THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE FALL 2003 (Read

Fall 2003 - Volume II, Issue 4 - Free
A VANCOUVER NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF HUNGARIAN CULTURE
NEW HUNGARIAN
HALL
IN VANCOUVER
The New Hungarian Voice
places and with other ethnicities
‘team’ officially meets eight
that share common challenges.
By Peter Czink VRNT
times a year, however many of us get together
The Vancouver Hungarian community
more often and with others who are involved in the Hungarian
became a significant entity after the Second World War, and
cultural scene. A popular topic of
flourished after the 1956 Revolution.
conversation (or rather debate) is our
Over the years, four important pillars
Hungarian-Canadian future and what
served the city: the Hungarian Cultural
we can do to ensure that we have one.
Society and three churches (one
Thankfully there have been no recent
Catholic and two Reformed). These
wars or revolutions in Hungary and
were the places where people met and
consequently the influx of immigrants
socialized, with the Cultural Society
to Canada had considerably ebbed.
being the largest and most accessible.
We strongly believe that there is still a
As time passed, people developed their
great need for the preservation of our
social circles and regular members of
ethnicity here in Canada even though
the Cultural Society (formerly known
most of us were born far away from
as the ‘Hungarian Social Club’) turned
Hungarian soil. Many things now
the modest former movie theatre on
stand in our way; from the mass marKingsway into a comfortable retreat
keting of homogenous ‘culture’ from
for themselves – a place where they
south of the border to a general tencould be Hungarian. Comfort eventudency for us to overlook past wisdom
ally overrode culture and the flow of
in search of things ‘a la mode’. Our
immigrants just about came to a stop –
biggest enemy however, is ourselves.
everything was ‘just right’.
Less
“The only way we can ensure that
When Hungarian-Canadians meet,
people volunteered so the ‘old hands’
our Vancouver Hungarian culture lives returned year after year to administer
sooner or later something of a therapy
session begins, and common, ongoing
the everyday tasks required to run the
on is by having a strong community
themes appear: Why does it seem that
organization.
centre that will support all Hungarian
we can’t work together? Why doesn’t
I run into Hungarians quite reguendeavours equally.”
one group support the other? And so
larly and they all have one thing in
on. This kind of conversation has come up so often that I
common (other than being Hungarian of course) – that is, they
thought it’s about time it was brought to light. So far, when‘used’ to be involved with the Cultural Society. The reasons are
ever such discussion takes place, we all agree to ‘keep quiet
many but similar - they were made to feel unwelcome; they
about it’ and to ‘move on’. Especially since we started work on
were mistreated; they felt that the Cultural Society catered
the New Hungarian Voice, we have been very concerned that
primarily to the small group of people that have become permawe may scare new people off by re-hashing old problems.
nent fixtures there. I have long ago lost count of the number of
Well, enough with the denial! Wisdom says that it’s not alpeople who have told me such stories.
ways what you do that can cause great harm; it’s also what you
I abhor ‘finger pointing’, but I’m afraid that screwing our
don’t do. Our culture is precious to us and is a key component
collective eyes shut will not make the problem go away - our
of what makes Canada such a wonderful place to live in – we
‘four pillared’ cultural structure is on the verge of collapse. The
must address some very important issues in the hopes that we
Hungarian Cultural Society’s website states that their organizamay help the situation here in Vancouver, and possibly in other
Continued on page 2...
THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE
P.O. Box 74527 • Kitsilano P.O. • Vancouver, B.C. • V6K 4P4 • Canada
fax: 604 733-9948 • email: newhungarianvoice@hotmail.com
www.newhungarianvoice.com
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Greg Csiszár • Péter Czink • Rodney Kovács
Andrea Miklós • Lajos S. Miklós Jr.
Magda Sasvári • Kristina Tanner • Zale Tanner
Mária Vajna • Lorraine Weideman
There are many qualified and
talented people in Vancouver
who are capable of implementing progressive new ideas.
“The Hungarian Cultural Society not only
belongs to us Hungarians, but to all Canadians it is a tile of the national mosaic as precious
and important as the next.”
tion’s mandate is to: “Maintain connec-
tions with multicultural, as well as other
ethnic groups and organizations” and to
“promote awareness of Hungary and
Hungarian culture among all Canadians”.
“Send a questionnaire to all
Vancouver Hungarians requesting
their input and suggestions.”
“The leadership should research
government grants and other
funding sources.
Immediately start dialogue with
the Federal Government regarding
charitable status.”
“Make sure both generations and
genders are represented among the
leaders and assure that the key
positions are filled with
qualified personnel.”
“Apply for grants to employ
students, with appropriate creative
programs presented in the
applications.”
“Make the centre not only a ‘social
club’, but an important information,
counselling and social assistance
centre for new HungarianCanadians and for those that
are in need.”
“The newsletter of the centre to be
in both English and Hungarian and
encompass local interests and new
information from governments
affecting all Hungarians. Encourage
the older generation to learn
English and for that purpose give
free English lessons.”
-Magda Sasvári
They make a conscious effort to completely disregard the activities of many
important Vancouver Hungarian organizations and ‘promote’ Hungarian culture
almost solely in the Hungarian language
(they refuse to even acknowledge the
New Hungarian Voice) – making it very
difficult for ‘all
Canadians’
to
even have the
slightest under-
e n cy c l o pa e di a s a n d H u ng a r ia n
periodicals. Problems or controversial
issues are never mentioned, but events
they put on are always given rave
reviews. The odd pages of English
thrown in for ‘young ones’ are usually so
dry, my mind wanders after the first few
sentences (even though I am constantly
looking for Hungarian material to read).
Interestingly, they have also forbidden
the editor of the new Hungarian language
newspaper (Vancouveri Magyar Szó) to
distribute it on their property, while their
website absurdly states: “[the Tárogató is]
the best, the largest, and the only
Hungarian magazine in Hungarian
NEW IDEAS
FOR AN OLD BUILDING...
standing of our
culture. In fact,
people with not
enough knowledge of the Hungarian language have
been made to feel very uncomfortable
there, and not speaking Hungarian
perfectly is often a subject of ridicule in
their publications.
The Cultural Society’s monthly magazine, the Tárogató, is a collection of
tributes to their past events and obscure
snippets of historical data culled from
language.”
Keeping with our architectural
analogy, let’s momentarily turn our attention to pillars three and four – the two
Reformed churches. For years now, they
have both been courting an aging and
finite number of prospective members.
Less people speak Hungarian only, and
many of us have moved to the suburbs –
it is entirely understandable that they
have to be competitive. One would think
that the Hungarian Cultural Society, the
strongest of the four pillars should be
We sincerely hope that some of our ideas will be implemented by the
Hungarian Cultural Society...
“Identify the yearly events that should continue and which ones to scrap.”
“Make an effort to be better known among other ethnic communities.”
“More things like courses in woodcarving,
traditional porcelain painting, cooking, etc.”
“Keep roles clear - maybe even have a PR or contact person.”
“Develop a useful Hungarian School for adults.”
“Develop the existing library.”
“Establish an outreaching attitude to other Hungarian institutions.”
-Greg Csiszár
2
“The structure is already there,
and for it to survive we must ‘clean house’
and work hard to replace the failing
infrastructure.”
ethically bound to help and support each
one equally. József Molnár is a member
of the ‘presbyterium’ of the First
Hungarian Presbyterian Church and the
president of its ‘financial council’ – as
well as the current president of the
Hungarian Cultural Society.
