GLENDALE—The Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter, established in 1978, with more than 2400 members and two centers, is the largest chapter within the Western Hemisphere.
In the past 35 years, Ararat has served more than 15,000 youth, the majority of whom have become successful professionals in their fields and the leaders of our organization.
The Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter’s Athletic Division strives to serve youth by creating the best family atmosphere for the physical and intellectual growth of our members through athletics. Our athletes have represented Western U.S. Homenetmen in several international competitions. They participate in the Navasartian Games, the Pan-Armenian Games in Armenia, City Leagues and chapter sponsored tournaments. In addition to basketball, soccer and volleyball, we also offer individual sports such as table tennis, martial arts, tennis, and artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. This year, at the 38th Navasartian Games, we participated with more than 1000 athletes and won numerous championships. Our proudest achievement is creating year-round activities for our youth, using volunteers, parents, experienced leaders and veteran coaches.
Since its establishment in 1978, the Homenetmen Ararat Chapter’s Scouting Division has been instilling the values of teamwork and leadership in its scouts. They develop character, citizenship and acquire scouting knowledge.
The Scouting Division offers the Eagle Scout program for boy scouts, through which scouts can achieve the Eagle Scout rank, an award that has considerable significance not only in scouting but also in the business world.
In addition to athletics and scouting, in its mission to teach the youth about our rich heritage and to promote cultural programs in the community, Homenetmen Glendale Ararat chapter’s Cultural Division focuses on introducing younger members to our culture with classes for painting, dance and choir.
Each year, it is customary to select an individual as a lifetime Honorary Member of Ararat and introduce the individual to the community. This year we have selected our long time member and volunteer, Jasik Jarahian who for so many years has contributed to Ararat.
An active member of the Homenetmen Regional Executive Board, she was named the “2001 Model and Exemplary Member” for her many accomplishments. She was a founding member of the Davtian-Mairamian after-school program. She has brought her active participation to numerous non-Armenian charities and other organizations, receiving many awards and appreciations.
In October 2005, she was named “Non-Profit Employee of the Year” at the annual Women in Business awards ceremony jointly organized by California Senator Jack Scott (21st District), Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer (43rd District), and Assembly member Carol Liu (44th District).
The ARS-WUSA Regional Executive first honored her achievements as an outstanding member of the community during a ceremony.
In March 2007, during Women’s History Month, Congressman Adam Schiff honored her as an extraordinary woman of California’s 29th Congressional District, and her name was entered into the Congressional Record.
She was named an “Honorary Artsakh Citizen” by the Dzaghgashad Village in September 2006, after leading several years of efforts to renovate the village. This honor was bestowed upon her by Ashod Ghoulian, Speaker of the Parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh.
In October 2007, she was honored by the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce with the “Women in Service” award.
She was “Volunteer of the Year” in 2006 for Armenia Fund.
She was named “Mother of the Year” for the ARS-WUSA North Hollywood Meghry Chapter.
In 2010 she was honored as “Volunteer of the Year” by the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
In May 2012, she was awarded in Artsakh with the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Presidential Appreciation medal for her 20 years of achievements by President Bako Sahakyan.
In November 2012, she received an award by Armenia Fund for her 20 years of service.
In May 2013, she was recognized by the ARS Glendale “Sepan” Chapter on the occasion of the “Year of the Armenian Mother.”
She has received certificates of recognition and awards on various occasions by community leaders. She was recognized by His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, for her outstanding community service. Also in recognition of outstanding service by US Congressman Adam Schiff, LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Councilmember (now Mayor) Eric Garcetti, State Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, Assistant Majority Leader Kevin DeLeon, State Senator Carol Liu, the City of Glendale, Armenian National Committee of America, and Saint Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, and various other Armenian and American organizations.
Jasik Jarahian is an exemplary person with numerous virtues.
The 35th Anniversary of Glendale Homenetmen Ararat Chapter will be celebrated on October 19, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (former Marriott). Exciting musical entertainment will be provided by the large group of the Allen G. Orchestra. During the event, Jasik Jarahian will be recognized as Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter’s 2013 Honorary Member. Join us for an unprecedented evening filled with unforgettable memories.