STUDIO CITY–Armenian Relief Society (ARS) chapters and other community organizations continually contend with how to attract new members–how to provide services to the community–and how to engage non-Armenian political and community organizations.
The simple–yet ideal solution for the local ARS chapters was to organize community mixer at the Armenian Center in Studio City–so as to introduce local–non-Armenian leaders to what goes on inside its walls.
Master of ceremonies the honorable Judge Greg Keosian invited representatives of Armenian organizations to present information about their work for the community–as well as guests to give their impressions of the event and how they could benefit from the community.
Manig Sakayan of the Armenian National Committee introduced the role of the various organizations that operate from the Armenian Center.
ARS Western region chair Angela Savoian explained that the ARS has been serving those in need since 1910–empowering members as leaders of the organization and the community–contributing to the education and well being of citizens with its five Social Services Centers–and a Child–Youth and Family Guidance Center. Savoian’s presentation depicted scenes from the LA Marathon–the ARS Armenian Festival–and new ARS members taking their oath. She highlighted the work of the ARS "Meghri" Chapter–that operates from the Armenian Center in Studio City. ARS services include a Social Services branch office. The chapter also sponsors an after-school Armenian language program at Erwin Elementary in Van Nuys.
Other speakers included the western region’s Armenian National Committee chair Raffi Hamparian–Jack McGrath of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce–and Alan Dymond–Rafi Kuyumjian and Michael Klausman of the Studio City Neighborhood Council. Klausman is also President of the CBS Studio Center.