Evereksi Society Holds Reunion in New Jersey

By Harold Takooshian

 

On November 16, 2024, over 40 people filled the Mado’s Restaurant in River Edge NJ, to participate in a reunion of the Everek-Fenese Educational Society (EFES).  While enjoying an Armenian feast, these families shared three hours of conversations. Due to COVID, this was their first reunion since 2019.  A brief program featured four speakers.

Lori Dondiego encouraged families to try a simple ancestry DNA test to easily receive a list of “lost” relatives they may not know. When Lori used www.23andMe.com in 2018, she received a list of many new family members, and reunited with the Alexander family in Maryland. About one-third of the diners had already done this, and supported Lori’s advice.

Professor Harold Takooshian shared a sheet of resources on the fascinating history and current status of the EFES, which will mark its 150th anniversary in 2029.

Nanette Hachadourian reminded folks that EFES continues to award scholarships to high school and college students.

The highlight of the day was when Edward Halebian projected two large images of 80 people at past EFES gatherings back in 1921 and 1956.  Folks raced to the screen to point out their beloved parents or themselves as youngsters.

The EFES was formed in 1878 in the villages of Everek and Fenese in Kayseri Province in Turkey, to advance the education of its members–a mission it has continued for over 140 years, celebrating the survival of this close-knit group.

This gathering was hosted by a team headed by Nanette Hachadourian, Johnand Edward Halebian.  A factsheet on EFES is available on request by contacting takoosh@aol.com.  Plans are underway for the next local gathering in spring of 2025. For any details, contact Nanette at nononina@aol.com, or check the website, https://evereg-fenesse-ny.org/