2007
JUNE
5767
Touro Helps Them “Get on the Bus!” By Andy Lamchick
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The more than 100 area residents served annually by the Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island will have the benefit of comfort and convenience of this new mini-bus thanks, in part, to Touro’s generosity. Officials of both organizations gathered recently at Touro’s headquarters to inspect the new bus. Shown, from left, are Paul R. Barrette, executive director, Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island; Andrew Lamchick, chairman of Touro’s Community Involvement Committee; Jack Nassau, chairman of the agency’s Adult Day Center’s Oversight Committee, and Robert Miller, chairman of the Touro board of directors.
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Continued on page 3-Bus
New Officers and Directors Installed
very time the chairman of the board sounds the gavel calling to order the annual Touro Installation of Officers meeting in May our Association reaches another milestone. When Board Chairman Bob Miller did the honors May 30, 2007, it marked the 90th time Touro was about to install its officers for the ensuing year. And it also meant that another really significant moment in Touro’s history – its 100th Anniversary – was that much closer. After nearly 100 members enjoyed the ca-
Touro Scores with Steve Grogan
ow many times a week does somebody ask you for money? I don’t necessarily mean your kids, which is an ongoing process through eternity. I mean friends, neighbors, co-workers and especially charities. Like breathing, it’s a fact of life. As much as all sorts of good causes need the money, there is only so much to go around. Maybe Bill Gates, Ted Turner, and our Chairman are the exceptions. As Chairman of the Community Involvement Committee, it is my charge to look for, and funnel through all the calls, letters and requests for assistance, which surface themselves. I bring them to our committee for discussion, debate and decision. As you can guess, it’s a difficult task. Each organization makes a great case for our support, and most deserve it. But like your own situation, there is only so much to go around. I’d like to tell you about two large projects we recently opted to support. Several months ago, we received a letter from the Jewish Seniors Agency. They were in need of a new mini-bus to transport needy Jewish seniors in our area to kosher meal sites. Their current bus had over 140,000 miles on it, and was constantly in need of repair. You might say the wheels on the bus were no longer going “round and round”. The Director of the agency approached our committee with a brochure of their desired new bus, which would cost $40,000. As we would’ve loved to write a check to them, our annual budget is $10,000.
By Art Poulten
Jed Brandis, President of Friendship Lodge
Steve White, President of Harmony Lodge
Traditions...~page 3
tered kosher dinner, Board Member Alan Lury, the Master of Ceremonies, administered the oath of office to each newly elected officer and board member. Then Brother Miller, the Installing Officer, said some nice (and some a little tongue-in-cheek!) things about each new board member and officer. As is the custom, each new lodge president outlined his goals for the coming year – and the predominant theme from both was membership participation. They indeContinued on page 5-Officers
Inside This Issue Touro Cues Up ~page 7
~page 4
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From the Chairman .....................................2 Social Scene...................................................2 Wheel of Fortune..........................................3 Touro "Member-fits".....................................6 Chief Sachem Mathew Thomas.....................6 Narragansett's Baykeeper Visits Touro...........6
From the Chairman by Robert Miller s I have done in the past, I sometimes like to share with you articles that I find interesting or motivating. The following piece, Your 12 Point Plan for Personal Success, was written by Stephan Iscoe, a successful consultant and trainer from Ann Arbor, MI and owner of LINKTOSUCCESS.COM.
