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ASTOR GUZELIAN GIVEN AYF SPIRIT AWARD
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/11/09/astor-guzelian-given-ayf-spirit-award/
November 9, 2012
>From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.-Spirit may be the name of a determined horse in a Disney
movie, but it's also an award presented by the Varadian family of
Providence each year to a distinguished member of the AYF Olympic
community.
This year's winner was Astor Guzelian, a man who oozes with spirit
at every turn. In the bigger picture, though, nothing brings the
man greater pride-and spirit-than his family for maintaining those
very same
Astor Guzelian with his grand-children convictions.
Son Michael co-chaired the Olympic Steering Committee with Tamar
Kanarian, making it one of the most profitable and successful ventures
in AYF history.
Eric and Gail are two other children who carved their own niche in
the community, not to mention wife Lucy and a host of other relatives.
Putting it succinctly, the Guzelian clan is a work in progress when
it comes to deed and accomplishment.
"If I could dedicate this award to anyone, it would be to my parents
Mihran and Makrouhi," Guzelian brought out. "My father was the
godfather of the church [St. Stephen's] and my mother was the first
chairwoman of the Ladies' Guild. They were good examples to follow
for my three children and seven grandchildren."
First over to congratulate the recipient was Butch Varadian, son of
Mal Varadian who just passed away. The moment proved an emotional one.
"I feel bad that Mal wasn't around to see me win the award," added
Guzelian. "I talked to him just before he died. He's the one who
truly personified spirit."
The son of genocide survivors, Guzelian was raised in the Boston area.
He joined the Cambridge "Ararat" AYF and later transferred to the
Boston Chapter where he met Lucy and a coterie of lifelong companions.
Guzelian helped with the construction of Camp Haiastan and has served
at St. Stephen's Church as a trustee, is an NRA delegate, and a men's
club aficionado. Notably, he is a founding member of the Armenian
Cultural and Education Center (ACEC) in Watertown, which has served
as a mecca for social and educational venues.
Additionally, he worked to establish the St. Stephen's Elementary
School, coached the Junior and Senior Watertown "Gaidzag" AYFers, is
a fixture at Bingo, and has remained a wealth of knowledge throughout.
"People like him carry that perpetual spirit that is admired by all,"
said Kanarian, who made the presentation. "He's been a role model
for many of us."
From: Baghdasarian
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/11/09/astor-guzelian-given-ayf-spirit-award/
November 9, 2012
>From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.-Spirit may be the name of a determined horse in a Disney
movie, but it's also an award presented by the Varadian family of
Providence each year to a distinguished member of the AYF Olympic
community.
This year's winner was Astor Guzelian, a man who oozes with spirit
at every turn. In the bigger picture, though, nothing brings the
man greater pride-and spirit-than his family for maintaining those
very same
Astor Guzelian with his grand-children convictions.
Son Michael co-chaired the Olympic Steering Committee with Tamar
Kanarian, making it one of the most profitable and successful ventures
in AYF history.
Eric and Gail are two other children who carved their own niche in
the community, not to mention wife Lucy and a host of other relatives.
Putting it succinctly, the Guzelian clan is a work in progress when
it comes to deed and accomplishment.
"If I could dedicate this award to anyone, it would be to my parents
Mihran and Makrouhi," Guzelian brought out. "My father was the
godfather of the church [St. Stephen's] and my mother was the first
chairwoman of the Ladies' Guild. They were good examples to follow
for my three children and seven grandchildren."
First over to congratulate the recipient was Butch Varadian, son of
Mal Varadian who just passed away. The moment proved an emotional one.
"I feel bad that Mal wasn't around to see me win the award," added
Guzelian. "I talked to him just before he died. He's the one who
truly personified spirit."
The son of genocide survivors, Guzelian was raised in the Boston area.
He joined the Cambridge "Ararat" AYF and later transferred to the
Boston Chapter where he met Lucy and a coterie of lifelong companions.
Guzelian helped with the construction of Camp Haiastan and has served
at St. Stephen's Church as a trustee, is an NRA delegate, and a men's
club aficionado. Notably, he is a founding member of the Armenian
Cultural and Education Center (ACEC) in Watertown, which has served
as a mecca for social and educational venues.
Additionally, he worked to establish the St. Stephen's Elementary
School, coached the Junior and Senior Watertown "Gaidzag" AYFers, is
a fixture at Bingo, and has remained a wealth of knowledge throughout.
"People like him carry that perpetual spirit that is admired by all,"
said Kanarian, who made the presentation. "He's been a role model
for many of us."
From: Baghdasarian