the newsletter - Great Lakes Consortium
Transcription
the newsletter - Great Lakes Consortium
TOLEDO-SZEGED NEWS January-December 2009 Pub li shed b y The Tol edo -Sz eged Co m mitt ee, In c. in coo per atio n wit h the G r eat La kes Con sor tiu m fo r Int ernat ional T raining and De velop men t A Message from the Chair Dear Friends, Once again December descends upon us and we begin to bid goodbye to a year filled with a variety of plans – some accomplished, some unfinished – and ask, “Where did it go”. Was it really only yesterday we celebrated together; enjoying tasty foods, imbibing in libations of choice and gathering around Tom Szor and the piano to sing holiday songs and Hungarian melodies? Now it is another December. We are poised to repeat that festive occasion, as on December 13th we’ll share brunch at my home. Again, Tom will tickle the ivories and we’ll raise our voices in song. Such bonding can be the veritable backbone of life. Let us contemplate for a moment our accomplishments, as ambitious plans were unfolded. A Herculean task for our limited number of active members. We bask in the success of our Annual Christmas Orphanage Project. Hundreds of ageappropriate gifts are selected, wrapped and sent to Szeged for Orphanage distribution. Letters from our Szeged and Csongrad County counterparts are filled with appreciation. Other significant accomplishments include, but are not limited to, exchanges with Szeged at both the high school and college level – collaborating with Great Lakes Consortium – as we welcomed and home-hosted selected individuals. Area high schools and University of Toledo and Lourdes College support was outstanding, with assistance from Toledo Sister Cities International. We welcomed with great pride a textile artist’s exhibition and initiated an on-going program documenting individual families “Hungarian Heritage” history, which is to be published in book-form in Szeged. We continue to invite those who have a story on their Hungarian family arrival/ survival in Toledo to come forward with their stories. We welcomed the Honorary Membership, three who have given freely of time, talent and treasure, respectively to our support: Steve Szatmari of The Rhapsody Restaurant in Southgate, MI., Robin Horvath of Tony Packo’s and Bruce Wetzel. Their support has been nothing short of extra-generous. December 2009 We also honored Judy Balogh with the title of Permanent Board Advisor for her superb commitment to Hungarian culture that has endured thru the years. In 2009 we also gave thanks for the successful recovery from open heart surgery of dedicated members Helen Brewis and Andy Rakay. Sheer lack of member-numbers resulted in earlier plans being modified but we adjusted our sails to succeed in steering our Ship of Good Hope “into our” refueling harbor with the knowledge that an infusion of more active hands and hearts will help us set sail in 2010 with a “steady as you go” plan. Imagine the seas we can conquer! Imagine the good as we can do! We open 2010 with our Annual Membership Meeting Tuesday, January 8th, 2010 at Calvin United Church – 6:30 PM. We invite YOU to membership. When we exercise the concept of sharing time and talent with others, we embrace the reality that we are interdependent. Much of our culture today is excessively narcissistic and many often are incapable of motivation beyond what pleases us. When we shed a “me first” motivation, instead of basking in a narcissistic culture we awaken to an awareness of reality. It is my firm hope that as we set sail for our 2010 voyage we will embrace the plans for the 20th Anniversary of our Toledo/Szeged relationship with the true Hungarian spirit that has always kept our heritage alive. There is no doubt, one cannot adequately contemplate the present without revering the past. Great plans for 2010 will unfold at the Annual Meeting. Come join us… Share and plan with us… Then, as we sail into port next December, with flags unfurled, we can blast our trumpets in true Hector Berlioz style of the Rakoczi March. The Magyar spirit is alive and doing just fine in Toledo!! Happy Holidays! Ann Galloway 2009 activities between Toledo and Szeged & Csongrad County are supported in the U.S. by the Toledo-Szeged Committee, in cooperation with Calvin United Church of Christ, the Great Lakes Consortium for International Training and Development, The Hungarian Club of Toledo, The University of Toledo, Lourdes College, Hungarian Embroidery Club of Calvin United Church, Toledo Sister Cities International, and more. In addition