December 14, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM at Whitney Place. 51 Members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing Log.
Harvey Speck was called upon to present the colors and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
President’s Announcements: A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who may have been lost in the recent tornadoes in Kentucky and elsewhere.
A Box Lunch luncheon is now planned for the beginning of February.
Our thanks to Whitney Place Staff for their hospitality.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the minutes of the December 7th meeting which were accepted as read by a majority vote.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
Congratulations are extended to Norman and Rena Leafer on the birth of their grandson, Sebastian Costa, on December 10th.
Cantor Harold Lew was recently hospitalized and is now recuperating at home.
Sandra Woolf’s adopted son, Louis, passed away on Dec 4th.
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Whist: Ed Rubin reminds all that Whist is continuing every Wednesday from 1 – 4 P.M. downstairs here in the Senior Center. If you wish to attend, please contact Ed as advance registration is required.
Travel and Entertainment Committee member Al Bruno reminded all who had signed up that the Boston Pops Holiday Concert trip will take place on December 15th. Please plan on being at the Community Center parking lot no later than 5:30 PM to begin boarding the bus. Masks and vax cards are required for entry to Symphony Hall.
By Laws: Vice President Steve Lechter, in accordance with By Law Article IV Section 2, made a motion to extend the 50-member quorum requirement to May 31, 2022. The motion was seconded and passed by a majority vote of the members.
Programs and Speakers Committee: Chairman Bob Soffer introduced us to Atty Francis. Crimmins of Stoughton. Atty. Crimmins is a retired justice of the Stoughton District Court. He informed us of the structure of the court system and of his role in what were some interesting matters he heard as a judge both locally and while travelling to other courts.
Members had a highly informative and interesting Q and A with Atty. Crimmins.
Raffle: Harvey Levine did not win.
Next meeting will be on December 21st at the Community Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
December 7, 2021
Vice President Steve Lechter called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM. Approximately 61 members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing Log.
Ed Shifman was called upon to present the colors and lead those present in the pledge of Allegiance.
Steve’s Announcements:
Whitney Place will be holding a Gift Wrap event on December 10th from 11-4.
We are hoping to hold a Box Lunch event on the last Tuesday in January on the 25th. Details will follow.
Our meeting on the 14th will be at Whitney Place. No parking is allowed on the Whitney Place property. Please Park in the corner of Shaw’s Parking Lot across the street and take the shuttle bus or park on the access road just past Whitney Place.
A moment of silence was held to honor those who passed away at Pearl Harbor.
Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the minutes of the November 30th meeting which were accepted by majority vote of those present.
Parliamentarian Harvey Spack reminded us that the Town of Sharon requires that anyone using the Community Center must wear a mask during a meeting or social gathering.
Travel and Entertainment Committee member Al Bruno announced that forty-eight members and guests had purchased tickets and bus transportation for the Boston Pops Holiday Concert on December 15th. Please remember to bring your ticket, a mask, your Vax Card and Photo ID for entry to Symphony Hall. The bus will commence boarding promptly at 5:30 PM in the Community Center parking lot.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
Condolences are extended to the family of Jay Wassersug who passed away on Sunday, December 5th. Services will be held tomorrow, December 8th at Schlossberg Chapel in Canton at 10 AM. Internment will be at Moses Mendelsohn Cemetery in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Randolph immediately following the service. Shiva will be held at his former residence on Thursday, Friday afternoon, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. A donation in his memory will be made to the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
Jerry Lemkin is recovering at home from hip replacement surgery.
Irwin Rosenthal had gall bladder surgery on Monday at St Elizabeth’s in Boston.
We received an acknowledgement from the family of Sheldon Tandler for our donation in his memory to Temple B’nai Tikvah of Canton.
Chairman Bob Soffer of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced us to James Wang of Sharon. Jim came to the United States from the Peoples Republic of China shortly after 9/11. He related how Asian Americans have through their challenging work and academic achievements managed to succeed and enjoy living in this country. He and his family like living in Sharon and participating in the same activities that we do. His children have a good understanding of how their lives would be different if they had not come to this country to live. Jim also addressed the recent increase in violent acts against members of the Asian American community.
An interesting Q and A followed.
There were two winners in the weekly raffle. Once again Harvey Levine’s number was selected.
Our next meeting will be at Whitney Place.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
November 30, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM. 70 members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing Log.
