William Penn Life, 2005 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2005-09-01 / 9. szám
Branching Out with Endre Csornán Quite an experience The WPA's Hungarian Heritage Experience gave participants a true taste of our ancestors’ culture Being a part of Hungarian Heritage Experience Class of 2005 was a unique adventure indeed. We ranged in age from mid-20's to mid-80's and had combinations of mother and daughter, mother and son, sister and brother, sisters, and husband and wife. Some individuals came from as far away as Minnesota, Louisiana and Connecticut. Actually, we became a large family of varied personalities, energies and appetites. It was amazing to see such a group of individuals bond on so many levels. Although the main purpose of the Experience was to study the Hungarian language and culture, it was also a celebration of food, fellowship and fun. Due to the expertise of Chef Béla (National Auditing Committee member William Vasvary) and his assistant John Toth, we enjoyed great meals. Instructors Dr. John Palasics and Emory Markus taught daily classes in language and history. Dr. Emil Nagengast of Juniata College presented an informative lecture about the European Common Market as it relates to the Hungarian economy. Madelna Ujvagi (Baba) conducted a demonstration of the Csárdás, or Hungarian dancing. George Bátyi, a gifted violinist, provided the music to accompany the dance instruction. Several times during the week, we had cooking demonstrations led by Chef Béla, which included how to prepare palacsinta, lángos and gulyás. Regardless of the results, everything was consumed with great zeal. Another of the week's highlights was a field trip to the Bethlen Home in Ligonier, Pa. We toured the new nursing home and enjoyed a reception and an egg decorating demonstration conducted by Baba Ujvági. Of course, the lovely Hungarian meal was well received. We concluded this exciting excursion with a traditional Hungarian pastry served at the Darlington Inn. We wish to thank the National Officers and Board of Directors of the William Penn Association who came to help during the Hungarian Heritage Experience. To reinforce our objectives, it truly was a "Hungarian Heritage Experience." Guests agree: Experience was most welcome I recently had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Hungarian Heritage Experience Week at Penn Scenic View. Hats off to everyone who put this week together. I know a lot of planning and hard work had to go on “behind the scenes" to make this experience a very worthwhile endeavor for all. Congratulations and thanks for a job well done to Endre, Bill, John, our instructors Emory and John, all the folks at Bethlen Home and all the other individuals who helped put this wonderful experience together. My sincere thanks, Veronica D. Garry Grove City, PA Köszönöm to you and the William Penn Association for allowing me to participate in this year’s Hungarian Heritage Experience. I had a great time, working on my Hungarian and meeting new people. The teachers were good, the food was delicious and the facilities were very nice. All in all, it was a wonderful week. I certainly hope I can attend again next year. Köszönöm also for the class picture and certificate, which I just received today. After I show them around, they will be included in my Hungarian album of priceless memories. In return for William Penn’s gracious hospitality to a newcomer, I am sending a check for the scholarship fund. I know it will be put to good use. See you at the picnic! Rosemary Balazs Chesterland, OH 8 William Penn Life, September 2005
