LOUISA GOURJIAN HONORED FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICES TO THE ARS
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014
Louisa Gourjian (center) at the ARS Western USA Regional Christmas Party
GLENDALE-The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA Regional Christmas
Party was once again well attended with almost 350 ARS volunteer
and staff members and guests. This year, the party also served to
give recognition to Louisa Gourjian, the ARS Social Services Fiscal
Director, as she retired after a quarter century of service working
for the Social Services Division. It was also a chance to reminisce
days past as old photographs were shown on the screen in her honor.
The dinner program started with welcoming remarks by ARS Regional
Executive Secretary Karine Barikian-Setian, who emceed the event on
January 3, 2014, at the St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church Armenag
Der Bedrossian Hall. Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmadjian of the same church
delivered Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian’s greetings for the
New Year and Christmas, and blessed the tables. Vicky Marashlian,
Chairperson of the Central Executive, Rima Boghossian, Chairperson of
the Prelacy Executive Council, were among the recognized ARS guests,
along with St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees and ARF Aharonian
Committee representatives.
On behalf of the Regional Executive, Chairperson Lena Bozoyan provided
a comprehensive view of the challenges and accomplishments of the past
six months of her office. She acknowledged the ongoing fundraising
to help the Armenians in Syria, the chapter anniversaries, and the
upcoming 30th anniversary of the region. She noted that social
services offices are operating in North Hollywood and Pasadena,
as well as the fundraising to keep the Hollywood office open.
Bozoyan noted the ongoing public relations efforts, the 15 chapter
Saturday schools with 750 students, the $30,000 that the region raised
for the Armenia Fund telethon. She also noted the approaching Armenian
Genocide Centennial. Bozoyan wished that the year 2014 would bring
peace, joy and abundance to all individually and organizationally. She
hoped that members continue their selfless work with conviction and
confidence, ready to tackle barriers, for the sake of the upcoming
generations.
Bozoyan also announced that Louisa Gourjian’s voluntary retirement as
the Social Services Fiscal Director, recognizing her dedicated service
for the last 25 years, and handed a plaque of recognition. Vicky
Marashlian, ARS CEB, Regional Executive board members, and Social
Services Director Sona Zinzalian, and other staff were on hand to
congratulate the retiree. Gourjian thanked the board and members,
whom she had the privilege to work with during the past decades,
and noted that the ARS was a school, a home, as well as a purpose of
her life during her tenure.
The ARS party continued with entertainment being provided by soloist
Salpy Mayilian.
From: A. Papazian