Magyar News, 1990. november-1991. augusztus (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)

1991-05-01 / 7. szám

THE RIGHT WRIGHT AT THE RIGHT TIME

We all had our eyes on a building being erected downtown Bridgeport at the spot where the Algonquin Club used to be. Some people were nervous about such a development going on. It is hard to change something of that size when it is finished. People's experience with the towering monstrosity a couple of blocks away, what boasts with size and not necessarily with design, rightfully put them on the edge of their seat. Well, die Wright building turned out to be the right building. It may not fancy delicate architectural details, but for its function it is well proportioned and is an asset to Bridgeport's commercial image.

Inside everything is new, fresh paint and carpet, and in some spots construcdon work is still going on. Offices are filling the corridors with the sound of the telephones, the clicking of computer keyboards, and with the muffled talks of ongoing meetings. Strangely enough in this very American place the ear picks up Hungarian words and discussions. This is the reason why we went to see the Wright International Financial Center. Here we met with George Rommel, senior vice president at the company. We may call him Gyuri because he is Hungarian. Our discussion was carried on in a usual bilingual manner, but most of the time in Hungarian. We found out that he was preparing to fly to Budapest in a few days to do business with the government and mostly with the private sector. This isn't the first time for Mr. Rommel to visit Hungary. He has been working with the Hungarians for the past few years. He is helping in the privatization process. One example is the wine industry. He and his staff found a good western partner for the wine region of Csopak. Then they brought some experts from Csopak to the U.S., introduced them to our methods and technology, so when the experts went back to Hungary they had the right idea of what to do in the vineyards. Bom out of this cooperation are the wines with the Balaton label, and a New England wine distributor became part of the marketing in the U.S.A.

There are other ventures, too. Since they found that the Hungarians are highly skilled workers, but do not have the best equipment and technology, Mr. Rommel is searching for partners who could invest, upgrade technology, open up markets between Hungarian and foreign companies in many fields, like furniture, drilling equipment and many others. He is helping private companies to reach a level where they could issue stocks. The Wright InternaOUR HISTORY IN MAKING

History making doesn't always happen on a big scale. What was accomplished in Fairfield for our Hungarian community will not shake the world. As a matter of fact, it might be just the other way around. What happened in the big world trickled down into our little world. The first time ever a representative of the official Hungarian government, Dr. Gabor Menczel, consul from New York, was the guest speaker at our March 15 celebration. The packed house of the Calvin Hall appreciated the speakers message and also the excellent program that was put together by SarikaBalogh. The celebration of the Patriot's Day is an annual event. It is sponsored by the Pannónia Club, the M.H.B.K. and the American Hungarian Heritage Association. Participating in the program was Rev. Sándor Fuleki, László Pal, Életfa Folk Ensemble, István Jonas, Justin Margitay-Balogh, Ferenc Katay, Viki Zoltay, Tünde Miklós, Berci Kovács and Joseph Balogh. A reception followed the program.

TO HAVE OR HAVE NOT

The Hungarian government is struggling to undo situations that are considered unconstitutional under the present political system. It is not an easy task because of the complexity and ramifications of practically everything they touch. The request of restitution is a new law they are working on. What concerns us in the U.S. is the compensation of property that was in some way confiscated, or lost by the communist laws. You should know that the petitions for restitution has to be accompanied by all necessary documents. As usual, the deadline for petitions like this is always short, so if you think that you would be affected by this law, take proper steps to secure the documents of the property.

the East. Its expertise, experience, and former connection in commerce with the eastern block countries is very valuable and has the possibility of opening up new markets.

Our local Hungarian community is appreciative seeing such an effort in helping Hungary and her people proceeding towards political and financial independence, self-determination and a better standard of living. Thanks.

Joseph F. Balogh

The information we received limits the claim to the original owner or their immediate family members. The compensation would probably be satisfied by bonds, giving the option of buying a property of the same value, or selling the bonds. There are other limitations too on the size of the property, and also the compensation is on a sliding scale. Stay informed and have your documents ready.

HUNGARIAN REVIVAL IN NORWALK

March 15 was a show of Hungarians in Norwalk at the Reformed Church. Rev. Joseph Vásárhelyi, the new minister, is getting the Hungarian community back on its feet. The Hungarian language classes, the scheduled video presentations are really paying off. The community room was filled to capacity and the program in Hungarian, emceed by Margaret Csóványos, was heart-warming. Sarika Kovács, Elizabeth Hevessy, Agnes Rethy, the singers lead by Joe Lucskay created a lasting memory. Rev. Vásárhelyi was the speaker both in Hungarian and in English.

The The traditional National Song was recited by Gyula Kucsma.

It should be underlined that everybody was wearing the Hungarian colors on their lapel and many of the ladies were dressed in beautifully embroidered dresses. It was really a nice Hungarian event.

ASHES TO BE HONORED

Cardinal Mindszenty died in 1975 in Austria and his ashes were laid to rest in Mariazell, near Vienna. Now that the Hungarian government declared the sentence against Mindszenty invalid, the ashes will be brought to Hungary for eternal rest in Esztergom. The date for this will be May 3,1991, and the Vatican will be represented also.

tional Financial Institute had a Mutual Fund on the back burner to help develop the private companies to a level where their stocks could enter the market Twenty-five people from the Wright International Finance Institute gathered in Budapest a few years ago at a convention. They enjoyed the Hungarian hospitality, took a liking to the country and the people. After measuring up the possibilities they decided to “stay.” Well sorfa. Hungary has a geographical advantage; it is in Europe, close to the western market and also on the border with