The
Society’s website uses 24 words to
describe the other Reformed church (the
Hungarian Reformed Church of
Vancouver); 27 for Our Lady of Hungary
(Catholic) Church; and an astounding
34,254 words are devoted to the church
that Molnár essentially runs. How long
will the four pillars be able to bear the
strain of such outrageous favouritism?
either by corruption or by apathy.
The Hungarian Cultural Society not
only belongs to us Hungarians, but to all
Canadians - it is a tile of the national
mosaic as precious and important as the
next. Perhaps the answer is not to turn
away and keep to ourselves. Maybe we
shouldn’t just ignore the situation or live
in denial. The only way we can ensure
that our Vancouver Hungarian culture
lives on is by having a strong community
centre that will support all Hungarian
endeavours
equally.
The structure is
already there, and
...A RENOVATION OF
OBSOLETE PROGRAMS
The resentment runs very strong
among many people in Vancouver who
don’t want to associate themselves with a
small minority who use an official and
registered society to segregate and abuse
an already fragile Hungarian-Canadian
population. My parents and many others
who were very involved with the Cultural
Society in the early years, and later left
with irreparable hurt feelings, hoped it
would be a cultural centre for future
generations to enjoy. I don’t think we
should let such a fine legacy be destroyed
for it to survive
we must ‘clean
house’ and work
hard to replace
the failing infrastructure.
I advocate joining them! If only those
down-hearted old members would return,
and if new and capable people would take
over from the current tired and vacuous
leadership; it could be made exciting and
dynamic once again – it belongs to you!
If it is left to continue as it is, its demise is
a certainty.
...and that Hungarian-Canadians in Vancouver will return to carry on
the legacy of our parents and grand-parents.
“Our culture is not represented by the Cultural Society’s 30 and 40
year old programs. There should be events for the younger people as well.”
“The Cultural Society should promote their work more often, as with the
festivals 10 and 3 years ago.”
-Mária Vajna
“I would like to see more open minds, willingness to try new and better things .”
“An environment where policy rules, not favouritism.”
-Andrea Miklós
3
Modern organizations require
efficient administration
and creative up-to-date
social programs.
“Run the Cultural Society as a
community centre, open seven days
a week. Offer workshops, courses,
classes & concerts. A membership
would be required for all workshops
and courses, and fees would be
charged for enrolment.”
“All three churches should hold a
position on the board along
with six other members that have
2 year terms. The members
should nominate candidates
for the board.”
“The Director/Administrator
should be a full time paid position
that takes direction from the
Board and is in charge
Of scheduling, event planning,
membership and volunteers.”
“The accountant’s position should
be a part time paid position
reporting to the Director.”
“Food services should be
outsourced as a contract with a set
fee or percentage paid to the
Cultural Society for the lease of
the kitchen.”
“Current sub-groups should be
classified similarly to special
interest courses - additional fees
maybe required for their individual
membership.”
-Lorraine Weideman
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH PASSION
I first met Gabriel Von Ursus
(known also as Szohner Gábor) at
the 2001 ‘This is Hungary’ festival.
His impressive display of paintings
weren’t his only contribution to the
event – he also won the audiences’
hearts by his performance in the
theatrical production of Ferenc
Molnár's 'The Play is the Thing'.
Von Ursus was born in Budapest
in 1936. His life was not an easy
road, he was eight years old at the
end of the war when his family was
executed - he witnessed his father
and brother being shot. Tough
times followed for everyone, especially
for the children; and eventually his
participation in the 1956 Revolution led
him to Canada as a refugee. He settled in
Vancouver, and following a myriad of
vocations he published ‘The Immigrant’ in 1978 (which he is
currently working on translating
into Hungarian), and several short
stories. His life as a painter began
in 1981, and since that time this
gifted and prolific artist has
produced several hundred large
canvases that have been exhibited
locally and internationally. Few
people realize, for example, that in
the 80’s he voluntarily created the
main alter statue for the local
Hungarian Catholic Church.
On June 3, 2003, an enormous
fire destroyed a Vancouver heritage
building at 337 West Pender Street,
and that evening I made a point of
watching the news because I had
once worked at that familiar location. I was shocked when I saw
Gabriel being interviewed while in
the background his lifetime of
work was being consumed by the
blaze. For 12 years he painted at
his second floor studio, and now all
he could do was watch it burn. For
any artist, such a loss is devastating
– I wondered – would this talented
and creative artist ever paint again?
With no studio or supplies, and
all that he put his heart and soul into now
gone, I knew that von Ursus would need
support ‘to put a paintbrush back in his
hand’. A call was sent out to friends
asking them to help raise some money to
buy some basic materials. Two weeks
later we presented Gabriel with an Opus
Gabriel von Ursus
Art Supplies gift certificate for $615.00 –
enough money to help get him started
with a few brushes and paints. Not only
was this sum helpful, but also it was a
testament to a fellow Hungarian that he
‘The Fifth Level’ (51” x 72”)
was not alone at this sad time.
Enormous support came from the
Aaron Ross Gallery (204-1540 West 2nd
Avenue) - for the month of September
they put together a fundraiser selling
limited edition reproductions (all of them
are copied onto canvas, using the finest
4
UV protected pigments) of his lost
paintings.
The sale of these
canvases has been brisk - they are
very affordable limited editions of
125 each - $175.00 for a 13" x 18"
piece, framed for $275.00; and
$350.00 for a 22" x 30" canvas
(framed $475.00). His only painting that remains is ‘The Fifth Level’
(51” x 72”) – it was in the gallery
at the time of the fire. The gallery
had it before review for acquisition
into the National Gallery of
Canada, but in the meantime a
European collector snapped it up.
Other opportunities have also come his
way; the Vancouver Opera Society wants
his work for their publicity promotions,
and Emily Carr College of Art and Design
has suggested putting a curriculum
together with von Ursus and the
students re-creating the paintings.
Still, the pain from the loss still
runs deep in him. In the past he
could hardly wait for the sun to
come up so he could go to his
studio and fill canvases with his
visions - in those days he was
never without ideas and he painted
non-stop – to him there was no
such thing as an empty canvas.
These days he is scared that the
urge to create will not come again
- he lays awake until the sun
comes up while he waits for the
joy his creativity used to bring
him, to return.
The sparkle in his eye tells me
that his passion to create is still
strong and will outweigh this
obstacle, as it has with others
throughout his life; and clearly
communicates how thankful he is
for the support from the community, his friends and family.
Thank you, Katherine Armstrong, Audra Blazkow, Giovanni
Boso Péter Czink, Rev. Lajos &
Erzsébet Fábián, Marjorie Gratzer,
Jürgen Kaminski, Rodney Kovács
& Maureen McGuigan, Lajos &
Andrea Miklós, Melanie Moore, Brenda
Prokopich, Heidi Rohard, Magda Sasvári,
Arran Saul, Attila & Gabi Szamosközi,
and Kari Tuskó, who all answered my
call to support a gifted artist and a kind,
gentle soul.
Lorraine Weideman
Boldog születésnapot kivánünk Mancika!
