Summer 2019

2019 JULY 5779

INSIDE

Stoloff, Berman Installed as New Lodge Presidents; Lury, Labush Continue at Helm of Board of Directors

By Larry Berman

Helping the Community page 3

(l-r): New Friendship Lodge President Jeffrey Stoloff, outgoing Friendship Lodge President Max Guarino, Board Chairman Emeritus Bob Miller

Keep Touro Strong page 4

The Money Man page 6

All About Ruthie page 6

Name That Tune page 7

J

effrey Stoloff and Larry Berman were installed as lodge presidents and seven members of the Board of Directors took the oath of office at the May 22nd Installation Dinner in Touro Hall.

Stoloff, the Friendship Lodge Vice President, ascended to president of that lodge, succeeding Max Guarino. Berman, a member of the Board of Directors, is the new president of Harmony Lodge, succeeding Richard Levenson.

Guarino and Levenson were two of the five members elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors. The others are returning board members Barry Ackerman, Stevan Labush and Ried Redlich. Elected to one-year board terms were Richard Glucksman and James Sinman.

Following a delicious brisket dinner, Chairman Emeritus Robert Miller served as the Installing Officer and highlighted the Touro accomplishments of those installed. Barry Schiff, the Master of Ceremonies, administered the oath of office to each board member and officer and made the final proclamation.

The two new vice presidents for 2019-20 are Adam Halpern, Friendship Lodge, and Jeffrey Harpel, Harmony Lodge. Rounding out the officers installed for Friendship Lodge are Lester Nathan, secretary, and Peter Silverman, treasurer. For Harmony Lodge, David Altman, ~1~

returns as secretary and Jonathan Finkle will be the new treasurer. David Weisman will serve as the inside guard for both lodges.

In his acceptance speech as Friendship Lodge president, Stoloff issued a challenge “to strive to keep Touro strong and to meet our challenges in the years ahead. It will take everyone to think about what Touro has meant to you and give back in whatever way you can, whether that is going to meetings, volunteering for committees or introducing Touro to potential new members.”

Stoloff stressed the importance of working together to ensure Touro’s bright future.

“With everyone’s help, we want to see Touro even stronger than it is today and in a strong position to fulfill our mission to the community and ourselves,” he added.

At the dinner, a tribute was offered to three retiring members of the Board of Directors: Norman Dinerman, Steven Waldman and Steven White. All three were extremely active and will be sorely missed. Dinerman was the co-chair of the Membership Committee and Waldman was the Association’s treasurer and had chaired several committees during his terms. White chaired the House Committee, overseeing the renovation projects at Touro Hall in recent years.

Outgoing Presidents Guarino and Levenson were presented Past President sweaters and plaques in recognition of their service.

Continued on page 5 - Installation

(l-r): Outgoing Harmony Lodge President Richard Levenson, Board Chairman Emeritus Bob Miller, new Harmony Lodge President Larry Berman

Thoughts While Shaving

By Alan Lury Chairman of the Board

Social Scene

By Jeffrey Stoloff, President, Friendship Lodge

I

t has been two years that I’ve been writing this column for the Tourogram and the time has flown by. As I move up to serve as Friendship Lodge president, I will remain active on the Social Committee and look forward to working closely with our new vice presidents, Adam Halpern and Jeff Harpel. Our committee will continue to work hard planning the events that make Touro so popular.

Since the last Tourogram, we had a wonderful Spring Two-fer at White’s in Westport. Our entertainer, illusionist Eric Dittelman, was terrific! In March, we heard from RI General Treasurer Seth Magaziner at the Harmony Lodge meeting and enjoyed our annual deli dinner. A good time was had by all and no calories were counted.

Due to the efforts of both the Membership Committee and the Social Committee, we had a very successful Open House with 10 new members joining Touro. Our guest speaker, Ruthie Polinsky, and the kosher baked chicken, were big hits. Thank you to all who participated.

We had an extremely successful Summer Two-fer at Twin River and everyone enjoyed the musical bingo, especially the cash prize winners.

As always, the annual Steak Fry featured a delicious dinner and we learned a great deal from the two participants in the adult March of the Living.

June ended with a bang as more than 100 Touro members and guests enjoyed the Broadway hit musical, “The Band’s Visit,” at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Here are the planned events for the summer and the fall:

W

hen you receive this issue of the Tourogram, we will all be hopefully enjoying a great New England summer day. I want to offer you a recap of what has transpired since my last message to our membership. We have had quite a busy spring within the walls of Touro Hall.

