Summer 2019 Newsletter
Hello Summer! As the ARS Eastern USA prepares for the upcoming, annual Convention in July, let's take a look back at what our chapters have been up to in the past few months.
Racine "Sosseh"
On March 14 th , the ARS "Soseh" chapter of Racine, Wisconsin held a Palm Sunday Lenten Luncheon.
Families and friends filled the church hall to capacity enjoying fellowship and a delicious Lenten meal together! 
Florida "Sosseh"
On March 29 th , the ARS “Sosseh” chapter of Florida held its annual mitchink dinner at the Hye Gentron Agoump in Boca Raton, Florida. The event had more than 150 attendees. The ARS dance ensemble, which features children ages 4-12, kicked off their first performance. Next, author Laura Gaboudian presented her children’s book, “Under the Light of the Moon,” which she signed for attendees. The mitchink dinner, which was made entirely by all the ungerouhis, was a successful event.
New Jersey "Agnouni" &
Bergen County "Armenouhi"
On March 30 th , the ARS “Agnouni” chapter of New Jersey and the ARS “Armenouhi” chapter of Bergen County, New Jersey joined New Jersey Hamazkayin to host the “From Reincarnation to Independence” event in Paramus, New Jersey. Over 220 people attended the anticipated event. Most of the models were from the northern New Jersey community, which our chapters are very proud of. Kevork Shadoyan, the creative fashion designer, dedicated this collection to the 100 th  Anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia. Many of his other items were sold at the event as well, including scarves, breadbaskets and crossbody pouches. The proceeds of the event will go to the preservation of the ARS’s ongoing initiatives.
Watertown "Leola Sassouni"
On April 7 th , the ARS “Leola Sassouni” chapter of Watertown hosted the Shadoyan Fashion Couture House runway show at the Double Tree Bedford. Syrian-Armenian fashion designer Kevork Shadoyan presented his acclaimed collection “From Reincarnation to Independence” which is dedicated to the 100-year anniversary of the Independence of the First Republic of Armenia. The sold-out event featured 240 attendees.
“The ARS is both overjoyed and grateful to have such a prestigious and successful member of our Armenian community join us on this day to help us serve our humanitarian mission,” said ARS member Narineh Abrimian during her opening remarks.
Illinois "Reubena"
On April 14 th , the ARS “Reubena” chapter of Illinois celebrated Palm Sunday with a luncheon. The event had a special guest, Ungerouhie Valentine Berberian, who was visiting family for the Easter holiday season.
Chicago "Zabelle"
On April 14 th , the ARS “Zabelle” chapter of Chicago hosted a Palm Sunday luncheon at the Armenian Community Center in Glenview, Illinois. The annual luncheon helped benefit ARS programs, including the Artsakh soldiers and Vision 2020 programs. Over 150 supporters were present at the event, which featured choregs baked by the ungerouhis. The chapter appreciates each and every one who was there, cooking, baking, cleaning, setting up, and shopping!
Cambridge "Shushi"
On May 3 rd , the ARS “Shushi” chapter of Cambridge hosted a “Hinco de Hayo” event at the Papken Suni Agoump in Watertown, MA, which celebrated Cinco de Mayo- Armenian style! The full-house event, with about 90 attendees, was a fun and successful evening. Attendees enjoyed a night of Latin music with an instructor leading a dance class. Most of the participants we’re on their feet learning to salsa, bachata and merengue! The proceeds from the event benefited the ARS Vision 2020 program.
New York "Mayr"
On May 5 th , the ARS “Mayr” chapter of New York hosted a Mother's Day Event honoring Ungerouhi Sonia Bezdikian at Douglaston Manor. ARS Ungerouhis, friends and guests came to support the ARS and be part of this beautiful event. This year, Mayr Chapter honored Ungh. Sonia Bezdikian as “Mother of the Year.” The program included a vocal performance by Hooshere, who was accompanied by Sonia’s four grandchildren. Veh Bezdikian presented a poem by Jacque Hagopian - “Mayragan Ornutiune.” The program ended on a high note by a Ballroom Showcase presented by Betty & Cesar of Carousel Studios. Overall the event was most memorable and a great success!
Merrimack Valley "Arax"
On May 10 th , the ARS “Arax” chapter of Merrimack Valley hosted a fundraiser and wine social at the St. Gregory Armenian Church of North Andover, MA. About 20 attendees listened to Ungh. Heather Krafian, ARS Eastern USA Executive Board member, speak about the importance of the ARS. After a wonderful PowerPoint presentation and a night filled with wine and appetizers, our chapter is thrilled to announce that eight new Ungerouhis have joined the ARS “Arax” Chapter! We hope their energy and enthusiasm will generate and encourage additional members. We have already begun planning our first gathering in July to discuss future events and activities.
New York "Erebouni"
On May 11th, the  ARS “Erebouni" chapter of New York  once again hosted their annual “ARS Walk Armenia” walkathon to help St. Sarkis Church purchase a new organ. After weeks of tremulous weather, we were blessed with sunshine on the day of the walkathon. The Ungerouhi’s who attended that day walked from St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston to the Armenian Society Center in Little Neck, where they provided us with soft drinks and water. We deeply appreciate their many years of support and hospitality. After walking 3.2 miles, the Ungerouhi’s returned to St. Sarkis for celebratory pizza and a social hour. We would like to thank our pledgees for their ongoing support and helping us reach our goals.
Detroit "Tzolig"
On May 11, the ARS "Tzolig" chapter of Greater Detroit celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its founding with a Gala at the Bellagio Banquet Center in Dearborn, MI. The Gala, which was attended by 400 people from various Armenian communities, was highlighted by the renowned singer Armenchik. 12 candle holders, including the Honorary Chairman, had an emotional moment on stage to honor the Tzolig chapter. The Honorary Chairman then cut the ARS 40 th anniversary cake. The Gala event was very successful and the proceeds will go to ARS projects in Armenia and in the Diaspora.
Washington D.C. "Satenig"
On May 18, 2019, the ARS "Satenig" chapter of Washington D.C. held its annual, traditional Hampartsoom luncheon at the Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church's hall. The tradition was carried out by our ungerouhies and loyal supporters. Each person got to drop their name written on a rose petal into the water bowl and when called upon, read their "vijags." Everybody was able to enjoy delicious food that was prepared by our ungerouhies, dancing, games, and raffles.
Detroit "Sybille"
On May 10th the ARS "Sybille" chapter of Detroit hosted its first Paint & Pour event for their annual Mother’s Day celebration at the St. Sarkis Lillian Arakelian Hall. Welcoming remarks were made by event chair, Sharon Broglin and Arda Kafafian. ARS "Sybille" Chair Susie Mardoyan coordinated the evening’s dinner. Through guided instruction, the 62 painters, consisting of men and women, mother’s and daughters, and participates honoring their deceased mothers, painted amazing poppies. An awesome raffle, coordinated by Mary Afetian and Sandy Afetian, took place after the painting. Also, on hand to help the evenings events were Sona Mushigian, Sona Der Hovagimian and Karyn Chopjian, Secretary. With good food and wine, the artists let their “creative" juices flow.