Fraternity-Testvériség, 2001 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2001-07-01 / 3. szám
FRATERNITY Page 17 BRANCH NEWS Branch 20 - Trenton, New Jersey Our Branch has been working with the Youth Group of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Trenton making walker bags. This project has been so well received that a notice was sent out not only to the Trenton church, but also to the entire HRFA branches, asking for the names of people who use walkers, so that they can each be supplied with a walker bag. About a year ago, I was introduced to Linda Arye, founder of Quilts for Kids, Inc. Quilts for Kids uses discontinued designer fabrics donated by the fabric companies of Philadelphia to make crib-size quilts to be given to children in hospitals. Due to the sensitivities and allergies these children often have, only 100% cotton fabric is used. Linda was asking for suggestions of how to use the fabric that was not suitable for quilts. I thought of people with walkers, who need to use both hands to walk, and have difficulty in carrying things. With a donation of fabric from Quilts for Kids, the HRC Youth Group was enlisted to help make the bags. In July, sixteen members of the Youth Group, nine Federation members, and a number of parents and friends met in small groups to sew. Most of the kids and some of the adults had never used a sewing machine or a serger and some had never ironed. Starting from the basics and working up until the last minute, 21 bags were ready to give to residents of the Bethlen Home in Ligonier, PA when the Hungarian Reformed Youth Camp visited. The group has started making a quilt for Quilts for Kids, and is looking forward to making others. More immediately the focus will be on making items to sell at the church Christmas Bazaar, which is always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The funds raised enabled the Youth Group to host the Annual Spring Youth Conference this year, and send 17 young people and six counselors to youth camp. With enthusiasm still running high after 79 Youth Group hours, 60 HRFA Member hours, and 38 Branch Manager hours, it appears that making walker bags will be an ongoing Join Hands project. Since September 11, “Quilts for Kids” has been working on getting 10,000 red, white and blue flag quilts made for the survivors. I have been helping out on that project, mostly cutting fabric into 54" x 54" squares so that it can be picked up or mailed out to people who will make the quilts. The response has been amazing. Nursing homes and convents are working on them, as well as churches and schools and scout troops. Leavenworth Prison is making 25 quilts, a prison in North Carolina will make 500 quilts. There is so little we can do, but this is something in which everyone can be involved. Since it is (was) an easy one-hour commute from here to NYC, we have many acquaintances who were killed. The pilot of the second plane lived less than a mile from us, and my daughter Krista was in Brownies with his daughter. My other daughter Tamara has a Daisy Scout leader who lost her son. In the short term, we are working on things for the Chinese Auction and the Christmas Bazaar at church. Usually, I participate in craft nights at church, but this year I have only been working on walker bags. The church eagerly embraces new members to our sewing force. If anyone would like to help in our charity work, please call me for information. Every working hand is needed. Deneice Oroszvary, Branch Manager 215-493-0656 Doroszvarv(a>aol. com Branch 22 - Youngstown, Ohio The Hungarian Heritage Day was held in Youngstown, Ohio in the American Hungarian Club on Donald Avenue on Sunday, September 16, 2001. It was a very successful event, attended by approximately 275 people. Plenty of good food was available and the entertainment was simply great! Special guests in attendance were Anthony Beke, Chairman of the Board of the William Penn Association and John K. Morey, Vice Chairman of the Board of the HRFA. Many thanks to our branch members and friends who supported this fine event with their presence. Patti Morey, Branch Manager 330-758-2971 Morey205(a),aol. com Branch 35 - Detroit, Michigan On Saturday, September 15, 2001, Branch 35 held its 2nd annual picnic. Reverend Frank Varga led us in an opening devotion, remembering the victims of September 11th. It was a beautiful sunny day filled with good fellowship, delicious food and lots of fun for the children. A patriotic bouquet and two flower baskets donated by Branch Manager Ilona Szabó were raffled. We are grateful to our branch members and friends for helping us make this a memorable event.
