2009 JULY 5769
TOURO INSTALLATION 2009
INSIDE This Issue
By Arthur Poulten
Tourography: Steven White page 3
From the President Adam Halpern page 3
Sports Writer Bill Reynolds page 5
HARMONY LODGE
FRIENDSHIP LODGE
Seated: Adam Halpern, president; standing (l-r) Norman Dinerman, treasurer; Manochehr Norparvar, vice president, and Adam Smith, secretary
Seated: Jeffrey Horovitz, president; standing (l-r) Mark Gertsacov, secretary; Ried Redlich, vice president, and Ben Kaplan, treasurer
Touro’s leadership for the year ahead – and perhaps many years beyond that – is now in place!
T
ouro's newly elected officers and board members were installed during the annual two-stage process which began with the annual Association meeting on May 20. The lodge officers and board members were installed following what has become another tradition – an enjoyable full-course kosher catered dinner. The second installment took place three weeks later, on June 10, at the annual organizational meeting of the board of directors. After dinner on May 20, a new installation team launched the officers on their new terms of office. Past President and Retired Board Member Andrew
Gilstein, as Installing Officer, headed it. Working with him, as master of ceremonies, was Jeffrey Davis, also a past president and a current board member. Three of the four Harmony Lodge officers are new to their positions. Adam Halpern, president, served two terms as vice president; Manochehr Norparvar, now vice president, moved up from treasurer, and Norman Dinerman, the treasurer, is new to the line. The secretary is Adam Smith, who served in that slot last year. Barry Schiff was appointed Inside Guard. Jeffrey Horovitz and Ried Redlich return for continued on page 4 - Installation
From the Chairman By Robert Miller, Chairman of the Board
Changes affecting Touro’s rotation cemetery land on Avenue A
A
State Treasurer Frank Caprio page 5
s most of you know, one of the benefits of belonging to Touro is the availability of a cemetery plot at Lincoln Park Cemetery, as long as they are available. This also includes a reservation for a spouse at the time of need at the current cost. A change of policy has been made, ~ 1at ~ the request
of the Chased Schel Amess Association, operators of Lincoln Park Cemetery. The change does not involve the gravesites or the allocation of them to our members. It does involve how those graves can be marked. It seems that in Touro’s current rotation plot, there is a problem with the consistency of the soil. continued on page 2 - From the Chairman
From the Chairman - continued from page 1
There are some issues with graves giving in after use and that is causing safety concerns for the employees of the cemetery, the clergy and for the mourners who attend burial services. Some of the issues include monuments tipping over, inability of the cemetery to open graves properly and inability to have the families participate in covering the graves in order to say Kaddish. In order to help the cemetery continue to provide their services in a safe and secure manner, they are asking us to agree to the following request. For the balance of our rotation land on Avenue A, which represents some 100-plus graves, it will be required to use only flat markers at your gravesites. Headstones or upright monuments will not be allowed in this section. Incidentally, these are the same requirements that exist at Sharon Memorial Park, Pawtuxet Cemetery and some other sections at Lincoln Park as well. Should we choose not to agree, we would be at risk of losing the use of approximately 47 graves. Cemetery land today is a precious commodity that we are not in a position to lose. This is not a new issue. We have been aware of it for some time and have tried to come up with other solutions. This issue was presented to the board in its entirety at the June meeting and, by a majority vote, it was agreed to go along with the cemetery’s request. We have approximately seven more graves to use before this policy will become effective. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at Touro.
From The Administrator’s Desk By Peter Hodosh, Touro Administrator We are trying to contact Brother Howard Werchadlo. If anyone knows how to reach him, please contact me at the Touro office at 785-0066. Notice to the Snow Birds of Winter: If you leave the state for the winter, and do not have your bulk mail forwarded, please notify the Administrator of your out-of-state address so that we can continue to forward all of your Touro mail.
