New York AYF and Yeraz Dance Group Host Summer Barbeque

NY Hyortik AYF Chapter
69-23 47th Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 651-1530
[email protected]
August 11, 2008
For Immediate Release

New York AYF and Yeraz Dance Group Host Summer Barbeque

DOUGLASTON, NY – On August 9 the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) New York
Hyortik chapter and the Yeraz Dance Group brought community members together
at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic church for fun, family, and food. The event
drew a large crowd from both organizations as well as members of groups such
as the Columbia Armenian Students Club, AGBU Young Professionals, the
Armenian Network of America-Greater New York Region, and St. Illuminator’s
Armenian Apostolic Cathedral.

On the hot summer day attendees enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs, salad, soda
and dessert as they sat to watch the youth play basketball, soccer, and
dodge ball. Under the high-flying Armenian and Artsakh flag people learned
new Armenian dances led by the Yeraz Dance group instructors; played
basketball with the AYF juniors; and participated in field games organized
by AYF senior members.

During the event representatives from the AYF and Yeraz Dance Group thanked
people for attending and supporting the work of both organizations and the
church. Then St. Sarkis pastor Rev. Father Nareg Terterian spoke about the
importance of such community gatherings. He said that he was very please
that such an event was finally organized at St. Sarkis, drawing the younger
generation to the church and Armenian organizations.

The event also featured an extensive table of information about the AYF and
Yeraz Dance Group, as well as local Armenian youth activities that help
preserve the culture and rich Armenian history. Included was information on
the St. Sarkis Bible Study, Siamanto Academy, as well as the Armenian
National Committee (ANC) of New York. The Armenian Prelacy Bookstore was
also present with a table of items such as Armenian children’s books,
videos, DVDs, and gifts for sale.

"This event was an all-around success for us. It brought together different
community members from the various local organizations to share ideas and
each other’s company as Armenians," said New York AYF chapter president
Sevag Parsehian. "The bonds and fraternal spirit fostered at events like
this secures the continuation of the next generation," he said.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Youth: Armenian youth of all ages attended the AYF and Yeraz Dance Group
barbeque where they played games such basketball, soccer, and dodge ball.

Group: The barbeque drew a large crowd of youth from the AYF, Columbia
Armenian Students Club, AGBU Young Professionals, the Armenian Network of
America-Greater New York Region, and St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic
Church

Information Table: Featured was also an extensive table of information about
the AYF and Yeraz Dance Group, as well as local Armenian youth activities
that help preserve the culture and rich Armenian history

Girls: On August 9 the AYF New York Hyortik chapter and the Yeraz Dance
Group brought together young and old to enjoy the weather and each other’s
company at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, NY.

Playing Basketball: During the day, young Armenians from the community
joined together for activities organized by the AYF and Yeraz Dance group.