ARS-EUSA 103rd convention participants
BURLINGTON, Vt.—The 103rd convention of the Armenian Relief Society Eastern United States of America (ARS-EUSA) took place from July 17-20, 2024, in Burlington, Vermont, marking the first time the convention was held in the state. Thirty-nine delegates representing 20 chapters, the Regional Executive Board, organizational representatives, observers and guests were in attendance.
The convention commenced on Thursday, July 18, with the singing of the Republic of Armenia, United States and ARS anthems. During the opening ceremony, ARS-EUSA Regional Executive Board chairperson Caroline Chamavonian invited the delegates to observe a moment of silence in honor of ARS members, benefactors and supporters who passed away during the year. In her remarks, she expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of the chapters, emphasizing that their commitment embodies the resilience and compassion of the Armenian community. Then, Chamavonian honored Vartouhie Chiloyan for her 25th anniversary as executive director of the ARS-EUSA. To mark this milestone, a special surprise video featuring messages from former ARS-EUSA chairpersons was presented, along with a collage of photos showcasing memorable moments from her tenure. The tribute highlighted Chiloyan’s enduring commitment and significant impact on the organization over the past quarter century, celebrating her unwavering dedication and leadership. As a token of appreciation, a special gift was presented to her.
Honoring Vartouhie Chiloyan (pictured center holding gift)
Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, pastor of the St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley, opened the meeting with a prayer and passed on the greetings of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church. Then, Ani Tchaghlassian, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern U.S. Central Committee chairperson, and Irma Kassabian, ARS Central Executive Board (CEB) member and the region’s liaison, made remarks on behalf of their respective bodies, expressing gratitude for their partnership with the ARS-EUSA and wishing the delegates success as they plan the next fiscal year.
Taline Mkrtschjan, Sandra Vartanian and Knar Kiledjian were elected to the Credentials Examination Committee, and after the review and approval of the delegate questionnaires, the meeting was deemed official. Sevan Koledjian and Silva Takvorian were elected to chair the convention. Mimi Parseghian, Victoria Hagopian, Knar Kiledjian and Maria Ebrimian served as secretaries, diligently keeping meeting minutes throughout the weekend. Guests of the convention included Talin Daghlian, Angele Manoogian, Sonia Bezdikian, Arpy Seferian, Dana Walrath and Susan Alemian Bentley.
On Thursday night, Kassabian presented the CEB’s 2023-2024 report. The report summarized the humanitarian efforts and various programs implemented by the ARS in the homeland and around the world.
During the convention, Silva Sagherian, Maral Kaprielian, Pearl Bargamian Teague, Tsoler Janian and Juliette Millian served as members of the nominating committee. The correspondence committee, responsible for reviewing the files and minutes of the regional office, included Vera Mouradian, Renee Marachlian and Lusya Schinelli. Talar Abdalian, Lena Dishoyan and Danielle Shegherian audited the organization’s financial records and the budget. Tasked with gathering decisions and intentions for future projects and plans for the region, the resolutions committee consisted of Karine Shamlian, Melissa Simonian and Linda Wyatt.
On Friday, July 19, the meeting began with the presentation of the activities of the ARS-EUSA by Regional Executive Board vice-chair Seda Aghamianz. It was announced that more than $565,000 was allocated by the ARS-EUSA to local, regional and global projects during the fiscal year. Delegates expressed their appreciation to the board and staff for their work during the fiscal year and commended their commitment to the organization’s humanitarian mission. They specifically highlighted the importance of continuing trip seminars for the membership and offering more educational opportunities to community members. Throughout the day, organizational topics such as recruitment and expanding membership, program evaluation and expansion, marketing and public relations and increasing financial resources were discussed. The resolutions committee presented a list of goals to guide the newly-elected Regional Executive Board in the upcoming fiscal year. Due to a change in the bylaws, ARS-EUSA will now hold conventions biennially instead of annually. Delegates were also excited to hear about plans for a celebratory weekend in honor of the organization’s 115th anniversary, which will be held in New York/New Jersey on March 8, 2025.
As the meeting progressed, Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the ARF (AYF-YOARF) member Isabel Hagobian and Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union member Harout Tashian reported on the activities of their organizations.
At the end of the meeting, Chamavonian thanked Daghlian for her service on the board during the first quarter of the fiscal year before her election to the Central Executive Board and presented her with a gift on behalf of the Regional Executive Board. Chamavonian also expressed gratitude to Executive Director Chiloyan and Marketing Manager Verginie Touloumian for their exceptional contributions and efforts in advancing the organization’s mission and outreach. In appreciation for their hospitality, the Regional Executive Board also donated $850 to the Vermont ARS Noor chapter. Finally, Chamavonian thanked the delegates for their contributions and encouraged them to return to their cities with renewed energy to serve the community, nation and people. Guests of the convention conveyed their sincere appreciation to the Regional Executive Board and praised the delegates for diligently conducting the convention with new ideas and enthusiasm. Additionally, new delegates reflected on their first convention and shared their experiences during a dedicated session, during which many expressed feelings of inspiration and motivation, highlighting the valuable insights gained from the discussions.
In honor of the delegates and guests, a yacht tour on Lake Champlain was organized on Saturday night. As the yacht sailed, attendees enjoyed views of the surrounding landscape and had opportunities for networking and camaraderie. Following the yacht tour, a raffle organized by the Vermont Noor chapter offered several gifts to the attendees and a grand prize of $1,250, which winner Seda Aghamianz donated entirely back to the chapter to sponsor young Armenians from their state to attend AYF Camp Haiastan.
The convention concluded with the election of Regional Board members and approval of the budget. The 2024-2025 Regional Executive Board members are Caroline Chamavonian, Seda Aghamianz, Margie Babikian, Mary Andonian, Tamitza Dakissian, Anoush Bargamian and Leiza Bouroujian.
The ARS Eastern USA has 35 chapters located throughout the New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States.
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Publish date : 2024-07-23 13:52:00
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