2015 July 5775
Touro Installs Leadership for the Present and Looks to the Future
INSIDE This Issue
By Brett Boisvert
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Game Night page 3
ith a renewed level of commitment and an emphasis on future organizational growth, Touro Fraternal Association inducted its latest group of board members and lodge leadership at the annual Installation Dinner on Wednesday, May 20. Installing Officer Peter Hodosh and Masters of Ceremonies Michael Smith conducted the evening’s festivities, which was preceded by Touro’s legendary brisket dinner. Flaky knishes, steaming matzo ball soup and a mixed green salad served as starters. Kosher brisket, paired with kasha varnishkes, rounded out the menu. As plates were cleared, some more than once, the meeting officially convened. With committee reports and clerical items squared away, Hodosh took to the podium to commence the evening’s continued on page 4 - Leadership installation.
Centennial Update page 5
Michaela Johnson page 6
Mayor Fung page 6
Touro Directors & Officers 2015-2016 First Row: Steven White, Nathan Lury, Andrew Gilstein, Michael Smith, directors; Max Guarino, vice president, Friendship Lodge; Barry Schiff, director; Judah Rosen, Association chaplain.
Fantasy Football & Pro Pick 'em Contests details page 7
Second Row: Peter Silverman, treasurer, Harmony Lodge; Ried Redlich, Adam Halpern, directors; Alan Lury, vice chairman, Board of Directors; Jed Brandes, chairman, Board of Directors; Robert Miller, chairman emeritus, Board of Directors; Barry Ackerman, vice president, Harmony Lodge; Jason Golditch, treasurer, Friendship Lodge. Third Row: Andrew Lamchick, director; Stuart Solup, inside guard; Andrew Liss, president, Friendship Lodge; Steven Hopfenberg, secretary, Harmony Lodge; Steven Waldman, director and Association treasurer; Jeffrey Davis, Bruce Weisman, directors; Michael Levin, president, Harmony Lodge; Norman Dinerman, director. Not Shown: Arthur Poulten, chairman emeritus, Board of Directors; Brett Boisvert, Association secretary; Stevan Labush, Barry Shaw, directors; Jeffrey Stoloff, secretary, Friendship Lodge. ~1~
Chairman's Chatter
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urrently, Touro has about 550 members. In its heyday, the association had over one thousand. The reasons for the decrease are really not a mystery (I’ll list some later). Since we know what they are, it is incumbent upon us to take the necessary steps to counteract them, lest we see our numbers continue to dwindle. Left unchecked, we could be left with an association that is no longer viable. The emotional attachment we feel towards Touro should be enough to motivate all brothers to work towards sustaining the Association. So what are those reasons? Most critically, we have not been effective in attracting younger men. The result is an aging membership.We have many brothers who are in their 80s and 90s. Frankly, they are passing on quicker than we have added new brothers. Much has also been made of the increased demands for people’s time. Caring for young children, involvement with other organizations, jobs, recreational activities, etc. all compete for a place on our schedules. And let’s face it,
By Jed Brandes, Chairman of the Board
religion is becoming less and less a factor in peoples’ everyday lives. The ability to spend time with other Jews may not have the same allure as it once did. These are just a sampling of the issues we face. What can we do? Challenge the norm. If a common excuse is the lack of time, then that’s all it is: an excuse. People set priorities all the time. We need to state the case that Touro should be a priority. If prospective brothers are forced to choose between Touro and other organizations, which of them can offer the level of fulfillment we get from being amongst our brothers and doing Tzedakah? Not many. Caring for children is certainly important, but doesn’t a father need time for himself? Recreational activities? Take a close look at Touro’s social calendar. At the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: we need to be better salesmen
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rothers, in preparation for this arBy Michael Levin ticle I went back to Harmony Lodge the archived TouroPresident grams to get a feel for the ideas each past president wanted to convey. What I noticed were that the messages expressed centered on a common theme. Words such as preserve, retain, participate and recruit were used abundantly. The basic premise of my inaugural speech was to “cultivate.” My vision for Touro is to grow larger, stronger and younger. The torch that has burned so bright and illuminated the three cardinal virtues of Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence for 97 years needs the fuel (new blood) to burn for another 97 and beyond. The Jewish community is better off with Touro as a vital component and the reverse is true and necessary. As I mentioned in my speech, we need to effectively draw new members from the community to power our growth. In-
