ARS Eastern USA 92nd Convention Concludes
Posted by Tom Vartabedian on August 16, 2012
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – The sun shone brightly upon the Eastern Region
Armenian Relief Society (ARS), whose members had gathered for its
92ndannual Convention hosted by the local `Sosseh’ Chapter. And it
never receded. [image: Agnouni Award recipient ungh Mimi Parseghian
300×200 ARS Eastern USA 92nd Convention Concludes]
Agnouni Award recipient Mimi Parseghian (Center)
In all, 41 delegates from 19 chapters stepped forward in the line of duty,
passing a dozen resolutions designed to create a better society for the
Armenian lifestyle both here and abroad.
The list was prioritized by an immediate and hefty $22,000 collection to
benefit Armenian schools in Syria impacted by the conflict now taking
placed in that beleaguered country. That sum is expected to be augmented
once word gets out internally throughout the organization.
Delegates pulled out their checkbooks and cell phones, donating one sum
after another with a domino effect. Even the local musician hired for a gig
complied with a donation.
The breakdown included $8,600 from individuals, complemented by $13,400
from chapters. Silva Kouyoumdjian, the outgoing chairwoman of the Eastern
Region’s Executive Board, lauded the outpouring of support.
`Our members truly rose to the occasion, many of whom are from that
region and have acquaintances there,’ she said. `We pray fo those who
have been caught in the uprising and hope that conditions improve
immensely in that battered land. Our students reflect the future of
our heritage and anything we can do to provide for their welfare will
be addressed by this organization.’
The delegation also set a goal of $25,000 to assist with a
construction project calling for refurbished sanitation facilities at
Camp Haiastan.
Tom Vartabedian receives appreciation award
Aside from the appointed delegation, the following guests were invited:
Muriel (Mimi) Parseghian, recipient of this year’s coveted Agnouni Award;
Tom Vartabedian, who was presented an appreciation award for his coverage
of ARS Eastern USA activities; Talin Daghlian, a venerable member from New
Jersey; and Vahram Danielian, a catalyst from the Boca Raton, Fla.
community.
Caroline Chamavonian, a Central Executive Board member, then relayed the
ARS, Inc.’s message to the Convention. `In the progress of our nation,
the
ARS had its share, silently, without making any pretentious speeches and
claims, as befits to a model Armenian mother and woman, the silent pillar
of each Armenian home,’ she said.
The Homenetmen Eastern Region message was given by Elizabeth Dramgotchian.
Also present was Angele Manoogian, a member of the `Sosseh’ Chapter and
former Executive Board leader representing the ARF. She welcomed the
gathering to her fold and wished the Convention continued success in what
has already been a pivotal year.
`The responsibilities are yours to take the ARS to another level,’ she
encouraged. `You are the torchbearers of your organization. Keep that vigil
intact.’
First a word about the Sosseh Chapter of South Florida, which was
founded in 1985 in Fort Lauderdale: With small numbers but big hearts,
the original 14 members made it their goals to endorse the good work
of the ARS and have perpetuated that mantra over the 27 years with a
host of projects.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelacy vicar, opened the Convention with some
words to the wise. `You are perpetuating a sacred mission,’ he told the
members. `Our hearts beat for our children. I find it commendable that
generations past and present are working toward the enhancement of our
Armenian heritage throughout the world. We must all act together in the
best spirit of conviviality.’
[image: Ungh Caroline Chamavonian ARS CEB. Thanking her for her support to
the Board 200×300 ARS Eastern USA 92nd Convention
Concludes]
Caroline Chamavonian (L)
The ARS has much to celebrate these days with 15,000-plus members in 220
chapters throughout 27 countries. The Eastern USA is among the brightest
stars in the galaxy with its efforts.
An all-encompassing PowerPoint presentation was prepared and shown by
Executive Board member Carol Jaffarian, showing different modes of ARS life
throughout the Eastern Region. Of particular consequence was the Lowell
chapter, which honored 6 members with 50-plus experience this year.
Co-chairing the Convention were Taline Mkrtschjan and Sevan Kolejian, ably
shifting from Armenian to English for better interpretation.
Elections took place in what can be described as a smooth transition.
Re-elected were Ani Attar and Valentine Berberian, joined by newcomers
Kolejian and Mkrtschjan. Attar was named the new chairwoman, replacing
Kouyoumdjian at the helm.
Parseghian accepted the Agnouni Award, humbly but emotionally, dedicating
the award to her late mother Nouritza, an active ARS member from the Lowell
`Lousintak’ Chapter. The award is named in honor of its founder in 1910 and
is the highest bestowed by this entity.
On hand to witness the occasion were her close friends Angele Dulgarian,
from her Lowell chapter, and Sandra Vartanian, who made the trip south from
New York. The latter two were also AYF friends from years ago.
