Summer 2014 by Touro Fraternal Association

2014 July 5774

INSIDE This Issue

New Touro Website Launched page 3

Touro Board Elects Leadership for the 2014-15 year By Bruce Weisman

ouro Fraternal Association announces the election of Jed Brandes of Cranston for a second term as chairman of the board at the June 12th board meeting held at Touro Hall. Along with Brandes, the board members then reelected Alan Lury of Sharon, Mass., vice chairman for his second term as well. The board then reelected Steven Waldman of North Providence, Association treasurer; Marc Gertsacov of Cranston, Association secretary and then appointed Judah Rosen, of Cranston, Association chaplain along with Barry Shaw of Warwick, Association inside guard. In addition, Chairman Brandes nominated to the board Andrew Gilstein of Warwick to take the place of Rodney Locke, who recently passed away. Andy will serve on the board until the next election, which will take place in May of 2015. This nomination was then approved by the board of directors. At the Association’s annual meeting, held May 22nd, recently-elected ofﬁcers and board members were installed. Please see the related article in this issue on page 4.

Installation of New Oﬃcers page 4

Andrew Shiﬀ page 6

Ofﬁcers and Board of Directors of Touro Fraternal Association for 2014-2015:

Will Smith page 6

First Row, from left: Steven White and Nathan Lury, directors; Andrew Liss, director & president, Friendship Lodge; Lester Nathan, treasurer, Harmony Lodge; Michael Smith, director; Max Dinerman, inside guard, Harmony Lodge; Max Guarino, vice president, Friendship Lodge, and Barry Schiff, director. Second Row, from left: Ried Redlich, director & Association faithful guide; Barry Shaw, director & Association inside guard; Alan Lury, vice chairman, Board of Directors; Jed Brandes, chairman, Board of Directors; Robert D. Miller, chairman emeritus, Board of Directors, Steven Waldman, director & Association treasurer, and Richard Cohen, secretary, and Michael Levin, treasurer, Friendship Lodge. Third Row, from left: Norman Dinerman, Andrew Lamchick, Adam Halpern, Stevan Labush, Jeffrey Davis and Bruce Weisman, directors; Marc Gertsacov, president, Harmony Lodge & Association secretary, and Andrew Shuster, secretary, Harmony Lodge. Not Shown: Arthur Poulten, chairman emeritus, Board of Directors; Judah Rosen, Association chaplain; Barry Ackerman, vice president, Harmony Lodge, and Andrew Gilstein, director.

Out & About page 7

Fantasy Foot Ball & Pro Pick 'em Contests ~ 1 ~7 details page

Centennial Logo Contest details page 6

Chairman's Chatter By Jed Brandes, Chairman of the Board

participate (pär tisʹ ɘ pātʹ) to take, or have a share, as with others.

his is an interesting definition. It suggests two very different motivations: taking for one’s self or mutual benefit. In the former, we might participate in a 401(k) plan for our personal gain. In the latter, we might participate by going to a football game and cheering on our team along with the other fans. In our busy lives, we make many choices. One important consideration is how we spend our free time. All of us have made the decision to devote, at least a small portion of our time, to membership in Touro Fraternal Association. We have our personal reasons. Some simply wish to have a place where they can go to see their friends. Others find it important to spend time with their Jewish friends. Some want to give back to the community. Others want to support the Jewish community. Others prefer to practice Tikun Olam (repair the world). But one thing is for sure: none of us would have joined if we did not feel that our membership would fill some individual need. So, even though we may want to have a mutual benefit through participation, there is no denying that we also reap personal benefits. Touro does not ask for much. Our dues are rather meager. Our meals at lodge meetings are either free or very inexpensive. Even our Two-fers and outside social events are subsidized by the association and, therefore, very reasonably priced. There is a very simple reason for this: The association functions best when our membership is engaged and we have great attendance at our events. In this spirit, our events have evolved in the last few years. We’ve added more family-oriented events, like Game Nights, softball games and fishing trips. We’re adding events to attract younger members like the NCAA Bracket Contest and an upcoming Fantasy Football league. And we’ve implemented Bagelpon, to make it easier for you to hook up with your brothers on the spur of a moment.