From the President
~2~
by overcoming those objections. If we want to perpetuate all the good that Touro represents, if we want to pass along Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence to the next generation, then today is the day that we need to draw a line in the sand. So, I am challenging all brothers. It is a well-established principle of sales that in order to be successful, you need to take ownership of your product. You cannot sell what you don’t believe in. Do you believe in Touro? Then, the time has come for actions to speak louder than words. You (yes, YOU!) must bring in new regular members. To help get your recruiting juices flowing, the Membership Committee h a s i m p l e m e n t e d a ye a r - l o n g comprehensive incentive program. It has set a goal of increasing our ranks by at least 25 regular members. The program will run through the 2016 June Steak Fry. When you bring in your first new regular member, you will receive a $10 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. Once you bring in your third regular member, you will receive a high-quality golf shirt embroidered with Touro’s continued on page 3 - Chairman
novations like FaceTime and Google Plus have connected us beyond our wildest dreams but more too often from afar. In order to connect to this new generation, I pledged to think out-of-the-box with big bold ideas, to innovate and create new events that will capture the attention and imagination of these future leaders. In my speech I mentioned that to grow the membership, we should “brag” a bit more about all our accomplishments, our wonderful events and terrific benefits. Maybe “brag” was not the proper word, but be proud of Touro and not afraid to display it verbally to others. After all, if you want someone to know who you are, you have to tell them. Start by telling them we are an incredibly charitable organization and go up the list of all the attributes and benefits which Touro offers. Tell people how much you get back and the satisfaction you experience from being involved. For the benefit of Touro, CULTIVATE the Jewish community. Talk up Touro, so others embrace membership, and our torch, which burns brightly, can continue for generations to come.
Chairman - continued from page 2
new Centennial Logo. Any brother who recruits five new regular members will receive free admission for himself, one of his sponsored recruits and their significant others to a Two-fer of their choice. There will also be rewards if we meet goals collectively as a group. Once we reach twenty new members, the brother who brings in the most new members (with a minimum of 5) will receive two tickets to an All Pro VIP Patriots Tailgate Party. Then we have a Grand Prize, if we sign up twenty five regular members,
all the new brothers, their sponsors and their significant others will be Touro’s guests at a first class catered gala with entertainment. Prizes are great, but we also want to instill a sense of pride. To that end, we will also commemorate the efforts of the best recruiters with a plaque in the hall. It’s time for Touro to have another heyday. Will you be the one who helps stem the tide of attrition? Who do you know? Ain sheitel holts macht nit varem dem oiven.
Family Game Night - Jeopardy Style
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By Barry Ackerman
ust what our members expected – food, fun and prizes – and we delivered. After enjoying appetizers, latkes, chips and hot dogs, we assembled into four teams. Just like Jeopardy, the teams responded in the form of a question from our myriad of answers. What made this different from the TV version? No team lost points for a wrong answer; we are more lenient than the TV judges. Each team took turns selecting the category/amount; if we did not like the categories, we moved on. Though Touro did not give out thousands of dollars to the winners, each team did win cash and gift certificates. After several rounds, we took a dessert break (because that is what Touro does!) The game ended with Double Jeopardy and Final Jeopardy. By the way, the Final Jeopardy answer was: Named for an 18th century scientist, it will be back near our solar system when teenagers are in their 60s. The question: What is Haley’s Comet? Barry Ackerman played the role of the acerbic condescending Alex Trebek (without the mustache and gray hair)! Special thanks to Mike Levin,
Jason Golditch, his son Ethan and Barry Ackerman for their help in getting the room set up, food prepared and for cleaning up. Also, a special thank you to Katie Levin, our gracious judge and score keeper. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to more members at future game nights.
