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ARS Spitak Chapter members with comedian Vahe Berberian who performed at an event sponsored by the chapter |
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ARS Spitak Chapter Celebrates its Rich History
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ARS Spitak Chapter members with comedian Vahe Berberian who performed at an event sponsored by the chapter |
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The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Spitak chapter has a long history in New Jersey. It was founded in 1939 under the name of the Red Cross of Newark. Members lived in the greater Newark city area, where industry employed the immigrants.
Later, during the war, the name changed to the Armenian Relief Corp and then to the Suburban Essex Chapter. After the earthquake in Armenia in 1988, it was changed again to the Spitak chapter, its current name.
The chapter was vibrant during World War II and partook in American Red Cross activities to assist US soldiers and families of war victim through monetary donations and by sewing military uniforms. The chapter collaborated with other New Jersey chapters and the Armenian Relief Society central office in providing educational funds locally and overseas. The chapter regularly donated to Camp Haiastan, health programs, refugees, international disaster victims, and sponsored orphans.
In 1995, members of the Central Jersey ARS Kayané chapter, which was closed because of demographic changes, joined the Spitak chapter. This revitalized the already active chapter by bringing in "new blood."
Currently, the Spitak chapter contributes to the Hovnanian School of New Jersey, Nareg Language School of New Jersey, Sts. Vartanants Church, the Armenian Youth Federation, Camp Haiastan, and to other ARS projects in Armenia. This year, the chapter contributed toward the reconstruction of the roof of the School of the Artistic Gymnastics and Acrobatics in Yerevan where Olympic athletes are trained.
Also this year, the Spitak Chapter honored three committed members, Arshalouis Kazandjian, Angele Madalian, and Shoghig Manoukian for serving on the executive board continuously during the past 25 years.
The chapter’s executive committee is currently composed of Meliné Karakashian, Shoghig Manoukian, Arda McCarthy, Elise Mouradian, and Hasmig Sarhadian.
Despite being a small chapter, the dedication of its members from 1939 to the present has been consistent. Some members of the Spitak chapter have been more visible while others have worked "behind the scenes." Nonetheless, all members are distinguished with their humility and dedication to contribute to a common goal that benefits the Armenian people and the preservation of its language and culture.
