Winter 2006

2006 February 5766

AEDs Distributed to Community Groups

by Andy Lamchick

A

fter months of planning, a gathering was held on November 10th, to distribute Touro’s gift of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to eight different organizations.

Receiving AEDs from Touro were The Jewish Community Center, The East Greenwich Senior Center, The West Warwick Senior Center, The DaVinci Center in Providence, Federal Hill Community Center, Providence, The Silver Lake Center, Providence, The Cranston Emergency Response Team, and The Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston. In addition, we purchased a unit for our own Touro Hall.

On December 13th and 14th, training was held in Touro Hall for all organizations that were receiving the AEDs. Representatives from these groups learned how to use the defibrillators and C.P.R. The Community Involvement Committee on behalf of you, the members of Touro, funded this training. In all, $15,000 was invested in the community to fund this project. Special thanks go out to Dr. Aaron Sherman and Michael Smith who did the legwork on this intensive project.

The Community Involvement Committee met December 27th to discuss how to allocate the remaining funds in this year's budget. After much discussion, it was decided to give our remaining $1,350 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, as there is great need. This donation was matched 100% by Alan Shawn Feinstein, netting $2,700 for the Food Bank.

In retrospect, the committee was able to help a lot of needy people with our available funds this year. We established a fund for needy children at the Rhode Island Foster Care Association, gave a large sum to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and decided to sponsor three students to next year’s March of the Living. That made a great year for us, and countless needy Rhode Islanders.

Inside This Issue From the Chairman ............................2 As I See It ............................................3 Baseball & Brunch ..............................4 Student Financial Aid ..........................5 Movie Mogul ......................................5 Name that Tune ..................................6 Out and About ....................................7

To Serve Man page 3 ~1~

Seated, from left, are Richard Saltzman, director, Cranston Emergency Response Team; James Gumbley, acting chief, Cranston Fire Department; Caroline Tudino, East Greenwich Senior Services; Sue Robbio, Providence Jewish Community Center; Bob Stockley, Deputy Chief, Cranston Fire Department, and John F. DeLuca, executive director, DaVinci Center, Providence.

Second row, from left, Dennis DeJesus, Providence Federal Hill House; Cranston Mayor Steven Laffey; Michael Smith, board member; Robert Miller, board chairman, and Andrew Lamchick, board vice chairman of Touro Fraternal; Vincent Igliozzi, Silver Lake Center, Providence, and Thomas Iannitti, West Warwick Senior Center. The Hope Alzheimer Center in Cranston was not present but did receive an AED.

It’s Nomination Time at Touro

I

t’s that time of year when every regular Touro member must decide who is qualified to lead the Association in the years ahead.

The first step in the election process is nomination of lodge officers and board candidates. That will be held Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at Touro Hall. This year nominations are open for 15 positions overall: eight on the lodge level – president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of each lodge – and seven for the board of directors. (See related story on Page 6 Solup) Every regular Touro member in good standing is eligible to run for office but first must be nominated at this March 1 meeting by another regular member.

The election will be held Wednesday, May 3, at Touro Hall.

The evening of the nominations there will be another Touro tradition: make-your-own ice cream sundaes for all.

From the Chairman

Social Scene

by Robert Miller

I

’ve been trying to write this article for weeks now. I knew the deadline was two weeks ago. I attempted to sit down many times, believe me. Now Bruce is on my case because I am two weeks late.

I’ve criticized others when they have not gotten their articles in on time and then Bruce asks me to help facilitate getting them. Who can Bruce ask for help now?

Sometimes it is really easy and other times it can be very difficult to come up with an idea for a topic … for something to write about.

I could write about all the good things we did for the community last year: donations to the food bank; the defibrillators we purchased and donated to nine organizations, in addition to equipping our own hall with one. There were many other things we did, for sure.

I could also write about the successful events we had at Touro Hall with great entertainment and always good food. The one last year that stood out for me was John Hazen White, Jr. for the entertainment. The steak fry always gets my vote for the best meal.

Then I could write about all the successful events outside of Touro: PPAC, The Venus, Imperial Room, West Valley Inn, The PawSox and more that I probably forgot.

I could then continue by talking about redecorating the offices and boardroom.

The purchase of new chairs for the boardroom. The purchase of additional graves at Lincoln Park Cemetery for our members (Please don’t use them too soon!)

You guessed it. I can go on and on about Touro, about who we are, about what we do and why we do it. It is really about you, our members and what we can do for you and our community. It is really in our heritage as Jews to help and to do for each other.