Social Scene
Summer 2015 By Brother Barry Ackerman Vice President, Harmony Lodge
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he Social Committee plans the events which Touro provides our brothers throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to join our monthly meetings – your ideas, comments and criticisms can better our mission. We meet at Touro Hall on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. If you cannot attend, but have an idea, please talk to us at the lodge meetings or e-mail us. Details about upcoming events may be found at our website: http:// tourofraternal.org/ Please provide us your email address to stay up to date about upcoming events. Here is what is coming up this summer: August 2 • Sunday Touro Summer Family Picnic Masonic Shriner’s Park
FIRST PLACE: SECOND PLACE: Joan Gray Pam Schiff Mort Gray Barry Schiff Carolyn Tick Brandes Judah Rosen Jed Brandes Ethan Golditch Alice Goldstein Sharon Goldstein Sidney Goldstein David Goldstein THIRD PLACE: Noah Levin Mark Lake Jessica Glantz Marilyn Glantz Mitch Cohen Rick Cohen Marcy Cohen Gabriel Cohen Noah Cohen
TEAM 4: Sandy Finkelstein Harry Finkelstein Sandy Garfinkel Richard Garfinkel David Berson
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August 15 • Saturday Newport Playhouse Flamingo Court Buffet dinner and show Dinner 6:30; Curtain 8:00 p.m. August 23 • Sunday Fluke Fishing with Frances Fleet August 30 • Sunday Fantasy Football draft Food, friendship, fun and a chance to win $$ September 20 • Sunday Carole King Musical – Beautiful at PPAC. Sold out! September 30 • Wednesday Touro Joke-Off Menu: Hamburgers and hot dogs
Installation - continued from page 1
Board Members, three-year term (l-r): Robert Miller, Barry Schiff, and Bruce Weisman
Board Members, three-year term (l-r): Jed Brandes, Nathan Lury and Andrew Lamchick
“Each of the men who stand before you tonight are here as volunteers, please appreciate what that commitment means,” he said in his opening remarks. “This commitment goes beyond just showing up to monthly meetings, but extends to charting the future course of Touro,” Hodosh stressed. “For that, they all deserve our sincerest thanks.” Board Chairman Jed Brandes, along with Andrew Lamchick and Nathan Lury were the first trio to be sworn; each was elected to serve a three-year term. Standing before the Touro altar, they collectively recited the Oath of Office administered by Smith. Brandes, a displaced New Yorker, who steadfastly holds dear his love of the New York Yankees, was nevertheless thanked by Hodosh for his active participation in the workings of all of Touro’s various committees. “Touro does not run itself, and we are counting on you to continue to provide our organization with leadership
Friendship Lodge (l-r): Max Guarino, vice-president; Jeffrey Stoloff, Secretary; and Jason Golditch, treasurer
as we approach our 100th anniversary and beyond.” Board members Robert Miller, Barry Schiff, and Bruce Weisman followed, each also elected to serve three-year terms. Andrew Gilstein, the final board member to be sworn, will complete the remaining two years of an unfilled term on the board. The oaths of office were administered to the Harmony Lodge leadership, including Vice President Barry Ackerman, Secretary Steven Hopfenberg and Treasurer Peter Silverman. Once completed, each officer was vested with his jewel of office. Friendship Lodge Vice President Max Guarino, Secretary Jeffery Stoloff and Treasurer Jason Golditch were then sworn into office and vested with their jewels. When speaking of Golditch, Hodosh highlighted a common theme of encouraging younger membership. Golditch, who had not previously held any previous office, has made a commitment to making Touro a priority in his life, said Hodosh. This priority involves extending all of what Touro has to offer to other Jewish men and developing programs and activities that encourage the younger generation to get involved. This will not only continue to help Touro grow, but stave off a diminishing Jewish identity amongst the younger generation. Elected: Andrew Gilstein to two year term on Board
~4~
Centennial Committee Update By Bruce Weisman
Andrew Liss Friendship Lodge President
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Mike Levin Harmony Lodge President
Friendship President Andrew Liss, sworn in to serve a one-year term, spoke candidly after taking the oath of office. Highlighting Touro’s work in the community and tasking every Touro brother with helping to grow membership, he again called for younger members to become involved. Harmony President Michael Levin, who has also served as Harmony Lodge Secretary and Treasurer, capped off the ceremony. “You know that Touro gives back more than it receives,” said Hodosh. “As a leader you want to give to Touro and to help shape Touro for generations to come.” Smith declared the end of the ceremony, concluding the installation with three hearty stomps. Official appointments were made at the June 10 board meeting, with Jed Brandes re-elected as chairman, Alan Lury re-elected vice chairman, Brett Boisvert elected secretary and Steven Waldman re-elected treasurer. Stuart Solup was appointed Inside Guard and Judah Rosen was re-appointed Chaplain.
