ARS Western US Hosts 99th Regional Convention

The 99th Regional Convention of the Armenian Aid Society of the USA was held from July 19 to 21 at the Armenian Center in Burbank and hosted by the Araz Chapter.

The convention was opened by the Regional Executive Chairwoman, Vicky Marashlian, who invited the participants to honor the martyrs of Artsakh with a minute of silence. Then, the participants listened to the national anthems of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian Relief Society.

Most Reverend Father Zareh Sarkisian conveyed the message of Western Archbishop Kegham Khacherian on the occasion of this convention.

The convention was attended by Armenian Relief Society Central Board Chairman Arusyak Melkonian, Treasurer Annie Keshishian, and Advisor and Regional Liaison Zharmen Mirzakhanian.

Mirzakhanian presented a report on the first year of operation of the Central Board, explaining each program and praising the commitment of ARS members in their implementation.

Surrounded by almost 120 like-minded Armenian women, Levon Baronian, representative of the Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, highly appreciated the patriotic activities of the ARS.

Marashlian delivered a message to the Regional Executive, expressing gratitude and appreciation to her colleagues, chapters and members who have worked selflessly during the past period. She gave special thanks to Office Manager Jasik Jarahian, Director of Community Services Shooshig Avakian and Secretary of Armenian Affairs in the Regional Office Dr. Susanna Davtyan. After Marashlian’s message, the meeting began with the reading of the attendance register.

An important task was performed by the conventional tivan, chaired by Maral Poladian, a member of the Anahid Chapter, and the English chairwoman Judy Jingirian, a member of the Garin Chapter. The Armenian secretaries of the convention were Ankine Hagopian and Zarouhi Der Tavitian, and the English secretaries were Rita Hintlian and Anahid Boghosian.

The Credentials Examination Committee reported that 62 delegates from 20 branches attended. The oldest delegate was Victoria Markarian from the Erebuni (Oakland) branch, who came alone from Sacramento at the age of 89. More than 20 delegates assumed their roles as delegates for the first time. Both English and Armenian were used interchangeably during the weekend.

The convention appointed the members of the host “Araz” Chapter as overseers who supported the smooth running of the convention with care and attention, and the days of the convention were filled with very practical and constructive proposals, as well as healthy discussions. The work of the outgoing executive director was duly appreciated.

During the convention, Central Executive Chairwoman Arousyak Melkonian reminded attendees that the incidence of cancer in women who had fled to Armenia from Artsakh was higher than in others. The convention set aside the agenda and began spontaneous donations, raising $50,000 with the Regional Executive to support the ARS Akhourian Mother & Child Health and Birthing Center to purchase a mammogram for preventive screening.

The convention did not have a solution for every problem, but did everything it could to approve a budget to properly celebrate the 115th anniversary of the ARS, continue the hot meal programs, provide homes and farms for families from Artsakh, offer scholarships to children of heroes and students, and continue social and advisory services in the Western Region. The members of the Central Executive, delegates, guests and the outgoing Regional Executive conveyed heartfelt wishes for success to the large ARS family and the newly elected Regional Council. They also appreciated the hardworking members of the host branch.

At the end of the convention, a nine-member Regional Board was elected, after which the newly elected Regional Board elected its authorities with the participation of the Chairwoman of the Central Board, Arousyak Melkonian, and the convention tivan.

Below is the composition of the Regional Board for the two-year term 2014–2026 and their titles:
Christina Amirian Khanjian: Chairwoman
Vicky Marashlian: Vice Chair
Eugenie Shamlian Aroyan: Secretary of Records
Rita Hintlian: Correspondence Secretary
Maral Kouyoumdjian Manokian: Treasurer
Kenarig Avedisian: Advisor
Haigo Ovayan Barsamian: Advisor
Siroun Bedirian: Advisor
Taline Kayayan: Advisor