Fraternity-Testvériség, 2009 (87. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2009-04-01 / 2. szám
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The New Jersey/New York District meeting took place at the First Magyar Reformed Church in New Brunswick, NJ on Saturday, March 7th, 2009. In attendance were HRFA’s Chairman László Hamos, Vice-Chair George Dózsa, and Board member Rev. Leslie Martin. Also present were three former HRFA Directors, Ms. Priscilla Hunyady, Mr. William Puskas, and Mr. Michael Pauli, Jr. A number of clergy were also present: Rev. Otvos, Rev. Roczey, Rev. Ujj and Rev. Drotos. I made a short presentation followed by a speech by the Regional Marketing Director, Robi Kovács. He introduced Mr. Jim Higgins of Somerset Insurance Services, which recently became a partner with HRFA to sell a wide variety of insurance products. In addition to the above named persons, members of the local branches were present as well as several interested persons who are in the process of becoming licensed insurance agents of HRFA. The well-attended meeting was concluded with a delightful Hungarian luncheon prepared by Jóska Bácsi, the church’s caretaker and chef. The second successful District meeting took place at the Hungarian Reformed Church in Duquesne, PA for HRFA members located in that state. After the introduction by Director Fabri, Rev. Posta conducted the morning’s devotion. Also present were two other ministers, Rev. Imre Bertalan and Rev. Alexander Jalso and several branch managers. The formal part of the meeting was my presentation about the new product offerings that HRFA is unveiling in the near future. There is also a pilot program of new offerings being tested in the New York and New Jersey area during the 2009 calendar year. If successful, this pilot program will be expanded to include other states where HRFA is licensed. The District meeting was concluded with a delicious lunch provided by the ladies of the church under the able leadership of Olga Damay and Mrs. Posta, who was the head chef. The third District meeting for the Illinois and Indiana members took place at the Holy Trinity Hungarian Church in East Chicago, Indiana. In attendance were HRFA Directors András Demeter and Rev. Ferenc Varga. Also present was Mr. Joseph Kovács, retired Director. Bishop Ludwig opened the meeting with a devotion followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to Hungary led by Mrs. Kati Mischak, President of the Kossuth Club. In addition, participating in the meeting were Mrs. Katalin Varga, fraternal coordinator and branch manager, Mrs. Maria Kovács, branch manager, Mr. Aron Trufan, branch manager and leader of the Norridge United Church of Christ, and Mrs. Magdolna Hunyadi, branch manager. Special thanks to Mrs. Maria Kovács and her helpers who organized the kitchen staff. And I would be remiss if I did not thank Father Alphonse Skerl who was the gracious host of this very well-attended District meeting. The last District meeting of the year took place in Ohio at the First Hungarian Reformed Church in Walton Hills, a suburb of Cleveland. The meeting was presided over by Mr. John Morey, Vice-Chair of HRFA’s Board of Directors. After a delightful continental breakfast, the meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by former Director William Nicholas followed by a devotion conducted by Mr. Edward Bihary, Branch 3 Manager. Like in previous District meetings, I provided a power-point presentation on HRFA’s marketing plan and its new product offerings. After a lively discussion, a delicious meal of boneless pork loin with potatoes and beans was served along with apple strudel for desert. The kitchen staff must be commended for their excellent meal preparation. They were Mr. John Sente, Chief Elder, Mrs. Margaret Jacobs, and Mrs. Sandy Pittaway. Additional preparers for the festivities were Mrs. Betty FRATERNITY - TESTVÉRISÉG Rose and Mrs. Elaine Galgany. Under the leadership of Mr. Edward Szabó, Manager of Branch 2 and 352, the room was prepared for the meeting and all the required logistics were completed. The spring Board of Directors’ meeting took place in Ligonier, PA at the Bethlen Home meeting room during the last week of April. As required by HRFA’s by-laws, an election was held for the leadership of the Board. By acclamation, the previous leaders were re-elected. Thus, Director László Hamos continues as Chairman of the Board and Directors George Dózsa and John K. Morey continue their tenures as Vice-Chairmen. (See photographs of the District Meetings on page 6-7) The Board meetings set the direction for the Federation while the District meetings provide feedback on HRFA’s activities. The District meetings are especially informative for our members, and I look forward to them annually because I learn of your concerns and hear suggestions that will benefit the Federation. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of these District meetings because it’s the Home Office’s best and most effective way to communicate with HRFA members. Fraternally, Leslie L. Megyeri