we received support from Szeged and Csongrad County leaders, members of the Szeged-Toledo Friendship Association and other partners from Hungary Thank you, one and all! CABIN FEVER BRUNCH On February 21 2009 the Toledo-Szeged Committee organized its annual winter fundraiser at the Hungarian Club. This year’s menu included stuffed cabbage, Hungarian crepes (palacsinta), and a salad bar. We had a bake sale and Hungarian products for sale. The program included a slide show and presentation by Kathleen Kovacs, Holly Monsos, Paul Longenecker and Dariel Jacobs about the “American Summer Institute in Hungary 2008”. Reports on the Toledo-Szeged Committee’s successful Christmas Project in 2008 and plans for 2009 were also presented by Elizabeth Renz. Children from Szeged and Csongrad County sent us drawings and other arts with their thank you letters. It was a well attended and very successful fundraiser! Thank you to: Carol LaBounty (Chair), Marianne Polhe, Cindy Izsak, Helen Brewis, Diane Ardner, Hilde Daugherty, Anna Balint, Elizabeth Balint, Judy Balogh, Elizabeth Renz, Elizabeth Schmidlin, Pauline Tate, Ann Galloway, Mildred Allred and others who helped. GOODWILL PROJECT 17th Annual Christmas Project to Szeged and Csongrad County Children In December 2009, The Toledo-Szeged Committee provided gifts to over 150 needy children living in Szeged and in Csongrad County. In addition to individuals who contributed cash or gifts for this project, the Toledo-Szeged Committee raised money at a successful fundraiser (Cabin Fever Brunch). The Christmas program is chaired by Carol LaBounty with support from Elizabeth Renz. Additional helpers were Elizabeth Schmidlin, Eva Balazs, Elizabeth Balint, Helen Brewis, Anna Balint, and more… The Toledo-Szeged Committee appreciates the generous financial support of the TKBW Foundation. Leaders of Csongrad County visited our Christmas gifts storage area (in the basement of the Hungarian Club) in March Toledo, Ohio-February 21, 2009: (L-R) Marianne Polhe and Helen Brewis with the stuffed cabbage at the Hungarian Club BIRMINGHAM ETHNIC FESTIVAL The Toledo-Szeged Committee with Carol LaBounty’s leadership again participated at the Birmingham Festival with a booth and displayed Hungarian products and shared information about the Hungarian culture and Szeged Sister City activities . Toledo, OH -August 16: (L-R) Hilde Daugherty, Carol LaBounty, Eva Janosi-Balazs and Zauzi Travis (Photo: Elizabeth Balint) Page 2 Toledo, OH-March 14, 2009: (L-R) Laszlo Csanyi from Morahalom, Judy Balogh, Carol LaBounty, Dr. Peter Zakar from Szeged, Helen Brewis, and Elizabeth Balint, Eric Bergman in the Hungarian Club basement with the Christmas gifts to be sent to Szeged and Csongrad County children. (Photo: Gabor Balazs) 2009 and were very impressed with the gifts that we purchased for the Hungarian children for 2009. Buying early during the winter sale helped the Toledo-Szeged Committee to get good bargains, allowing us to buy more and better gifts. The Christmas Project will continue in 2010. If you are interested in providing a gift for a child, becoming a sponsor or helping as a volunteer in this project, please contact the Toledo-Szeged Committee (e-mail: [email protected]) . Thank you very much! TOLEDO-SZEGED NEWS SPECIAL GUESTS FROM HUNGARY Visitors from the Szeged Catholic High School Community Reception for Hungarian Guests Leaders of the Dugonics Andras Piarista Gimnazium from Szeged were invited to Toledo between January 29 and February 7, 2009 by the Great Lakes Consortium. Gabor Peto, Principal, Mariann Nagy, Teacher of English and Chemistry, and Mrs. Szaszi Aniko Fehervary, Counselor were interested in establishing educational cooperation between Catholic schools from NW Ohio and their school. Guests were hosted by Central Catholic High School, St. Francis de Sales High School and St. John’s Jesuit School. Thanks to Hilde Daugherty who assisted in the organization of this visit. Members of the Toledo-Szeged Committee met with the guests at the Community Reception on January 30, 2009 at the Hungarian Club. Anna Szentgyorgyi from the Szeged University Anna Szentgyorgyi was invited by the Great Lakes Consortium to visit Toledo from June 11-27, 2009. She has helped the last couple of years as an escort/interpreter when the Toledo delegation has visited Szeged. Her special interest was to do more research about the Hungarian-American history of Birmingham, the topic that she already used for her Master’s thesis in American Studies. She had an opportunity to meet Dr. Jack