ARF Panagoum Gathering Hits a ‘Hye’ Note (Slideshow)

FRANKLIN, Mass. (A.W.)—Camp Haiastan turned into a virtual feeding ground of political, educational, and social banquets over the Columbus Day weekend. In all, nine Gomidehs represented by 85 ungers throughout the Eastern Region attended the conclave, including such extreme points as Florida and Chicago. The event was highlighted by the swearing-in of a dozen new members by Vahan Badasyan, a battle hero of Artsakh (Karabagh) and government pedagogue of that region. In administering the oath of membership, he told the new candidates to work as emissaries for their organization, to stand tall, serve the ranks with diligence, and act as organizers in the recruitment of others. “Keep the ziranishan forever in your hearts,” he told the group. “You are entering an organization that serves Armenia with pride and conviction. We welcome you to our midst.” A large bonfire and singing of revolutionary songs set the mood as other Gomideh members—veterans as well as newcomers—stepped forward to relate stories of their own. No age gap was noticeable, even though members spanned a half century. Members began arriving Friday and stayed in the cabins. The comfort scene was enhanced by summer-like temperatures in the two days that followed. Central Committee Chairman Antranig Kasbarian welcomed the gathering with some pertinent remarks, describing the panagoum as an opportunity for camaraderie. “It’s a chance to get together and hear each other out without all the bureaucracy,” he pointed out. “It’s also an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with other regions, weigh our concerns, and exchange ideas in a positive way.” The turnout, hosted by the Providence Gomideh, showed a marked increase from last year when the regional concept was established. Numbers are expected to rise above the century mark next year. [monoslideshow id=39] Vahan Badasyan presented a vivid account of the military and defense of Artsakh while Kasbarian followed with an overview of the economic growth and challenges of the region. Both offered a poignant description of Artsakh and its rise through the turmoil of the 1990’s, following its battle for independence with the Azeris. Other presentations also kept the crowd involved. Hagop Hachikian discussed the Hamshin in Turkey; Vahakn Karakashian the Dersim; Khatchig Mouradian the Bolsahye community; Raffi Bedrosyan the revival of Soorp Giragos Church in Diyarbekir; and Greg Bedian and Dikran Kaligian the Turkish community (the Gulen and 10,000 Turks Movements) in the U.S. Vartivar Keshishian led a training session on the internal website and e-novice folder; Anny Demirjian and Yervant Keshishian led a session on public relations and social media; and committee members gave a presentation about the Artsakh Fund. Facilitating the discussions was Ani Haroian of the Providence Gomideh. --- Armenian Community in Turkey (Hamshin) by Hagop Hachikian --- Diarbekir – Revival of Soorp Giragos Church by Raffi Bedrosyan --- Armenian Community in Turkey (Dersim) by Vahakn Karakashian --- Turkish Armenian Community and Developments in Turkey by Khatchig Mouradian --- Turkish Community in America (The Gulen and 10,000 Turks Movements) by Greg Bedian and Dikran Kaligian --- Training session internal website and e-novice folder by Vartivar Keshishian --- Training session media, public relations and social media by Anny Deirmenjian Deese and Yervant Keshishian --- Presentation of the Artsakh Fund by committee members Members spent their free time playing cards and tavloo, exchanging stories and camp memories, posing for pictures, and enjoying the finest of cuisine, prepared by Hagop the Gourmet Chef and his dedicated staff. Panagoum 2011 proved a well-calibrated tool in the Gomideh’s workshop, designed to build newer tiers within the organization and give members a fresh approach to cultivate its standards in a relaxed setting.

ARF Panagoum Gathering Hits a ‘Hye’ Note (Slideshow)

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