William Penn, 1961 (44. évfolyam, 3-16. szám)
1961-11-15 / 16. szám
PAGE 2 November 15, 1961 William Penn BRANCH 19 DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION - HISTORIC EVENT Seated, left to right: Nancy Lynn Simon and Mrs. Adam Simon, daughter and wife of Division Manager Adam Simon; State Senator John Lynch of New Jersey; Michael Hegedűs, Jr., Member of the William Penn Auditing Committee; Frank Radvany (partially visible), Director of the William Penn Fraternal Association. Standing: Mr. Simon, honored for his many years branch and association service; William Penn Director Joseph Kormondy. Fraternalism with spirit was very nuch in evidence at the 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Banquet of Branch 19, New Brunswick, New' Jersey, held Sunday, October 8, at Ihe HAAC Auditorium. Moi’e than 300 people, with many more turned away, crowded into the auditorium i:o help celebrate ■ the 75th Anniversary of the founding of our society and pay tribute to twenty-one 50- year veteran members. On this occasion, too, Adam Simon, Division Manager, wras honored for having completed 25 years of service with our Association at the local level. It was a joyous occasion, members and nany officers coming frorrrnear and far to participate. Promptly at 6:30 p.m., John Barca, First Vice President of Branch 19, welcomed the guests, followed by Father Pius of the Saint Ladislaus Roman Catholic Church who gave ehe Invocation. In keeping with tradition, our National Anthem was sung by Mrs. John Barna, followed by the Hungarian National Anthem, and thereupon a toast to the Association, offered by the assembled group. The dinner, which followed, was served to perfection, as anyone who has sampled the culinary art of Hungarian cooks will testify. Added io the enjoyment were the familiar «trains of beloved Hungiarian folk music, . —' ' . . > Joseph J. Takacs, New Brunswick city attorney, and Master of Ceremonies, pointed out the deep significance of this occasion and extended his felicitations to the members and branch officers, and introduced Michael Hegedűs, Jr., President of Branch 19. Mr. Hegedűs spoke in Hungarian paying tribute to the thirteen Hungarian coal miners of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, founders of our society. “Seventy-five years ago,” he said, “from an acorn planted by 'them, a huge oak has grown, and tonight we pause to pay tribute to those who organized our local branch. The labors of the many were not m vain, and we acknowledge the achievement of the many members, those celebrating’ and the celebrated, we must promise to carry on the ideals of our founders through fraternalism in our great society.” The historical significance of the occasion was also pointed out, explaining how the present Branch 19 was a combination of the former Branch 52 (Verhovay) and Branch 19 (Rákóczi). Louis Varga, National Vice President, spoke in English expressing the wish for the continued spirit of fraternalism and the importance of social and cultural activities at the local level. The aims of our society can be greatly expanded by resorting to fraternal principles and dedicating ourselves to the service of our members. He paid tribute to the loyalty of 50-year veteran members. Senator John A. Lynch of New7 Jersey extended his good wishes to the members of Branch 19. Richard J. Phillips, Investment Manager of the Association, spoke first in English and then Hungarian. He said: “The founders of our great society were not educated men by modern standards, and I doubt if any of them were proficient in the English language, but they had that basic ingredient — that spark — which sets apart one man from another. They had the will and the determination to make this society succeed. Little did they know, or dared to project, that this society would one day assume a pre-eminent position among fraternal life companies and grow to more than 88,000 members with assets in excess of $28,000,000. Our founders carried out the common instincts of civilized mankind — to care for the sick, the helpless, the unbefriended. They left us a heritag’e rich with the culture and flavor of the old world, which w'e can continue for future generations to behold.” In Hungarian, he paid tribute to the contributions of the twenty-one veteran members, whose loyalty and devotion to the society over the years has been a vital force. Other speakers, expressing best wishes, followed: Luke J. Horvath, Commissioner of New Brunswick; Mrs. Michael Hegedűs, Jr., President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary; and Mrs. Messenger, member of Parent Rákóczi, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Joseph Kormondy, Director, spoke of the contributions to the association of Adam Simon, during the past 25 years; and how, with devotion, he has canned on the duties of his office. He was not only a good counselor, but a good friend, and ever willing to serve the needs of our membership. The presence of so huge a gathering was ample testimony of the deep respect held by the membership for Mr. Simon. As a gift, Mr. Simon was presented with a $100 bill. Mr. Simon was introduced. In simple eloquence he stated: “I shall never forget the honor bestowed upon me, and a great deal of credit must go to others — To my parents, who encouraged me at an early age to become active in fraternal work, to the Home Office and Board Members who gave me the necessary fools to keep me in business, and to Mr. Frank Cher and