Harmony Lodge (l-r): Barry Ackerman, vice-president; Steven Hopfenberg, secretary; and Peter Silverman, treasurer
~5~
s Touro nears its Centennial year, brothers are beginning to see bits and pieces of the celebration unfold before their eyes. On Saturday June 11, we unveiled the Centennial Logo at the June dinner dance. This logo will be featured throughout the Centennial year on all advertisements, flyers, correspondences and promotional items. That same night, we drew a second name of a Touro member who will receive a special Centennial Gala weekend package. This includes free admission for two to the Gala on September 16, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick, an overnight stay at the hotel and free admission for two to the Sunday brunch on the 17th. Ralph Nathan was the big winner on this night. Earlier in the spring, brother Jeffrey Salk won the first giveaway at the Spring Two-fer held at the Café Nuovo in Providence. The next drawing will be held at Fall’s Two-fer, to be held at the Venus De Milo. Every brother is eligible to win. All you have to do is be present at any of our Twofers and dinner dances, leading up to the Centennial Gala, to be automatically entered for a chance to win. Other pieces of the Centennial pie are beginning to take shape. These include preparing a time capsule marking the Centennial, along with other social and community activities throughout the 20172018 year. If you are interested in participating on the committee, please contact the Touro office via email info@tourofraternal.org and mention in the subject line “Centennial Committee”.
Michaela Johnson at the Open House
Mayor Allan Fung Pays Touro a Visit
By Howard Wasser
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he annual Touro Open House was held on April 22 and the food, as usual, was excellent. Kosher baked chicken, assorted sides and great dessert selections were served. The guest, Michaela Johnson, was The Rhode Show “Part Two” (last year’s guest, Will Gilbert, is the other co-host). Johnson was the winner of the third annual The Rhode Show: Search for a Star contest in 2010. She was supposed to stay on the show for a year, but has continued through today. If her name sounds familiar to local sports fans, she starred at East Providence High School in soccer, basketball and softball. She moved on to Bridgewater State University and majored in Communications. She was also a walk-on to the women’s basketball team and became the co-captain. The Rhode Show is not a hard news show. Johnson is involved in Michaela Johnson with a variety of features geared towards membership chair Stevan Labush fun and human interest stories. The show runs from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., and afterwards, she works until about 3:00 p.m. to find interesting stories. One day she was a fireman and another time, a lobsterman. These are not fluff assignments; she was required to perform the complete job. After her presentation she answered members’ questions and was very good on her feet. On the next day’s show, she mentioned her visit to Touro the previous night and was hit on by a 95 year-old gentleman. (Go get ‘em Judah)
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By Barry Jay Schiff
n Wednesday, March 25, Cranston mayor and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Allan Fung was the speaker at Touro Hall. He started his presentation with a brief history of the City of Cranston which was incorporated in 1910. He stressed the need to transform neighborhoods from blight to success. He cited Chapel View as a glowing example, Mayor Fung with Touro Board noting its attraction Chairman Jed Brandes of Alex & Ani’s global headquarters. Fung never forgot the struggles his parents went through while running a restaurant in Cranston for 35 years. As Cranston's chief executive, he knows what small business people are going through. He increased Cranston’s tax base by $66 million in his first few years and reformed pensions. Cranston’s finances are now stable, with an A bond rating. A lively questions and answer section followed his speech; Mayor Fung looks forward to participating in our Centennial celebration in 2017-2018.