When my friend suggested I write an article for the New Hungarian Voice to
commemorate my mother’s 80th birthday, I thought it was a wonderful idea, although
I had no idea what a daunting task it would be. How do I share the story of my
mother’s remarkable life in a few words? I started to ask myself about what it means
and what it feels like to be Hungarian. Having lived in Canada my entire life, it’s
difficult to identify just what it is that is inherently Hungarian in me. Aside from the
obvious tangible cultural influences: the food, the music and family mementoes, what
do I know about ‘being Hungarian’?
I decided that it must be a way of thinking; an awareness that hinges mysteriously
on the ‘old country’. The pride that surfaces, knowing that your lineage extends deep
into a country and a people unlike any other. One that has existed and continues to
thrive despite aggressors that threatened over the years to rob them of their country
and their identity.
If my mother is any example, then this is what I know about Hungarians: they are
hardworking, courageous people known for sharing what they have with others less
fortunate. They have a talent for making something functional – even beautiful – out
of very little. It’s an attention to detail and striving for excellence against all odds. It
is the ‘survivor’ in them - the ability to fulfill a dream where little hope exists. It is
their laughter, and most importantly, their love. These are some of the qualities that
embody my mother, and as her daughter I hopefully possess some of these values as
well.
Although my mother immigrated to Canada at the age of five, she had three opportunities to visit and live with relatives in Hungary. The deep connection she
maintains to her Hungarian roots is - in her words - difficult to describe.
From the bottom of my heart and with all of my love, I’d like to wish my mother,
born Mary ‘Mancika’ Madeline Zelenak in Bodrogkeresztur, Hungary, a very happy
80th birthday.
Michelle Allen, Vancouver, B.C.
Join our team!
We are always looking for new, original Hungarian related material for
the New Hungarian Voice.
We also need enthusiastic volunteers to proof-read and distribute our newsletter, or to help out
with the many tasks that are involved with our growing paper and other Hungarian projects.
Dear readers!
Send us your comments and criticisms! We sincerely hope that our work continues to
reflect the feelings of the Hungarian-Canadian community, and that by maintaining a high
level of quality we will be able to promote interest in our culture - among fellow
Hungarians and everyone with an interest in our homeland!
www.newhungarianvoice.com
TRADITIONAL HUNGARIAN DESIGNS
470 CRISP, BLACK AND WHITE HUNGARIAN MOTIFS FOR DESIGNERS AND ARTISANS
“This 77-year-old work is like a time capsule, as the images contained in it are from traditional
Hungarian art forms long forgotten or near extinction. It is a must for artisans, embroiderers, wood
carvers and anyone else who wanted to produce authentic works of art.”
edited by P. Czink and L. Weideman • 68 pages • spiral bound • $24.95
HUNGARO ENTERPRISES • PO BOX 74527 • KITSILANO PO • VANCOUVER, BC
V6K 4P4 • CANADA • czink@shaw.ca
Tune in to 690 AM CBC Radio's 'Global Village' on Saturday
October 4th, 2003. Our own Greg Csiszár's short documentary on
Folk dancing in Transylvania goes to air at 7 o'clock AM.
5
NO ESCAPING FROM GASTRONOMIC GIGANTISM
Growing up in a bilingual
household, I'm fairly certain
the first Hungarian word I learned was
fakanál - the one for ‘wooden spoon’.
This was exceptionally handy for those
emotional moments when my mother
discovered muddy footprints on the
carpet and reached for her favourite
kitchen implement: the Wooden Spoon of
Retribution. The wooden spoon, so often
my friend (such as when it required
licking clean after stirring embryonic
chocolate cake), also supplied an early
lesson in power, treachery and the
importance of not hauling half the garden
into the house on the soles of my shoes.
Timber cutlery aside, the other Hungarian words with early significance were
the ones that equate to: “Eat! Eat! You're
too skinny!” Mealtimes became daunting
affairs that bore an uncanny resemblance
to those scenes in nature documentaries
where eagle parents stuff whole haddock
down the throats of hapless eagle chicks.
Many years later and despite my
mother's valiant efforts, I have yet to
balloon. But even though I am - according
to the finest medical mind in my suburb of ideal weight, she won't be swayed from
her mission to make me a better upholstered individual.
My mother's blindness to research
showing her cooking habits are firmly
entrenched in the realm of the notaltogether-healthy is matched only by her
deafness: “Please, I can't eat any more”;
“I think the table will break if you put
any more food on it”; and “Call an ambulance” are all entreaties that slide off her
like water off a Teflon-coated duck's
back. It takes steely reserve to ignore
such weak-kneed pleadings year in, year
out, and yet somehow she does it. Whenever I trundle off to my mother's place, it
is with a well-developed sense of trepidation.
Don't get me wrong - it's heavenly
food. I've grown up with Hungarian food
on tap and I love it, all the way from
stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikás to
sour cherry soup and poppy seed strudel.
It's just that Mum, in her zeal to plumpen
the world, has abandoned any sense of
proportion. I will arrive, feeling vaguely
like the prodigal son while she's out the
back killing the fatted calf, or more likely
stuffing its enormous carcass into the
oven.
Operation ‘No More Skinny Bastard’
will, almost without variation, commence
with soup. In some cultures this would be
a mere appetizer, but not here. As the
clouds of steam uncoil and disperse, they
reveal what at first looks like a testing
tank for large ocean-going vessels. Before
me stretches a sea of noodles, carrots,
cauliflower and half a chicken bobbing
up and down in well-seasoned eddies. I
will gaze across the liquid expanse armed
only with a spoon, idly wondering
whether the far side of the bowl is actually in a separate time zone.
Mum will stand by, smiling beatifically, expressing her hope that my hunger
is all powerful as the main course is
nearly ready. Suggesting that this single
bowl could feed me, my wife, my brother
and both my sisters for the next fortnight
gets short shrift from Mum: “It's only
water!” Well, quite.
Some time afterward, feeling a bit
more like an oceanarium than I did
before, it's time to tackle the main course.
Wherever Mum goes shopping has not
been blessed by health experts. Farm
animals apparently raised on a sumo diet
– hefty chickens, wobbly cows and pigs
with almost translucent flesh - make it
into the oven virtually intact. Goulash,
dumplings, schnitzels, concoctions of
cabbage, eggplant and cheese and, if
we're lucky, lángos - basically bits of
deep-fried dough. Utterly scrumptious,
6
even if you can feel your arteries quail
with terror. It should go without saying
that the portions are not on the stingy
side.
Later, as I walk gingerly towards the
car, carefully avoiding sharp objects for
fear of bursting and clutching an emergency pack of palacsinta (crepes) – “Just
in case you get hungry tonight!” – Mum
follows me out, eager to ascertain that I'm
full. She's still half afraid of accidentally
underfeeding me one night. Fat chance.
And like someone who survives regular encounters with Darth Vader only to
take a holiday on the Death Star, I travel
to Hungary when I can and it's a destination I can't recommend strongly enough.
But for me there is the added pleasure of
catching up with my relatives. My aunt
Joli, for example, is always overjoyed to
see me, but her happiness is tempered by
a vague sense of disappointment that I
haven't become fatter in the interim.
Operation No More Skinny Bastard
Version 2.0 is launched with gusto.
Unlike Mum, though, Joli seems to be
gripped by the fear that I might faint
from hunger at any moment and has
subsequently grown adept at springing
from nowhere with a tray-full of pastries.
Sadly, my grandmother - the Great
Gastronaut herself - is no longer with us.