Mazels, Mitvahs & Milestones
Social Scene by Manochehr Norparvar, Vice President, Harmony Lodge
T
he Social Committee is a great committee to be a member of. We always work hard to put forth programs and events that will please our brothers and their families. Keeping that in mind, here is a snippet of what’s been happening recently at Touro. On March 29th, we held a Membership Open House featuring guest speaker RI Treasurer Frank Caprio. In April, Soul Sensations entertained us at our Spring Two-Fer at the West Valley Inn. In the same month, the Friendship Lodge meeting featured Providence Journal sports columnist Bill Reynolds. All officers and board members were installed on May 20th following a fully catered dinner. Our annual June dinner dance was held at the Venus De Milo on June 13th featuring the music of Sure Thing. June 24th was a complete sell-out for our annual steak fry, featuring entertainment in our own adaptation of Touro’s Got Talent. On July 2nd, Touro members and their families went to the PawSox game. If that wasn’t enough, here are some upcoming events to mark on your calendars: • July 27 - Touro’s annual golf tournament North Kingstown Country Club. • August 29 - Touro goes to the Newport Playhouse for dinner and a show.
To … Brother Art and Bev Poulten celebrated their 50th anniversary, March 29, 2009. To … Brother Jed and Carolyn Brandes on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Daniel, April 18, 2009 and on their 15th anniversary, May 29, 2009.
• September 23 - Friendship Lodge meeting at Touro Hall with featured guest speaker Ed Valenti (of Ginsu knife fame). • October 21 - a Harmony Lodge meeting with guest speaker, writer, and Holocaust survivor Alice Goldstein
To … Brother Ed and Karen Deluty on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Evan, May 2, 2009. To... Brother Bruce and Linda Weisman on the graduation of their daughter Stacey from Suffolk University, May17, 2009
Outgoing Harmony Lodge president Steve White (center) received his gavel from the two lodge presidents (l) Jeffrey Horovitz, Friendship Lodge and (r) Adam Halpern, Harmony Lodge at the May 20th Installation dinner.
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As you can see, the Social Committee is very active and always looking for new ideas for future events. All brothers are welcome to attend the Social Committee meeting held at 7:30 PM in Touro Hall on the first Wednesday of every the month. For more information about these events, watch your mail or check the Touro website:
www.tourofraternal.org.
Tourography: Steven White By Jed R. Brandes
H
aving penned a number of Tourographies over the years, I’ve noticed that most of the honorees fall into one of two categories: those who appreciate Touro for the opportunities provided to socialize and those who are most impressed by the work done for the benefit of the community. Steven White lists both as primary attractions. Steve started becoming involved at Touro as secretary of Friendship Lodge. At a time when able men were not ready and willing to serve, Steve was quickly “traded” to Harmony Lodge to serve as vice president and recently completed a twoyear term as lodge president. He and I served as co-chairmen of the Social Committee, and though he thought he was ill prepared for the post, I can attest that his positive attitude, thoughtfulness and willingness to get his hands dirty made him a tremendous asset to the Association. At this time, his participation in Touro’s social events started to bloom. This was not easy for Steve, for his wife, Ellen, of blessed memory, had passed away six years ago, and he was struggling to find his way again. Involvement as an officer helped him to foster new relationships and in so doing, regain his joie de vivre. Accordingly, he has grown from a planner of events to a full participant. You will see him at his favorite events including Game Night, the Venus De Milo Dinner Dance, PawSox Night, Steak Fry and Joke-Off. Steve also considers Touro’s community work vital. Though he has served on committees such as Ways & Means, Membership, Orientation and House, it is the work of the Community Involvement Committee that he finds most gratifying. He takes great satisfaction in the knowledge that Touro makes such a large impact.
Steve’s career is also well storied. He served for six years in the Coast Guard Reserve, rising to the rank of Second Class Port Security. In this capacity, the safety of ports in Norfolk and Yorktown, VA, Boston, New London and Cape Cod were assured. Steve also worked for 35 years in his family’s jewelry manufacturing business, Sanford White Company. He eventually became president of the firm, before selling it in 2003. Calling on his college training in Business and Computer Technology, Steve now works as a Senior Account Executive for CMIT Solutions, selling managed services and offsite backup and storage for small to mid-sized companies. Steve is also an independent business owner participating in the online shopping service Quixtar.com. Outside of Touro, Steve dedicates much time to his favorite personal pastimes. An avid outdoorsman, he lists sailing his 23-foot sloop, fishing, kayaking and trap and skeet shooting as great passions. A devoted father to his daughters Dena and Hannah, he naturally spends much time supporting them as they complete their college studies and establish their own lifestyles. And then, there is his ongoing search for a nice Jewish girl! Let’s just say that Steve is keeping active. Though he has completed his time as a lodge officer, Steve continues to be involved. He has agreed to serve as inside guard at upcoming lodge meetings. He also remains a fixture at the Social Committee meetings, which he particularly favors for its camaraderie and effectiveness in mapping out future events. His efforts on behalf of our Association have been, and will continue to be, invaluable.
