The Messenger, 2004 (1-3. szám)

2004-05-01 / 3. szám

Sctüntp ^tgí)ltsí)tő

WRITINGS BY JULIA DETILLA

Many of you may recall the writings from the article “Look Back With Love” which was written by Ligonier Gardens’ resident Julia Detilla. She has once again submitted some writings of her life for our enjoyment. This writing will be the first of several issues.

We were too young to know, to realize what an apt name the principal of the Glenwood Elementary School had. She was Miss Law, and was very strict, but very fair. She always seemed to know when the troop trains were going to pass through the Glenwood Yards. We were given little American Flags, and the littlest ones, the kindergarten children would go to stand in the first row along the black iron fence in back of the school, where the troop train was going to pass. The train had paused by the coal tipple where Batyam (my uncle Joseph, Mama’s brother) had loaded the locomotive with coal. They hadn’t gathered up enough steam yet, so the train passed us very slowly, and we could see the young faces of the boys who were being taken to the war. We waved our little flags, some of them waved back and smiled. Some of them looked sad.

When we went back inside the school, we got little scissors and sheets of gauze, and were told to cut

them up in little pieces. Miss Shook, our teacher told us we were helping to win the war. The little pieces were going to be stuffed in little bags, to make pads to put on soldiers who got hurt. Instead of making little paper boxes, and playing with crayons, we were proud to help win the war. Kindergarten was only half a day. When I got home, I found Batyam eating his lunch. Mama was scolding him for being away for two days. It seems that Batyam and his friends went downtown to the big Post Office, to sign up to go to war. They got told that being 38, 39 and 40 years old was too old to go to war. If we need you, we will come and get you, but not yet, said the man with the gold strings on his cap. Being rejected, the four decided to go to the “Zöld Kert” for a drink. Zöld Kert means Green Garden in Hungarian. This was an establishment on the outskirts of the city, in the middle of China Town where there were dancing girls, music, drinks, and Fen Ten, run by Chinese gentlemen. Many years later we found out the Fen Ten was Fan Tan, a Chinese form of poker, which the Hungarians pronounced in their own way, the way they pronounced Mekessport, Mickysruksz, Hazelvood, Glenvood and a myriad of other names. Mama knew where her brother kept his money. It was gone and he came home with empty pockets, after an absence of two days.

THE BETHLEN HOME PAST AND PRESENT EVENTS

May is Older Americans’ Month

In 1963 President John F. Kennedy established the month of May as “Senior Citizens’ Month”. Every president since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking the entire nation to pay tribute to our Seniors in our local communities. In 1980 President Jimmy Carter had changed the name to “Older Americans’ Month”.

Please join The Bethlen Home in honoring our residents for their many contributions that they have made and continue to make to our Home and to our community during National Nursing Home Week from May 9 through the 15. This year’s theme is “Come to the County Fair”.

Families are welcome to attend the Country BBQ which will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 12:00 Noon.

Families are also encouraged to bring in their loved ones handmade items for our Craft Display Showcase. Items will be returned to the family. Please turn in your entry by Monday, May 3 to the Activity Department. Anyone having any questions can contact the Activity Department at 724-238-6711 ext. 31.

Details of events will be posted on the weekly bulletin boards located by each nursing station.