William Penn Life, 2002 (37. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
2002-01-01 / 1. szám
cial help that makes this affair possible. Please support the WPA scholarship fund. A grand total of $116,500 was distributed to 233 recipients for the 2001-2002 academic year. Your child, grandchild, niece or nephew could be a recipient some day. Please make a donation to this worthwhile cause. For your life insurance needs, contact Caroline Varner at (610) 933- 8391. A very happy, healthy and blessed new year to all. Branch 226 McKeesport, PA by Alexander J. Goydan A record-breaking attendance of 135 children, parents and grandparents enjoyed our branch's annual Christmas party Dec. 9. They were welcomed to a brightly-lit hall adorned with tinsel, a Christmas tree and tables covered in snowy-white table cloths. Branch President Michael Benedict greeted everyone and introduced Chuck Caputo, master magician, who has performed at the White House. He worked his magic using cards, coins and silk scarves and found many eager assistants among the children in attendance. Following the performance, Santa Claus appeared and presented the children with WPA goodie bags. Branch Vice President Bette Hoffman continued the long-standing branch tradition of giving each child a new $2 bill. A super buffet was next on the program. It included cold cuts, relish tray, potato salad, rigatoni, chicken, sheet cake, coffee and soft drinks. All those attending, including many first-time guests like Endre and Arlene Csornán, were impressed by our first-class Christmas party. All are looking forward to the next party. We also had the pleasure of welcoming the newest member of Branch 226, six-week-old Carolyn McAndrews, along with her parents Sharon and Joseph and grandparents Emery and Helen Barczy. Family, friends and fellow Branch 226 members bid a fond farewell Nov. I to longtime member and former branch correspondent Margaret Jozik in November. She was leaving McKeesport, Pa., after 56 years to live in West Virginia. The election of branch officers was held before the party. All current officers were reelected to serve in 2002. In addition to Mr. Benedict and Mrs. Hoffman, our officers are: Violet Lenart, treasurer; Alexander J. Goydan, secretary; and Joseph and Goldie Szarka, auditors. Margaret Jozik, a longtime member of Branch 226, was the guest of honor at a luncheon Nov. 1 at the Rock Run Inn in Elizabeth Township, Pa. The party was hosted by her sons Albert and Paul and daughter Margaret Cruz. Violet Lenart, Alex Goydan and many of Margaret's friends, teaching colleagues and neighbors saluted her as she bid farewell to McKeesport to live in Martinsburg, W.Va., where son Paul lives. She lived in West Virginia prior to moving to McKeesport in 1944 with her husband Albert, who was a former editor of the Verhovay Journal. Margaret was a regular contributor to the publication, submitting many articles about branch activities. She leaves with many fond memories of her life and years in McKeesport. / Branch 296 Springdale, PA by Diane M. Torma Branch 296 held its monthly meeting and election of officers Dec. 13. The following members were reelected to serve our branch for the year 2002: Ralph Schuller, president; John Rusak, vice president; Diane M. Torma, secretary-treasurer; and Margaret Kosheba, Martha Schuller and Jennie Wislie, auditors. The officers were installed by Noreen Fritz. On Dec. 15, our annual branch Christmas party was held at the Hungarian Reformed Church in Springdale. The program began with the entertainment of magician Michael "Doc" Dougherty, who returned this year by popular demand. As usual, the children and adults alike were mesmerized by his comedy and sleight-of-hand performance, which included many new tricks. His "assistants" (volunteers from the audience) were good-natured and their participation added to the fun. The entertainment was followed by a door prize drawing, in which every child was a winner. The crowd then sang Christmas songs while waiting for the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. The children took turns sitting on Santa's lap to tell him of their wish lists. "Goodie" bags were then distributed by Ralph Schuller. The afternoon concluded with a wonderful array of delicious homemade food and Christmas cookies. Much thanks to the Home Office and Board of Directors for the financial assistance and promotional items. Also, many thanks to the branch officers and members who gave so much of their time and effort to make this year's party successful (despite the Santa Claus glitch.) A special thank you to Martha Schuller, Irene Charles, Helen Gosciejew and Marge Kosheba for all the time you spent preparing the food. It is always so fantastic. Thanks to Jeff Hurlbut for scrubbing the floors and tables-we appreciate it. Hilllam Penn Life, January 2002 17