The combination of her, aunt Joli and
Mum made for a daunting troika and the
sight of all three carefully manoeuvring in
the kitchen like aircraft carriers in a small
harbour made us lesser mortals dangle
our jaws in wonder.
Which of course made it a whole lot
easier to jam food down our gullets.
Bon appetit.
James Jeffrey
VANCOUVER HUNGARIAN
BOYS AND GIRLS SCOUTS
The Vancouver Hungarian Boys and Girls Scouts
have been hiking and camping since 1960!
Introduce your children to Hungarian culture,
history and geography!
Our activities include crafts and games too!
Meetings are held on Thursday evenings
at 1810 East 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Please contact Suzanna Nagy at 604 230-0106
or e-mail at suzannan@slatervecchio.com
for more information.
ARNOLD MIKELSON
KAFÉ EUROPA
MIND AND MATTER GALLERY
AUTHENTIC
HUNGARIAN CUISINE
We serve all of your favourites:
lángos, gulyás soup, wiener
schnitzel, cucumber salad, gypsy
steak, chicken paprikás, palacsinta
and much more!
EVERY THURSDAY
All schnitzel (we have 8 different
kinds!) are 50% off!
Open 6 days a week from
5pm to 10pm
(closed on Mondays)
735 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
604 683-4982
13743 - 16th Avenue
White Rock, Surrey, BC V4A 1P7 604 536-6460
Regular Hours: Daily from 12 pm to 6 pm
(or by appointment)
Private parties for up to 50 people
Parking at rear
www.mindandmatterart.com
7
by Magda Sasvári
FROM HUNGARY
TOURISM
IN HUNGARY
July 14, 2003
The ailing domestic tourism industry
is pining its hopes on a deluge of
Chinese tourists which may become a
reality next year. Earlier this year,
China granted Hungary ‘preferred
destination’ status. Unfortunately, the
Iraq war and the outbreak of the SARS
epidemic scuttled the immediate implementation of the plans and negotiations
between the two countries were
suspended. Negotiations are about to
resume, and the agreement may be
signed in the fall, said Judith Tóth, head
of tourism at the Economy Ministry.
MALEV could also profit handsomely
by starting direct flights between Budapest and major Chinese cities.
BUSH NAMES WALKER
FOR HUNGARY POST
July 19, 2003
U.S. President George W. Bush has
nominated his father's cousin, George
Herbert Walker as ambassador to
Hungary, the White House announced
July 17th. The nomination is yet to be
confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The 72
year old businessman completed his
studies at Yale in 1953, and earned a
law degree at Harvard in 1956. From
1956 to 1958 Walker served with the
U.S. Air Force. He took part in the
election campaigns of former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W.
Bush. He will succeed Nancy Goodman
Brinker who is expected to play a part in
President Bush's re-election campaign.
ELECTROLUX TO BUILD
FACTORY
IN NYIREGYHÁZA
July 19, 2003
It was announced that Electrolux will
build a huge refrigerator manufacturing
factory in Nyiregyháza. Construction
begins next January and production will
begin in 2005. The new factory is going
to produce 560,000 refrigerators each
year.
MTV PROGRAMS ABOUT HUNGARIANS LIVING OUTSIDE OF HUNGARY
TO BE DISCONTINUED
August 8, 2003
Hungarian Television will discontinue programs about Hungarians living
outside of Hungary, but will save the
Carpathian Chronicle program. As of
the 1st of September people will not be
able to tune in to Crossing the Border
(Határátkelö), The Scatterds (Szórvány),
The Bottle Message (Palackpósta), the
Handshake (Kézfogás) and the Seven
Frontiers (Héthatár). Along with the
cancellation of the programs, jobs of
many correspondents who report on
Hungarians living in the neighbouring
countries are on the line. The information network was created by MTV Rt.,
with the financial assistance provided by
the Illyés Public Endowment during the
Orbán administration. According
to information given to Magyar Nemzet
newspaper, the Illyés Public Foundation
notified MTV Rt that they will discontinue the funding for these programs.
Csaba Belénessy, the regional chief
editor of the minority and across the
border programs hopes that ongoing
talks will bring a solution to this financial crisis.
CONFLICTS IN FOREIGN POLICY
August 18, 2003
István Szent-Iványi, chairman of the
integration committee of the parliament
claims that one should not exclude the
possibility of introducing dual citizenship where there is a consent. The opinion of the Free Democrat politician
diametrically oppose the negative
attitude of the Foreign Ministry represented by László Kovács foreign minister and András Bársony political state
secretary, but even within the Socialist
Party there is no consensus on the
question. WestelPress has announced
that Ferenc Juhász, Minister of Defence
claims the Hungarian government will
do everything for backing dual citizenship after the necessary examinations by
experts, regretting the irresponsible
8
messages sent to
Hungarians beyond
the border. József Szalma, professor of
law in Ujvidék (Novi Sad) said in an
interview for Magyar Nemzet that the
request of the Hungarians in Vojvodina
was well grounded from moral and legal
points of view and the European Union
was tolerant in the question.
LIFE IN BUDAPEST MORE EXPENSIVE
August 22, 2003
Life becomes more expensive in
Budapest after October 1, when the
price of district heating is expected to
rise. In this case, the Metropolitan
FIDESZ has lodged a complaint with the
Economic Competition Bureau. A price
increase is expected at the Budapest
Transport Company (BKV) as well. The
district heating price increase will be
probably approved by the Metropolitan
Assembly, though it is supposed to be
much higher, than the inflation rate the Socialist Free Democrat majority has
already decided on the issue. Pál Vajda
(Hungarian Socialist Party) deputy
mayor explained the decision by the fact
that the price of district heating has
been unchanged since October 2001 and
gas prices have gone up by 12 percent
recently. BKV ticket prices also must be
raised but this depends on next year's
budget.
SKY EUROPE TO FLY
OUT OF BUDAPEST
September 18, 2003
Starting in mid-November, a new
discount airline, Sky Europe will operate flights from Budapest to London,
Milan and Zurich, enabling people to fly
to these destinations for as low as 6,000
HUF. Seat reservations will commence
September 23rd. Sky Europe started
two years ago, flying first between
Kosice (Kassa) and Bratislava (Pozsony)
in Slovakia, and later connecting 13
European cities with the Slovakian capital. Sky Europe CEO Christian Mandl
said Hungarian tourism is sure to benefit
from the service.
Sources: MNO, Access Hungary, MVSz,
Budapest Sun Online
THE ART OF
BARGAINING:
TRANSYLVANIA
Is there an art to bargaining? I didn’t think so until I was
kicked out of a shop in Korond, a little village in the Székely
region of Erdély (Transylvania)!
It is hard not to get carried away with trying to stretch
those last few lei in a place like Korond. This charming little
village along the highway between Szėkelyudvarhely and
Marosvásárhely is lined from one end to other with shops and
stands full of local handy-crafts. There are beautiful hand
sewn or knitted items, pottery, woodcarvings and leather
works. Often, the ‘shops’ are little more than tables and
clotheslines in front of the seller’s house. Even the fences and
gates are put to good use
by having sweaters and
tablecloths hanging from
them. Rather than detract,
the lack of a mall or
market type of setting
adds to the ‘folksy’ ambience of the town.