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No one becomes successful by accident. Success requires making a plan and sticking to it. It is simple, but does require commitment; it is not hard to do, but does require hard work. The good news is that once you begin, the results start coming almost instantly. The miracle of successful living is that the smallest step towards success attracts more success! Here is a very brief outline of the key points that will help you achieve the highest levels of success. 1. Look into the nearest mirror - the person staring back at you is the only person responsible for your success. Smile! No one else is the cause of your success or to blame for your shortcomings. Successful people take full responsibility for their actions. 2. Smile back at your reflection. Successful people are cheerful, optimistic, and forward thinking. If you think you don’t have anything to smile about, smile anyway. Positive thoughts drive out negative thoughts. It’s hard to have a negative thought while you are smiling! 3. Positive self-esteem is the foundation for success. Feel good about yourself and your abilities, achievements and potential. Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Remind and praise yourself on your past accomplishments. Congratulate yourself for taking positive steps toward a more successful future. 4. Believe in yourself. You are here for a purpose. God doesn’t make extras just to fill in the scenery. Find your mission and begin working to fulfill it. 5. Desire to be a success. Decide right now that you will be successful. Commit to being successful. 6. Associate with successful people. Do what they do. When faced with choices, make the choice a successful person would make. Blow your bonus check on a gambling trip or invest it? 7. Avoid unsuccessful people. Do not under any circumstances associate with negative people. Negative people are toxic; they destroy, they do not build. They are vampires that can live only by draining the life from others. The odds are greater that they will pull you down faster than you can lift them up. You can choose to stay away from all the negative people in your life. Avoid all the whiners, complainers, blamers and thumb suckers. 8. Do what you are best at and what you get the most satisfaction from. There is no reason to stay stuck doing things that are frustrating, boring, unhealthy, unproductive, demeaning or unfulfilling. 9. Write down a vision of how you want to live your life. Be specific. Where you want to live, what kind of carpet, who your friends are, the pony’s name, what the new church rec hall you donated looks like, etc. Make a Future Scrapbook; paste in pictures, drawings, essays, and clippings. Make up news headlines about your achievements. Every day visualize yourself, as you would like to be - and then act that way! 10.Write down your biggest goal, the one you most want to fulfill. Write it in the present tense, “I am...” “I have...” “I contribute...” Success is the result of a personal decision, so start your goal with “I”. Read your goal aloud every morning and night. Tell people your goal. Make a plan to achieve your goal and stick to it. 11.Study the science of success. Read books, listen to tapes, watch videos and positive TV programming. Talk to successful people and ask them how they became successful. Fill your mind with positive thoughts and give yourself positive self-affirmations. 12. Every day do something that brings you closer to your goal. Never give up. You can only fail if you quit trying. Keep on keeping on and you will succeed. Achieving success requires following a system. Begin today by putting these 12 points into daily practice. Everybody experiences fear of failure, uncertainty, insecurity, low self-esteem, indecision, depression, nervousness and embarrassment. Successful people master these temporary conditions by taking positive action, by sticking to their plan, by maintaining their vision of the future, by learning from setbacks and by rededicating themselves to the pursuit of their mission. By following these simple steps you will become successful and achieve all that you desire. ~ ~
Social Scene by Steven White
This will be my last writing of the Social Scene before becoming President of Harmony Lodge. I want to thank all my brothers who attended Social Committee meetings and worked so hard to bring Touro quality social events. Not only do we plan these events but we also have a great time bonding, joking and schmoozing. Any new members, who have been inducted within the past two years, please come to our meetings the first Wednesday of each month. Events coming up: July 30 • Golf tournament at North Kingstown Country Club August 5 • Touro’s Annual Family Picnic August 19 • Casino Cruise For more information visit
www.tourofraternal.org
Mazels, Mitvahs & Milestones To… brother Ken and Donna Podrat on the birth of their grandson, Myles Daniel Fishman, December 27, 2006. The proud parents are Judi and Matthew Fishman of Leesburg VA. The paternal grandparents are Bonnie and Stuart Fishman of Syosset, NY. To…brother Bruce and Linda Weisman who celebrated their 24th anniversary, June 5, 2007 When you see this icon at the end of an article, go to Touro's website to view more photographs.
