2021 November 5782
INSIDE
Touro Donates $25,000 to Miriam Hospital Cancer Center By Barry Schiff, Chairman, Community Involvement Committee
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Tourography: David Nicolato page 3
(l-r) Jeffrey Davis, Barry Schiff, Dr. Howard Safran, Stevan Labush
Successful Golf Season page 4
New Member Open House Comes Racing Back By Andy Lamchick, Chairman, Membership Committee
Up Close Look at TV News page 5
URI Athletics Turns Around page 5
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early two years to the day, Touro returned to R1 Karting in Lincoln to take to the track at our New Member Open House on October 27th. After a presentation of some of Touro’s highlights, nearly 60 brothers and guests enjoyed a Chinese buffet dinner from Jackie’s Galaxy. Once again, it was great to see so many brothers come out to show off their driving skills. After three serious laps around the R1 track, the winners of the coveted prizes were announced. Congratulations to Drew Hochman, the reigning R1 champion, who once again came in first place and received a $100 prize. Second place was awarded to Peter Ziegler, who will take home $50, and third prize goes to Evan Deluty, who won $25. Congratulations to all! In addition to the great food and racing, many new potential Touro members attended the event, and some have already submitted applications to become brothers. We like to call that… the checkered flag! More photos on page 3.
Brenner Awarded College Grant page 6
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ouro is proud to be making a $25,000 special allocation to the Miriam Hospital’s new Center for Innovative Cancer Research. Dr. Howard Safran, Chief of Oncology, and Holly Palermo, Fund Raising Officer, met with the Community Involvement Committee and made a presentation on the plans to convert office space into this state-ofthe-art center. It will contain four oncology suites for clinical trials on new cancer drugs. Our committee recommended the donation, which was then approved by the Board of Directors. In appreciation of our contribution, Touro will be listed on a permanent plaque at the center and we were recognized at their gala this fall.
From the Desk of the Chairman By Stevan Labush, Chairman, Board of Directors
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t is such an exhilarating feeling to see Touro come back to life! Witnessing the smiling faces of so many brothers that we’ve only seen on computer screens for far too long brings the sense of normalcy we’ve all been craving. While standing before you at the September brunch, our first full event at the hall since January 2020, it really hit me. Even though I was chosen by my fellow board members as chairman last year, this was my first opportunity to offer remarks at an in-person lodge meeting. To look out and see my brothers enjoying the camaraderie and brotherhood, and later the delicious eggs, kugel, lox and bagels, made me realize how special Touro really is for so many of us. It was also heart-warming to see many brothers and their guests this summer on our annual Block Island trip and then at our first-ever Food Truck Picnic at Goddard Park. Both events were extremely well attended and showed us that brothers are eager to gather again and share harmony, friendship and benevolence. We have resumed all our board and committee meetings in person at the hall, and we have an exciting array of events planned for the coming months. It has been wonderful to see some new faces coming to our Social Committee meetings. I urge you all to attend and bring your ideas and suggestions for new activities and potential guest speakers at future lodge meetings. As an example, new Harmony Lodge Vice President Alexander Leach encouraged us to offer a skeet shooting event. We had a great turnout at Peace Dale Shooting Preserve and it was so nice to renew friendships and see some brothers who hadn’t attended events in a while. These are the types of ideas that we welcome and encourage. Social Committee meetings are held at the hall on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. We held a special meeting before the September brunch and unanimously approved Constitution and bylaw changes to increase the mortuary benefits for regular members and to upgrade the election process to accommodate balloting by mail. Finally, I want to encourage you to attend the Chanukah Party on December 5th at 1 p.m. in our hall. In addition to all the fun activities and food for our children and other family members, we will be dedicating Touro’s kitchen in memory of Nate Lury. Nate was a 55-year member of Touro, a 42-year member of our Board of Directors, the longtime House Committee chairman, and oversaw the kitchen for decades. Nate and his late wife Martha organized the Chanukah Party for many years, so it’s fitting to pay tribute to him with this dedication at the party.
