On a frigid Saturday night, Jan. 31st, over 375 people attended the Annual Providence Varantian Ball to dine and celebrate with the Providence AYF Juniors and Seniors and dance to the sounds of a seven-piece band led by Harry Bedrossian.
The evening began with chapter president Hrant Khatchadourian welcoming the crowd and asking Father Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, to offer the blessing. After a moment of silence for those who have passed away during the last year, dinner was served.
Emcee Khatchadourian then recognized the head table, honorary members of the chapter, former Olympic kings and queens, as well as the many local and regional organizational representatives that were present.
Talene Taraksian, the past president of the Junior chapter, gave a report on the wide range of activities the Juniors have participated in. They are one of the most organized and active organizations in the Providence community and offer much hope and promise for the future.
Unger Steve Elmasian, one of the Senior Chapter’s ARF advisors, reported on the activities of the older group. He was especially proud of the fact that the Senior members are active in all of the communities programs and more than represent themselves in everything that takes place in the state of Rhode Island.
Four members of the Senior chapter graduated to the ranks of alumni and were recognized during the program. Two of the most active alumni members in attendance, Ungerouhi Margaret Stepanian and Peter “DOC” Bedrosian, were called to the front of the room to greet them into the alumni fraternity.
Those successfully reaching the rank of alumni are Paula Markarian Burke, Melissa Danielian, Andrew Hajian, and Megan Young Khatchadourian. We congratulate all of them for their services over the years.
Khatchadourian continued the program speaking of the importance of the entire community getting even more involved than they currently are as the summer approaches. Providence will be hosting both the Homenetmen Regional Athletic Games as well as the AYF Olympics in a two-month period. This is an unprecedented task.
Ken Topalian, representing the AYF Governing Body, made an announcement that this year’s AYF Olympics will present an award to a distinguished alumni member of the local community who has consistently displayed the spirit of the AYF. The award is named in honor of the Varadian family members who have been active in this community for nearly 70 years. They are Varad Varadian, Haig Varadian, John Varadian, Jack Kachadoorian, all of whom have passed on. Maro Varadian Kachadoorian and Melkon Varadian continue to bless this community with their guidance, leadership, and advice.
Community announcements were made regarding upcoming events, a raffle took place with chapter members selling tickets to the attendees, and a trivia contest about current and past events also took place with each table participating as a team.
Lauren DaSilva, chairperson of the AYF’s Eastern Region Central Executive, addressed the crowd and congratulated the Providence AYF, one of the AYF’s charter chapters, on another successful year.
Der Gomidas Baghsarian closed the evening’s program along with Der Vartan Kassabian of North Andover. The junior and senior members were then asked to step to the floor as the band played the chapter song, “Hey Djan.”
The dinner crowd of over 300 then welcomed those that came for the dance. Many of them were members of central organizations that were meeting all day in Watertown adding a nice touch to the event.
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