William Penn Life, 1996 (31. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1996-09-01 / 9. szám

Volume 31, Number 9

Address Correction Requested

September 1996

the white House

August 21, 1996

On behalf of the American people, 1 am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to the Hungarian people and to the Hungarian American community on the celebration of Hungary’s 1,100th anniversary as a nation.

The settlement of the Hungarian people in the Carpathian basin has placed them in the heart of Europe. Perhaps at no time since St. Stephen founded the Hungarian state have Hungary’s prospects looked so promising. Hungary, as a nation committed to democracy and at peace with itself and its neighbors, enjoys the respect and support of the family of nations; Hungary’s citizens have shown great fortitude in bearing the hardships inherent in economic restructuring.

Today, Hungary is making an important contribution to regional and Western security by offering its Taszar military base near Kaposvár to U.S. and other international peacekeeping forces in Bosnia. This cooperation will further solidify the cordial and strategic partnership developing between our two countries and the Western community of nations.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of organized Hungarian American communities in the United States, centered around churches, fraternal organizations, and neighborhoods. For 100 years, the Hungarian communities, on the local and national levels, through skill, determination and hard work, have made notable contributions to America’s preeminence in science, business, industry, and the arts. As you honor the land of your ancestors during this anniversary, and as you pay homage to the founders of the Hungarian American community here, I am confident you will continue to show energy, dedication, and enthusiasm for the building of your neighborhoods and our nation.

I offer the best wishes and continued support of all Americans as you celebrate these anniversaries.

Bill Clinton

Volunteers representing the National Fraternal Congress of America meet the owners of the home they helped to build. From left: WP A Publications Editor John E. Lovász; WPA member Charlotte Stefanies; Anthony Snyder of the Slovene National Benefit Society; Tom Acker of the Catholic Union of Texas; homeowner Zsolt Szabó; former WPA National Treasurer John L. Lovász; NFC A President Tom Sheehan of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of Illinois; homeowner Regina Szabó; and Peggy Sheehan, wife of Tom Sheehan. Not pictured are Chris Sutton of the NFCA (who took this picture) and László Lipoczky of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America.

Habitat volunteers build homes, hope in Hungary

By John E. Lovász

Managing Editor

VÁC, HUNGARY — "Hit,” pronounced "heat,” is a Hungarian word meaning "faith.”

Hit. It drew more than 500 volunteers from the U.S., Hungary and 20 other nations to this town of34,000 residents located about 21 miles north of Budapest along the Danube River.

Hit. It inspired these volunteers to build 10 homes in fiveand-a-half days for 10 lowincome working-class Hungarian families who only three months ago could only have hit that one day they would own their own homes.

But, because of Habitat for

Humanity International, its supporters and, most importantly, their own determination and hit, these families now enjoy a reality that was once nearly inconceivable: they own their own homes, homes they themselves helped to build, homes built on hit.

The 10 wood-frame and stucco homes were the most tangible result of the Jimmy Carter Work Project, conducted by Habitat for Humanity Aug. 11 to 17. But, the project, named after the former U.S. President, had more farreaching goals.

First, according to David Minich, director of Habitat’s Global Village department, "was to convince the Hungarians that there are methods of construction which are less expensive than the traditional Hungarian methods yet still produce solid homes.”

Many Hungarians, including some of the future owners of the 10 homes, were skeptical of the wood-frame construction method. But, throughout the week, the Hungarian subcontractors hired to do the plumbing, electrical and stucco work could be seen intently observing the work of the volunteers, discussing amongst themselves the benefits and advantages of this "new” method of building.

President Carter, in his remarks to volunteers and homeowners during an orientation ses- Continued on Page 8

Members help preserve historic cemetery

By Mary A. Kelly-Lovasz

Special Correspondent

SPRINGDALE, PA — Along the upper portion of School Street in Springdale, Pa., is a niche abundant with "peaceful activity.” ■ "ears ago the street had is Cemetery Ave-amed School de school ’mown "he

with the 1,000 or so persons buried there are birds and woodland creatures, too numerous to count, who also inhabit this scenic spot.

Since 1827, the Springdale Cemetery has become the final resting place for many of the area’s first inhabitants. Walking through this little cemetery one becomes aware of the local history from the tombstones. Tiny gravestones with little lambs carved on them signify the burial Uces of young children. The '^17 brough a flu epidemic,

and many perished. A common grave was given to many of the residents who died. Also buried here are some of the 181 victims of the explosion at the nearby Harwick Mine in 1904. Steel mogul and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, inspired by this sad event, established the Carnegie Hero Commission for persons who risk their lives to save others.

Of greatest historical significance, however, is the number of Hungarians buried here. Sue Szálai, a member of Branch 296 and

a member of the Springdale Cemetery Association, said "nearly three-fourths of the people buried there are Hungarians.” Carved in many of the gravestones are Hungarian surnames like Beganyi, Kiss, Szatmári, Szabó, Szalai, Toth and Telegdy.

Due to their age, many of the markers made of limestone have faded, yet one can still see the Hungarian epitaphs. Marie Charles, also a member of both Branch 296 and the cemetery association, translated some of the phrases: Continued on Page 3

Inside_____

■ WPA hosts 7th Hungarian

Language Camp.........Page 2.

■ Atty. Herman looks at business

partnerships................Page 2.

■ Member returns from mission

in Cameroon..............Page 3.

■ The latest news &. notes from our branches .... Pages 4-5.

■ In Memóriám and Donations

for July........................Page 7.

Next Deadline September 20