March 2019 Newsletter
As we welcome Spring, we want to look back at the past few months to recognize the various events our chapters have held!
Washington DC "Satenig"
On January 6 th , the ARS “Satenig” chapter of Greater Washington DC celebrated Armenian Christmas at Soorp Khatch Church with a luncheon prepared by the ungerouhies. There was also a re-enactment of the Nativity scene by some of the Hamasdegh Armenian school students.
Worcester "Knar"
On January 15 th , the ARS “Knar” chapter of Worcester hosted its first meeting of the New Year, where they planned upcoming events and fundraisers. The chapter also held a baby shower for Levon Arous, son of ARS member, Maggy Bablouzian-Arous, and ARF member, Alex Arous! Members of the “Knar” ARS chapter have bonded together like family over the years, celebrating big life events such as these. "We hope that Levon enjoyed the shower as much as we did, and we can’t wait to celebrate many more events together in the future."
Illinois "Reubena"
On Sunday, February 3 rd , the ARS “Reubena” chapter of Illinois hosted the annual Super Bowl Luncheon at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church Community Center after church services. In addition to 12 different varieties of soup and breads donated by the Companion Bread Company of St. Louis, there were trivia games and prizes awarded to the winners. Reubena Ungerouhies and community members participate in this annual event to help raise funds for ARS projects and programs. Thanks to the generous attendees, just over $600 was raised through a “free will offering.” Nobody left this event hungry!
Lowell "Lousintak"
On February 8th , the ARS "Lousintak" chapter of Lowell held its annual Wine Tasting Social at Ungh. Sona Gevorkian’s home. The evening was filled with a variety of wines and cheeses, homemade food, friendly competition, games, and laughter. Members from community chapters gathered to promote the ARS, socialize, and encourage new memberships. Muriel Parseghian highlighted the evening with an overview of the depth and the breadth of the ARS organization as a whole. As a result of this enjoyable evening, the Lowell ARS raised $500 to donate to the ARS Eastern Region’s "Sosseh" Kindergarten in Artsakh.
Richmond "Hooys"
On February 10th , the ARS “Hooys” chapter of Richmond, Virginia organized a fundraiser at St. James Armenian Church to benefit ARS charities that support children. The highlight of the event was the powerful influence of a deceased, but forever loved, Ungeroohi Melanie Bandazian-Kerneklian. Melanie’s paintings were showcased, and attendees enjoyed food and great camaraderie while raising money for a great cause.
New Jersey "Shakeh"
On February 16th , the ARS “Shakeh” chapter of New Jersey organized a Valentine's Day Dinner Dance in Paramus to benefit ARS programs and the St. Vartanantz Church. The successful event had over 200 attendees, who enjoyed dinner, dancing, and music from three famous international singers. We can’t wait until next year!
New Jersey "Agnouni"
On March 6 th , the ARS “Agnouni” chapter of New Jersey hosted its 2 nd annual Paint, Pour & More at Domani’s of Hillsdale, NJ. Welcoming remarks were made by Ungh. Talin Daghlian, event chair, and Ungh. Madlen Sarian-Kaprielian, ARS Agnouni Chair. Ungh. Madlen’s remarks focused on how ARS has empowered women since the organization's early years by electing women in leadership roles and how they continue to promote education and health through its various programs. Through guided instruction, the 50 women in attendance painted a traditional Armenian girl. With the addition of good food and wine, the “artists” let their creativities flow.  
Chicago "Zabelle"
On March 10 th , members of the ARS “Zabelle” chapter of Chicago visited the Chicago Botanical Gardens for a social gathering event. Members of the chapter enjoyed the “In the Tropics Orchid Show,” looking at a variety of beautiful flowers from all over the world. The delightful afternoon was filled with awe and amazement of the exhibition, which was a unique place for the ARS members to socialize and interact with one another. We can’t wait for our next event! 
Providence "Ani"
On March 14th , the ARS “Ani” chapter of Providence hosted an evening with a panel presentation entitled, “Women and Health Concerns” at Sts. Vartanantz Church’s Fermanian Hall. The event was the second in a series of three planned around the theme of “Issues of Concern to Women.” ARS members, church members, and friends flocked to hear the free professional advice offered by expert Rhode Island community members - Dr. Fotini Dionisopolous, DMD, Dr. Janice Kizirian, MD, and Sylvia E. Varadian, CRTT, COT. After the Q&A session, attendees took time to enjoy refreshments, make new acquaintances, and catch up with ARS members and friends.
New York "Erebouni"
On March 17th , the ARS “Erebouni" chapter of New York hosted the ARS Vision 2020 fundraiser at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, where over 190 people attended. Ungerouhi Nevair Oranjian thanked everyone for attending the cultural afternoon of Armenian singing and dancing, provided some background of the ARS, and introduced the performers: The Datevig Children’s Choir of St. Sarkis Church and the Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble of New Jersey. In between dances, Ungerouhi Nevair Oranjian spoke about the history and goals of the ARS, informing the audience about the ARS’s true mission and purpose in all that they do. Der Nareg Terterian ended the program with his heartfelt closing remarks about the performances and the role of the ARS in the Armenian community. 
New York "Mayr"
On March 24 th , the ARS “Mayr” chapter of New York held its 26 th annual membership recruitment at Ung. Janet Marcarian’s house. Chapter member and Vice President of the Executive Board of the ARS Eastern Region Executive, Sandra Vartanian, gave an overview of the ARS, its ongoing projects, and upcoming events. The chapter then initiated two new members, Ungh. Lolita Babikian and Ungh. Talene Njgdelian. After the ceremony, the attendees enjoyed a delightful afternoon speaking about the ARS, enjoying homemade dishes, and were surprised with a report from one of the guests, Miss Armine Babikian, a graduate of HMADS, who spent nine months in Armenia as an occupational therapist interning with Birthright Armenia and COAF.
ARS Eastern USA Executive Board
Norian Youth Connect Program (YCP) 2019
On March 2nd, approximately 110 students from throughout the United States attended the Norian Youth Connect Program (YCP), a bi-annual event organized by the ARS of Eastern United States. The March 2nd gathering at Columbia University featured a variety of speakers from different fields, including science, arts and politics.

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