Social Scene Fall 2021
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By Alexander Leach, Vice President, Harmony Lodge
tarting with the Food Truck Picnic in August and Skeet Shooting in October, the Social Committee has been hosting first-time events that have been very successful. We are proud to report that we have even more fun in store for 2022. I have been co-chairing the Social Committee meetings along with David Altman, vice president, Friendship Lodge. It is important to us that you know this is your organization and as such the Social Committee welcomes all of your good ideas for new events - we are deeply focused on the spirit of your interests driving our future events. We continue to be encouraged by the many new faces we are seeing at our meetings and we welcome all of you to join us on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Touro Hall. To finish up 2021 strong, we have our annual Chanukah Party on December 5th at 1 p.m. at Touro Hall with pizza, latkes, blintzes, and gifts for all the children and grandchildren. Entertainment will be provided by the Bwana Iguana Reptile Show. The Harmony Lodge meeting on December 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the hall will feature a shepherd’s pie dinner and a presentation by Brother Stu Frieman, who was recently featured in Jewish Rhode Island. He will be sharing his Judaica collection and family stories about the Holocaust. You will not want to miss it! Please watch for upcoming flyers for the January 19th lodge meeting, which will be a fun-filled Trivia Night, and the February 16th lodge meeting to be held at a local restaurant. The Social Committee is working very hard to deliver excellence with our exciting Touro Welcome Back Party on May 28th at the Crowne Plaza. This will be the social event of the year, with great food and entertainment at a nominal price. The next issue of Tourogram will have a lot more details, but mark your calendar now!
NEW BROTHER
Jeffrey Schwartz ~2~
TOUROGRAPHY
David Nicolato Jumps Full Force into Touro By Larry Berman
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eeting all the brothers was fun, and racing around the indoor where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aquaculture and fisheries in 1998. car track was a blast, but David Nicolato freely admits it was He loved URI so much – check out his email address of rhodygrad@ the Chinese food that won him over. gmail.com – that he worked in the Alumni Office as an event planner “Like most Jewish men, I like to eat,” he said with a laugh. from 2001 to 2005. David decided to join Touro at the New Member He met his future wife Cortney at URI and they Open House at R1 Racing in 2019, and he’s kept his foot began dating after their graduations, getting married on the gas pedal ever since. He’s playing in the Touro Golf in 2005. A year later, Cortney was offered a job at the League – winning the A Division in the first half of the American Heart Association’s corporate office in Dallas, season – and was the co-champion of the March Madness so they relocated to Texas for the next 13 years. David Contest. He’s enjoyed it so much that he stepped up to worked in the restaurant and catering industry. become secretary of Harmony Lodge earlier this year and is When the United Way of Rhode Island offered bringing his boundless energy and new ideas to committee Cortney the position of President and Chief Executive meetings. Officer in 2018, the Nicolatos were thrilled to move “While I’m learning about Touro’s history, I want to back. They now live in North Kingstown. David refers bring a fresh and younger perspective to an organization to himself as the “chief domestic officer,” managing that does so much good for the Jewish community,” said schedules for their sons, Jacob, 13, and Ian, 11, who David, who is 44. “Like many fathers of a young family, participate in many activities, including those at Temple my time is limited, but I want to offer assistance, and new Beth-El. ideas I’ve gained from experiences in other states.” “I am going to get back into event planning,” said David was born and raised in a Jewish family outside David, “but right now I’m running all over the place with of New Brunswick in central New Jersey. He was offered a my kids. And of course, I still make sure to set aside time Centennial Scholarship at the University of Rhode Island, for Touro.” David Nicolato
Racing to the Wire!
President's Report By Jeffrey Stoloff, President, Friendship Lodge
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am so excited by how busy Touro is! Since we have made the decision to return to in-person meetings, all the committees are hitting the ground running. We have had lots of newly involved members, who have made the decision to give back. For that, I am grateful and optimistic for the future of this great organization, which has given so much to the community and me. Just look at the last few months! We had a successful trip to Block Island, a great picnic at Goddard State Park, two lodge meetings with interesting speakers and great food, a skeet shooting event and the biggest participation ever in Fantasy Football and Pro Pick 'em. If that was not enough, a long-anticipated return to R1 Racing in Lincoln was a great success. In addition, we have begun planning our major Welcome Back gathering at the Crowne Plaza for May 28, 2022, and so many other events both inside and outside the hall. For me, the best part of presiding at our first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, our Sunday brunch, was seeing people I haven’t seen in nearly two years. We could have served cereal and I would have been happy. But you know, that’s not how Touro rolls! I hope to be able to say hello to more and more members in the months ahead as we celebrate together. Shalom!
Brothers and potential new brothers enjoy the Open House at R1 Karting in Lincoln
(l-r): Drew Hochman, 1st place; Evan Deluty, 3rd place ~3~
'Commissioner' Abe Strashnick Honors the Winners
David Nicolato
David Rappoport swings away at North Kingstown Golf Course
Eight New Players Enjoy Touro's Golf League By Jeffrey Davis, Chairman, Golf Committee
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he Touro Golf League finished up another great season on the links, adding eight new players to bring our total to 24. This year we moved our home from Cranston Country Club to the North Kingstown Golf Course. It was a great change of scenery, playing golf overlooking the Quonset Point airfield. Touro brothers met every Tuesday in the late afternoon, and we once again divided the season into two halves. A and B divisions were formed based on each player’s handicap. We concluded the season with an awards dinner at Richard’s Pub in North Kingstown. For the first half of the season, the first-place winners were David Nicolato, A Division, and Stevan Labush, B Division. Second place prizes went to Ralph Nathan, A Division, and Wayne Forman, B Division. In the second half of the season, the first-place recipients were Jeffrey Davis, A Division, and Wayne Forman, B Division. Second place prizes went to David Nicolato, A Division, and Bob Silverman, B Division. On behalf of the entire golf league, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to Abe Strashnick, the “commissioner,” for ensuring that our matches and handicaps were completed properly and accurately. His hard work does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. If any brother is interested in joining our great golf league for the 2022 season, please contact Jeff Davis at info@tourofraternal.org. We always look forward to welcoming new members. See you on the links!
