William Penn Life, 2016 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-02-01 / 2. szám
[•*! Tibor's Take with Tibor Check, Jr. Nostalgia & traditions ...plus other select random thoughts & observations ZOLTÁN MÁGA, the internationally renowned violin virtuoso, and his entourage of supporting musicians and performers recently toured select cities in America and Canada. Other than New York City and Toronto, Mága performed primarily in the southwest U.S. It is interesting to note that this particular tour did not stop in cities with large populations of American Magyars, such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh or Detroit. Until recently Mága, who is based in Budapest, has been a virtual unknown to most here in the States. A March 2015 PBS special featuring Mága introduced him to mainstream America. The production featured images of Vigadó Hall and Heroes Square, a musical performance on a ship cruising the Danube, and a nighttime segment shot from the area adjacent to Fisherman's Bastion featuring an illuminated Pest side of the city in full grandeur. Utilizing cameras mounted on helicopters, the program featured the entire area. Mága allowed for many support members of the cast to be featured as well. Surprisingly, his command of the American language is quite good. I wish I was half as proficient in Hungarian as he is in our language. He presents himself as a master violinist with a humble respect for his ancestry, nation and audiences. I surely hope he returns to America in the future and performs closer to my home. ***************************************** Residing in D.C. makes my heart grow fonder for home. Thanks to modern technology (cell phone and the Internet), I know what is going on in my old American-Magyar community just as if I were living back in Northeastern Ohio. But, knowing about a special event or gathering does not make it any easier with the realization that you can't be there in person. ****************************************************************** Speaking of things going on back home, the Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio (HCCNEO) is moving into the next phase of their expansion. They ultimately hope to create a small village similar to those that typically dotted the Hungarian landscape generations ago. The facility already has a traditional hand-carved kapu (wooden gate), a csárdás (dance) pavilion, a sörház (beer hall), a konyha ház (kitchen house) and many other uniquely Magyar attributes. Projected improvements to the 40-plus acre campground include expanding the kitchen area, adding new handicap accessible restrooms and insulating the main building so events can be held there year round. To help fund this noble effort, donors can purchase bricks that will be used to construct an entrance walkway inside the kapu. Donors can have a message or dedication inscribed upon their brick. What a great way to remember loved ones who have passed, to welcome a newly added family member or to congratulate and recognize special relatives, friends, churches or clubs. For more details on how you can purchase a brick, contact HCCNEO President Mary Jane Molnár at 440-352-9504. The HCCNEO also has a great and informative website: www.hungarianclub.com. *************************************** One of the defining characteristics of Magyar cooking is the abundant use of paprika. My family and I use the spice generously. When cooking, we measure it out by tablespoons and always have at least three cans of the "red gold" in reserve. "Pride of Szeged" brand paprika is available in most areas and is even found in D.C. at better grocery stores. While recently purchasing a couple cans, I noticed the containers are no longer made from metal but now are made from molded plastic wrapped with a cellophane label. The old metal cans were finished with enameled paint, brightly adorned in red, white and green. The paint was almost impossible to remove. Today, very few containers are made this way. I imagine the conversion to a plastic vessel was a cost-cutting measure. For years, I kept all my empty paprika cans as they serve as compact, strong and convenient holders for small items such as paper clips, loose change and nails. There are several empties serving a second life on my desks at work and in my apartment. ****************************************************************** When visiting my cousins in Csőt, Hungary, a little over a year ago, I was introduced to a Hungarian butcher in the nearby city of Pápa. He was making a promotional appearance, selling a new line of about 10 different blends of packaged spices for meats and soups. 6 0 February 2016 0 William Penn Life
