New Page 4

During the November 28 ARS Day, members of the Ani and Arax chapters, who had been in the organization for over 25 years, were presented with certificates and pins by ARS Regional board member Lucy Essajanian and ARS Arax chairperson Marlene Vichabian

The Providence Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Ani and Arax chapters sponsored ARS Day on November 28, 2004, at the Aramian Hall of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church.

In her welcoming remarks, ARS Ani chairperson Joyce Yeremian gave a brief list of upcoming ARS events, including the annual food drive in January for the Rhode Island community food bank; the Lentin fish dinner with the Arax chapter in February, whose proceeds benefit the Mourad Armenian School in Providence; a blood drive in April; the Arax chapter’s Mother’s Day dinner and dance on May 6; and the third annual Walk Armenia on May 13.

ARS Arax chairperson Marlene Vichabian then introduced and welcomed member of the ARS Regional Board of Directors Lucy Essajanian, who provided a summary of ARS projects, including as the orphan sponsorship, the Sosi kindergarten schools in Armenian and Artsakh, the ARS Summer Studies program at the University of Connecticut in June, and the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC).

Following her remarks, Essajanian presented certificates and pins to members that had been part of the ARS for over 25 years, and a red rose bouquet for those that had been with the organization for 40, 50, or 60 years. The ARS congratulates our dedicated members for all their years of dedicated service to the organization and the Armenian community.

On December 7, the ARS Ani chapter held its annual Christmas party at the Blue Grotto Restaurant in Providence. Each year, the Ani chapter honors and recognizes those who have contributed to the Armenian community; this year, it commended the generous contributions of members of the Ararat Association Alan Zartarian, Kenneth Bogosian, and Stepan Kanarian. During the past 17 years, the Ararat Association has distributed over $160,000 to the Rhode Island Armenian community. Following the event, all proceeds from the raffle were donated to the ARS orphan fund.

On December 10, the ARS Social Services Committee held its annual senior citizens Christmas party at the Twelve Acres Restaurant in Smithfield. Rev. Gomidas Baghsarian blessed the table, and all enjoyed a full course meal, with wine, live entertainment, and raffle prizes. One-hundred thirteen seniors attended, and each received a gift. The party was partially funded by a grant from the Ararat Association. Participants left looking forward to another fun-filled day next year.