William Penn Life, 2017 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2017-12-01 / 12. szám

In the Community

Calvin Synod holds fall rmeetin

WPA offers continued support for museum during annual dinner-dance

by Richard E. Sarosi FAIRPORT HARBOR, OH - The Lakeside Classis of the Calvin Synod held its fall meeting on Nov. 4 at the Hungarian Reformed Church of Fairport Harbor.

Rev. Peter Toth of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain invited me to the meeting to speak to the delegates in attendance about the history and programs of William Penn Association.

Barbara Adorján-Watkins of the Calvin Synod Youth Camp, thanked William Penn Association for its generous donation, which was presented by WPA Fraternal Director Barbara A. House in July 2017 during the camp. Ms. Adorján-Watkins said that many children will benefit from WPA's gift, as it will help fund many youth programs.

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by Richard E. Sarosi

BEACHWOOD, OH - The Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Society held its 21st Vintner Dinner Oct. 21 at the Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood to raise funds for the Cleveland Hungarian Museum. Music for this formal affair was provided by Harmonia.

Vice Chair of the WPA Board Kathy Novak and I represented William Penn Association at the dinner. I extended greetings from the Association and presented a check to Alex Kezdi, President of the Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Society (pictured right), who graciously

accepted it and thanked WPA for its continued support over the years.

For our listening pleasure, Harmonia provided a mini concert, showcasing the talents of the group's violinist and cimbalom player as they performed many of the guests' favorite folk songs.

A silent auction and Chinese auction provided many enjoyable moments for those who were seated at our table since everyone at our table won two or more prizes.

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Aging Well with Cathy Graham

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Good repairs what hate tears

GROWING OLDER has its charms, as most of us live harmoniously with the bucking rodeo that life can be. With time on our side, we have the ability to know that the road ahead eventually straightens out. We turn to softer moments and quiet times for nurturing and have figured out how to side step drama and gossip in favor of friendship and caring.

It doesn't stand to reason then why sometimes the negativity of other people crawls into our heads and takes us hostage, robbing us of peace. Whether it happens on a scale large or small, these demons nevertheless take a bite. We have learned that there are no safe places: not our churches, our schools nor the places we work.

It can seem futile, then, to count blessings and give thanks when the fury has outscored kindness. Tight-knit communities unravel, and, for a lack of a better word, the ugly prevails.

Or, does it? With every display of power-hungry, moral-poor action, a call comes from the wreckage, and we pull together. We are tired and restless, with tears flowing, shoulders drooping and heads dropping. But, as weak as hate wills us to be, we stir and rummage and find that the bigger the tear, the more fiber we will make to sew us back together.

We will teach this lesson to the younger generations because eventually they will hold the needle and thread.

Photo © Can Stock Photo Inc/ Andrey Popov

For every wolf in sheep's clothing and every assault on mankind, the good will prevail, and love will champion.

We are thankful, then, for every flower that grows from the rubble, every hand that grasps a heart, every hero that saves the day. We are thankful for us, the doers of no harm, the faithful soldiers that rise again and again with the thirst for Heaven's sake.

Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa.

WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 December 2017 0 1 1