Verhovayak Lapja, 1945 (28. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1945 / Verhovay Journal
November 14, 1945 THE FERRET SEZ MBmiiiuiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiimiiiiimmiiiiniiiMiiiiiiniiiiniiiiimiii mmmammmaamm ■iiiiiiiiiiiii mmmmmmuumm. gy “Forgiveness is the fragrance m the violet sheds on the heel I Mrs. Jolán Lucas | that has crushed it.” —Mark Twain. Every so often in our fraternal work, a piece of business will assume proportions of such crushing magnitude that it takes the wisdom of a Solomon, and the goodness and diplomacy of a Roosevelt, to untangle the mess and again re-create a smoothrunning flow of understanding co-operation. Your Ferret believes that such a man is now at the helm of District VII and is taking a firm hold oni the wheel... with the proper cooperation of all branches in this district, and particularly in Detroit, big things should soon become second nature to co- Workers and leaders in this area. Mr. Nicholas Takacs, who was recently appointed to fulfill the far-reaching responsibilities of his position as District Manager, has been having the eight or so branch managers in the Motor City together for informal and friendly confabs, giving all of us an opportunity to air our grievances and to present workable plans to renew leadership in this important Verhovay city. He is giving us the benefit of his many years as a successful and wellliked leader; he is planning on periodical meetings which will be based on what, in other firms, are known as “sales meetings” for salesmen and agents; his ambitions include many innovations in the way of social and fraternal affairs. I believe that if all of us will go put of our Way just a little bit and forgive each other for past mistakes and try to cooperate for the common cause, that the rewards will justify the natural, but oftentimes difficult are of “giving and taking.” With over 5,000 members in this one city alone, imagine what wonders could be accomplished in proportion to what has already been accomplished, for example, in Alliance, Ohio, with only two branches and eighty Verhovay families. To go a bit more into detail... generalizing may have its place mill— in some instances, but specific issues clarify problems so that even the most demanding and nagging “hair-splitters” can be made to realize the urgency of working together as a well-oiled and efficient machine. The major cause of misunderstandings between branch managers appears to be the continual “pirating” of members from one branch to another. Several plans are offered to counteract this shady practice, but if branch managers will only delve into the reasons of why this isi being done, the necessity for many of these transfers can be readily understood. It has been proven that various members of Verhovay families belong to different branches, regardless of what the reasons may have been. The plan which seems most reasonable and logical is to see that all members of a family belong to one branch (except, of course, in those few cases where a member recognizes the need for belonging to several) so that only one branch manager is required to take care of the collection of dues, signing up new prospects, or whatever benefit matters need to be taken care of. Naturally, this will involve the loss of members from smaller branches and the growth of members in the larger branches. To counteract this loss and gain, a feasible plan can be put into smooth operation ... for the loss through transfer of every member from, let’s take 429 as a specific ease, to, let’s be explicit again, Branch 36, the manager of 36 will re-transfer an individual from a family where there are no other V. members. In this way, Branch 36 would have all of its members of a family in one branch, but neither will 429 lose through the deal. Oh yes, it is easy to see that all sorts of arguments will come up here to the effect that the re-transferred member may not desire membership in 429, etc. etc. etc. However, facts have proven that about 90% of the members do hot know, or care less, which branch they belong to as long as they are V. members whose dues are collected regularly, and whose benefit matters can be efficiently taken care of. Here’s where some of that “giving” comes in, and ■ it would really be interesting, as well as educational, to hear what branch managers throughout the country think of this idea. If it can be worked out sensibly, without continual griping, in one Verhovay district, it isi probable it can be worked out elsewhere. The results would certainly create a jnore understanding brotherhood. Another problem, which may seem a minor offense but which can stir up numerous hatreds and lack of cooperation, is the libelous and slanderous remarks which are often made by, and about, branch managers and members. There is no need for hiding our heads in the sand about this practice because it is a real problem and happens in the best of Verhovs^ communities. The continual exercising of this hateful habit does very little to preserve a belief in the organization, and remarks can often be heard to the effect. Why should I belong to a lodge, or group, where there is continuous mud-slinging? Think about this! These are only two of the problems which every V. community has to work out, and having the leaders in for friendly confabs can do a great deal towards raising the standard of beauty of belonging to the Verhovay Association. One more thing, (in defense, perhaps?) your old Ferret may not be an expert in writing, and may not be equipped to deal with fraternal problems, but after ten years’ experience as a branch manager, even a small-timer becomes adept at recognizing the need for closer cooperation and fair dealings, Let’s have your comments and constructive suggestions, and as the old saying goes, “take the bull by the tail and lick the problem.” THE GRAPE FESTIVAL DANCE... Don’t forget the Grape Dance given by the 429-ers for the benefit of the American Hungarian Relief on Saturday, November 17th, beginning at 7 P. 3VI. in the Verhovay Fraternal Verhovay Journal. Page 3 Home, 8005 West Jefferson Avenue. Admission only seventy-five cents, in advance. Plans are shaping up beautifully and the Dearborn kids are receiving cooperation and help from all branches in the vicinity. Let’s also have the honor of your presence as' our guests, as we certainly will endeavor to show all of yon a good time. Until it’s over ...! RE ORPHANS ... Tentative plans at present include the adoption of at least one Hungarian orphan by the 429-ers. If it works out satisfactorily and our finances take a turn for the better, perhaps more will be added. It’s a wonderful plan for every group to take charge of the welfam and happiness of these unfortunate brethren. MAY RETURN FOR CHRISTMAS CPL JOHN J. TOTH a member of Branch 174, of 1203 Lloyd St., Scranton, Pa., son of Mr. and the late Mrs. Gabor Toth, enlisted on March 13, 1942. He received his training at Camp Clainban, La., and was taken, overseas in April, 1943. He haa three battle stars and is now serving with the occupational forces in Germany. Before joining the armed forces he worked at Howard Johnson’s restaurant. He is expected to return for Christmas.