Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge has contributed to The Jewish National Fund

The Jewish National Fund’s contribution to Israelis’ quality of life is dramatic, building over 7,000 km of roads and infrastructures for over 1,000 communities, providing employment for hundreds of thousands of new Israelis.

It has raised viable modern communities from the wilderness, using bold research and relentless labour to reclaim more than 300,000 acres of barren land for griculture. Hundreds of JNF recreation areas and parks provide vulnerable Israelis relief from the incredible stresses of daily life, whether sheltering kids in times of war, providing leisure facilities for the handicapped or just giving a moment of respite to ordinary families living under threat of terror and other crises.

1948:
MANNY HERSHBERG

Became the first President and 53 proud charter members proclaimed Ontario Lodge 1800 was open for business. In those early days, the very foundation of this Lodge was structured. Donations were made to the Salvation Army, CNIB bowling was established, Bloorview Hospital programs were instituted and a transportation service was initiated for residents of Bellview House. Community service would be the foundation on which L.M.O.L. would grow into the giant it became. Sports programs began almost immediately. The Lodge bowling league was formed and first competed at Spadina Bowl. It then moved to Karry's (later known as Olympia Lanes) on Edward Street, where it stayed for years. With but minor stopovers at Studio Bowl on Eglinton Avenue near Keele Street and at Club 300, the bowlers home until 1993 has been Playtime Bowl on Samor Avenue. Even then, it was indisputable that an activity like a weekly bowling league was an excellent method to build friendships and attract new members, vital factors in the development of an effective, cohesive Lodge. The early bowling banquets were held at Fantasy Farms and at the Murray House on Beverley Street. Also in that first year, the Lodge's first baseball team was formed and played other Lodge teams in an unofficial league.

1949:
DAVID RIZENMAN

He was President for only a few months and resigned for personal reasons and moved to California. In order to keep the membership informed and interested, it was necessary to schedule regular meetings and to create a Lodge publication. In the late 40s, with most members living downtown and appropriate rooms being available for only $10, Lodge general meetings were often convened at the Royal York Hotel. Executive Meetings however, were sometimes held at members' homes, both of which venues continued until they moved to the new B'nai Brith offices on Spadina Avenue.

1950:
MEL GOLDBERG

He took office after David Rizenman's resignation. The first Observer, published and circulated almost immediately was a page or two in flyer format and run off on a Gestetner. As the activities increased, so did the newsletter. In later years, Marvin Cohen and Harvey Rosen were instrumental in collecting data and preparing the content. By today's standard, it was primitive and required a great deal of patience and typing skills, even with two fingers.

1951:
MOREY ECKLER

Member of B'nai B'rith Canada for 71 years. Charter member of AZA Chapter 103 – Aleph Godol. Charter member and President of BBYM Chapter 34. One of the seven founders of Ontario Lodge. Married Shae Richman, November 7, 1948, first Lodge member to marry. First parents of the Lodge in 1950. Helped organize first 5 pin Lodge bowling league and Captain of first 5 pin Lodge championship team. Helped organize first bowling competition between Toronto and Montreal. Successfully reorganized and changed direction for raising funds for Lodge treasury. The new Ontario Lodge had its share of growing pains, but well-rounded community service programs, ambitious fundraising ventures, dedication to the ideals of B'nai Brith and efficient well-trained executives attracted no small amount of attention from the District, which was shocked by the young Lodge's success. Harry Pachter took great pride in the Lodge's accomplishments and often boasted about their enthusiasm. For his support and constant encouragement, Ontario Lodge conferred on him a Honourary Life Membership.

1952:
DAVID SHAPIRO

Ontario Lodge became a force to be reckoned with. They were the first Lodge to receive a Chai Award. Raising funds was difficult. The Lodge had 80 members. C.V.S. was just raising its head and would in time become the backbone of the Lodge.

