2006
OCTOBER
Student Financial Aid Awards Two Grants for 2006 By Art Poulten
The winners of the 2006 Touro Fraternal Association Scholarships received their grants at the Association’s headquarters. Shown, from left, are Alan Lury, chairman of the Touro Student Financial Aid Committee; Jared Sugerman and Merredith Rappoport, grant recipients, and Robert Miller, chairman of Touro’s board of directors.
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Arthur Poulten Roasted September 20, 2006
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By Howard Custis
n Sept. 20 th the Touro membership gathered for the roast of Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus of the Board. A Touro member since 1962, Art rose through the ranks of Touro becoming Chairman of the Board in 1989 and serving until he retired in 2001. As a chairman for 10 consecutive terms he retains a permanent voting seat on the board. Whereas past chairmen held meetings in restaurants using paper napkins to write their meeting agendas on, Art and his crew conducted their meetings in our own Touro building’s boardroom with a copy of a formal, printed agenda for each person present. Under Art’s stewardship he and his team started programs too numerous to list here. Our student aid program whose dynamic expansion ($200K in disbursements with no delinquencies) Art attributes to the hard work of Touro’s present leadership. The team preserved Poulten Roast - continued page 5
2006 March of the Living
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young woman entering her senior year in college and a young man beginning his freshman year are the recipients of the 2006 Touro Fraternal Association $3,000 scholarship grants. Merredith Rappoport of Johnston and Jared Sugerman of Cranston were selected from a large pool of applicants for the annual scholarships made available to Touro members and their children by the Association. The applications were screened by Touro’s Student Financial Aid Committee, which was chaired by Touro board member Alan Lury. In addition to the grants, 11 other children of Touro members shared in $25,000 in interest-free student loans. It marks the 26th consecutive year that Touro has provided interest-free loans to qualified members Financial Aid - continued page 3
By Andy Lamchick
Inside This Issue
Sizing Up Stu, see page 3
From the Chairman ........................ 2 Social Scene...................................... 2 As I See It......................................... 3 Touro Golf Results........................... 4 New Brothers Inducted.................... 6 Out and About................................. 7
Pictured (l-r) Touro's 2006 March of the Living recipients Shaina Lamchick, Emily Gold, and Ashley Fernald
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eing the Chairman of the Community Involvement has its privileges, among them, the follow-up phone calls to needy organizations to let them know that Touro is able to help them financially. The excitement and appreciation they feel transmits directly through the phone wires. March - continued page 6 ~ ~
From the Chairman by Robert Miller
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t’s Erev Rosh Hashanah and I am sitting at my desk writing this article thinking about what I should say. First off, a happy and healthy New Year to you and your family. Now, onto my thoughts. We have just finished with our September meeting at which we “roasted” Brother Arthur Poulten. It was quite a night, which you can read about elsewhere in the Tourogram. I wanted to talk about what I discovered as I looked back through the history of Touro. Things such as what was really different back then from what it is now? How has technology affected us at Touro? What can we do to continue this great run Touro has experienced during the last 88 or so years? It was said the other evening by our “roastee” that Touro continues to grow and prosper, not necessarily by our membership count, but by our involvement and recognition within the larger community, in addition to our financial picture. Is Touro an anomaly? What makes Touro successful? What can we do to keep it going for another 88 years? All questions that have answers, good answers I’m sure, but do we know them? The good news is that we are consistent. We are asking the same questions today that were being asked 50 years ago. We are planning events just like they were 50 years ago. We are constantly attempting to add new events and come up with new ideas to get more folks interested in becoming active. More new and interesting people are joining Touro. This month alone we welcomed eight new regular members. I bet they will have something to offer and I welcome them to get active and become involved. Now, what can you do to help? Come to a monthly meeting. Sign up for one of our adventures to Foxwoods or PPAC. Come to a Social Committee meeting on the first Wednesday of every month. Come watch a ball game. Take your kids to the Hanukkah party this year. Attend our annual “Dinner and a Movie” on December 25th and join the other 200 or so Touro family members who have made it a habit to be there. I urge you to take part in an organization that wants you for just being you. We have no hidden agendas. We are open to new ideas. We have a long history of success and would like to have as many people as we can help us continue our quest for HARMONY, FRIENDSHIP and BENEVOLENCE.
