tomorrow set in.

Picture: (L-R) Cindy Grossmann (wife of Dan Grossmann), Joe Littman, Jon DeSantis, Alex Shelow, Rabbi Joe Domosh (in hat), Evan Krieg, Marshall Segel, Brian Engle, Dan Grossmann. Standing in front: Cindy (girlfriend of Rabbi Joe Domosh) and Brad Hoffman (Class of 2008.)

AEPi at Temple Welcome Week

Temple had its third annual Welcome Week celebration to welcome incoming freshman to the university. One of the events during the week was Temple Fest, where different organizations set up information tables up and down Liacouras Walk (formerly Park Mall.) Yesterday and today (Wednesday and Thursday) Alpha Pi set up right in front of Maxi's Bar and Pizzeria and our table was two away from Hillel. Over 20 interested incoming freshman stopped by to get more information about AEPi, and almost all of them will be coming back to rush in a few weeks. Aside from that, we got to have a good time with Temple's over 200 student organizations.

Picture: (L-R) Gabe Toran, Mike Shulman, Ben Nadell, Jon Kriner and Brian Engle at the table on Thursday afternoon.

Alumni Spotlight: Jeff Silverman

Which years were you an undergrad at Alpha Pi?

I pledged in 1982 and graduated in 1988 (I took 2 years off between my sophomore and junior years.)

Which positions did you hold in the chapter?

Pledge President, Social Chairman, Sentinel

One funny AEPi story from your time at college:

We were going to the U.R.I. chapter for our pledge weekend (1982). We had stopped for pizza somewhere along the way. As we are ready to leave, the Master at the time whispers for us to walk quickly out the door. Once we get out side he yells "RUN...we didn't pay...hurry before they call the cops!!" All of us pledges sprint to the van, diving in, piling on top of each other, elbows & knees tangled, breathless, ducking down so no one can see us. We all thought we got away with dinner for free, a bunch of fresh faced felonious Temple students on the lam from a pizza shop. I didn't find out until almost 20 years later that the chapter didn't really blow off the dinner bill...the brothers just wanted to see us pledges falling over each other...scared of being arrested...ducking down, nervous. Too funny! It probably sets the record for the longest running gag in chapter history.

One piece of advice for undergraduate brothers:

FROM A FRATERNITY PERSPECTIVE: Enjoy everything the fraternity has to offer, experience everything you can. Get as involved as you can in the fraternity activities. Become a chapter officer. Join a chapter committee. College life passes quickly and you will look back and cherish the experiences and the friends you make in AEPi. Take it from someone who is living it: the friends you make in AEPi will be your closest friends for the rest of your life...they will unquestioningly be there to celebrate with you during great times and will support you and your family during life's rough moment. FROM A BASIC LIFE PERSPECTIVE: Protect your reputation while in college and beyond- if you are known by your friends and peers in as someone reliable and trustworthy, that will carry you throughout adulthood.

How has AEPi helped you since graduating?

Early in my career...close to 20 years ago...one of my closest AEPi friends (Scott Solomon) referred me to a position that became - in hindsight - a key catalyst to much of the professional achievement that, thank G-d, I am experiencing now. Aside from that situation, I have not proactively leveraged my AEPi experience for other business purposes, though opportunities do and can present themselves if you stay in touch with each other. What my AEPi brothers DO provide is a vital respite from the business world. Around my brothers, we can let our guard down, can be open and honest with worrying about the business ramifications. We can be who we are. We can also tease...relentlessly at times...each other. We judge each other on who we are, not what we have. As we all know, the business world is intensely competitive. One has to be "on their game" to maintain a high level of success. Every time I am with my brothers however, it's like a vacation...even if only for a few hours...from that arena. To me, that's significantly more important than the possible financial awards.

What do you do now professionally?

I am a Senior Solutions Consultant with Reynolds & Reynolds Company; a CRM, IT & eBusiness solutions company specializing in the automotive industry.

Are you married? Kids?

Married with two children

Which brothers have you most stayed in touch with?

Frequently throughout the the past 26 years: Robert Schiller (who passed away last year), Scott Solomon (Class of 1986), Mike Kelman (Class of 1983), Jeff Graber (Class of 1982), Paul Stein (Class of 1987), Mark Pokedoff (Class of 1984), Dan Grossman (Class of 1984) & Ken Katz (Class of 1986). I have recently been privilege to have reconnected with Eric Weiss (Class of 1983) and Jack Weinstein (Class of 1984) as well.

If brothers want to contact you, how can they?

Email- jeffsilverman@optononline.net or cell: (516) 232-0596

Pictures: Top right- (L-R) Jack Weinstein (Class of 1984) and Jeff today. Top left-Jeff in Spring 1983 at the fraternity alumni dinner. For more pictures of Jeff, visit the alumni photo webpage.