1953:
AUBIE HIMMEL

In a tragic automobile accident near Geraldton, Ontario, Leonard Mayzel, age 27, a beloved member of Ontario Lodge and a great friend of many, lost his life. Louis Mayzel then asked if Ontario Lodge might consider renaming itself in Leonard's memory. The membership was in favour, but there was great reluctance from the District because there was no precedent for such a change. The Lodge however, was resolute and under the suggestion that the members would all resign from the organization if the change was not approved. A comprise on the name change was made. Meetings were changed to the Bloor Y and supported Israel Bond purchases.

1954:
ALBERT FEINGOLD

On July 17, 1954 the Lodge changed its name. Our perpetual name emerged and we became Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge #1800. This year became a time of reassessment.

1955:
NORMAN HORENFELDT

Saul Berlin, the Executive Director of Eastern Canadian Council B'nai Brith as Canada was then referred, called Norm Horenfeldt and told him about a handicapped Jewish young man who needed a Lodge affiliation. He went to his home and met Herb Charles who soon after became a member of the Lodge. Many members like Norman, Art Sinukoff, Harvey Rosen, Harvey Adelman, Basil Cohen, Stan Beder, Mike Mayer and Merv Cohen accepted the responsibility of keeping him an active, informed Lodge member and saw to it that he was present at as many functions as he could attend. Herb was an intelligent and proud Lodge member. Along with the Lodge, he was a regular visitor to the Bloorview Hospital where his concern was the plight of the residents, with no thought or complaint about his own. When his condition deteriorated, the Lodge assisted Herb to gain admission to Baycrest Home. Because of their feelings for Herb, the Lodge's presence at Baycrest increased and members were often there on 'Mazel Tov' Nights.

1956:
ARTHUR SINUKOFF

The Lodge struggled to survive. An over-the-top fundraising event was put into play that had all the earmarks of a suspense thriller. Top entertainers were engaged to put on a concert. All of L.M.O.L.'s funds were invested and it didn't look like the event would be profitable but it was. Art Sinukoff credits great unity, fraternity and camaraderie with the event's success. Louis Mayzel, together with the Lodge, donated funds to create and sustain a music room in Hillel House in Leonard Mayzel's memory.

1957:
BASIL COHEN

During this term, the Lodge's activities were directed very strongly toward the support of Israel. This year also saw the first formal dinner dance Installation. Membership had dropped to 75 but retained the strong camaraderie that created the Lodge.

1958:
E. JAMES COOPER

Bingo! A source of huge financial dividends – but only for a few months. This tryout at Club Kingsway was met with interest but wasn't sustained. In Jimmy's mind the Lodge had grown too large and was impersonal.

1959:
JACK MILLER

Bingo was again introduced. The unexpected problem was how to and where to allocate the funds. The Lodge needed to have the means of distribution of funds run smoothly and in conjunction with the guidelines of the District. These problems eventually were ironed out and L.M.O.L. became known for its philanthropic generosity.

1960:
HARVEY L. ROSEN

The Lodge tried a Gasarama at Jack Halpert's Gas Station as a fundraising venture. The Observer acquired its own Gestetner equipment and the Lodge held its first picnic for its members' children.

1961:
NORMAN HORENFELDT

Norm was elected to a second term as President. The first mention of a Canadian District was made. The Lodge formally undertook as of December 7, 1961 the holding of weekly bingo games at Club Kingsway. The membership was 67.

1962:
IRVING SINGER

The first few Bingo nights were not financially successful. Several months passed before the breakeven point was reached. By the end of the first year, L.M.O.L., Club Kingsway and Bingo had become synonymous with fundraising in a style not seen to that time. It was during this period that Bingo went big, generating funds which led to new membership, helped create widespread community service programs, assisted in funding the establishment of District 22, and gave the Lodge national and local recognition. C.V.S. became a much demanded means of helping the community with both participation and financial aid and that put the Lodge above everyone else. The roster in 1962 showed about 75 members. Bolstered by new spirit and enthusiasm, together with the funds to drive them, a tremendous initiative to participate in community service grew to huge proportions.