Social Scene by Steven White
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he summer events were all crowd-pleasers. Chairman Miller’s excellent skills on the grill made the June Steak Fry an event that you surely won’t want to miss next year. The Buttonwoods picnic was a fun event and a great way to meet the families of all your brothers. The PawSox game was well attended and the game was pretty good, too. October 29 th Harmony Lodge hosted a brunch meeting with special guest, Bruce Lang. November 12 th is our annual Foxwoods trip. November 18th is our Fall Two-fer at the Raddison. The theme for this event will be “A Giant Beach Party”. Don’t forget to wear your Hawaiian Shirt. Entertainment will be “The Driftwoods”. November 29th is the Friendship Lodge meeting with former baseball player Mike Stenhouse. December 17th will be the Chanukah Party. Our unusual guests will be Regal Reptiles. December 20th Harmony Lodge Meeting /Initiation. Entertainment will be The Three Stooges on our new Super-Surround Sound overhead projection system. December 25th features our annual “Dinner & a Movie”.
Don’t Miss these Events!!!!
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ith all the activities going on at Touro, the Social Committee would like to invite all new members who have joined Touro within the last three years to come to our next meeting December 6th at 7:30 pm. The meeting will take place at Touro Hall. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Mazels, Mitvahs & Milestones To…Brother Adam Halpern who was married to TJ Feldman on October 8, 2006
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To…Brother Edward and Karen Deluty on the Bat Mitvah of their Daughter Alana on October 7, 2006
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The Right Fit: Stu Solup By Jed R. Brandes
he recent untimely passing of a sitting director on Touro’s board set in motion a series of events which illustrated how well the Association governance works. It also demonstrated the tremendous resources available to the association through its members. Chairman Miller nominated Stu Solup to complete the year. At the next election, the seat on the board was again opened to the general membership, so that the unexpired term could be completed. Stu was nominated, ran unopposed and was elected to the post. You could say that Stu Solup has been a point of focus for a few months now. Stu was the perfect man for the job. Unpretentious and straightforward, Stu accepted the call to action. He underwent the process without fanfare and immediately fit Stuart in with the other board members. He currently serves on the Welfare and Sunshine committees. For many of Touro’s brothers, participation as a board member or lodge officer is a gateway to greater familiarity with the other Brothers. Stu embraced the opportunity as a means of fulfilling one of his primary
As I See It
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by Barry Jay Schiff, Harmony Lodge President
nother Touro summer has passed and I must say that many of you missed a really good time. Our Family Picnic featured spectacular weather at a spectacular locale, The Masonic Shriners Park at Buttonwoods. Brothers Levinson and Brandes kept us well nourished. Those of us who were there enjoyed a heavenly time in the pool overlooking Greenwich Bay. Touro children and grandchildren reveled in the sack races and softball hitting contests. The same can be said of Touro Pawsox Night under the Red Tent at McCoy Stadium. There was plenty of food and brotherly camaraderie, even though our Pawsox went down to defeat. The only thing missing from both events was YOU! The Social Committee works extremely hard to schedule great family events for our members. We subsidize some events and others are absolutely free. There is no good reason not to take advantage of all Touro has to offer! I behoove you to come to events, if for no other reason than to show your support for the hard working volunteers behind the scenes who give their all for you in Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence.
motivations: socializing. He has a natural gift in this regard. With Stu, what you see is what you get. No airs. Just a guy with genuine caring and fondness. But then, Stu has had a lot of practice. After graduating from Roger Williams University with his Business degree, Stu joined the family business, Irving Shoes. He now runs the business started by his great-grandfather. If the retail shoe business is not the most glamorous, it is a perfect fit for Stu (pun intended!). After all, he likes dealing with the public. And a family-owned store gives him the opportunity to be hands-on with his clientele. Looking for new ways to meet people, Stu joined Touro in 2000, at the recommendation of his brother-in-law, Stevan Labush. He is married to Bernice, and they have two children, Jonathan and Jessica. Besides Touro, he is also active Solup with the Lion’s Club. Touro is privileged to have brothers like Stu, who can step up to the task, under adverse situations. But even on an everyday basis, Touro is fortunate to have as steady and easygoing a brother as Stu. Say ”Hello” to Stu, and find out for yourself!