Next alumni spotlight: Jonathan Alexander (Class of 2007)

Donation to chapter

Thank you to Greek Housing Alliance for their $2,018 donation to the chapter. Not only are Dan Grossmann (Class of 1983) and Rabbi Joe Domosh, who own Greek Housing Alliance, our landlords and owners of the nicest house on Temple's campus, but they actively support Alpha Pi. We'll be facing some new challenges this semester as we deal with the fire at our new house. It is comforting to know that our alumni and our friends support us. Again, thank you to Dan and Joe on behalf of Alpha Pi's over 700 undergraduate and alumni brothers.

Joe Domosh is the congregational rabbi of Temple B'nai Israel in Burlington, NJ, South Jersey's oldest conservative synagogue. He is also the rabbi of Star of David Bikers, a Jewish Motorcycle Riding Club in Philadelphia.

Dan Grossmann is a two-time Past Master of Alpha Pi. He will be featured in an upcoming alumni spotlight.

Alumni Spotlight: Jeff Graber

We are beginning a series of Alumni Spotlights. Different alumni from various years in Alpha Pi's history are going to be asked questions on different subjects. If anyone would like to be "spotlighted" email aepi@temple.edu. Our first alumni spotlight is none other than the legendary Jeff Graber. Coming soon: Jeff Silverman.

What year did you pledge AEPi?
I was a Refounding Father in 1979 with 19 other guys.

What positions did you hold in the chapter?
I served as Exchequer for two years.

Did you have any nicknames while in the chapter?
Brother Grabes and Graby Baby

What do you do professionally now?
I do different things. I own Graber Tax & Financial Services, which offers business accounting services and financial planning. I'm also an adjunct college professor and real estate investor.

How did your experience in AEPi help you later in life?
As the Exchequer of Alpha Pi for two years, I gained experience and confidence in managing a budget. I utilized this knowledge in my accounting and financial positions, working for mostly computer companies as a controller.

You were a Refounding Father in 1979. What was special about this experience?
I was part of a group of individuals who learned the meaning of brotherhood and the history of Alpha Epsilon Pi. It was a wonderful, memorable experience that will stay with me the rest of my life.

What advice would you want to give your undergraduate brothers today?

First of all, know that brotherhood is for life. After you graduate and seek out where you "fit in" in this world, you will take many paths. No matter what kind of work you do, or however far away you eventually settle down, you will always have the bond of brotherhood that keeps you in touch with your brothers (in mind and in spirit). You will appreciate the friendships you have today and attend your closest brothers' happy and not-so-happy occasions. Secondly, be active in the fraternity and give of yourself---your time and your effort. You will be rewarded for this the rest of your life, both personally and professionally.

Are you married? Kids?
I am married to my lovely wife Karen, we have two children.

If brothers want to contact you, how can they do so?
They can email me at jkgraber@aol.com. I currently live in West Chester, PA.

Pictures: Above right-Jeff today. Above left-Jeff at an AEPi formal in 1983. Below-Jeff and Karen, who were dating at the time, at an AEPi formal.

COFA Construction

Brothers Joe Raffanello and Pesach Kessler are sketching and painting a wooden AEPi COFA. Once it is completed, we'll be able to hang it from the house. Here is the first in a series of pictures that will be updated over the next few days and weeks until their project is done. Who said Jews don't do construction?

Above: (L-R) Joe Raffanello and Pesach Kessler. The pencil sketch is hard to see but looks great! Below: (L-R) Pesach Kessler and Joe Raffanello printed out a large scale color copy of the COFA and are beginning to sketch it onto a piece of plywood.

AEPi: Top GPA on campus

Today, fraternity and sorority grade reports were released. For the second consecutive semester, AEPi had the top GPA amongst all 13 fraternities on campus. Our average GPA for Spring 2008 was a 3.05, while the average fraternity member's GPA was a 2.7 and the average Temple male got a 2.82. Our average GPA in Fall 2006 was a 2.63, and for the past 3 semesters we have worked hard to raise that score.The second place fraternity was way behind us with a 2.8 average GPA for the Spring 2008 semester. AEPi is leading the campus both academically and socially. Congrats to our top ten GPA getters (with a tie for the tenth spot) for the Spring 2008 semester who in no particular order are: Arkadiy Landa, Eric Shelmire, Ben Nadell, Jon Kriner, Brad Hoffman, Joe Raffanello, Paul Minkovich, Oleg Grapp, Steve Auerbach, Harry Rosenblum, and Mike Slutsky.