From the President By Adam Halpern, President, Harmony Lodge
S
halom Touro Brothers! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Adam Halpern, the new president of Harmony Lodge. Since 2000, I have been a member of Touro and passionately involved in a variety of committees and activities as I have moved upward through the organization. A lifelong Warwick resident and a Pilgrim High School graduate, I have been happily married to my wife for almost three years. I am often asked: “Why are you so passionate about Touro?” The answer is a simple one – it is because I get the opportunity to grow as a person while helping to grow this fine organization through charitable works, social activities and other events. All of these things drive me to stay involved and continually strive to involve NEW people. Very often the same individuals who come up with ideas at Social Committee meetings, are those who volunteer to execute the programs. Simply put, we need YOU… to come to the social committee with fresh ideas and to help put on new events that will hopefully attract you and new members. It is my hope that my passion will be contagious, and that my dedication and love for Touro will be my legacy to brothers new and old. Feel free to approach and chat with me about how YOU can be more involved and what YOU can bring to the table as I am always willing to listen. The best time to catch me is on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30; I am nearly always at the Social Committee meeting and look forward to chatting with any brother sitting beside me. I hope I have intrigued at least one of you to try something new and different, and to boldly go where many brothers have gone before, so that all of Touro may “Live long and prosper.” ~3~
Golf Committee Report By Barry Shaw
S
pace for foursomes is still available. E-mail Barry Shaw @ bshaw22@cox. net for information. A great chance to entertain clients at a reasonable cost and a great way to have fun with your Touro or non-Touro golfing buddies. Hope to see you July 27th!
News from the Golf League: Touro’s new golf league is underway with 20 members. We play every Tuesday night at Laurel Lane Golf Course. Competition is hot and heavy and both divisions are up for grabs. We will be looking for more members next year, so if you are interested contact me, Barry Shaw at bshaw22@cox.net, and I will give you all the information.
Reminder: July 27 Touro Golf Tournament:
TOURO INSTALLATION 2009 continued from page 1
second terms as Friendship Lodge president and vice president, respectively. Marc Gertsacov, secretary, and Benjamin Kaplan, treasurer, are serving first terms. Inside Guard appointee is Steven White. The six board members installed for three-year terms --- all incumbents --- are Jed Brandes, Andrew Lamchick, Nathan Lury, Robert Miller, Barry Schiff and Bruce Weisman. At its June 10th organizational meeting, members of the board re-elected all officers for one-year terms. They include Robert Miller, chairman; Andrew Lamchick, vice chairman; Marc Gertsacov, secretary and Steven Waldman, treasurer. Chairman Miller also re-appointed for one-year terms Association Chaplain Judah Rosen and Association Inside Guard Barry Shaw. Brother Halpern, in his inaugural remarks, set the tone for the coming year. He called for members to take advantage of the opportunities afforded all members to participate in planning Touro’s events and Touro’s future by volunteering to serve on committees and even running for office. The events this year are more significant than just the installation of new officers and board members. They put Touro on the final leg of the path toward its milestone 100th anniversary. With this group, only nine more elections are ahead of us until Touro reaches the century mark. And the Association isn’t waiting for the last minute: a committee already has been established to plan the events for the Touro Centennial.