Our April Open House resulted in ten new members joining the association. In May, we held our annual elections in which our outgoing lodge presidents, Max Guarino and Richard Levenson, assumed positions on the Board of Directors. Additionally, three long-time board members, Norman Dinerman, Steven White and Steven Waldman, stepped aside. Their service to our organization is very much appreciated by their fellow board members and our entire association. We also welcomed former board member Richard Glucksman, who has resumed that role and first-time board member, James Sinman.

The Social Committee has been hard at work planning events for the balance of 2019 and beyond. Please remember, EVERYONE who is a member of Touro in good standing has the right and opportunity to become actively involved in our Social Committee’s planning activities. Please do not hesitate to join us on the first Wednesday of each month to contribute your suggestions – there is no such thing as a bad idea.

One area of concern that has continued to plague the Jewish community of Rhode Island, New England and across our country is the increasing levels of anti-Semitic acts against our houses of worship, our cemeteries, our love for the Land of Israel and our people. We, the Jews of America, painfully know that following the practice of previous generations by keeping quiet and not rocking the boat is not an effective tactic for combating anti-Semitism. We must face these issues head-on.

It is our responsibility to our children and to those who come after us to ensure that we will always be able to stand and declare we are proud to be Jews, proud to be Americans and, of course, proud of the State of Israel.

In consideration of the events during the past year, at our June board meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously approved funding for High Holiday security details at the religious houses of worship within Rhode Island. Our endowment, carefully managed by our brothers both past and present, allows us to assist the congregations of Rhode Island. There is no greater purpose for these funds than to contribute in ensuring that all Jews in Rhode Island will feel safer in their shuls during the upcoming New Year.

With the High Holiday season rapidly approaching, please remember that when you are approaching your house of worship and see your local police officer, you should feel very proud that Touro has financially contributed to ensuring that you and your fellow congregants may enjoy in peace the welcoming in of the joyous New Year.

With Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence, I wish all of you a very enjoyable and healthy New Year with your family and friends.

Leshana tovah tikatev v’tichatem.

July 14 – Trip to Block Island Due to the popularity of this trip last year, we are bringing it back.

Enjoy a wonderful ride on the Block Island Ferry and join the rest of your Touro brothers and their families for lunch at Ballard’s. This promises to be a wonderful summer event.

August 24 – Newport Playhouse Our annual dinner and show are sure to sell out so get your RSVPs in quickly! This year’s show is “Funny Money.” As always, the food will be delicious and the show and the cabaret entertaining.

September 18 – URI President David Dooley Dr. David Dooley, the dynamic President of the University of Rhode Island, will update us on all the exciting happenings on campus.

Come to this Harmony Lodge meeting and enjoy kosher hamburgers and hot dogs.

October 23 – Attorney General Peter Neronha New Attorney General Peter Neronha, the state’s leading law enforcement official, will make his first appearance at Touro after the Friendship Lodge business meeting.

November 2 – Family Game Night Always a good time, plan to sign up for our Family Game Night.

Watch for your flyer.

~2~

November 9 – Fall Two-fer The Fall Two-fer will be held at the Providence Marriott Hotel. Stay tuned for more information.

As a reminder, Social Committee meetings are open to all members and held the first Wednesday of every month. Please come and share your ideas and add to the excitement of Touro!

A Sense of Fulfillment in Helping the Community

O

By Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Community Involvement Committee

ne of the most fulfilling parts of chairing the Community Involvement Committee is hearing the appreciative voices of our charities’ recipients when I give them the good news that Touro is making a donation.

It’s also gratifying to see the appreciation on their faces when visiting their organizations.

Some of our leaders were invited to the “wedding reception” of the new Jewish Collaborative Services. It was a wonderful event celebrating the merger of Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Seniors Agency, and once again we were welcomed with open arms. Over the years we have been regular contributors to both organizations, so it was natural to make a five-year $25,000 commitment to support a charity that provides help of every kind to Jews and non-Jews alike.

It is also an honor to welcome new Touro members who ask if they can be a part of our committee. It is gratifying to know that our members are proud and supportive of the committee’s work.

What have we done lately? At our most recent committee meeting, one member made an impassioned request on behalf of Fisher House in Boston, a support center for veterans throughout New England. We are

donating $1,000.