While some might
make the mistake of
assuming this means the
seller is a local farmer or
average peasant, the truth
is these villagers have had
years of sales experience
and know quite thoroughly the price their
goods can fetch. That is
why at the beginning of the season (around May) before the
tourists have started to arrive in great numbers, the prices are
quite a bit lower than later in the summer. In July and August,
the tour buses and car loads of German and Hungarian tourists
arrive and the prices are significantly increased.
Bargaining is quite a difficult skill to acquire. Especially
since the methods subtly change, depending on where you are
in the world. Coming from a place like Canada, where bar-
gaining is saved for ‘big ticket’ items such as homes and cars;
haggling over the price of something small, like cheese in a
market, seems rather foreign. Add to that the fact that in this
case the price was being set for local artwork, and the whole
transaction becomes even more difficult. On the one hand, I
don’t want to be a ‘sucker’ of a tourist, but on the other hand I
don’t want to offer an unfair price for something that has been
crafted locally by hand.
Could this be the reason my friends and I were (not so
politely) asked to leave a shop in the middle of August? Was it
because during my first trip to Korond in May, that was a
reasonable price, but in
August it was insultingly
low? Or, was it because she
figured out that we were
non-natives, merely accompanied by someone with a
local Hungarian accent?
After all everyone knows
that there is a different price
for locals than for tourists.
Or, was it impatience with
too much bargaining since
another tourist would come
along shortly and pay the
asking price? I guess I’ll
never know. And really, I
have to expect to run into
some problems when I am
trying to acquire a new skill. On the bright side, I had far more
successes than failures. I consider myself lucky to have quite a
number of lovely items from Korond in my apartment.
So, for those of you heading to Erdély this summer or next,
stop in Korond if you have a chance. Don’t be afraid to make a
bargain or two. If you get out of line, the locals will be happy
to let you know!
Audra Blazkow
9
“Our efforts will continue for years to come in the
promotion of Hungary’s musical arts with concerts of
classical, folk and world music.”
This fall/winter season brings the first anniversary of the Canadian Association for Hungarian Arts. CAHA has presented musical concerts by Hungary’s
Téka Ensemble - one of the founders of the folk music movement in Hungary as well as relative newcomers to the world music scene, Kálmán Balogh and
the Gypsy Cimbalom Band. Also presented in concert was Edmonton’s Cifra
Ensemble, a driving force in Hungarian village music in North America. At the
same time we featured local talents such as Forrás and the amazing Urban
Gypsies. Added treats were CAHA’s sponsorship of Transylvania’s
Szászcsávás in Seattle and the discounted VSO Bartók concert. Our efforts will
continue for years to come in the promotion of Hungary’s musical arts with
concerts of classical, folk and world music.
CAHA will also be presenting other arts and artists of a Hungarian nature.
The first being a screening of Tristan Verboven’s Once American, a particularly
moving documentary of four immigrants from Hungary returning to their home
land to search for their identity. This English language film by Budapest based
All You Can Eat Productions will have its Western Canadian debut here in
Vancouver. Our other activities include actively pursuing opportunities to
present visual artists and a partnering with other Hungarian organizations to
present a national Hungarian festival.
For more information or if you have any suggestions, contact us at 604 9415941 or email us at CAHA_Vancouver@hotmail.com.
Lajos S Miklos Jr.
Executive Director
‘Visszhang’
(‘Echo’)
“...the musicians that initially
created and supported the
[dance] festival's birth joined
together for the creation of a CD,
featuring most of the musicians
and vocalists playing Hungarian
folk music in North America.”
This CD, a 79-minute compilation
called Visszhang’ (‘Echo’) is
available from Vancouver’s Forrás
Folk Band (forrás@shaw.ca).
The proceeds from the disc
(produced by Hungária Records)
will benefit a newly created
‘Hungarian Musicians' Benefit
Fund’ which will support more
projects like this CD in the future.
Contact the Forrás Folk
Band or the CAHA to get
this great CD.
Tristan Verboven’s Hungarian projects:
FILM
Director of "RUBBER SIDE DOWN"
A dynamic 27 minute documentary following the events of the
2001 Cycle Messenger World Championships in Budapest.
Director of "ONCE AMERICAN"
A 47 minute historical documentary following the lives of Hungarian
refugees in the United States.
PRINT
Feature Writer, COMMUNIQUE , Budapest
Monthly publication of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Film Critic, SCENE MAGAZINE , Budapest
RADIO
TILOS RADIO, Budapest
Host of "ICE CREAM SHOW" Weekly English Language Program
featuring live interviews, music and entertainment listings
PARARADIO, Budapest
Host of "GLOBAL COLLECTIVE" Weekly English Language Program
featuring interviews and chat
Host of "RADIO B-TOWN" Weekly Comedy Show
satirical look at Public Radio
MAGYAR RADIO, Budapest
Reporter for "RADIO BUDAPEST" Hungarian News in English
Short wave broadcast in English featuring culture, politics
and headlines from Hungary
EXHIBITIONS
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL HOUSE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
"THOSE WHO CAME" EXHIBITION, Kesckemét
Collection of photos taken of Hungary by foreign photographers
over the last 100 years.
ONCE AMERICAN
A documentary film
by Tristan Verboven
After sold out screenings at the OFF Festival
and SoHo Festival in Budapest as well as the
Ramallah Festival in Palestine, the
documentary film Once American is finally
available in North America.
An actress, a millionaire, a
Vietnam veteran, and a junkie return to their
native Hungary. After escaping to America in
their youth in search of freedom, they have
come home to find a loss of identity both in
themselves and their homeland.
Matthew Hays of the Montreal Mirror calls it
"...an impressive documentary debut.
Verboven has collected an impressive
collection of people here, each with a story
seemingly more
fascinating than the last."
Friday, October 31, 2003, 8 PM
Video In Studios
1965 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
$8 adults
$6 children/seniors/CAHA
members
(tickets at the door)
Info: 604 941-5941
OUR SPONSORS: THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE and VMTv HUNGARIAN LANGUAGE TELEVISION
____________________________________________________
NAME (Last)
(First)
YEARLY MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
9
MEMBERSHIP
TYPE
FEE
BRONZE
NON-VOTING MEMBER
Name printed in programs & newsletter,
best seats at concerts.
$25
$
SILVER
NON-VOTING MEMBER
Name printed in programs & newsletter,
best seats at concerts,
discounts on additional events.
$50
$
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NON-VOTING MEMBER
Name printed in programs & newsletter,
best seats at concerts,
discounts on additional events,
receptions before and after concerts.
$125
$
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VOTING MEMBER
Best seats at concerts,
discounts on additional events,
receptions before and after concerts,
voting rights at annual general meeting.
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____________________________________________________
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Please make cheques payable to:
Canadian Association for Hungarian Arts
PO Box 74527, Kitsilano PO, 2803 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V6K 4P4
YES, I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER
ROVÁSÍRÁS
THE HUNGARIAN RUNIC ALPHABET
form of correspondence. Rovásírás continued to be used
There is an old form of Hungarian writing that is presently
going through a rebirth in scholarly circles and among code and
throughout Hungary until the mid 1800s.
runic enthusiasts. Rovásírás (from rovás ‘incised’ and írás
The ancient writers of rovásírás wrote on hard materials
‘writing’) predates Hungary’s adoption of the Latin alphabet
(wood and stone). This obviously made writing lengthy and
and is a descendant from the Kök Turki script used in Central
difficult and therefore, several shorthand features developed.
Asia.
