William Penn Life, 2017 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-10-01 / 10. szám
an In the Community with our National Directors Reports from our National Directors on the people and activities they encounter during WPA’s fraternal and charitable outreach. ► Toledo celebrates its ethnic roots by Kathy Novak TOLEDO, OH — Toledo enjoyed perfect weather for its 43rd Annual Birmingham Ethnic Festival, Aug. 19 and 20. Throughout the two-day festival, WPA representatives welcomed many guests to our Association's booth and shared information about our fraternal programs and life insurance and annuity plans. Guests at our booth were given red WPA backpacks, which by the end of the weekend could be seen up and down the streets. Those spreading the word about WPA's fraternal mission were Chair of the Board Andy McNelis and his wife Marguerite, Vice Chair of the Board Kathy Novak, Fraternal Director Barbara House and her husband Tom, National Sales Director Bob Bisceglia and Branch 28 member Sándor Tollas. Sales Agent Alan Szabó also stopped by to spend some time with us. On Saturday evening, some of us went to the area by the Calvin United Church of Christ to listen to Hungarian music and watch the dancers perform. While watching the performance, Marguerite McNelis was asked to join the dancers, and she did a wonderful job keeping up with them. The Birmingham Ethnic Festival is one of Toledo's oldest and most popular ethnic festivals. Each year, it celebrates the strength and diversity of the community, its success in preventing the splitting of the neighborhood by a proposed road widening project, and the continuing fight for the preservation and recognition of the neighborhood. The festival featured popular Hungarian foods including chicken paprikás, roasted bacon sandwiches, stuffed cabbage, homemade kolbász sandwiches, gulyás, palacsinta, Fraternal Director Barbara House (left), Chair of the Board Andy McNelis, National Sales Director Bob Bisceglia and Vice Chair of the Board Kathy Novak were among those welcoming guests to the WPA booth at the Birmingham Ethnic Festival held in August in Toledo. cabbage and noodles, pastries and a fantastic array of other ethnic foods. Performers included the Borozda Ensemble, the Kodály Ensemble, the Csipke Ensemble and the Életfa Ensemble, along with performances by Irish, Bavarian, Polish and Mexican musicians and dancers. Popular bands performed a great variety of music both days in the evening on three stages. Food and craft vendors sold their colorful and creative wares on the Consaul Street mall. There were also games and rides for the children. The weekend's unofficial opening occurred Friday night when the 22nd Annual Waiters' Race was held. The race features relay teams of four carrying trays with a full pitcher and two glasses of beer. On Sunday, a Recognition Ceremony was held at noon on the steps of St. Stephen's Church, beginning with a flag raising ceremony. Bethlen Communities host golf outing & picnic by Richard E. Sarosi LIGONIER, PA - The Bethlen Communities Memorial Golf Outing took place on July 29 at Champion Lakes Golf Course. The weather was perfect. A delicious dinner was served following the golf with radio personality Jimmy Krenn serving as guest speaker and entertainer. A 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction were held, and many golfers received awards and prizes. The staff of Bethlen Communities did an outstanding job in preparing for this successful event. The next day, the Communities hosted their annual Hungarian picnic. The beautiful weather helped draw a large number of the community’s residents and other guests. It was great to see many friends in attendance. An extensive lunch menu included burgers, hot dogs, sausage, ribs, chicken, salads, desserts, beverages and much more. The day also featured raffles, a Chinese auction, and chimney cakes. The George Bátyi Ensemble provided wonderful Hungarian music for all to enjoy. The WPA Magyar Folk Dancers, with Judit Ganchuk as coordinator, did a beautiful job. Those joining me in representing WPA were Vice Chair of the Board Kathy Novak, National Director Joyce Nicholson and her husband Harry and my parents, Ernest and Violet Sarosi. We all had a great time in Ligioner. Once again, a big thank you to the staff of Bethlen Communities for making this weekend a great success. 8 0 October 2017 0 WILLIAM PENN LIFE Photo by Tom House
