Fraternity-Testvériség, 2004 (82. évfolyam, 2-4. szám)

2004-04-01 / 2. szám

Page 8 Fraternity- Testvériség

services were being planned. Rev. Kovács had been a pastor in Trenton, N.J. for years, and his wife Irene was still a resident at the Bethlen facility. On a happier note, Rev. Bertalan reported that the Bethlen Home met every goal set out at the last convention four years ago, the new nursing home is under construction, and they have reached $1.2 million in their capital campaign toward a goal of $3 million. Their goal is to be moved in by Easter of next year. The new administrator, Mr. David Thomas, has 23 years of experience, and although residents still mainly come from Ohio, New Jersey and the Ligonier Valley region, more residents are coming from all parts of the U.S. He also reported on a supervised trip to Hungary in Sept, that will link first time visitors with Hungarian relatives, and the golf tournament which will be held on July 17th at Champion Lakes, the proceeds of which will go toward a rehabilitation facility at the new nursing home. Rev. Torok introduced Mr. John Feher, a third generation Hungarian funeral director and embalmer, who is with the Outlook company, the sales and marketing arm of HRFA’s new Pre-Need product, which is available in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Since the 1950’s, pre-need grows each year, and in I986, the Outlook Company has been educating people on preplanning their funerals. Mr. Feher reported that approximately 104 decisions need to be made in a 24 hour period following a death, but that 75% of those decisions can be made ahead of time. Pre-Need also guarantees today's prices and can cover shipping the remains to Hungary through the “Welcome Home” addition, which offers a lot for a little amount of money. Pre-Need customers will become HRFA members, and last year, 42% of all funerals were prearranged. The Outlook Company is represented in 14 states and last year, it sold $30 million worth of services.

Rev. Torok then reported on the personnel changes at the home office, and Mr. Ed Szabó gave a presentation on the International Children’s Games and Cultural Festival which will be held in Cleveland on July 29-Aug. 2. Over 3000 children will come to compete in sports and cultural events; 30 children will represent Debrecen, 22 from Kaposvár, and others have registered from Veszprém and Sopron. Rev. Csaba Krasznai of the church was then introduced, and Ed Szabó offered a tour of the church for those who were present.

HRFA’s top salesman of insurance policies, Joe Fabri, reported that 99% of his sales were to non-Hungarians. He recommended that community involvement, preparation, comparison to other products, in-home contact with clients, and membership in Hungarian clubs are the keys to his success. He takes his wife Peggy with him, and they work as a team. He said, “Be positive in your selling environment, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and use the helpful personnel at headquarters.” Board Member Bill Nicholas emphasized the necessity of writing about fraternal events and then introduced the chief elder of the church, Betty Rose Galgan. László Kernes, who has been part of HRFA for 32 years, said he is very proud

of his association with such an honest and hard-working group. “I see them support organizations like the Bethlen Home, and I've been most happy working with them. In 1953, I joined the West Side Lutheran Church, I’m still President of the Lutheran Church, and I was the first Ohio Fraternal Congress President in I984, so my association with HRFA has been long and is still valuable to me.” A lavish luncheon planned by Ed Szabó and cooked by the church women was enjoyed by all who attended.

PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT MEETING

On Saturday, March 27th, the Pennsylvania District Meeting was held in the Bethlen Home. In attendance were Chairman of the Board George Dózsa; HRFA President Rev. Stefan Torok and his wife Cindy; CFO Leslie Megyeri and his wife, Kathy; Fraternal Coordinator Teri Pflum and her husband Tibor; Executive Director of the Bethlen Home Rev. Imre A. Bertalan; Board Members Clara V. Csikesz and Joe Fabri; Branch Managers Rev. Alexander Jalso from Brownsville; Helen and William Szuch and their son Jimmy Szuch from Sharon; Peggy Fabri from Beaver Falls; Olga Darnay from West Mifflin; Mitzi and Joe Berei from Pittsburgh; and Edit Szep and Baba Ujvagi from the Bethlen Cultural Center; Pat Armel, sales and marketing director from the Bethlen Home; and a good supporter of the home, Mr. Miklós Serényi. The meeting opened with a prayer given by President Torok, and Executive Director Imre Bertalan introduced the new administrator. Rev. Bertalan then reported on the home’s Capital Campaign goal of three million dollars and stated that some who have donated a sizeable contribution have designated that a room be named in their honor. Sixty-five residents currently reside in the new facility of Ligonier Gardens on Route #30, and interest is growing in the cottages nearby. Rev. Bertalan stressed the importance of branch activity as some members are now recommending the facility to others. The spiritual and moral support that members give to the home is greatly appreciated. He thanked the cultural center coordinators and reported that many people came this time of year to purchase the decorated Easter eggs. Coach Jimmy Szuch then reported on the upcoming golf tournament. Its proceeds will help purchase $12,000 worth of equipment for the Bethlen Home’s therapy room. He thanked Board Member-Vice- Chairman John Morey for his collection of gifts that are rewarded to players at the picnic after the tournament. In Jimmy’s struggle to keep costs low, he needs help from the branches, particularly those who sponsor golf holes