ENCINO–The San Fernando Valley Homenetmen Massis chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary during a dinner-dance on October 2 at the Ferrahian Armenian School "Avedissian" hall that was attended by representatives of the Regional executive committee and sister organizations.
The dinner-dance celebrated and paid tribute to all the volunteers and leaders of past and present who have played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the chapter. The chairpersons of the past 20 years were honored.
Twenty years ago–due to the diligent efforts and initiative of the Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter–the San Fernando Valley chapter of Homenetmen was founded in 1979.
The establishment of the chapter created an unprecedented enthusiasm within the young and growing community.
The news was specially welcomed by Homenetmen members who resided in the area and by parents who were thrilled at the opportunity to enroll their children in Homenetmen’s scouting or athletic programs.
After a few month long trial period–the community and decision-makers within Homenetmen were convinced that the chapter would have its permanent place within the community. Hence–the inaugural meeting of the chapter was held on September 20–1979.
Due to the invaluable commitment of volunteers and under the auspices of the ARF "Rosdom" Chapter–the chapter grew in a fast yet consistent way.
Scout troops and athletic teams grew in number paving the way to record number of members. Scout and athletic councils were formed to oversee the activities of the programs.
Later–the social committee was formed which enjoyed tremendous success in its activities.
Less than a year after its formation in 1980–the chapter’s A division boys’ basketball team captured the championship in the Navasartian games and nearly a dozen scouts participated in Homenetmen’s worldwide jamboree held in France.
In 1983–in order to remind the younger generations of a part of Armenian history–the chapter renamed its self the San Fernando Valley "Massis" chapter–a name it has proudly carried ever since.
The first five years of the chapter’s operations were instrumental since the chapter was strengthening its roots within the community.
Already in 1985–the chapter’s athletic teams and individual participants were able to score numerous victories and capture a surprising second overall standing in the 10th Navasartian games that coincided with the chapter sixth anniversary.
During its 20 year life within the community–the organization has played an instrumental role in the development of the youths in the area.
The scouts have participated in numerous activities both within and outside the community and organization. A notable participation was the participation of two scouts in the first ever Western USA camp in Armenia in 1991.
Presently–the chapter has 1060 members which includes 120 scouts and over 600 members. The remainder of the membership lies mostly within the chapter’s parent committee or volunteer contributors.
The current executive committee consists of Aram Chobanian–Harout Khodanian–Maro Charkhoudian–Bedros Taslakian–Armig Aslanian–Shant Chobanian and Khachig Boyadjian.
As we enter the 21st century–we are confident that the San Fernando "Massis" chapter is on the correct path to assure its self that the youths of the region are offered the types of programs that keep them within a healthy and positive environment.