A New Beginning

ARS Sosseh Chapter members at the Hye Getron opening night (l. to r.): Lara Kassarjian, Tamar Kassarjian, Sossy Sagherian, Azniv Tokatlian, Pauline Lakhoyan, Mary Kalayjian, Mary Andonian (ARS Eastern Region Board member), Ossana Danielian, Silva Takvorian (ARS Central Executive Board member), Annette Maggio, Nardouhi Gheridian, Angele Manoogian, Lena Chahinian, and Shakeh Ketoyan

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.–The ARS Florida “Sosseh” Chapter, along with the ACAA, Homenetmen and AYF South Florida “Arev” Chapter, opened the doors to their new Hye Getron on June 17. The Getron has been in the making for a few years, and with the combined efforts of all members, it all became possible.

The facility is in a desirable central location in Boynton Beach, off of Gateway Blvd., making it convenient for community members, many of whom said they were looking forward to visiting often. The community, which has been without an agoump for almost three years due to the pandemic, is renting the building, which is a Mason’s Lodge. It consists of a meeting room, kitchen and dining area. Organizations can hold large functions in the new space, with a capacity of about 120 people.

Opening of the Hye Getron, Boynton Beach, FL, June 17, 2023

With the establishment of this new agoump, we embark on a new journey filled with countless memories, and strive to achieve our shared goals of an “Ազատ, Անկախ և Միացեալ Հայաստան” (free, independent and united Armenia). The agoump opens its doors not only for us but also for our future generations, offering a place to embrace our cultural heritage, preserve our language, dance to our music and forge meaningful connections within our community.

Organizational leaders cutting the ceremonial cake (l. to r.): Vasken Lahkoyan (ARF “Rosdom” Florida Gomideh and ACAA chair), Tamar Kassarjian (ARS “Sosseh” Florida Chapter chair and AYF South Florida “Arev” treasurer), Vahe Boyajian (Homenetmen Florida chair) and Mary Andonian (ARS Eastern Region Executive Board member)

Opening night was a huge success, with enthusiastic attendees visiting from near and far. Along with local members of the community and organizations, ARS Central Executive Board member Silva Takvorian joined the festivities. “We must go forward, we must gather our collective strength and pour it into our future generation,” said ARF “Rosdom” Gomideh chair Vasken Lakhoyan in his remarks. “This sense of community is what will guide and propel the prosperity of our Hairenik and provide an even brighter future.”

AYF South Florida “Arev” members (l. to r.): Alec Samra, Tamar Kassarjian, and Khatchig Boyajian

ARS member Sossy Sagherian spoke about a time when she was a little girl in Lebanon, and everywhere she turned, people were speaking Turkish, even some Armenians. “To those speaking Turkish, respond in Armenian,” she said, was the motto of a successful campaign launched in those days. She encouraged our community, especially our youth, to speak Armenian and not let the language die, as the Western Armenian dialect has become an endangered language.

The fight for Armenia’s well-being is an ongoing endeavor, and with the advent of this new chapter in our community’s history, we are filled with hope. Together, we can make a difference and contribute to shaping the course of our collective destiny.

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Tamar Kassarjian

Tamar Kassarjian is a native Floridian and currently working toward her masters in healthcare administration. She serves on the executive of the ARS "Sosseh" Chapter, where she’s been a member for nine years. She also serves as the secretary for the AYF South Florida “Arev” Chapter, where she has been a member for five years. Tamar is active in her local Armenian community as an Armenian dance teacher at Arevig Dance Ensemble and an Armenian language kindergarten teacher at the local Sunday school.