ARS of Western USA, Inc.
Regional Office
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Tel. (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
E-Mail: OfficeAdmin@arswestusa.org
Web Site:
Successful Armenian Relief Society Festival
Draws Community Together
While the Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A.’s 9th Annual Armenian
Festival has now concluded, surely it will be remembered by its record
breaking attendees as a weekend full of celebration, highlighting the great
offerings of Armenian culture and the anniversary of the now century-old
Armenian Relief Society.
Held on May 1-2, 2010 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, the festival’s
opening ceremony commenced with the march of Homenetmen Girl Scouts lead by
their flag bearers and accompanied by drum roll. Following this procession,
ARS Saturday School students sang the American and Armenian national anthems
and ARS members sang the ARS anthem, accompanied by Alfred Mardoyan who
directed the choir.
Master of Ceremonies Arshalous Darpinyan introduced the numerous guests and
dignitaries present at the ceremony. In attendance were ARS Central
Executive Board Chairperson Vicky Marashlian and Central Executive Board
Advisor Nova Hindoyan. Guests also included Los Angeles City Councilmember
Paul Krekorian; district representatives from Senator Carol Liu and
Congressman Adam Schiff’s offices; Joylean Wagner, Vice-President of the
Glendale Unified School District Board of Education; Nayiri Nahabedian,
Glendale Unified School District Board of Education Member; representatives
from the Armenian National Committee, Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen,
Hamazkayin, and various other organizations.
During the invocation, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the
Western Prelacy, gave his blessing to all organizers and participants. The
Prelate’s remarks included, "Through the ARS, generation after generation of
Armenian women have bettered the lives of brothers and sisters through their
humanitarian efforts and social services, and have played a crucial role in
the preservation of our precious heritage with events, such as this
festival."
He added, "You, ARS members have proven yourselves as the worthy heirs of
the founding generation, and we can be certain and confident that with
members as devoted as you, this organization will continue to thrive for
centuries more."
Following the invocation, ARS Regional Executive Chairperson Sossie Poladian
conveyed the Regional Executive Board’s message, stating ".the secret to our
success has been dedication, hard work and devotion towards our humanitarian
objectives." She also added, "This festival has been a perfect setting for
accomplishing two of our objectives: to promote the Armenian culture and
passing on our heritage. Our Saturday and After School program students have
been involved in our festival from the beginning, and the students from the
numerous dance studios have joined us to make each year a special experience
for all involved."
Poladian concluded by thanking the young performers and professional
entertainers, as well as other ARS volunteers for their many hours of
service during the festival. She also presented a plaque to Chief Financial
Officer Tsolak Khatcherian of Karoun Dairies, Inc., which has sponsored the
festival for the last nine years.
Harout Boghossian, District Representative of Senator Carol Liu’s office,
presented a certificate to the ARS on behalf of Senator Liu and one vendor,
Hasmik Kldjian, presented a framed 3-D ARS Centennial logo.
Once the festivities began, it was apparent that Armenians and non-Armenians
alike were enjoying the numerous attractions. The lower level of the
auditorium was dedicated to featuring a wide array of traditional Armenian
displays. This extensive cultural section offered spectators the opportunity
to enjoy exhibits of regional costumes, artwork, and demonstrations of how
"lavash" (thin Armenian bread) and string cheese are made.
Fellow compatriotic unions participated with booths featuring a Kharpert
specialty soup; another featuring tea from a "samovar" and "nazoog" cookies
by the Iranian-Armenian community; as well as the Union of New Julfa’s booth
featuring individuals dressed in Charmahal and New Persia costumes. The
lower level also provided the perfect venue for children to be immersed with
games and live entertainment.
The upper level included over twenty five vendors participating in this
year’s festival. Live music by well-known singers, dance performances by
Armenian folk dance groups, and dance lessons kept festival-goers
continually entertained as they mingled over ethnic food and pastries.
The weekend-long festival’s atmosphere was full of vibrant energy and spirit
as people from communities near and far came together to enjoy the rich
nature of Armenian culture. Indeed, if a great program, attendance, and a
most memorable weekend are to judge, then it is without question that the
9th Annual Armenian Festival was an absolute success.
Visit <; for more information
about the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Inc. or call (818)
500-1343. The Regional Headquarters are located at 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.,
Glendale, CA 91202.
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