But what have you done for Touro lately? Have you come to a meeting? Have you participated in an event outside of Touro? Have you invited a non-member to an outside event or to an open house? Have you volunteered lately to help put on one of our great events? Have you suggested a new event? Have you ever considered running for an office at Touro?

If not why not?

If not now when?

If not you, who?

An important reminder from Touro’s Administrator!

E

very Touro regular member is entitled to a mortuary benefit.

When you joined our Association you signed a form designating someone important to you as your beneficiary. However, over the years, circumstances may have occurred that make necessary a change in that beneficiary designation. We cannot change our records unless you tell us to!

Please review your current status. If you need more information or a form to change your beneficiary, please contact the Touro office at 401-785-0066 or, via e-mail at TOUROFRATL@AOL.COM. You can avoid unnecessary delays – even possible litigation – if you look into this now.

Fraternally, Jerry Hodosh

~2~

by Jed R. Brandes 2006 started off with a bang. Brothers Schiff and Brandes pulled off the three-peat at Jerry Tebrow’s Trivia Night in January. February included real fireworks as we inaugurated the Hall’s new entertainment system with the second Touro Super Bowl Tailgating Party. Afterwards, we hit the road with a visit to PPAC for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, followed by a Friendship Lodge meeting at West Valley Inn with comedian Michael Petit.

The spring promises to be equally busy!

Nominations of Board Members and Lodge Officers will be held at Touro Hall March 1st.

Comedians Al Ducharme and Charlie Hall will entertain at the March 4th Two-fer to be held at The Imperial Room at Rhodes Place.

Bring a prospective member to the hall on March 22nd when Touro holds its annual Open House.

Another trip to PPAC is scheduled for April 9th when we will see Little Shop of Horrors. The second annual Touro Family Feud Night will be April 22nd.

Circle April 26th on your calendars when we honor long-standing members at Old Timers’ Night.

Turn to our website for up to date details:

www.tourofraternal.org

Mazel, Mitzvahs & Milestones To…brother Judah and Dorothy Rosen on their 60th anniversary, December 2, 2005

When you see this icon at the end of an article, go to Touro's website to view more photographs.

www.tourofraternal.org

Al Ross: To Serve Man

by Jed R. Brandes

W

hat do you like about Touro? It is not such an easy question. Touro represents so many things to different members, and certainly we respond to them in different ways. For many it’s the food that inspires. For others, it’s the camaraderie. Still others appreciate the Two-fers. I like the family oriented events.

For Al Ross, the hot ticket item is Touro’s community involvement. For he is a man who has spent a lifetime, as he puts it, “returning something to humanity.” A long-time Touro social member, he is a well-recognized figure at our monthly meetings continuing his good works by collecting the soda can tabs. If you’re like me, this seems a curious hobby. But Al explains that they are turned over to one of his favorite charities, the Ronald McDonald House. The proceeds from the recycling of these otherwise forgotten tabs enable the Ronald McDonald House to provide facilities for parents to stay near their hospitalized children. Children, as you will see, are a big focal point for Al. Al served in the navy during the Korean War as an electrician and 2nd Class Petty Officer aboard a submarine tender. Shortly after returning to civilian life, he began his career with the United States Postal Service. He worked a remarkable 34 years as a letter carrier

(26 of them on one route on Providence’s East Side!). How’s that for community involvement?

He has been retired for some 13 years. But, his civic-minded nature ever prevails. Al spends much of his free time as a volunteer for Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island. In this capacity, he befriends terminally ill patients, both at their homes and at nursing homes, by visiting them regularly to help keep their spirits up.

Another of Al’s favorite activities is reading to children, one-on-one, as they recuperate at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Al is also active at Temple Torat Yisrael, staying involved with its Men’s Club.

Of course, the Ross family is the “community” with which Al is most involved.

Married for 46 years to his wife, Ruth, they have four grown daughters and eight grandchildren. Many of them kept him busy at the recent Touro Hanukah party!

Touro has a long-standing record of service to the community, which is something our members can find fulfilling. Al, though, takes community service one step further by making it an integral part of his everyday life. And for that, Al is a source of pride for us all!

As I See It

by Barry Jay Schiff, Harmony Lodge President

“I

t’s been done that way for 30 years.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that statement in the five years I’ve attended Social Committee and Board meetings. Change is an essential part of life. It should also be an essential part of Touro life. Just because something has worked for a long time does not mean that improvements can’t be made to make things run better.

