William Penn Life, 2014 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2014-07-01 / 7. szám

by Kathy Megyeri One of the most active Hungarian social clubs in Florida is the Hungarian Christian Society, which operates the Petőfi Club, located on North Jackson Road outside of Venice, Fla.

In existence for 20 years, this club, nestled among towering palm trees, issues a monthly newsletter, hosts ecumenical Sunday worship services, features dances and "Taste Of Hungary" food events and holds weekly Bible study groups. It recently became the new home of the Open Bible Hungarian Church, under the leadership of Attila Kulcsár.

I was honored to attend the first Petőfi Ház Beauty Pageant and gala dinner, held at the club this April. Some 200 people enjoyed the event, featuring music provided by Adrienne Bodnar and the Blend. There were 11 contestants, and the winner was Elizabeth Bevis, a local realtor.

Under the competent and enthusiastic leadership of President Noemi Szilagyi, the club makes a concerted effort to reach out to its American neighbors and friends of its members. Noemi, born in Budapest, moved to New Jersey and then to Florida. She attributes the club's success to a group of about two dozen hard working, loyal volunteers, but stresses there were hundreds who came before the current members.

"We have had many volunteers who have poured their heart and soul, along with their money and sweat, into this beautiful little piece of Hungary," Noemi said. "Many had a dream, many helped build it, many helped it to flourish. Now, it is our job to make it even better, all while

maintaining the same goal as our predecessors-to introduce, maintain and pass on our Hungarian traditions and culture to our children."

Toward this end, the Club hosts the Sarasota Venice Cserkeszei, the local Hungarian Scouts troop. The troop currently has 22 members, both boys and girls, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years old. They meet at least twice a month and would love to welcome more kids.

The club is also working on starting a Hungarian School in the fall.

Half of the Petőfi Club's members are snowbirds from Chicago, New Jersey and Canada. Among them are several WPA members. They truly enjoy the Petőfi Club's activities and the opportunity to see their friends and speak Hungarian.

From my visit, I can attest to the validity of the club's motto: "Mindenkit Magyaros Szeretettel Várunk!" ("We Welcome

Everyone with Love").

If you are ever in the Venice, Fla., area, make the Petőfi Club part of your visit. You can contact Noemi Szilagyi at 941-374-7552 or by email tglift@aol.com or petoficlub@live. com. You can also visit the club's Facebook page at "Hungarian Christian Society/ Petőfi Club."

PHOTOS, from top, clockwise: Dancing at the club; Club President Noemi Szilagyi; a sign outside the club commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution; some of the delicious food served at the club. At top of page: a murai behind the dub’s stage. (Photos by Kathy Megyeri)

12 0 July 2014 0 William Penn Life