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PRESS RELEASE
ARS of Western USA, Inc.
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel: 818-500-1343
Fax: 818-242-3732
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ars1910.org/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/arswusa
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Regional Executive
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas
With My People, For My People
The ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive extends its greeting for a
Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas with wishes of strengthening our
homeland, gaining international recognition for Artsakh, and further
willpower to sustain Armenians in Javakhk and Syria. We extend our
sincere thanks and appreciation to ARS sponsors and donors, supporters
and local and international ARS programs, the members of our region's
27 chapters, as well as the administration and staff of our Social
Services and Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center. May the New
Year be filled with great prosperity for all.
ARS Distributes Christmas Gifts to Hundreds of Children
The ARS of Western USA's Gift Giving Event on Wednesday, December 19,
2012 drew hundreds of children ages 3-14, who were accompanied by
their parents to receive free Christmas gifts.
Starting at 2 p.m. at the ARS Regional Headquarters, which was
decorated for this festive holiday event, Santa and a children's
entertainer greeted children with song and dance, ushering them to
receive their gifts. The youth gleamed with joy as each who entered
accepted a holiday gift and had the opportunity to be photographed
with Santa.
Parents extended their appreciation to ARS representatives for
organizing such an event, which brought such delight to youth in the
community.
This successful event was made possible in large part due to toy and
gift donations by a number of ARS chapters; students of the Ferrahian,
Chamlian, and Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian Schools; Tufenkian
Preschool; Homenetmen Glendale `Ararat' and Inland Empire `Araz'
Chapters; the Armenian Society of Los Angeles; a faith-based group; as
well as numerous individuals. The ARS Regional Executive extends its
kindest appreciation to all those, who lent their support to make this
event a truly memorable one.
ARS Hosts Christmas Luncheon at Glendale Salvation Army
On Friday, December 21, 2012, the ARS of Western U.S.A.hosted a
Christmas Luncheon at the Glendale Salvation Army, providing a free
holiday meal to low-income individuals, families, and the homeless.
AllSalvation Army visitors received a warm meal, including turkey and
trimmings, vegetables, rolls, dessert, and refreshments. Similar to
years past, ARS members, staff, and volunteers assumed all the tasks
for the luncheon from food preparation to service.
This event served as yet another means by which the ARS extended its
support to those in need in the community.
Two Community Forums Organized by ARS and Pacific Clinics Explore
"Depression, PTSD, Anxiety" and "Issues of Immigrants"
On December 5, 2012, the second in a series of community forums
attracted over 75 community members, who gathered at the Glendale
Youth Center and received a wide breadth of information from an expert
panel. Psychiatrist Arakel Davtian served as moderator.
Dr. Pilavian who works for the County of Los Angeles, defined and
explained anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder, and touched upon
panic attacks, hyper-arousal, irritability and agitation.
Depression was the subject presented by the second presenter, Rusanna
Jurian. She presented the signs, causes and types of
depression. Jurian explained the differences on how men and women deal
with depression, in addition to those of children's experiences.One
statistic that Jurian shared with the audience was that the U.S. was
the top country with depression, while Armenia was ranked 25.
The final speaker was Dr. Sarkis Arevian, who continues to practice
psychiatry. He continued the discussion on depression, bringing into
focus the serious illness, the reactions of Armenians due to cultural
influences, depression of the elderly, the difference between less
severe and severe depression, the role of therapy sessions and
medications, and the biggest problem of all: accepting that they have
a problem.
`Issues of Immigrants' drew attention to how immigrants can retain
their identity while acculturating to a new society. More than 50
people attended the panel on December 12, 2012 at the Glendale Youth
Center.
Dr. Levon Jernazian offered a psychological perspective on the
topic. He outlined individual factors that play a role in whether or
not a person would adjust well to a new environment. Moreover, he
explained various experiences that one may encounter as a result of
immigrating, such as adjustment problems, post-traumatic stress
disorder, and generational conflicts.
Jernazian said the issues that immigrants face between three and five
years of immigrating differ from their experiences five years after
arrival. After five years, an immigrant individual or family usually
`selects one of three alternatives in terms of adjustment, as follows:
1) Absolute rigidity; 2) Complete assimilation; or 3) Preserving their
cultural core while at the same time adopting the main values of the
host culture.' Dr. Jernazian stressed that the third alternative
represents the healthiest one psychologically.
Ardashes Kassakhian mainly drew on subjective experiences to present
on this topic. He explained that acculturation and adaptation are not
issues unique only to Armenians. Kassakhian went on to pose a
rhetorical question of `What would an Armenian community such as
Glendale look like after 50 years' and cited Watertown, MA and Fresno,
CA as models to look at.Kassakhian said more programs that allow
people to acculturate more easily are needed.
