By Harry Derderian
Maro from Providence.
Not much more needs to be said than this, as countless members of the AYF family know who you are referring to, and respond with a smile. No one from the Land of the Green Machine–or elsewhere, for that matter—carries as much of a flame for the AYF than this fiery nationalistic personality.
Going back to the weekend kef events on the Cape, Maro always had refreshments in her room and friends would come and go. Since 2005, she and her friends have been rooming together at Olympics. In recent years, Maro has hosted an informal pre-Sunday night dance “kheyma party” for her AYF friends.
“It’s a lot of work, but Maro wants to do it and friends help,” says Rita Soovajian. “She appreciates friendships and wants to see friends on an intimate basis aside from the Olympic events and the heat or noise.”
Nearly 60 people came by this year, and memories and more current topics flowed through the room. The longer the social went, the broader Maro’s smile became.
Rita, Lucille Derderian Hamparian, Diane Krikorian, Charlie Krikorian, Bearg Arslanian,
Mitchell Shoushanian, and two new friends from Toronto were a big help this year.
Charlie, in fact, is the one who mixed the meat. He makes a great kheyma. Ask any of Maro’s
kheyma groupies and the friends who stop by.
Because the work requires a massive food spread, most in the group typically say, “This is the last year.” However, with Olympics in Providence next year, don’t be surprised to see Maro and her kheyma groupies open a hotel room door to their AYF family, celebrating friendships and having a feast.
The Sunday night dance was its usual evening of spirit and fun, led by the long-time artistry of Onnik, John, and Hachig. Providence, which finished second, had its chapter dance to the strains of their proprietary “Hey Jon.” In the middle of the dance floor were the trophies and…Maro. She had been brought out to the center of the floor and the singing began.
All those who made up the Providence line gave her the ultimate respect by having her be in the center during the celebration. Beaming, Maro never stopped smiling as the spirit of the AYF was showered on her, helping her to celebrate a good Providence showing in the Games.
Maro’s spirit has reached generation after generation. A good person reaches everyone.
Let’s not forget Friday night at the alumni reception, which featured Hachig and Richard Hagopian. There was Maro, the ultimate AYFer and kef groupie, seated in front of the band, observing Hachig and Richard as the two maestros did their thing. Maro smiled and smiled. Armenian music is in this lady’s soul and she soaked up every note. No one we know has a greater love of Armenian music, the AYF, and our nation. We are all better off for knowing this classy and sincere lady—Maro Garabedian Dionisopoulos , the AYF matriarch.
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To Maro: Thank you Maro for inviting me and Angele to your room at the hotel on the A.Y.F. Olympic Games in Detroit. Your Khema was delicious along with everything else. We won’t forget this great gettoghter. Steve & Angele Dulgarian
Well said Harry. Maro’s AYF spirit is genuine and very contagious. She is a gracious person who really knows how to throw a party! Thank you Maro for being so much fun and for not changing since we met at AYF Camp many years ago. I look forward to seeing you and all my AYF friends in Providence this summer!