Magyar News, 1998. szeptember-1999. augusztus (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1999-03-01 / 7. szám
The embroidery class of 1979-80 We presented the late Tibor Tollas, worldwide known Hungarian poet and freedomfighter as well as the great Hungarian movie actress, Zita Szeleczky; also musical artists Kamilla Devay-Nagy & László Pelsoczy of Hungary, and conducted interviews with the Hungarian World Champion skaters: Krisztina Regoczy & András Sallay on our radio program. Tliroughout the years we've established our own Hungarian library. Now we donated most of the books to the library of Ms. Karolina Szabó that is located at the Calvin United Church of Christ in Fairfield. Our red-white-green bumper stickers with bilingual writing: “Isten áldd meg a magyart’VGod bless the Hungarians, were a success. Several hundreds of them were sent to USA, - as well as to Canadian destinations. We also issued metal front "license" plates with the red, white and The class at work green colors and the coat of arms of Hungary. The Magyar Studies of America had communication with world leaders as President Carter and Reagan and the Pope, John Paul II. The organization was immensely involved in the mid 80's with the newly arrived Hungarian refugees, helping them to obtain shelters, jobs, furniture and financial aid. It cooperated in the local appearances of the “Kantus" (from Debrecen, Hungary) concert. Because of sudden, serious health problems and changes occuring within the operating leadership of the Magyar Studies, full activities did not resume for several years. The teaching of youths, 14 & up. and adults by the Magyar Studies of America restarted at the Fairfield Woods Middle School in Fairfield. CT.in 1998. At this writing we conduct 3 classes, beginners, advanced and fluent. Over 40 students signed up. The organization never charges any tuition fee, the Hungarian education is provided free of charge. Non-obligatoiy membership is offered. The teachers work without any compensation Our studies include the Hungarian language, history, culture and customs. Some of our educational resources are the tapes of the "Hungarian Mosaic' created and presented originally by Claudia Margitay-Balogh on WVOF, Fairfield Radio. The students are encouraged to ask questions relating to any Hungarian matters, i.e. our philosophy is to avoid the dry and rigid, even dominating way of teaching. We are determined to provide truthful and objective responses. While we cannot have any room for politics within the school, we never deny our fostering of the Hungarian national consciousness either. It is interesting to find out what distances some of our students must commute every Monday evening to attend the Hungarian School of the Magyar Studies of America in Fairfield. Some residences (in alphabetical order): Beacon Falls, Darien, Easton, Milford, New Hartford, New Haven, Orange, Sandy Hook, Shelton, South Norwalk, Stratford, Westport (without any cynicism: there are students from the immediate Fairfield- Bridgeport area too). Our farthest traveling student is a young lady who drives with her young baby in the car. Each way takes her 1 1/2 hours. One may ask: why should we teach adults; why should they learn Hungarian? Some of their answers given at the registration may suggest the clues: "My wife is Hungarian,and the language is beautiful and rich"; "My husband is Hungarian, 1 want to learn his language"; "My future wife is Hungarian. I want to learn the language and culture"; (An 81 year old lady:) “1 wish to improve my Hungarian writing”; "I want to get back to my roots"; (Another person who was born in this country:) "1 want to learn my (!) language. "; “It is something that I've wanted to do since I was young. ”; "Used to speak fluently, would like to do so again."; “Learn about my Hungarian heritage. " "My father was born in Hungary, and is very ill now..." (A young gentleman whose son at the registration was about l1/4 years old:) "My son has been taking Hungarian lessons from a private teacher twice a week since he was 6 months old. 1 feel that 1 must learn the language." The enthusiasm of our students strengthens our commitment to help flourish the Hungarian causes wherever possible. In fact dire Magyar Studies is entrusted to offer assistance furthering all common Hungarian interests. In conclusion we are taking this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all of those Hungarians and sympathizers, being prominent or part of the "silent majority" who have in die past and still are supporting the Magyar Studies of America, Inc. Thanks to the students who are helping to keep the Hungarian language alive. Thanks to our many teachers throughout the decades, who, just as all of our office holders have spent so much of their time, offered their talent voluntarily for the cause without ever seeking anything in return. Thanks to our Board of Directors and out Advisory Commidee, both Bodies being the foundadon of our organization, both still consisting of some of those members who worked with us right from the beginning of our existence... Thanks to all of those exceptional, understanding spouses. Gyula Egervári Page 7
