Summer 2017

2017 JULY 5777

INSIDE This Issue

Touro Installs Officers and Board Members for the Centennial Year

By Brett Boisvert

The Independent Man page 3 Max Guarino, President, Friendship Lodge

Richard Levenson, President, Harmony Lodge

I Maria Kanellis, First Lady of Wrestling page 3

Centennial Updates pages 4 & 5

t could be said that nothing brings Touro brothers together like a good meal, and in keeping with this time-honored tradition, Touro Fraternal Association held its annual Installation Dinner this past May. Our brothers were treated to a catered brisket dinner before the installation of the lodge officers and Association directors who will help to lead Touro Fraternal during its centennial year and beyond.

Installing Officer Barry Ackerman and Master of Ceremonies Barry Schiff conducted the evening’s festivities. Brothers Jeffrey Davis, Andrew Gilstein, Michael Levin, Andrew Liss, Alan Lury and Michael Smith took the oath of office, each sworn in for a three-year term on the Board of Directors.

Following their swearing, Master of Ceremonies Schiff spoke candidly about each of the brothers before him. Many shared the basic common goal to help Touro grow and prosper beyond its centennial year. This collective vision of growth and prosperity was evident as Schiff highlighted the many unique connections each brother held to Touro. Oftentimes,

these connections were the result of years of experience that, when combined, accounts for decades of Touro leadership and will help to ensure that the future of Touro is in good hands.

As the evening continued, the leadership of Harmony and Friendship Lodges were sworn in. The officers of Harmony Lodge are President Richard Levenson, Vice President Steven Hopfenberg, Treasurer David Mossberg, and Secretary Stuart Solup.

The officers of Friendship Lodge are President Max Guarino, Vice President Jeffery Stoloff, Treasurer Peter Silverman, and Secretary David Altman.

After formally taking the oath of office, each member was vested with his jewel of office.

Michael Levin, the outgoing Harmony Lodge president, serving from 2015-17, was presented with a plaque and the traditional past president’s sweater.

Levin expressed his sincere appreciation for the wonderful experience, great friends and great times he had while serving as president of Harmony Lodge. continued on page 6 - Install

Membership Update page 6

The Big Reveal! page 4 Out & About page 7 ~1~

Chairman's Chatter

Social Scene Summer 2017

By Jed Brandes, Chairman of the Board

Centennial

pertaining to, or marking the completion of, a period of one hundred years.

W

ell, here we are. Touro has reached its centennial year. It is only fitting that we celebrate one hundred years of Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence. To do this properly, we should not only acknowledge our history, but rededicate ourselves to continuing Touro’s sublime mission for another hundred years.

Reflecting on Touro’s history may well be the easy part. Whether a longtime member or recently initiated, we all have had involvement with the organization. Many of our brothers are second and third generation members and can recall the experiences of those that came before.

We are also very fortunate to have brothers with years of membership, capable of recounting Touro’s tale. In this spirit, an Old Timers’ Night is being planned for the fall.

And for the truly nostalgic, a visit to the website will offer the opportunity to view photos and Tourograms from years past. It should be noted that an historical retrospective is being prepared for distribution at the Centennial Gala in September.

Tapping into these resources may be the harder, if equally vital, part of our observance. For understanding Touro’s past successes and failures is the best way to build the foundation for greater success moving forward.

Of course, the board directors and officers rely on this information. Whether planning social events, attracting new members, investing our portfolio or making charitable contributions, the institutional knowledge of our longstanding brothers is a critical component in the decision-making process. To that end, we benefit from the knowledge of all brothers. One need not be a board member to impart valuable information, and you are encouraged to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences with any of Touro’s leaders. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: there will always be a need for the Harmony, Friendship, and Benevolence that is Touro’s calling card.

As we progress through this historic year, let us remember with gratitude those who laid the groundwork for the great association we know today. Let us revel in the company of our brothers and their families. And let us set to the task of building a bigger, better Touro for generations to come.

Biz Hundert un Tsvantsig.

H

By Jeffrey Stoloff, Vice President, Friendship Lodge

ello Brothers! The Social Committee, as always, has been busy planning an exciting end of 2017 and beyond. Our social calendar is packed with some popular events from the past, as well as some to celebrate our centennial year. We hope you will join your fellow brothers in attending as many as possible! Here is some of the excitement in store for the remainder of 2017: Annual Family Summer Picnic Sunday, August 27 • Come bring the whole family to Twelve Acres.