Ahern, who wrote books about Birmingham that Anna became familiar with when doing research at the Vasvary Collection of the Library in Szeged. A special thank to Diane Ardner and her family for hosting the guest and Luanne Momenee who hosted a welcoming reception in her home. Thanks to everyone who shared stories about Birmingham with Anna and helped her to expand her research. She took many photos in Toledo with her professional camera and is looking forward to exhibiting some of her photos in Szeged in 2010. Toledo, OH-June 17, 2009: Anna Szentgyorgyi with Dr. Jack Ahern at the reception at Luanne Momenee’s home (Photo: Diane Ardner) Volume 7, Issue 1 Toledo, OH-January 30, 2009: (L-R) Irina Golubeva, Maria Barnai, Edit Nagy, Gabor Peto, Mrs. Szaszi Aniko Fehervary, Mariann Nagy and Mark Nagy at the Community Reception at the Hungarian Club (Photo: Gabor Balazs) On January 30, 2009 our community welcomed seven guests from Hungary: Irina Golubeva, Director of Foreign Relations of Pannon University (Veszprem), leaders of the Physical Therapy program of the University of Szeged Maria Barnai and Edit Nagy, and a delegation from the Dugonics Andras Catholic High School from Szeged led by Gabor Peto. In addition we introduced to our community Mark Nagy, a high school student from Szekesfehervar. He got a scholarship to study at Maumee Valley Country Day School for one year in Toledo. Hosts of the guests were also recognized including representatives of the Catholic High Schools and the University of Toledo. At the Reception Dean Beverly Schmoll (left) of UT Health Sciences and Human Services College reported about the collaboration among the Physical Therapy Programs of Szeged University and the University of Toledo. Page 3 CELEBRATION OF THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT LAKES CONSORTIUM On March 17, 2009 Toledo-Szeged Committee members participated in the “Merry-Making Around the World – Celebrating Women Around the World” event at the Inverness Club in Toledo. This was also the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the Great Lakes Consortium for International Training and Development. Tom Szor and Zsuzsanna Balla provided musical entertainment on piano performing several Brahms Hungarian Dances. State Senator Teresa Fedor and Ohio State Rep. Peter Ujvagi. Among the 10 best women who made NW Ohio an international community in the last 10 years: Judy Balogh, for Hungary—received an award as Ohio International Goodwill Ambassador for Life. Diane Ardner and Helen Brewis were selected among the 10 best women for their volunteer contribution to the Great Lakes Consortium activities helping women. Toledo, OH -March 7, 2009:(L-R) Zsuzsa Balla and Tom Szor during the performance at the Inverness Club (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Toledo, OH-March 7, 2009: the 10 Best Women (L-R) first row: Judy Balogh, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Rabha Eidi, second row: Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Diane Ardner, Helen Brewis, Jeanette Hrovatich, Najwa Badawi, and Virginia Haywood Smith. (Oregon Mayor Marge Brown is the 10th person, but she is not in this photo.) (Photo: Christine Weisfelder) Thanks to Eva Janosi Balazs, Hungary was represented in the international fashion show in a traditional Hungarian costume, “Diszmagyar,” worn for special celebrations. Thanks to Judy Balogh and to Carol LaBounty for providing the costume. Among the 10 best men the following Szeged Committee members received an award: Andrew Rakay and Eric Bergman. Thank you to the ToledoSzeged Committee members who contributed items for the Silent Auction and who came to support this event. At this event several members of the Szeged Committee were recognized for their outstanding service to the community and GLC international activities. The awards were presented from the State of Ohio by Ohio Toledo, OH-March 7, 2009: Eva Janosi Balazs in the fashion show in a Hungarian dress and the famous Szeged slippers (Photo Gabor Balazs) Volume 7, Issue 1 Toledo, OH—March 7, 2009: the 10 Best Men (L-R) first row: Maumee Mayor Timothy Wagener, Eric Bergman, Karl Gingrich, second row: State Rep. Peter Ujvagi, Toledo City Council President Mark Sobczak, Martin Nagy, Yehia Shousher, Gerald Gill, Andrew Rakay, and Judge Jack Zouhary (Photo: Christine Weisfelder) Page 4 CSONGRAD COUNTY LEADERS VISIT TO LUCAS COUNTY For the 13-year anniversary of the Csongrad County-Lucas County Sister County relationship, the Toledo-Szeged Committee invited Csongrad County