The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA, Nairy Chapter hosted the ARS 93rd Annual Regional Convention, and organized a program to celebrate its own 45th anniversary.

The dinner-dance was held on July 13 at the Armenian Center in Montebello, with dozens of delegates and guests participating, along with some local residents. Among the guests was the ARS of Eastern USA Regional Executive representative Taline Mkrtschjan.

Opening remarks were made by Arpik Najarian, the convention organizing committee chairperson who invited the ARS members and guests to renew their oath “to be the true successors of our founders and benefactors.”

Annie Kechichian, ARS Central Executive Board representative, congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter, noting that when the anniversary of a chapter is celebrated, it is a sign of the chapter’s success and continued existence. Kechichian urged the involvement of the youth in Armenian community life, and congratulated the ARS Nairy members for many years of hard work.

ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive chairperson Lena Bozoyan also congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter members for their “golden hearts, iron will and unwavering efforts during the past 45 years.”

On behalf of the ARS Regional Executive, Bozoyan presented a plaque commemorating the Nairy Chapter’s 45th anniversary to the Chapter Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan.

On display were posters of old photographs of ARS history and a video of the early history of the ARS. ARF Tro Committee representative Levon Kirakosian, Esq. said that he was one of the displaced persons (DPs) shown on the video. He then congratulated the Nairy Chapter and handed a certificate of recognition by Christina Cortez, the mayor of the City of Montebello, to Harboyan.

Harboyan reminded the audience of the accomplishments of the chapter that included the Nairy daycare being recognized by the City of Montebello Chamber of Commerce as a “Quality of Life” business for 2013.