Ed Shifman was called upon to present the colors and lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeff’s Remarks:
Happy Hanukkah to all members and their families who are celebrating the holiday.
Pops Holiday Concert: Members should plan to bring both a photo ID and Covid Vaccination Record Card.
The Club needs someone who may be interested in taking pictures during meetings and at Club events to assist Ken Siegal in publishing the Nexus.
Whitney Place is offering a gift wrap service on December 10th from 11-4.
Please review your information on the recently distributed Membership List. Any corrections should be directed to Ken Siegal as soon as possible.
Membership Committee: Member Phil Rosen introduced us to Marty Cohne who was being proposed for membership in the Club. Marty received the necessary orientation and was approved for membership by a majority vote.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the minutes of the November 23rd meeting which were approved as presented.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported that Jerry Lemkin is scheduled for replacement surgery on December 2nd at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Treasurer Ralph Jacobs reminded members that everyone is expected wear their name badge at our meetings. If you have misplaced yours, please see him so that a duplicate may be issued to you.
Charitable Giving Committee: Chairman Andy Klassman announced that the committee had delivered ten bags of nonperishable foods to the food banks we are currently supporting. This is an ongoing effort, and our continued donations are very much appreciated and needed especially at this time of year. We will continue our collections at each meeting. Your suggestions for additional charitable giving efforts are welcomed.
Walking Group: Andy Klassman reminds all that our weekly walks continue year-round, weather permitting. Bundle up and join the group. Contact Andy for details.
Whist: Ed Rubin says the group meets every Wednesday from 1-4PM here at the Community Center. You need to reserve a place in advance by contacting Ed.
Investment Group: Meets on the last Tuesday of the month immediately following our meeting. You are invited to stop by, observe and have your questions answered.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee welcomed back three-time Pulitzer Prize winning reporter for the Boston Globe, Stephen Kurkjian. Mr. Kurkjian related the story of the Armenian Genocide commencing in 1915 at the outbreak of World War I in Turkey.
His family’s losses and those of a substantial number of Armenians then living in Turkey represent a story nor often told in the detail which he provided to us. The Genocide of European Jews during World War II was conducted based on the plans utilized against the Armenians decades in advance. There is now a greater awareness of the fate of the Armenian people at the hands of the leaders of the Turkish government after aligning their country with Germany in the early days of World War I. An interesting Q and A followed.
Next meeting is scheduled for December 7th here at the Community Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
November 23, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:10AM. 63 members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing Log.
Ed Shifman was called upon to present the colors and lead the members in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Jeff made the following remarks:
All members are expected to wear their name tags during the meeting. It does in fact help identify you to your fellow members and especially to the new members.
Membership Listings were recently sent out by E Mail. Please verify that your information is correct and notify Ken Siegal of any updates.
A hat was found at Whitney Place following our last meeting. Please come to the front of the hall during the break if you think it may be yours.
Membership Committee Chairman Bud Adler introduced us to Mike Flatto and Arnold Wallenstein who were proposed for membership in the Club. Both Mike and Arnold received the necessary orientation and were approved by majority vote.
Secretary Norman Ainbinder and Assistant Secretary Ed Rubin read the minutes of the November 9th and November 16th meetings, which were accepted as read by a majority vote.
Glad and Sad: Nothing to report. Make sure to let Harvey Tobolsky know of any items you feel should be included.
Al Bruno of the Travel and Entertainment Committee brought us up to date on the status of ticket sales for the upcoming trip to the Boston Pops Holiday performance on December15th. Some few seats are still available. Please see Al during the break or immediately after the meeting if you are interested.
Investment Club: Member Mike Yawitch reminded us that the group meets on the last Tuesday of the month immediately following our regular meeting.
Florida Club: Steve Ginsberg gave a shout out to anyone who spends the winter in the greater Boca Raton area to get in touch with him if interested in restarting the group.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced us to Todd Rosensweig. Todd was an executive in professional sports and sports marketing for over 40 years including 21 years in the Boston Celtics organization. He related many interesting stories from the Red Auerbach era of the Celtics. Many of the members spoke of their own recollections of the players we grew up with and enjoyed watching over the years.
Raffle: Barry Fireman donated his winnings back to the Club.
Next meeting on November 30th.
Respectfully submitted,
November 17, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:10 am.