In addition to hamburgers, hotdogs, and the regular sides, you can enjoy barbecued chicken, and other New England favorites.

Enjoy all that the facility has to offer. Bring your frisbees!

Touro's Centennial Gala September 16th and 17th!

Harmony Lodge - Old-Timers' Night Wednesday, September 22 • With burgers and dogs!

Friendship Lodge Sunday, October 22 • Come join us for brunch with guest speaker Nellie Gorbea, Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun Casino Sunday, November 19 • Watch your mail for more information.

Annual Touro Chanukah Party Sunday, December 17 • Bring the family to this exciting celebration with storytelling by Brother Mark Binder and the usual Chanukah treats!

Friendship Lodge Wednesday, December 20 • the return of Touro favorite, comedian Frank O’Donnell.

Chinese Buffet and a Movie Monday, December 25 • Come join your brothers and their families as we dine together.

All brothers are always welcome to help shape our social calendar.

Our meetings are the first Wednesday of every month.

6 New Brothers Sworn In at March Lodge Meeting

Touro welcomes six new brothers at our March 22 lodge meeting.

They are (l to r): Howard Sonion, Craig Woda, Daniel Weinstein, Rabbi Noach Karp, Joshua Brandes and Robert Cable. ~2~

President’s Report

I

Today, I am fortunate, and even more grateful, to have my son, Zachary, as a member of Touro. It’s a fraternity like no other, that offers the unique and rewarding experience of Jewish brotherhood.

Sometimes we forget, or simply take for granted, the power and impact Touro has had on all our lives. The Association provides a place for Jewish men to celebrate their heritage, to give back to their community, and to just enjoy one another’s company.

Maybe it’s the special events we look forward to every year, or the fellow brothers that we reunite with at monthly lodge meetings. Or maybe it’s just the fact that there are guys just like you and me, willing to listen or offer their support in times of need.

I look forward to an exciting centennial year, and I thank you for your time and support, but most importantly...for your harmony, friendship and benevolence.

By Richard Levenson President, Harmony Lodge

t is an honor to serve in the position of president of Harmony Lodge.

As I look back over the last 15 years, I realize that Touro has been a big part of my adult life.

Like silk thread woven into the fabric of a fine suit, my experiences at Touro have embedded into my memory… and can never be erased.

My father, Burton (who I miss greatly), loved being a mason, and I know he would have loved to see me become one as well. Yet, I never had the desire, and it never happened. Maybe he didn’t push me hard enough. Maybe it was the fact that it wasn’t a Jewish-based organization.

Or maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.

John DePetro, Radio Talk Show Host

The Independent Man

T

By Howard Wasser

he March 22 meeting featured beef bourguignon and other assorted goodies. As always, no one went away hungry. Six new members were initiated: Robert Cable, Joshua Brandes, Rabbi Noach Karp, Daniel Weinstein, Craig Woda, and Howard Sonion (see picture on page 2).

The featured speaker was none other than the Independent Man, John DePetro. He grew up in the Edgewood section of Cranston. One of his childhood friends was Steve Laffey, a future mayor of Cranston. As a student at the St. Paul School, John showed an interest in comedy and broadcasting. In fact, he interviewed Salty Brine while in the sixth grade and told him that he wanted to be on the radio.

Through the years, John has been the host of a variety of radio shows and has been on a list of the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in the country.

His presentation ran the gamut of political and R.I. issues. Included were discussions about: Jim Langevin; Peter Kilmartin; illegal voting in Rhode Island found by Mayor Fung; House Speaker Mattiello; his participation in the Sean Spicer press briefing via Skype; and the challenges of retiring in Rhode Island. Even though he is conservative, DePetro did mention (kind of quietly) that he appreciates Senator Jack Reed.

John was very entertaining and informative, regardless of one’s personal politics.

Maria Kanellis

First Lady of Wrestling at Touro

T

By Howard Wasser

he April 19 meeting of course had a great meal – Touro’s famous Kosher Baked Chicken. But, the main attraction was not the food. Our own Stevan Labush, a professor at Johnson and Wales University, introduced one of his students, Maria Kanellis, as the evening’s speaker. Maria brought us more than tales from Steve’s classroom. Instead, it was something more in common with Haystack Calhoun and Andre the Giant. As you guessed, she is a professional wrestler.