1963:
BASIL COHEN

Label Katz, the International President of B'nai Brith created a project in Israel, The Ben Gurion Library. L.M.O.L. was one of the largest donors. At the Lodge's installation, at the New Murray House, President Katz was in attendance to install into office Basil Cohen as President and his Executive.

1964:
MICHEL MAYER

L.M.O.L. provided significantly to a development fund which assisted in the establishment of a separate Canadian District to be known as District Grand Lodge No. 22. The inaugural convention in May 1964 took place in Montreal at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Label Katz, President of the World Order of B'nai Brith installed Henry Blatt as the first President of B'nai Brith District No. 22. Our Lodge's tradition of attendance and participation at National Convention began that year with about 20 L.M.O.L. couples in attendance. Also during that year, a considerable donation of $1,000 to help establish a Nachla of Land (part of a tract of land), a JNF project in Israel. Present at the dedication ceremony in Israel were Mike Mayer, Norm Horenfeldt and Martin Maxwell, proudly representing Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge.

1965:
STANLEY BEDER

Hal Kelman along with Basil Grober won the first of our Lodge's many National awards for Lodge publications and as C.V.S. chairman in 1966 was the recipient of the first Sydney Kussworm Award ever presented to a Lodge outside the United States. The number of C.V.S. programs increased exponentially as did the participation of members and their families.

1966:
MAX MAYZEL

The Lodge became involved in a tremendous Israel Bond Drive. Members reached 140. The down side of growth was that there was a certain lack of fraternal feelings. The highlight of the year was his getting married. (his words)

1967:
MERVYN COHEN

The year of the '67 Middle East War. It was a time of concern and panic. L.M.O.L. responded by donating and each member pledging an unbelievable sum for Israel Bonds. In our enthusiasm, we voluntarily put our financial situation close to bankruptcy. This year was the end of the old Observer, which were loose sheets and the beginning of a booklet. The membership grew to overwhelming numbers which he felt made for a less cohesive group. A concern of his was the way B'nai Brith was taking over more of the Lodges functions, leading to what he felt was a loss of independence.

1968:
RALPH KEYES E.

James Cooper was the chairman of the building committee formed to erect the B.B.Y.O. Building. He assisted in the selection of a site and the dedication. The Lodge pledged $250,000 towards the building.

1969:
THEODORE S. HERMAN

The membership had dropped to about 100. The membership became more cohesive and programming and revenue were becoming numerous and more involved. Bingo revenue escalated and it became impossible to disburse all the funds. A trust account was implemented until such time as proper allocations could be sought.

1970:
LOU DEVOR

There were programs that brought out the Lodge members and their wives, en masse. Monte Carlo Nights was one, but it was Klondike Casino Night under President Lou Devor and Chairman Paul Don that a substantial amount was raised for Participation House, a resident for severely handicapped teenagers. They enlisted Pierre Burton, Wayne and Shuster, George Chuvalo, Bobby Hull, Jim McKenny, Frank Mahovlich and several radio personalities to participate. Bowling was an activity that was responsible for attracting more new members than any other activity. From the original Men's League, there grew mixed leagues, then early leagues and late leagues. The bowlers competed locally and internationally, winning countless championships and honours.

1971:
MARTIN RICHMAN

Bloorview Hospital became a major C.V.S. program. Countless members and families transported almost 100 Bloorview residents and their families to Centre Island for an afternoon of fun and games. One of the largest single donations of $10,000 was made by the Executive for a Jewish National Fund project of helping to push back the Arava Desert.

1972:
MARVIN COHEN

The Munich Massacre brought out the horror of terrorists. A movement was made by Marvin Cohen's Executive to raise money through Israel Bonds. The members dug deep and were major contributors. This was year of international crisis and we carefully monitored the events as they unfolded. Every summer L.M.O.L. had a picnic. It was always a colossal effort to prepare but it was worth it. From preparing green ‘garbage' bags full of fresh salad the night before to the refrigerated truck full of food and chazerai (junk), to the barbecued hot dogs and sweet corn, baseball and soccer games, swimming and races or just lying around in the sun, it was the best way for our families have a great time. Under the direction of Marty Simons, the Jerry Lewis Telethon became one of our annual events. In our first year, a bus load went to Hamilton, packed our own dinners and answered the telephones at the Sears offices.

