Last Sunday, my wife and I went to Camp Haiastan to witness the dedication of the renovated Cabin Circle in memory of Regina Najarian and the Under the Trees area in memory of Mark Alashaian and Vaghinag Koroghlian. How great it was to see the amount of people there for such a special day. The next morning, I sat quietly reflecting, still in awe of how many people made the trip to Franklin, Massachusetts. It was like the “good old days,” 1,000 people strong.
Was it because the weather was so beautiful?
Was it because everyone wanted to see green grass growing in the cabin circle for the first time in 70 years?
Was it because everyone could finally fit Under the Trees at one time with its new expansive design?
Was it because parents wanted to spend a few more minutes with the campers they were dropping off for Session 2?
Was it the desire to leave New York and New Jersey for greener pastures, if only for a few hours?
Was it because Sunday was the first picnic at Camp Haiastan in three years?
Was it because we knew the Providence ARF and friends worked so hard to make this picnic memorable, and we knew the food would be great?
Was it because Sunday would be the only picnic at Camp Haiastan this summer?
Was it because Hagop Donoyan was cooking the shish kebab?
Was it the sound of Armenian music coming from the bandstand?
Was it because people heard that Peter Alemian and Bob Gigarjian were going to be there?
Was it to hear the laughter of our next generation enjoying time with each other?
Was it because we knew we would see countless friends all in one place?
Was it a desire to revisit a piece of our past that we all cherish?
Was it because Camp Haiastan is the greatest place on earth?
John Mangassarian
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I had the honor to go to Armenia with John Mangassarian to help with a project, I never met the kindest and loving people I hope to go next year with John and the A-Team if God willing
It Was, Is and Always will be, because was even though you may have been the most shy, introverted kid in your high school, the prettiest girl in school was your friend.
Camp Haiastan is the prettiest and most friendly girl in school. We know when we go to Camp Haiastan, Camp Haiastan will always be our friend. When we smell the shish kebob and pilaf cooking, we are smelling the most beautiful perfume in the world cooking in the pretiest girl’s backyard.
John, I was supposed to go to Armenia with you – The full group – this summer. Unfortunately, it did not work too much going on in the “home stand”. I will pick one of the Fuller Armenian groups for next year, and hopefully, Lord willing, to be there with a hammer in hand!
What a tremendous group attending!
Thank you for what you do!
Ed