leaders to Toledo to meet with Lucas County leaders and learn about opportunities for further collaboration. Dr. Peter Zakar, Vice President of Csongrad County and Laszlo Csanyi, Vice Mayor of Morahalom and member of Csongrad County Assembly visited Toledo from March 13-18, 2009. Toledo, OH -March 17, 2009: (L-R) Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Laszlo Csanyi, Dr. Peter Zakar and Pete Gerken, President of Lucas County Commissioners (Photo: Elizabeth Balint) During their visit they were recognized by Lucas County Commissioners at their meeting, and by State Rep. Peter Ujvagi at the March 15th celebration at the Hungarian Club. They met community leaders in Toledo, Maumee and Oregon and members of the Toledo-Szeged Committee. They enjoyed visiting Tony Packos in East Toledo where American Hungarians shared their family history with Dr. Zakar, who is a historian and a professor at Szeged University. Toledo, OH—March 15, 2009: (L-R) Carol LaBounty, Elizabeth Renz, Wendy Leszkai, and Elizabeth Schmidlin at Tony Packos (Photo: Hilde Daugherty) Volume 7, Issue 1 Csongrad County leaders were invited to celebrate March 15 with our community at the Hungarian Club, where Dr. Zakar was the guest speaker to commemorate the Hungarian Revolution 1848-49 and celebrate the 13-year anniversary with our community. Toledo, OH—March 14, 2009: (L-R) Andrew Rakay, President of the Hungarian Club with Ohio State Rep. Peter Ujvagi at the Historical Commemoration at the Hungarian Club (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Hungarian leaders were glad to see that in Toledo there are many American Hungarians who are interested in their cultural heritage and celebrate historical events, but surprised that not many people spoke Hungarian in the Hungarian Club. Everyone enjoyed the typical Hungarian pork dinner with breaded pork, sausage, “hurka”, bacon, and more... Toledo, OH—March 14, 2009: Szeged Committee members at the Hungarian Club (L-R) Judy Balogh, Hilde Daugherty, Mildred Allred, Elizabeth Schmidlin (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Page 5 CSONGRAD COUNTY LEADERS —CONTINUED YOUTH INVOLVEMENT Attila Jambori’s visit from Csongrad, Peter Koczka’s visit from Szeged to Toledo During the American Summer Institute in Csongrad one of the participants, Attila Jambori, showed a special interest in Toledo and spent all his time with the teachers to learn more about America and improve his English. He has a special talent in Physics and won awards in Hungary for his high school student work. He asked about the possibility of spending a couple of weeks at the University of Toledo Physics Department as an intern. Dr. Zakar and Csongrad County leaders recognized his effort and provided financial support for him to buy his ticket to Toledo. The Great Lakes Consortium invited him to Toledo and organized his visit from July 2-August 12, 2009. Thanks to the University of Toledo Physics Department who provided the internship opportunity. Peter Koczka was another talented high school student from Szeged who was invited by the Great Lakes Consortium from June 20-August 20, 2009. Toledo, OH—March 15, 2009: Toledo-Szeged Committee leaders invited Csongrad County leaders for a Sunday brunch. (L-R) Andy Rakay, Carol LaBounty, Ann Galloway, Dr. Peter Zakar, Pauline Tate, Laszlo Csanyi) in front of the restaurant. Guests enjoyed the home hospitality at Dr. Dariel Jacobs’ home in Sylvania. Dr. Jacobs, Professor at Lourdes College was one of the four teachers who went to Csongrad County in July 2008 as part of the Great Lakes Consortium American Summer Institute. At that time Dr. Zakar welcomed the delegation at his office and participated in the graduation ceremony in Csongrad. Thank you Dr. Jacobs for hosting a dinner in your home for the guests! Toledo, OH—July 7, 2009: (L-R) Peter Koczka, Dariel Jacobs and Attila Jambori at the Hungarian Picnic at Pauline Tate’s garden (Photo: Gabor Balazs) The two guests stayed together at Dr. Dariel Jacobs’ home in Sylvania and with Deb Martin’s family and had joint programs with Paul Longenecker and Holly Monsos. In addition Attila was hosted by Gabor Balazs, while Peter was hosted by Marty Pauken’s family and by Bernie and Sally Albert. We thank everyone who was involved in this program! Toledo, OH—March 15, 2009: (L-R) Gabor Balazs, Dr. Peter Zakar, Laszlo Csanyi, Dr. Dariel Jacobs, Holly Monsos, Professor and Chair of UT Theatre Department (who went to Hungary with Dr. Jacobs in 2008) with her husband, and a student from Lourdes College