One is the concentration or melting
Many believe that the Christianizatogether of two or more neighbouring
tion of Hungary promoted the disuse
letters. These combined characters
of rovásírás. It was considered rather
have been referred to as ligatures. The
important at the time to absolve the
writer has relative freedom in deciding
country of its old pagan beliefs and
which characters will be ligatures
practices in order to continue to gain
based on space and decipherability.
favour from the rest of Europe. It is
Another shorthand feature was omittherefore reasonable to believe that
ting some of the vowels – the letter ‘e’
pre-European Hungarian relics are the
was most commonly omitted. There
key to our awareness and understandwere also sound characters that were
ing of this ancient form of communicabug-like symbols strongly resembling
tion. Interestingly, the opposite is
Egyptian hieroglyphs.
The bug
true. It was largely Christian monks
symbols are age-old Székely characters that point our origins to the
and priests that continued the use of
rovásírás as the Latin alphabet’s adapnations of the ancient Middle East.
tation to the characteristics of the
The rovásírás numbers resemble roman
numerals – this is due to the fact that
Hungarian language was not immediTransylvanian Church ceiling panel
they evolved from the same root, the
ate. A religious order of monks called
with Székely rovásírás.
Etrusk numbers.
the Pauline Order (Pálos) lay claim to a
proprietary form of rovásírás. The pálos rovásírás was widely
Rovásírás relics have been found throughout Hungary,
used by the order from its establishment during the reign of
Transylvania and to a lesser extent Asia and other parts of
tribal leader and Hungarian conqueror, Árpád, until the XIVth
Europe but the most famous is a 181kg piece of sandstone
century. It was especially useful in the letters of Pauline
found in Nova Scotia, Canada in the 1700s. The 78cm x 70cm x
missionaries sent to South America. They would report home
50cm stone had ancient runes carved into it, of which a portion
on the abuses of the natives at the hands of the Spanish and
had been worn down. Although the text was unidentifiable
Portuguese using rovásírás as a form of code. As with the Latin
using Scandinavian runes, it was strongly believed that it was a
alphabet, pálos was written left-to-right. Pálos rovásírás was
Viking relic left from an expedition of Eric the Red or his son,
not developed as a complete and detailed form of communicaLeif Ericsson. It wasn’t until 1984 that Silvia Luis, a Hungarian
tion and fell completely out of use by the XVIth century.
runic writing expert, happened across and deciphered the text The second form of ancient Hungarian runic writing is called
it read: “…son járt e hejen is sok társával” (“…son traveled
székely rovásírás. It originates from the Székely Magyars in
through this area with many of his companions”). It is widely
Eastern Hungary (Székelyföld), currently the land of the
believed that the worn portion originally read ‘Erics’-son
Hungarian speaking Székelys of Transylvania. While this form
referring to Leif Ericsson. It has been long contended that one
of rovásírás has been written both left-to-right and right-to-left,
of Leif Ericsson’s men, referred to only as ‘Tyrker’, was an
the latter is more prevalent – perhaps because writers would
Árpádian Magyar. Experts have established that the name
typically hold a small piece of wood in their left-hand, and
Tyrker came from a Byzantine, Arab and European designation
carve the letters with their right. When they reached the end of
of the early Magyars as Tourks – this reference was due to the
the stick, they turned it around, so the next line is upside-down
Kök Turks of Central Asia. An additional theory exists stating
compared to the first.
that after his expeditions with Ericsson, Tyrker returned to
In the XIIIth century, a strong interest in székely rovásírás
Hungary with maps and knowledge of the ‘new world’.
grew and it gained popularity in the royal courts and by the
If all this is true, we Hungarians have an amazing claim of
intelligentsia. The Hungarian Renaissance ruler, King Matthias,
having a fellow countryman explore North America long before
often used this form of rovásírás and while the Latin alphabet
Christopher Columbus ‘discovered it’.
was considered the official way of correspondence, rovásírás
Lajos S. Miklós Jr.
was highly fashionable. In the 1500s, when Hungary was
To read more about rovásírás on the Internet, check out
devastated by the Ottoman Turks, the independent Transylvahttp://fang.fa.gau.hu/~heves/runic.html.
nian Principality wanted to make székely rovásírás the official
12
13
IN VANCOUVER
HUNGARIAN INSTITUTIONS
HUNGARIAN RETIREMENT HOME - THE ‘MAGYAR OTTHON’
By the 1980's the youthful group of refugees
from communist Hungary began thinking about the future and
retirement. In Vancouver by that time there were many retirement homes springing up and one could see the success of other
ethnic groups - German, Italian, Scottish, Croatian, and many
other homes that were being built.
One person who was totally dedicated to the idea of
a Hungarian retirement home was Mr.
Sándor Gyarmati.
Mr. Gyarmati
formed a committee of like
minded Hungarians and with
the support and backing of
Vancouver based Hungarian
churches he and his fellow Hungarians registered their organization in Victoria in 1982 as the
Canadian-Hungarian Housing
Society of British Columbia.
After this important step,
they started planning for the building, and most importantly they
started the difficult task of trying to secure
a lot and financial assistance for the project. Anybody who ever
tried to fundraise for projects will know how much time and
effort it requires. After many letters, phone calls, interviews and appointments, the Housing Society convinced the
City of Vancouver of the importance of this venture, and they
were granted a building lot for the future home. The lot (which
was much appreciated), was not quite right for their purposes
and the committee exchanged it for one on South-West Marine
Drive. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provided
the funds for the building and by October 1988 the construction
was completed and the Hungarian Retirement Home, or the
‘Magyar Otthon’ opened its doors at 1564 S.W. Marine Drive.
A total of fifty-four 535 square foot one bedroom apartments were ready for occupation, and people began to
move in on the 1st of October. I visited
the ‘Magyar Otthon’ few times and on
each occasion I was delighted to be
there. The building looks bright,
clean, friendly and inviting. The
apartments are also full of
light, with flowered balconies;
and the atmosphere is cheerful
and warm.
The managers of the building are more than just employees
of the Board of Directors - they also
look after the tenants and share in
their Hungarian inspired feelings. There
are extra rooms for meetings, reading and laundry; but what
really touched me, was the little chapel where the tenants could
go for Sunday service, or just to drop in to meditate and withdraw from the rush of our modern world. I applaud the success
of the ‘Magyar Otthon’ and hope that it will be a peaceful
home for many Hungarians in the future.
Magda Sasvári
“Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provided the funds for the building and by October 1988 the construction was completed and the Hungarian Retirement Home, or the ‘Magyar Otthon’ opened its doors at 1564 S.W. Marine Drive. “
14
HUNGARIAN LANGUAGE TELEVISION
EUROPEAN
HAIR
DESIGN
HIRADÓ
Weekly News Summary
Fridays at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm
MAGYAR VILÁG
Weekly Documentary
Sundays at 9:00 pm and Tuesdays at 2:00 pm
On SHAW Multicultural Channel
(channel 20 in Vancouver)
Gabriella Hajdu
4065 MacDonald Vancouver, BC V6L 2N8
Suite 110 - 1140 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1
604 736-2300
604 683-6773
The Forrás Hungarian Folk Ensemble Presents a
TÁNCHÁZ
(Hungarian folk dance party with teaching)
With live music from the Forrás Folk Band!