------------V-----------SERVES IN THE PACIFIC PVT. ALEXANDER BERCHENY, age 25, is the latest of our active members to join Uncle Sam’s army. He entered the Army Air Corps on June 27, 1945, is married and the father of two sons. A1 was president of 429 for several years, active in the social affairs, and is keenly missed not only by Margaret but by all of us here in Dearborn. Hurry home, All BUY VICTORY BONDS THE VERHOVAY HOME OF BRANCH 132 (Continued from Page 2) by the reply: “One horse to each rabbit.” In many instances, said Mr. Szalanczy, great projects are built by certain groups in similar manner. They contribute the rabbits’ part and get someone else to lend them the horses’ share. There were many, back in 1937, who ■feared that the South Bend stew would be prepared in the same way: the Home Office would lend the horse-meat and the South Bend branch would contribute the rabbits. But they were wrong for the good Verhovay ans of Branch 132 soon reversed the proportions and now they have arrived at the point where they have contributed everything and no horse-meat is needed. In fact, he smilingly remarked, Branch 132 was too much in a hurry to repay the capital for, thereby, the Association lost the income derived from the interterest on the capital. His speech, often interrupted by laughing and applause, then turned into more serious channels. He, too, spoke of the tragic fate of the Hungarian people and pointed out that the great and prosperous branch in South Bend must now lead the way in the discharging of our greatest humanitarian obligation. He expressed his confidence that this branch which has met so promptly all of its obligations, will not fail when it comes to the discharging of our greatest duty, the saving of the lives of our own folks. His address was followed by the introduction of the former presidents of Branch 132: John Redling, Joseph Sari, Steven Domonkos, Julius Hirschler, Joseph Varga, Frank Balint, Coloman Demi, Julius Hirschler, Steven Domonkos and Joseph Varga spoke of the results that can be attained when American Hungarians cooperate. Eugene Pataky, editor of the Városi Élet, congratulated the branch and expressed his hope for Branch 132 soon to become the greatest branch of the Verhovay. The Right Rev. Msgr. John S. Szabó captured the audience with the sincerity of his address. He pointed out that most societies relax their efforts as soon as their debts are paid. There is a great temptation in having one’s duties fully discharged to rest on the laurels of past achievements and forget about the tasks that lie ahead. It is up to the officers and leaders of Branch 132 to prove that such is not necessarily the case. He put particular emphasis upon the care for the young people. They must be aided in their quest for higher education in order to assure American Hungarians of proper representations in the professions and in public life. His inspiring address was received with great applause and then charming little Katie Raymond gave a moving rendition of Gounod’s “Ave Maria”. The moment arrived for the burning of the mortgage which was witnessed by a solemn and grateful audience. Branch-President Steven Nyers followed the ceremony with expression of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the Verhovay Home. Great laughter followed his remarks when he offered his apologies to the Home Office for not having kept his word . . . for at the time the loan was granted, he promised that most of it shall be paid for 15 years later but, alas! after only 8 years the entire amount has been repaid depriving the Home Office of further income from interests. Tiny Kovats followed with the singing of “God Bless America” and then Frank Wukovits thanked, in behalf of the members and officers of the Branch, the Mayor, the Supreme Officers and the honored guests for their presence and their encouraging messages; he spoke gratefully of the ladies who prepared the excellent dinner, and the helpers who served at the -tables; of the guests on the program, and Mrs. Desiderius Benczúr who arranged the program; of the press, the radio and all who helped to make this occasion an outstanding success. He wished the great host of guests a good time and then yielded to the orchestra of Frankie Vargyas who kept the celebrating crowd entertained until the early morning hours. (FW.) PFC. RUDOLPH J. CLUM, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Fitzgerald and grandson of Mrs. John Bartus and her late husband, of Toleclb, O., a member of Branch 468 in that city, joined the armed forces on December 4, 1944. He received his basic training at Fort Sheridan, Ind., where he was made acting corporal of guard and was in charge of 30 men. Later hi? went to Texas for infantry training but a week later he was transferred to an advanced unit for specialized training. Throughout his training there he was squadron leader and during the last five weeks of his stay in Texas he attended a noncommissioned officers training school. Before leaving for a two week’s furlough he was presented with two cadre pins by his major and a certificate of performance by his commanding office^ and a Certificate from Headquarters for successfully completing a course of training which qualifies him for intelligence and reconnaisance service. For a short while he served as M.P., in Washington, D. C., then he was sent to California and two weeks later to the Pacific. He was in Pearl Harbor, the Marshall Islands, the Phi-« lippines, Leyte and Panay.------------V----------JSow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.—(Charles