Ed Shifman was called upon to present the colors and lead those present in the Salute to the Flag.
President Jeff Shapiro thanked the members for bringing in nonperishable food items for the two food pantries we support. Collections will also continue next week. At Thanksgiving time these donations are needed and appreciated.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following: The executive board voted to give a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of MA in honor of Whitney Place.
Travel and Entertainment Committee: Al Bruno mentioned that the tickets for the upcoming Holiday Pops Concert on Dec 15th are going fast. If you want a first balcony seat, please see Al immediately. There are still second balcony seats available.
Golf: Mike Yawitch announced golf will be organizing in the spring. See Mike if you are interested. Also, the course at Chamara is offering a November special.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced our member Steve Connolly who gave a presentation on Sharon's own hero Deborah Sampson. Steve took part in the filming of a nine-part documentary on the life of Deborah Sampson. Steve has won many awards including one from the daughters of the American Revolution. He gave an excellent presentation of Deborah's ancestry, her youth, and her heroism as a soldier, disguised as a male, in the Continental Army. She is buried in Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon.
Raffle: Steve Connolly won $19.00, and Barry Fireman won $15.00 The meeting was adjourned at 10:15.
Respectfully submitted, Ed Rubin, Assistant Secretary
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
November 9, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM. Fifty-seven members and guests were signed in on the Contact Tracing Log.
Ed Shiffman was called upon to present the colors and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeff announced the upcoming Veterans Day ceremonies on Thursday the 11th sponsored by the Town of Sharon. He also mentioned that Whitney Place has located items which may have been left behind by our members during our most recent visit.
Membership: Committee members Phil Rosen and Harvey Janson introduced us to Jay Ritt and John Switlekowski who were proposed for membership in the Club. Both Jay and John received the necessary orientation and were approved by majority vote. Bud Adler mentioned that the total membership is now 257.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky made the following announcements:
Condolences are extended to Hank and Gloria Herboway whose son, Glen passed away on September 5th. He was a resident of NC.
Mazel Tov to Al and Marlene Barnet who will celebrate their 60th anniversary on December 17th.
Get well wishes to Arthur Fleishman was recuperating at home from a recent illness.
Secretary’s Report: Assistant Secretary Ed Rubin read the notes of the November 9th meeting which were accepted as read by a majority vote.
By-Law Committee: Harvey Spack presented an amendment to the By Laws which was approved by the Executive Committee and the By-Laws Committee. Any member who had dropped membership for a full year due to illness would be allowed to rejoin without having to pay a penalty fee. He would only be required to pay the current year’s dues. The amendment passed by majority vote without comment.
Travel and Entertainment: Jeff Stohn reminded those present that the tickets for the upcoming Boston Pops concert were selling fast. Please contact Al Bruno as soon as possible for full details.
Candlepin Bowling: Ira Abramson mentioned that the group meets every Thursday morning from ten to noon at the Norwood Sports Center.
Whist: Ed Rubin announced that play continues every Wednesday from 1 – 4 downstairs in the Senior Center. Please register in advance with Ed to assure your place at the table.
Charitable Giving: Please remember to bring your nonperishable donations for the food pantries we support. Bags are located at the rear of the hall for your convenience.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced us to Andrew Pessin. Mr. Pessin is a Professor of Philosophy at Connecticut College as well as the author of books about on-campus anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment. He led us through a highly informative and thought-provoking discussion of many timely subjects such as Cancel Culture, Critical Race Theory, Black Lives Matter, Woke and on-campus anti-Semitism.
Raffle: Winners were Harvey Lewis and Ed Isgur.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
November 2, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM at Whitney Place.
Ed Shipman led the present the colors and lead those present in the Salute to the Flag.
President Jeff Shapiro introduced the Director of Programs for Whitney Place who gave the membership a warm welcome back. Jeff also announced that residents of Sharon could view the new assessment of their properties at specific locations around town and online.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the notes of the October 26th Meeting and was accepted by a majority vote.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
We extend congratulations to Dr. Steven and Joyce Ginsberg, whose son, Ross was married to Jessica Sares on Monday, October 25 in Mexico.
Norm Ainbinder read the amendment to the bylaws as follows. The amendment would waive any penalty payments for back dues for a lapse in membership due to illness of one year of more. Such members would be allowed to rejoin and only be responsible for the current year’s dues. The Executive Committee and Bylaws Committee has approved the Amendment. The Amendment will be voted on by the membership at our next meeting.
