Thirtieth anniversary of Glendale Ararat chapter on Sunday, September 28 at Hall of Liberty in Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, where around 1000 guests gathered to celebrate the milestone.
The dynamic chapter has its own special place in the daily life of Glendale Armenia’s as well as the community-at-large. And to celebrate in just the right fashion, a 23 member anniversary committee had been formed months prior to see to every detail.
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the blessing to open the program. In congratulating the Ararat Chapter, the archbishop noted that it has presented itself to the community with dedication and practical implementation of all things necessary to advance the community.
As Ararat scouts of all ages and levels marched onto the stage, the last 30 years of Ararat’s history literally unfolded as a part of the unprecedented program that also included a comprehensive look at the chapter’s athletic and basketball program.
The evening’s cultural program featured the youngest performers from the Ararat dance group, under the directorship of Anoush Mehranian.
A video presentation covered the chapters various activities, including visits by the Catholicos of the House of Cilicia, national and state leaders, and other guests to the Ararat Center throughout the years.
During the chapter’s formative years, a tiny house in Glendale served as its headquarters. Today, however, Ararat Glendale has two centers that house the activities of its 2500 members–to form the largest Homenetmen chapter worldwide.
It is unequivocally clear that the utter commitment of now its older members has elevated the chapter to these levels of success.
And to celebrate such advancemen’s, the day’s program began with an address by Lena Tavtian who thanked the support of all sponsors and community members. Several respected members of the community were on hand to be a part of the grand commemoration, including Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, State Assemblyman Paul Krekorian and Glendale Councilmembers Bob Yousefian and Ara Najarian, Homenentmen Regional Executive Committee (REC) Chairman Steve Artinian, Glendale Unified School District Board of Education president Joylene Wagner and members Greg Krikorian and Nayiri Nahabedian; Scott Drolet and Lia Kanian of Forest Lawn.
On behalf of Homenetmen REC, Steve Artinian congratulated the chapter, calling it the "shining star" of Homenetmen; the organization only recently formed its 100th chapter, this time in Moscow.
Congratulations were extended by Assembly member Krekorian who outlined the small but pivotal role Homenetmen plays in the advancement of the state of California. On behalf of Sate Senator Jack Scott, a certificate celebrating Ararat’s achievemen’s was presented to the chapter; and a letter from the central executive of Tehran’s Ararat Cultural Organization was read.
To liven the program, children displayed the diversity of Glendale Ararat’s athletic program through a gymnastic routine, as well as more dance performances and traditional songs.
Solo song performances were presented by Hermig Amiran and Levig Khmchian, followed by 3 renditions by the Ararat choir.
The value of the work done by the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat chapter is massive. More invaluable, however, is the involvement of the hundreds and hundreds of youth in the chapter who will surely perpetuate its success.
Thirtieth anniversary celebrations will wrap-up with a Gala Night on December 6th at Ararat Center.
