Cultural Events, Current Affairs Discussions Round Out Lakeside Relaxation at 41st Annual Event
The Hungarian Communion of Friends (familiarly known as MBK- Itt Ott) will hold its 41st annual, family-friendly gathering August 11-18 – as always, at Ohio’s Lake Hope State Park, with programming held at Zaleski’s St Sylvester Church, 22 Second Street.
This year’s program features Hungarian and English presentations by guests from Hungary, Slovakia and the U.S. Presenters include: Mr. Pál Hatos, head of the Balassi Institute, the Budapest-based institute charged with promoting Hungarian culture worldwide, Dr. János Horváth, formerly of Indiana, now Doyen of the Hungarian Parliament, Ms. Zita Bencsik from the Consular Office of Hungary in New York City, Dr. Hajnalka Juhász of the Hungarian Ministry of Justice and Public Administration, Hungarian Reformed Bishop Géza Erdélyi of Slovakia, who will speak about the Hungarian-Slovak relationship and the Hungarian minority and Mr. István Kopár, who will relate his sailing adventures on the high seas.
The English language program will cover topics including: Growing up Hungarian in the U.S., Kossuth’s U.S. legacy and connection with Abraham Lincoln, History of Hungarian immigrant churches in coal-mining states and a discussion entitled: Should I retire or relocate to Hungary?
During the morning presentations, a children’s program of stories, games and handicrafts ensures Hungarian-themed fun for all. The Gyanta Band, the Hungarian folk ensemble whose members hail from Montreal and Toronto, will perform on several occasions.
The ever-popular picnic will take place Wednesday evening. Thursday and Friday nights are devoted to concerts and folk dancing for all. Literary presentations, movies, and exhibitions will round out the activities, with plenty of time left over for lakeside recreation, hikes and informal discussions. For further details, visit the ITT-OTT website at www.itt-ott.org/conference/2012
English Language Program:
Sunday, August 12
20:00 The Maiden Danced to Death – film by Endre Hules
Monday, August 13
9:30 Hung. immigrant churches in coalmining states – Video
10:30 Growing up Hungarian in the U.S. – Csilla L. Stiles
11:30 Ernie Kovacs: Early TV comic shows – Videos
Tuesday, August 14
9:30 History of Hungarian churches in PA – Video
10:30 Kossuth’s life story & 1100 years of Hungarian history
11:30 Hungarian novelists from Columbus: Karl Jeney & Jeannine Vegh – Presentations & book signings
Wednesday, August 15
18:00 Picnic at the Lake Hope State Park shelter near the beach area
Thursday, August 16
9:30 History of Hungarian churches in OH & MI – Video
10:30 Politics & economics in today’s Hungary – A. Ludányi
11:30 Kossuth’s US legacy & connection to Abraham Lincoln
20:00 Gyanta Folk Group Concert
Friday, August 17
9:30 History of Hungarian churches in CT & NY – Video
10:30 Hungarian monuments in the USA – Balázs Somogyi
11:30 Kossuth’s Message – Ellen Wilson & A. Ludányi
20:00 Dance Party – Táncház to Gyanta Folk Group
Donations are graciously accepted for the continued support of these programs.