Wayne Forman
Bob Silverman
Ralph Nathan
Stevan Labush ~4~
Jeffrey Davis
An Up-Close Look at the News with John DeLuca
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By Howard Wasser analyst at ABC6 when he was released from prison. John learned a lot from the late Providence mayor and shared some funny stories. John was asked during the question and answer period why ABC6 has always been third in the local ratings. One possible reason, he said, is that many Rhode Islanders grew up watching Channels 10 and 12. He also told us that only 400 people with set-top meters control the local ratings, and all are located in Providence County. John acknowledged the problems ABC6 news has been having with its sound. In person, his voice dispelled the notion that he talks too softly on the air. John and his wife live in Barrington with their two sons. He is a loyal fan of all the local sports teams and enjoys playing golf. He was a relaxed, funny and enjoyable speaker. In John’s honor, Touro made a donation to Amos House of Providence, which provides services to the less fortunate.
agels, lox, cream cheese and John DeLuca got us back to a perfect start after such a long COVID-19 respite. The ABC6 news anchor was our guest speaker at the September 19th Friendship Lodge brunch meeting. Even though he was born in Worcester, John has been a Rhode Islander since moving to Cranston at an early age. He graduated from Cranston High School East and then URI, majoring in journalism in 1990. It’s not easy to start a career in broadcasting in your hometown, so John began in Columbus, Mississippi as a sports reporter. There he met his wife, Amy. They later moved to Fresno, CA where he worked as a news reporter and anchor. He had always wanted to come back to Rhode Island. John started at ABC6 in 1999 and is now the most senior member of their broadcast team. He caught a big break in 2001 when he was assigned to the Buddy Cianci indictment story. He did such a good job, that they promoted him to news anchor. In a bit of karma, Buddy came to work as a political
Thorr Bjorn has Turned Around URI Athletics By Howard Wasser
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ur guest speaker at the October 20th Harmony Lodge meeting was Thorr Bjorn, the director of athletics at URI. His name, in the old Norse language, means Thunder Bear, befitting his big stature. He also exudes many of the attributes of his birth sign Libra: extroverted, friendly and speaking his mind. Thorr is a native of Salem, Conn. who found his way to the University of Massachusetts, where he was a threeyear letterman on the football team. He graduated in 1990 with a degree in sports management and remained at the school to receive a Master’s degree in higher education. Thorr did not go far away as he started a 15-year career at UMass, where he worked his way up to interim athletic director. Afterwards, he had a short stint in UConn’s business office. In 2007, URI came calling and hired him to be its eleventh director of athletics. His goal -- to make the school champions in the three most important areas: competition, classroom, and community. He told us, that when he arrived in 2007, URI sports were not competitive. Director Bjorn has worked tirelessly to create a united Rhody athletics family. A consulting firm was hired and advised that URI should declare itself a “basketball school” in order to generate more money, since there is big money in making the NCAA Tournament. Under Coach Dan Hurley, now at UConn, the Rams made the NCAA second round in two straight years. Thorr has vowed to get them back to the tournament under current coach, David Cox. ~5~
A keystone to the success was the opening of the Ryan Center in 2014. AD Bjorn has been responsible for over $25 million raised from internal and external sources. There had not been enough invested in the football team until recently, and now the team is doing well. The women’s basketball team hired a big-time coach in Tammy Reis, a former college star and WNBA player, and they have a winning program. Not only has the competition goal been successful, but the classroom goal too, as student-athletes had a combined 3.22 GPA last year. Also, these student-athletes have been active on the community level. Thorr said one of his greatest thrills came recently. Due to scheduling issues, the plane to go to Maryland for the football teams game at Towson State was cancelled and they were facing an eight hour bus ride. As luck would have it, someone had a connection with New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and he offered the Patriots’ plane. The team was in the lap of luxury with first rate china, silverware and great food. Maybe the excitement contributed to the Rams’ first loss of the season. Thorr met his wife at UMass but their allegiances are now with URI – they have two daughters who are URI grads and their third daughter will be graduating in 2023. Thorr Bjorn was an excellent speaker and is a great ambassador for URI. Touro made a donation on his behalf to the URI Foundation.
