William Penn Life, 1990 (25. évfolyam, 2-10. szám)
1990-02-01 / 2. szám
Page 6, William Penn Life, February 1990 r Branch News St. Nicholas greets László Katona and his mother Marika (far left) to the Branch 15 family Christmas party. The young members of Branch 22 share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus during the branch’s annual Christmas party. Santa joins the children of William Penn Branch 24 for a special moment by the Christmas tree during the branch’s Christmas party. Branch 8 Johnstown, PA By Steve Petruska Branch 8 Treasurer Branch 8, located in Johnstown, Pa., for the past 91 years, held its election of branch officers for 1990 on Dec. 10 at the social hall of the Johnstown/Windber Hungarian Reformed Church. Reelected by acclamation were Vera Petruska, president; Elizabeth Maurer, secretary; Steve Petruska, treasurer; and Elaine Petruska and Elizabeth Maurer, auditors. After the installation of the officers, the branch held its annual family Christmas party. In return for their invitations, the children received yuletide gifts of money, carol and coloring books, balloons and William Penn Association sponges. Each family also received a 1990 William Penn calendar. Suddenly, Santa Claus appeared greeting the children and their parents with his merry "Ho! Ho! Ho!” While Santa held the little ones by the Christmas tree, the children whispered into his ear what they wanted for Christmas. As everyone enjoyed the wonderful food and refreshments served and conversed with one another, Santa suddenly disappeared. The officers of Branch 8 wish to thank the Board of Directors for its generous allocation toward the Christmas party. We also thank the Home Office for getting the invitations, calendars and other items here on time. We at Branch 8 try to show these lovely children and their parents that the William Penn really believes in their future and tries to do more for them. Branch 8 meetings are held the second Sunday of each month at the social hall of the Johnstown/Windber Hungarian Reformed Church, corner of Ninth Avenue and Chestnut Street in the Cambria City section of Johnstown. All Branch 8 members are welcome to attend. Branch 15 Chicago, IL Remembering the success of the joint picnic which Branch 15 cosponsored with St. Stephen of Hungary Church last summer, the officers of the branch decided to investigate the possibility of having a joint Christmas party with the church. After several meetings involving Father Eordogh, Mrs. Mac and Mrs. Katona of St. Stephen’s, together with Mr. Laczina, Mr. Balogh, Mr. Marocsik and Mr. Nadas of the branch, we were able to plan a party which surpassed any that either group could have organized on its own. Many members of Branch 15 expressed particular satisfaction with the arrangement since they are also members of St. Stephen’s Church, and going to one extended party was much more convenient than having to attend two separate parties. The party was held immediately after Sunday mass in St. Stephen’s hall. We started with a delicious lunch served by the ladies of the parish. Lunch was followed by several Christmas poems recited in Hungarian by László Katona and Zsolt Nadas, both Branch 15 junior members. A traditional Hungarian Christmas pageant was presented by members of Branch 15, St. Stephen’s Church and the Hungarian Scout Troop. This pageant had been produced for the annual "Christmas Around the World” program at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. The Christmas story was retold by the group whose members portrayed shepherds, angels, the Holy Family and the Wise Men. Christmas songs sung by the St. Stephen’s choir assisted the actors in telling the story. Following the pageant, the members of Hunyadi Mátyás Hungarian Scout Troop No. 19 presented a puppet show which illustrated several events from the life of St. Nicholas, a fourth century bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas, of course, is the patron saint of children all over the world and whose name was affectionately shortened to Santa Claus. Finally, when it seemed that the children weren’t going to be able to wait any longer, St. Nicholas made his appearance. He talked to all of the children and gave them each little bags of goodies and presents. After St. Nicholas left, Father Eordogh lead the hall in singing traditional Christmas carols and people slowly departed. Everyone agreed that this had been one of the most successful Christmas parties they had ever attended. Branch 16 Perth Amboy, NJ By Melissa Mirkovich Branch 16 Reporter On Dec. 10, we held our annual family Christmas party. We had a successful turnout with about 100 members attending. Branch President George Mirkovich welcomed the members then introduced National Director Michael Hrabar. Our party featured plenty of entertainment. Otto the Clown presented an amazing and hilarious show. Then Melissa Mirkovich and Stephen Mészáros led everyone in the singing of traditional Christmas songs. Finally, the person we were all waiting for, Santa Claus, came. He asked each young member what he or she wanted for Christmas. Before the party, we elected our branch officers for 1990. They are: President Mirkovich; Mary Mészáros, vice president; Stephen Mészáros, secretarytreasurer; Annette Hrabar and Michaelene Mirkovich, auditors; and Melissa Mirkovich, reporter. Branch 18 Detroit, MI By Barbara Ann House Branch 18 Secretary Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s time again to let you know about all the coming and some of the past attractions at Branch 18. We welcome back some of our Christmas travelers. Branch President John Molnár, his "first lady” Helen, and daughter Angela recently returned from cruising the high seas. On their return they spent a few days in Florida. They all look healthy and rested. We also welcome back Joe and Betty Soter, who spent time with their son Joe, his wife Linda and smallest daughter Leanne in Santa Ana, Calif. It must have been difficult to watch the arrival of Santa in 90-degree weather. Joe is an auditor of Branch 18. Welcome home to all. Branch 18 has changed the date of its card party to March 12. Please call the club for tickets. Our 2-for-l dinner will be held Feb. 11. Reservations are a must. Our annual Champagne Ball will be held on Feb. 24. Music for this event will be provided by The Octaves. Cost for the ball is $25 per couple. Please call for reservations. As you can see, club manager Steve Szatmári and his crew are always working to keep us entertained. Ladies Auxiliary President Eleanor Kender was surprised at a big 50 party. She was so pleased to see her family and friends can keep a secret. The party was hosted by her children and her husband Frank. Frank is an auditor of Branch 18. Our deepest sympathies to Steve and Marge Szalai on the loss of his mother Mary. She was an active member at the Hungarian Reformed Church. Our prayers and love are with you. Steve is treasurer of Branch 18. Just to remind you ... general membership meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. Ladies Auxiliary members meet on the third Monday of the month. Please come and help us keep our branch a success. Think bowling tournament. Can you believe it is right around the corner? See you in Pittsburgh. Branch 22 Roebling, NJ By Jennifer Emri Branch 22 Secretary Branch 22 held its annual Christmas party on Dec. 9. First, however, we held a business meeting to elect our officers for the coming year. Our branch officers for 1990 are: Dale Cole, president; Dennis Kish, vice president; Barbara Emri, coordinator; Jennifer Emri, secretary; and Eva Barota and Maria Tomosi, auditors. The officers were given the oath of office by National Vice President Zoltán B. Emri. Congratulations and best of luck to all the officers. Continued on Page 7 Branch 16 Reporter Melissa Mirkovich helps Otto the Clown with one of his magic tricks during the branch’s holiday gathering.