RI Celebrates ‘Varantian’ Chapter

By Alysha Phillips

On Jan. 24, the Rhode Island Armenian community came to celebrate the accomplishments of the Providence AYF “Varantian” Chapter. Amidst the snow and ice that evening, more than 250 people came out to show their support and enjoy each other’s company.

Despite the snow, and the 2015 “Varantian” Ball was another huge success!

The night began with opening prayers offered by Providence’s own Der Gomidas Baghsarian and Der Kapriel Nazarian. Alysha Phillips and Raffi Rachdouni then sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” and Taleen Donoyan sang “Mer Hairenik.” Patrons were then asked to remain standing for a moment of silence for those the community had lost in the past year.

The emcee for the evening, Alexan Topalian, then proceeded to give his opening remarks. Topalian was recently elected to the Chapter Executive as the corresponding secretary. He recognized the chapter’s honorary members and organizational representatives in attendance and introduced the “Varantian” Ball committee. Ani Megerdichian, the newly elected president of the chapter, spoke about the initiatives planned for 2015, which marks the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

Following the chapter update, Steve Mesrobian, the ARF advisor to the Providence Senior Chapter, spoke about the fact that the community has a full plate with the Centennial commemoration activities followed by hosting the Senior AYF Olympics over Labor Day Weekend. His father, Anto Mesrobian, representing the Providence AYF’s honorary members, was called up to the podium to greet the chapter members. This year, Natalia Sadaniantz, Raffi Minassian, and Simon Sarkisian took the step to alumni. Simon Sarkisian was the only member in attendance, and was asked to take a picture with Mesrobian.

At this point in the evening, the AYF Juniors went around selling raffle tickets, as they do annually. All proceeds from the raffle this year will benefit the Providence AYF Junior Chapter, to help with their fundraising for travel to Junior Seminar during Memorial Day weekend. More than $1,400 was raised that night.

Topalian then asked Der Gomidas and Der Kapriel to come back up to the podium to deliver the closing prayers. The Junior and Senior membership was brought forward to conclude the program with a chapter picture, and danced to the chapter’s signature song, “Hey Jon!” Alumni and community members joined the dance to get the social half of the evening off to a great start. The Yerakouyn Band, which included the chapter’s own Raffi Rachdouni, continued playing and entertaining, despite the snow, and the 2015 “Varantian” Ball was another huge success!

The Providence AYF Chapter wants to thank everyone for their continued support and looks forward to a wonderful new year. We hope to see you all back in Providence on Labor Day weekend for the 82^nd AYF-YOARF Olympic Games!