Summer 2004

2004 JUNE 5764 Master of Ceremonies Bruce Weisman swears in the newly elected board members for three-year terms (l-r) Morton Coken, Steven Dinerman, Stevan Labush

Touro’s Installation Dinner

By Barry Jay Schiff

I

Jeffrey Davis, President of Harmony Lodge, takes the oath for his second term

Ed Deluty, newly elected president of the Friendship Lodge

Newly elected board members for three-year terms (l-r): Dr. Aaron Sherman, Barry Shaw and Joel Pressman

Burt Makes His Way East for the Annual Joke-Off

Inside This Issue From the Chairman ................................ 2 Membership Report ................................ 2 Kibitzing with the President ................... 3 Ermie D. Visits Touro ............................. 6

See page 4 ~1~

nstalling Officer Chairman Bob Miller and Master of Ceremonies Bruce Weisman hosted Touro’s Installation of Officers, featuring a catered brisket dinner Wednesday, May 19th. Five returning members of the board, Morton Coken, Stevan Labush, Joel Pressman, Barry Shaw and Dr. Aaron Sherman were sworn in to new threeyear terms. Retiring Friendship Lodge President Steven Dinerman was sworn in to his first three-year term on the Board of Directors.

The new slate of officers at Friendship Lodge is comprised of President Ed Deluty, Vice President Jed Brandes, Secretary Steven White and Treasurer Steven Shaw.

Returning to their positions at Harmony Lodge are President Jeffrey Davis, Vice President Barry Schiff, Secretary Steven Waldman and Treasurer Peter Hodosh.

Chairman Miller had kind and inspiring words for everyone and Brother Weisman closed the installation ceremony with traditional Touro pomp and circumstance.

Turn to page six for additional photos.

Philosophically Speaking...?

See page 3

W

e recently had elections and installation of officers for this coming year. We go through this ritual annually because the Constitution and By Laws of our association

By Robert Miller require us to.

So every year we elect six directors to the board for three-year terms. We also elect for each lodge a president. vice president, secretary and treasurer for one-year terms.

At our recent installation dinner our elected officers and directors took an oath to perform the duties of their respective offices to the best of their abilities. Off we go into another year of fun and excitement here at Touro Fraternal Association.

When this happens there is generally someone who is stepping down from a position.

There are many among us who have devoted their time and energy to Touro over the years. Some have reluctantly begun service to Touro and then discovered that it is something they enjoy. They end up staying on for long periods of time. Still others get involved and discover that maybe they don't have enough time to devote or maybe Touro is not for them. Regardless, they are still our brothers.

Touro is a place of choice. You can just be a member and enjoy the benefits we provide or you can choose to get active at any level. Like to cook? Get involved in the kitchen. Handy around the house? Get involved with our house committee (Nate would love it!). Have other special skills, talents or hobbies? I am certain we can find a place for you.

In the end, people come and go here at Touro. We can all tell stories about who used to do what and who was responsible for current activities and events at Touro Yes, we are all challenged by lots of choices in today's world. I urge you, when you are considering what to do socially or when getting involved organizationally, that you consider Touro as an option that can satisfy your needs for something good in your life.

From the Chairman

A Banner Year for Touro Membership

By Andy Lamchick hile many organizations and clubs struggle to remain viable, Touro Fraternal Association continues to grow and prosper. You see it when you come to events. Brothers, sons, parents and friends of Touro Members are joining our Association. New friendships are being made, family reunions are taking place, and even our leadership is now comprised of multi-generations of Touro Members.

Our recent "New Member Open House" featuring Providence College "Legend" Ernie DiGregorio was a packed house. You may wonder if it was because of our famous K.F.C. (kosher fried chicken) Dinner, or our fantastic guest speaker, but the consensus is that Touro Members want their family and friends to join them at Touro Events. The proof came that night when many invited guests left the building as applicants.

Touro is still rewarding its members for bringing in new "Regular" Members with three of the all new "Miller Money" Edition Bagel Bucks, now worth $5.

Keep Touro's unprecedented growth on the move; share the fun with your qualified family and friends. Don't leave them out, when they hear the question heard weekly around Southern New England. "Are You Going To Touro Tonight?"

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Social Scene

By Barry Jay Schiff Burt Fischman’s return as host of our Annual Joke Off and a successful trip to Mohegan Sun were just some of the highlights of a very busy spring season at Touro, and the excitement just keeps on coming.

On June 23rd, Friendship Lodge hosted our Annual Steak Fry with Bryant College Football Coach Marty Fine. As usual it was another full house!

Our 2nd Annual Buttonwoods Family Picnic is scheduled for August 1st.

Touro will root on our beloved Pawsox under the Red Tent at McCoy Stadium August 18th.

Harmony Lodge has a “mystery” speaker planned for the September 22nd meeting.

We have a great night at PPAC featuring Mel Brooks’ hit play “The Producers” September 28th.

Friendship Lodge will host our October 20th meeting and fall wraps up with our Two-Fer at the Quonset “O” Club November 13th.

