99th Regional Convention of the Armenian Relief Society of the Western USA

The 99th Regional Convention of the Armenian Relief Society of the Western USA was successfully held from July 19-21, 2024, at the Armenian Center in Burbank, hosted by the “Araz” Chapter, located at 75 E Santa Anita, Burbank, CA 91502.

The opening of the convention was conducted by Chairperson of the Regional Executive, Vicky Marashlian, who invited the attendees to observe a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of Artsakh. The attendees then listened to the national anthems of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian Relief Society.

Very Reverand Father Zareh Sarkisian conveyed the message of the Western Prelacy Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, on the occasion of this convention.

Present at the convention were the Chairperson of the Central Executive of the Armenian Relief Society, Arusyak Melkonian, Treasurer Annie Keshishian, Advisor and Regional Liaison Zharmen Mirzakhanian.

Ungerouhi Mirzakhanian conveyed the report of the Central Executive’s first year of activities, explaining each program and praising the dedication of ARS members’ in implementing these programs.

Surrounded by nearly 120 like-minded Armenian women, Levon Baronian, the representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee, highly appreciated the patriotic work of the ARS.

Ungerouhi Vicky Marashlian delivered the Regional Executive’s message, expressing gratitude and appreciation to her colleagues, chapters, and members who worked selflessly during the past term. She extended special thanks to office manager Jasik Jarahian, Social Services director Shooshig Avakian, and Regional office’s Armenian secretary Dr. Susanna Davtyan. Following Ungerouhi Marashlian’s message, the meeting began with roll call.

An important task was undertaken by the conventional tivan, chaired by Ungerouhi Maral Poladian, member of Anahid Chapter, and English Chairperson Ungerouhi Judy Jingirian, member of Garin Chapter. The Armenian secretaries of the convention were Ankine Hagopian and Zarouhi Der Tavitian, while the English secretaries were Rita Hintlian and Anahid Boghosian.

The Credentials Examination Committee reported that 62 delegates from 20 chapters were participating. The eldest delegate was Ungerouhi Victoria Markarian from the Erebuni (Oakland) chapter, who had come alone from Sacramento at the age of 89. More than 20 delegates were taking on delegate roles for the first time. Both English and Armenian were used interchangeably during the weekend.

The convention appointed the members of the host “Araz” Chapter as oversees, who supported the smooth running of the convention with attention and care, and the days of the convention passed with highly practical and constructive proposals, as well as healthy discussions. The work of the outgoing executive was commendably appreciated.

During the convention, Central Executive Chairwoman Arousyak Melkonian reminded attendees that the incidence of cancer among women who have taken refuge in Armenia from Artsakh has comparatively increased. The assembly set aside the agenda and proceeded with spontaneous donations, raising $50,000 with the addition of the Regional Executive, to benefit the ARS Akhourian Mother & Child Health and Birthing Center for the acquisition of a mammography machine to conduct preventive examinations.

The convention did not have a solution for every issue, but it did its best to approve a budget to thoroughly celebrate the 115th anniversary of the ARS, continue hot meal programs, provide homes and farms to families from Artsakh, offer scholarships to the children of heroes and students, and continue social and counseling services within the Western Region.

Members of the Central Executive, delegates, guests, and the outgoing Regional Executive conveyed warm wishes of success to the large ARS family and the newly elected regional board. They also appreciated the diligent members of the host chapter.

At the end of the convention, a nine-member Regional Executive was elected, after which the newly elected Regional Executive chose its Officers with the participation of Central Executive Chairwoman Arousyak Melkonian and the convention tivan. The following are the members of the Regional Executive for the 2014-2026 2-year term and their titles:

Christina Amirian Khanjian: Chairperson

Vicky Marashlian: Vice-Chairperson

Eugenie Shamlian Aroyan: Recording Secretary

Rita Hintlian: Corresponding Secretary

Maral Kouyoumdjian Manokian: Treasurer

Kenarig Avedisian: Advisor

Haigo Ovayan Barsamian: Advisor

Siroun Bedirian: Advisor

Taline Kayayan: Advisor