Magyar Herald, 1993 (1-4. szám)

1993 / 3. szám

Page 3

MAGYAR HERALD

3rd QUARTER, 1993

^Pcist €vents of the Mogycir Club^>

May 5 - Dinner Meeting - Ambassador Thomas, American ambassador to Hungary.

The high points of his lecture were: Hungary is cooperating with NATO in the matter of observation aircraft over Bosnia. Yet Hungary receives no compensation for its costs. Hungary is economically sound. It is meeting its debt payments in a timely manner. Of all the liberated nations in the area, Hungary has the best record on foreign investments. Hungary has established very good relations with the Ukraine. Hungary is quite concerned over the fate of the Hungarians in the Vajdaság (Voivodina).

May 12 - Dr. Géza Entz, State Secretary for Hungarians living outside of Hungary spoke on "Ethnic Conflicts in Central Europe". The dinner meeting was held at the Skating Club.

Dr. Entz presented the Hungarian minority status problems in eight neighboring countries. These problems were created by the peace treaties after W.W. I, II. The neighboring states are not yet democracies consequently minorities cannot have rights.

May 18 - Magyar Club Reception and working dinner at the Holiday Inn for the Miskolc Sister City Guests.

Here the Editor would like to insert a comment from one of our former Club presidents, Dr. John Palasics.

"My comment is that herein lies the reality of two worlds. For generations, Hungarians in the United States have worked very hard under demanding circumstances to preserve their heritage whereas the Hungarians of Hungary took theirs for granted and furthermore perpetuation was discouraged by an alien despotism. It seems to me that the people arriving here today are searching not only for financial and economic assistance but also for the road which will tie them up with the Hungarian heritage and psyche. How different were the visitors of 1946 when Kodály spoke at Bethlen Hall where he mentioned that the American Hungarians should consider themselves the eighth tribe of the mythical Hungarians who formed the nation of Hungary and that this eighth tribe should in every way help the seven tribes in Hungary.

I remember the words of Mrs. Zoltán Tildy, the first lady of Hungary, who also spoke at Bethlen Hall and stated with conviction that when we came out of hiding from the ruins of war our Hungarian people immediately set forth to rebuilding with enthusiasm and hope for the future."

Cardinal Mindszenty, in his closing remarks at St. John's Hall, stated that "I shall return to Hungary the nation of martyrs."

These were only some of the greats, but they brought messages from the Hungarian people filled with the spirit of the Hungarian people; where is this traditional spirit today?

May 19 - Meeting with László Józsa, member of Parliament in Belgrade from the province of Voivodina. Others present were Stephen Varga, editor of the Croatian Voice, George Berenyi, delegate of the Magyar American Association.

This young polished gentleman painted an uncomfortable picture of the Hungarians in Voivodina. The Hungarians are concerned about a possible Serbian land grab against which the Hungarians would be helpless.

We American Hungarians can be proud that Hungarian interests are represented by such dignified and intelligent people.

Installation of Officers Meeting May 18,1993

The annual installation of the newly-elected officers and board members of The Magyar Club of Cleveland took place at the Holiday Inn-Independence on Tuesday, May 18, at a dinner-reception, which began at 6 p.m. with a social hour.

Mr. Frank Sötét, the newly-elected President, welcomed the member of the Club and also extended greetings to the members of the City of Miskolc delegation, who were guests of the Club.

Dr. Stephen Szabó gave the blessing before meals in Hungarian and English. All those in attendance were very pleased with the dinner, which was based on an American menu.

Dr. István Toth introduced the newly-elected President, Mr. Frank Sötét, who then introduced the rest of the newly-elected officers.

All of the members of the Board came forward in order to renew their oath of office. Dr. Szabó administered the oath of office to the newly-elected Board and the current directors. Mr. Sötét introduced new members of the Club: Mrs. Anne Robinson, Mrs. Csilla Myers, Mr. Stephen Winkler and Mr. Matt Mayher.

Dr. István Toth took over the meeting in order to present the guests from Miskolc and explain the Sister City program. The guests were each introduced and asked to explain their role in the program and what they hoped this exchange would accomplish. Some of these hopes were: change the emphasis of their city's schools to better train people; encourage business leaders to exchange business contacts; invest in Hungary; renewal of medical facilities; exchange of leaders and educators so people can come here to learn; investment in trade area.

Board Meeting Was Held on June 17,1993

The meeting of the Officers and Directors of The Magyar Club of Cleveland was begun with dinner at 6:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn-Independence.

Dr. István Toth recapped the dinner and reception for the Miskolc delegation. Marketing video tapes will be used to promote Miskolc to our community as a continuation of the Sister City program. Plans are underway to visit Miskolc in the fall.

A date was finalized for the celebration of The Magyar Club 's 70th Anniversary. Since only Friday dates were available at the Holiday Inn-Independence, and that was the preferred site for the celebration, Friday, May 13 was chosen. Dr. István T oth made the motion to accept Friday, May 13, Mr. Emery Szabó seconded the motion. Date was accepted by all present. Mr. Ernest Tóth will contact Mr. Johnny Singer to hire his orchestra for the event.

Mr. Emery Szabó gave a report on membership. The last printing of members listed 144 names. Presently 160 names are on the list, but 40 have not paid past dues. A discussion was held on attracting and keeping young members. Mr. Ernest Tóth accepted the position of Membership Chairman.

Dr. István Tóth will be chairman of the 70th anniversary celebration, with Mr. Theodore Tóth and Mr. Louis Peskay assisting. Dr. Tóth will contact several women to be on the committee also. It was agreed by the Board that a charitable fund raiser be included as part of the celebration.