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Touro Fraternal Association installs new leaders
from August 2023
CRANSTON – Alexander
Leach and Andrew Shuster, both of whom have deep roots in the Touro Fraternal Association, were installed as the presidents of the Harmony and Friendship lodges, respectively, at the association’s recent annual ceremony.
Leach is a third-generation member, following his late grandfather, Oscar “Arnie” Leach, and his father, James Leach. Shuster is the son of brother Steven Shuster. Both proud dads attended the ceremony.
Lodge officers serve one-year terms.
Installed for three-year terms on the Board of Directors were Larry Ber- man, Jeffrey Davis, Alan Lury, Michael Smith and Stuart Solup.
Joining Leach as Harmony Lodge officers are David Nicolato, vice president; Allen Cowett, secretary; and Michael Frank, treasurer.
Shuster is serving with fellow Friendship Lodge officers Scott Halsband, vice president; Adam Finkelstein, secretary; and David Weisman, treasurer.
Ried Redlich served as the master of ceremonies at the recent event. The installing officer was Board Chairman Emeritus Robert Miller, who set the tone for the evening by emphasizing Touro’s rich 105-year history.
Miller also pointed out that both new presidents are young, and he encouraged them to embrace the traditions of the past while bringing forth new ideas for the future.
Tributes were paid to Andrew Gilstein, who did not seek reelection after 12 years of service on the Board of Directors, and to Barry Schiff and Barry Ackerman, who were lodge presidents for the past year.
At a separate board meeting, Stevan Labush and Jeffrey Davis were elected to their fourth one-year terms as chairman and vice chairman, respectively.
Submitted by Larry Berman
Touro Fraternal Association Directors & Officers 2023-2024
The 2023-24 board of directors and officers for Touro Fraternal Association are, front row from left, Ried Redlich, David Nicolato, Adam Finkelstein, Michael Smith, Allen Cowett, Max Guarino and Barry Schiff. Middle row, Mitchell Cohen, Jed Brandes, Jeffrey Davis, Stevan Labush, Robert Miller, Alexander Leach, Alan Lury and Bruce Wasser. Back row, Peter Hodosh, Andrew Shuster, David Weisman, Michael Frank, Stuart Solup, Andrew Lamchick, Bruce Weisman, Larry Berman and Scott Halsband. Barry Ackerman and Ralph Orleck were absent.