Maria regaled us with her exploits as a member of the WWE as well as other wrestling organizations. In fact, she met her future husband, Mike “The Miracle” Bennett, during her wrestling travels. Mike was also in attendance and both stood for photos with our brothers after the meeting ended. In addition to wrestling, she has been a Playboy model and an actress (including being fired by Donald Trump on The Apprentice). She is also a singer with at least one album to her credit.

Maria currently lives in Carver, MA after deciding to study Sports Entertainment and Event Management at J & W, from which she graduated in 2017. As a “parting gift,” Maria has agreed to put her event management expertise to good use for Touro. She will be providing the table centerpieces at the Centennial Gala.

“OK Professor Labush, how about that “A” on my last paper???”

~3~

2017 Centennial Update

By Bruce Weisman, Chairman, Centennial Committee the Israeli Consul General. We’ve planned a fabulous program with music and our feature entertainer, local comedian and runner-up on America’s Got Talent, Tom Cotter. Rooms at the Crowne Plaza are still available for the weekend, but you must act quickly. If you plan to come, and are interested in staying, please contact them via email or phone. In either case, please mention the special code (“TFA”) to get our negotiated discount.

At the Gala dinner, we will present the Touro Time Capsule. [More information can be found in the article below.]

N

o more Save-the-Dates. The centennial year has finally begun!

All the meetings and planning for the last ten years are finally coming to reality.

We opened the centennial year with our annual trip to the Newport Playhouse. A few days later, the centennial banner was revealed at June’s Steak Fry. For those in attendance, both events were a big hit.

Touro enjoyed a special experience at the PawSox game on July 2nd. One might think the fireworks would have been the highlight, but it really was our chairman, Jed Brandes, coming off the DL to throw out the first pitch. It’s too bad he came out of the game, as he was more effective than the PawSox starting pitcher!

Invitations have gone out for the Gala Weekend on September 16 and 17. The response has been terrific, and we expect a huge crowd. There is still time to send in your RSVP. At the Spring Two-fer, we awarded an overnight stay and tickets package to the Gala to Brother Barry Rose. Then, in an unannounced special drawing at the Steak Fry, we drew one more name. Brother Norm Dinerman won the last Gala package. Congratulations to all eight brothers who have won the Gala Weekend packages during the past two years!

The Gala should be a wonderful event, not to be missed.

We have invited many local and state dignitaries, as well as

The centennial banner was revealed at the June steak fry to kick off the celebration.

Touro’s Centennial Time Capsule

By Jeff Stoloff and Adam Halpern

T

he Centennial Committee is excited to th unveil our 100 anniversary time capsule at the Centennial Gala. The purpose of this time capsule is to preserve important memorabilia, as well as special memories and thoughts about Touro, provided by our members. We hope this treasure will be discovered by our future members fifty years from now, in 2067.

At the Gala, the time capsule will be available for viewing. You will have an opportunity to contribute to the time

capsule right away. In addition, we will offer every member an opportunity to contribute something that is important to them throughout the year. It could be a letter to future members about what makes Touro special to you, a publication that you might have saved or any item specific to Touro which has special meaning. We want to have as many brothers as possible participating in this special project to safeguard Touro Fraternal’s legacy.

The committee will be responsible for the items you would like included, and will make sure the items are sealed correctly. ~4~

Should the committee determine that an item cannot be protected and should not be included, the items will be returned. We plan to display the time capsule in our newly remodeled front lobby, so everyone can see it as they enter the hall.

If you have any questions or comments about this exciting part of our Centennial Celebration, feel free to reach out to us or any member of the Centennial Committee.

Brother Barry Rose – winner of the overnight stay and tickets package to the Gala.

The Giving Leading Up to the Centennial

By Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement Committee

Reservations are now being accepted for Touro’s cruise to Bermuda, leaving New York on June 24 and returning July 1, 2018. [See the article below.]

Community involvement is another important part of Touro’s centennial and some special announcements which honor this achievement are coming shortly. [See the article Community Involvement to the right.]

In an unannounced special drawing at the Steak Fry, Brother Norm Dinerman won the last Gala package.

More to come …

For more information on these and other items related to the Centennial, please go to our website:

www.tourofraternal.org.