Travel and Entertainment Committee: Al Bruno mentioned that the tickets for the upcoming Holiday Pops Concert on Dec 15th are going fast. Bus transportation to and from the Community Center was included in the price quoted. See Al for more details.
Golf: Gary Rachins reported on the golf season. Gary stated, and I quote, “Because of all the members who participated It was an extraordinarily successful season. He invited all members to join them in the spring.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced Michael Gerry the Treasurer and Webmaster for the Boston Fire Historical Society. Mr. Gerry gave a detailed presentation of the growth of Boston from colonial times to the present, the evolution of firefighting equipment and the history of large tragic fires in Boston. He noted that when firefighters lose their lives, the cause is usually the collapse of buildings. It is interesting to note that Boston was the first city to use a fire alarm system.
Raffle: Herb Simons won $20.00, and Steve Connolly won $13.00. It was nice to see a long-time member and a recent member win.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed Rubin. Assistant Secretary
October 26, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM. Approximately 57 members and guests had signed in on the Contact Tracing Log.
The colors were presented, and the members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
President’s Remarks: Jeff reminded us of that next week’s meeting on Nov. 2nd will be held at Whitney Place. Parking is not allowed on the Whitney Place property. Please Park across the street in the corner of the shopping plaza lot or on the access road beyond Whitney Place.
Membership: Committee Member Harvey Janson introduced us to Michael Beck of Sharon who was being proposed for membership in the Club. Michael was provided with the required orientation and approved for membership by a majority vote.
Secretary’s Report:: Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the notes of the October 19th Regular Meeting and Executive Committee Meeting which were accepted as read by a majority vote.
Investment Club: Neil Nager announced that the Investment Club would be meeting downstairs in the Adult Center immediately following the regular meeting. All are welcome to come, observe and to have their questions concerning joining answered.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
Graveside services were held at Sharon Memorial Park on Thursday, October 21st for Sheldon Tandler who had passed away on October 17th. A donation in his memory will be made to Temple B’nai Tikvah of Canton.
Congratulations are extended to Harvey and Nancy Lewis whose grandson, Marcus Rodman, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, October 23rd.
Bylaws Committee: Harvey Spack presented an amendment to the bylaws approved by the Bylaws Committee as follows: Waive any penalty payments for back dues for a lapse in membership due to illness of one year or more. The members would be allowed to rejoin and only be responsible for the current year’s dues.
Travel and Entertainment Committee: Al Bruno mentioned that the tickets for the upcoming Holiday Pops Concert on Dec 15th are going fast. Bus transportation to and from the Community Center is included in the price quoted. See Al for more details.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced Dr. Sidney Kadish who is a retired radiation oncologist. He originally came to Boston to work in the field of radiation at Mass General Hospital. Dr. Kadish gave us a brief review of the history of X-Ray in medicine and it uses in the treatment of cancer. Cancer is treated with Chemotherapy, Surgery, and Radiation. 50-60% of cancer patients will receive radiation. He emphasized the “Bond of Trust” that develops between the doctor and the patient over the course of treatment. It was also noted that cancer patients are a determined group that will seek treatment to alleviate their symptoms more so than those suffering from other illnesses. Dr. Kadish also emphasized the importance of mammograms and colonoscopy exams as part of one’s efforts to keep in good health. A little-known medical diagnosis is the occurrence of breast cancer in men.
An interesting and informative Q and A followed.
Raffle: There were two winners. Neither was a member of the Executive Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
October 19, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:09 AM. Approximately 65 members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing Log.
Ed Shiffman leads those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
President’s Announcements: Jeff Shapiro made the following remarks:
Whitney Place has extended an invitation to us to hold meetings once a month in their ballroom. We will be holding a meeting there in November on Election Day. Members are reminded to park in the shopping mall lot and ride over in the Whitney Place Shuttle Bus. Parking is not permitted in any of the Whitney Place parking areas.
The Town of Sharon will hold a seasonal flu clinic here at the Community Center on Wednesday, October 20th from Noon to 1:30.
The Sharon Council on Aging and the Recreation Committee have requested that we carpool to our meetings whenever possible. Parking is limited in the lot adjacent to this building and the Sharon Police Department will be requested to enforce parking between the lines. Additional parking is available at the lot across from the beach area.
