The AGBU New England District recently announced that it has a new Executive Committee. “We’re very excited to revitalize AGBU’s role in New England, provide creative programming, and reach out to our community,” said Ara J. Balikian, the new chair of the New England District. “We have a rich history as the third district worldwide and the first in the United States,” he said. “I hope that many of those who were past leaders, members, supporters, and participants of the New England District in the past return to support us and our new initiatives.”
As one of its first events, on Thanksgiving Day, the New England District, along with the AGBU Boston Young Professionals (YP), hosted a successful dinner for local college and university students who were not able to go home for Thanksgiving. This is a tradition they plan to continue and expand. “In the Boston area, we are fortunate to have Armenian college and university students from around the world,” said vice-chair Salpie Takadjian. “We’re reaching out to them so we can be a resource for them and connect them to the local Armenian community. Their participation will help enrich us, as well.”
The new Executive Committee is busy planning several other events. On March 31, they will host an inaugural event, “Performing Artists in Concert,” showcasing outstanding young Armenian musicians. All of the performers are past recipients of AGBU scholarships who have received their education at some of the world’s most well-respected and prestigious conservatories and universities. Similar concerts have been held with great success by the AGBU in Carnegie Hall in New York.
Every second and fourth Thursday night of the month, starting at 6 p.m. at the AGBU Center on Mt. Auburn St., the New England District is accommodating a Bistro Night featuring delicious catered traditional appetizers, kebab, and desserts. The Bistro Night is open to all who want to congregate with friends and family and enjoy delicious homemade Armenian cooking.
They are also allowing members of the Armenian community to rent the center for functions, such as private gatherings, meetings, get-togethers for families, and luncheons. To rent the center, contact the New England District by calling (617) 926-1373.
The district has also instituted an Armenian cooking series, an educational series, as well as a series showcasing present-day Armenian authors. The committee plans on opening the center as a safe and fun gathering place for Armenian teenagers and as a social gathering place during the day for Armenian seniors. “We also remain very committed to encouraging and supporting the activities of the Boston YP,” said New England District treasurer Robert Parsekian.
The committee also plans on launching an informative website. “It will be a great source of all things AGBU-related in New England and worldwide,” said Executive Committee member Sarven Ipek. “I encourage everyone to check it out.”
“I would like to thank past Chair Souren Maserejian and his entire committee for their unyielding dedication, hard work, and sacrifice to the New England District,” said Balikian. “We intend to build on their success.”
The 2011 Executive Committee is comprised of Ara J. Balikian, chair; Salpie Takadjian, vice-chair; Robert Parsekian, treasurer; Christina Orchanian Mardiros, secretary; and Alicia Demirjian, Talinn Demirjian, Antranig Mardiros, Sarven Ipek, and Seza Metrebian Seraderian. Nina Festekjian serves as an advisor.
The old or past members, supporters and leaders will join AGBU when the old values of AGBU are brought back, such as their historic involvment in education and the hard work of keeping schools open rather the new trend of closing them down, one after another because it is hard to oversee and mannage so many schools from NY while justifing their actions with very poor and made up reasons.