ARS Western U.S. Holds 99th Regional Convention
The 99th Regional Convention of the Armenian Relief Society of the Western USA was held from July 19 to 21 at the Armenian Center in Burbank, hosted by the “Araz” Chapter.
The opening of the convention was conducted by Chairperson of the Regional Executive, Vicky Marashlian, who invited the attendees to observe a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of Artsakh. The attendees then listened to the national anthems of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian Relief Society.
Very Reverand Father Zareh Sarkisian conveyed the message of the Western Prelacy and Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian.
Present at the convention were the Chairperson of the Central Executive of the Armenian Relief Society, Arusyak Melkonian, Treasurer Annie Keshishian, Advisor and Regional Liaison Zharmen Mirzakhanian.
Mirzakhanian conveyed the report of the Central Executive’s first year of activities, explaining each program and praising the dedication of ARS members’ in implementing these programs.
Surrounded by nearly 120 Armenian women, Levon Baronian, the representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee, highly appreciated the patriotic work of the ARS.
Marashlian delivered the Regional Executive’s message, expressing gratitude and appreciation to her colleagues, chapters, and members who worked selflessly during the past term. She extended special thanks to office manager Jasik Jarahian, Social Services director Shooshig Avakian, and Regional office’s Armenian secretary Dr. Susanna Davtyan.
The convention was chaired by Maral Poladian, member of Anahid Chapter, and English Chairperson Judy Jingirian, member of Garin Chapter. The Armenian secretaries of the convention were Ankine Hagopian and Zarouhi Der Tavitian, while the English secretaries were Rita Hintlian and Anahid Boghosian.
The Credentials Examination Committee reported that 62 delegates from 20 chapters were participating. The eldest delegate was Victoria Markarian from the Erebuni (Oakland) chapter, who had come alone from Sacramento at the age of 89. More than 20 delegates were taking on delegate roles 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.
During the convention, Central Executive Chairwoman Arousyak Melkonian reminded attendees that the incidence of cancer among women who have taken refuge in Armenia from Artsakh has comparatively increased. The assembly set aside the agenda and proceeded with spontaneous donations, raising $50,000 with the addition of the Regional Executive, to benefit the ARS Akhourian Mother & Child Health and Birthing Center for the acquisition of a mammography machine to conduct preventive examinations.
The convention approved a budget to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the ARS, continue hot meal programs, provide homes and farms to families from Artsakh, offer scholarships to the children of heroes and students, and continue social and counseling services within the Western Region.
At the end of the convention, a nine-member Regional Executive was elected, after which the newly elected Regional Executive chose its Officers with the participation of Central Executive Chairwoman Arousyak Melkonian and the convention tivan.
The following are the members of the Regional Executive for the 2014-2026 2-year term and their titles:
Christina Amirian Khanjian: Chairperson
Vicky Marashlian: Vice-Chairperson
Eugenie Shamlian Aroyan: Recording Secretary
Rita Hintlian: Corresponding Secretary
Maral Kouyoumdjian Manokian: Treasurer
Kenarig Avedisian: Advisor
Haigo Ovayan Barsamian: Advisor
Siroun Bedirian: Advisor
Taline Kayayan: Advisor