1973:
BERT ABRAMSON

Israel was fighting for her life. The Yom Kippur War came without adequate preparation. L.M.O.L. joined the Toronto Regional Council in purchasing 18,000 trees to be planted in Martyrs' Forest. In 1973, Jimmy Cooper further distinguished himself by being elected as President of District 22. That year, a large number of members converged on the Nevele Country Club in the Catskill Mountains of New York to support his election. It was also the year that the Lodge celebrated its Twenty-fifth Anniversary. The election for the new Executive was hotly contested bringing out 150 members. Under the direction of Merv Cohen and Bert Abramson, the first Dinner Draw was instituted at the Bayview Country Club.

1974:
GERALD MARSHALL

The current logo was created by Oscar Pilpel in the early 60s. In June, Dennis Rowe, Alvin Abram's partner tweaked it to its present appearance. Observer Chairman Alvin Abram made additional changes to the interior content and exterior appearance. The Observer soon became a consistent National Award winner. In fact, after winning the Bulletin Award year after year, a special award was presented to L.M.O.L. so as not to submit so others could have the opportunity to win. The Jerry Lewis Telethon moved from Hamilton to Toronto to Sears on Mutual Street. The C.V.S. International Sydney Kussworm Award prepared by Alvin Abram and Allan Ockrant was won by L.M.O.L. more times than any single Lodge in North America. The presentation was in a large portfolio, graphically designed and displayed unlike others who made scrap books. Our membership topped 350. To make the year a memorable one, $25,000 was pledged to the Jewish National Fund for the creation of Canada Park.

1975:
MYRON SIDENBERG

This was a year of soul searching. President Myron Sidenberg had his hands full trying to pull the different factions together. There was a lot of negative feedback that infected the performance of the members and still the Lodge continued to be big participants in C.V.S. in the city and for the State of Israel. Marty Simons was given the task of organizing a trip to Israel in 1976 as a means of unifying the membership.

1976:
SHELDON GLASS

Until Vaughan Glen closed 30 years later hundreds of members and families gave thousands of hours participating in this labour of love. L.M.O.L. participated in a pilotprojectwhereinthemembersattended monthly meetings helping the residents practice and hone communication skills using ‘Bliss' boards, which translated signs and symbols into letters and words. They raised funds to purchase additional boards for the Home. A large contingent of members and friends under the Chairmanship of Marty Simons made the trip to Israel and left Israel still intact. The Lodge participated as guards for the UJA Walkathon and had a successful Art Auction

1977:
MARTIN SIMONS

This was another year of membership participation. C.V.S. was going full steam with a program a month. The Observer wasbecominganewspaperinstead of a bulletin. Fundraising was growing in leaps and bound. Our bingo was grossing us a lot of money and the Dinner Draw were adding to the funds raised. Success is built on wealth and we were wealthy and strong.

1978:
ALVIN ABRAM

The 1978 Executive total over 45 active members and was the largest Executive in L.M.O.L. history. It was during Alvin Abram's year as President that he inaugurated the first Humanitarian Award, an original acrylic of Ben Libman, presented to the member whose consistent dedication and devotion to the ideals and principles of B'nai Brith were highlighted. By the end of 1978, L.M.O.L. was the first B'nai Brith Lodge to fund raise over $100,000. Based on the then Sugarman Resolution, we had the right to donate up to 10% of the amount to any charity of our choice, even out of the B'nai Brith family of charities. To honour Herb Charles on his 50th birthday, L.M.O.L. contributed a swimming pool wheelchair-lift in his name to Baycrest Home to help kick-start the Baycrest swimming therapeutic program. At the following B'nai Brith Convention, Allan Alexander was nominated for the C.V.S. Sydney Kusworm Award and he was the recipient of Col. Elliott Niles Award as Volunteer of the Year for C.V.S.

