Fraternity-Testvériség, 2001 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2001-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 6 TESTVÉRISÉG CELEBRATING FLAG DAY AT THE BETHLEN HOME For more than three-quarters of a century, members of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America have looked upon the Bethlen Home to provide ministry and service, first for orphans and subsequently for its elderly and infirmed. Now in its 80th year, the Ligonier, Pennsylvania facility remains a beacon of hope. Those in need of its ministry and care have only to ask. Flag Day at the Bethlen Home is celebrated by the Board of Directors. The mission of the Federation is simple, and very clear — that its members, as they are forced to battle age and declining health will never be alone, will not be forgotten, and never be without dignity. But the Bethlen Home, too, is aging and becoming inadequate by increasing stringent standards established by the state to ensure the best of care for its residents. “For many years now, the Bethlen Home that we’re living in has small rooms and the hallways are narrow,” said Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director. “We provide excellent care, but the State, each year when they come in for their inspection, bring it to our attention that the building is below the current standards... we’re able to operate based on waivers each year, but clearly we must build a new nursing home in order to continue our mission.” So, on June 14 — Flag Day, appropriately — a progressive and concerned Board of Directors of the Bethlen Home entered into a new era. The Board took a significant step to build a new $12 million modern state-of-the art care facility by giving approval to Federation Acting Chairperson George Dózsa to execute a contract with a leading architectural firm to begin the design and planning stage. A new Bethlen Home will be located on a part of the facility’s old farm that once provided food for the current facility. On its location at one of the highest points in Westmoreland County, the new nursing home will provide residents with unrestricted views of the beautiful Ligonier Valley fringed by the majestic Laurel Mountains with the splendor of its sylvan vistas and, of course, the historical storybook town of Ligonier. That action follows the June 1 purchase by a perceptive, pro-active Bethlen Home Board of Directors of the modem, 51-room Ligonier Gardens, a renovated hotel that has been operating as a personal care facility since it opened a year ago. Located just a few hundred yards east of the historical log French Fort Ligonier that is one of the most prized tourist attractions in the Laurel Highlands, Ligonier Gardens will provide a pleasant, secure residency for those who wish to live independently. “I’m excited that we’re finally moving ahead with plans,” said Ms. Priscilla Hunyady, Chairperson of the Federation Board of Directors. “We are progressing which sometimes we haven’t done. A lot of times we just sit and talk about where we’re going to go. Now there’s actually some result of what we talked about. By buying Ligonier Gardens, we’re going in the direction we talked about for so long. And the new facility on the hill will give us an all-encompassing campus for our seniors in the future.” Following a traditional Flag Day ceremony and lunch with residents at the Bethlen Home, and its historical meeting, Bethlen Home leaders visited Ligonier Gardens. They chatted with more than 50 delighted residents who enjoyed special snacks created by the facility’s culinary staff. “This is God’s work,” said Mr. Dózsa. “The Federation is carrying out His ministry. We are indeed blessed to work The Bethlen Home’s new assisted living facility. with a Board of Directors that has such dedication and vision toward the future of the Bethlen Home. We are fortunate to have found this place and that we are able to make it a part of our mission. Now we offer a complete package ... retirement, personal care, and assisted living.” “I feel very grateful to God, and I’m also very excited,” said Rev. Bertalan, who will oversee the Bethlen Home and Ligonier Gardens. “Seeing people working together, having an idea and a vision for the future. Once the new facility is open, then the old Bethlen Home will become a Hungarian cultural center. It will house a museum