F

or almost a decade, Touro has sponsored the Chanukah coloring/essay contests through The Voice. Each year we’ve given checks to the winning schools for them to purchase technology equipment. This year we wanted to purchase the gifts ourselves, so that we could share the joy of giving to the students. The winning school last year was the Providence Hebrew Day School in Providence. It was our pleasure to see the looks on the students’, teachers’ and administrators’ faces when we filled their stage with a complete computer system, two iPads, a printer and other accessories.

This month, our donation of two water coolers to the Ronald McDonald House was put into action. We also funded a year’s supply of water for two coolers for all the residents and visitors to enjoy. And recently, we sponsored the Best Buddies Ball at the Renaissance Hotel in Providence. Yes, we’ve been busy on your behalf, but we’re only beginning.

At our most recent meeting, the committee voted to sponsor three Shabbat dinners at URI Hillel over the 2017- 2018 school year. Better still, our donation of $1,500 will be matched by an anonymous donor, which will translate to $3,000 for Hillel.

Of course, during each quarter, Touro gets out the forks and knives to prepare a delicious meal for the residents of Ronald McDonald House. Our presence was also felt at the Meeting Street Telethon, where we donated $900 to purchase a Hoyer lift to assist students getting in and out of the pool.

Touro gives to charity all year long, but as our Centennial approaches, you’re going to hear about some amazing projects from Community Involvement. The one thing I can reveal is that Touro Fraternal Association will sponsor the Onegs at every synagogue in the region the weekend of our Centennial Gala, September 15-16th. Stay tuned for additional amazing news.

Centennial Cruise to Bermuda

J

By Steve Waldman

oin your Touro brothers on the Centennial Cruise, as we travel to the beautiful islands of Bermuda on the Norwegian Escape. The trip will leave from New York City on June 24, 2018 for a seven night adventure, returning on July 1.

This ship was fully renovated in 2015 and has been met with rave reviews.

Deposits are now being accepted. Currently, there are a limited number of cabins set aside for our group. Additional cabins may be reserved, if there is high demand, but the current pricing would not be guaranteed. If you are thinking about going, an early reservation will be the best way to ensure that you get the best pricing.

If we sell twenty cabins, the cruise broker will provide bus transportation for our group to and from New York. Placement on this bus will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Once the first bus is filled, another bus will be provided only if another twenty cabins are sold. Again, an early reservation will be to your advantage.

Deposits are $250 per person and refundable before final payment; payment plans are also available if you don’t want to make a large final payment.

If you are single and are looking for someone to share a cabin, we will try to match you up.

For additional information or to reserve a cabin, contact me, Steve Waldman, at (401) 499-6672. ~5~

SEPTEMBER 16 & 17 GALA DINNER & B RU N C H

Gala Dinner, September 16 Featuring Comedian

TOM COTTER

Install - continued from page 1 Levenson, in his remarks following his swearing in as the newly appointed Harmony Lodge president, thanked his predecessor and reflected on his past 15 years as part of Touro.

“Touro has become a part of my life,” said Levenson. “It is a fraternity like no other, a unique and rewarding experience of Jewish brotherhood.”

Guarino, who was sworn in to his second term as president of Friendship Lodge, reflected on the hard work, the significance of the upcoming Centennial year celebration, and the importance of continuing to build upon the successes of the previous year.

Additionally, at the association’s organizational board meeting, held June 14th, Jed Brandes was elected to a fifth term as chairman of the board. Alan Lury will serve a fifth term as vice chairman. Steven Waldman continues as association treasurer. In addition, Bruce Wasser was elected association secretary.

Installed to the board of directors for 3 year terms were (l to r): Andrew Liss, Alan Lury and Michael Smith.

(l to r) Barry Ackerman, Installing Officer and Barry Schiff, Master of Ceremonies.

Installed to the board of directors for 3 year terms were Outgoing Harmony Lodge President Michael Levin (l to r): Michael Levin, Andrew Gilstein and Jeffrey Davis. (l) received his president's gavel from Chairman Jed Brandes (r).

Friendship Lodge Officers for 2017-18 (l to r): David Altman, secretary, Peter Silverman, treasurer and Jeffrey Stoloff, vice president.

Harmony Lodge Officers for 2017-18 (l to r): David Mossberg, treasurer, Steven Hopfenberg, vice president and Stuart Solup, secretary.

Membership Update

By Barry Ackerman, Chairman, Membership Committee

T

ouro Fraternal is a vibrant organization for all Jewish men 18 years and older.

