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ACAA HERITAGE CRUISE WELCOMES NEW SKIPPER
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/02/26/acaa-heritage-cruise-welcomes-new-skipper/
February 26, 2013
Up until the time Bedros Bandazian took over as Executive Committee
chairman of the ACAA Heritage Cruise, he had never been on a ship.
Change of command marks the end of an era aboard the ACAA Heritage
Cruise. Outgoing chairman Bedros Bandazian, left, welcomes incoming
chairman Vasken Aivazian as the cruise enters its 17th year.
Now, you can't keep him away, even after yielding his post to sidekick
Vasken Aivazian after 13 years. Bandazian has agreed to stay on board
as treasurer and be there when needed.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "This is one of the best activities
we have anywhere in the world and I enjoy being a part of it. Anytime
you get a thousand or more Armenians together on a vessel, you must
be doing something right."
Hard to believe, but true. Bandazian had never been on a cruise
ship in his life, until he took over for organizer Angele Manoogian,
who chaired the crew for three years.
Over that time, more than 20,000 people have sailed the Caribbean,
including some 1,800 folks marking the 10th anniversary. They've
hailed from 25 countries and more states than not in America.
"We've had 12 marriages over the years," beams Bandazian. "They've
met on board ship and tied the knot."
Playing a matchmaker's role has been among the most enjoyable roles
for Bandazian. And seeing hundreds and thousands of dollars being
raised in profits for Armenian charities both here and aboard. The
cruise has become a veritable "cash cow" for the organizations.
Bandazian's back seat role paves the way for others like Aivazian,
another staunch pioneer of this cruise. The addition of musicians Jim
Kzarian and Richard Berberian to the board paves the way for fresh
blood in the organization.
"Bedros has been a true leader over these past years," lauded
Aivazian. "His ability to bring the various committees together as
a cohesive unit has been outstanding. All of us have formulated a
tremendous respect for our chairman. The standards he has set up will
be far too many to emulate. He feels it's time to pass the torch."
The preservation of Armenian culture and education, imbued in an
entertaining climate, maintains an even keel aboard this cruise. It's
not all about sun and fun. It seems the regulars come year after
year to rekindle their spirit and keep the ethnic embers burning
with passion.
For decades, the 75-year-old Bandazian has been a catalyst in
the various organizations. He's a third-generation Virginian
from Richmond and keeps the torch burning in that section of the
country. His grandchildren will mark a fifth generation inside an
Armenian community that bolsters 300 families.
His work as a real estate broker has led to property management and
historic renovation. At St. James Armenian Church, he's been managing
trustee of the endowment fund and chaired the local food festival.
Bandazian has been an active member of the Gomideh, serving three
terms on the Central Committee, along with being a founding member
of the National Ethnic Committee. Of all his qualities, philanthropy
has always ranked high. In 1997, Bandazian created the Hairenik
Endowment Fund.
He raised his own AYF family with sons Khoren, Raffi, and Diran. All
married Armenians and blessed him with four grandchildren. Bedros
and wife Stella have been wed 45 years.
Looking back at the cruise, he praises Angele Manoogian and the late
Azad Merian for developing the concept.
"They brought the proposal to the Central Committee in 1997 and it
simply accelerated after that," Bandazian recalled. "It was very
cloistered in the beginning and it's become all-inclusive now. We've
eliminated barriers and given it universal appeal."
Bandazian injected his business acumen into the enterprise. Marketing
doors flew wide open. One deal after another was worked out with the
cruise lines. Up until the economy took a hit, Bandazian reported an
average of 1,500 guests annually. He sees that number returning.
"We've given grants to all the participating organizations," he
confirms. "The cruise has become a focal point-a mecca. This year
brought 250 young people aboard. We're training fresh blood to
take over."
One of the nicer touches are the events for singles, including a
five-minute encounter where introductions were made and essentials
exchanged.
"It's been a good ride as chairman but I'm still aboard," he says
with a smile.
And like he's always done, Bandazian slips into an omnipresent role,
off to one event this moment and another the next. It's been a job
that's had its pressure points as well as its euphoria.