Special Thanks to the Bertha & John Garabetian Charitable Foundation
for their $1,000 Donation to the Trchnots Pouyn (Birds' Nest)
Orphanage in Jbail, Lebanon
Come and Enjoy Winter Wonderland 2013: Featuring Snow, Rides and
Games, Arcade Center, Magician, International Dance Festival and Great Food!
Friday, Jan. 18: 4 pm-10 pm; Saturday, Jan. 19: 11 am-10 pm; Sunday,
Jan. 20: 2 pm-8 pm
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, 500 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204
1-Day Pass: $3; 2-Day Pass: $5; 3-Day Pass: $6; Snow and Ride Tickets Sold Separately
5th Anniversary of ARS Youth Center in Akhalkalak
The ARS Youth Center in Akhalkalak (Javakhk) held a celebration of the
5th anniversary on December 22, 2012. The children performed dances
and recitations in Armenian, Georgian and English languages.
The ARS-WUSA funded the center building and continues to fund
operational expenses of the center.
ARS Hollywood "Mayr" Chapter to Offer 8-Week Beginner Computer Classes
Every Wednesday Starting January 9, 2013; 6-8 p.m., Hollywood Armenian
Youth Center, 1559 Kenmore Ave., Los Angeles, CA; To Register, Contact
Mayda 818-825-0849
Down Hill "I love to come on sights like these: crystal leaves on
silver trees. Unless they come between my skis." ~Diana
Der-Hovanessian
Upcoming Regional Events
January 18-20, 2013: Winter Wonderland, St. Mary's Church, Glendale
March 16, 2013: LA 5K Run/Walk, Dodger Stadium
March 17, 2013: LA Marathon, ARS is an official charity, Dodger
Stadium to Santa Monica
April 5, 2013: ARS Gala, Glendale Hilton Hotel
April 7, 2013: ARS Day, HomenetmenArarat Glendale Center
May 4-5, 2013: ARS 12thAnnual Festival, Glendale Civic Auditorium
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arswusa
Send your comments to: [email protected]
Donate to ARS Programs by credit card or PayPal
http://www.arswestusa.org/donate
Or mail your check to: ARS of Western USA, 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.,
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
ARS of Western USA, Inc.
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel: 818-500-1343
Fax: 818-242-3732
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ars1910.org/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/arswusa
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Regional Executive
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas
With My People, For My People
The ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive extends its greeting for a
Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas with wishes of strengthening our
homeland, gaining international recognition for Artsakh, and further
willpower to sustain Armenians in Javakhk and Syria. We extend our
sincere thanks and appreciation to ARS sponsors and donors, supporters
and local and international ARS programs, the members of our region's
27 chapters, as well as the administration and staff of our Social
Services and Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center. May the New
Year be filled with great prosperity for all.
ARS Distributes Christmas Gifts to Hundreds of Children
The ARS of Western USA's Gift Giving Event on Wednesday, December 19,
2012 drew hundreds of children ages 3-14, who were accompanied by
their parents to receive free Christmas gifts.
Starting at 2 p.m. at the ARS Regional Headquarters, which was
decorated for this festive holiday event, Santa and a children's
entertainer greeted children with song and dance, ushering them to
receive their gifts. The youth gleamed with joy as each who entered
accepted a holiday gift and had the opportunity to be photographed
with Santa.
Parents extended their appreciation to ARS representatives for
organizing such an event, which brought such delight to youth in the
community.
This successful event was made possible in large part due to toy and
gift donations by a number of ARS chapters; students of the Ferrahian,
Chamlian, and Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian Schools; Tufenkian
Preschool; Homenetmen Glendale `Ararat' and Inland Empire `Araz'
Chapters; the Armenian Society of Los Angeles; a faith-based group; as
well as numerous individuals. The ARS Regional Executive extends its
kindest appreciation to all those, who lent their support to make this
event a truly memorable one.
ARS Hosts Christmas Luncheon at Glendale Salvation Army
On Friday, December 21, 2012, the ARS of Western U.S.A.hosted a
Christmas Luncheon at the Glendale Salvation Army, providing a free
holiday meal to low-income individuals, families, and the homeless.
AllSalvation Army visitors received a warm meal, including turkey and
trimmings, vegetables, rolls, dessert, and refreshments. Similar to
years past, ARS members, staff, and volunteers assumed all the tasks
for the luncheon from food preparation to service.
This event served as yet another means by which the ARS extended its
support to those in need in the community.