Whether you joined recently or have decades of Touro membership under your belt, we thank you for your commitment, participation, and enthusiasm.

With June starting our Centennial celebration, it is time to remember our past, from our humble beginnings as a burial society, to becoming a full-fledged fraternal organization. We should also look forward so that the Association might adapt to future community needs.

Today, we not only offer many social activities and benefits for you and your families, but proudly serve local and Jewish organizations in need.

I could not imagine how proud the Honorable Jacob A. Eaton would be of what Touro has become.

~6~

Yet, in order to continue to offer social programs and good deeds, it is important to continue to encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to join Touro Fraternal. As started this past winter, we will be holding other mini-Open House events. This way there are no excuses to wait for the April event. As I have said previously, the best advertisement for Touro is the pride and excitement we all communicate to others. Our members are our best advertising campaign.

So, as we enter our next century, let your friends and family know about Touro, so they may also enjoy and have pride in this wonderful Jewish organization. Who knows? These new members will surely provide new friendships, expand thoughts about our future, add joie de vivre, and maybe be our future leaders.

Enjoy the wonderful Southern New England summer while promoting Touro Fraternal Association.

Directors & Officers 2017-2018

First Row: Peter Silverman, treasurer, Friendship Lodge; David Mossberg, treasurer, Harmony Lodge; Richard Levenson, president, Harmony Lodge; Michael Smith, director; Steven Waldman, director/Association treasurer; Stuart Solup, secretary, Harmony Lodge; Barry Schiff, director/Association chaplain. Second Row: Andrew Liss, director; Steven Hopfenberg, vice president, Harmony Lodge; Alan Lury, vice chairman, Board of Directors; Jed Brandes, chairman, Board of Directors; Robert Miller, chairman emeritus, Board of Directors; Andrew Lamchick, director. Third Row: David Altman, secretary, Friendship Lodge; Ried Redlich, director/ faithful guide; Barry Ackerman, Stevan Labush, directors; Jeffrey Stoloff, vice president, Friendship Lodge; Jeffrey Davis, Bruce Weisman, Michael Levin, Norman Dinerman, directors. Not Shown: Arthur Poulten, chairman emeritus, Board of Directors; Andrew Gilstein, Nathan Lury, Steven White, directors; Max Guarino, president, Friendship Lodge; Mitchell Cohen, Association inside guard; David Weisman, inside guard, Harmony Lodge; Jeffrey Harpel, inside guard, Friendship Lodge; Bruce Wasser, Association secretary.

TOURO TWO-FER CAFE NUOVO

~7~

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719

P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910

UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS:

Friendship Lodge Brunch October 22

Mohegan Sun Casino Bus Trip November 19

Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org or scan the QR code.

2 0 1 7 JULY 5 7 7 7 Bruce Weisman, Editor Columnists: Brett Boisvert Jed Brandes Howard Custis Steven Hopfenberg Andrew Lamchick Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Jeffrey Stoloff Howard Wasser Staff Photographers: Jeffrey Davis Edward Deluty Stevan Labush Touro Fraternal Association 45 Rolfe Square, P.O. Box 3562, Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-785-0066 Fax: 401-941-8781 E-Mail: info@tourofraternal.org Website: www.tourofraternal.org

TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2018

Jed Brandes, Chairman Alan Lury, Vice Chairman Steven Waldman, Treasurer Bruce Wasser, Secretary Barry Schiff, Chaplain Mitchell Cohen, Inside Guard Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Barry Ackerman Nathan Lury Jed Brandes Robert Miller Jeffrey Davis Arthur Poulten Norman Dinerman Ried Redlich Andrew Gilstein Barry Schiff Stevan Labush Michael Smith Andrew Lamchick Steven Waldman Michael Levin Bruce Weisman Andrew Liss Steven White Alan Lury

Join Friendship Lodge Wednesday • 6:30 pm

September 22, 2017 for Touro's

Old Timers' Night

honoring members who have attained 25+ years of membership.

Cookout Touro-style!

Watch for flyer or view online at www.tourofraternal.org

FRIENDSHIP LODGE HARMONY LODGE Max Guarino, President Richard Levenson, President Jeffrey Stoloff, Vice President Steven Hopfenberg, Vice President David Altman, Secretary Stuart Solup, Secretary Peter Silverman, Treasurer David Mossberg, Treasurer Jeffrey Harpel, Inside Guard David Weisman, Inside Guard Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide

HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~8~