Receiving their jewels of office are (l-r) Friendship Lodge Vice President Ried Redlich, Secretary Benjamin Kaplan and Treasurer Mark Gertsacov
Taking his oath of office is Harmony Lodge President Adam Halpern
Installed to the Board of Directors for 3-year terms were (l-r) Robert Miller, Barry Schiff and Bruce Weisman
Master of Ceremonies Brother Jeffrey Davis (l) leads the three Harmony Lodge officers in their respective oaths of office: (l-r) Vice President Manochehr Norparvar, Secretary Adam Smith and Treasurer Norman Dinerman
Outgoing President of Harmony Lodge, Steve White (l) receives his "Past Presidents" Sweater from Chairman Bob Miller
FriendshipLodge President Jeffery Horovitz takes his oath of office. ~4~
Taking the oath for 3-year terms on the Board of Directors are (l-r) Nathan Lury, Jed Brandes and Andrew Lamchick
Installing Officer Andrew Gilstein (l) and Master of Ceremonies Jeffrey Davis headed the evening's activities
BROTHERS WHO JOINED US AT THE TOURO INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
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Sports Writer Bill Reynolds Makes a Hit with Touro By Adam G. Smith
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rior to his current career, Bill Reynolds was a high school teacher. Brother Steven Feinberg asked “How would you compare the ’85 and He quit that job to write a book. The book tanked. Reynolds ’86 Celtics to today’s teams?” Reynolds responded “It is very difficult to laughed and said “I then became a freelance writer. I sucked at compare eras. It’s a different game today than it used to be.” Reynolds first, but kept practicing. As most good writers do, I stole from people went on to compare Jimmy Baron to Larry Bird. Reynolds said “Jimmy is I thought were good.” He eventually got a the best shooter I have ever seen. He then briefly freelance job writing about a cat show. discussed the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Bill Reynolds, Providence Journal sports and his belief that “No one knows all the rules writer, was guest speaker at the April 22 Touro of basketball; they have changed so much over meeting and opened with the topic sports the years.” insanity. He talked about how people never Reynolds also touched on how he used to used to know the salaries of the players but now play pickup basketball games with our own know the figures to the penny. He believes it Brother Steve Waldman, but didn’t say who takes the focus off the game. usually won. Reynolds discussed his sports column and Finally, Reynolds discussed the evolution of how he does all of his own research when he baseball, newspapers, sports radio, and local writes it. He reads 2-3 books a week, he said. news. Reynolds said “My goal is to appeal to a His favorite was Fall River Dreams to Write. greater audience.” Brother Gerald Tebrow asked, “Where Bill Reynolds also wrote the books Our Brother Steven Waldman (l) with Bill Reynolds does the term ‘Bunky’ come from in your Game: The Story of New England Basketball; column?” The answer was Eddie Lawrence Cousy: His Life, Career, and the birth of Big-Time who had a comedy skit that used “Bunky” in it. Reynolds said he liked Basketball; and ’78: The Boston Red Sox, A Historic Game, and a Divided it and used it. It really has no deeper meaning than that. City. Reynolds touched on his relationship with former RI governor, Bruce At the end of the evening, he gave himself a nice plug for his books Sundlun. He said “Sundlun ‘was fun’, he always gave me something new and poked fun at his friend Brother Steve Waldman. to write about.”
Getting Acquainted with R.I.’s General Treasurer By Lester Nathan
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t Touro’s annual Open House meeting held on March 25th, R.I. election less than two years out, he is seriously considering a run for governor. General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio, our guest speaker, gave us some He’s already raised over $1 million. Mr. Caprio tried to answer a variety of questions from his audience. insights about himself and his future plans. He also discussed the Asked if there was a plan to combine any of governments of the smaller cities Rhode Island economy and political topics of the day. and towns, he replied that there is a preliminary plan to unite the educational After an abridged general meeting run by the Association officers and systems of Providence and Pawtucket, along with Central Falls, because these a chicken dinner with great sides, General Treasurer Caprio addressed the systems already receive a large portion of their funding from the state. Any Touro brothers. consolidation would be driven based on how Growing up in Narragansett, he attended much the state has to contribute. Bishop Hendricken High School, followed by Regarding the per capita number of Harvard College, where he majored in economics government workers in Rhode Island, he avoided and played on the football team. Son of the wella direct answer and said the number of local known Providence judge, Frank spoke about employees in the state is the real problem. As both his father and grandfather. As an immigrant for changing the state sales tax back to 6%, he’d who worked long hours as a milkman to give his be in favor. In his opinion, the state needs to family a better life, his grandfather left a lasting be competitive with