Fraternity-Testvériség, 1989 (67. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
1989-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 4 TESTVÉRISÉG In this edition of the Fraternity, I wish to share with our members two issues that were much emphasized at the 1988-Convention, namely: 1. We have to rely on our branches for the enrollment of new members. The Federation still operates on a member-to-member basis, in other words whoever knows of the Federation speaks about it to friends, friends talk to friends, and the word is thus spread. Every member can assume this task by becoming a "Finder", by providing the branch manager with the names of prospective members. This is the kind of assistance that we request from all members, friends, church leaders, both ministers and lay-leaders, thus carrying on a tradition of the Federation. 2. The other important issue is to continue reactivating our branch life. Fraternal activity on local level is a requirement of the IRS, however, it also represents a contribution to our very existence. Our voluntary fraternal activities must be made known and available in the community. Great progress was achieved in this respect in 1988 when we granted seed-money on numerous occasions to our branches which in turn used this money to create activities and render support in community efforts. This year our fraternal activities will be enhanced by the recognition of our elderly members who have been affiliated with our Federation for 60 years and more. Our branches and districts are planning to honor these members for their faithful membership and we will seek out every opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their loyalty towards our society. Speaking of recognition—members who are 85 years of age or older NO LONGER have to pay dues. Consequently the following four members: Mrs. Michael Göncz, Branch 22; Mrs. Michael Kovács, Branch 74; Mrs. Emery Papp, Branch 21, and Mrs. Andrew Yarmy, Branch 20 turned 96 in 1988 and were paid in January of this year the face value of their certificate. Our congratulations and appreciation to these members. It is with great anticipation that we publish in this issue the text of the merger agreement, which if agreed upon by the members of both societies, would bring the St. George Greek Catholic Union and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America into a fellowship. The St. George Greek Catholic Union was founded in Perth Amboy at the Greek Catholic Church in 1914. It is a small society, yet with a strong identity, deeply rooted in the Hungarian-American community, especially in the Youngstown, Ohio, and Perth Amboy, New Jersey, areas. The Home Office is in Perth Amboy, NJ. One of the many attractive features of this merger agreement is that the Union will keep its identity on local level—instead of being identified by a mere number, it will be called the St. George District. Such a merger is not unique in the history of the Federation, but unfortunately the identity of smaller and larger societies went into oblivion when they were given a mere number. Had fifty years ago the practice been similar to the one we adopted with the St. George, the heritage of these societies would have been preserved and safeguarded. Sixty days after the publication of this notice, the delegates to the 1988-Convention of the HRFA will cast their ballot by mail. A merger of the Union with the Federation will be helpful to the membership of both societies and will greatly enhance our pursuit of reaching out to a large community in the Hungarian American society. I would now like to thank the outgoing members of the Board, namely Joseph F. Tegze, Vice President- Secretary; the Ohio directors, Rev. Paul Kantor and Edward Szabó, and Margaret Saltzer representing the Western District. They all served the Federation to the best of their ability and deserve the expression of our gratitude. A hearty welcome to the new members, namely Ohio directors, Rev. Louis Medgyesi and Aladar Solymosi, and Joseph Kovács representing the Western District. To replace George Dózsa as Vice President is Endre Csornán. Clara Csikesz has been elected as the new director representing Pennsylvania. These persons in their elected positions have joined the reelected members and will enrich the Board with new input and enthusiasm. Imre Bertalan, President THE FUTURE SITE OF THE BETHLEN HOME of OHIO inc A REST HOME FOR THE fl I ELDERLY III To the right: Aladar Solymosi, Ohio Director & Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bethlen Home of Ohio