Membership: Committee Member Phil Rosen introduced us to Barry Berman of Sharon who was being proposed for membership in the Club. Barry was provided with the proper orientation and approved for membership by majority vote.
Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the notes of the October 5, 2021, meeting. They were accepted as read by a majority vote.
Treasurer Ralph Jacobs urged all Snowbirds to pay their dues prior to heading South for the Winter. Payments must be by check and should be mailed to or handed directly to Ralph for proper crediting of your account. In Ralph’s absence, Assistant Treasurer Harvey Levine can also accept your payment.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky made the following announcements:
Congratulations are extended to Edward and Thelma Schwartz, who will celebrate their 71st Anniversary on November 12th. Additionally, Edward will celebrate his 96th Birthday on November 19th.
Our condolences are extended to:
Past President Sam Kaplan’s wife, Linda, on the passing of her sister, Gale Elaine Kneller on October 11th at the age of seventy-four. Services were held on October 14th at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels in Canton and interment followed at Sharon Memorial Park.
We also extend our condolences to the family of Sheldon Tandler who passed away on October 17th. No details are yet available.
Best wishes are sent along to Stephen Nathan’s wife, Carole, who is recovering from some recent strokes.
Also, to James Carney who has had some severe medical problems.
Cards have been sent.
Vice President Steve Lechter spoke of the Box Lunch Luncheon held here on October 12th.
Approximately seventy members and guests enjoyed catering by Roche Brothers. He is hopeful of having something similar at a future date.
Mike Yarwich reminded us that Golf continues weekly weather permitting. Also, the Investment Club will meet next on October 26th.
Al Bruno of the Travel and Entertainment Committee spoke of a trip to the Boston Pops “Holiday at Pops” concert planned for Wednesday, December 12th. Final arrangements are being made for round-trip bus transportation to be included in the total cost. A “show of hands” indicated sufficient interest to continue the planning. Tickets will be in the balcony areas of Symphony Hall, as in the past.
Bob Soffer Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced us to Past Treasurer and Club member, Jim Jeneral. We are always pleased to welcome a member to speak of his hobby or life experiences and Jim did not disappoint us. He brought with him, with the assistance of a moving company, a piano player who was built in 1918 and has been fully restored to excellent working order by Jim. A selection of tunes from his collection of some six hundred rolls were played and the members enjoyed a “Name That Tune” contest. Thank you, Jim!
Raffle: Winners were, yet again Harvey Levine, representing the Executive Committee, and Marty Shapiro.
The next regular meeting will be here on the 26th.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
October 5, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM. Approximately 70 members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing log.
Ed Shiffman presented the colors and lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeff’s Announcements: The Sharon Day activities held over the weekend were interesting and entertaining. Many town-wide organizations had a presence there and this is something we may wish to pursue in the future.
Sharon 911 Ambulance calls requiring transportation to a higher-level trauma center due to a life-threatening need will initially be transported to Good Samaritan in Brockton. Other illnesses involving non-life-threatening transportation to Boston area hospitals will be accommodated. Norwood Hospital remains closed and is still undergoing renovations.
Whitney Place’s Open House and Oktoberfest Celebration will be from 4 to 6:30 PM.
Senior Flu Shot Clinic for Sharon residents will be held at Hixson Farms Club House.
Membership: Committee Member Phil Rosen introduced us to Paul Zavracky who was being proposed for membership in the Club. Paul was provided with the proper orientation and approved for membership by a majority vote.
Glad & Sad: Harvey Tobolsky had no events to report to the Club.
Dues: Assistant Treasurer Harvey Levine reminded all Snowbirds that dues may be paid prior to leaving for Florida or other points South. Checks should be mailed to Treasurer Ralph Jacobs.
Vice President Steve Lechter spoke of the Box Lunch Luncheon next week. Finalize your reservation with Ed Rubin before you leave today.
Whist: Assistant Secretary Ed Rubin mentioned that Whist players meet every Wednesday downstairs in this building. Reservations need to be made in advance with him.
Investment Club: Neil Nager asks that you call him for information. The portfolio they have assembled is currently outperforming S & P.