1979:
DR. STANLEY WINE

The year that Stan WinewasPresident was one of fulfillment for himself, his family and the Lodge. There were theoften rowdyexecutivemeetings where he learned about people and how to understand them. The enjoyable general meetings, the socials (a not to be forgotten Klondike Night) and multiple organized sport venues where we as young families grew together. Our fundraising events, including the art auction, which he was instrumental in launching. This allowed the Lodge to help support Israel and multiple CVS programs, in fact 31 events in his Presidential year, involving 105 different Lodge members. The highlight was the Lodge's adoption and support of a Vietnamese 'boat' family. Stan wrote: I grew as an individual; I was proud of my family's participation and those who became my extended family in all our projects. But I was most proud that I had assisted the Lodge in maintaining our motto 'People Helping People'.

1980:
LEN URA

While the current year was not without controversy and some disappointment, it was a quality year. This was the year that Bingo reached $1 million dollars in revenue. Although we had new members joining, there was a drop of membership. At the Nevele, L.M.O.L. went Broadway. Through the efforts of many, 'A Shtetl Wedding' was written, produced and re-enacted to a wide and appreciative audience. The participation at C.V.S. was monstrous and the Lodge was in the forefront as a supporter of Israel.

1981:
BEN LIBMAN

The Lodge got involved with Villa Hospital and formed the Bliss Club. The members learned to communicate with patients through the use of symbols. The attendance at C.V.S. was at the highest point in our history and our involvement in the community was to be admired and envied. We were saddened when Herb Charles passed away. He too was an inspiration to the membership.

1982:
ALVIN MALKIN

Bruce Rubenstein was a young Jewish resident at the Villa who suffered from cerebral palsy. Under the guidance of Ben Libman and C.V.S. Chairman Alan Alexander, Bruce became Bar Mitzvah at B'nai Torah Synagogue. Our lodge had a very active year. Many Executive Meeting ran into the wee hours. One of our strengths is our Past Presidents who are like guardians, always ready to be a part of each year's activities and make both a financial success as well as a community involvement success.

1983:
DAVID BERG

This was the year of ‘new blood'. An effort was made to encourage younger members to the ways of the Lodge. An ambitious program was instituted at Roy Thompson Hall and cancelled due to one of entertainers withdrawing. Our old stand-by programs of fundraising and C.V.S. kept the momentum of the Lodge from falling apart. As the President stated: 'In many ways, the year has not been what I would have liked for it to have been.' The Membership book indicated we had 550 members but participation was poor.

1984:
FRANK COHEN

When anything hits bottom, the only direction left is up. Frank Cohen tried very hard to motivate the members to participate. It was a struggle and some of his efforts paid off and slowly there was a resurgent of interest and participation. The problem was that the old were recycled rather than something new created. Fortunately, we still had enough momentum in fundraising to make the year a success.

1985:
DAVID TITLE

Dave Title was a spark to ignite the membership. By the time the year was over, the Bulletin had received Honourable Mention because we had won the award too many times and at the convention, Leon Emer and Peter Stern received the Eliott Niles Award and the Lodge was voted Lodge of the Year at Covenant Breakfast. Membership participation grew and organization afterorganizationlaudedourdedicationandsupport to the community. Club Kingsway closed and half of the Bingo revenue was no longer available to us. The district took over the collecting of membership dues.

1986:
REUBEN NUSSBAUM

The District was having its problems. Some of the Lodges did not submit proper financial records and in fact boasted about hiding some of their funds. How is District to control irresponsible Lodges? Who will support the League for Human Rights? The questions were endless. The issue of women in B'nai Brith was causing a lot of water cooler talks. There has been a decline in membership throughout B'nai Brith and the powers that be wanted the women to bolster the numbers. The picnic and a social event were cancelled due to a lack of interest. Apathy seemed to be everywhere.

