Delegates vote during ARS Western U.S. Regional Convention

BY RITA HINTLIAN

ENCINO—The 100th Biennial Regional Convention of the Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S. was held at the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School Avedissian Hall in from July 24 through 26.

Ankine Agopian, Chairperson of the hosting chapter, ARS Anahid Chapter of San Fernando Valley, made welcoming remarks, remarking that her organizing committee members had done their outmost to plan for the convention.

ARS Central Executive ChairArousyag Melkonian ARS Regional Executive Chair Christina Amirian Khanjian ARF Central Committee Co-Chair Mike Keleshian

Christina Amirian Khanjian, Regional Executive Board Chairperson elected during the 99th Regional Convention held in 2024, asked everyone to stand as the U.S.A., Armenia, Artsakh and ARS anthems were played, then invited Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian to offer his blessings and message.

Following the prayers, Archbishop Khacherian relayed his experience with the ARS in Lebanon, Greece and the west coast, as an interconnected singular grand global entity, which continues to be transformed with new vigor as the years pass. The Prelate described ARS members as faithful and fervent diplomats who serve the vast needs of the people, gaining their continued trust.

Following the Prelate’s remarks, Khanjian asked the participants to observe a moment of silence in memory of the ARS members who have passed away.

ARS Central Executive member Zharmen Mirzakhanian ARS Canada representative Annie Doumanian

She then welcomed the ARS Central Executive Board Chairperson Arousyag Melkonian, Treasurer Annie Keshishian and liaison to the region, Zharmen Mirzakhanian. She also welcomed Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee co-chair Mike Keleshian and liaison Hilda Saliba, ARS Canada Regional Executive’s representative Annie Doumanian Tashjian, and Regional Executive’s guests Anoush Chalian, Maral Touloumian and Carmen Yaralian, as well as all the chapter executives, delegates and observers.

On behalf of the Regional Executive, Khanjian, stated that the past two years included the 115th anniversary of the ARS and anniversaries of most of the chapters including those in California, Nevada and Texas.

She noted that the elected volunteer board devoted countless hours as it faced challenges as policies and changes were implemented, informational sessions and workshops were held to ensure that the membership was abreast of changes, and adapted to changes originating in the the Federal Government and Congress.

A new scholarship program was established, while support continued to be provided for ARS Central Executive’s humanitarian international programs. She also mentioned that membership increased as new “Amaras” chapter was established.

Melanie Vartabedian Dr. Ida Karayan

Khanjian concluded that “we need the organization to keep moving forward and to start to entrust to the next generation to follow behind us… With the People, For the People.”

Keleshian, the ARF Central Committee co-chair, congratulated the convention and described what he had witnessed earlier outside the convention hall, a heartwarming and compelling scene, as members embraced other members as they arrived. He said that working together, we can overcome any difficulties, including generational changes, as he mentioned that one of his own daughters is a member of the new “Amaras” Chapter.

He explained that members of the younger generation think differently, but all’s good as long as we uphold and pass on our values. Keleshian extended his best wishes on behalf of the Central Committee to make serious considerations and effectively resolve modernization and other issues during the convention.

Khanjian made the call to order and roll was taken by Regional Executive Recording Secretary Eugenie Shamlian Aroyan. As the convention proceeded, temporary then permanent officers were elected. Maral Poladian was elected as Armenian Chairperson, while Maggie Parseghian Sarkuni was elected as English Chairperson. Asdghig Chitilian and Nune Jamakordzian were elected as Armenian Secretaries, while Ani Tertzakian and Maral Kalinian were elected as English secretaries.