Keep your eyes peeled on our website for details on the latest happening at Touro!

www.tourofraternal.org

Mazels, Mitzvahs & Milestones...

To...Brother Jed and Carolyn Brandes who celebrated their 10th anniversary May 29.

To...Brother Bob and Sylvia Hodosh who celebrated their 55th anniversary June 5.

To...Brother Bruce and Linda Weisman who celebrated their 21st anniversary June 5.

To...Brother Merlyn and Mimi Rodyn on their 60th anniversary.

(Correction from last issue of Tourogram)

Marketing 101: The Dinerman Philosophy

By Jed R. Brandes

T

he call came a little more than a year ago. It was Steve Dinerman. It seems I'd been suggested as a possible candidate for Treasurer of Friendship Lodge.

Steve was Lodge President. I was dubious and explained that I had only been a member of Touro for a couple of years. And an inactive member at that! Surely, there were better-qualified men for the position.

That's when the sales pitch began. Touro was a worthy institution. There was great camaraderie. This would be a great way to become more involved. The position was not demanding or time consuming. It was fun!

Then came the soft sell. Steve explained that he'd understand if I wasn't interested.

But, I should think about it. In any event, he concluded, he'd be pleased if I accepted the position. How could I resist?

Fast-forward a year, and, like many Touro members, I've come to know Steve much better. That's only natural, given his upfront, engaging demeanor.

Steve has been married for 14 years to Esther, and they have two children, Rebecca and Jacob. After graduating from Bryant

College with a business degree, Steve worked as an inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Desiring a more rewarding career, he and his brother, Paul, opened their own business in 1988, Oil and Grease on Wheels, Inc. ("The home of the pampered customer"). Together they have built a thriving concern servicing and repairing cars for commercial and individual accounts.

Steve considers selling one of the more

Kibitzing with the President

By Edward Deluty, Friendship Lodge President

H

aving just become President of Friendship Lodge, I thought this article should serve as an introduction for those of you who do not know me or the other officers of Friendship Lodge.

I have served as Vice President of Friendship Lodge and continue to serve on various committees. My family has had a presence in Touro almost since its inception. My grandfather, Louis Deluty, joined Touro around 1920 and my father has been a member for more than 50 years. There is a book in the office with the signatures of all Touro members listing when they joined. For those of you who have ancestors as Touro members, you might find it interesting to see the signatures of your family members. It is satisfying to me to be able to carry on a tradition of belonging to Touro, unbroken since my grandfather, Louis, joined and was a member with our founder Jacob Eaton.

Friendship Lodge is also blessed with some other relatively new, young members.

Vice President Jed Brandes has been a member for just a few years and has already made his mark by becoming involved whenever asked. Steve Shaw has been a member for several years and has chosen to become more active by taking on the treasurer's position.

Steve also has a family tradition with Touro.

His father, Barry, the question man and our inside guard, has been a very active member for a number of years. His brother Howard also is a member. Last, but not least, Steve White has accepted the position of secretary.

Steve is a new member and I look forward to serving with him and getting to know him as a Touro brother and a friend.

I now close with a feeling of, Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence toward Touro and all the people who make it special. ~3~

satisfying aspects of his business. For years he has solicited prospective customers door to door, telling people: "If you can use the service, fine." The soft sell approach. He knows that once they give his firm a try, he has a customer for life. As he says: "If you say you're going to do something, do it. Besides, Paul won't let a car out of the shop until everything is perfect." They are so committed to doing the job right; they even provide pickup service for their customers.

Steve brings this same determination to his work with Touro. Since becoming a member in 1999, he has consistently been involved with the Social Committee. He has steadily risen through the ranks and just completed a successful two-year term as Friendship Lodge President. In May he was installed as a member of the Board of Directors for his first term.

Steve gets a lot of mileage out of his straightforward, easy-going approach. Then again, so do those with whom he comes into contact. I know I have. But, buyer beware.

With that soft sell approach, you just might come away owning the Brooklyn Bridge.

Comedy Central: Touro Style Ed Deluty

T

ouro held its Annual Joke Off April 21, 2004 after the regular business meeting featuring the initiation of four new members, and dinner.

Brother Burt Fischman, now living in Chicago, flew in to emcee this event. His opening monologue was classic Burt. He has the ability to make even a bad joke funny. After his opening, he relinquished the mike to the Joke-Off contestants to tell their best or worst, jokes.

Prizes were given in a number of categories, including best dirty joke, best clean joke, nice-try clean, nice-try dirty and the coveted booby prize. Harmony Lodge took the Joke-Off Trophy away from Friendship Lodge. Friendship Lodge President Steve Dinerman said it was a joke that they lost the trophy, and vowed to win it back next year.

The following took home the prizes in these categories: Best dirty joke: Jordan Liner Best clean joke: Harold Labush Nice-try clean: Rich Glucksman Nice-try dirty: Al Ross Booby prize: Alan Ziman ~4~

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Ernie D. Gives His Insights on Sports to Full House

By Lester Nathan

T

he Membership Committee planned and produced another memorable Open House meeting featuring Providence College basketball legend, Ernie DiGregorio.

