BURLINGTON, Vt.—The 103rd convention of the Armenian Relief Society Eastern United States of America (ARS-EUSA) took place from July 17-20 in Burlington, Vermont, marking the first time the convention was held in the state. Thirty-nine delegates representing 20 chapters, the Regional Executive Board, organizational representatives, and observers and guests were in attendance.
The convention commenced on Thursday, July 18, with the singing of the anthems of the Republic of Armenia, the United States, and the Armenian Relief Society. During the opening ceremony, ARS EUSA Regional Executive Board chairperson Caroline Chamavonian invited the delegates to observe a moment of silence in honor of ARS members, benefactors, and supporters of the organization who passed away during the year. In her remarks, she expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of the chapters, emphasizing how their commitment embodies the resilience and compassion of the Armenian community. Then, Caroline Chamavonian honored Vartouhie Chiloyan for her 25th anniversary as Executive Director of the ARS of Eastern USA. To mark this milestone, a special surprise video featuring messages from former ARS of Eastern USA chairpersons was presented, along with a collage of photos showcasing memorable moments from her tenure. The tribute highlighted Chiloyan’s enduring commitment and significant impact on the organization over the past quarter-century, celebrating her unwavering dedication and leadership. As a token of appreciation, a special gift was presented to her.
Then, Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor of the St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley opened the meeting with a prayer and passed on the greetings of Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church. Then, Ani Tchaghlassian, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern US Central Committee Chairperson and Central Executive Board member and region’s liaison Irma Kassabian made remarks on behalf of their respective bodies, expressing gratitude for their partnership with the ARS EUSA and wished the delegates a success as they planned the next fiscal year.
Taline Mkrtschjan, Sandra Vartanian, and Knar Kiledjian were elected on the Credentials Examination Committee and after the review and approval of the delegate questionnaires, the meeting was deemed official. Sevan Koledjian and Silva Takvorian were elected to chair the Convention. Mimi Parseghian, Victoria Hagopian, Knar Kiledjian, and Maria Ebrimian served as secretaries, diligently keeping meeting minutes throughout the weekend. Guests of the convention included Talin Daghlian, Angele Manoogian, Sonia Bezdikian, Arpy Seferian, Dana Walrath, and Susan Alemiian Bentley.
On Thursday night, Ungh. Irma Kassabian presented the CEB’s 2023-2024 report. The report summarized the humanitarian efforts undertaken and the various programs implemented by the ARS in the homeland and around the world.
During the convention, Silva Sagherian, Maral Kaprielian, Pearl Bargamian Teague, Tsoler Janian, and Juliette Millian served as members of the nominating committee. The correspondence committee, responsible for reviewing the files and minutes of the regional office, included Vera Mouradian, Renee Marachlian, and Lusya Schinelli. Auditing committee members who audited the organization’s financial records and the budget were Talar Abdalian, Lena Dishoyan, and Danielle Shegherian. Tasked with gathering decisions and intentions for future projects and plans for the region, the resolutions committee consisted of Karine Shamlian, Melissa Simonian, and Linda Wyatt.
On Friday, July 19, the meeting began with the presentation of the activities of the Eastern United States, presented by Regional Executive Board Vice-Chair, Seda Aghamianz, where it was announced that more than $565,000 was allocated by the ARS-EUSA to local, regional, and global projects during the fiscal year. Delegates expressed their appreciation to the board and staff for their work during the fiscal year and commended their commitment to the organization’s humanitarian mission. They specifically highlighted the importance of continuing the trip seminars for the membership and giving more educational opportunities for our community members. Throughout the day, organizational topics such as recruitment and expanding membership, program evaluation and expansion, marketing/public relations, and increasing financial resources were discussed. The resolutions committee presented a list of goals to guide the newly-elected Regional Executive Board in the upcoming fiscal year. Due to a change in the bylaws, the ARS of Eastern USA will now hold conventions biennially instead of annually. Delegates were also excited to hear about plans for a celebratory weekend in honor of the organization’s 115th anniversary, which will be held in New York/New Jersey on March 8, 2025.
As the meeting progressed, Isabel Hagobian, Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF member and Harout Tashian, Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union member reported on the activities of their organizations.
At the end of the meeting, Caroline Chamavonian thanked Talin Daghlian for her service on the board during the first quarter of the fiscal year before her election to the Central Executive Board and presented her with a gift on behalf of the Regional Executive Board. Caroline also expressed gratitude to Executive Director Vartouhie Chiloyan and Marketing Manager Verginie Touloumian for their exceptional contributions and efforts in advancing the organization’s mission and outreach. In appreciation of the hospitality, the Regional Executive Board also donated $850 to their chapter. Finally, Caroline thanked the delegates for their contributions and encouraged them to return to their cities with renewed energy to serve our community, nation, and people. Guests of the convention conveyed their sincere appreciation to the Regional Executive Board and praised the delegates for diligently conducting the convention with new ideas and enthusiasm.
Additionally, all new time delegates reflected on their first convention and shared their experiences during a dedicated session, where many expressed feelings of inspiration and motivation, highlighting the valuable insights gained from the discussions.
In honor of the delegates and guests, a yacht tour on Lake Champlain was organized on Saturday night. As the yacht sailed, attendees enjoyed views of the surrounding landscape and had opportunities for networking and camaraderie. Following the yacht tour, a raffle organized by the chapter offered several gifts to the attendees and a grand prize of $1,250, which the winner, Seda Aghamianz, donated entirely back to the chapter to sponsor young Armenians from their state to attend AYF Camp Haiastan.
The convention concluded with the election of Regional Board members and approval of the budget. The 2024-2025 Regional Executive Board members are Caroline Chamavonian, Seda Aghamianz, Margie Babikian, Mary Andonian, Tamitza Dakissian, Anoush Bargamian, and Leiza Bouroujian.