Tourography: Jeffrey Davis
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By Jed R. Brandes
ears ago, in an effort to impart a sense of tradition into our wedding, my then fiancé and I decided to construct a chupah from a tallit and some drapery dowels. The tallit that my parents gave me at the time of my Bar Mitzvah was too small, so we eventually found ourselves at Rhoda’s Judaica, purchasing a larger one. Not being particularly observant, we had little use for a Judaica store again, until years later, when our eldest son enrolled at the Alperin Schechter Day School. This coincided with the beginning of my tenure as treasurer of Friendship Lodge and my first consistent attendance at functions. My son needed a yarmulke for school and Rhoda’s was no longer. We found ourselves in Judaic Traditions. Of course, Jeff Davis was behind the counter. After a few seconds of giving each other the hairy eyeball, we actually recognized each other as Touro brothers. Jeff generously applied the “Touro discount” to my purchase, and the rest, as they say, is history. Our friendship is one of many Jeff has made through Touro. When I asked him what he likes about Touro he replied: “I like the brothers, the camaraderie, the fun at the meetings, the fun, in general. I’ve made lots of friends.” He readily credits his father-in-law, Milton Bronstein, for getting him involved (after much prodding). And he pays it forward, having sponsored over a dozen new members himself, including his father. Jeff rose through the ranks of Harmony Lodge to President and then joined the Board of Directors, where he continues to serve. He has chaired the Welfare and Sunshine Committees and has served on the Investment, Ways and Means, Community Involvement, Mem-
bership and Communications Committees. He usually comes early to twofer events to greet and check in brothers as they arrive, a role typically assumed by lodge officers. After graduating from URI with a business degree, Jeff joined his family’s business and worked for some 20 years in the photography and technology/computer fields. In search of a new challenge, he and his wife purchased the Judaica store from Rhoda. One of his obstacles was attracting a clientele from the Orthodox community. Jeff successfully reached out to this community by speaking with the rabbis and becoming involved with the Providence Community Kollel. He also expanded the business by working with the local temple Hebrew Schools, Providence Hebrew Day School, Jewish Community Day School, the Jewish Community Center of Rhode Island and many of the Jewish agencies in the state. Jeff ’s history of making new friends goes well beyond his dealings at Touro and his business acquaintances. He stays involved in the community in many other ways. He is active with the Jewish Committee on Scouting, a part of the Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America. He served as President of Temple Torat Yisrael, and continues on its Board of Directors. He also works part time for Shalom Memorial Chapel as a CPA (Casket Pushing Associate). Jeff and his wife Cynthia have two children and live in East Greenwich. That day at Judaic Traditions, way back when, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship for Jeff and me. With his easygoing demeanor, I’m sure there are many other brothers with similar stories.
Miss Wheel of Fortune?
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By Steven White, President, Harmony Lodge
n the first Wednesday of the month, turn off the TV set and come over to Touro. Miss Wheel of Fortune. The Social Committee meets to discuss upcoming events and critique past events. Normally, 15 to 20 brothers meet in the boardroom. We mix in a few jokes, banter back and forth and generally have a good time. We seem to enjoy each other’s company. When I started out as Vice President and was told I would be a co-leader of the Social Committee, I didn’t know what to expect. I sat before a bunch of guys I really didn’t know and was given an agenda to follow. My brothers made me feel welcome and provided the guidance I needed to run the meeting. It didn’t take too long to feel like I was one of the guys. The past two years have flown by and I have made friends with lots of my brothers here at Touro. I have become involved in many committees that run Touro. I look forward to these meetings, seeing my friends, cracking jokes, learning about the news of RI and schmoozing while accomplishing the duties of the committee. What a wonderful feeling of belonging. I know I can always count on the vast network of Jewish men for just about any information I need to know. I have seen lots of new members cross the threshold of Touro’s doors. At the next meeting make the first move, come over and shake hands, introduce yourself and start down the road of making friends with your Touro brothers. You will never be sorry you did. ~ ~
Bus - continued from page 1 After a vivid discussion, the committee decided to commit $5,000 (half of our annual budget) toward the purchase of this vehicle. You might say we got the wheels turning toward the J.S.A. reaching their goal. Project number two – Adoption Rhode Island. One of our Touro members did some work with Adoption Rhode Island, an agency that attempts to find good homes for foster children in Rhode Island. The Director told him about the dire financial state this agency was in, and he gave her our number. She addressed our committee at this year's kickoff meeting, and described a program they have that sends foster children to camp for a week in the summer. Many of these children have never even seen a summer camp before. The Director explained that many times, Adopt Rhode Island sends many children to camp with siblings living in separate foster centers. The program provides the opportunity for these siblings to be reunited for at least a week over the course of the year. Needless to say, this notion truly tugged at our heartstrings. After a short discussion, we decided to donate $2,000 to help fund this program. As I mentioned, it’s often difficult to tell an organization that we cannot give them all that they wish. It is extremely rewarding to be able to give some, unexpected good news.
