Bethlen Almanac 2001 (Ligonier)
The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America
Maria Poes Fraternal Day Blessed with picture perfect weather, the St. George District and the Combined New Jersey Branches of the HRFA sponsored their 9th Annual Maria Poes Fraternal Day on Sunday, August 5, 2001. The picturesque grounds of the Basilian Fathers of Mariapoch in Matawan, New Jersey, was again the site of the event. Father Stephen Skinta, OSBM from St. Joseph’s Church in New Brunswick, N.J. and Deacon Alex Kubik of St. Michael’s Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, gave the invocation in Hungarian and English respectively. Mrs. Elaine Convery led in the singing of the American and Hungarian Anthems and President Mr. George Dózsa gave the welcome. The Committee was honored to have in attendance Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director of the Bethlen Home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and Rev. and Mrs. Leslie Martin, Pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church of South Norwalk, Connecticut. Stuffed cabbage was added to the regular Hungarian fare that had been served in past years and proved to be very well received. The music of “Our Gang” once again delighted the crowd of close to 250. There was also the customary Pony Rides and Animal Petting Farm for the children. A craft table hosted by Laura Melanson featuring face painting, tattooing and the creating of flower and ribbon Hungarian crowns for each child also proved very entertaining. Around mid afternoon the ever popular Csurdongolo Dance Group from New Brunswick, New Jersey, in their traditional costume, thrilled everyone with their spirited Hungarian dances. They have enriched our program with their consummate performance for many years. The traditional finale of our function has been the serving of a cornucopia of Hungarian salami and cheese, crackers, tepertő and an assortment of grapes and other fresh fruits. With the strains of the last song played, another Maria Poes Fraternal Day came to a memorable conclusion. Michael Pauli, Jr., Director, General Chairman Moment of pleasant talk. President George Dózsa, Chairman of the Board Priscilla Hunyady and Executive Director of the Bethlen Home Rev. Imre A. Bertalan. 52