We also granted URI Hillel’s request for $1,500 to sponsor Shabbat dinners for the 2019-2020 school year. We received requests from Touro members to support charities in which they were involved, which we discussed and approved. We donated $200 to Bike the Faith to Farm Ride, a multi-day bike ride to raise awareness about local farms and we provided $250 to West Bay Rhode Island’s Strides for Independence in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A group of Touro members and their families visited Ronald McDonald House again and prepared a wonderful meal for the families temporarily living there while their children stay in local hospitals. It is always a rewarding experience for those who participate, and is greatly appreciated by the residents. We voted to continue providing the water for their coolers for a year with a donation of $210.

We were also pleased to sponsor two men who attended the young adult version of “March of the Living” this past Yom Ha Shoah. They experienced the horrifying reality of the concentration camps in Poland.

In June, they spoke of their trip and showed photos at the steak fry.

Seth Finkle, one of the men we sponsored, has since joined Touro. We were honored to commit $2,000 to sponsor their experience.

President’s Report

By Larry Berman, President, Harmony Lodge fter joining Touro in 2002, for well over a decade I enjoyed attending many lodge meetings and social functions.

The food was delicious, the guest speakers and entertainers were excellent and the camaraderie was real.

My story is typical of hundreds of my Touro brothers. We are proud to be part of a Jewish organization that gives so much back to the community, and one that offers tremendous benefits and great value at all its events. Unlike other groups, Touro asks so little in return.

But a few years ago, Touro members did ask – and I was happy to volunteer. First, Bruce Weisman asked me to write articles for the Centennial Gala Program Book. Next thing I knew, I was part of a very active committee that planned a truly spectacular evening which will be remembered for years to come.

Last year, then Chairman Jed Brandes asked if I would consider an appointment to fill a vacant seat on the board of directors. I’m honored to serve with a terrific group of dedicated leaders who meet regularly to ensure that Touro remains vibrant well into its second century.

A few months ago, current Chairman Alan Lury asked if I would consider being the president of one of the two lodges. In this new role, I’m beginning to learn about what it takes for Touro to offer successful events and fulfill its mission in the community.

I share my story because now, it is time to ask all of you for help.

We must make certain that Touro remains a meaningful, enriching and fun-filled Jewish fraternal organization well into the future. To do so, we need to attract new members, and we must engage our current members who, like me in years past, never really got involved, beyond attending events.

When asked by our board members and officers, please strongly consider increasing your level of involvement. We need your help and your good ideas to strengthen Touro’s mission of Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence. Thank you ~3~

Open House Results in: Ten New Members

A

By Barry Ackerman, Chairman, Membership Committee

W

hat a great April Open House! The hall was near capacity, and we had good food, good friends and fun entertainment from Ruthie Polinsky.

There were many prospective members in attendance, and 10 became new members. That is the highest number since I have been chairman of Membership – and I thank you all.

The Membership Committee works hard to create initiatives and interesting speakers for the annual Open House. Our end goal is to both have our membership grow, as well as retain our existing membership. This should be the goal of each and every one of you – to promote Touro and make sure that all brothers feel welcomed.

So, what’s next? The Membership Committee will continue to reach out to the Jewish community to promote Touro. How can you help besides talking up Touro? Come to our Membership Committee meetings or talk to any member of the committee and provide us with fresh ideas, new initiatives and a list of people to talk to.

We look forward to initiating many new members on an ongoing basis and thank you for your past and future assistance. Keep Touro great!

Directors and Officers 2019-2020

First Row: (l-r) Ried Redlich, board member; Lester Nathan, Friendship Lodge secretary; David Altman, Harmony Lodge secretary; Bruce Wasser, association secretary; Larry Berman, Harmony Lodge president; Richard Levenson, board member; Max Guarino, board member; Barry Schiff, board member.

Second Row: (l-r) Peter Silverman, Friendship Lodge treasurer; Mitchell Cohen, association inside guard; Jed Brandes, board chairman emeritus; Stevan Labush, board vice chairman; Alan Lury, board chairman; Robert Miller, board chairman emeritus; James Sinman, board member; Jeffrey Harpel, Harmony Lodge vice president.

Third row: (l-r) David Weisman, lodge inside guard; Adam Halpern, Friendship Lodge vice president; Barry Ackerman, board member; Andrew Gilstein, board member; Jeffrey Davis, board member; Bruce Weisman, board member; Andrew Lamchick, board member.

Missing: Jeffrey Stoloff, Friendship Lodge president; Michael Smith, board member; Richard Glucksman, board member; James Goldman, association treasurer; Jonathan Finkle, Harmony Lodge treasurer.

