Fraternity-Testvériség, 2009 (87. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2009-07-01 / 3. szám
BRANCH NEWS Branch 35 - Detroit, MI “A Sunday in the Old Country ” That was the motto for the 35th annual Birmingham Ethnic Festival in Toledo, Ohio on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Under the tent cover, the Bethlen Community/Cultural Center and HRFA shared the same space as Baba Ujvagi displayed our heritage and the essence what Flungarians are all about. I was eager to be present at the Festival to promote the products of HRFA. My early arrival made it possible for me before the beginning of the event to join the worship service at Calvin United Church of Christ where Elizabeth Bacsó, member of the local branch, received me with a true Hungarian welcome. By the time the service was over, the tent was in place and I was able to set up the display for HRFA. I had an opportunity to share with a number of visitors the excellent products of our Federation. In my display, I highlighted the activities of our branches. After finishing his ministerial responsibilities, Rev. Frank Varga, member of the Board of Directors, helped me at the HRFA table. President of Branch 35, Louise Vespremi, Margaret & Desider Tarkanyi visited the Festival Brittney Tarkanyi with logo taught them the importance of having life insurance coverage. Now the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are following in their footsteps. Another person told me how much she values Branch 35 at the Birmingham Festival and also came to see us. Everyone needs to hear the wonderful testimonies some long-time members of HRFA shared with me. What I heard was the great appreciation from one person toward his great-grandparents who become members of HRFA early on and that they purchased policies for themselves and for their children and Brittney Tarkanyi is the Granddaughter of Desider (Vice President of Branch 35) and Margaret Tarkanyi (Branch Treasurer). Brittney is a fourth generation member of HRFA and Branch 35. She crafted the winning logo for Orion Art Center’s Dragon on the Lake logo design contest. Brittney is ten years old and attends Laura Martin’s fourth grade at Carpenter Elementary. Her full color logo will be used to help publicize Dragon on the Lake, a downtown Lake Orion, Ml celebration in September. Katalin Varga, Branch 35 Manager; Fraternal Administrator the Hungarian activities that keep our heritage alive. It was nice to see one little girl who was proudly wearing her Hungarian dress. Her mom was provided with information so hopefully she will be the next new member. My experience was that our Hungarian heritage is alive and well. The proof of this is the young man who stopped at the HRFA table during our conversation and said, “I don’t speak Hungarian (csak kicsi Magyar) but I am proud of my Hungarian heritage.” The message is very clear to Hungarians in the USA today: we must carry on the great work our ancestors began with dedication and faithfulness concerning our heritage and fraternal values. Katalin Varga, Branch 35 Manager 10 FALL 20
