Fraternity-Testvériség, 1988 (66. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1988-04-01 / 2. szám

FRATERNITY

Page 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

From my corner at this time I wish to inform our entire membership about the state of the Federation as it was presented by me in April 1988 at the Spring Meeting of the Board of Directors of the HRFA.

ANOTHER YEAR OF PROGRESS

The long anticipated turnaround in the life of the Federation has finally occurred. Progress was recorded in such important areas as: New Business (doubled the production of 1986); Dues Income; Insurance in Force; Investment Profits; Assets; Solvency Ratio. Fraternal activities increased and service to our members took on new dimensions.

From the fiscal point of view, the HRFA is again bigger than before. Admitted assets have increased and reached the all time high of $21,857,816.00. The solvency ratio is up to $143.91 (for every one dollar of liability there is $1.43 of assets for coverage), again higher than ever. We have enjoyed successful years with new profits exceeding $193,369.00 in the last year. With the dedication and willingness demonstrated by our Branch Managers and Agents at the meetings, the trend of decrease in membership can be leveled-off and reversed.

FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES

Branches were revitalized in local fraternal activities — to name a few: the summer pilgrimage to Ligonier, PA; the ecumenical worship service in Beaver Falls, PA; La-care Art & Folk Festival in Chicago, IN; the work of the Hungarian Scouts. The Federation plays an active part in the Refugee Resettlement Program. In Youngstown, Ohio, for example we have joined forces with the Hungarian Presbyterian Church and in New Brunswick, NJ, a desk has been assigned for this task.

STUDENT AID

It is always a pleasure to help college students. The letters we receive from them convince us that this program is indeed much appreciated and therefore necessary.

BETHLEN HOME OF OHIO

In the past 60 years our most effective promotional tool was the charitable work performed in Ligonier, PA. However, new times demand new action. At its 1987 Spring Meeting, the Board of Directors made a unanimous resolution in favor of a Bethlen Home in Ohio. The plan was supported by the churches and branches in the Cleveland area and even beyond. In the meantime an adjustment was made in the plan and instead of starting out with a nursing home, we shall propose a personal care home and retirement village. The well-prepared plan will be presented for ratification to the 1988 September Convention.

FIELD FORCE

Our field force is built on a grass-root movement- people to people movement.

In 1987 there were four District Meetings and a Field Force Seminar at which the National Officers discussed the work and future of the Federation with at least 120 voluntary part time workers. When we talk of a successful year, we have to say that without the hard work of our branch managers and agents, we would not have succeeded.

BETHLEN COLLECTION

The richest archive and museum material of early Hungarian immigrants is in Ligonier. Last year we received a generous gift from our Director Piroska Hunyady in memory of her beloved parents, Rev. László and Barbara Hunyady.

The old concept of fraternal principles and the good cooperation with our churches, societies and media were always carefully observed in the past and they will continue to be a guiding principle for the future. I am sure that with common effort and help the last remaining problem, namely the decrease in membership will be arrested and reversed in this year.

Imre Bertalan, President

IMPORTANT CONVENTION NOTICE

Recommendations to delete the age limit for Members of the Board of Directors (Article III, Paragraph 24) and of National Officers (Article IV, Paragraph 41) are coming into my office from several branches for submission to the HRFA's 1988 Convention. Members interested in serving in those positions who are above the present age limit should submit their names to the President's Office in the event that the Convention accepts the proposed amendment to the By- Laws.

Imre Bertalan, President