Fraternity-Testvériség, 2002 (80. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2002-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 26 TESTVÉRISÉG Branch 202 - Duquesne, Pennsylvania Traditionally, members of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania exchange Christmas cards. This year, in lieu of the postage cost, a donation was collected and delivered to the Bethlen Home. Volunteers sorted the envelopes in specially built sorting boxes. Volunteer Shirley Knafler, a member of Branch 202, sorts Christmas cards for church members. The Pittsburgh Church at their annual Christmas party honored Sunday School students. Ham and roast beef prepared by the Calvin ladies were served along with potluck covered dishes. Many of the students are members of Branch 202. Fraternal members from Branch 15, 202 and 235 happily joined us. Bert Olah, Branch Manager 412-521-3412 Branch 259 - Los Angeles, CA A lovely Christmas Holiday Program was held in December at the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Los Angeles. Third generation American-born children recited traditional poems in the Hungarian language. This brought tears of joy to many who attended. Several of the talented children performed musical selections on clarinet, violin and piano. There was merriment, delicious food, joyful singing of Christmas carols, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Margaret Saltzer, Branch Manager, donated the Christmas candy and prepared a booklet entitled “Christmas Treasures in English and Hungarian - Poems and Carols.” These were distributed to everyone present. Many thanks to HRFA members Margaret Badacsonyi, Zoltán Elekes and Tunde Garai for their efforts in making this a memorable day! Margaret Saltzer, Branch Manager 775-883-7286 Branch 300 - Washington, D.C. Never before did a more beautiful Christmas tree adorn the President’s office at the Kossuth House. It was so beautiful that it could have stepped right out of a lovely Christmas storybook. Its presence was enough to raise the Christmas spirit in those of us who work at the Home Office and in those who came to our Christmas Party on the evening of December 20, 2001. We suspect the prevailing good weather drew most of the people invited to come. Some young families brought their little ones to our delight. George Dózsa, President, welcomed the assembled guests around the Christmas tree in his office. Among the guests were: John M. Coleman and László Pentek of the D.C. Insurance Department; Maxine Lewis, President, Chesapeake Fraternal Congress; Priscilla Hunyady, our Chairman, Rev. Stefan M. Torok, our new CEO; William Bela Puskas, Jr., our CFO; and Tom Szilassy our new Sales and Marketing Director. We were also joined by our good friends from the larger Metropolitan area; Home Office employees; branch officers; and members of the Kossuth Social Club. Branch President Rev. Imre Bertalan, Sr. led us in the singing of Christmas hymns. We sometimes had to repeat them until he thought that we sounded “good enough.” Small gifts were given to the children and awards to our longtime members. During the course of the evening, we honored the following members for the loyalty they have shown the HRFA for so many years. Recognized for reaching the 50-year milestone of membership in 2001 were: Elemer Bako, Jr.; Frances Brendlinger; Rev. Imre Bertalan; Maria Chikes; Ann and Karl Kadi; Bela and Maria Toth; Elmer and Betty Vargo; Mary Ann Zarket; and Anthony Zivic. And those reaching the 25-year membership were: Richard and Eva Harris; Kati Paschke; Elizabeth Pota; Sarolta Pota; and Iren J. Vallario. The honorees who were present received a plaque and a membership pin. Those who could not attend the Christmas Party were mailed a letter of recognition together with the membership pin. A delicious dinner followed, and we enjoyed the evening in a truly festive spirit. L. to r.: László Pentek and John M. Coleman with President George Dózsa. The spirit of Christmas is not complete without children.