Candle Pin Bowling: Ira Abramson reported that ten people have expressed an interest. Bowling will be in the morning at the Norwood Bowling Center. Please call him if you are interested in joining the group.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee spoke briefly on immigration to the United States and then introduced us to Sharon resident, Vadim Zatz.
Vadim comes to us by way of his immigration to this country from Russia. He spoke of the formation of the USSR and it then evolved into present-day Russia under Putin and how these events affected him and his family and the living conditions to which they were exposed. His family’s efforts to immigrate to the US were made difficult by the government in Russia and a lack of clear and fair regulations to follow. He is grateful for the opportunities he has had for himself and his family since coming to the US in 1979.
A brief Q & A session followed.
Raffle: two prizes were awarded. Ira Abramson continued the Executive Committee's win streak. Please see Harvey Levine or Ira for information on how to join the “Winner’s Circle.” Hint: If you do not play you cannot win.
The next regular meeting will be on October 12th. Luncheon only on October 5th at Noon.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
September 28, 2021
President, Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at approximately 9:06 AM. 64 Members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing attendance sheets.
Ed Shiffman presented the colors and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeff’s Message: Jeff reminded us that October 3rd is Sharon Day with many different activities planned for the family. Many activities will be held in the vicinity of Town Beach. Also, Whitney Place has extended an invitation to us to participate in their Oktoberfest Celebration and open house. Refreshments and tours of the facility will be available.
Bud Adler, Chairman of the Membership Committee extended greetings to us from Barbara Howard the widow of the late Past President Bob Howard. Bud also introduced us to Don Williams and Steve Connolly who was being proposed for membership in the Club. After the appropriate indoctrination by Bud, both Don and Steve were voted into membership by a majority vote of the members present.
Secretary, Norman Ainbinder read the minutes of the September 21st meeting. It was moved that they be accepted as read and they were voted as such.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
Dale Bromfield recently fell and fractured his hip. He is recuperating at Sherrill House in Boston for the next few weeks. He can be reached at: 617 487 0195 and would like to hear from some of his acquaintances in the Club.
Gary Rachins is recuperating at home after a recent heart procedure at Beth Israel in Boston.
Box Lunch Luncheon: Vice President, Steve Lechter called our attention to our upcoming Box Lunch Luncheon to be held here in the Community Center on October 12th. Catering is by Roche Bros. markets. See Ed Rubin for reservations. Refunds will be made if you need to have a last-minute cancellation or if the event is canceled.
Golf: Mike Yawitch announced that golf continues every Wednesday morning weather permitting. Mike also referred to several participants who have scored a Hole in One during their lifetimes.
Charitable Giving: Chairman Andy Klassman announced that five bags of non-perishable food collected from Club members will be delivered to the Sharon Food Pantry today. Additional food collection will be donated to the JFCS Food Bank at Temple B’nai Tikvah in Canton.
Investment Club: Neil Nager invited members to attend a meeting and learn more about how the club works. Returns have been favorable, and the buy-in price is rising along with the value of the portfolio. Please contact Neil for additional information.
Men’s Fitness Group: Jeff asked for a show of firsthand the possibility of starting a fitness group.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced club member Warren Shepard who touched briefly on his experiences growing up in and living in MA. Warren has spoken to us previously and now gave us some further insight into his life as a young boy on a small family farm, attending the University of MA and then working both for the State of MA and the USDA in horticulture and entomology. Warren is an interesting person to know, and we are grateful to him for giving us a glimpse into some of his vast knowledge.
An informative Q and A followed his presentation.
Raffle: There were two winners this week. A member of the Executive Committee was one and kept that group’s winning streak intact.
The next meeting is on October 5th.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
September 21, 2021
President, Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at approximately 9:10AM. 70 Members and guests had signed the Contact Tracing attendance sheets.
Ed Shiffman presented the Colors and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bud Adler, Chairman of the Membership Committee introduced us to Steve Sonis who was being proposed for membership. After the appropriate indoctrination by Bud, Steve was voted into membership by all the members present. We now have 250 members and a couple are awaiting inductions.
Secretary, Norman Ainbinder read the minutes of the September 14th regular meeting and Executive Committee meetings. It was moved that they be accepted as read and they were voted as such.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
Warren and Marge Shepard will celebrate their 55th Anniversary on October 15th.
