Fraternity-Testvériség, 2011 (89. évfolyam, 1. szám)
2011-01-01 / 1. szám
Fraternity | Testvériség Rev. Alexander Jalso with his granddaughter, Sophia as well. That party helped him reconnect with his Hungarian heritage and also helped the family settle into American society. As they overheard conversations in both English and in Hungarian, they especially appreciated this holiday event and were pleasantly surprised that the mix of food, gifts, parents, children, and HRFA members brought such an air of festivity to the season. The Tozers also enjoy reading HRFA’s magazine, “Fraternity Testvériség,” which to them acts as an “umbilical cord” between their family members and HRFA. Since the children are young, they have not had to use the financial benefits HRFA offers, but the children will eventually take advantage of the scholarship program so their connection with HRFA is considered an investment in the future. Tozer is amazed at the numbers of Hungarians living in the metropolitan area who have never heard of HRFA so he proselytizes about the Federation and invites them to events at the Kossuth House when he attends. The four in his family consider HRFA as their “Little Hungary,” which is reassuring when they live 5,000 miles away from Attila’s birthplace. HRFA’s President Les Megyeri has been a member for almost 15 years but realizes that he’s a relative newcomer because some HRFA members in their 70’s and ‘80’s joined HRFA when they Leslie L. Megyeri and Rev. Alexander Jalso Since The Kossuth House ts The home office of The Federation, Branch 300 hosts many events. Political leaders from Hungary often come on official visits to the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of State. During their visits to the Kossuth House, they usually lecture on the political and economic situation in Hungary. were infants. Les is a second generation member as his father joined in 1961 when he was a member of Branch 300 until he passed away. Les admits he doesn’t have many bragging rights because HRFA has many third and fourth generation members whose loyalty to the organization is remarkable. Since the Kossuth House is the home office of the Federation, Branch 300 hosts many events. Political leaders from Hungary often come on official visits to the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of State. During their visits to the Kossuth The Teleki family House, they usually lecture on the political and economic situation in Hungary. So far, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and members of the Hungarian Parliament including its speaker have been hosted at the Kossuth House. Sometimes, the current Ambassador also attends the events. Thus, Les is fortunate to be kept current about Hungarian affairs and feels connected to Hungary in a meaningful way. And since he is HRFA’s President, he is totally immersed in the daily business affairs and the fraternal activities of HRFA. He spends most every day at the Kossuth House to manage the home office, a busy place with a very small staff that services over 10,000 members. Fortunately, the dedicated staff speaks both English and Hungarian fluently with only one exception. Even on weekends, he talks to new members and works on HRFA issues. He is grateful that his wife, Kathy, is also totally involved in HRFA as she spends considerable amounts of volunteer time on the Fraternity magazine, soliciting input from members, proofreading the layout, and writing what she hopes are interesting articles for the readers who have positively responded. Max Teleki, President of the Hungarian American Coalition and an HRFA member for five years, thinks HRFA has exhibited true fraternalism and generos7