1987:
LEON EMER

This was a full year of activities. Programs, Socials, C.V.S., Fundraising were in high gear. The gentlemanlyapproachofLeonEmer encouraged members to volunteer and participate. There were a few disappointments but overall the year was a huge success. The only downer was the continuing disagreements in policy with the District of some Lodges and L.M.O.L. tried to balance their relations with the Lodges as against some policies that could have been better implemented. Membership declined.

1988:
PETER STERN

The Lodge maintained its involvement with the community. Villa Picnic, car rally, barbecue at Banbury Centre, Jerry Lewis Telethon, trip to Wonderland with Kadima kids, the gang show at Villa, Chanukah lightings, Passover baskets, Purim gifts to name a few of the activities. It was a year of giving. This was the year that Norty Grimson threw his bowling ball down the alley only to lose control, have it drop in the next alley and appear four alleys away. Believe it or Not.

1989:
STEVE MIDANIK

It takes a lot of hard work to run a Lodge. With Steve Midanik at the helm, the serious side of him was thrust forward. This was a year of action, of activities, of participation and most of all of being a viable Lodge. At the end of the year, Steve wrote: 'When we started this year, one of my thoughts was to carry on the tradition of L.M.O.L. and build on it. I have tried to do the right thing every time a decision had to be made.' And he did. the last decade

1990:
SHELDON ROSE

To say that this has been an interesting year, would be the classic understatement, what with a new awareness by the grass roots members, the renewed beginning at the national convention, the budget and financial crisis, the fiasco that was the Kingston Conference, the BBYO/Hillel situation and the Gulf War. But through it all, the Lodge carried on its important work and made every effort to ensure that we survived these ordeals.

1991:
BERNIE JADD

The theme of the year seemed to be 'One Person Can Make a Difference'. 188 volunteers gave 3,000 man hours to C.V.S. 112 volunteers helped raise 1.8 million dollars for Jerry's kids. 80 volunteers shared in the mitzvah of four Chanukah Candle Lighting Ceremonies. 28 Chanukah and 38 Purim baskets delivered to the needy and the list goes on. Bernie tried to spark some reactions to get members interested in the Lodge and the overall organization. He attempted to not being a fence-sitter. No year is without controversy but it can be said, that apathy was not our problem. But membership continued to decline.

1992:
HAL RISMAN

The B.B.C. Convention in June at the Concord was the beginning of a year of trials and tribulations. Having our Charter temporarily lifted and innuendoes of wrong doings placed a cloud over the Lodge. C.V.S. handled many difficult situations. The loss of Vaughan Glen Hospital made the C.V.S. program suffer temporarily. Family Recreation was resurrected with the best darn Chanukah Party. And once more fundraising excelled.

1993:
ERIC EISEN

It would appear we have turned a corner. Eric Eisen stated: 'I have mixed feelings about the future of L.M.O.L. On the one hand there are numerous members who, I believe, have the potential to assume leadership roles in the coming years. On the other hand, it is becoming harder and harder to get anybody to be active. Whether it is the economy, apathy or that the members that are currently active can no longer provide the programs and activities that others are interested in, I don't know. But I do know that we will never get anywhere if all we do is complain about it.'

1994:
JACQUES ALTARAS

It seems that the Lodge is struggling to sustain itself. The face of the Lodge is the Observer and only two issues came out and they were early in the term and the appearance of the bulletin was not up to our standards. The Lodge was embroiled in a personal matter that seemed to emotionally overtake the agenda. Controversy was not new but this had to do with an issue that wouldn't go away. In all probability it polarized the activities and that was disappointing. To Jacques Alteras's credit he tried to sail a steady course but was forced to change directions as emotions got out of control.