Some changes are already being instituted. The Social Committee has been fine-tuning the ways meals are being served at meetings so long lines will be a thing of the past.

We are working on new ways to keep both new and old members alike interested and excited about Touro membership. The recently installed new television system for the hall will give us the flexibility to host Super Bowl, World Series or even couples movie parties on short notice.

Next year’s Fall Two-Fer will be a whole new experience in a new locale with new entertainment. No more flat tires or hitting animals on the way to the Quonset ‘O’ Club! While significant progress has been made, more has to be done. I urge the general membership as well as the Board and Officers to embrace change to make the Touro experience even more rewarding to all. ~3~

BJs

O

ne of the “perks” of Touro membership is a special group membership rate at BJs Wholesale Clubs throughout the country.

The current regular annual fee is $40. If you’re a Touro member you can join for half that: $20 a year.

If you’re interested, please contact the Touro office by ‘phone (401-7850066), email (tourofratl@aol.com) or mail (45 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI 02910) and the proper forms will be sent to you. Then, bring the completed form to the service desk at your local BJs. The membership expires September of each year so you’ll be charged just a portion of that $20, depending on when you apply.

After that, renew for a full year each September at the register at the nearest BJs. It’s that simple.

Touro Welcomes John Hazen White, Jr.

by Barry Jay Schiff

Baseball and Brunch with Dave Jageler

By Lester Nathan

Picture left to right: Friendship Lodge President Ed Deluty and guest speaker Dave Jageler Pictured left to right: John Hazen White, Jr. received thanks from Brothers President Edward Deluty and Vice-chairman Andrew Lamchick

P

resident Ed Deluty and Friendship Lodge played host to a large winter crowd of more than 100 brothers on Wednesday, December 21. At the business meeting, both lodges approved the purchase of a new television system for the hall. It is hoped that this will expand the number and scope of social events available to members and their families.

Following the always-popular Deli dinner, our speaker for the evening was John Hazen White ,Jr., President of Taco Inc. in Cranston and local talk show personality.

Mr. White began his presentation with a briefing on his background, both personal and professional.

A passionate Rhode Islander, he spoke at length about the pros and cons of our state government and where he thought the state was heading. When the floor was opened to questions, he fielded them all with self-effacing flair and even poked fun at himself. The evening was a fitting end to our 2005 programming year.

Brothers don't hold back any questions for John Hazen White, Jr.

~4~

T

he October 23rd brunch meeting’s special guest was PawSox broadcaster Dave Jageler. He shared his impressions of the local baseball scene with his audience. Not only does Pawtucket serve as Boston’s minor league team for ballplayers, but announcers as well. Mr. Jageler, who replaced Don Orsillo, completed his first year with the team in September.

Dave spoke to us about his background, deciding at an early age to go into broadcasting.

He attended Syracuse University and got his first break as a baseball broadcaster in Charlotte, North Carolina. Later, he moved to the Boston area and worked with Eddie Andelman on radio, before landing the job with PawSox this past March. He did radio play-by-play on 790, “The Score” and his television broadcasting on the Cox channel. One of this year’s innovations was his interviewing of the manager during the game while coaching at third base.

We learned that the PawSox had a very good year, drawing 688,000 fans and finishing tied for second in their division. They will mark their 30th year under Ben Mondor’s ownership next year.

Dave discussed other top prospects in the farm system and reviewed the Red Sox season. Then, he took questions from our members, which included: whether to use instant replay in baseball, the Red Sox current needs, his favorite broadcasters (John Miller, Johnny Most and Don Shulman), Manny Ramirez, whether David Ortiz would win the MVP (eventually won by Alex Rodriguez), Kevin Youkalis’ frustrating season and Jason Belhorn (who wound up with the Yankees). All in all, a pleasant morning with an astute broadcaster.

Student Financial Aid Committee

By Alan D. Lury, Chairman

F

or the 2006-2007 school year Touro offers up to $31,000 in educational aid to members and their families in the form of two outright grants of $3,000 and as many as 10 interest-free loans of up to $2,500 each.

Here are the programs and how you can receive the appropriate applications.

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS:

STUDENT LOANS:

Regular Touro members, their spouses and children, and children of deceased regular Touro members are eligible. Applicant must attend an accredited institution of higher learning on a full time basis for the 2006-2007 academic year. Awards will be based on financial need, academic record and other criteria as outlined in the application. Please note that grant applicants or the parents of grant applicants must have been a member of the Association for at least two years.