who was interested to meet the Hungarian guests and learn more about the American Summer Institute. (Photo: Elizabeth Balint) Volume 7, Issue 1 Attila and Peter met with members of the ToledoSzeged Committee and were very grateful for this opportunity, which will have a good influence on their lives. Now they have improved their English language skills significantly and have first-hand experience of how the Sister County and Sister City relationship can involve young people in both communities. Page 6 HUNGARIAN PICNIC On July 7, 2009 at Pauline Tate’s garden the Toledo-Szeged Committee and the Great Lakes Consortium organized a Welcome Picnic for 11 guests from Szeged, Csongrad and Nyiregyhaza who were in Toledo on different programs. The visitors were hosted in Toledo by the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy, College of Law and Department of Physics, as well as host families in our community. Hosts and guests were introduced and recognized at the picnic. Members and friends of the Toledo-Szeged Committee and the Great Lakes Consortium enjoyed the potluck with great food and fellowship. Toledo, OH—July 7, 2009: (L-R) Judy Balogh, Marianne Polhe, Elizabeth Schmidlin, Elizabeth Renz, Helen Brewis, Mildred Allred (Photo: Hilde Daugherty) Toledo, OH—July 7, 2009: UT Professors of the College of Pharmacy Dr. Katherina Wall and Dr. James Slama with visiting Hungarian pharmacists Attila Vanyolos and Edit Weber (Photo: Gabor Balazs ) Toledo, OH—July 7, 2009: (L-R) Ann Galloway introducing the hosts Pauline Tate and Bill Puckett (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Toledo, OH—July 7, 2009: Guests from Nyiregyhaza with their host family Nadiya Hinton (left), Larissa’s mother, Ferenc and Larissa Isaac at the picnic. (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Volume 7, Issue 1 Toledo, OH –July 7, 2009: (L-R) Yehia Shousher, Carol LaBounty, Andy Rakay, Cindy Rakay, Elaine Schwind at the picnic (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Page 7 SPECIAL GUESTS FROM SZEGED AND TANZANIA Emilia Pacsika, Textile Artist Emilia Pacsika is a well-known artist in Szeged and in many other European countries where she has held exhibitions over the last 10 years. She met with teachers of the American Summer Institute in Szeged in July 2008 and Holly Monsos, who is a costume designer and works with textiles, found Emilia’s artwork very unique and started to discuss how we can introduce her and her artwork in Toledo. The Great Lakes Consortium invited her and her husband Imre Nagy, an architect, to Toledo between April 19-29, and arranged an exhibition for her also in Chicago to spend another week there. She was hosted by Louise Bankey in Sylvania and by Istvan Mezei and his wife in Chicago. A special thank to the hosts and all partners who helped in her visit, incl. Holly Monsos, Kathleen Kovacs, Hilde Daugherty and others. During their stay they met with textile artists in Toledo and visited museums and galleries, and were inspired by the beautiful quilts and batik materials. Emilia made a presentation at the University of Toledo and provided a workshop for the visiting Tanzanian artists. April 23, 2009– Toledo: Emilia Pacsika and Imre Nagy at the Hungarian Club textile exhibition (Photo: Gabor Balazs) Pacsika’s artwork was presented at the Hungarian Club on April 23-24, 2009, and she and her husband transformed the Club into an interesting art gallery. April 23, 2009– Toledo: Dr. Susan Orosz enjoyed the unique textile exhibition at the Hungarian Club (Photo: Gabor Balazs) In collaboration with the Hungarian Club and the Toledo-Szeged Committee, the Great Lakes Consortium organized a Hungarian-Tanzanian-American Friendship Night where 11 visiting artists from Tanzania also displayed their artwork and shared their experiences. It was a great multicultural experience for the visiting artists and our local community. Volume 7, Issue 1 April 23 2009-Toledo: Salma Massenga (left), Ester Kilua (left) from Tanga, Tanzania are making presentation at the Hungarian-Tanzanian-American Friendship Night at the Hungarian Club of Toledo. The City of Tanga is a Sister City of Toledo since 2001. The visiting Tanzanian artists were in NW Ohio on an “Arts Exchanges on International Issues for Tanzania” fellowship program sponsored by the U.S. State Department, locally organized by the Arts Council Lake Erie West and the Great Lakes Consortium. Page 8 SPECIAL GUEST FROM VESZPREM GLC worked with Veszprem partners for nine years, incl. the Pannon University. The County of Veszprem