The Association needs you to participate! Touro devotes a generous budget to community involvement. We also have accumulated a large account for welfare endeavors. Our committees have done a wonderful job helping us give back to the community. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, taking care of our seniors, responding to natural disasters or providing manpower to worthy causes like Ronald McDonald House, Touro has consistently been at the forefront. And we have undertaken bigger, special projects such as donating automatic external defibrillators to local police and fire departments, temples and seniors agencies, or funding a new bus for the Jewish Seniors Agency. As a member, you can take pride in your participation in an organization that cares about the world around us. Help us to make this your association. Through your participation, we can fashion it into an organization that not only caters to your needs, but will make it all the more attractive to newcomers. Attend a Social Committee meeting. Give us new ideas for events, venues and entertainers. Speak to Brothers Andy Lamchick (Community Involvement) and Steven White (Welfare) about your favored charitable causes. Better yet, roll up your sleeves and help out at Ronald McDonald House on a Sunday morning. And best yet, help us to administer the affairs of Touro Fraternal Association. We are always on the lookout for the new talent and ideas that come with new leaders. So if you really want to get involved, it’s just a few short months until our next election cycle. Throw your hat into the ring! Membership at Touro Fraternal Association definitely has its perks, both individually and collectively. Your participation will help ensure that the association provides for its members and the community for another 100 years! Durch shveigen ken men nit shteigen! ~2~

Social Scene

Summer 2014 By Max Guarino, Vice President, Friendship Lodge

Hello brothers… Another summer is here, and another Touro social season to plan. Here is what we have coming up in the next few months: Saturday, August 16 • 6:00 PM

Annual Summer Event Buffet dinner and the show, Murder at the Howard Johnson's Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant, Newport, RI Wednesday, September 17 • 7:30 PM

Friendship Lodge Meeting Featuring comedian Ace Aceto, with hamburgers and hot dogs Touro Hall, Cranston, RI Saturday, October 11 • 6:00 PM

Fall Two-fer Twin River Casino, Lincoln, RI Saturday, October 18

Game Night – Name that Tune with hot dogs and snacks Touro Hall, Cranston, RI Wednesday, October 22 • 7:30 PM

Harmony Lodge Meeting with deli dinner Touro Hall, Cranston, RI Sunday, November 16 • 10:00 AM

Friendship Lodge Meeting with dairy brunch Touro Hall, Cranston, RI My brothers, as usual please bring with you a KOSHER, non-perishable food item for the Louis & Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry.

New Website on WordPress Unveiled By Lester Nathan, Chairman, Communications Committee

fter months of hard work, Touro’s revised website (www. tourofraternal.org) was launched in June. The official announcement was made by this writer at the Steak Fry on June 25th. During the past year, the Communications Committee saw the need for a website which could be updated and maintained by our committee. Working with our webmaster, Tim Gaulin, the content in our previous website, which Tim had developed in 2012, was transferred into WordPress, a widely-used website application. Tim will be turning the site over to our new webmasters, the “two Maxes” (Guarino and Dinerman), who have studied WordPress over the past several months and kept it up-to-date in parallel with the previous version of the website. The new web pages are easy to maintain and should allow for faster updating, especially on flyers, Bagelpon events and photographs. Most of the pages remain the same as before. What’s new is the look and page layout. One of WordPress’ benefits is increased latitude on how news and events can be displayed and reported. For instance the results of the annual election can be posted the next day. Or, on the Photo Gallery page, a few descriptive sentences might be added underneath a slide show for increased context. The committee looks forward to using the features of WordPress to expand Touro Fraternal’s communication to both our members and the outside world.