Touro Scores Again By Dr. Aaron Sherman, Membership Chairman
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(l - r) Steve Grogan with Membership Chairman Dr. Aaron Sherman
nce a year, Touro opens its doors to allow members to share the Touro experience with family and friends. Along with the opportunity to learn about the benefits of becoming a Touro brother, guests experience Touro’s famous Kosher Fried Chicken and are entertained by exciting speakers like Helen Glover of CBS’s Survivor Thailand and Providence College Basketball “Legend”, Ernie DiGregorio. This year was no exception as Touro, its guests and prospective members welcomed Patriots football hero, Steve Grogan. Before opening up for questions from an enthusiastic audience, Steve described his career, from being drafted in the fifth round of the 1975 NFL draft through his 149 games with the Patriots 1975-1990, culminating in being named to the Patriot's Hall of Fame in 1995. He described his best season as 1979, when he completed 206 of 423 passes for 3,286 yards and 28 TDs. He replaced Tony Eason in the second quarter of Super Bowl XX and went on to connect on 17 of 30 passes for 177 yards and the only touchdown pass for the Patriots in that game. Steve noted some differences between him and current Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, such as the slight edge Tom has in salary and supermodels. He answered questions from a challenging Touro audience with topics ranging from the use of steroids in professional sports to the challenges of life after professional football. The evening was highly entertaining and well received by the membership and the many guests who attended. Several of the guests at this year’s Open House have already applied for membership. The key to Touro’s continued growth and success is to continually add new members. Another football great, Vince Lombardi, once said, “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” Likewise, Touro relies upon its current members to share the benefits of Touro membership with friends and family and encourages them to join and become active participants in this great organization.
Three New Brothers Initiated April 25, 2007
Brother Barry Schiff Joins the Past Presidents' Club
In the world of golf the Green Jacket marks a significant individual achievement: The Masters Championship. Touro has its own “jacket” which actually isn’t green and really isn’t a jacket. It’s blue and it’s a sweater! But it does mark a significant achievement: completion of a term as president of an Association Lodge and membership in the Touro Past Presidents’ Club. Barry Schiff (left), retiring Harmony Lodge president, receives his "blue sweater" from Chairman Bob Miller. ~ ~
Our April 25th meeting featured the initiation of three new brothers. They are (l-r) Jerry Snell, Adrian Horovitz and Moshe Gabai.
(l - r) Friendship Lodge Officers elected for one-year terms Vice President Jeff Horovitz and Secretary Ried Redlich
(l - r) Harmony Lodge Officers elected for one-year terms Vice President Adam Halpern, Secretary Adam Smith and Treasurer Peter Hodosh Officers - continued from page 1
(l - r) Outgoing President Barry Schiff receives a gavel signifying the completion of his term as President of Harmony Lodge from Steve White, newly installed president of Harmony Lodge.
pendently urged all brothers to get more involved in the operations of the Association by serving on committees and participating in meetings. “It’s what keeps this organization growing and, above all, it’s a great way to develop lasting friendships,” is the way they put it. The officers of the two Touro lodges were installed for one-year terms. Steven White, vice president of Harmony Lodge for the past two years, moved up to president, succeeding Barry Schiff. Adam Halpern moved to vice president. Adam Smith, secretary, and Peter Hodosh treasurer, retain their respective positions for another year. In Friendship Lodge, Jed Brandes and Jeff Horowitz, president and vice president, respectively, were installed for second terms. Steven Waldman, last year’s secretary, was elected treasurer and Ried Redlich, secretary, is a new addition to the lineup. As part of his “retirement package”, Barry Schiff received the traditional Past Presidents sweater marking his admission to the Touro Past Presidents’ Club. He also is a member of the Touro Board of Directors. And speaking of the Board, Ed Deluty, a past president, was elected to his first three-year term on the board and the following incumbents were sworn in for new three-year terms: Morton Coken, Stevan Labush, Barry Shaw and Dr. Aaron Sherman.
(l - r) Board of Directors elected for three-year terms Edward Deluty, Morton Coken and Stevan Labush
(l - r) Board of Directors elected for three-year terms Dr. Aaron Sherman, Stuart Solop and Barry Shaw ~ ~
Touro “Member-fits” By Arthur Poulten
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his is the second in a series of Tourogram features highlighting the “perks” of being a member of Touro. In the last issue we described Touro’s Long Term Care Insurance benefit. In this issue we’ll deal with Touro’s Sick Benefit.
With the costs of health care and medications what they are today, most people should have some insurance. If you’re a regular member of Touro, you can count on a little extra coverage that comes along with your membership. The Touro Sick Benefit Fund was created to help members cover some of these costs. Over the years, the program has been refined and the benefit has been increased several times so that today, qualified regular members are eligible to receive $50 a week for up to 15 weeks for an illness. In order to qualify, you must have been a regular member for at least six months, must be suffering from a sickness and must file the proper forms within 180 days of the onset of the most recent occurrence of that illness. The key word here is sickness. The benefit does not cover injuries suffered in accidents. The member must complete the Sick Benefit application showing the nature and duration of the illness and provide a physician’s statement supporting the claim. There are some restrictions. You can collect no more than 15 weeks in a year’s time and only once for each illness. There is a one-week waiting period. The forms and complete details are available at Touro. For the appropriate forms and additional information, contact the office at (401) 785-0066 or email at tourofratl@aol.com. Sick Benefits – another way your membership in Touro Fraternal Association pays dividends!