But like a true captain of his ship, he wouldn't want it any other way.
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/02/26/acaa-heritage-cruise-welcomes-new-skipper/
February 26, 2013
Up until the time Bedros Bandazian took over as Executive Committee
chairman of the ACAA Heritage Cruise, he had never been on a ship.
Change of command marks the end of an era aboard the ACAA Heritage
Cruise. Outgoing chairman Bedros Bandazian, left, welcomes incoming
chairman Vasken Aivazian as the cruise enters its 17th year.
Now, you can't keep him away, even after yielding his post to sidekick
Vasken Aivazian after 13 years. Bandazian has agreed to stay on board
as treasurer and be there when needed.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "This is one of the best activities
we have anywhere in the world and I enjoy being a part of it. Anytime
you get a thousand or more Armenians together on a vessel, you must
be doing something right."
Hard to believe, but true. Bandazian had never been on a cruise
ship in his life, until he took over for organizer Angele Manoogian,
who chaired the crew for three years.
Over that time, more than 20,000 people have sailed the Caribbean,
including some 1,800 folks marking the 10th anniversary. They've
hailed from 25 countries and more states than not in America.
"We've had 12 marriages over the years," beams Bandazian. "They've
met on board ship and tied the knot."
Playing a matchmaker's role has been among the most enjoyable roles
for Bandazian. And seeing hundreds and thousands of dollars being
raised in profits for Armenian charities both here and aboard. The
cruise has become a veritable "cash cow" for the organizations.
Bandazian's back seat role paves the way for others like Aivazian,
another staunch pioneer of this cruise. The addition of musicians Jim
Kzarian and Richard Berberian to the board paves the way for fresh
blood in the organization.
"Bedros has been a true leader over these past years," lauded
Aivazian. "His ability to bring the various committees together as
a cohesive unit has been outstanding. All of us have formulated a
tremendous respect for our chairman. The standards he has set up will
be far too many to emulate. He feels it's time to pass the torch."
The preservation of Armenian culture and education, imbued in an
entertaining climate, maintains an even keel aboard this cruise. It's
not all about sun and fun. It seems the regulars come year after
year to rekindle their spirit and keep the ethnic embers burning
with passion.
For decades, the 75-year-old Bandazian has been a catalyst in
the various organizations. He's a third-generation Virginian
from Richmond and keeps the torch burning in that section of the
country. His grandchildren will mark a fifth generation inside an
Armenian community that bolsters 300 families.
His work as a real estate broker has led to property management and
historic renovation. At St. James Armenian Church, he's been managing
trustee of the endowment fund and chaired the local food festival.
Bandazian has been an active member of the Gomideh, serving three
terms on the Central Committee, along with being a founding member
of the National Ethnic Committee. Of all his qualities, philanthropy
has always ranked high. In 1997, Bandazian created the Hairenik
Endowment Fund.
He raised his own AYF family with sons Khoren, Raffi, and Diran. All
married Armenians and blessed him with four grandchildren. Bedros
and wife Stella have been wed 45 years.
Looking back at the cruise, he praises Angele Manoogian and the late
Azad Merian for developing the concept.
"They brought the proposal to the Central Committee in 1997 and it
simply accelerated after that," Bandazian recalled. "It was very
cloistered in the beginning and it's become all-inclusive now. We've
eliminated barriers and given it universal appeal."
Bandazian injected his business acumen into the enterprise. Marketing
doors flew wide open. One deal after another was worked out with the
cruise lines. Up until the economy took a hit, Bandazian reported an
average of 1,500 guests annually. He sees that number returning.
"We've given grants to all the participating organizations," he
confirms. "The cruise has become a focal point-a mecca. This year
brought 250 young people aboard. We're training fresh blood to
take over."
One of the nicer touches are the events for singles, including a
five-minute encounter where introductions were made and essentials
exchanged.
"It's been a good ride as chairman but I'm still aboard," he says
with a smile.
And like he's always done, Bandazian slips into an omnipresent role,
off to one event this moment and another the next. It's been a job
that's had its pressure points as well as its euphoria.
But like a true captain of his ship, he wouldn't want it any other way.