PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A. Inc.
Regional Executive
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
e-mail: office@arswestusa.org
Submitted by: Rita Hintlian, ARS Regional Executive, Secretary
Staff Contact: Dr. Rita Vorperian, Executive Secretary
ARS OF WESTERN USA HONORS
VOLUNTEER SOCIAL WORKER IN HER EIGHTIES
Glendale, CA – the Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A. (ARS-
WR) Christmas party took on a special celebratory mood on January
4, when General Accountant/Controller Jasik Jarahian announced
that one of the social services workers, Annig Sarkissian, was
being honored for her volunteerism. Santa swooped the thin tall
lady, who was a little shy, from her seat and brought her to
center stage. ARS-WR Regional Executive Chair, Angela Savoian;
ARS-WR Social Services Director, Sona Zinzalian; and Assistant
Director, Louise Gourjian were on hand to explain why Sarkissian
was so precious for the Social Services Agency and the Regional
Executive, and honored her with a plaque.
Volunteerism is the essence of ARS. Since ARS members practice
volunteerism daily, they are familiar with the concept. However,
it is unique to have someone explain how a volunteer will ask
permission to be absent, as Zinzalian did, describing
Sarkissian’s work ethic. The volunteer who does not stop when
there is any more work left in her area, but asks if the Regional
Executive’s Accountant needs help. Gourjian read the plaque
recognizing the work of the former staff-member-turned-volunteer.
Savoian expressed the Regional Executive’s appreciation of
Sarkissian’s presence within the office saying, “We are so happy
that we have someone like you amongst us.” The honoree, who is in
her eighties, in turn promised to volunteer until she turns 100.
The cheers were especially strong from several tables, where some
of her social services colleagues from the five offices in the
Southland were seated.
The Christmas party is an annual event, which amongst the 350 ARS
members attending from San Diego to the San Fernando Valley,
included three generations of ARSers. ARS Central Executive (CE)
representative, Hasmig Derderian, ARS CE member Anahid Meymarian,
and ARF Central Committee representative, Vahe Bozoian were among
the attendees. An east coast transplant, Yeretzgin Habeshian,
officiated the prayers. Meymarian, speaking on behalf of the ARS-
CE, urged the membership to stay physically and mentally healthy
in order to carry on the name and reputation of the ARS, an
organization, which will celebrate its centennial in 5 years.
Savoian, invited the Regional Executive members who were present,
to join her for a toast, explaining her appreciation for being
surrounded by like-minded board members, which make the meetings
to discuss the serious issues for the ARS more enjoyable.
Savoian also announced the start of the campaign to assist the
tsunami victims and January 15, the special fundraising day, when
the ARS-WR Regional headquarters were open to accept donations.
Jarahian was the party coordinator this year, and she had
arranged for performances by Razmig Mansourian and Alen
Aghajanian. A new addition, the cappuccino service was especially
popular this year, along with a uniquely decorated and supplied
fruit table, which was a donation by Arthur Hamedi.
For a brief few hours, ARSers enjoyed the company of fellow
members in a happy and carefree setting, only to return to their
chapters and continue to carry their responsibilities in service
of their communities.
ARSwestUSA.org