and the Pannon University was also generous partner in past programs organized by the Great Lakes Consortium, and involved exchanges in both ways, From January 23-31, 2009 the Great Lakes Consortium invited Irina Golubeva, Director of Foreign Relations and Scientific Cooperation of Pannon University, to visit NW Ohio to establish further collaboration between UT, BGSU and Lourdes College and Pannon University. Ms. Golubeva met with leaders and professors of Lourdes College, the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University to discuss areas for possible joint research and faculty and/ or student exchanges on different areas. Toledo, OH—January 30, 2009: Ohio State Representative Peter Ujvagi with Irina at the Hungarian Club reception. January 2009– Toledo: Irina Golubeva (second on the right) at the UT College of Business with Dean Tom Gutteridge (right) and professors (Photo Elizabeth Balint) SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED GREAT FOOD TO MANY EVENTS WELCOMING HUNGARIAN GUESTS TO OUR COMMUNITY! Toledo, OH- January 27, 2009: Irina (second on the right) with Dr. Tom Gutteridge, Dean of the University of Toledo College of Business Administration (right) (Photo: Elizabeth Balint) Sylvania, OH-January, 2009: Irina with Lourdes College professors and Toledo hosts. (L-R) Gabor Balazs, Sister Ann Francis Klimkowski, Dariel Jacobs, Irina Golubeva and a professor from Lourdes College at the Jacobs’ home (Photo: Elizabeth Balint) Volume 7, Issue 1 JOIN AS A MEMBER OF THE TOLEDO-SZEGED COMMITTEE AND ENJOY OUR SPECIAL GUESTS AND GREAT MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS AND OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITIES IN TOLEDO! Page 9 ACADEMIC COOPERATION The University of Toledo and the Szeged University Pharmacy Exchange The collaboration between the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and the Szeged University College of Pharmacy continued in 2009. Thanks to Dean Dr. Johnnie Early and professors from UT, Edit Weber and Attila Vanyolos, PhD students from Szeged University, were able to spend the summer months in Toledo with a fellowship at UT College of Pharmacy to collaborate on research projects. During their stay, members of the Toledo-Szeged Committee and the Great Lakes Consortium had an opportunity to meet with the guests and introduce them to our community. During 2009 UT students also had an opportunity to visit Szeged. In October 2009 UT professors visited the Szeged University and met with former participants of the pharmacy exchange. Toledo, OH-January 25, 2009 (L-R) Irina Golubeva (from Pannon University), Edit Nagy from Szeged University with Andrew Meszaros (Photo: Elizabeth Balint) Law School Exchange Szeged, Hungary-October 2009: (L-R) UT Prof. Kenneth Alexander Edit Weber, Attila Vanyolos, UT College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Johnnie Early at the Mora Ferenc Museum in Szeged (Photo Johnnie Early) In 2009 the collaboration between the law schools of the University of Toledo and the University of Szeged continued. Professors from UT traveled to Hungary to teach the new class of lawyers included in the American Law certificate program. Graduates of this second class were invited to visit Toledo for an internship experience. In July 2007, 4 young lawyers (Márton Sulyok, István Mándoki, Zsuzsanna Faragó, and Klaudia Fábián) were included in the 4-week program in Toledo organized by Daniel J. Steinbock, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at UT. Members of the A New Collaboration between the Physical Therapy Programs of UT and Szeged University Andrew Meszaros, a UT Professor, suggested to the Great Lakes Consortium that a connection be established with the Physical Therapy program at Szeged University. The Szeged partners were interested and communication started between the leaders of the two programs. The University of Toledo invited the leaders of the Physical Therapy Department of the Szeged University: Dr. Maria Barnai and Edit Nagy. Hungarian guests visited UT from January 24 through 31, 2009. Members of the Toledo-Szeged Committee and the GLC provided additional hospitality and introduced them to our community. During their visit they had meetings with Beverly Schmoll, Dean of the College of Health Science Szeged, Hungary-May 2004: (L-R) Szeged Vice Mayor Jozsef Kozma, and Human Services and Michelle Masterson, Chair of the Szeged City Councilman Karoly Toth, Jozsef Ott, Carol Labounty, Szeged Physical Therapy Department and other Mayor Laszlo