William Penn Life, 2014 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-12-01 / 12. szám
From the National President by George s. Charles, jr. Moving forward after a memorable year DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, let us first be thankful for all our blessings, our health, our families and our achievements. Christmas brings to mind years of memories. I will never forget all the great Christmases I've enjoyed throughout my life. Each year, I cherish this special time much more and thank God for making it possible. It seems that the Christmas spirit gives strength to us all. Christmas is a time to rejoice and be thankful for God's blessings and pause for a year-end accounting of our individual progress. Christmas gives us all the opportunity to think of those we love, and how better to express that love than through the many traditions of Christmas. May we all try to carry this seasonal attitude into our daily lives during the coming new year. Cooperation and teamwork were very much in evidence throughout our Association, and we thank all of you for making 2014 a year which will be remembered in the history of William Penn Association. We offer our entire membership our thanks and appreciation. Your contributions, loyalty and dedicated service remain the backbone of our Association. The employees at the Home Office are hard working and dedicated to providing the best service possible. There is a professional attitude shared by all. Our officers and directors are prepared to meet the many new challenges which lie ahead. We ask for your continued support as we work together for the future growth and success of William Penn Association. We look forward to 2015: a new year bringing with it new ideas and opportunities. Take hold of these opportunities to promote our Association. May a part of each day for the rest of our lives be devoted to the spirit of Christmas, renewing our Association's purposes and concerns for each other, and may our love and friendship never cease to grow. My wife Dianne and son Steve share with me in truly wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. A grateful farewell to WPA by Tímea Kerekes "It's the emptiest and yet the fullest of all human messages: 'Good-bye.'" - Kurt Vonnegut, Bluebeard This quote came into my mind while I was leaving William Penn Association. The message contains the word "good," which describes my stay here for a half year, but which also ended up being one of the toughest times of my life. It is not easy to express my feelings about recent days. However, I want to share a few thoughts with you. What will I remember?- Listening to the Hungarian national anthem during the WPA Annual Bowling Tournament when I arrived and being part of such a great team during the tournament.- Having the opportunity to speak about Hungary and teach the Hungarian language at the Hungarian Heritage Experience, surrounded by so many people who just love their Hungarian heritage and just want to be a part of it—a once in a lifetime experience for me.- Being part of the Annual Golf Tournament & Scholarship Days, where I had the chance to experience how important it is for William Penn Association to provide assistance for the younger generation, and how enviably they practice their fraternal activities.- Experiencing that same feeling during the Tri- State Picnic. Participating in the WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal Fest was one of my favorite experiences. Not only was it a celebration of Hungarian heritage, foods and culture, but it also was held on my birthday, when I had a family around me. That was one day which I'll never forget for as long as I live. But, more than just the events, I enjoyed everyday life here—the pleasure of working every day with such lovely and engaging people, having a slice of Italian bread or bagels or other surprises, having lunch together with the third floor employees. Furthermore, William Penn Association was the place where people were open to my ideas and stories. I learned a lot about the history of the Association, about its fraternal activities, and about how it preserves the Hungarian heritage in a unique, conscious way. For those who have touched my life in any way since I arrived here, I am truly grateful for all you have done. Thank you for the privilege of being a part of such a unique organization. And, remember the words of Donna Gable Hatch: "For every good-bye, God also provides a hello." Tímea Kerekes served as an intern at both the WPA Home Office and the Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa., for six months this year. Her internship was part of the Körösi Csórna Sándor Scholarship Program sponsored by the Hungarian Ministry of Public Administration and Justice. William Penn Life 0 December 2014 0 5
