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: clabounty01@msn.com) .
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)
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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)
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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)
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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: bergmanwriter@aol.com
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: glcevents@hotmail.com
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).