Regular Touro members, their children and children of deceased regular Touro members are eligible for interest-free Student Loans. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher learning on a full time basis for the 2006-2007 school year. The loans must be co- signed by a regular Touro member in good standing who must remain a member in good standing during the life of the loan.

Please look for our early March letter detailing the specific application processes.

RI Movie Mogul and a Touro Brother

By Edward Deluty

L

ast November 15, I think we all learned something new about our little state.

Due to the efforts of one of our own members, Steve Feinberg, we found out that Rhode Island Brother Steven Feinberg is an up-and-coming star in the film making industry. It was also nice to see a Touro member as a guest speaker at our regular monthly meeting.

I, for one, never had any idea as to how much money has and will be spent in making movies in the state. On average, the industry can spend from one to two hundred thousand dollars a

day. Steve was personally responsible for bringing a Showtime series worth 25 million dollars, called “The Brotherhood.”

It is scheduled to air in June or July of this year. You can check out the R.I. Film Commission’s web site at www.film. ri.gov. There you will find that Steve has put together a web site full of wonderful resources for the film industry to use.

Steve has tried to make it easier for Hollywood to use Rhode Island as a movie backdrop. He has also made tax credits available to filmmakers, thereby improving Rhode Island’s attractiveness.

The taxpayers of R.I. owe a debt of gratitude to Steve for bringing so much money into the general fund.

~5~

Name That Tune

Touro Welcomes Four New Members

By Bruce Weisman

Wednesday night January 18 Touro welcomed four new members. They are (l to r): Arthur Sheer, Adam Freedman, Bruce Wasser and Brent Golden.

W

ednesday night January 18 was the setting for a hearty meatloaf dinner and Jerry Tebow’s Trivia Night. Each year Jerry comes up with a different topic on which to base the trivia questions on. This year it was TV tunes. Forty tunes were presented and teams of two had to guess with which shows they were associated. There were cash prizes for first, second and third. For a third straight year the “master team” of Barry “Got to get a Life” Schiff and Jed “The Brain” Brandes took the top prize with 38 correct answers. In second place, with 33 correct answers, was Andy Lamchick and Stevan LaBush and close behind in third place, with 32 correct, was the team of Adam Freedman and Bruce Weisman.

New Brothers Welcomed in 2005 Dennis Byrnes Guy Bermel Richard Coren Michael Field Stephen Grubman-Black Steven S. Howitt Stephen Kabalkin

In Memoriam

Stuart Solup Fills Board Vacancy

We deeply mourn the loss of our Brothers and Sisters who passed away in 2005.

Alfred J. Abrams Seigfreid Arnold Sheldon Blustein Harold Coleman Martin L. Engle Robert Engle Max Factor Paul M. Field

Sidney D. Gurnick William L. Jacobson Arthur Kline Everett Levinson Joel Pressman Elliot F. Slack Sadie Shanfield Mitchell Sugarman Peter Traugott

We remember them in the spirit of Harmony, Friendship and Benevolence.

Barry Kaplan Harry Mancoll Rick Nelson Frank Shatz Phillip Sherman Irving A. Smith

S

tuart Solup, a Touro member for the past seven years, has been appointed to the Association’s board of directors to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Brother Joel Press-

man.

Solup is a resident of Somerset, Mass., and has two children, a daughter in high school and a son in college. He is manager of Irving Shoes in Portsmouth, RI. The Touro constitution provides that the board select a member to fill the portion of an unexpired term until the next regular election. The balance of the original term, which, in this case, was to run until June 2007, is then filled at the general election.

Full terms on the board are three years. ~6~

Touro Chanukah Party

Fall Two-fer at the O Club

~7~

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

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

Visit Touro's Website at www.tourofraternal.org

HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS • 2005-2006

February 2006 Editor: Columnists:

Bruce Weisman Jed Brandes Edward Deluty Andrew Lamchick Richard Levenson Lester Nathan Arthur Poulten Barry Schiff Gerald Tebrow

Touro Fraternal Association 45 Rolfe Square, P.O. Box 3562, Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-785-0066 Fax: 401-941-8781 E-Mail: tourofratl@aol.com Website: www.tourofraternal.org HARMONY LODGE Barry Schiff, President Steven White, Vice President Steven Waldman, Secretary Peter Hodosh, Treasurer

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

Touro's Membership Open House Wednesday • March 22 6:30 pm at Touro Hall 45 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI Watch your mail for the flier or visit www.tourofraternal.org

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

For additional information contact Touro at 785-0066

~8~