You could cut the sentiment with a knife.
`I am honored to speak about an individual who has served the Armenian
community with highest devotion through her various organizations,’ said
Kouyoumdjian, who presented the award.
`I personally learned a lot from this *ungerouhi* – the ARS heart – and how to
be unselfish and serve this organization where there is a need without any
hesitation. She is my mentor, my teacher, my oldest sister, and my sincere
*
ungerouhi*. She’s always been there listening and directing me toward the
betterment of the ARS.’
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Parseghian joined the ARS in 1980. She
was born in France and moved with her family to Lowell in 1963. After
graduating from Lowell public schools, she attended Northeastern University
in Boston where she received a history degree in 1976.
[image: Outgoing Chairwoman Ungh Silva Kouyoumdjian 200×300 ARS Eastern USA
92nd Convention
Concludes]
Outgoing Chairwoman Silva Kouyoumdjian (R)
She has served a number of terms on the ARS Regional Board of Directors as
chairperson, vice-chairperson, and treasurer, along with one term on the
ARS Central Executive Board of Directors. She also served as ARS liaison to
the AYF Camp Haiastan Board of Directors.
Parseghian is a member of the Lowell `Aharonian’ *Gomideh*. In 1983, she
traveled to Beirut to attend the Armenology program at the Nishan
Palandjian *Jemaran*. Upon her return to the United States in 1984, she
became editor of the Armenian Weekly and later served as director of Camp
Haiastan. For the past two decades, she’s been employed in sales and
marketing at Majelite Corporation.
Taking the podium, Parseghian thanked the ARS for giving her life added
sustenance and paid particular tribute to her ARS members from the Lowell
Chapter, especially her mom who laid the foundation for her encouragement
in the ranks. If anything, Parseghian personified her role by taking it to
another level.
Also discussed at the Convention were the Youth Connect Program, Walk
Armenia, scholarships, Soseh Kindergarten, Sponsor A Child/Orphans
Education Fund, Century Club, Armenian National Education Committee, United
Armenia Fund, Mother and Child Clinic in Armenia, along with other assorted
humanitarian projects.
Particular focus was paid to unique chapter projects, financial affairs,
membership, and public relations.
The group broke away for a scrumptious dinner hosted by the `Sosseh’
Chapter in nearby Boca Raton with music and entertainment. The hospitality
was extended in every direction as delegates mingled with locals and
enjoyed seeing the youth perform. A local raffle drawn among participants
saw Svetlana Babajanian as the 50/50 cash winner. She graciously donated
$150 to the local Sosseh Chapter by her chapter, `Susan Terzian’ of
Connecticut.
Saturday’s formal dinner proceedings ushered in an ambitious agenda.
Mistress of ceremonies Sose Tokatlian welcomed the gathering on behalf of
the `Sosseh’ Chapter, reiterating the $22,000 collected for Syrian school
relief.
ARF Central Committee Chairman Antranig Kasbarian commended the gathering
on behalf of his organization, taking careful note of the distinct
personalities present. `Wherever there’s a need and cause, you’ll find the
ARS,’ he said. `This is the most diverse and multi-dimensional group I’ve
seen. Your examples are to be emulated universally.’
Appreciation bouquets were presented by Silva Kouyoumdjian to Caroline
Chamavorian, past executive, who has moved on to the Central Executive
Board; to Varsen Bedrossian, who completed her second term on the regional
board; and to Vartouhie Chiloyan for her exemplary service as executive
secretary. Suzi Azarian, vice chairwoman, took the floor to present a
bouquet to Kouyoumdjian, outgoing chairwoman, for her commitment and
dedication to the organization over the past four years.
The evening ended with the exhilarating sounds of musician Stepan
Ishkandarian and his band.
The ARS EUSA 2012 Raffle drawing took place at an intermission. Winners are:
1st prize ($1,500) went to ticket #001341 Margaret Bloxdorf of Racine, Wisc.
2nd prize ($1,000) went to ticket #001155 Avo Bazarian of Watertown, Mass.
3rd prize (14kt. ladies white gold cross necklace with sapphires and .25
ct. diamonds) went to ticket # 001761 Hasmig Eskandarian of McLean, Va.
4th prize (ladies Bulova watch) went to ticket #001174 Siran Cormier of
Bedford, Mass.
5th prize (silver bracelet and earrings set) went to ticket #002533 Evlyn
Davidian of Morton Grove, Ill.
Proceeds of the benefit raffle supports the educational and humanitarian
programs and projects of the ARS. The ARS Eastern USA, Inc. extends its
deepest appreciation to all those who purchased raffle tickets and
congratulates all the winners.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
