William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-01-01 / 1. szám
AS I APPROACH my 30th Tibor's Take, I sit back and digest many different ideas and feelings about our future as American Hungarians. I don't know if it is because January 1st is my birthday, or because it is the end of a joyous Christmas Season, or if it is the anticipation of what the New Year may bring, but this set of circumstances vault me into a special mood of contemplation. **************************************** You probably have realized that I write in two distinct styles: one I call my "briefcase style," the other my "fireplace style." Let me explain both a little more. The "briefcase style" exhibits much less emotion. When writing in this style, I state facts, numbers and quotes. I use this type of writing in about 25 percent of my "Tibor's Take" submissions. Briefcase style is really easy for me. It is similar to turning in a term paper or a law school final exam. It is a straightforward, black and white approach. There is little room for emotion or feeling. It cuts to the chase, leaving no prisoners. My July, August and September 2011 "Takes" are recent examples of this style. Composing in "fireplace style" is much more difficult for me. In this style, I almost always write about personal interactions. Sometimes my emotions take me to higher levels of thought and understanding. Often times feelings about the subject at hand distorts the writing process. At that time I have to physically remove myself from the computer and focus my attention elsewhere. Two examples of fireplace style "Takes" were published in the November 2010 and March 2010 issues of William Penn Life. **************************************** From the standpoint writing ideas, I have in my archives at least 20 "Takes" ready or nearly completed. Some of them are related to holidays or events. Often times one of my completed columns is bumped back because I had a spontaneous idea for a column and it takes precedence over the previously completed manuscript. This installment is a prime example of such a "bumping back." The original column that I had planned to submit for this issue was lighthearted. I wrote about some humorous and embarrassing incidents that took place within my family at several Magyar events. That columnwas put back into the can, so to speak, and the "Take" you are now reading took center stage. I have so many ideas, I hope I have enough time to convey them all! giving their time and muscle to noble and just causes. In retrospect, however, I was disappointed that very few, if any, volunteered their time to causes related to our American-Hungarian churches, clubs and associations. For our Magyar culture and history to continue, a shark's tooth replacement system of involvement must take place. As a whole, our dubs and churches are not being replenished with younger and more physically able members. Just in my own little realm of exposure, I have witnessed several Magyar themed activities and events end only because there was not enough help. May I suggest to our WPA leadership this idea: Make volunteerism a prerequisite for the awarding of scholarship funds; more specifically, volunteering at American- Hungarian churches, clubs and fraternal organizations. I know there would be many accountability issues raised if such a requirement were to be instituted, but I think it could be done. Most scholarship recipients reside or live close to the aforementioned entities. For example, I know that the American-Hungarian club in Youngstown could use volunteer help from the scholarship winners of Branch 28 to make dobos torta or chicken paprikás. Also, the Northeast Ohio Magyar Cultural Center in Hiram has dozens of acres of land and facilities. Being relatively close to Cleveland, the center is easily accessible for young volunteers in that metropolitan area. WPA's own Scenic View is another prime example of where strong, young bodies are needed to help with keeping the facility in tiptop shape. A coat of paint here, a trimmed bush or tree there or a window washed all add up to simple jobs that could be performed by young volunteers. Tibor's Take with Tibor Check, Jr. **************************************** **************************************** I would like to congratulate all of the WPA scholarship recipients. The winners of the additional scholarship money were all examples of the younger generation Back in September, I witnessed a great assembly of WPA members at the Association's annual Fraternal Fest. I was stopped by several in attendance and had wonder -6 0 January 2012 0 William Penn Life
