New York Armenian Center
69-23 47th Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 651-1530
October 27, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
‘One Nation, One Family’: NY Armenian Center Gathers Local Community for
Monthly Family Night
NEW YORK – Since July the New York Armenian Center Social Committee has
brought together young and old from all corners of the Armenian community
for a monthly Family Night under the theme "One Nation, One Family." Each
time participants pack the main hall of the Armenian Center in Woodside,
N.Y., to spend an evening socializing and relaxing "at home."
Members from such institutions as the Holy Martyrs Armenian Church; the
Armenian Network of America Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Mayr and Erebuni
chapters; the Hamzakayin of New York; the Armenian National Committee (ANC)
of New York; the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) New York Hyortik chapter;
St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School; St. Sarkis Armenian Church; and St.
Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral are just some of the attendees.
During the event attendees enjoy home cooked food prepared and donated by
community volunteers. Armenian folk and traditional music is played as a
background while young and old take to the dance floor. Admission is always
free and each month is host to a tournament such as Blot, ping-pong, and *
tavlou* (backgammon). Participants pay a small tournament entrance fee and
spend the evening in friendly competition. Prizes are distributed to the
victor who returns the following month to defend his/her title.
Games for children of all age are also offered. Kids that attend Family
Night engage in activities such as Ping-Pong, basketball, soccer, Monopoly,
and arts and crafts. New York Hyortik members also offer their office and
lounge space as a venue to hang out, sing songs, and watch movies.
Through this initiative the committee said it aims to unite the community
and strengthen the bonds that tie Armenians together as a nation. The
strength of the Diaspora comes from these bonds, it stated. "From the
beginning the purpose of the Armenian Center was to bring Armenians together
so everyone has a second home and feels like family," said Social Committee
member Valod Atakhanian. He went on to note that through their current
programs more youth have been coming to the center and the community has
been embracing its activities. The committee also announced that each time
profits from the event will benefit a different community organization.
Proceeds from the November 21 Family Night will go to the St. Illuminator’s
Armenian Apostolic Cathedral Reconstruction Fund.
"Family Night at the Armenian Center provides a great opportunity for the
community to come together and catch up with friends and family. There are
plenty of activities for all age groups to enjoy," said Armenian National
Committee (ANC) of New York member Raffi Mahserdjian who comes with his wife
Marie and two year-old son Aren.
PHOTO CAPTONS
(All photo credit: Zem ProImage)
Dancing: Armenian folk and traditional music is played as a background while
young and old take the dance floor
Food line: During the event attendees enjoy home cooked food prepared and
donated by community volunteers
Hall: Since July the New York Armenian Center Social Committee has brought
together young and old for a monthly Family Night under the theme "One
Nation, One Family"
Boys: New York Hyortik members also offer their office and lounge space as
a
venue to hang out, sing songs, and watch movies.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