Bottka, Toledo City Councilman Frankfaculty Szollosi,and TSCIstudents. Director Jesse Torrence the plans for cooperation in students and facThey discussed ulty exchanges. In March 2009 the Szeged University partners hosted Dr. Schmoll and Dr. Masterson for a one-week visit in Szeged, where they finalized the agreement between the two programs. Page 10 Toledo, OH-July 7, 2009: Hungarian lawyers with Dan Steinbock (right) at the Hungarian Picnic at Pauline Tate’s garden (Photo Gabor Balazs) TOLEDO-SZEGED NEWS TOLEDO SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENTS Toledo Sister Cities International organized three community events to recognize the founders, volunteers of the Toledo Sister Cities program and the hosts of international guests. Members and supporters of the Toledo-Szeged Committee were invited to these events at the Ward Pavilion of Wildwood Metropark in Toledo to meet TSCI Board members, visiting foreign guests and others involved or interested in international programs in Toledo. In August Marianne Polhe, Elizabeth Renz, Carol LaBounty, and Andy Rakay were recognized as volunteers. In November 2009, Carol LaBounty, Eric Bergman and Diane Ardner (and their families) were recognized as host families. Members of the Toledo-Szeged Committee were also recognized at these events in different categories. In April, 2009 Ann Galloway and Judy Balogh were recognized as founders of the ToledoSzeged Sister City relationship. Ann was also recognized as founder of Toledo Sister Cities International. Toledo, Ohio-August 19, 2009: (L-R) Eric Bergman, TSCI Board member with Andy Rakay and Carol LaBounty (Photo: Johnnie Early) It was an opportunity for us to take our guests from Szeged to these events (Emilia Pacsika, textile artist and her husband Imre Nagy, architect for the April program, and Peter Koczka, high school student for the August program.) They enjoyed meeting with the community and learned about Silent Auctions, which are not done in Szeged. Toledo, Ohio-April 28, 2009: (L-R) Ann Galloway and Sister Ann Francis were recognized as founders of Toledo Sister Cities International (Photo: Johnnie Early Message from a Toledo-Szeged Committee Member: A year ago I became the newest member of the Toledo-Szeged Committee. I was actually searching the Internet for someone to help me finish my first embroidery project. I found a SzegedToledo Newsletter on the Great Lakes Consortium’s website. After meeting with Elizabeth Balint, she encouraged me to join the Toledo-Szeged Committee, attending meetings once a month. What I found was a group of warm, beautiful people who planned visits for our Hungarian sisters and brothers abroad to visit Toledo and show them our hospitality and our way of life. I couldn’t believe they showed so much kindness and caring to so many strangers traveling to our city! What good karma they were generating. I wanted to be a part of that. Since that time, I have met and entertained Hungarian school personnel, VP of Csongrad County who is also a Hungarian Historian, the Vice Mayor of Morahalom and member of Cson- Volume 7, Issue 1 Members of the Toledo-Szeged Committee donated items for the Silent Auction and helped as volunteers at the event. These events were organized with the leadership of Sister Ann Francis Klimkowski. Congratulations for these successful programs! grad County Assembly, a Hungarian textile artist, a Hungarian architect, women artists from Tanzania and a host of many other visitors. I have volunteered many hours as an escort/driver and enjoyed every minute of it. What better way to honor my parents who were also newcomers to this country from Hungary and Austria in 1952? I wish they too could have met people like my new friends at the committee to welcome them. It is an honor to be a member! I hope to be one of the volunteer English language teachers in Hungary in 2010. When I first traveled to Hungary in 1970, I did not meet one person who spoke English. Since that time, I have been committed to change that. God bless all. Please consider joining a great cause! Hilde Daugherty November 27, 2009 Page 11 To join the Toledo-Szeged Committee or participate in events or programs please contact: Ann Galloway, Chairperson Phone: 419-535-1187 Eric Bergman, Secretary E-mail: [email protected] THANK YOU TO ALL CURRENT MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE TOLEDOSZEGED COMMITTEE A Special Thank You to the City of Toledo and Lucas County leaders for your interest in the Cooperation with Szeged and Csongrad County, Hungary and