William Penn Life, 2015 (50. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2015-11-01 / 11. szám

Acting as one

Delegates display unity during 38th General Convention

WASHINGTON, PA — William Penn Association, the nation's ONLY Hungarian fraternal benefit society, held its 38th General Convention Oct. 10 to 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh - Meadow Lands.

During the three-day meeting, the 84 elected and exofficio delegates attending the Convention adopted revisions to the Association's By-Laws, elected 10 members to the Board of Directors, paid tribute to several of its retiring fraternal leaders, and raised thousands of dollars for WPA's scholarship foundation.

The Convention's schedule of events began Saturday, Oct. 10, with delegate registration and the opening of the delegate hospitality suite. After receiving their credentials and welcoming gifts at registration, many delegates and their guests visited the hospitality suite, where they could enjoy hors d'oeuvres, Hungarian pastries and soft drinks while meeting their fellow delegates, renewing old friendships and making new friends.

Later that evening, members of the Credentials, Resolutions and Nominating Committees met separately to lay the groundwork for the remainder of the Convention.

The Convention was officially called to order Sunday, Oct. 11, by Barbara A. House, Chair of the WPA Board of Directors and Chair of the Convention. She introduced the Rev. John P. McKinsey Jr., a delegate from Branch 352 Coraopolis, Pa., who offered the invocation.

In a united display of patriotism, all in attendance joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by 8-yearold Teagan Charles of Branch 720 Dedham, Mass., then singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," led by delegate

New Chair of the Board Andrew W. McNelis presents to retiring Chair Barbara A. House the Association's Distinguished Service Award.

General Counsel Ralph F. Manning (left) swears in WPA’s National Officers, elected during a special Board meeting held at the 38th General Convention (l-r): Jerry A. Hauser, National Vice President- Secretary; George S. "Pete" Charles Jr., National President; and Diane M. Torma, National Vice President-Treasurer. (All photos by John E. Lovász)

Evelyn Bodnar of Branch 19 New Brunswick, N.J.

With equal fervor, the delegates voiced their love of our Association's Hungarian heritage as they joined Mrs. Bodnar in singing the Magyar Himnusz.

The meeting's opening session featured greetings from National President George S. (Pete) Charles Jr. He praised the members of the WPA for their hard work, loyalty and dedication which have helped the WPA to not only survive but also thrive during its 129 year history. He noted many challenges lay ahead for the Association, but concluded those challenges could be met successfully with the continued loyalty and support of our members.

National Vice President-Secretary Jerry A. Hauser also greeted the delegates. He read greetings from a number of dignitaries, including President Barack Obama, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana and Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto.

National Vice President-Treasurer Diane M. Torma extended greetings to the delegates and offered a brief review of the financial strength of the WPA.

In yet another show of unity, the Convention elected by unanimous ballot both the Board of Directors and Alternate Directors.

Reelected to the Board were: Andrew W. McNelis of Branch 34 Pittsburgh, Pa.; Katherine E. Novak of Branch 28 Youngstown, Ohio; James W. Robertson of Branch 336 Harrisburg, Pa.; Richard E. Sarosi of Branch 14 Cleveland, Ohio; and Anne Marie Schmidt of Branch 249 Dayton, Ohio.

The Convention also elected five new members to the Board: Michael J. Chobody of Branch 88 Rural Valley, Pa.;

12 0 November 2015 0 William Penn Life