ARS 90th Regional Convention Is Held in Fresno for the ARS Centennial
asbarez
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Delegates attending the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, 90th
Annual Regional Convention.
BY RITA HINTLIAN
FRESNO – Delegates from 20 chapters converged on Fresno for the Armenian
Relief Society of Western USA, 90th Annual Regional Convention held
from July 15 to 18 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. The ARS
Centenary and the 95th Anniversary of the `Mayr’ (Mother) Chapter of
Fresno made this convention a special occasion.
Opening Ceremonies were held at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church Hall, across the street from the hotel. Judge Houry Alanjian
Sanderson, who emceed the ceremonies, led the convention organizing
committee comprised of the `Mayr’ and `Sophia’ Chapters of Fresno, the
`Garin’ Chapter of San Francisco and the `Erepouni’ Chapter of
Oakland.
Homenetmen scouts from the local `Sassoun’ chapter conducted a flag
ceremony, Angel Ohannessian sang the US anthem, while Shogakat Papoyan
sang the Armenia and ARS anthems. Following the invocation by Prelate
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, a moment of silence was observed for
all past ARS members.
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin was among the two dozen dignitaries
present. She presented an official letter of greeting and expressed
her heartfelt greetings and best wishes. Barbara Sequeira made
welcoming remarks and provided a historical perspective on behalf of
the `Mayr’ Chapter, and Angel Ohannessian on behalf of the `Sophia’
Chapter.
Sossie Poladian, Regional Executive Chair, noted the accomplishments
of the past year, adding, `Our experience has shown that we can be
stronger in times of hardship; we have built on existing relationships
and strategic partnerships with our members and the community and at
large, and we have renewed our resolve to serve the humanitarian and
philanthropic aims of our organization… We had to articulate a roadmap
to transform our organization to one where technology is more readily
accepted and utilized, despite resistance to change.’ She told the
delegates that they `should feel very privileged to be amongst this
special group of ARS members, who have been entrusted to take an
active role in evaluating the accomplishments of the past year and
collectively defining the path of the ARS in the coming year’ and she
reminded the members that their service to the ARS is invaluable
quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, `The best way to find yourself is to lose
yourself in the service of others.’
Rosie Bedrosian was the ARS Central Executive Board Representative to
the Convention. She was accompanied by the CEB Chair, Vicky
Marashlian, and CEB Advisor, Nova Hindoyan. Bedrosian explained the
consequences of the financial crisis relative to the reduction of
donations to the ARS CEB, and the alarming situations in Artsakh and
Javakhk. She wished for a successful meeting and as a local Fresno
resident, advised to stay away from the heat.
Central Committee representative Hovan Tashjian praised the fact that
the convention was being held in Fresno, 100 years after the ARS
founder Agnouni held a rally at the Barton Opera House (now
demolished), a few blocks from where the opening ceremonies were being
held, and the location of the oldest chapter in the region, the `Mayr’
Chapter. He also indicated how appropriate it was that the newly
established chapter in San Jose was called `Agnouni’. Tashjian noted
the importance of the vast philanthropic work that Armenian women have
accomplished and praised the role of the Regional Executive.
Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian noted that the year
2010 was called as the `Year of the Woman’ by His Holiness Aram I and
added, `You the current members of the ARS faithfully continue the
path set by the founders a century ago and serve with humility and
conviction for the betterment of the Armenian people. Thus, the
Centennial is an opportunity for us to collectively commend and praise
the colossal work undertaken and carried out successfully by you all.’
Blessing the CEB, Regional Executive and delegates, he asked Almighty
God to lead the ARS to new successes in what is truly noble and
worthy.
The dignitaries included Prelacy Executive Council Chair Rima
Boghossian and Member Bill Sahatjian, Rev. Vahan Gosdanian and Board
of Trustees member Levon Baladjanian, Soghomon Tehlirian Gomideh Chair
Khachig Havatian, Chair of Hamazkayin Taniel Varoujan Chapter
Serpouhie Messerlian, Levon Eskijian of the Homenetmen `Sassoun’
Chapter, and Sophia Mkhitarian, Principal of Charlie Keyan School.
Following the opening ceremonies, the luncheon that followed was
dedicated to the 95th Anniversary of the ARS `Mayr’ Fresno Chapter.
The delegates returned to the hotel, where the call to order was given
by Sossie Poladian, ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Chair.
Lena Bozoyan and Angela Savoian were elected co-chairs of the
convention while Maral Poladian and Carmen Libaridian were elected as
secretaries (Armenian and English respectively). Following the report
of the credential examining committee, additional secretaries were
elected: Anahid Ajounian and Victoria Markarian.
Since most of the reports were emailed to the delegates, the
convention proceeded to evaluate the accomplishments of the past year.
Nyree Derderian and Maral Poladian presented the Strategic Planning
vision and direction, which were adopted by the convention to recruit
volunteers, develop programs, education, outreach and ongoing
training, balance resources and enhance organizational effectiveness.
The convention passed resolutions for additional ideas to better the
physical, health and administrative capabilities of members,
advancement of the region economically and in terms of public
relations, and to set up a new fund to assist victims of domestic
violence.
Rosie Bedrosian, the ARS CEB Representative, presented the CEB report
about the ongoing programs and challenges during these hard economic
times. She noted how precious the Western USA region is to the ARS,
praised every single one of the members and chapters for their hard
work and dedication, and applauded the Regional Executive for such a
great job.