for participating in our activities in Toledo Toledo Sister Cities INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL March 20, 2010 12:00 noon—5:00 p.m. Erie Street Market Downtown Toledo Toledo Sister Cities International is hosting its first annual International Festival. This will be a meaningful celebration of international diversity and Toledo’s ties around the world! Each of Toledo’s Sister Cities will be represented with cuisine, performances and displays at this celebration of international unity, friendship, opportunity and cooperation. Do not miss this family event with international food and entertainment from 10 countries (incl. Spain, China, Hungary, Poland, Japan, Tanzania, Germany, Lebanon, India and Pakistan). Tickets are $4.00 in advance Please contact the Toledo-SzegedCommittee for tickets or if you would like to help. MEMBERSHIP of Toledo-Szeged Committee is $15/person/year and open to anyone who would like to support the mission of the Toledo-Szeged Committee: “...to facilitate the preservation and promotion of the Hungarian heritage in Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, USA, and in Szeged, Csongrad County, Hungary, through an interchange of people, programs and ideas. To realize our mission, we commit ourselves to these goals: 1. Create, develop, and support educational, cultural, and economic exchanges between Toledo-Lucas County, Ohio, and Szeged-Csongrad County, Hungary 2. Support activities that further the preservation, understanding, and enjoyment of the Hungarian heritage 3. Design and promote celebrations of the Hungarian culture 4. Raise funds to support Toledo-Szeged Committee activities “ Whatever we do, we look forward to sharing comradery in a spirit of fun and cultural appreciation. Good food and good company are always welcome! The committee also looks forward to attending programs held by other Sister City Committees in Toledo, or international events organized by the Great Lakes Consortium. Please join us in our annual meeting on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the Calvin United Church at 6:30PM. 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Of the Toledo-Szeged Sister City Relationship In the year of 2010, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Toledo-Szeged Sister City relationship with special programs and guests. We hope everyone from NW Ohio who went to Szeged in the last 20 years or welcomed visitors from Szeged will be joining the Toledo-Szeged Committee as a member, to be recognized in our anniversary booklet and to share their experience. Our multicultural activities are always a lot of fun, with great food, entertainment and fellowship, so please join us at these events. Please give us suggestions how to improve our program in 2010 and beyond. We are planning to publish a cookbook and look forward to including some of your recipes. We expect special guests from Szeged in 2010, and we hope you can help us hosting and/or escorting them during their visit. You will enjoy spending extra time with the guests and sharing experiences. For more information about the Great Lakes Consortium for International Training and Development please contact: Elizabeth Balint, Project Manager Phone: 419-530-8572 E-mail: [email protected] The Great Lakes Consortium (GLC) is a collaborative effort of the Bowling Green State University, Lourdes College, The University of Toledo and WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc. – Contract Agent and Manager The mission of GLC is: “...to initiate, seek support for, and coordinate international training and development efforts linking resources with needs in the world community. GLC programs incl. activities with partners from Afghanistan, Hungary, Lebanon, Tanzania, and Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Botswana, Zambia and more. AMERICAN SUMMER INSTITUTE IN HUNGARY 2010 After a very successful program in 2008, GLC is organizing again a summer teaching program in Csongrad County and Veszprem County in Hungary 3-4 weeks in June-July 2010. This institute will help Hungarians improve their English and learn about America (history, geography, our life, environment, politics, culture or others). Expenses of the program in Hungary will be covered by the Hungarian partners, but volunteer teachers will need to cover their own international travel expenses. Americans (college students, teachers, or others) interested in teaching in English for 15-18 hours per week, please contact Elizabeth Balint at the GLC office (419-973-8007).