Awards Night

from SFDDA Winter Issue 2022

by South Florida District Dental Association

Mouth-Body-Mind Connection. Fascinating And Entertaining

....more on Havana Nights

By now, you've probably heard how much fun Havana Nights was. But there was more to it. Guests arrived in a lovely room set with beautiful tables adorned with chocolate cigars and lighted centerpieces surrounded by cedar and sugar-scented candles reminiscent of old Cuba's tobacco and sugar cane fields. And boxes in the shape of "guayabera" shirts filled with tropical fruit-flavored candies completed the welcoming sight.

That night was significant because it was the first time we would be together after being in a state of isolation from the pandemic. We appreciated spending that time with friends and colleagues.

There was a sumptuous buffet of roasted mojo marinated pork, roasted chicken breast, churrasco with chimichurri sauce, and a yummy seafood paella accompanied by the sweet plantains, black beans, and rice and ceviche. And the dessert was caramel rum flan, mocha cheesecake, and rumdipped churros. The pandemic had put a hold on the past two SFDDA Annual Business meetings, during which two of our SFDDA presidents would have received their presidential awards. So, we took the opportunity to honor them and two other special people during the evening.

Receiving their presidential awards for 2020 and 2021 were Drs. Oscar Peguero and Mariana Velazquez. Both of these presidents would be the ones to help pivot the association's commitment to the members during an unprecedented time in our history.

Receiving the 2020 Alan E. Friedel award for outstanding leadership at all three levels of the tripartie was Dr. Michael Eggnatz.

Finally, Dr. Cesar Sabates received his "laurels" for his timeless achievements and illustrious career in organized dentistry. We congratulate them all for their time and dedication to organized dentistry.