William Penn Life, 2007 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2007-06-01 / 6. szám
Branching Out with Endre Csornán Volunteers join hands to bring new life to an old resting place JOIN HANDS DAY is a worthy project which brings together people of all ages and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The project this year was to clean up a neglected cemetery over 100 years old, located in Connells-ville, Pa. The cemetery was maintained by St. Emery's Roman Catholic Church until 1970 when the church was closed and sold. We started out by getting together in the former St. Emery's Church where we were led in prayer by the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan. When we arrived at the cemetery, the rain began to pour down. As we donned our rain ponchos and gathered our various tools, an attitude of purpose permeated the group. Some began to cut the grass; others cleaned and repaired the tombstones. Many rakes were used to clean the accumulated debris. It was a sorry sight. Altogether, 24 people participated in this project, male and female, ranging in age from 16 to 75. As we waded through some areas of mud, everyone worked diligently with sincere ambition to accomplish the task. We acknowledge the following groups and individuals who donated their time and money to make this Join Hands Day project a success:- William Penn Association: William J. Bero, Maria Bistey, Dianne Charles, George S. Charles Jr., Steve Charles, Arlene Csornán, Endre Csornán, Charles S. Johns, Steve Jordan, Joseph Király, Dora McKin-sey, Andrew W. McNelis, Diane M. Torma and John Torma.- The Bethlen Home: Rev. Imre Bertalan, Magdalene (Ujvagi) Bertalan, Rev. Monte Holland, Edith Szep and Louis Szep.- Hungarian Reformed Federation of America: Joe Fabri, Peggy Fabri, Crash Kaercher and Nancy Moore.- American Hungarian Federation.- From the local community: Tom Kocis. Donations were received from the American Hungarian Federation, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Beke, Joseph Bryner, the Calvin Synod, Mr. and Mrs. George S. Charles Jr., Endre Csornán, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Dowling, Frances A. Furedy, Barbara A. House, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Lovász, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Roby Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Varga, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. (Al) Vargo, WPA Br. 28 Youngstown, OH, WPA Br. 296 Springdale, PA, WPA Br. 336 Harrisburg, PA and WPA Br. 352 Coraopolis, PA. As we gathered to survey our accomplishments, the cemetery looked peaceful. It seemed as if we had brought new life to an old resting place. Dianne Charles placed several handmade memorial wreaths on the Verhovay monument which covers a mass grave for the victims of the Darr Mine disaster of 1907 which claimed the lives of 239 miners, more than 100 of whom were Hungarians. We can only pray that the efforts to remember and honor them will bring new peace to this old cemetery. [\ypj] Legislator honored The WPA joined fraternalists from across Pennsylvania April 17 to meet members of the state legislature. The fraternalists presented the Keystone Fraternal Legislator award to State Rep. Tony DeLuca (D-Allegheny) for his support of fraternal benefit societies. Pictured here are (from left): National Director Ronald S. Balia; Fraternal Director Endre Csornán; State Rep. Tom Petrone (D-Pittsburgh); National Vice President-Secretary Richard W. Toth; State Rep. Tony DeLuca; National Director Nickolas M. Kotik, Vice Chairman of the Board E. E. (Al) Vargo and National Director Charles S. Johns. William Penn Life,June 2007 3
