LOWELL, Mass.—For 50 years, the Lowell ARS Community Center has maintained a venerable presence at 142 Liberty St.
It has served as the gateway for AYF members and its parent organizations, the ARS to which it belongs, and the ARF.
It has been the focal point for special Armenian anniversaries, tributes, engagement parties, even showers.
Through desperate times, like the earthquake in 1988, and good times, like the 20th anniversary of the New Independence Republic, it has answered its diligent call from one generation to the next.
They are people like Sona (Dulgarian) Gevorkian who attended AYF meetings here, conferences and festivals. Today, she maintains her clubhouse tradition as president of the Lowell “Lousintak” ARS Chapter.
Gevorkian paid tribute to those responsible for purchasing the building and offered her “thanks for the memories.”
She was especially fond of her AYF years with the many Olympic spaghetti suppers, during which every athlete who participated was rewarded with a token of appreciation. There were the talent shows in which every child, regardless of proficiency, got up to entertain the audience.
There were Halloween parties here and rummage sales. And everyone had the honor of opening the “golden door.”
Three generations of Gevorkian’s family gathered for a golden anniversary celebration Nov. 16 that packed the house for an evening of conviviality and reminiscing. Appetizers, cocktails, and music provided the fare as Armenians flocked from near and far to their old stomping ground.
“There’s a lot of history here and you are all a part of it,” she said, in welcoming the crowd. “This building has shaped our lives, helped us make lifelong friends, created memories, and defined our Armenian community in Merrimack Valley for three generations.”
“It’s where I learned my first rules of parliamentary procedure,” she divulged.
During the last week in July, the center has served as a mecca for preparing food and pastry sold during the Lowell Folk Festival. Armenian Christmas celebrations each Jan. 6 have complemented the number of ARS Lenten dinners.
You’ll find the building woven inside a residential neighborhood on a street that has identified the mission: liberty! On special occasions, you’ll see the Armenian and American flags displayed ritually.
Neighborhoods change. So do people’s mentalities. But the center remains steadfast for all who continue to step inside.
The premises serve as a veritable conclave, museum, and clearing house. Check out the walls and you’ll see pictures that have defined both time and commitment. Resting prominently are the three founders of the ARF above another photo of Lowell hamagirs who left to fight for the cause a century yonder.
Photos of AYF athletes cover their footage in the basement below. Lowell “Ararat” teams featuring athletes in their heyday stand regal with their identity dating back to the 1970’s. Trophy cases rich with awards are testimony of success.
You want canned Armenian music? Turn on the 8 mm recorder and plug in an old Johnny Berberian cassette. No speaker system here. Just talk a little louder to be heard. No air-conditioning, either. Open a window and run a fan if the heat’s got you down.
One of the best speeches you’d ever want to hear came from James Mandalian one May 28 when the former Hairenik Weekly editor made his visit.
It took him a while to get his bearings but an instant later, he grew acclimated. He was mesmerized by the ambiance of the building. Visitors might recall him saying how photographs define the true character of history.
Mandalian happened to mention other agoomps in his travels, especially the one in Watertown to which he had grown accustomed. “It’s a touch of Armenia in America,” he had described.
He then proceeded to give an electrifying talk as the rafters shook with intensity. One week it was Mandalian, another it was Arthur Giragosian or Leo Sarkisian.
Had it been the Taj Mahal, it would not have mattered much anyway.
Who among you has savored a similar experience with clubhouses, whether in your youthful prime or now—a place to gather and perpetuate the Armenian Cause? A place to practice your identity unhampered and feel the spirit of Armenia seeping through your pores.
I’m holding a photograph taken in 1976 of AYF Juniors and Seniors gathered on the front steps. A familiar sight crosses my eyes. Second row, second person in, standing behind AYF Olympic stalwart Rich Chebookjian.
She happens to be my daughter Sonya, 10 years old at the time, attending her first conference. I still gloat with pride every time I see it.
Tom Vartabedian
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