Magyar News, 1998. szeptember-1999. augusztus (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1999-03-01 / 7. szám
The “other” Jfungarian education in Connecticut STUDIES OF AMERICA Graduates of the Magyar Studies in 1980 MAGYAR In the mid 70's, the late Rev. Emil Nagy of the (then) First Hungarian United Church of Christ asked the writer about his interest in preaching Hungarian in that church. The Minister's idea was tempting, and it didn't really take long till the first "lay" sermon took place in his church. This service was followed by countless others throughout the ensuing years. While doing this servise the significance of the Hungarian cause was never left too far behind. There were experiences that will live forever, especially those received from older Hungarian folks who were expressing themselves time and time again: "Thank you for taking us back to Hungary". A couple of years went by. Some people suggested to starting a Hungarian School. The Pastor wholeheartedly supported the idea. He offered the church to provide the schoolrooms and facilities if Rev. Emil Nagy, pastor, receives the Hungarian flag in 1977from the Magyar Studies of America there would be sufficient number of people signning up. In two weeks over 30 applicants registered; they were mostly from the the church’s English congregation, mainly adults, even at their late ages. It became obvious that, due to the various levels of their existing knowledge, there liad to be more than one class organized. The writer’s 16-year old daughter, Maria (who excelled in Hungarian education) carried a class every Monday evening. A student, Joan I. Farcus, Esq. volunteered to work out a plan turning the school into an official organization. It so became a parit of the newly created Magyar Studies of America, Inc. The organization is nonprofit, has federal and state tax-exemptioa The popularity of the school grew and at the registration of 1979/1980 there were 108 applicants. In additional to four classes, an Embroidery class started under the direction of Mrs. Eva Olah. By this time the students represented all ages and social strata from 8-80; workers, housewives, lawyers, professors, etc. One year the Hungarian School was even áttereled by a black student. The activities of the Magyar Studies of America had become quite extensive. At that time our president started to participate in the weekly Hungarian Program of Rozsika & László on WVOF, Fairfield Radio, and later on WDJZ, Bridgeport, CT. Professor Steven Ross director producer of the nationally known film: "Searching for Wordin Ave" about the early Hungarian immigrants, was also a student. The Magyar Studies of America was one of those which helped him in creating that documentary. At his proposal our organization started its own weekly program on WSHU (Bridgeport/Fairfield) Radio. It was our director, Geyza Gereben's lion's share to produce that excellent show, which for years was acknowledged as one of the highest quality broadcasts available. Our president made guest appearances on other stations and gave interviews to daily papers, also made speeches by request in other states. Magyar Studies of America organized several bus trips, also dinner dances with Hungarian orchestras performing, the attendance reached 250-300 each time. The new classes are gathering on a Monday evening at the Fairfield Woods School Page 6