1995:
PAUL ANDERSON

Currently, aside for a small core of dedicated members, we as a Lodge are not striving, not performing and not achieving very much. We have had too many programs cancelled in the recent past due to a lack of participation with many events not even getting off the ground due to the lack of committed participants. L.M.O.L. has a proud history. A history not of events, not of activities, not of achievements but of membership participation. We seem to have lost the drive to continue.

1996:
LEE SPAGAT

The year seemed to pass too quickly. C.V.S., bowling, General meetings, Executive meetings, special events fell into their proper places. Membership fell and we had the usual hot spots of what to do and what not to do. The only highlight for me was that the late Sammy Davis was finally recognized for the David Title Humanitarian Award for his many years of service to the Lodge as Brotherhood Chairman. Throughout the years Sammy was a pillar of reliability that could be counted on and one whose unselfish dedication to our Lodge needed to be recognized. Sammy unfortunately was unable to attend the Installation as he was sitting Shiva. I went the day after the Installation and presented him with the award.

1997:
ERIC COHEN

The membership continued to decline. With a smaller base, it was possible to encourage the membership to participate. Once again activities were being planned in advance and participation looked better than it had in years. The Family Fun Day and Picnic had 200 participants, the Golf Tournament was a success, Car Rally, Kadima Trip to Wonderland and Adult Jewish Education programs were in motion. A resurgent of interest was the formation of the 50th Anniversary committee. We had survived 50 years and were still breathing.

1998-1999:
SCHURA VORONA

The Observer took first place in the Bulletin Award and C.V.S. struggled. Many programs were downsized, reduced fundraising and a shrinking membership were the problems that plagued the Lodge. In spite of the difficulties, L.M.O.L. persevered and moved forward. The Fiftieth Anniversary was a huge success and in somewayreinvigoratedsomeoldermembersandour Executive committees. During Schura's second term, he focused on communication with the membership, expanding the Observer which had been in a deep downward spiral and sending out regular letters to the membership. Schura's dedication was a big plus to the successes that occurred.

2000:
IAN REGENSTREIF

There is a steady decline in participation. An effort was made to maintain the Lodge's activities but it has been a struggle. Aging, other interests and apathy seems to have infected the community and the Lodge is feeling its effect. The membership is continuing to decline and our financial resources are being strained. The Lodge raised $16,000 fundraising. Membership had declined to 170. We cannot ask where have all the people gone but how do we find new members. And how do we keep them. The current phenomenon is members going to Florida for the winter. Each year the number that goes increases and participation suffers until after Passover.

2001:
RON BLATT

The success of the Lodge's activities can be attributed to the older, long term members who put themselves to work and created programs that maintained the Lodge's reputation. The list of dedicated volunteers reads like a Who's Who in L.M.O.L. Accolades go to Stan Beder, Jacques Altaras, Dennis Tolson, Hal Risman, Moishe Grossinger, Michael Lereck, Ralph Gan, Larry Baine, Eric Cohen, Eric Eisen, Ron Rotman, Jack Goldstein and Sonny Saltzberg. New membership was minimal.

2002-2004:
MOISHE GROSSINGER

Perseverance, dedication, tenacity and determination were the honoured words that could be used to express the work the Lodge did these years. We were confronted with an enemy. Aging. The progressive fact can no longer be ignored. The membership decreases and so did participation. But what is not gone is the hard core devotion of those who constantly contribute. To them, Moishe honoured them for the hours and participation in the many successful programs during his years in office. The list is long: Jack Goldstein, Sonny Saltzberg, Art Andrews, Dennis Tolson, Eric Cohen, Ron Rotman, Irv Pludwinsky, Ernie Gross, Ian Regenstreif, Annie Tolson, Stan Beder, Jacques Altaras, Eric Eisen and Dr. Irv Pisarek.