Brenner is Winner of Touro College Grant By Ried Redlich, Chairman, Student Financial Aid Committee
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ouro proudly announces the awarding of $15,500 in student financial aid to four students who are pursuing higher education degrees for the current academic year. After going through a rigorous selection process, conducted by Touro’s Student Financial Aid Committee, one applicant Alexander Brenner was awarded a $5,000 educational grant that will be used to defray the cost of college education and does not have to be paid back. Three applicants will share in a total of $10,500 in interest-free loans from Touro’s Leo Greenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund. These loans do not accrue interest and are not repayable until six months after the student graduates or is no longer a full-time student. The winner of the grant was Alexander Brenner, son of Jeremy and Sandi Brenner. He is a freshman at the College of New Jersey and is studying physics. He played the trombone and bass guitar for the Smithfield High School band, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Jazz Band and the RI All-State Band. Alexander was the co-captain of his high school cross country running team and was a medalist at the Junior Varsity State Championships. He has won many medals at Science Olympiads. His team took first place in the Mission Possible competition, where they built a Rube Goldberg machine. Alexander is also a Boy Scout, becoming an Eagle Scout by volunteering at the RI Special Olympics and refurbishing his high school music department cabinets, shelving and props closet. Alexander volunteered at an elementary school, assisting the band teacher. He was a chemistry tutor through the National Honor Society, and a math and reading tutor at his local library. Since the establishment of the student grant and loan program in 1981, Touro has made financial awards to ease the cost of higher education. Regular Touro members, their children and the children of deceased Touro members who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for interest-free loans. Regular Touro members and their children who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for a one-time $5,000 grant. In both cases, regular Touro members must be members in good standing for at least two years to be eligible. For more information about the loan and grant programs, as well as many other benefits offered to its membership, visit the website at www.tourofraternal.org or send an email to info@tourofraternal.org. You can also call the office at 401-785-0600.
Bringing the Hall Back to Life By Barry Ackerman, Chairman, House Committee
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ow exciting it was to have so many brothers in the Touro Hall for September’s brunch! In preparation for this lodge meeting, we had the cleaning company perform extensive cleaning of the kitchen, bathrooms and common areas. We have returned to regular cleaning intervals as we hope that Touro will be using the hall on an ongoing basis. Special thanks to Peter Silverman for clearing the outside area owned by Touro. Note that the area next to the left side of the building is owned by Durfee Hardware, so we work with them during the weed season. Throughout the year, the House Committee has ensured that the hall has been maintained and kept up with all safety processes. The committee is always looking for ideas on how to improve the building and grounds. Feel free to reach out so we can continue to improve. ~6~
PICNIC
Skeet Shoot
Block Island
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit #719
P.O. BOX 3562 CRANSTON, RI 02910
2 0 2 1 NOVEMBER 5 7 8 2 Bruce Weisman, Production Editor Larry Berman, Content Editor
TOURO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-2022
Columnists: Lester Nathan Bruce Wasser Howard Wasser
Stevan Labush, Chairman Jeffrey Davis, Vice Chairman Jonathan Finkle, Treasurer Bruce Wasser, Secretary Barry Schiff, Chaplain Mitchell Cohen, Inside Guard Jed Brandes, Chairman Emeritus Alan Lury, Chairman Emeritus Robert Miller, Chairman Emeritus
Copy Editor: Jed Brandes Staff Photographers: Jeffrey Davis Stevan Labush Touro Fraternal Association 45 Rolfe Square, P.O. Box 3562 Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: 401-785-0066 E-Mail: info@tourofraternal.org Website: www.tourofraternal.org
HARMONY LODGE Larry Berman, President Alexander Leach, Vice President David Nicolato, Secretary Jonathan Finkle, Treasurer Ried Redlich, Faithful Guide
Barry Ackerman Larry Berman Jed Brandes Jeffrey Davis Andrew Gilstein Max Guarino Stevan Labush
Andrew Lamchick Alan Lury Robert Miller Ried Redlich Barry Schiff Michael Smith Jeffrey Stoloff Bruce Weisman
FRIENDSHIP LODGE Jeffrey Stoloff, President David Altman, Vice President Adam Finkelstein, Secretary Scott Halsband, Treasurer David Weisman, Inside Guard
HARMONY • FRIENDSHIP • BENEVOLENCE
Thank you, Alan!
Alan Lury, left, the Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2020, receives an appreciation plaque from current Chairman Stevan Labush
UPCOMING TOURO EVENTS Chanukah Party December 5 Trivia Night January 19 ~8~