its neighbors, who have impression on him. lower rates. He called the sales tax “a delicate Prior to his current position, Mr. Caprio balancing act.” served in the RI Senate over 10 years. Rhode And finally, concerning full gambling at Island’s General Treasurer since 2006, he has Twin River, he says he agrees with the approval directed the sale of over $1 billion of state process, which is by statewide and local mortgage bonds in this role. referenda. Currently, about $300 million of the He then moved to his next topic, the General Treasurer Frank Caprio (l) with state’s budget comes from gambling revenues. economy. Warning us of the federal government’s Brother Michael Smith He is on the record saying, “If an expansion at un-funded pension and healthcare expenses, he Twin River would be to the real financial benefit discussed the state government overspending. to the town of Lincoln, then maybe it has a chance.” Why do these large deficits happen? Because, in his opinion, the taxpayers are In conclusion, the annual Open House was successful in attracting willing to pay for it. The state has made some improvement, with a payroll many potential members and providing us with a peak at a rising star in 20% lower than it was 18 months ago, but a lot of work remains. He assured state government. us that things will get better, but it won’t be easy. The general treasurer briefly covered state politics. With the general ~6~
Touro Feeds the Hungry in Difficult Times By Andrew Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement
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uring this challenging time, the Community Involvement Committee has experienced, more than at anytime in my ten years of involvement, an increase in the number of requests for financial assistance. In addition, our committee’s budget was reduced to help the organization get through recent losses in our annual income. Our committee first met in February to discuss the direction of our giving for the year. We discussed our ongoing commitment to providing automatic external defibrillators throughout the community along with other projects in which we’ve been involved. After lengthy discussion, the committee decided we should be available for those in our community who are in serious need. Basic everyday fundamentals that we take for granted are unavailable to many in financial need. Bottom line…we decided to donate $1,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. We were pleased to time our donation to coincide with Alan Shawn Feinstein’s campaign that will match ours. Our second order of business was to make a donation to Jewish Family Services for the kosher meal site at Temple Torat Yisrael in Cranston. Our next meeting took place on May 28th, when we welcomed Susan Adler from Jewish Eldercare, a division of the Jewish Seniors Agency. Susan spoke to us about its new project, The Kosher Food Pantry. This project is designed to assist needy Jews in our community who keep kosher. The committee immediately gravitated towards this project and unanimously voted to donate $1,000 to the campaign. In addition, we decided to ask our members to begin bringing “certified kosher” food to all future Touro meetings. We will all get through these challenging times, but while the dire need exists, the Community Involvement Committee will be there to assist those in need.
Touro Goes to Lemongrass
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Welcome New member
Touro welcomed new brother Norman Bolski at the April 22nd meeting
TOURO FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719
P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910
Return Service Requested
UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS FRIENDSHIP LODGE
HARMONY LODGE
Meeting featuring ED VALENTI of Ginsu Knife fame September 23
Meeting featuring ALICE GOLDSTEIN author and Holocaust survivor October 21
Visit Touro's Website at www.tourofraternal.org
2009 Bruce Weisman, Editor Columnists: Jed Brandes Howard Custis Edward Deluty Andrew Lamchick Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Reid Redlich Barry Schiff Adam Smith
JULY
5769
TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009-2010 Robert Miller, Chairman Andrew Lamchick, Vice Chairman Steven Waldman, Treasurer Marc Gertsacov, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Barry Shaw, Inside Guard Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus
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
Jed Brandes Milton Bronstein Morton Coken Jeffrey Davis Edward Deluty Stevan Labush Rodney Locke Alan Lury
HARMONY LODGE Adam Halpern, President Manochehr Norparvar, Vice President Adam Smith, Secretary Norman Dinerman, Treasurer Barry Schiff, Inside Guard
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Jeff Horovitz, President Ried Redlich, Vice President Marc Gertsacov, Secretary Benjamin Kaplan, Treasurer Steven White, Inside Guard
HARMONY •
BENEVOLENCE
FRIENDSHIP •
Norman, is that You?
Nathan Lury Barry Rotenberg Barry Schiff Barry Shaw Stuart Solup Michael Smith Howard Wasser Bruce Weisman
(Yes, and it's a Touro Two-fer)
Newport Playhouse Newport, RI Saturday August 29, 2009 $50 per Touro couple $100 per Non-Touro couple Ticket price includes buffet dinner, play and caberet after the show. Watch for the flyer in the mail or go online to: www.tourofraternal org ~8~