2004-2006:
DENNIS TOLSON

At my installation as President, I predicted that the next two years would be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. That's exactly what happened. With the help of the Executive and the participation of the members, the momentum continued to build. Challenges were met and overcome. Our award winning C.V.S. program again served and delighted deserving members of the community. General meetings and Adult Jewish Education presented many interesting and inspiring topics, along with the delicious food that was always provided. We managed to balance the budget and have fun at the same time during our many social events. The exemplary efforts by the many L.M.O.L. volunteers raised much needed income through our fundraising programs: the Golf Tournament, Dinner Draw and Entertainment Books. L.M.O.L. remained strong and viable, always upholding the ideals of B'nai Brith.

2006-2008:
DR. IRVING PISAREK

As a B'nai Brith Lodge, we have been fortunate to provide many programs for our community and also for our members. Community Volunteer Services (C.V.S.) Programs: The Annual Kadima BBQ and Picnic; Kadima at the Blue Jays Game; Kadima Day at Canada's Wonderland; Kadima Bowling; Kadima at the Marlies Hockey Game vs Manitoba Moose; The ever-popular Annual Metropolitan Toronto Police R.I.D.E. Program;  Chanukah and Purim Basket Delivery Programs; Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Singing Programs at Pine Villa, L'Chaim and Leisureworld Nursing Homes; L.M.O.L. Annual 'Disabled War Veterans Shabbat Service'  at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; L.M.O.L. Annual 'Bingo Nights' at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; and, Yom Hashoah Program. Various successful fundraising events such as: L.M.O.L. Annual Golf Tournament; The $5000 Dinner Draw; and, Entertainment Book sales; Buffalo Football Bus Trips and Tail-Gate Parties; The Annual B'nai Brith Canada 'Covenant' Breakfast Program; The 'Jewish Hour' Ensemble program; Bro. Martin Maxwell presented: "The Liberation of Holland";  Bro. Syd Fox presented: "Wills and Estate Planning"; Bro. Sheldon and Ruth Rose presented a "Trivia Night"; Anita Bromberg, Legal Department Director of B'nai Brith Canada, presented: "The State of Hate in Canada"; Susan Jackson from the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto presented: "The Jewish Home and Lifestyle"; Rachael Carrady presented a Travelogue entitled: "The Orient Though Jewish Eyes"; Chanukah Song Fest with Cantor Ben Silverberg; We supported "Operation Thank You" by joining with B'nai Brith and Canadians from across the country in saying "Thank You" to our brave men and women fighting for freedom and democracy in Afghanistan; Bro. Marvin Cohen introduced Barbara Scollick, from the York Region Community Care Access Centre (C.C.A.C.) who presented: "Surviving Your Retirement"; Bro. Andy Reti presented the "Paper Clip Movie" and the "YOWies – Yids on Wheels" Program at Beth Emeth Synagogue; Aubrey Dan, President of DanCap Productions Inc. discussed: "The New Kid on The Block - Behind the Scenes on Broadway"; A Celebration of Judaism program with Cantors Ben Silverman and David Rosen;  David Garshowitz, Pharmacist, presented: "Antioxidants and Aging"; and, Barry Lebow, President of Toronto Freedom B'nai Brith Lodge, presented: "Real Estate Trends: Past, Present and Future – Where is the Toronto market heading?". Also, other programs of worthy note were:  L.M.O.L. hosted a website and marked the return of our award-winning publication, the "Observer"; I brought forward an initiative to ‘modernize' the present LMOL Constitution; We published a new Membership Address Book; I encouraged many more men and women to join L.M.O.L. and take on more active roles; I brought back many of our Past Presidents that have so called 'sailed off into the wild, blue yonder'. Mission accomplished, as we now have some of them coming out more often to Lodge events; This Fall, in commemorating "Israel at 60", we are planning an L.M.O.L. "60th Gala Anniversary and Reunion Celebration" on October 26 at the Paradise Banquet Hall in Concord, Ontario; and, L.M.O.L. has put together a "60th Anniversary Celebration - Trip to Israel" event. In closing, Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge is in great shape, is strong and will be in good hands going forward. The enthusiasm, hard work and participation of our members represent the momentum that will keep us going into the future, "from strength-to-strength!".