Our Lady of Hungary Church Hall
1810 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Admission $5 at the door
7:30 pm - Doors & bar open
8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Táncház and Dance Teaching
Saturday, September 27th, 2003
Saturday, November 15th, 2003
Info: 604 941-5941
forras@shaw.ca
15
www.forras.homestead.com
LEARNING HUNGARIAN
Vocabulary:
ott - there mi? - what? ki? - who?
az - that (a different word than the definite article, but looks and sounds the same)
ez - this köszönöm - thank you mi a neve? - what's your name? (polite)
a nevem... - my name is… asztal - table pincér (remember c is 'ts') - waiter jól - well
hol? - where? is - also hogy? - how? egy - a, an, one autó - car
Some sample sentences:
Mi az? What is that?
Ez egy autó és az egy asztal. This is a car and that is a table.
Köszönöm, jól vagyok. Thank you, I am good. (well)
Hol a pincér? Ott. Where is the waiter? There.
Grammar - The Indefinite Article
The indefinite article in Hungarian is egy, which also means ‘one’. However, it is used less frequently
than in English. Look at the following sentences:
Ő turista.
He is (a) tourist.
Egyetemista vagyok.
I am (a) student.
In the above sentences, the article is required in English, but not in Hungarian. You will get a feel of when
to use the article once you have been exposed to more sentences and had some practice.
Ez and Az
The Hungarian words ez and az correspond to English ‘this’ and ‘that’ respectively, in the context of
both ‘that book is good’ and ‘that is a book’ (French, for example, makes a difference between ‘that’ in these
two contexts). When ez or az is modifying the noun, as in ‘that book’, the Hungarian noun must be
preceded by the definite article a or az. Examine the following sentences:
Ki ez? Who's this?
Ez az autó szép. This car is pretty.
Az az autó is szép. That car is also pretty.
Ez az asztal. This is the table.
Note: Ez az asztal can mean ‘this is the table’ or ‘this table…’ but here it must be the former because the
latter is not a complete sentence.
Greetings:
Jó reggelt (kívánok)
Good morning
Jó napot (kívánok)
Hello (formal, literally 'good day')
Jó estét (kívánok)
Good evening
Jó éjszakát (kívánok)
Good night
Note: the above expression are both formal and informal. The ‘kívánok’ is optional and slightly more formal.
With kívánok, the expressions mean ‘I wish you good morning’, etc.
A viszontlátásra
Goodbye (formal)
Szervusz (Szervusztok to more than one person) Hello/Goodbye (informal)
Szia (Sziasztok to more than one person) Hello/Goodbye (more informal)
Hogy van?
How are you? (formal)
Hogy vagy?
How are you? (informal)
Note: When you ask Hogy vagy? in Hungarian, you are really asking how they are, unlike in English where
‘how are you’ is a polite greeting. A good answer to the question would be: Jól vagyok, ‘I am fine (well)’.
LESSONS CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE!
Hungarian Language Course on the Internet: http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~arubin/hungarian.html
16
by
Andrea
Miklós
With the flu season just around the corner, what better way to make one feel better than with a big
bowl of steaming hot Hungarian soup? Personally I find these home made soups both soothing and
healing. In Hungary, soup is an essential part of the midday meal - that means they have numerous recipes
to keep their taste buds enticed. Some of the recipes can even be prepared in different ways, which will
give them different tasting end results. For example:
- The ingredients can be cooked in water or stock; when close to done a mixture of roux, or rántás in
Hungarian (equal portions of butter and flour, browned) is added.
- Ingredients plus onion are sautéed in butter or fat, and then sprinkled lightly with flour; water or stock
are then added and cooked.
- Ingredients plus onion are sautéed in butter or fat; broth or water is added; roux is incorporated a few
minutes before the completion of the soup.
Another way of changing the taste of a soup is by the garnishes used in it. There are potato dumplings, chickenliver dumplings, beef dumplings, semolina dumplings, fried soup peas, cream of wheat dumplings and many more –
all in addition to the everyday soup noodles that we all know and love. Here are two delicious soup recipes perfect
for autumn:
CARAWAY SOUP WITH GARLIC CROUTONS
(KÖMÉNYMAG LEVES FOGHAGYMÁS KOCKÁKKAL)
(Serves 6)
2 tbs lard or bacon drippings
2 tbs flour
1 egg
1 garlic clove
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1 tbs caraway seeds
1 litre cold water
salt to taste
2 slices of white bread
Cook caraway seeds in heated fat until they pop.
To make roux, add flour – careful not to burn it
Add water and whip. Cook for 10-20 minutes. Strain; put back in pot and bring to boil.
Beat egg until foamy and whip into simmering soup. Add salt taste.
Toast bread; rub garlic on both sides and dice. Serve them separately to keep them from going soggy.
During difficult times in Hungary, the egg was eliminated – but it still is delicious!
BEAN SOUP (BABLEVES)
(Serves 8)
2 smoked pig’s feet (any piece of pork will do if this does not appeal to you)
1/2 lb smoked pork ribs
1/2 cup celery
1/4 lb dried beans (soaked over-night)
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1 tbs lard or bacon drippings
1 tbs chopped parsley
1 tbs flour
1/2 tbs paprika
1 garlic clove mashed
salt to taste
1/2 lb smoked Hungarian pork sausage
2 tbs sour cream
1. Cook pig’s feet and pork ribs in 2 litres of water until meat separates from bone;
bone them and put meat aside.
2. Add celery and beans to meat broth and cook until beans are soft.
3. Sauté onion; add parsley and flour, cook on lowest heat possible until light brown.
4. Mix in paprika and garlic; add 1 cup of cold water. Whip until smooth. Pour into cooked beans.
5. Add smoked sausage and 1/2 tbs salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Dice smoked meat, add to soup. Adjust salt to taste. Add sour cream.
7. Serve with bread.
17
Four convenient locations to serve you:
GVC Credit Union - the kind of financial
institution where you feel welcome.
VANCOUVER
100-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tel 604-876-7101
BRENTWOOD
1801 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
Tel 604-298-3344
LOUGHEED PLAZA
9608 Cameron Street, Burnaby
Tel 604-421-3456
IMPACT PLAZA
#137-10090-152nd Street, Surrey
Tel 604-584-4434
GVC is the successor of the Hungarian
Credit Union formed in 1951. In 1985, it
joined GVC Credit Union in order to make
a wider range of services available to its
members. We are proud of our historical
ties with Vancouver’s Hungarian
Community.
GVCCU is dedicated to providing a full
range of financial services designed to fit
our members’ needs. So, if you’re looking
for a good place to save or borrow, join us
at GVC.
aMemberLink Telephone Banking #604-444-5250
MemberDirect Internet Banking www.gvccu.com
‘Hungarian Village Music’
WEBSITES THAT ARE A MUST FOR
ANYONE INTERESTED IN HUNGARY!
(all information is available in English)
Forrás Folk Band
The popular local Hungarian
folk band’s new CD!
Hungarian Flags
www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/keywordh.html#hungary
This is truly an amazing page. I had no idea there are that many
unique Hungarian flags and coats-of-arms!
$20.00 (including
shipping)
Hungarian National Anthem
www.fsz.bme.hu/hungary/anthem.html
Don’t know the words to the anthem? Listen to them here!
To order,
send a cheque to:
Hungarica.Net
www.hungarica.net
A site about Hungarian culture, music, history, cuisine and tourism.
