Fraternity-Testvériség, 1982 (60. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1982-01-01 / 1. szám

Branch News:

CONNECTICUT BRANCHES - 85th ANNIVERSARY DINNER - H.R.F.A.

On Sunday, December 6, 1981, the Connecticut branches of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, celebrated the 85th Anniversary of the Federation with a gala dinner held in the Bessemer Center in Bridgeport, CT.

Greetings were extended to the assembled guests by Mr. Joseph Poruban, Chief-Elder of the United Church of Christ in Bridgeport (the host church); by Mr. John Koi, President of Branch 1, and by Mr. William Sontra, President of Branch 52. The invocation was given by Rev. Dr. John Butosi.

During dinner, music was provided by Rozsika and László, popular Hungarian musicians in the local area. During the program, entertainment was provided by very talented young people, many of whom are members of Branch 52. Singing beautifully, both in English and Hungarian, were Misses Elizabeth Dudás, Mariane Downing, and Sally Szabó. A dance group, instructed by Mrs. Csilla Somogyi, presented Hungarian Folk Dances for our enjoyment.

Left to right: Sally Szabó, Mariane Downing, Elizabeth Dudás. All members of Branch 52.

The program consisted of talks by Rev. Imre Bertalan (who also sang two religious hymns), Mr. Elmer E. Vargo, and Mr. Joseph Molnár; introductions of H.R.F. A. Field Force (including guests from New Jersey branches) and Board of Directors; and guests, including local clergy, and members and Board of Directors of William Penn, from Bridgeport and National.

Left to right: Timothy S. Betts, Mrs. Gladys Cannata, Mr. John Koi, Mrs. Irene Kurimai. Not on picture: William Sontra and Stephen Molnár.

Certificates of recognition for many years of service to the H.R.F.A. were presented to the following persons:

MR. JOHN KOI, President of Br. 1, Bridgeport MR. WILLIAM SONTRA, President of Br. 52, South Norwalk

MRS. IRENE KUIMAI, Br. 52, Section Manager for many years until June, 1981

MR. STEPHEN MOLNÁR, Branch Manager of Br. 63

MR. ALEXANDER CSIK (posthumous) - accepted by grand-nephew, Timothy S. Betts MR. NICHOLAS SZEGEDI (posthumous) - accepted by his daughter, Mrs. Gladys Cannata

The benediction was given by Rev. Zoltán Szabó of the Hungarian Reformed Church in South Norwalk, CT. Toastmistress for this celebration was Mrs. Suzanne S. Virgulák, Branch Manager of Br. 52, 365, and 247.

The profit of the dinner was $501.00 and this gift was sent to Rev. Paul Kovács to be used for the Bethlen Home in Ligonier.

S.S.V.

BRANCH 52 ACTIVITIES - BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

During the year 1981, monthly meetings were held in the parlor of the Hungarian Reformed Church of South Norwalk, CT.

On November 4, 1981, 82 persons—members, their families, and friends—enjoyed a one-day bus trip to Atlantic City, NJ. The trip proved to be a huge success, and many people indicated a desire to take such a trip again.

7