ARS Reaffirms Devotion to Community Service at Annual Christmas Party
Asbarez
Jan 7th, 2010
GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA held its
annual Christmas Party on January 2 at the Armenag Der Bedrossian Hall
in Glendale’s St. Mary’s Church where over 300 ARS members and guests,
from as far as San Francisco and Fresno, gathered to ring in the new
year and reaffirm the organization’s continued devotion to serving the
community locally and around the world for yet another year.
The holiday celebration, Emceed by ARS General Manager Jasik Jarahian,
also marked the 100th Anniversary of the ARS. It was presided over by
ARS Central Executive board chair, Vicky Marashlian; and board
advisor, Nova Hindoyan.
`the ARS Centennial is a time to renew our oath to serve with dignity
and pride, and to help revitalize our 100-year old organization with
new ideas and strategies, so that we can keep up with changing needs
of our communities in a forever-changing world,’ Sossie Poladian, the
Chairwoman of the ARS Western USA Regional Executive Board, said in
her remarks at the Christmas event.
Poladian said that those generations who came and passed, realized
that their success depended on awareness and appreciation of the ARS
mission, and faith, and added, `With the same awareness, we will
pursue our important mission and publicize ARS programs.’
Poladian also stressed the importance of volunteerism in shaping the
lives of the ARS members. `The ARS Centennial is a chance for us to
look back at the time we joined this great organization, sometimes
following the footsteps of our mothers and sisters into the ranks; and
how the bonding experience of working with other volunteers has shaped
our minds and hearts, and enriched our lives’.
She said that Regional Executive greatly appreciates the efforts of
each member, while continuing to utilize available resources to help
chapters. The board continues to exert efforts to pursue new programs
to build the future ARS.
`We hope that the new generation of ARS members will firmly hold on to
the beliefs and will exert a level of commitment as our long-time
members, so when the torch is passed onto the new generation, we will
be assured that the ARS will be in good hands for the next Century,’
Poladian said in her closing remarks.
Poladian had referred to the use of new technology as one of the ways
to enhance communication. To receive the ARS Voice Online newsletter,
send requests to [email protected].
Jasik Jarahian, who has continually organized the annual program,
praised the local chapters for their financial contributions,
encouraging members to participate in the May 16th ARS Centennial Fund
event, and contribute to the book.
US Census representative Anahid Tovmasian was also on hand at the
event, using the opportunity to explain necessary details for
completing forms for the 2010 Census.
Salpi Mayilian, Gagig Badalian and Varouhie Shahinian entertained the
crowd, helping to create enthusiasm and high spirits, and a desire to
not leave the hall by leaving old and new friends behind.