One delegate voices her concern.
The convention delegates, guests and observers concerned about the
financial difficulties faced by ARS Mother and Child Clinic and
Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia, responded to the Regional
Executive’s appeal for immediate action, and within 24 hours, over $11
thousand dollars had been raised for the Center, and four chapters had
plans to conduct fundraisers for the same purpose. The socio-economic
hardship being endured by Javakhk Armenians was also of concern and a
resolution was passed to assist the region as well.
One of the last duties of the convention was to review and approve a
proposed budget presented by Jasik Jarahian, General Manager. Four
members of the Regional Board had completed their 2-year terms and
Carmen Libaridian, Nyree Derderian, Christine Keshishian and Seta
Hagopian were elected to replace them.
On behalf of the Regional Executive, Arousyak Melkonian handed plaques
of appreciation for their service to Sossie Poladian, Asdghig
Chitilian and Ani Guiragossian (Mako Setrakian was absent). Other
remaining Regional Executive members and delegates made their comments
to the members completing their terms, as well as the convention
officers, and congratulated the newly elected board members. The
convention adjourned with the singing of the ARS anthem.
Following the conclusion of the convention, the 2010-2011 Regional
Executive convened for the first time with the convention officers and
the Central Executive Representative, Rosie Bedrosian, and elected
Arousyak Melkonian as chair, Nyree Derderian as Vice Chair, Rita
Hintlian as Secretary, Kristine Keshishian as treasurer, and Sona
Madarian, Hasmig Kozanian, Vicky Kataroyan, Seta Hagopian and Carmen
Libaridian as advisors.
Each evening, the convention organizing committee hosted a different
program at the Holy Trinity Church Hall. On July 15, it was a
Meet-and-Greet dinner program. On July 16, it was a `Comedy Mezza
Night’ with comedienne Varsi Nersesyan. On July 17, it was a
dinner-dance with the participation of community members, who came to
celebrate the ARS Centennial.
The host committee chairperson, Judge Houry Sanderson emceed the
Saturday event and following the ARS anthem, a moment of silence for
passed members, and invocation, she invited all four organizing
chapter chairpersons to the stage, and Barbara Sequeira spoke on their
behalf saying that the committee worked very hard to make this a
pleasant and memorable convention. Sossie Poladian, Regional Executive
Chair, handed Sequeira a plaque congratulating the 95th anniversary of
the ARS `Mayr’ Chapter of Fresno.
Poladian spoke that `throughout the Convention and during this past
year, we have spent so much time together for one purpose, to
relentlessly pursue the goals of the ARS. At the end, we have laughed
together, we have spent many anxious moments together, and we have
found solutions for our concerns together.’ She added, `For many of
us, the ARS family is our second family. This year, we learnt that in
this family, when a new chapter is born, the echoes come from all over
the world… They were immediate and sincere. Our joy was their joy; our
success was their success.’
Poladian added, `Our strength lies in our unity. When we honor the
accomplishments of our past members, we are all honored. When our
chapter members support each other, we are all supported. When larger
chapters lend a hand to struggling chapters, we all win. When our
region helps educate the younger generation in our communities, and
Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk, we can all rejoice in their success… In
an organization where innovation and progress are taken for granted,
where friendships flourish in serving together, where the vision for
the future is shared by so many, achieving success even during the
worst economic crisis is surely expected.’ She called for more active
participation by everyone in the community and saluted past and
current members, who lived their lives committed to ARS values, and
inspired others to follow them, making a difference in the lives that
they touched.
Following Poladian’s remarks, Judge Sanderson urged every ARS member
to remind themselves of their oath and why they would like to continue
their membership in an organization, which is 100 years young. She
said that it is time to get involved and take on challenges to move
forward.
Rosie Bedrosian, Representative of the ARS Central Executive Board,
congratulated the ARS Centennial and reminded that the ARS has a heavy
burden on its shoulders. Noting the fragile socio-economic and
political conditions in Artsakh and Javakhk, and the still recovering
earthquake zone in northern Armenia, she pleaded to those present to
open up their hearts and provide assistance, particularly to the ARS
Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia.
Central Committee Representative Hovan Tashjian looked back into the
history of the ARS to inspire supporters to join the ARS in its quest
to continue its philanthropic aims. He reminded that in 1915, the year
the `Mayr’ chapter was founded and the Armenian Genocide was underway,
the ARS held a convention in Boston and with vision, strength and
determination wrote a letter to then President Woodrow Wilson to stop
the atrocities. The State Department responded and promised to
continue to use its influence to the fullest extent on behalf of the
Armenian Christians. He noted that he is humbled to be among the best
and brightest, that he believed in inspiring the new generation to
join the ranks and expand its mission and vision, urged the community
to be supportive of that and to prove his point, he informed the
audience that he had completed an application to join the ARS ranks
himself. The announcement roared the audience and Judge Sanderson
determined that Tashjian was already committed to the Burbank `Araz’
Chapter.
A candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate the centennial commenced. The
ARS leadership lit the candles and the anniversary cake with the hosts
of the event, Mr. & Mrs. Charles (Garo) and Alice Gureghian. The
program continued in a festive mode with entertainment being provided
by Kahchig Jingirian.
Despite the heat wave, just as Tashjian had noted during the opening
ceremonies, there couldn’t have been a more appropriate place to hold
this convention in Fresno, and the organizing committee and the Fresno
community made sure that the 90th Regional Convention was a memorable
one
From: A. Papazian