Student Financial Aid Awards - continued from page 1
through the Leo Greenberg Memorial Student Loan program. Ms Rappoport, daughter of Brother Howard Rappoport, is a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University. She has a double major, elementary education and mathematics, leading to a position as an elementary school math teacher. Despite the heavy workload, Ms Rappoport has made time to participate in community Jared Sugarman activities and has developed a reputation as a leader among her fellow students. Mr. Sugerman, son of Brother Michael Sugerman, is a graduate of Cranston High School West and will be in his first year at Northeastern University. His goal is to become a writer for Sports Illustrated. He was sports editor for his high school newspaper and received several writing awards. He also was elected captain of the school’s varsity tennis team this year. Regular Touro members, their spouses and children, and children of deceased Touro members’ enrolled full time for the 2006-2007 academic year in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible for the grants. Regular members, their children and children of deceased Touro members similarly enrolled may apply for the interest-free loans, repayment of which does not begin until the student is graduated from or leaves school.
Merredith Rappoport ~ ~
Largest Group Participation and a “Hole in One” Highlight Touro’s Day of Golf! By Bruce Weisman
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wenty-two teams, 88 golfers made up this year’s Touro golf event, which featured plenty of sun and some terrific golf highlighted by an actual “Hole In One” on the Tenth hole, which also was the “Closest to the Pin” contest for Non-Touro teams. Marty Carey sank it. This was Touro’s largest turnout for the event, which was topped off by a steak fry with all the fixin’s. Prizes were awarded in various categories. Results are listed below. There were also many raffle winners with prizes ranging from $100 to gift certificates. The results were as follows: 1st Place Touro Team with a score of 65: Allen Rappaport Barry Rappaport David Rappaport Harvey Rappaport. 2nd Place Touro Team with a score of 69: Rich Glucksman Dave Resnick Howard Shaw Steve Shaw 1st place Non Touro Team with a score of 64: (Won via tie break over 2nd place team) Barry Shaw B. Austin L Gammons P. Coldera 2nd Place Non Touro Team with a score of 64: Joel Cohen Jerry Tebrow Joe Goodman Seth Goodman Longest Drive for a Touro Member: Dave Rappoport Longest Drive for a Non Touro Member: Michael Gilstein Closest to the Pin for a Touro Member: Jerry Tebrow Closest to the Pin for a Non Touro Member: Marty Carey (Hole in One!!!) ~ ~
1st Place Touro Team
2nd Place Touro Team
1st Place Non-Touro Team
2nd Place Non-Touro Team
Poulten Roast - continued from page 1
Touro’s non-profit status with the IRS. They also bought and refurbished our current building. During his regime mortuary benefits and sick benefits for all were increased – without a dues increase. Whenever you see the results of Touro’s philanthropy or sit down for a Touro function in our meeting hall thank Art and crew. Roasts are given out of love and respect for the roastee .So many zingers were delivered by so many brothers, some of whom had grown up with Art, they can’t be enumerated. Let us say Art was properly zinged – and he zinged back with gusto. The funniest anecdotes came from those who told how Art had more or less “shanghaied” them into Touro. These brothers went on to serve with Art and create the Touro we know today, including our current Chairman of the Board Bob Miller. Art developed other interests and avocations so it’s safe to say that he only retired from the advertising business. Art now spends his time doing what he wants to do. His wife Bev and their new granddaughter can attest to that. Art remains with Touro as our elder statesman, literally and figuratively (I had to get my zinger in, too! Now you’ve been completely roasted, Art.) The oven setting was the same as your service to Touro – well done!
You may have roasted me, but I'm not done yet!
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8 New Brothers Inducted at June 21st Meeting
Hodosh Receives Service Award Bob Hodosh accepting his recognition plaque for his many years of service on Touro's board
An important reminder from Touro’s Administrator!
