2021 March 5781
INSIDE
Touro’s Next Generation of Communications
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Tourography: Max Guarino page 3
Football Contest Winners page 4
Update on Israel: Meron Reuben page 5
Dr. Chan: COVID Report page 5
By Lester Nathan, Member, Communications Committee
s information technology keeps changing, so do the ways we communicate with each other. In January, Touro added text messaging to its communications arsenal. This will provide a faster and easier way to send messages to our members who use smart phones. Besides sending meeting reminders, it will be used for day-of-meeting cancellations (for instance, due to inclement weather or other unforeseen reasons) or other emergent information. After testing two texting applications, the Communications Committee decided to purchase the CallMultiplier, Inc. texting application. This allows either a text or voice message to be quickly sent to a smartphone. After compiling names and
phone numbers in January, we started texting 339 of our members in February. Touro’s text messages will always be sent from this number: (401) 414-4492. I suggest you add it to your contact file and give it a name, such as “Touro text message.” You might also make it a favorite in your contact list. Additionally, you’ll be able to opt out of text messaging by replying ‘STOP’ to a message. You can begin receiving them at a later date or revise your cell number, if needed. Other replies are also allowed, and will be seen by someone on our texting subcommittee. If you are not already on our list and would like to receive text messages, please contact the office at info@ tourofraternal.org.
Touro Assists Front-Line Workers, Those in Need during Pandemic
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By Barry Schiff, Chairman, Community Involvement Committee
he Community Involvement Committee understands the great need to provide assistance in these extremely difficult times. Giving to Jewish and non-Jewish charities is one of our organization’s most critical missions. Touro provided 160 healthy lunches for frontline workers at Rhode Island Hospital who had been treating COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic. Board Chairman Stevan Labush, Board Vice Chairman Jeffrey Davis, Community Involvement Chairman Barry Schiff and Harmony Lodge President Larry Berman were present for the donation. It followed up last year’s meals which were donated to the front-line workers at Miriam Hospital.
Frank Carpano, 40 Years
Although 2021 is still young, we have already provided donations to the following worthy causes:
$5,000 to Jewish Collaborative Services to be
equally split between the Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry and the Heating Assistance Program.
$2,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank
$1,000 to Crossroads Rhode Island $1,000 to Amos House $1,800 to URI Hillel to cover the cost for about 100 complete Shabbat and holiday meals.
Touro’s Community Involvement Committee
page 6
provided 160 healthy lunches for front-line workers at Rhode Island Hospital who have been treating COVID-19 patients. Making the presentation were Barry Schiff, Chairman, Community Involvement Committee; Stevan Labush, Chairman, Board of Directors; and Larry
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Berman, President, Harmony Lodge.
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