Schiff seeks nominees for women’s award
Every March, during Women’s History Month, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) honors one outstanding woman from each of the communities in the 29th Congressional District. They include: Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
“Recipients of the ‘Woman of the Year award’ come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region,” Rep. Schiff said in a statement. “I urge constituents to contact my office and let us know about some of the admirable women in our communities by nominating them for this year’s award.”
While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who — through their work or volunteerism — have improved the quality of life in our community.
Nominations should be sent to Mary.Hovagimian@mail.house.gov, and include a written description of the nominee’s accomplishments, the home address, phone number and email of the nominee and the nominator’s name and contact information.
ARS hosts reception as lead-in to gala
The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS) hosted a kickoff reception on March 6 at the Glendale Hilton Hotel where 140 guests gathered and enjoyed good company while receiving enlightening details about the forthcoming ARS Gala 2012.
As a precursor to the gala, the reception offered guests a first-chance opportunity to reserve tickets, become table sponsors and candle lighters for the main event. Supporters and members rallied in support as 45 table sponsors and 40 candle lighters, as well as individual donations were secured.
Alongside ARS members, guests included representatives from local sister organizations and individual ARS supporters.
Everyone in attendance was in high spirits in anticipation of the gala, which will celebrate the region’s 28th anniversary and service to communities in need both locally and internationally. This year’s event will honor chapter members in an effort to recognize their exceptional service as part of the driving force of ARS activities in their local communities.
Nyree Derderian, Chairperson of the ARS Regional Executive Board, welcomed guests and paid special mention to International Women’s Day, marked on March 8. She presented Jasik Jarahian, General Manager of the ARS Regional Headquarters, who is heading the gala organizing committee comprised of representatives from nearly each of the region’s 27 chapters, to deliver the committee’s message.
Jarahian recognized the importance of collaboration among community organizations and remarked, “With your support, we look forward to holding an exceptional event that highlights the impactful nature of ARS activities throughout the Diaspora and in Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk.”
Following the remarks, Jarahian invited Rev. Fr. Artak Demirjian, who offered his blessings to the ARS on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy.
All proceeds from the ARS Gala 2012 will benefit the region’s programs, including its social services division, Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, scholarships and disaster relief efforts, as well as education and youth programs.
The ARS Gala 2012 will be held on April 27 at the Glendale Hilton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The ARS Regional Headquarters can be contacted at (818) 500-1343 or office@arswestusa.org for additional information.
The ARS of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale , is a humanitarian organization with 27 chapters and over 1,500 members in five western states. The ARS of Western USA operates a Social Service Division with five social service centers and a Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center in Southern California, in addition to funding numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts around the word. Visit www.arswestusa.org.
Compiled by Kelly Corrigan