In alphabetical order: Arnold J. Bauman, Bernard Feld, Andrew Kaplan, Gary Kaufman, Abraham Levine, Larry Meyerson, Marc E. Miller, and Peter U. Wolff
Every Touro regular member is entitled to a mortuary benefit. When you joined our Association you signed a form designating someone important to you as your beneficiary. However, over the years circumstances may have occurred that make necessary a change in that beneficiary designation. We cannot change our records unless you tell us to! Please review your current status. If you need more information or a form to change your beneficiary, please contact the Touro office at 401-785-0066 or, via e-mail at TOUROFRATL@AOL.COM You can avoid unnecessary delays – even possible litigation – if you look into this now. Fraternally, Jerry Hodosh
March of the Living - continued from page 1
students had been meeting each week to learn about the March of the Living trip, what they’d see, and what emotions they could expect to feel as they walk through the concentration camps where literally millions died. Last fall, our committee met with Rich Walters from the Bureau Rich Walters made the choice of the three students who will receive Touro of Jewish Education to discuss a sponsorship of the 2006 March of scholarships to attend the trip. A letter arrived at my house, addressed to my daughter Shaina, from the Living program, which offers Jewish high school students the opportunity to tour three Nazi concentration camps in Poland, followed the Bureau of Jewish Education; she was the recipient of a Touro scholarship to attend the trip she has dreamt of for four years. Now, my family and I by a one-week tour of Israel during the period of Yom Hashoa. This was not the first time Touro has been involved with March know what it’s like to get that phone call from Touro. Touro’s Annual Steak Fry, our most widely attended of the Living; in fact it was the third under my meeting of the year. What better opportunity to showcase auspices. We did step away from the program the good things we do with our Community Involvement for a few years because of serious security funds than to invite our three March of the Living issues taking place in Israel. After our meeting scholarship recipients to address a house full of Touro with members of the Bureau, it was evident members? It also provided a great opportunity to use our that our committee was fully in favor of our new media center with a power-point presentation put sponsorship. together by the students. In another part of town, a young high Never before did I feel nervous while acting as school senior was planning her year, which in Committee Chair for a Touro function, and never before her mind would include participation in March was my daughter one of three guest speakers at a Touro of the Living, an exciting program that would cap off her Jewish education. She heard about Andy Lamchick with Touro's 2006 function. The introductions were made, the laptop is March of the Living Recipients projecting to the wall size screen, and the room (for the the program while attending a friend’s Hebrew first time in my memory) is silent, as Shaina Lamchick, high school graduation at Temple Beth El. While recapping her most memorable experience with Judaism, the graduating Emily Gold, and Ashley Fernald told their stunning tales, and showed the incredible photographs of their two week trip of a lifetime to Poland and senior told of her experiences on The March of the Living. At the Community Involvement meeting follow-up, we decided Israel. The membership is proud of the good investment we’ve made in the that Touro would commit $3900 to March of the Living, enough future of Judaism in Southern New England youth. More than ever, I’m to sponsor a scholarship for three high school students to attend the proud of the good things we’ve accomplished with our funds, but more than that, I couldn’t be prouder of my daughter, than I remember. It’s not trip. Fast forward eight weeks, a group of twenty-plus high school personal, it’s our business. Nah !!!!
"It's Not Personal, It's Our Business"
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Glad someone else is doing the cooking.
Venus Di Milo, PawSox and Picnic in the Park
Hope to catch a foul ball at the PawSox I thought I ordered the small salad.
TJ and Adam practicing their dance steps for their upcoming nuptials.
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Jerry and Joan cutting a rug.
TOURO FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910
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Touro's Annual
HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS • 2006-2007
October 2006 Editor: Bruce Weisman Columnists: Jed Brandes Howard Custis Edward Deluty Andrew Lamchick Richard Levenson Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Barry Schiff Gerald Tebrow Touro Fraternal Association 45 Rolfe Square, P.O. Box 3562, Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-785-0066 Fax: 401-941-8781 E-Mail: tourofratl@aol.com Website: www.tourofraternal.org HARMONY LODGE Barry Schiff, President Steven White, Vice President Adam Smith, Secretary Peter Hodosh, Treasurer
Robert Miller, Chairman Andrew Lamchick, Vice Chairman Gerald D. Hodosh, Treasurer Gerald Tebrow, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Jed Brandes Milton Bronstein Morton Coken Jeffrey Davis Steven Dinerman Stevan Labush Rodney Locke Alan Lury Nathan Lury Lester Nathan Barry Schiff Barry Shaw Dr. Aaron Sherman Stuart Solup Michael Smith Bruce Weisman
Hanukkah Party featuring
Regal Reptiles Gifts for children 12 and under Open to Touro members, their children and grandchildren
• Sunday • 1-3 PM •
December 17 2006
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Jed Brandes, President Adam Halpern, Secretary Steven Waldman, Treasurer
Watch for your flier in the mail. Or visit www.tourofraternal.org ~ ~