President's Report

By Marc B. Gertsacov, President, Harmony Lodge

s the newly minted President of Harmony Lodge, I take great pleasure in being able to address my fellow brothers in this edition of the Tourogram. Touro is a great organization. For close to 100 years, it has provided our brothers a great many beneﬁt; a sense of belonging amongst fellow Jews, a haven for those seeking need, a beacon for cultural events, a place for gathering when we “break bread” with gusto, a sense of pride for belonging to such a stalwart of charitable causes (most of which support our local Jewish community), and a litany of other wonderful beneﬁts. However, I see Touro being able to provide more. More for our brothers, more for our local community and more for our brethren, and their families, worldwide. I want to do more than the “same old, same old”. I know we can, and should, do more as an organization. I ask you to help me realize these goals. One simple way we can do more for our brothers is to provide more networking opportunities for our brothers. This will allow each of us to share our business strengths with each other. This would also help us to attract younger brothers as they seek to establish themselves in their careers. Another way is to provide more educational opportunities. I would like to see our Touro brothers take part in monthly (or more frequently if there is demand) seminars revolving around ~3~

Jewish history and religion. As a Jewish organization, learning is part of our culture and we should provide meaningful educational opportunities for our brothers. Touro is a leader amongst charitable Jewish organizations, all without having to ‘schnorr’ our members for donations on a regular basis. We have been fortunate to have benefited from sound guidance and generous bequeaths during our years. The recent Living on the Edge report released by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island shows that nearly one-half of our friends, families and neighbors, are only one paycheck away from having to make difficult financial decisions (e.g. medicine or food). Touro is in a great position to help our local community. It could be as simple as sponsoring a series of home economics and financial seminars for those among us (brothers and potential brothers) that struggle to provide the basic necessities for their families and create a cushion for difficult financial times. This is your organization. Please provide your ideas and participate to make Touro a greater organization. I welcome you to join us at the Social Committee (first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 in the Board Room – dessert provided ) or serve on another committee (Community Involvement or Welfare to name two) or just e-mail me at marc@ronmarkoff.com or call at (401) 952-0856. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you often. Fraternally yours, Marc B. Gertsacov

Board of Directors elected for 3-year term (l-r): Jeffrey Davis, Adam Halpern and Andrew Liss

Harmony Lodge President Marc Gertsacov

Installation of 201 By Lester

n Wednesday, May 22nd, the Touro membership came together at Touro headquarters for the annual installation of ofﬁcers, preceded by an excellently catered brisket

dinner. The monthly business meeting, conducted by Chairman Jed Brandes and the Association’s officers, featured the initiation of his son, Daniel. After the committee reports, he handed the gavel over to the evening’s installing officer, Chairman Emeritus Bob Miller. Assisting him as the master of ceremonies was Andy Gilstein, who administered the oaths of office to the new and reelected officers. Installed as board members were: Jeffrey Davis, Andrew Liss and Adam Halpern. Following them, as board members too, were Alan Lury and Michael Smith. Lodge officer installations came next. Friendship Lodge’s officers for the upcoming year will be President Andrew Liss, Vice President Max Guarino, Treasurer Michael Levin and Secretary Richard Cohen. Harmony Lodge’s officers will be President Marc Gertsacov, Vice President Barry Ackerman, Treasurer Lester Nathan and Secretary Andrew Shuster. Brothers Gertsacov and Ackerman begin their first terms as lodge officers. After Brother Gilstein completed the oaths for each group, Installing Officer Miller followed with some informative and amusing remarks. Some examples:

Board of Directors elected for 3-year term (l-r): Alan Lury and Michael Smith

Harmony Lodge Ofﬁcers (l-r): Andrew Shuster, secretary; Barry Ackerman, vice-president; and Lester Nathan, treasurer

Friendship Lodge Ofﬁcers (l-r): Max Guarino, vice-president; Richard Cohen, secretary; and Michael Levin, treasurer

~4~

To Jeff Davis: “You wrote that the Steak Fry is your favorite event. You say you liked to hear the kids that Touro sent on the March of the Living; I say it’s the steak!” To Michael Levin: “Your new title will be latke king … crisp on the outside, moist on the inside.” To Andrew Shuster: “You’re too young not to remember when you joined!” To Andy Liss: “You say you wanted to meet people with similar interest, faith, charity and brotherhood … I say be careful what you wish for!” And to this writer: “I asked ﬁve or six simple questions and you gave me a book.”