Mr. Joseph Toma who were instrumental in teaching me the life insurance business. Last, but by no means the least, to Mr. Joseph Kormondy, our local Director, who has been like a father to me, for his patience and understanding, and for his help in times of discouragement.” He thanked his friends, his co-workers, his officers for the significant honor. The presentation of the 50-year pins was made by Directors Radvany, Lang, Ibos and Faczan. The following received these awards: Joseph Knolmayer, Anthony Pakay, Mrs. Alexander Puskas, Stephen Sagi, Mrs. Aloysius Stenger, Mrs. Peter Sulligan, Mrs. John Szmol. The following were not present: George Csigi, Joseph Doktor, Mrs. Stephen Karsai, Paul Kuglics, Mrs. Elizabeth Kocsis, Frank , Laczko, John Pinter, Mrs. Joseph Nemeth, Joseph Nemeth, Steye Szabó (Fords). Dignitaries and organization delegates were present in great numers: Vice President and Mrs. Louis Varga, and the Vice President’s mother, Mrs. Varga; Investment Manager Richard J. Phillips and Mrs. Phillips; Director and Mrs. Frank Radvany, Trenton, New Jersey; Director and Mrs. Michael J. Faczan, Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Director^ and Mrs. Stephen Lang, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Director Albert B. Ibos; Director and Mrs. Joseph Kormondy; László Kereszti and Valentine Konyha, members of the Auditing Committee; Regional Manager Andrew R. Balogh, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Regional Manager Joseph Toma and Mrs. Toma, New York City; Division Manager Adam Simon and Mrs. Simon, and daughter, Nancy Lynn; Division Manager Louis Revesz and Mrs. Revesz; Division Manager Ernest F. Kemenes and Mrs. Kemenes, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; District Manager John The regular monthly meetings will hereafter be held the second Sunday of each month at 3 P.M. in the branch home. We hope that this time will be convenient for the members and will enable all to attend. We would like to announce the opening of the Aimed Guard Detective Agency operated by Lt. Wesley Shook and Capt. Lewis Linderman, members of our branch. Anyone desiring their services can contact them at AiC. 6-0066. At the September meeting Joseph Nameth was unanimously elected to the position of branch treasurer. Branch 296 representatives to the Diamond Jubilee banquet celebrated in Detroit were Director John P. Balia, Field Manager Elmer Charles, Sr., and Secretary and Mrs. Albert J. Stelkovics. STORK DEPT. Daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vargo, Május, New York City; District Manager Andrew N. Rinko, Passaic, New Jersey; Branch Manager John Emody, Newark, New Jersey; Professor August J. Molnár, Rutgers University; Reverend and Mrs. Joseph Rasky; Reverend Doctor Andrew Kosa, Magyar Reformed Church; James A. McGary and Dowjnie M. Sheehan, Commissioners of New Brunswick. The Reverend Doctor Andrew Kosa of the Magyar Reformed Church of New Brunswick gave the Benediction. This was an occasion long to be remembered as it was plain evidence of true fraternalism in the highest tradition of our society. The members of the various committees deserve our undying gratitude for their untiring efforts to make this event such an outstanding success. Our thanks to the ladies in the kitchen, under the direction of Mrs. Joseph Horvath and Mrs. B. Szucs; the bartenders; the Committee handling the decorations with Mrs. Irene Barna, Chairman; the door tenders; and last but not least, our great appreciation to the thirty waitresses under the capable direction of Miss H. Vasvai-y, for their efficient service. To these and others who may have had any part, no matter how small, In the organization of this enormously successful event — our greatful appreciation. (EDITOR'S NOTE): Mr. Simon began his career with the Association in 1936 as Sports and Social Administrator and sold insurance through the Branch Manager. In 1942, as a special agent, he began to enroll members into Branch 52 and 518 until 1946, when he assumed the duties of Branch Manager. From 1946 to 1955 the membership increased by more than 400. due tq his diligent efforts. After the merging of our two Societies, he began as a full .time .District .Manager .until July, 1960, when he assumed the position of Division Manager. Since then the membership has more than tripled. Mr. Simon has received many awards; the Gold Ring Award in 1946; the Illustrious Member Award in 1949, in addition to being a Delegate to the National Convention in 1943. 1947, 1951. Married to Kathleen Shelton in 1947, they have a daughter, Nancy Lynn, 12, and live in New Brunswick, New Jersey. and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Wislie. GET WELL WISHES to Dimitri Novikoff, Betty Gólya, Mrs. Rose Antal, and Terry Charles. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Candy Charles and E. E. Miller. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Miller. As usual New Year’s Eve will be celebrated at our branch home. Members will be given details by mail. Children will be notified through the mail as to what date Santa will be stopping at our branch home for his annual visit. A MOTHER’S THANKSGIVING PRAYER I thank thee Lord for two o’clock feedings all hours of the night, For rubber pants and soft-soled shoes all grown tight, For formulas, diapers, and cradle cap, But they would mean nothing to me. Without the boy I hold on my lap. POWER CITY NEWS SPRINGDALE, PA. and VICINITY, — BR. 296 — By Bernadette Balia —