William Penn Life, 2009 (44. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2009-12-01 / 12. szám
Branching Out with Endre Csornán Past, present, future As the WPA approaches another milestone, we can take pride in our accomplishments but must look beyond the familiar if we are to continue our fraternal work by Endre Csornán In 2011 our organization, the William Penn Association, will celebrate its 125th anniversary. The beginning of our Association on Feb. 21, 1886, can be traced to the desire of a group of 28 Hungarian coal miners in Hazleton, Pa. The role of the Verhovay Aid Association, founded by these Hungarians, has evolved from its origin as a sick benefit society, which provided benefits to those miners who became ill or disabled. The Verhovay grew to become the largest Hungarian-based fraternal organization in the Western world. Today, the William Penn Association strives to preserve our Hungarian culture and language and to provide aid not only to our members but also to other Hungarian organizations, our local communities and even Hungary itself. The historical context of our Association— "Hungarian in origin; American in spirit"—has been the driving force behind our Association's charitable activities, which have enjoyed tremendous success. However, ethnic organizations, like the William Penn Association, face steadily declining membership as older generations of members pass away and the younger generations become increasingly less active. Today, we welcome into our membership people of all nationalities. Thus, you-as agent, branch officer or member-must look beyond the familiar and our own ethnic community to find new members. Let us all get behind our Association. Only through cooperation and mutual support can we hope to succeed in the next 125 years. Please accept as my sincere hope that you and your family will receive the full blessings of the Christmas season and enjoy a happy and healthy new year. |m] Schedule of WPA events for 2010 Mark your calendars now for these WPA fraternal events, scheduled for the spring and summer of 2010: Join Hands Day May 1,2010 This day of service lets members make a difference in their communities through helpful projects that connect youths and adults. William Penn Association 27th Annual Golf Tournament July 16 and 17,2010 The Tom's Run Golf Course at the Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center in Blairsville, Pa., will play host to the WPA's annual golf outing. Hungarian Heritage Experience August 1 to 7,2010 The Experience will return to Penn Scenic View in Rockwood, Pa. Students will receive 25 hours of instruction, focusing on practical usage of the Hungarian language. William Penn Association Trip to Hungary September 2010 The WPA will offer its members and friends another chance to explore the Land of the Magyars. Based on reports from our recent tours, this trip should be an unforgettable experience. 10th Annual WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal-Fest September 11,2010 After a record-setting crowd at this year's picnic, the WPA is eager to begin planning for next year's picnic on the lovely grounds of Penn Scenic View in Rockwood, Pa. More information on these fraternal events, as well as information about events being held throughout the Hungarian-American Community, will appear in future issues of this publication. Or, you can learn more by calling Endre Csornán at 1-800-848-7366, ext. 136. 4 William Penn Life, December 2009