Outgoing Harmony Lodge president Norman Dinerman receives his President's Gavel (and sweater) from Chairman Jed Brandes

Friendship Lodge President Andrew Liss

14 Touro Leaders Nathan Incoming Friendship Lodge President Liss had prepared some notes for his acceptance speech, including an amusing reference to a familiar message. “I originally had another speech, until I went into the men’s room and saw a sign, no, not a flash from God, a sign we all see above the urinals … This made me think, is this not true for Touro Fraternal?” He encouraged our help in preserving our traditions and continually growing the Association. It was then my turn to give a thank-you speech. I shared several lessons I learned at Touro during the past four years. Then, I presented gifts to my Friendship Lodge officers and co-president at Harmony Lodge. Incoming Harmony Lodge President Gertsacov followed with his acceptance speech. The password for the upcoming year was then declared (a tasty Middle Eastern food). Outgoing Lodge President Norman Dinerman, who served for three years and continues as a Board director, followed with his thank-you speech and gift presentations to several Harmony Lodge officers and his co-president at Friendship Lodge. In appreciation for their service to their lodges, Jed Brandes presented Brothers Norman and Lester with commemorative plaques and navy blue sweaters denoting membership in the Past Presidents Club. The installation ceremony concluded when Brother Gilstein gave the traditional declaration (“Once, twice, thrice!”). As a new era of lodge leadership had begun, all of us at Touro who were present got to say farewell to our long-time Touro board member, Milton Bronstein. Milton had decided to step down from the board this past year. After a few brief remarks by Milton, he received a well-deserved standing ovation for the many years of dedicated hard work for the Association. Thank you “Milt” for a job well done. We’ll look forward to seeing you at future meetings and hearing your voice say: “I’d like to make a recommendation to the board that a suitable donation …”

Outgoing Frindship Lodge president Lester Nathan receives his President's Gavel and sweater from Chairman Jed Brandes

MC Andrew Gilstein conﬁrms the night once-twice-thrice

Brother Milton Bronstein (r) receives a special plaque from Chairmen Jed Brandes commemorating his many years of service on the Board ~5~

Centennial Committee Announces Logo Contest

By Bruce Weisman, Chairman, Centennial Committee

ll at Touro Fraternal Association are looking forward to the One Hundred Year Anniversary in 2017. Our Centennial Committee is busy planning a year-long celebration with numerous special events. In honor of our centennial year, we hope to utilize a special 100th year logo on all our publications. We look for your help to develop that logo. To inspire your participation and get your creative juices ﬂowing, we have begun a contest. It’s open to all Touro brothers and their immediate family members. Submit your design, which must be based on Touro's registered trademark logo (shown right), and it could be the focal point of our year-long celebration. The winning design will earn a $100 prize.

Submit your entry by September 1, 2014 to: Centennial Logo Contest Touro Fraternal Association PO Box 3562, Cranston, RI 02910 Submissions may also be e-mailed to: info@tourofraternal.org. Place “Centennial Logo Contest” in the subject line. Have fun, and good luck!

Touro Experiences Charity First-Hand

By Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement

ouro’s Community Involvement Committee distributes thousands of dollars to charity each year. It is rare, however, that we get to hear about our donations ﬁrst-hand. Every other year, when our sponsored students from the March of the Living come to our June meeting, we get to see the photos of their experiences. We were delighted to host Andrew Schiff, the president of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, as the speaker at our March meeting. After a sensational meal consisting of Beef Bourguignon, we learned about the operation of the Food Bank, and most importantly, the need for food which exists throughout our state. Mr. Schiff explained the way the Food Bank buys its food, thereby making our donations go farther. It was informative to hear how important these donations are to the needy. At the conclusion of the meeting, I was proud to present a check to the Food Bank for $1,000 from the Community Involvement Committee. It was great, for all of us, to experience Mr. Schiff, and the Food Bank’s, appreciation.