Welfare Committee Report
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By Steven White, Chairman, Welfare Committee
he Touro Welfare Committee is pleased to report we have been hard at work, looking for worthy causes outside of New England. The committee met recently and after creating a list of causes, which were then investigated, decided to make donations to the following causes: 1. The Nepal Earthquake 2. Fisher House - (similar to the Ronald McDonald House) for veterans and their families. 3. Friends of the IDF 4. Jewish Braille Institute
The members of the Welfare Committee are pleased to help these very important causes. If you know of a nonprofit charity or cause at which we should look, please email me at white1110928@yahoo.com. ~6~
Touro’s Second Annual Fantasy Football and "Pro Pick-Em Football" Challenges By Max Guarino
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ouro will conduct a regular season-long contest, on a weekly basis, for Touro members and their immediate family. Your goal is to choose the winning team for each NFL game played (no point spreads). Each week, the person who predicts the most correct victories wins a prize. [There are tie breakers built into the system.] All you have to do is let us know you are interested, join Touro’s Pro Pick-Em Football via Yahoo Sports web site, and make your picks before the start of that week’s games. Fantasy Football League: We will form, for Touro members only, a league (or leagues, depending on the number of sign-ups) to play Fantasy Football. You must enroll by August 15 and the draft will be held at 5:00 p.m. on August 30 in Touro hall. To participate in the draft, you must bring a computer to the hall. The league(s) will be managed by Yahoo’s Fantasy Football website. Cash prizes will be awarded at the end of the season. There is no cash commitment to enter either of these contests. Simply email maxtouro@gmail.com with your name, e-mail address and which game(s) you will be playing. Come join for fun, fraternity and prizes.
Interested in joining one or both programs? E-mail:
maxtouro@gmail.com or call the office at: 401-785-0066
SPRING TWO-FER AT CAFE NUOVO
~7~
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719
P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910
UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS:
August 23 Fluke Fishing Trip
September 30 Touro Joke-Off Visit Touro at www.tourofraternal.org or scan the QR code.
Will You Be the Next Brother to have a Hole-In-One? Give it Your Best Try at:
2 0 1 5 JULY 5 7 7 5 Bruce Weisman, Editor Columnists: Brett Boisvert Jed Brandes Howard Custis Norman Dinerman Andrew Lamchick Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Barry Jay Schiff Howard Wasser Staff Photographers: Jeffrey Davis Edward Deluty Stevan Labush Touro Fraternal Association 45 Rolfe Square, P.O. Box 3562, Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-785-0066 Fax: 401-941-8781 E-Mail: info@tourofraternal.org Website: www.tourofraternal.org
HARMONY LODGE Michael Levin, President Barry Ackerman, Vice President Steven Hopfenberg, Secretary Peter Silverman, Treasurer Stuart Solup, Inside Guard
TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2016
Jed Brandes, Chairman Alan Lury, Vice Chairman Steven Waldman, Treasurer Brett Boisvert, Secretary Judah Rosen, Chaplain Stuart Solup, Inside Guard Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus Arthur Poulten, Chairman Emeritus Nathan Lury Jed Brandes Robert Miller Jeffrey Davis Arthur Poulten Norman Dinerman Ried Redlich Andrew Gilstein Barry Schiff Adam Halpern Barry Shaw Stevan Labush Michael Smith Andrew Lamchick Steven Waldman Andrew Liss Bruce Weisman Alan Lury Steven White
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Andrew Liss, President Max Guarino, Vice President Jeffrey Stoloff, Secretary Jason Golditch, Treasurer Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide
HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE ~8~
®
Watch for flyer in the mail. GOLF Name:
September 21, 2015
Address: City/State/Zip: Tel: Amount Enclosed:
Email: Preferred Golf Partners: