Tweet
ARS Western regional convention reviews programs, elects board
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2013-09-22-ars-western-regional-convention-reviews-programs-elects-board
Published: Sunday September 22, 2013
Delegates during convention.
MONTEBELLO, CALIF. - The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA,
93rd Annual Regional Convention took place at a time when the "Bnag
meh Geragour" (a bowl of food) program by our sister organization in
Syria is feeding hungry families in Aleppo.
The convention heard the report by the ARS Central Executive
representative, Annie Kechichian, that a $250 donation can feed 80
families for a day. The priority placed on helping the schools and
communities in Syria for the second year in a row, had a powerful
impact on how the convention evaluated the accomplishments of the past
year and set forth a path to accomplish programs during the upcoming
year.
Sixty-eight delegates from 24 chapters from Arizona, California and
Nevada, Regional Executive Board members, and guests participated in
the convention held at the Armenian Center in Montebello, California
from July 12 through 14, 2013. The Montebello Nairy Chapter was the
host of the convention with Arpik Najarian leading the organization
committee members.
Lena Bozoyan, Chairperson of the Regional Executive Board presented
opening remarks and introduced the special guests. Western Prelacy
Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian and Prelacy Executive Council Chairperson Rima Boghossian.
ARS Central Executive Board (CEB) Chairperson Vicky Marashlian
attended the meeting. The ARS CEB representative to the meeting was
Annie Kechichian. The ARF Central Committee representative to the
meeting was Dr. Vicken Yacoubian. The local ARF Tro Committee
representative to the opening ceremony was Levon Kirakosian, Esq. The
ARS Eastern USA Regional Executive representative was Taline
Mkrtschjan. The ARS Regional Executive's guests to the convention were
Hasmig Derderian, Rita Hintlian and Khatoune Pakradouni. Additionally,
the convention elected Sossie Poladian, Sossie Gabriel and Roubina
Pakradouni as guests.
Bozoyan made welcoming remarks and stated that the ARS encountered
enormous financial difficulties during the year, and faces challenges
of passing on the torch to the new generation and expanding the
adoption of new technologies. She remarked that the enormous needs of
the Syrian Armenians are at the forefront, as the needs in Armenia,
Artsakh and Javakhk continue. The Regional Executive chairperson noted
that the convention is a place where participants learn about the
organizational culture and seventeen (17) members were delegates for
the first time at this convention.
Arch. Mardirossian noted His Holiness Catholicos Aram I's proclamation
of the year 2013 as the "Year of the Armenian Mother", and praised the
service of ARS members to young and old as that of a caring and
devoted mother. His Eminence said that as participants gain experience
during conventions, similarly, their commitment and spirit of service
should increase. The Prelate praised the dedicated service of the
Regional Executive and members, and blessed the convention.
The ARS CEB representative Annie Kechichian addressed the convention
and on behalf of the Central Executive Board wished for successful
proceedings, and hoped that the delegates bring forth constructive
ideas and ratify beneficial resolutions, which can be realized during
the next year, with special consideration for any budgetary impacts.
During the closing statements, Kechichian noted that the convention is
a fine opportunity to get together and reaffirm our oath. She added
that when we approach the issues with a positive attitude, it is a win
for our organizational mission and goals. She said that as we devote
our strengths and join in spirit of service for the ARS, our
cooperation and solidarity will help us succeed and reach our goals.
The Montebello ARF representative, Levon Kirakosian, remarked that the
ARS members' volunteerism with their gift of time and love to the
people is the best example that our youth could have today. He also
raised the issue of the abuses suffered by women all over the world,
including in Armenia.
The ARS Eastern USA representative Taline Mkrtschjan was very pleased
to be with her counterparts on the west coast, and attend the
convention with her aunt Khatoune Pakradouni. She noted that the noble
goals of the ARS do not change with far distances, and the same call
to duty to help the Syrian Armenians reaches them with the same
intensity.
The convention continued with the election of co-chairpersons Dr.
Nyree Derderian and Arousyak Melkonian. In addition, Nazik Arisian,
Sossie Djabrayan, Maral Matossian and Meganoush Melkonian were elected
as convention secretaries (2 for English and 2 for Armenian). Khatoune
Pakradouni was appointed by the convention officers as
Parliamentarian, Rita Hintlian was appointed as Reporter and Nairy
chapter members Alice Keshishian, Leone Mooradian, Hasmig Ourfalian
and Pauline Altounian were appointed Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Credentials Committee members Ankine Agopian, Arpy Tanielian and
Maida Bezdjian verified that the convention could continue on in
accordance to the ARS bylaws. The convention chose to elect a
Nominations Committee with Silva Poladian, Nora Shirikian, Lara
Kazandjian, Arsho Sassounian and Mako Setrakian. The elected
Resolutions Committee members were Asdghig Chitilian, Talin Hindoyan
and Vera Kambourian. The Archives Committee members were Maral
Bastilian, Christine Hovnanian and Emma Garabetian.
The convention agenda includes times that the conventioneers have to
wait for a committee to complete an assignment. A video provided an
overview of the activities of the past year. The agenda included
questions of clarification regarding the Regional Executives reports,
including the Social Services and Child, Youth and Family Guidance
Center. Dr. Levon Jernazian was on hand to provide answers to
questions about the guidance center. Dr. Sevag Avakian of the ARS
Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia,
presented the challenges faced by the clinic where 9,056 newborns were
born during the past eight years, and the cooperation with UNICEF
vaccination and USAID women's health programs. Zaven Khanjian,
chairperson of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) Executive
Committee, took the opportunity to thank the ARS for helping SARF.
Annie Kechichian presented the report of the ARS CEB, where the
activities of the CEB board members and staff during the past year,
and membership of the ARS in 27 countries were detailed. She noted
that despite difficulties relating to lack of food supplies, the ARS
region in Syria, is providing food for 80 families three times a week.
Donors are being sought to sponsor the "bnag me geragour" (a bowl of
food) program for $250. Vicky Marashlian elaborated on the cost of
repairs needed for the ARS Sosse Kindergarten in Stepanakert in
Artsakh.
The convention ratified bylaws amendments, the highly commendable
resolution regarding the activities of the past year presented by the
Resolutions Committee, discussed and ratified a number of resolutions
regarding organizational reporting, media communications, high school
awards and continuing programs, finishing up with adoption of a
proposed budget. This year, the accounting system was upgraded, the
presentation by General Manager Jasik Jarahian looked revised, but a
familiar audit report was received from an independent auditor.
The ARS-WUSA Regional Executive board members Judy Jingirian, Zharmen
Mirzakhanyan, Angele Ohannessian, Liza Santikian and Armenouhi
Tomassian had completed their 2-year terms. Judy Jingirian was
re-elected and Araxy Aykanian, Nanik Kupelian, Maral Matossian and
Adrine Postoyan were newly elected to the board for 2-year terms.
The new board is in charge of implementing the ongoing programs of the
ARS and newly adopted resolutions and balanced budget of the 93rd
Regional Convention.
The following were elected as Alternate Regional Executive members (1)
Sirarpi Chakalian; (2) Nevart Mooradian; (3) Ankine Agopian; (4)
Ovsanna Khachadoorian; and (5) Maida Bezdjian. The alternates are for
the newly elected board members for the same duration of two years.
The last election of the convention was for the Auditing Committee.
For the first time, a scantron system was needed to speed up the
election process. The following members were elected to the Auditing
Committee for a one-year term: Nairy Bostanian, Vivian Taslakian and
Tamar Ourichian. This committee will conduct quarterly audits and
report its findings at the 94th Regional Convention.
Dr. Vicken Yacoubian, reiterated the ARF Central Committee's
commitment, congratulated the newly elected Regional Executive, and
thanked the retiring members of the board, convention officers and
delegates for their service. He commended the ARS for providing
effective and wide range of services, and hoped that the convention
evaluation process serves as a way to renew our commitment to the
organization.
As it is customary, Lena Bozoyan handed commemorative plaques to the
members, whose 2-year terms had expired, and each used the opportunity
to share their feelings, to thank volunteers and staff, and to
reiterate their commitment to the ARS. The two co-chairs Nyree
Derderian and Arous Melkonian used the opportunity to thank the
convention secretaries for an awesome job, to thank the convention
committees for doing a great job, and to admire on the tremendous job
that the ARS does in the region. Other guests and delegates presented
various congratulatory remarks.
Following the adjournment of the convention, a meeting held with the
ARS Central Executive representative Annie Kechichian, convention
officers and the board members, the 2013-2014 Regional Executive board
elected officers as follows:
Chairperson: Lena Bozoyan
Vice-Chairperson: Carmen Libaridian
Secretary: Karine Barikian-Setian
Treasurer: Christina Khanjian
Advisors: Araxy Aykanian, Judy Jingirian, Nanik Kupelian, Maral
Matossian and Adrine Postoyan.
This convention showed that the challenges are being met. Ani
Dikranian, a new member of the hosting Nairy Chapter, was in charge of
the electronic equipment. The first time delegates brought their full
participation to the convention and were elected to committee
assignments. The convention helped to reinvigorate the ranks for
another year in quest for service.
Host chapter's anniversary marked
The Nairy Chapter organized a program on the second day of the
convention to celebrate its own 45th anniversary. The dinner-dance
program was held on July 13, at the Armenian Center in Montebello,
with dozens of delegates and guests participating, along with some
local residents. Among the guests was the ARS of Eastern USA Regional
Executive representative Taline Mkrtschjan.
Opening remarks were made by the convention organizing committee
chairperson Arpik Najarian, who invited the ARS members and guests to
renew their oath "to be the true successors of our founders and
benefactors." Following with the national and ARS anthems sung by
Nairy Chapter Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan, Pastor of Holy
Cross Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian provided blessing for
realizing the ARS dreams in service of the Armenian people. The pastor
also conveyed Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian's blessings and
congratulations.
ARS Central Executive Board representative to the 93rd Convention,
Annie Kechichian congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter, noting that when
the anniversary of a chapter is celebrated, it is a sign of the
chapter's success and continued existence, and proof of the
advancement of the centenarian ARS. Kechichian urged to involve the
youth in Armenian community life, and congratulated the ARS Nairy
members for their many years of hard work and countless efforts to
help families and advance the Armenian language and culture, in
addition to congratulating the ARS supporters for their contributions.
ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive chairperson Lena Bozoyan
congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter members for their golden hearts,
iron will and unwavering efforts during the past 45 years. She
commended the Nairy Chapter's level of activity, dedication and strong
ties of fellowship, and she was confident that the chapter would
continue its many accomplishments. Bozoyan promised that together they
would continue to meet the ever-changing societal needs of our local
communities and serve as symbols of hope to our brethren in the
homeland.
On behalf of the ARS Regional Executive, Bozoyan presented a plaque
commemorating the Nairy Chapter's 45th anniversary to the Chapter
Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan.
The chapter had displayed posters of old photographs of ARS history
and a video of the early history of the ARS was shown during the
program, which was followed by the message of the ARF Tro Committee
representative Levon Kirakosian, Esq. He said that he was one of the
displaced persons (DPs) shown on the video, but wished that more of
his friends were with him. He congratulated the Nairy Chapter and
asked the ARS to include the local youth and their needs in their
programs. He handed a certificate of recognition by Christina Cortez,
the Mayor of the City of Montebello, to Heghine Harboyan.
Harboyan reminded the audience of the accomplishments of the chapter:
45 years ago the chapter was founded; 31 years ago the Saturday School
was founded; 15 years ago the day care was founded; and during the
past year 5 new members joined the chapter. The Nairy Day Care had
been recognized by the City of Montebello Chamber of Commerce as a
"Quality of Life" business for 2013. She congratulated the Nairy
Chapter members, who believe in the volunteering and savor teamwork.
Throughout the convention, the ARS Nairy Chapter volunteers had
demonstrated their willingness to do their best in order to provide
for the delegates and guests who arrived in Montebello. "Vartskernit
gadar" as they say for a job well done.
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2013-09-22-ars-western-regional-convention-reviews-programs-elects-board
Published: Sunday September 22, 2013
Delegates during convention.
MONTEBELLO, CALIF. - The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA,
93rd Annual Regional Convention took place at a time when the "Bnag
meh Geragour" (a bowl of food) program by our sister organization in
Syria is feeding hungry families in Aleppo.
The convention heard the report by the ARS Central Executive
representative, Annie Kechichian, that a $250 donation can feed 80
families for a day. The priority placed on helping the schools and
communities in Syria for the second year in a row, had a powerful
impact on how the convention evaluated the accomplishments of the past
year and set forth a path to accomplish programs during the upcoming
year.
Sixty-eight delegates from 24 chapters from Arizona, California and
Nevada, Regional Executive Board members, and guests participated in
the convention held at the Armenian Center in Montebello, California
from July 12 through 14, 2013. The Montebello Nairy Chapter was the
host of the convention with Arpik Najarian leading the organization
committee members.
Lena Bozoyan, Chairperson of the Regional Executive Board presented
opening remarks and introduced the special guests. Western Prelacy
Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian and Prelacy Executive Council Chairperson Rima Boghossian.
ARS Central Executive Board (CEB) Chairperson Vicky Marashlian
attended the meeting. The ARS CEB representative to the meeting was
Annie Kechichian. The ARF Central Committee representative to the
meeting was Dr. Vicken Yacoubian. The local ARF Tro Committee
representative to the opening ceremony was Levon Kirakosian, Esq. The
ARS Eastern USA Regional Executive representative was Taline
Mkrtschjan. The ARS Regional Executive's guests to the convention were
Hasmig Derderian, Rita Hintlian and Khatoune Pakradouni. Additionally,
the convention elected Sossie Poladian, Sossie Gabriel and Roubina
Pakradouni as guests.
Bozoyan made welcoming remarks and stated that the ARS encountered
enormous financial difficulties during the year, and faces challenges
of passing on the torch to the new generation and expanding the
adoption of new technologies. She remarked that the enormous needs of
the Syrian Armenians are at the forefront, as the needs in Armenia,
Artsakh and Javakhk continue. The Regional Executive chairperson noted
that the convention is a place where participants learn about the
organizational culture and seventeen (17) members were delegates for
the first time at this convention.
Arch. Mardirossian noted His Holiness Catholicos Aram I's proclamation
of the year 2013 as the "Year of the Armenian Mother", and praised the
service of ARS members to young and old as that of a caring and
devoted mother. His Eminence said that as participants gain experience
during conventions, similarly, their commitment and spirit of service
should increase. The Prelate praised the dedicated service of the
Regional Executive and members, and blessed the convention.
The ARS CEB representative Annie Kechichian addressed the convention
and on behalf of the Central Executive Board wished for successful
proceedings, and hoped that the delegates bring forth constructive
ideas and ratify beneficial resolutions, which can be realized during
the next year, with special consideration for any budgetary impacts.
During the closing statements, Kechichian noted that the convention is
a fine opportunity to get together and reaffirm our oath. She added
that when we approach the issues with a positive attitude, it is a win
for our organizational mission and goals. She said that as we devote
our strengths and join in spirit of service for the ARS, our
cooperation and solidarity will help us succeed and reach our goals.
The Montebello ARF representative, Levon Kirakosian, remarked that the
ARS members' volunteerism with their gift of time and love to the
people is the best example that our youth could have today. He also
raised the issue of the abuses suffered by women all over the world,
including in Armenia.
The ARS Eastern USA representative Taline Mkrtschjan was very pleased
to be with her counterparts on the west coast, and attend the
convention with her aunt Khatoune Pakradouni. She noted that the noble
goals of the ARS do not change with far distances, and the same call
to duty to help the Syrian Armenians reaches them with the same
intensity.
The convention continued with the election of co-chairpersons Dr.
Nyree Derderian and Arousyak Melkonian. In addition, Nazik Arisian,
Sossie Djabrayan, Maral Matossian and Meganoush Melkonian were elected
as convention secretaries (2 for English and 2 for Armenian). Khatoune
Pakradouni was appointed by the convention officers as
Parliamentarian, Rita Hintlian was appointed as Reporter and Nairy
chapter members Alice Keshishian, Leone Mooradian, Hasmig Ourfalian
and Pauline Altounian were appointed Sergeant-at-Arms.
The Credentials Committee members Ankine Agopian, Arpy Tanielian and
Maida Bezdjian verified that the convention could continue on in
accordance to the ARS bylaws. The convention chose to elect a
Nominations Committee with Silva Poladian, Nora Shirikian, Lara
Kazandjian, Arsho Sassounian and Mako Setrakian. The elected
Resolutions Committee members were Asdghig Chitilian, Talin Hindoyan
and Vera Kambourian. The Archives Committee members were Maral
Bastilian, Christine Hovnanian and Emma Garabetian.
The convention agenda includes times that the conventioneers have to
wait for a committee to complete an assignment. A video provided an
overview of the activities of the past year. The agenda included
questions of clarification regarding the Regional Executives reports,
including the Social Services and Child, Youth and Family Guidance
Center. Dr. Levon Jernazian was on hand to provide answers to
questions about the guidance center. Dr. Sevag Avakian of the ARS
Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia,
presented the challenges faced by the clinic where 9,056 newborns were
born during the past eight years, and the cooperation with UNICEF
vaccination and USAID women's health programs. Zaven Khanjian,
chairperson of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) Executive
Committee, took the opportunity to thank the ARS for helping SARF.
Annie Kechichian presented the report of the ARS CEB, where the
activities of the CEB board members and staff during the past year,
and membership of the ARS in 27 countries were detailed. She noted
that despite difficulties relating to lack of food supplies, the ARS
region in Syria, is providing food for 80 families three times a week.
Donors are being sought to sponsor the "bnag me geragour" (a bowl of
food) program for $250. Vicky Marashlian elaborated on the cost of
repairs needed for the ARS Sosse Kindergarten in Stepanakert in
Artsakh.
The convention ratified bylaws amendments, the highly commendable
resolution regarding the activities of the past year presented by the
Resolutions Committee, discussed and ratified a number of resolutions
regarding organizational reporting, media communications, high school
awards and continuing programs, finishing up with adoption of a
proposed budget. This year, the accounting system was upgraded, the
presentation by General Manager Jasik Jarahian looked revised, but a
familiar audit report was received from an independent auditor.
The ARS-WUSA Regional Executive board members Judy Jingirian, Zharmen
Mirzakhanyan, Angele Ohannessian, Liza Santikian and Armenouhi
Tomassian had completed their 2-year terms. Judy Jingirian was
re-elected and Araxy Aykanian, Nanik Kupelian, Maral Matossian and
Adrine Postoyan were newly elected to the board for 2-year terms.
The new board is in charge of implementing the ongoing programs of the
ARS and newly adopted resolutions and balanced budget of the 93rd
Regional Convention.
The following were elected as Alternate Regional Executive members (1)
Sirarpi Chakalian; (2) Nevart Mooradian; (3) Ankine Agopian; (4)
Ovsanna Khachadoorian; and (5) Maida Bezdjian. The alternates are for
the newly elected board members for the same duration of two years.
The last election of the convention was for the Auditing Committee.
For the first time, a scantron system was needed to speed up the
election process. The following members were elected to the Auditing
Committee for a one-year term: Nairy Bostanian, Vivian Taslakian and
Tamar Ourichian. This committee will conduct quarterly audits and
report its findings at the 94th Regional Convention.
Dr. Vicken Yacoubian, reiterated the ARF Central Committee's
commitment, congratulated the newly elected Regional Executive, and
thanked the retiring members of the board, convention officers and
delegates for their service. He commended the ARS for providing
effective and wide range of services, and hoped that the convention
evaluation process serves as a way to renew our commitment to the
organization.