Touro Members Meet Narragansett’s Baykeeper
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By Howard Custis
ohn Torgan, Baykeeper for Save The Bay, was the featured speaker at the April 25th meeting, hosted by Friendship Lodge. The evening kicked off with an enhanced initiation ceremony, in which three initiates (l - r) Save the Bay's John Torgan with Brother Lester Nathan were welcomed into the Touro brotherhood. A Touro-cooked corned beef and cabbage dinner followed. Then Mr. Torgan discussed Narragansett Bay, its tributary rivers and the issues of pollution, which affect the Bay’s well being. As Baykeeper, he is responsible for marine pollution/coastal development issues and environmental enforcement. His role is to add direct action: legal and regulatory watch dogging and pollution response to Save the Bay’s strong advocacy programs. He works with government agencies, either in conjunction with or in opposition to, regarding what he believes are the best interests of Narragansett Bay and its tributary rivers. Among John’s many concerns, monitoring the Bay’s marine life, investigating fish and shellfish kills caused by sewage runoff and preventing a liquefied natural gas facility in Fall River take up much of his time. Save The Bay was founded in 1993 in response to the pollution which was destroying Narragansett Bay. During the past 14 years, Save The Bay has returned the Bay to a strong semblance of its former self. Knowing its work must continue in the future, Save The Bay will maintain a vigilant stance regarding the Bay and its tributaries. After his remarks, a question and answer period followed in which our members posed many interesting questions to the Baykeeper. At the end, he was presented with a generous check to help Save The Bay continue its work in preserving Narragansett Bay. ~ ~
Chief Thomas Warms Up a Chilly Meeting By Lester Nathan
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(l - r) Barry Schiff with Chief Sachem Mathew Thomas
hief Sachem Mathew Thomas of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Indian Tribe was the featured guest at the February 28 lodge meeting held at Julio’s Restaurant in North Providence. Members who attended were rewarded with good Italian food and a speaker who was captivating and charismatic. The tribe currently has over 2400 members and owns 1800 acres of land in Charlestown. Chief Thomas succinctly described the tribe’s legal and political tribulations, which date back to the 1880s. With an aim to being self-sufficient, the Narragansetts considered other business ventures, such as spring water bottling, before settling on tobacco sales and later, casino gambling. The key turning point in the approval process came, according to Chief Thomas, when the late Senator John Chafee attached a rider to the 1996 federal budget which equated gaming to a lottery (in RI) and gave the state government the power over whether the Narragansetts could build their casino. Chief Thomas later became well known through the tribe’s short-lived tobacco shop and last fall’s referendum, in which the state’s electorate defeated a proposal to allow the construction of a gaming casino in West Warwick. Now, it looks like the tribe will try to build a gaming facility on its own land in Charlestown. Three of the state’s four federal legislators have expressed a willingness to help the tribe out. During the Q&A session, a Touro member mentioned that after all the politics which have occurred in the Ocean State, religious organizations no longer are running their own casino nights, suggesting they might become the unlikely allies of the tribe in an effort to restore such gaming opportunities. At the end of the evening, the Chief Sachem was asked by our officers to pull the winning raffle ticket. To compound the irony, the ticket pulled did not produce a winner.
Touro Cues Up at Boston Billiards
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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
HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS • 2007-2008
June 2007 Editor: Bruce Weisman Columnists: Jed Brandes Howard Custis Edward Deluty Andrew Lamchick Richard Levenson Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Barry Schiff Adam Smith 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 Steven White, President Adam Halpern, Vice President Adam Smith, Secretary Peter Hodosh, Treasurer
Robert Miller, Chairman Andrew Lamchick, Vice Chairman Gerald D. Hodosh, Treasurer Marc Gertsacov, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Jed Brandes Milton Bronstein Morton Coken Jeffrey Davis Edward Deluty Stevan Labush Rodney Locke Alan Lury Nathan Lury Lester Nathan Barry Schiff Barry Shaw Dr. Aaron Sherman Stuart Solup Michael Smith Bruce Weisman
August 5
Watch for flier in the mail or visit www.tourofraternal.org
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Jed Brandes, President Jeff Horovitz, Vice President Ried Redlich, Secretary Steven Waldman, Treasurer ~ ~