Meeting the Challenges of the Future to Keep Touro Strong

I

By Robert D. Miller, Chairman Emeritus

t has been quite some time since I penned a submission for the Tourogram.

As you know, I sat in the Chairman’s seat for 12 years. I wrote many articles that pertained mostly to the happenings here at Touro.

We are now in the early stages of our second century. That’s a long time, 100 years. What do we have to show for it? I think we have a lot. Let’s start with a good standing within the community. A track record of donations to many worthwhile charities. Our “home” at 45 Rolfe Square in Cranston. Monthly meetings with good food, good speakers and plenty of entertainment and camaraderie.

We have had many brothers over the years answer the call to leadership to fulfill the lodge officer positions and board seats.

We have had many other volunteers step up to help in any way they can.

HARMONY, FRIENDSHIP and BENEVOLENCE, our founding precepts, stand tall today at Touro.

We are even more fortunate that since the very beginning, the Board was and is still very diligent in being good stewards

of Touro’s finances. This gives us the ability to do what we do for our members and for the community. This must continue if we are to make it to the third century.

What we struggle with today is the same struggle every other organization is facing. Where is the future leadership? Organizations today face many challenges. They are no longer the center of our social circles. The temples, Masons, Elks and many others are facing the same issues. People don’t leave their homes because they are connected to the world via the internet. People don’t talk on the telephone today; they text. We must do something in order to connect with the younger generation to perpetuate Touro.

What can you do to help? Attend more meetings. Tell your friends, children, grandchildren and neighbors about Touro.

Don’t find anything at Touro that interests you? Maybe you can suggest something. The things we do today are a direct result of our brothers’ input over the years. Can we have yours?

In closing, I have been a member at Touro for over 40 years. I have been in a leadership position for 40 years. I have given a lot to Touro and Touro has given a lot to me. I am concerned for our future and would like to have other concerned brothers join me to keep our organization a vibrant and wonderful place to greet, meet and eat for many years to come. ~4~

Installation - continued from page 1

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, there are too many choices and too many distractions,” said Levenson. “We must focus more than ever on growth and sustainability for our organization. We are going to work hard to create events that interest all levels of our organization and make it easy to participate.”

The Board of Directors met in June and unanimously reelected the leadership team of Alan Lury, chairman, and Stevan Labush, vice chairman, for 2019-20.

The following association appointments were also made at June’s board meeting: Bruce Wasser, secretary; James Goldman, treasurer; Barry Schiff, chaplain; Ried Redlich, faithful guide; and Mitchell Cohen, inside guard.

(l-r): Board Members Barry Ackerman, Vice Chairman Stevan Labush, Ried Redlich

(l-r): Board Members Max Guarino, Richard Levenson

(l-r): Board Members Richard Glucksman, James Sinman

(l-r): Harmony Lodge Officers: Secretary David Altman, Treasurer Jonathan Finkle

(l-r): Outgoing Board Member Norman Dinerman, Board Chairman Alan Lury

(l-r): Friendship Lodge Officers: Secretary Lester Nathan, Vice President Adam Halpern, Treasurer Peter Silverman

(l-r): Outgoing Board Member Steven White, Board Chairman Alan Lury ~5~

Ruthie Polinsky Brings Sports Reporting into Focus

General Treasurer Magaziner Outlines His Duties

By Howard Wasser

By Howard Wasser

(l-r): Stevan Labush, Ruthie Polinsky, Norman Dinerman

K

osher baked chicken was the meal-of-the-day for April’s Open House. WPRI Channel 12 sportscaster Ruthie Polinsky was our speaker. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she grew up in St. Louis, but returned to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. You would think that a sports reporter would have played sports during her early years, but that’s not the case with Ruthie. She was actually into dance and musical theater but always watched sports.

During college summers, she returned to St. Louis and became a cheerleader for the Cardinals baseball team. Her job was not only to cheer, but to promote the team and serve as an in-stadium host. She was there when the Cardinals won the 2013 National League (l-r): Barry Ackerman, championship, before losing Ruthie Polinsky to the Red Sox in the World Series. Also, during her time in Michigan, she was a sports anchor for the school TV station as well as a freelance reporter for high school sports.

After college, her first job was sports reporter at a Wichita Falls, Texas TV station. There, she learned that Texas is high school football country. It was the real Friday Night Lights.