As it is customary, Lena Bozoyan handed commemorative plaques to the
members, whose 2-year terms had expired, and each used the opportunity
to share their feelings, to thank volunteers and staff, and to
reiterate their commitment to the ARS. The two co-chairs Nyree
Derderian and Arous Melkonian used the opportunity to thank the
convention secretaries for an awesome job, to thank the convention
committees for doing a great job, and to admire on the tremendous job
that the ARS does in the region. Other guests and delegates presented
various congratulatory remarks.
Following the adjournment of the convention, a meeting held with the
ARS Central Executive representative Annie Kechichian, convention
officers and the board members, the 2013-2014 Regional Executive board
elected officers as follows:
Chairperson: Lena Bozoyan
Vice-Chairperson: Carmen Libaridian
Secretary: Karine Barikian-Setian
Treasurer: Christina Khanjian
Advisors: Araxy Aykanian, Judy Jingirian, Nanik Kupelian, Maral
Matossian and Adrine Postoyan.
This convention showed that the challenges are being met. Ani
Dikranian, a new member of the hosting Nairy Chapter, was in charge of
the electronic equipment. The first time delegates brought their full
participation to the convention and were elected to committee
assignments. The convention helped to reinvigorate the ranks for
another year in quest for service.
Host chapter's anniversary marked
The Nairy Chapter organized a program on the second day of the
convention to celebrate its own 45th anniversary. The dinner-dance
program was held on July 13, at the Armenian Center in Montebello,
with dozens of delegates and guests participating, along with some
local residents. Among the guests was the ARS of Eastern USA Regional
Executive representative Taline Mkrtschjan.
Opening remarks were made by the convention organizing committee
chairperson Arpik Najarian, who invited the ARS members and guests to
renew their oath "to be the true successors of our founders and
benefactors." Following with the national and ARS anthems sung by
Nairy Chapter Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan, Pastor of Holy
Cross Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian provided blessing for
realizing the ARS dreams in service of the Armenian people. The pastor
also conveyed Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian's blessings and
congratulations.
ARS Central Executive Board representative to the 93rd Convention,
Annie Kechichian congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter, noting that when
the anniversary of a chapter is celebrated, it is a sign of the
chapter's success and continued existence, and proof of the
advancement of the centenarian ARS. Kechichian urged to involve the
youth in Armenian community life, and congratulated the ARS Nairy
members for their many years of hard work and countless efforts to
help families and advance the Armenian language and culture, in
addition to congratulating the ARS supporters for their contributions.
ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive chairperson Lena Bozoyan
congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter members for their golden hearts,
iron will and unwavering efforts during the past 45 years. She
commended the Nairy Chapter's level of activity, dedication and strong
ties of fellowship, and she was confident that the chapter would
continue its many accomplishments. Bozoyan promised that together they
would continue to meet the ever-changing societal needs of our local
communities and serve as symbols of hope to our brethren in the
homeland.
On behalf of the ARS Regional Executive, Bozoyan presented a plaque
commemorating the Nairy Chapter's 45th anniversary to the Chapter
Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan.
The chapter had displayed posters of old photographs of ARS history
and a video of the early history of the ARS was shown during the
program, which was followed by the message of the ARF Tro Committee
representative Levon Kirakosian, Esq. He said that he was one of the
displaced persons (DPs) shown on the video, but wished that more of
his friends were with him. He congratulated the Nairy Chapter and
asked the ARS to include the local youth and their needs in their
programs. He handed a certificate of recognition by Christina Cortez,
the Mayor of the City of Montebello, to Heghine Harboyan.
Harboyan reminded the audience of the accomplishments of the chapter:
45 years ago the chapter was founded; 31 years ago the Saturday School
was founded; 15 years ago the day care was founded; and during the
past year 5 new members joined the chapter. The Nairy Day Care had
been recognized by the City of Montebello Chamber of Commerce as a
"Quality of Life" business for 2013. She congratulated the Nairy
Chapter members, who believe in the volunteering and savor teamwork.
Throughout the convention, the ARS Nairy Chapter volunteers had
demonstrated their willingness to do their best in order to provide
for the delegates and guests who arrived in Montebello. "Vartskernit
gadar" as they say for a job well done.