Committee members worked diligently through the tight schedule of the convention conducting reviews and preparing reports for the convention. Delegates sometimes faced emergencies and other delegates stepped in to help out. Credentials Examination Committee members were Ankine Agopian, Zarouhi Der Tavitian and Arpy Tanielian. Resolutions Committee members were Ida Berejiklian, Anahid Boghosian, Sossie Gureghian, and later, Vartouhi Tashjian. Archives Committee members were Meline Mekhdjian, Loucin Melikian and Maggie Mikaelian. The convention also elected the following guests: Hasmig Derderian, Seta Mangasarian, Khatoune Pakraduni, Varduhi Pedrosyan, Hasmig Khatchadourian, Maro Altibarmarkian, Rosa Avanessian and Vicky Kataroyan.

Anahid Chapter Organizing Committee members were appointed as Sergeants-at-Arms and Rita Hintlian was appointed as reporter.

Delegates took the opportunity to inquire about specific issues described within the Regional Executive’s activities and financial reports, and attachments for Social Services and Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center. Khanjian responded to their questions as staff and directors responded to questions under their expertise: Jasik Jarahian (GM), Melanie Vartabedian (Social Services) and Dr. Ida Karayan (Guidance Center).

The convention considered proposals for resolutions from the Regional Executive, chapters and individual convention participants. One of the most significant resolutions, which was adopted, was to expand the Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center by renovating the downstairs area of the Regional Headquarters and hiring more interns to help serve additional clients, in addition, funding was added for one full-time equivalent social services staff member and a part-time Outreach Coordinator. The renovation of the Guidance Center is being sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Armen and Azniv Goenjian, who annually support the operations of the center.

Other resolutions were intended for continuing updating manuals, training and certifications for staff and volunteers, expanding use of existing and new technologies and social media tools, enhancements to one day school educational plans, and continuing to promote the ARS Nairy Chapter Day Care Center.
Following the conclusion of adoption of resolutions, the proposed budget was updated to reflect the financial changes, then was approved as a balanced budget.

ARS Canada Regional Executive’s representative Annie Doumanian Tashjian thanked the Regional Executive for sending a representative to ARS Canada’s Convention last year, which encouraged the current Canada Regional Executive to also send a representative. She applauded the Social Services and other programs in the Western Region and thanked the region for welcoming her. Tashjian said that the Eastern and Western USA regions, along with Canada, will continue to collectively support the ARS Central Executive programs.

Zharmen Mirzakhanian, Central Executive liaison to our region, presented a comprehensive report and presentation of their various programs and contributions over the last two years. The Central Executive’s international programs for hot meals, sponsorship of children of fallen heroes, Hearths of Hope (Artsakh families), support of elderly and children’s homes (Amanor program), Javakhk youth centers and other programs continued to be incorporated into the budget.

Arousyag Melkonian, Central Executive Chairperson, reported on how the board responded to the recent earthquake in Venezuela. Chapters had already started to submit their donations to assist disaster victims. Delegates and guests made impromptu donation pledges for $25,500.

Toward the conclusion of the convention, the following were elected to the Regional Executive board: Maggie Parseghian Sarkuni, Emma Garabetian, Varduhi “Rose” Petrosyan, Seda Khojayan, Shake Gagossian, Anush Chalian, Taline Kayayan, Tamar Q. Postoyan and Helen Shahbazian.

Upon the convention’s adjournment, all the delegates, guests and observers converged to the open areas to congratulate and attest their appreciation to the officers, committee members and termed out Regional Executive board members. It was an energizing ending to a new beginning.

The newly elected Regional Executive held its first meeting with the convention officers and Central Executive members and elected their officers and advisors as follows:
• Chairperson: Maggie Parseghian Sarkuni
• Vice Chairperson: Emma Garabetian
• Secretary: Varduhi Petrosyan, Esq.
• Treasurer: Seda Khojayan
• Accountant: Shake Gagossian
• Advisors: Anush Chalian, Taline Kayayan Srabian, Tamar Q. Postoyan and Helen Shahbazian.

Sarkuni noted that the ARS mission will be guiding her board’s efforts based on collaboration and collective commitment to sustain and strengthen the Western Region. She thanked the delegates for trusting them and the ARS members for their continued support.

As the board was holding the meeting, delegates and guests started their way back home with anticipation for the upcoming year.

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