William Penn Life, 2017 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-07-01 / 7. szám
mi In the Community with our National Directors /Írf\l ~ Reports from our National Directors on the people and activities they encounter during WPA’s fraternal and charitable outreach. Welcoming guests to the Hungarian booth at A World A'Fair were (l-r) Jim Boston, Ann Kimerling, Mark Schmidt Vice Chair of the Board Anne Marie Schmidt and Jane Boston. A World A'Fair gives Dayton a taste of many cultures by Anne Marie Schmidt DAYTON, OH — The Dayton community is rich with culture as exemplified by the 44 years the Dayton International Festival, Inc. has hosted A World A'Fair, an event where 33 local organizations represent their culture through their customs, dance, music, food and handmade gifts. This year's festival was held May 19 to 21 at the Dayton Convention Center with the theme "Folk Medicine." Guests were treated to a selection of folk remedies, from herbs and spices to baths and even witchcraft. The music and dance of various cultures were presented on two stages, including an interactive stage on which visitors could learn and participate in traditional dances. The Tamburitzans, America's premier folk ensemble, performed on Saturday seven times on both stages, doing dances from a variety of Eastern European countries. Young guests were given a "Children's Passport" which they could get "stamped" at each culture's booth. After receiving stamps and answering a question from each booth, a child could enter a drawing to win a basket of international toys. For adults, there was a "Beer Passport" good for a dozen 2-ounce samples of beer. The festival also included a naturalization ceremony, welcoming and celebrating Dayton's newest citizens. Hungary was well represented at the festival with volunteers from WPA Branch 249 and the Magyar Club of Dayton. The Dayton Festival Club dancers performed traditional Hungarian folk dances on both stages. Delicious cabbage rolls and Hungarian sausage sandwiches were served at the booth, as well as a wide variety of Hungarian pastries including palacsinta, linzer and kifli cookies with apricot, lekvár, diós and poppy seed fillings. The exhibit showcased a typical spa in Hungary. It is a heartwarming experience to share our beloved culture and customs. Bridging the cultural divide provides a hope and desire to create harmony and peace in this world we live in. New Brunswick celebrates its Magyar heritage by Kathy Novak NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - After a morning rain, the 42nd Annual Hungarian Festival in New Brunswick kicked off with a parade. Each year, more vendors attend the festival. WPA had a booth at their usual corner location. Helping spread the Fraternal Spirit were Fraternal Director Barbara House and her husband Tom, National Sales Director Bob Bisceglia, Sales Representative Ed Straka, Vice Chair of the Board Kathy Novak and Branch 28 member Sándor Tollas Jr. More than 1,000 WPA red backpacks were handed out; as the day progressed, you could see them traveling up and down the street. Our booth welcomed many visitors. Among them were former Home Office employee Alyssa Trunzo and her parents, Pista and Annush Molnár, and Rev. Stefan Török. As always, Rev. Joseph Bodnar was there, offering a helping hand to all. After the festival, the American Hungarian Foundation held a twilight concert featuring two musical groups. I would venture to say all who attended the festival had a wonderful time. Fraternal Director Barbara House and National Sales Director Bob Bisceglia pass out WPA backpacks to visitors at the New Brunswick fest 8 0 July 2017 0 WILLIAM PENN LIFE
