William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2011-08-01 / 8. szám

Branching Out with Endre Csornán

The current National Officers of William Penn Association take the oath of office during the 36th General Convention in September 2007: (l-r) Diane M. Torma, National Vice President-Treasurer; George S. Charles Jr., National President; Richard W. Toth, National Vice President- Secretary; and Endre Csornán, National Vice President-Fraternal. (Photo by John E. Lovász)

A brief history of William Penn Association

Part Seven: New leadership guides us to the future

by Endre Csornán

During the last three decades, William Penn Association underwent considerable changes in its leadership structure. Indeed, some division of power existed for some time; the top leadership was changed too often.

The leadership of William Penn Association also became involved in a number of related ventures with various degrees of success. During these same decades, the leadership of William Penn made great efforts to improve the salary scale of the employees, the pension plan and various other fringe benefits.

The new phase in the history of William Penn began in 1996 when the Board of Directors elected three young employees to the following offices: George S. Charles Jr., as National President; Richard W. Toth as Acting National Vice President-Secretary; and Diane M. Torma as Acting National Vice President-Treasurer. The Board would eventually vote to remove the "Acting" designation from Mr. Toth's and Mrs. Torma's titles, making them duly installed National Officers.

Newly-elected National President Charles emphasized the need for new fraternal programs at the local and national levels that would attract prospective members to the organization.

The story of William Penn Association in its 125 years of existence has been very similar to that of the fraternal benefit system as a whole. Yes, the society had its difficulties in the early days and during the Depression as well as undergoing leadership changes. However, it has successfully overcome them. We can say it has been well-managed and financially in splendid condition. The unstable economy, naturally, resulted in loss of membership; but the Board of Directors made notable efforts to build up the membership again.

One hundred twenty-five years ago, 13 coal miners united with strong arms and firm determination to face life with combined strength and to make these United States a better place for you and me.

Today, William Penn Association stands for fraternalism and looks to the future for our youth through our fine scholarship program.

It is inevitable that William Penn Association will have many years of prosperity and good life as a leader in the fraternal benefit society system. □

Rajkó Orchestra North American Tour September 2011

Experience authentic Gypsy music performed by some of Hungary’s most talented musicians. Dates & locations subject to change.

For more information, contact Centrum Management by calling 201-836-4869 or sending an email to magyar@magyar.org.

9/2 (Fri.) - Philadelphia, PA - Hungarian Tanya (Barto)

9/3 (Sat.) - Pittsburgh, PA - WPA 125th Anniversary Gala 9/4 (Sun.) - Cleveland, OH - German Central Park (Parma)

9/6 (Tue.) - Pittsburgh, PA- Duquesne University 9/7 (Wed.) - New York, NY - Magyar Haz

9/8 (Thu.) - Bethesda, MD - Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church

9/9 (Fri.) - Cleveland, OH - To be determined

9/10 (Sat.) - Detroit, Ml - Hungarian Rhapsody Restaurant (Southgate)

9/11 (Sun.) - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music 9/13 (Tue.) - Toronto, ONT - St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church 9/14 (Wed.) - Montreal, QUE - Magyarok Nagyasszonya Egyház 9/15 (Thu.) - Boston, MA - Johnny D’s (Somerville)

9/16 (Fri. - Matinee) - New York, NY - The Rockefeller University 9/16 (Fri. - Evening) - South Norwalk, CT - Ben Franklin Theater 9/17 (Sat.) - Rockwood, PA - WPA Picnic (Scenic View)

9/18 (Sun.) - New Brunswick, NJ - Hungarian American Athletic Club

4 0 August 2011 0 William Penn Life