Alumni website

Alpha Pi's alumni website has several features. Alumni can easily update their information in two ways. They can visit our alumni website (pictured above) and electronically fill out the form. After filling out the form, the chapter receives the information and updates our alumni roster. Also, alumni can email their updated information to the chapter at aepi@temple.edu. If you provide us with an email address, you will be added to the alumni listserv, where you will receive updates about chapter activities, alumni events, and other important news. Also on the website, there is an electronic donation mechanism through Paypal. All of our alumni events are advertised on the website, and the chapter alumni newsletters are posted there. Some alumni brothers have set up their own website, which has pictures, news, and an alumni yellow pages (mostly from the mid-1980s.) That website is maintained by Jack Weinstein, who can be contacted at jackw62@earthlink.net.

Pictures: Above-our alumni website and the information updating form. Below- A picture from the alumni website maintained by Jack Weinstein. Alumni brothers (L-R) Jonathan Wasserman, Dan Grossman, Jack Weinstein, Jeff Silverman, Art Patalowski, Jeff Graber, Mark Pokedoff

Alpha Pi gets around

In more ways than one, Alpha Pi likes to get around. Between July 2006 and January 2008, the chapter was at 2012 North Broad Street. Between January 2008 and July 2008, the chapter lived in 2022 North Broad Street, which was also the home of Temple University founder Russel Conwell. We currently live in both 2002 and 2004 North Broad Street, and are awaiting the completion of our permanent new home 2000 North Broad Street. We were supposed to move into 2000 Broad Street (also known as the John Stafford Mansion) on August 1, but there was a tragic fire that destroyed the rear side of the third floor of the house. The owners of the house, who include Past Master Dan Grossman (class of 1983) are working as fast as possible to have the house ready as soon as possible. In the meantime, the chapter is in 2002/2004 North Broad, where we also lived in the late 1990s. Overall, Alpha Pi will have been in 5 different homes in less than one year once we move into 2000 North Broad. Truly, Alpha Pi gets around.

Pictures: Above right-a historic picture of 2000 North Broad Street, our new home. Above left-a much younger (and more handsome) Dan Grossmann, Past Master and owner of John Stafford Mansion

AEPi Helping the Community

Last year, Alpha Pi participated in many philanthropies around the Philadelphia region benefiting the Jewish community. In November, 15 brothers participated in Mitzvah Mania sponsored by Philadelphia Hillel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. We went to South Philly and cleaned up a park by removing trash and planting new gardens. In mid-February, 30 brothers participated in Super Sunday where we called Jews around the Philadelphia region asking for donations to benefit the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Every month, between 20 and 30 brothers participate in the Jewish Relief Agency's food packaging and delivery events. We go to their facility in the Northeast and help package food supplies for needy Jews around the Philadelphia area. Then, we put the packages into volunteer's cars and our own cars. Afterwards, we personally deliver the food. Last year, we also participated in large scale Temple community service projects in which we went out and cleaned up our local North Philadelphia community. We participate in Temple Greek only philanthropies including raising hundreds of dollars for Alex's Lemonade Stand an organization which raises money for cancer research.

Pictures: Top left-Ross Klinger makes a phone call on Super Sunday. Top right-Mike Abrams picks up a package of food to put in a car at a Jewish Relief Agency event. Below (L-R) Arkadiy Landa, Jon Kriner, Jon DeSantis, a lucky female, Drew Wenning, Gabe Toran, and Oleg Grapp have rakes ready to plant at Mitzvah Mania in South Philadelphia.

Great rush video

9 Alpha Pi brothers attend AEPi Convention

9 Alpha Pi brothers were in Chicago last week at AEPi's 95th annual Convention. Highlights included attending a White Sox-Red Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field and went to a comedy show at Second City. The chapter won three awards including the Standford and Sheila Odesky Outsanding Rush Results Awards for initiating 25 men last year and an award for raising over $1,000 for our official philanthropies. The brothers toured the city including visiting Navy Pier and downtown Chicago. Master Jon DeSantis won the Robert Silverman Outstanding Scribe Award for his service last year. The hotel's sauna broke down on their third day there, which substanially increased their attendance at sessions. The attending brothers were Jon DeSantis, Jeff Gutkin, Alex Mandel, Past Master Joe Littman, Ross Klinger, Ari Charlestein and alumni Past Master Jonathan Alexander (Class of 2007), Past Master Marc Prine (Class of 2008), and Rabbi Shalom Denbo of the International Board of Rabbis.

Pictures: Above (L-R) Joe Littman, Alex Mandel, Jeff Gutkin, Marc Prine, and Jon Alexander at U.S. Cellular Field for the White Sox-Red Sox game. Below (L-R) Jon DeSantis, Joe Littman, Marc Prine, and Jon Alexander before the gala banquet.