Fraternity-Testvériség, 1983 (61. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1983-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 4 TESTVÉRISÉG COMMUNICATIONS WITH BRANCHES There has been more dialog between the home office and the branch manager. Periodically letters have been sent. By communication we mean to eliminate the “we-they” attitude. We must have a clear understanding of our inter-dependence on each other. We should apply the Biblical idea of being one body with many members of different but equally important services. We do things better, we produce more, we are a happier family because we help each other. Our branch managers are the “extended” home office — they are the presence of our Federation at community level, where insurance and fraternal needs are being serviced. FRATERNAL, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES In order to justify our reason for existence, we must provide benefits which make us different from the commercial insurance companies and which most effectively will serve to make life more meaningful for our members. The fraternal benefits must appeal to young and old. I wish to remind the Board of Directors of the widely accepted practice of fellow fraternal societies to earmark 15-20% of general expenses as the sum for fraternal benefits. The serving of fraternal goals must be reflected in the yearly budget. We should keep in mind how much we would have to pay in federal taxes if we did not enjoy a tax exempt status. I firmly believe that it is expected of us to utilize our tax savings to promote relevant fraternal services. The Field Force Coordinators will be responsible to help the local branches with fraternal activities. This kind of participation is the pulse-beat of branch life! CHILDREN — Although we have not been able to organize a Hungarian language summer school, there are several being offered throughout the country. Our members are encouraged to attend and the cost will be supplemented by the Federation. YOUTH — The amount of Student Aid has been raised to $200. It is suggested that the donation be awarded at a suitable gathering so that more members realize that this is a small but helpful plus of belonging to a fraternal. Throughout the year I have had occasion io attend regional meetings relating to our Federation. The average age at these meetings is 50 or more. Yet, we do have a good representation of young people as members. Would it be possible to concentrate on giving our young people more important roles in our branches? Thus our vouth orientated fraternal branches could influence all levels of our society. FRATERNITY — Five issues were published by Bethlen Press, Inc., Ligonier, PA, including a special issue about the consolidation. The news from the branches are the most important pages and they should continue to provide snapshots of such events as: distribution of Student Aid; any achievement attained by member, scholastic or of community value; information about 90+ year old members with a picture and a brief history. The magazine is our link with each other! BETHLEN ALMANAC — With the cooperation of the pastors and the printer, some communities had the Almanac before Christmas. I wish to express our appreciation to the many churches that provided the content, to the Reverend Paul Kovács for collecting and organizing and to the Reverend Lajos Illés for proof-reading. BETHLEN HOME — One of our foremost fraternal benefit offered to our members is the health care services of Bethlen Home. The report of Reverend Paul Kovács, administrator, gives the facts about the Home and the retirement village. The retirement community on the hill have developed a good fellowship and have become good friends. Already one person who retired to the village, upon becoming ill, was admitted to the Home for the needed skilled nursing care. It was a comfort to the wife to know that assistance was immediately available and she is able to visit daily. BETHLEN COLLECTION - The Reverend and Mrs. Bela Olah are still busy examining papers, etc., in the spacious, dry room built over the garage at an expense of $25,000. The bookcases have made the material accessible and slowlv the boxes are disappearing. There is still much work to be done — but we can already display our treasures to historians! Don’t forget — everyone is a collector and bring your papers, etc. to Ligonier. ANNUAL STATEMENT The 1982 annual statement and all other documents requested by the states and Ontario, Canada were prepared by Koppelman and Eglow, Certified Public Accountants, South Orange, NJ and by CPS Actuaries, Stamford, CT. The list of those who have been licensed by the various states are being reviewed as they come up for renewal. HOME OFFICE BUILDING Our foremost priority is writing new business, getting new members and revitalizing branch and