In July 2017, she landed her current job at Channel 12, covering a lot of Patriots football. Ruthie was asked if she has been able to interview Tom Brady by herself. She explained that it is difficult to get a one-on-one interview, especially for a new reporter. One day, she saw him sitting alone and got up the nerve to approach Tom and tell him she had attended the same University of Michigan where he played. He was very gracious but Ruthie was so awestruck that she couldn’t get out another word.

Considering Ruthie is not from this area, she has already accumulated a vast amount of information in a very short time and was able to answer all the questions about any of our local sports teams. Very impressive.

(l-r): Seth Magaziner, Richard Levenson

T

he March meeting started with a delicious deli dinner that was as good as any your father brought home for Sunday lunch. Our guest was Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. He is the 36-yearold son of Democratic Party Adviser Ira Magaziner, and many of us are old enough to remember Ira during the Clinton Administration. Seth was born in Bristol and at age 16, he was the intern for our own Larry Berman in the office of Congressman Patrick Kennedy. After graduating from Milton Academy, he attended Brown University, where he was the president of the College Democrats of Rhode Island. He went on to receive a master’s in business administration from Yale.

Before becoming involved in politics, Seth worked as an elementary school teacher in post-Hurricane Katrina Louisiana as a participant in the Teach for America Corps program. He returned to Rhode Island to work for a socially responsible investment firm.

In 2013, he announced the start of his political career and was elected the general treasurer a year later, succeeding Governor Gina Raimondo. Many people are unaware of what the general treasurer position entails. He explained that his office manages the state retirement system and the state unclaimed property system. He encouraged everyone to go to www.findrimoney. com, which shows unclaimed cash and property from banks and insurance companies. These assets could rightfully be yours! His office also oversees the Crime Victims Compensation Fund, the Domestic Assault Relocation Fund and the reconciliation of the state’s bank accounts.

Now in his second four-year term, Seth is involved in a project to improve our state’s school buildings. He is also working to help Rhode Islanders with staggering college loan repayments.

Touro members enjoyed engaging him with lots of questions and he did a great job providing answers. As mentioned, the previous general treasurer went on to become governor. Just saying.

Welcome New Brothers

(l-r) Jeff Levy, Abrams Cohen ~6~

Illusionist Eric Dittleman at White’s of Westport

A Fun Night of Music Bingo Nearly 100 Touro brothers and guests had a great time playing Music Bingo and winning a total of $750 in cash prizes at Twin River Casino in Lincoln on June 15th. After enjoying the steak and salmon dinners, the Summer Two-fer featured great music from the 1970s and ‘80s, courtesy of WRIK Entertainment.

Walking away with $50 or $100 prizes at Music Bingo were: Howard Wasser, Gail Siegel, Gail Feldman, Alan Ziman, Avis Greenstone, Pam Schiff, Bill Scheraga, Bruce Weisman and Peter Mitler.

~~77~~

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

P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910

UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS: URI President David Dooley September 18

Attorney General Peter Neronha October 23 Family Game Night November 2 Fall Two-fer at Providence Marriott November 9 Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org

Join Touro at the 2 0 1 9 JULY 5 7 7 9 Bruce Weisman, Production Editor Larry Berman, Content Editor Columnists: Brett Boisvert Jed Brandes Lester Nathan Jeffrey Stoloff Bill Troberman Bruce Wasser Howard Wasser

TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020

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 Larry Berman, President Jeffrey Harpel, Vice President David Altman, Secretary Jonathan Finkle, Treasurer David Weisman, Inside Guard

Alan D. Lury, Chairman Stevan Labush, Vice Chairman James Goldman, Treasurer Bruce Wasser, Secretary Barry Schiff, Chaplain Mitchell Cohen, Inside Guard Jed Brandes, Chairman Emeritus Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus Barry Ackerman Larry Berman Jed Brandes Jeffrey Davis Andrew Gilstein Richard Glucksman Max Guarino

Saturday August 24, 2019

Andrew Lamchick Richard Levenson Robert Miller Ried Redlich Barry Schiff James Sinman Michael Smith Bruce Weisman

Enjoy a Delicious Buffet and a Great Show!

FRIENDSHIP LODGE Jeffrey Stoloff, President Adam Halpern, Vice President Lester Nathan, Secretary Peter Silverman, Treasurer David Weisman, Inside Guard

Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide

HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~8~

FUNNY MONEY

Watch the mail for your flier.

Call or e-mail: (401) 785-0066 info@tourofraternal.org