Bocce: Ken Siegal reminds all that Bocce meets every Wednesday at 9:00 here at the Community Center weather permitting year around. No experience or special equipment is necessary. Contact Ken if you have any questions.
Steve Ginsberg asked for a show of hands of how many of us are Snowbirds to Florida each winter for an extended period. He is trying to restart a social group of club members primarily in the Delray/Boynton Beach area. The person who previously organized a similar group has passed away. Contact Steve if you are interested in joining.
Vice President, Steve Lechter gave us the details of the planned box lunch luncheon to be held on October 12th. Seating will be limited to six persons per table. Lunch will be catered for by Roche Brothers. Assistant Secretary, Ed Rubin is standing by to take your reservations and menu selections.
Bud Adler called our attention to the Community Center art Gallery as a remarkably interesting take in town.
Warren Sheppard recommended the book by our previous speaker, Stephen Kurkjian, on the Gardner Museum robbery.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced us to Al Smith who is a member of the Civil War Roundtable of Greater Boston and the Sons of Union Veterans. Al spoke of the importance of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and its place in American History. He also touched on the purpose of Lincoln being at Gettysburg and how the battle represented a turning point in the Civil War. A question-and-answer period followed.
Raffle: Ira Abramson was the winner.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
September 14, 2021
President Jeff Shapiro called the meeting to order at approximately 9:15 AM. 61 Members and Guests had logged in on the Contact Tracing attendance sheets.
Ed Shiffman presented the Colors and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeff called our attention to the increased ventilation in the meeting room and the availability of seating adjacent to the open windows. We were also reminded not to place beverage cups on the windowsills as it may result in staining of the painted surface. Individually prepackaged snack items are now available with the morning coffee service. Food preparation is still not permitted in the kitchen in accordance with Town regulations.
Membership Committee: Member Phil Rosen introduced us to Larry Gabel who was being proposed for membership. After a thorough indoctrination by Phil, Larry was voted into membership by a majority vote of the members present.
Secretary Norman Ainbinder read the minutes of the August 31st meeting. It was moved that they be accepted as read and they were voted as such.
The Secretary than spoke briefly about US Post Office mailbox “fishing” and his recent personal experience as a victim. Members were urged to use extreme caution about where and when they place personal checks and gift cards into the US Postal System. Outgoing mail should not be left curbside with the red flag in the up position or mail dropped in collection boxes in isolated areas after hours. Gift cards should be sent electronically whenever possible.
Treasurer Ralph Jacobs presented an up-to-date report on our account balances. Year to date our expenses have been minimal with the exception being charitable contributions to two local food banks.
Assistant Treasurer Harvey Levine reported that we currently have 251 members.
Glad and Sad: Harvey Tobolsky reported the following:
We received acknowledgements and thanked you from:
American Diabetes Association for our donation in memory of Lester Lyons.
The family of Marty Woolf for our donation in his memory to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
The family of Millie Berman for our donation in her memory to the Sharon Council on Aging.
Harvey Janson and his wife, Judith, have both recovered from Covid.
Dave Goldman has recovered from Covid.
Jim Carney was recently admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston.
Gary Rachins and his wife, Laurie, have recovered from injuries received in a recent automotive accident.
Welcome back to Fred Appel after his recent hospitalization.
Candlepin Bowling: Ira Abramson announced that anyone interested in joining a bowling group, which will meet at the Norwood Bowling Center, should contact him. He hopes to start the matches in October.
Charitable Giving Committee: Chairman Andy Klassman asked that we bring in non-perishable food items which he will be delivering to the Food Pantry within the next few weeks.
Golf: Mike Yawich reminded us that golf continues, weather permitting. Please contact him if you are interested.
Jim Maltz let us know that FEMA has a Death Benefit Payment program in place for partial reimbursement of Covid related burial expenses incurred during the early months of the pandemic.
Bob Soffer, Chairman of the Programs and Speakers Committee introduced us to Jay Oliver, Information Services Librarian of the Sharon Public Library. He demonstrated the ease with which we can make requests for E Books to be delivered to our favorite reading devices. Assistance is always available through the Circulation Desk. If you do not have a card, they will assist you in having one issued. Please call them with any questions.
Raffle: Harvey Levine was again the winner. See Harvey for details, if interested.
Next meeting will be held on September 21st.
Respectfully Submitted,
Norman Ainbinder, Secretary
August 24, 2021