Magyar News, 1998. szeptember-1999. augusztus (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1998-09-01 / 1. szám
Teaching Hungarian dances growing up. With the years they became more into their own and with every step they got closer to the professional level. Both of them performed in front of us in Bridgeport and Fairfield many times. Then they were in the performances of the TAMBURITZANs. Today we enjoy Kálmán, Jr.’s ÉLETFA ensemble, let that be playing dance music at the Café Budapest, or combining with a lecture on folk culture, or participating with groups coming from Hungary. The Magyar children also chose a regular profession. Kálmán Jr. became a lawyer and Ildikó is studying to become a physician. The Magyars are responsible for organizing tours with outstanding ensembles as Délibáb, Téka, Tilinkó, Méta, Járató, Ökrös, the Jászság Együttes, the Kodály Ensemble, many of them we saw here or at the Hungarian Club of Wallingford. Just a few weeks ago the Szászcsávás ensemble filled the auditorium of the Wallingford Club with Hungarian music loving audience. The Szászcsávás Band is a seven member gypsy group that came from a Transylvanian village of the same name. It is a small place with a population of a thousand. Most are Hungarians but one third are gypsies. These were probably bom with a music instrument in their hand. They preserve the local music culture that is still alive, handed down from generation to generation. They play Hungarian, Gypsy and Romanian tunes. They don’t read music, as a matter of fact only one of them knows how to read and write to some degree. What they know is what they hear, and they pass it on evoking a standing ovation. Since they usually play at events, like weddings, where the noise level is a bit high, they use two or three prim violinists for the melody. The band has a female member who in a very authentic way sings and dances, bringing the life of the village to the audience. Recently, the Életfa visited our area. At the Hungarian Reformed Church in South Norwalk they gave a grand variety of Hungarian folk music. Also they introduced ancient Hungarian music instruments, including the “nyenyere.” Later at the Holy Trinity BC Church with member dancers, they conducted a workshop on Hungarian dances. We all thank the Magyar family for what they have done, and we wait with open arms to welcome them anytime in the future. Joseph F. Balogh Visa Lotto of the Immigration and Nationalization Services Hungary and the Hungarians in general are eligible to participate in the 2000 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This program makes available 50,000 permanent residence visas each year. Applicants are initially chosen through a random computer generated lottery drawing. No country may receive more than 3,500 diversity visas in any one year. Entries must be received between noon on Thursday, October 1, 1998 and noon on Saturday, October 31, 1998. All entries before or after this date will be disqualified. The postmark does not have any bearing on it. Also, entries sent to the wrong address will not be accepted. Only one entry for each person is accepted. Couples may file separately and if one receives a visa, the other is accepted too. One does not need a printed entry form. It may be submitted on a plain paper as long as it provides all the information needed about the applicant. The applicant may be residing in any countiy but the decision is based on the original countiy. There are many requirements that one should take under consideration. The applicant should have a high school education, or other specified schooling or training. There is no limitation on who handles the application. It could be the applicant or some one else on his behalf. Also two requirements have to be met. The applicant has to personally sign the entry form and must submit a photograph of the person. This photograph should be less than 6 months old. Many restrictions are made for the application. Even the size of the envelope, the order of the return address, the photos are determined so the handling of the application may be organized in an efficient manner. Do not do anything before you obtain the proper information. It would be a shame to lose out because of some avoidable formality. Those who are lucky to be chosen will receive their visa between October 1, 1999 and September 30, 2000. If you are interested, don’t put it off. You can’t wait to the last minute because the INS does not accept hand delivery, nor registered mail. You have to do this by the book so everybody gets the same chance in this lotto. You may find information at the International Institute, libraries, probably some churches. Definitely an immigration lawyer could help out too. To some extent the MN could help. Page 5