Held on March 24th, he played before a packed house of Touro brothers and their guests.

Following the business meeting and KFC dinner, committee chairman Andy Lamchick introduced Ernie to the audience. Looking much younger than his age, he explained how he became a good ball player during his childhood. From his junior high days through college, there were always skeptics who felt he would not be successful at the next level. He would always prove them wrong. He reminisced about his big games in the early seventies at PC against UCLA and the Univ. of Maryland. For a small guard out of North Providence, this was really the big time! Now, his teammates get together frequently and discuss if

and when Ernie's number at PC will be retired.

After college, Ernie landed a lucrative contract with the Buffalo Braves. He eventually played for the Lakers and the Celtics, before retiring with bad knees.

Ernie feels that some of today's NBA coaches think they make more of a difference than they really do and they don't let the younger players develop confidence in their game. A good coach, like Red Auerbauch, would know what works for each player and interfere less.

Ernie also felt the current players don't spend enough time practicing the basics; instead, there is too much emphasis on dunking the ball.

Today, he works for Foxwoods Resort and Casino and visits kids around Massachusetts on behalf of the Treasurer's office.

As for the future, ErnieĂ­s passion is still basketball. He would be interested in coaching PC's women's basketball team, if the opportunity should arise.

Installation Dinner - Continued from page 1

(l-r) Friendship Lodge Officers elected to one-year terms were Jed Brandes, vice president; Steven White, secretary and Steven Shaw, treasurer.

Chairman Bob Miller (r) presents the "Past President's" sweater to Steven Dinerman (l), newly elected board member and former president of the Friendship Lodge.

(l-r) Harmony Lodge Officers elected to one-year terms: Barry Schiff, vice president; Steven Waldman, secretary and Peter Hodosh, treasurer.

Chairman Bob Miller, Installing Officer for the evening, addresses the newly appointed officers of Harmony Lodge. ~6~

Touro Initiates Four New Members at the April 21st Meeting

Dedicated to Touro

By Burt Fischman The following poem was written by Brother Burt Fischman and read by him at the close of the April "Joke Off" meeting that he returned from Chicago to host.

The Midwest is great, Illinois is a wonderful state.

But it's nothing like Rhode Island, I'll tell you straight Well, how do you do, they've got corruption, too.

And by that I do not mean some items just a few.

About pilfering the till, they're in the know, All you have to do is go to Cicero.

Chaplain Judah Rosen (l) administers the oath to new iniatiates at the April 21st meeting. (l-r) Steven Leavitt, Harris Greenstone, Herb Strachman and Dr. Steven Hershey.

Well, I know, Buddy's in the slammer, And on the hill they got the manner, That might break your legs and find you in cement.

But all of that does not even make a dent.

Because in Illinois they got corruption so deeply laid, They leave little Rhode Island in the shade.

They also have a problem with my words they do confuse.

They never heard of "Cranston" and others that I use.

And when I say give me a quahog, they don't exactly know what I mean.

So I have become a question mark on their social scene.

I am one they are not sure how to take.

Cause they don't know the difference between a cabinet and a shake.

But Rhoda and I are happy with our grandchildren living round the corner.

Weather-wise compared to Rhode Island it's not much warmer.

Yes, and if I may be so very bold, In fact to tell the truth it is very cold.

Andy Lamchick, membership chairman and vice chairman of the board, shows off the new "Miller Money" at the March 24th Open House.

Related story on page 2

Well, I've lived there for two years now – I've joined a few men's clubs out Chicago way.

They don't understand Harmony, Friendship or Benevolence, and say, The clubs, I've joined, don't give their members anything but the time of day.

So you should all be thankful for what you've got.

Believe me, from Touro you really get an awful lot.

None can compare to what you have here.

And please believe me when I say, and I'm sincere, That Touro is the best and you can put me to the test, When I say that I'll be back again next year.

Yes, my brothers Touro really is the best.

Thanks for a great welcome home.

A couple of brothers caught in the act of eating – what Touro members do best! ~7~

TOURO FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910

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

Visit Touro's Website at www.tourofraternal.org

Annual

HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS • 2004-2005

June 2004 Editor: Columnists:

Bruce Weisman Jed Brandes Edward Deluty Richard Glucksman 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

Robert Miller, Chairman Andrew Lamchick, Vice Chairman Gerald D. Hodosh, Treasurer Gerald Tebrow, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Milton Bronstein Morton Coken Steven Dinerman Andrew Gilstein Robert Hodosh Stevan Labush Rodney Locke Alan Lury Nathan Lury Lester Nathan Joel Pressman Barry Shaw Dr. Aaron Sherman Michael Smith Bruce Weisman Irving Wolpert

To register for the fun log onto

www.tourofraternal.org and download the flier or call 785-0066

HARMONY LODGE Jeffrey Davis, President Barry Schiff, Vice President Steven Waldman, Secretary Peter Hodosh, Treasurer

FRIENDSHIP LODGE Edward Deluty, President Jed Brandes, Vice President Steven White, Secretary Steven Shaw, Treasurer

Picnic ~8~