Beyond the normal excitement of going to the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Olympics, I was glad to be returning to a place with which I was quite familiar. From 1990 to 2006, we lived in Connecticut and I worked for Colgate-Palmolive. Work often took me to Colgate’s Technology Center, which is located in Piscataway, N.J.; basically the next town over from New Brunswick. When multiple day meetings necessitated staying over, we stayed at the Hyatt New Brunswick—the headquarters hotel for the Olympics, and where all the dances will be held.
It goes without saying that the New Jersey Armenian community is one of the best. While living out this way, I really got to know and appreciate community here. They have a mix of both a New York and New Jersey state of mind. That mix is hard to explain and certainly not universal. The folks I gravitate to basically have an engaging style, with dashes of “bust your chops” humor. A great bunch of Armenians all pulled together to plan a great weekend.
It would be great to get to see everyone from all over the country and catch-up. No matter what our intentions, and no matter how much social media helps us stay in touch, there are many folks that I only see once a year—at the AYF Olympics. Upon seeing each other, it like we never missed a beat. This is the spirit and fraternalism that has been part of this organization, its members, and alumni, since its establishment in 1933.
It is debatable whether Thursday is even part of the AYF Olympics. The people that arrive and check-in on Thursdays fall into two categories: they either got a really good airfare, or are participating in golf or tennis on Friday morning. I guess there is a third category also: one is going to the golf and tennis events to take photos and report on the events for the Armenian Weekly… I was also delighted with the airfare from Chicago to Newark!
I arrived midday on Thursday as part of getting a great airfare is taking a plane that leaves at dawn. After settling into my room in The Heldrich (yes, the Hyatt sold out very quickly), I walked the four blocks to the Hyatt. There, Araksi Dinkjian and Simone Aynlian were setting up the welcoming desk. Ara Dinkjian was carting in boxes of supplies for weekend. I sat and had a great conversation with Onnik Dinkjian and chatted briefly with governing body members, Mark Alashaian and Rich Sarajian, as well as AYF Central Executive member Ara Sarajian, who, not surprisingly, was off to one last meeting before the weekend kicked into gear. Taline Hagopian Chalian was also there with her adorable children. Her boys livened up the place. Another highlight was the first of the California delegation to arrive: Eddie and Datev Hovannisian and Rita Bahnan.
The only activity planned for the evening was a mixer at The World of Beer, a popular Rutgers watering hole. It was slated to begin at 9 p.m. Being of a certain age, I got there at nine-ish and chatted a bit with Raffi Massoyan, Kyle Byrd, and Adam Boyajian. Being the oldest person in the place, I was appreciative of the young people “including” me in their circle. I also had the wisdom to retire when the bulk of the crowd started amassing at 11 p.m.
I might not have gone to bed early, as I should have, when I participated in the Olympics, but as a reporter and photographer going to the tennis, golf, and swimming events, it was a must!
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