Brothers Lester Nathan and Andy Lamchick present Andrew Schiff (center) with donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Touro's Open House with Will Gilbert

By Barry Jay Schiff and Norman Dinerman

n Wednesday April 23rd Touro hosted it’s Annual Open House. The potential new members were treated to presentations by our Committee Chairmen within a mock business meeting with a PowerPoint presentation prepared by the Membership Committee. Topics included “who we are”, “what we offer” to our members and Touro community involvement. The chairmen from each Touro committee spoke for a few minutes, providing us insights on how their committees work, followed by our famous Kosher Baked Chicken Dinner. Will Gilbert, host of Channel 12’s “The Rhode Show” was our Guest speaker. Will is Brothers Norman Dinerman and Steven an East Providence native who has spent 27 years in the Radio/TV industry. His first job White with guest Will Smith was at the former WICE. He followed that with stints at WPRO-FM, where he worked with Rocky Allen, and WSNE, where he worked with Jones and Joan. One lesson Will learned in the business is never to burn a bridge with someone you worked with and treat everybody with respect. The Rhode Show has given him the opportunity to speak with big stars like Jennifer Lopez. After the last question, we asked Will to pull the winning numbers for two raffles held that evening. One was a pair of tickets to see the Red Sox. The other was the 50-50 raffle. The Membership Committee hit a home run this year with over 15 new potential members signed on the dotted line. ~6~

Touro’s March Madness Championship Brackets...And More! By Max Guarino

ouro’s ﬁrst time running a March Madness NCAA Championship Bracket was a big success. Over 40 people participated! First place went to Lester Nathan. Lester claimed that he didn’t know much about NCAA basketball. But he knew well enough to click on “Auto Pick,” and the results spoke for themselves. It goes to show you that you don’t need to know what you’re doing to take home the big prize. Neil Lambert came in second place and Warren Rabinowitz was third. Building on the bracket contest’s great success, the social committee is planning to launch two football programs in August. Brothers will be able to participate in a Pro Pick ‘em contest. Prizes will be awarded for weekly and season end winners. For the more gung ho amongst us, we will also run a Fantasy Football League. Expressions of interest will help us plan. Please let us know if you would like to join either program (or both!) by sending an email to info@tourofraternal.org or by calling the ofﬁce at 401-785-0066. Details will follow as the summer progresses.

Interested in joining one or both programs? E-mail: info@tourofraternal.org or call the ofﬁce at: 401-785-0066

SPRING TWO-FER AT CRESTWOOD

FAMILY F AMILY G GAME AME NIGHT

~7~

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

P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910

UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS:

September 17 Friendship Lodge Meeting featuring Comedian Ace Aceto

October 11 Touro Two-fer at Twin Rivers Casino Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org or scan the QR code.

2 0 1 4 JULY 5 7 7 4 Bruce Weisman, Editor Columnists: Jed Brandes Howard Custis Norman Dinerman Max Guarino Andrew Lamchick Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Barry Jay Schiff 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

HARMONY LODGE Marc Gertsacov, President Barry Ackerman, Vice President Andrew Shuster, Secretary Lester Nathan, Treasurer Max Dinerman, Inside Guard

TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015 Jed Brandes, Chairman Alan Lury, Vice Chairman Steven Waldman, Treasurer Marc Gertsacov, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Barry Shaw, Inside Guard Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Nathan Lury Jed Brandes Robert Miller Jeffrey Davis Arthur Poulten Norman Dinerman Ried Redlich Andrew Gilstein Barry Schiff Adam Halpern Barry Shaw Stevan Labush Michael Smith Andrew Lamchick Steven Waldman Andrew Liss Bruce Weisman Alan Lury Steven White

FRIENDSHIP LODGE Andrew Liss, President Max Guarino, Vice President Richard Cohen, Secretary Michael Levin, Treasurer Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide

HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~8~

Murder at the Howard Johnson's Newport Playhouse 102 Connell Highway, Newport, RI 02840

Saturday August

16, 2014

$50 per Touro Couple (Members & signiﬁcant others) $25 per Touro member $40 per Non-member $80 per Non-member couple Ticket price includes buffet dinner, play and cabaret after the show.