Two Community Forums Organized by ARS and Pacific Clinics Explore
"Depression, PTSD, Anxiety" and "Issues of Immigrants"
On December 5, 2012, the second in a series of community forums
attracted over 75 community members, who gathered at the Glendale
Youth Center and received a wide breadth of information from an expert
panel. Psychiatrist Arakel Davtian served as moderator.
Dr. Pilavian who works for the County of Los Angeles, defined and
explained anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder, and touched upon
panic attacks, hyper-arousal, irritability and agitation.
Depression was the subject presented by the second presenter, Rusanna
Jurian. She presented the signs, causes and types of
depression. Jurian explained the differences on how men and women deal
with depression, in addition to those of children's experiences.One
statistic that Jurian shared with the audience was that the U.S. was
the top country with depression, while Armenia was ranked 25.
The final speaker was Dr. Sarkis Arevian, who continues to practice
psychiatry. He continued the discussion on depression, bringing into
focus the serious illness, the reactions of Armenians due to cultural
influences, depression of the elderly, the difference between less
severe and severe depression, the role of therapy sessions and
medications, and the biggest problem of all: accepting that they have
a problem.
`Issues of Immigrants' drew attention to how immigrants can retain
their identity while acculturating to a new society. More than 50
people attended the panel on December 12, 2012 at the Glendale Youth
Center.
Dr. Levon Jernazian offered a psychological perspective on the
topic. He outlined individual factors that play a role in whether or
not a person would adjust well to a new environment. Moreover, he
explained various experiences that one may encounter as a result of
immigrating, such as adjustment problems, post-traumatic stress
disorder, and generational conflicts.
Jernazian said the issues that immigrants face between three and five
years of immigrating differ from their experiences five years after
arrival. After five years, an immigrant individual or family usually
`selects one of three alternatives in terms of adjustment, as follows:
1) Absolute rigidity; 2) Complete assimilation; or 3) Preserving their
cultural core while at the same time adopting the main values of the
host culture.' Dr. Jernazian stressed that the third alternative
represents the healthiest one psychologically.
Ardashes Kassakhian mainly drew on subjective experiences to present
on this topic. He explained that acculturation and adaptation are not
issues unique only to Armenians. Kassakhian went on to pose a
rhetorical question of `What would an Armenian community such as
Glendale look like after 50 years' and cited Watertown, MA and Fresno,
CA as models to look at.Kassakhian said more programs that allow
people to acculturate more easily are needed.
Special Thanks to the Bertha & John Garabetian Charitable Foundation
for their $1,000 Donation to the Trchnots Pouyn (Birds' Nest)
Orphanage in Jbail, Lebanon
Come and Enjoy Winter Wonderland 2013: Featuring Snow, Rides and
Games, Arcade Center, Magician, International Dance Festival and Great Food!
Friday, Jan. 18: 4 pm-10 pm; Saturday, Jan. 19: 11 am-10 pm; Sunday,
Jan. 20: 2 pm-8 pm
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, 500 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204
1-Day Pass: $3; 2-Day Pass: $5; 3-Day Pass: $6; Snow and Ride Tickets Sold Separately
5th Anniversary of ARS Youth Center in Akhalkalak
The ARS Youth Center in Akhalkalak (Javakhk) held a celebration of the
5th anniversary on December 22, 2012. The children performed dances
and recitations in Armenian, Georgian and English languages.
The ARS-WUSA funded the center building and continues to fund
operational expenses of the center.
ARS Hollywood "Mayr" Chapter to Offer 8-Week Beginner Computer Classes
Every Wednesday Starting January 9, 2013; 6-8 p.m., Hollywood Armenian
Youth Center, 1559 Kenmore Ave., Los Angeles, CA; To Register, Contact
Mayda 818-825-0849
Down Hill "I love to come on sights like these: crystal leaves on
silver trees. Unless they come between my skis." ~Diana
Der-Hovanessian
Upcoming Regional Events
January 18-20, 2013: Winter Wonderland, St. Mary's Church, Glendale
March 16, 2013: LA 5K Run/Walk, Dodger Stadium
March 17, 2013: LA Marathon, ARS is an official charity, Dodger
Stadium to Santa Monica
April 5, 2013: ARS Gala, Glendale Hilton Hotel
April 7, 2013: ARS Day, HomenetmenArarat Glendale Center
May 4-5, 2013: ARS 12thAnnual Festival, Glendale Civic Auditorium
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arswusa
Send your comments to: [email protected]
Donate to ARS Programs by credit card or PayPal
http://www.arswestusa.org/donate
Or mail your check to: ARS of Western USA, 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.,
Glendale, CA 91202-2812