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.