FORRÁS
Corvinus Library of Hungarian History
www.hungary.com/corvinus/lib
A resource for Hungarian historical material for the
browser and expert alike.
1751 Coquitlam Ave.
Port Coquitlam, BC
V3B 1H9
Hungarian/English
English/Hungarian Dictionary
http://szotar.sztaki.hu/angol-magyar
A very convenient on-line dictionary.
604 941-5941
www.forras.homestead.com/zenesz.html
18
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blood and intestine cleansing,
hip and back problems
Soft cover $24.95 (including postage)
Julius Ling
591 Delora Drive ● Victoria, BC ● V9C 3S2
250 474-5279
▪ Products that ease breathing
▪ Vegetable fibres and health teas that prevent
cramping and migraine pain
REAL-ESTATE SALES
...are all available at:
KLARA TIMAR
Mother’s Herbs
119 Lonsdale
North Vancouver, BC
604 988-4372
604 855-7393 VANCOUVER - 604 649-4871
2655 Clearbrook Road, Suite 260
Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Y6
THE HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH
OF VANCOUVER
THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE
is available at:
900 East 19th Avenue Vancouver, BC
Services start at 12 noon every Sunday and Holidays
ABC INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL LTD.
1224 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC 604 684-5019
September 28 - Hungarian Mission - Abbotsford
Services are held the last Sunday of every month at 3pm.
3260 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford, BC
EUROPEAN HAIR DESIGN
4065 MacDonald Street, Vancouver, BC 604 736-2300
October 12 – Thanksgiving Service - Harvest display
GVC CREDIT UNION
November 2 – Special Reformation Service - Lunch
Sermon by: Rt. Rev. Andor Demeter, Bishop
of The Hungarian Reformed Churches in America
Closing ceremonies of the Presbyters Convention
VANCOUVER
100-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC 604 876-7101
BRENTWOOD
1801 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC 604 298-3344
LOUGHEED PLAZA
9608 Cameron Street, Burnaby, BC 604 421-3456
IMPACT PLAZA
137-10090-152nd Street, Surrey, BC 604 584-4434
December 6 - Christmas Bazaar - Bake Sale
10am - 5pm
Held at The Hungarian Cultural Society 728 Kingsway, Vancouver
Hungarian Foods all day – Traditional Christmas pastries:
walnut/poppy seed rolls & crescents, rum, chestnut, cheese,
mocha cakes; pogácsa, krémes and more.
Sausages: white sausage, fresh & smoked.
For more information please call Elizabeth 604 321-4226
METRO TRAVEL & TOURS LTD.
450-555 W. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC 604 879-5321
MOTHER’S HERBS & VITAMINS
119 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver, BC 604 988-4372
December 21 - Special Candlelight Service
Lunch, Christmas program - gifts for the children
PEOPLE’S CO-OP BOOKSTORE
December 25 - Christmas Worship Service
1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC 604 253-6442
2004 January - 1 New Year’s Worship Service
19
LOCAL
HUNGARIAN
EVENTS
Please contact the organizations to
confirm dates and times.
October 5
● Feast Day (Búcsú)
Our Lady of Hungary Church
October 12
● Western Canadian Hungarian Folk
Dance Festival - Massey Theatre
Hungarian Cultural Society
October 12
● Thanksgiving Service
Hungarian Reformed Church
of Vancouver
October 26
●1956 Revolution Remembrance
Hungarian Cultural Society
October 31
● Vancouver Premiere
‘Once American’
Video In Studios - CAHA
November 15
● Táncház
Our Lady of Hungary Church
Forrás Folk Ensemble
November 22
● Bazaar
Our Lady of Hungary Church
November 23
● Annual General Meeting
Hungarian Cultural Society
December 6
● Christmas bazaar
Hungarian Reformed Church
of Vancouver
December 14
● Christmas Celebration
Our Lady of Hungary Church
December 31
● New Year’s Celebration
Our Lady of Hungary Church
LOCAL HUNGARIAN ORGANIZATIONS
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR HUNGARIAN ARTS (CAHA)
P.O. Box 74527, Vancouver, BC V6K 4P4 caha_vancouver@hotmail.com 604 941-5941
FORRÁS FOLK ENSEMBLE
21035 86th Avenue, Langley, BC V1M 2L3
forras@shaw.ca 604 888-6814
HUMAN RIGHTS FOR MINORITIES, VANCOUVER SOCIETY
606-1640 Esquimalt Avenue, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1R6
604 922-0783
HUNGARIAN BUSINESSPERSONS’ ASSOCIATION OF B.C.
5026 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T8
604 222-6517
HUNGARIAN CONSULATE
306 - 1770 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 4Y6
604 730-7321
HUNGARIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY OF GREATER VANCOUVER
728 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 3C1
604 876-4720
HUNGARIAN EMBASSY
299 Waverly Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0V9
613 230-2717
HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH OF VANCOUVER
(CHURCH) 900 East 19th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5V 1K7
(MAILING ADDRESS) 7872 Jasper Crescent, Vancouver, BC V5P 3S9
604 321-4226
HUNGARIAN SOCIETY OF VICTORIA
Box 30228, Victoria, BC V8X 5E1
vichun@telus.net 250 386-8669
HUNGARIAN VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 74527, Vancouver, BC V6K 4P4
czink@shaw.ca 604 733-9948
(KALVIN) FIRST HUNGARIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2791 East 27th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5R 1N4
604 437-3442
NANAIMO HUNGARIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY
Box 85, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4
OKANAGAN HUNGARIAN SOCIETY
1670 Ross Road, Kelowna, BC V1Z 1L9
OUR LADY OF HUNGARY CHURCH
1810 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5N 1S2
VANCOUVER HUNGARIAN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY
1564 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC V6P 6R6
VANCOUVER HUNGARIAN SCOUTS
suzannan@slatervecchio.com
250 756-2410
250 769-1609
604 253-2577
604 264-1064
604 230-0106
CLASSIFIED ADS
Wanted to buy: Hungarian military
antiques, decorations, documents,
uniforms, etc. from ancient to modern.
Also books on Hungarian history, folk
art, embroidery and woodcarving.
604 733-9948.
Come to Transylvania and Moldavia.
Roundtrip in Transylvania, Székelyland,
Saxonland, Kalotaszeg the Banat, Aldera,
Bukovina. 13 days, most meals. Cost
$1350 CDN. elizburian@yahoo.ca
For rent: Large, 75 sq.m. & gallery, fully
furnished apartment in Buda, (15 minute
walk to downtown, 10 minute to castle
area). Short or long term, (except JulyAug.). $560/wk. Zale or Kristina 604
732-7674 or zaletanner@yahoo.ca
Hungarian Key Chains - genuine leather
with embossed coat-of-arms or Hungarian crown. $3 each or 2 for $5 plus postage. 604 734-2111
Reliable realtor in Hungary. For all your
buying, selling or renting needs, please
call Eva Fuchs in Budakeszi. 011 36-23450-795. eurofox@mailbox.hu
Discover Transylvania by staying with a
székely family in their beautiful home in
Gyergyószentmiklós. Modern conveniences, privacy, home cooked meals and
daily tours. Very affordable. For info
call: Tivadar Czimbalmas 011 40 66 165
0861 or write Czimbalmas, Gheorgheni
4200, str. Fogarassy M. nr 3 Harghita,
Romania.