ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC.
Contact: Maro Keshishian
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 818-500-1343
Fax: 818-242-3732
Web:
Janua ry 7, 2009
THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE OF THE A.R.S. OF WESTERN USA
WELCOMES THE NEW YEAR WITH RENEWED VIGOR AND PROMISE
GLENDALE, CA – The evening of Friday, January 2, 2009, proved yet
again to be a joyous and memorable night, as the ARS family, as in
years past, gathered to welcome, with great joy, the New Year at the
`Armenag Der Bedrossian Hall’ of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Urging
its faithful, once again, to lead the charge in serving its region,
with an increased preparedness and vigor, particularly its culture and
Homeland. The event, hosted graciously, by the Regional Executive,
whom for a great number of years, through this event, has established
an unparalleled tradition of warmly welcoming in the New Year.
In attendance at this reception were the Chairwoman of the ARS Central
Executive Ung. Vicky Marachelian and Nova Hindoian, over 300 of the
Region’s Chapter members, members of the ARS Social Services
staff, and other guests. The evening promptly began at 7:00PM when the
Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Vazken Atmajian blessed the tables
and imparted to attendees his best wishes for the New Year.
Ung. Rima Boghosian then delivered the Regional Executive’s message,
wishing first the ARS faithful, a Happy New Year and a Merry
Christmas, mentioning with pride that all in attendance were a part of
the Centennial Membership of the Armenian Relief Society and said `If
the Armenian Relief Society has survived, it has done so because of
the healthy objectives that it has adopted. Objectives which are the
foundation this organization and that which incessantly drive it
forward.’ Reminding them that `it is our collective responsibilities
to insure it another era of life. To show it compassion, to nurture
it, and to show gratitude towards its founders who had the foresight
to realize the importance of founding the Armenian Relief Society.’
After granting the proper respect owed to the founders, Ung. Boghosian
issued a call to all of the Ungerouhis, which founded on the
`Unity is Strength’ principle, compelled them to renew
their oaths and once again present themselves as disciples devoted to
furthering the Armenian Relief Society, and doing so through unity,
collaboration, respect and a willingness to understand one another.
The Ungeroughi Chairwoman, then introduced the members of the Regional
Executives who were present, the Regional’s staff and the
Director of the ARS Social Services Ung. Sona Zinzalian.
DJ Artin then livened up the evening through his Armenian musical
selections which drew dancers to the floor, who with their
`shoorchbars’ light up atmosphere. The hall was also visited by Santa
Clause, who with his well wishes and dance further encouraged and
entertained the Ungerouhis.
Thrilled from the jovial atmosphere, the Chapters then made their
individual heartfelt contributions, inspiring an impromptu cultural
program, during which Ung. Undza Nol, who while visiting the region
from Australia, offered to recite the poem `Yes Im Anoush Hayanstani’
[`To My Sweet Armenia’] greatly impressing the attendees.
Ung. Vartouhi Sahagian then led the attendees in song, where
`Kedashen’ was sang in unison.
The happy atmosphere continued on until midnight. The ARS members in
attendance left the event in high spirits, further reinvigorated by the
day’s powerful message and the warm and familiar friendly
atmosphere.
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