William Penn Life, 1996 (31. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1996-01-01 / 1. szám
January 1996, William Penn Life, Page 17 Branch News Branch 800 Altoona, PA By Vincent Frank Branch 800 President Santa Claus shares a joyous moment with children from Branch 352 Coraopolis, Pa., during the branch’s annual family Christmas party. National Director and Branch 590 President Michael Tomcsak (l) receives the National Federation of American Hungarians’ "Man of the Year” award from Central World Commander Gabor Kiss. The members re-elected the following officers: Michael Tomcsak, president; Bill Bartus, vice president; Rose Darab, secretary; and Joan Mauerman, treasurer. The officers were installed by former Chairman of the Board John T. Lesko. Following the meeting, members enjoyed a dinner of chicken, kolbassi and sauerkraut, haluski noodles, peas, pickles and bread. There also was a table full of desserts. Many door prizes were given out, and—thanks to Sarah Lesko—special homemade Santa and angel ornaments were passed out. Songs were sung in English and Hungarian. Many of our members travel from one-and-a-half to three hours—each way—to attend our meetings. We tip our hats to them. Special thanks to the Home Office for its generous support. Three gift baskets were distributed to those less fortunate by our branch. Thanks to our bakers: Betty Bartus, Kay Bodick, Bill Becze, Vi Timmer, Mary Mekler, Irene Sabo, Mary Wersling and Velma Molnár. I would also like to thank a fine young man, Michael Darab, for his help. Michael celebrated his 12th birthday last month, but he is more grown-up than some adults. He is a perfect gentleman and always is willing to help. His family can be very proud of him. 1 know his William Penn family is. Our condolences go to the family of former National Presidentjulius Macker. He was a fine Christmas was his favorite time of year. He really enjoyed our Christmas parties. Condolences also go to the family of László Godollei, 81. He was still active in the printing business. His wife, Justina, is a leader in the Plant City Hungarian Club. They .lived in Lakeland. Wedding congratulations to Margaret and Robert Menner who were married Nov. 18,1995, at the Magyar Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, the Rev. Zoltán Király officiating. Irene Redden traveled to the Philadelphia area to spend the holidays with relatives. Do you have special customs or traditions you observe on the holidays? We would like to hear from you. The Tomcsak family observes the washing of your hands with coins, to signify prosperity in the coming year. The head of the family makes a sign of the cross on your forehead with honey, to signify the blessed sweet event coming. Communion hosts, dipped in honey, are offered to your partner, to signify your blessed love for your partner. This is followed by a six-course meatless meal. Miklós Bácsi comes Christmas Eve and gifts are exchanged. Wishing you God’s blessing in the coming year. For all your life insurance needs, please call Mike Tomcsak at (941) 858-8071. Remember: let’s hear from you Happy New Year to all! The branch’s annual Christmas party was enjoyed by all. We thank the nice crowd of adults and children who came. Our thanks also go to all those who worked to make it an enjoyable event. Santa Claus was super. He gave all the kids a nice bag of goodies. Thanks go to the Home Office for helping to make the affair so successful. Of course, the fine food was so delicious, everyone was talking about it. Our Christmas party gets better every year. Branch officers for 1996 elected during the December meeting were: Vincent Frank, president; Leroy Douglas, vice president; George Dorman, secretary; Robert Jones, treasurer; and Edwin Smith, Robert Aiken and Paul Masic, auditors. Branch 800 was saddened by the death of Joseph J. Palumbo, the branch’s faithful trustee for many years. Joe participated in branch meetings and social affairs. He died at Altoona Hospital after an extended illness. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Altoona. We extend our sympathy to his wife Lucy, his son and four daughters. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery. May his soul rest in peace. It was a wonderful occasion on Thanksgiving morning to see a good turnout for the branch’s annual memorial Mass for deceased members. The Rev. Robert C. Hall, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, officiated. Many people brought bags of canned foods to the altar for the poor and needy. God bless you all for your thoughtfulness. Branch 8121 St. Marys, PA By Margaret Marconi Branch 8121 Secretary Our branch held its December meeting and Christmas party on Dec. 3 at St. Marys Grade School Annex. Nice weather with temperatures in the 40’s helped ensure a good turnout. Members played games and exchanged gifts, and each received a door prize. We all enjoyed the wonderful food and social. We were pleased to welcome as our special guests Father Jude, Father Alfredo (who was enjoying his first Christmas at St. Marys), and Sisters Victoria and Josephine. No branch meetings will be held in January, February and March due to winter weather. Our next branch meeting will be Young members of Branch 800 Altoona, Pa., tell Santa their Christmas wishes during the family Christmas party hosted by the branch. Continued from Page 16 plan to attend. For all your life insurance needs, please contact Noreen Fritz, FIC, LUTC. Branch 352 Coraopolis, PA By Dianne A. Charles Branch 352 Reporter On Dec. 2, Branch 352 held its family Christmas party. Branch President George S. Charles Jr. extended greetings on behalf of the Board of Directors, National Officers and branch officers. Our thanks to Chairman of the Board Michael Hrabar and his wife, Anne, for attending our party. Everyone enjoyed the buffet and delicious baked goods. We were entertained by ' 'The Amazing Doc”. He fascinated all of us with his magic tricks. Smiles and laughter filled the room. After a short sing-along, Santa made a special appearance, and the children received large bags filled with toys and candy. Christmas really is for children. My thanks to all who brought baked goods and to all who donated canned goods and nonperishable items. Our baskets for the needy were beautiful and _______ 1 • . 1 To the Home Office, thank you for the kind party allotment, coloring books and crayons. And, last but not least, a very special thank you goes to George and Steve for all their help and for putting up with me during the months it took to prepare for this party. I know the two of you enjoyed the endless trips to the stores for gifts and the hours spent putting the gift bags together. My thanks to all who helped. Our annual election of officers was held immediately following the party. Unanimously reelected for 1996 were: George S. Charles Jr., president; Jim Deak, vice president; Frances A. Furedy, secretary; and Elmer A. Furedy, treasurer. Congratulations to all. Please contact Dianne A. Charles at 221-5136 if you have news you would like to share. To all William Penn members, we wish you and your family health, happiness and prosperity in the coming year. Branch 590 Cape Coral, FL By Joan Mauerman Branch 590 Treasurer Branch 590 held its elections and Christmas party Dec. 10 at Egret These young members of Branch 214 Flint, Mich., enjoyed the annual family Christmas party hosted by the branch in December.