PROVIDENCE, R.I.—One decade ago, the ANC of Rhode Island began hosting a “Meet the Elected Officials Picnic,” which provided the local Armenian community with a chance to meet with officials during a non-election year, as well as during an election cycle (when both declared candidates and elected officials from the federal, state, and local level are invited).
On Sept. 15, under a beautiful fall sky, the crowd lined up again after church services to get their delicious shish, losh, and chicken dinners prepared by members of the Providence ARF and ANC-RI. And to thank the officials who stand by them all year long on issues that concern Armenian Americans.
The elected officials included U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, State Senator Hanna Gallo, State Rep. Katherine Kazarian, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, and Providence Council President and Councilman Michael Solomon.
Andrew Bagdasarian emceed the event and outlined the many programs and projects the ANC of Rhode Island is currently working on. Levon Zobian and Sevan Zobian, AYF representatives to the ANC, were charged with voter registration, and manned the booth set up for that purpose. The Providence AYF Juniors provided desserts through a bake sale held in conjunction with the picnic. Steve Elmasian read the names of the 72 sponsors that, on April 24—the day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide—had the Armenian flag flown at the city and town hall of their choice, in memory of a loved one.
The “Meet the Candidate Picnic” will be held again next year, on Sept. 9.
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