1950’s
– A Special Evening to Remember … And, So Sorry If You Missed It In My Opinion Richard A. Mufson, DDS, Editor
It was a very special evening indeed. “Havana Nights!” The event took place on December 9 at the Hollywood Beach Marriott, and was truly one to remember. It was two years or more in the planning. The idea was initially conceived of by our then president, Dr. Oscar Peguero, then suddenly put on a long hold, as were many other aspects of our lives, courtesy of the COVID pandemic. As the would-be DJ of the evening, and provider of the sound system, I was put to work long before then in developing a large collection of Cuban music reminiscent of the era of Havana’s classic ballroom dancing and big bands of the 1940’s, 50’s and beyond. And I had a sense that the choice of music, and the evening event itself, needed to be of the caliber that would effectively pay tribute to the heritage of Cuban-American dentists, and their role as an important and vibrant part of our South Florida dental community.
and his wife Susanne, Dr. Michael Eggnatz and wife, Marion, along with our current FDA President, Dr. David Boden and his wife, Carmen, who made the trip from Port St. Lucie. It was also a pleasure to welcome FDA staff members, who made the long trip from Tallahassee to join us, R. Jae Gillum and Kerry Gomez-Rios. A good number of the ladies and gents came adorned in Cuban attire from the 1950’s era, decked in guayabera shirts, bouffant skirts, and fedora hats. Several in attendance also spoke in honor of Cesar, as did Cesar himself, who offered kind and heartfelt words of wisdom about his goals as ADA President, while thanking others in the room who made his successful run for office possible. Everyone dined, socialized, danced, and had a truly great time of it! As the DJ, I also managed to sneak in a few “not-so-Cuban” dance classics as well, including hits by Earth Wind & Fire, Kool and the Gang and others.
With time having passed since the initial planning, so did the theme of this “theme party.” In the months leading up to the event, a tribute to our local Cuban-American heritage would also transform to include a celebration in honor of the first Cuban American, and first Florida dentist ever elected as President of the American Dental Association, our own Dr. Cesar Sabates.
Many stayed the night at the hotel venue, or attended the amazing lecture the day after by well known dentist-turned personal trainer and wellness advocate/author, Dr. Uche Odiatu. He was a phenomenal speaker, and I personally picked up some great “pearls,” both for our dental practices and the health and well-being aspects of living a happy and healthier life.
And come out to honor Cesar they did!
Many also enjoyed the oceanfront location and interesting people, sights and sounds of the Hollywood Boardwalk.
ADA Presidents and Other Dignitaries In Attendance We were certainly honored to have no less than three ADA Past Presidents fly into town to pay tribute to Cesar – Drs. Jeffrey Cole, Chad Gehani, and Maxine Feinberg. Past FDA Presidents were also in attendance - Dr. Larry Nissen and his wife Carol from Merritt Island, Dr. Alan Friedel
4
Thank you to all who thought of, arranged, and attended this very special evening event! And if you happened to have missed it? So sorry. Maybe we will see you next time :) _______________________________________________ Richard Mufson is Editor of the South Florida District Dental Association Newsletter, and may be contacted at (305) 935-7501 or MufsonOralSurg@aol.com
