Members of the New ARS Richmond Hope Chapter Attend Convention
The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Eastern USA Board of Regional Directors recently welcomed to their annual convention observer Michelle Amirkhanian who represented the three-month-old ARS Richmond, Virginia Hope chapter.
The chapter was established on May 16 at a tea party held at the home of Stella Bandazian. A number of women in the Richmond area were invited to the tea party to learn more about the organization and consider whether a chapter should be formed in the area.
ARS Eastern USA Board of Regional Directors vice-chairwoman Shakeh Basmajian was present at the tea party and outlined the many activities and projects of both the ARS Eastern USA and the ARS Inc. international body. She also noted the types of activities that the ARS Eastern USA chapters conduct in their communities and their favorable and long-lasting impact.
After hearing Basmajian’s presentation, nine women decided to join the ARS and form an ARS chapter in Richmond. Basmajian administered the ARS oath to the following charter members of the ARS Richmond chapter: Stella Bandazian, Leiza Bouroujian, Melanie Bandazian Kerneklian, Arpi Bouroujian, Salpy Kevorkian, Seta Kerneklian Michel, Sevan Kolejian, Lucy Grey, and Sona Pomfret.
The chapter held its first meeting on June 13 to select a chapter name, elect a chapter executive, and chart its course for the coming year. The chapter named itself hope or (houys in Armenian) to serve as a beacon of promise in Richmond, in the ARS Eastern USA, and in the family of the ARS worldwide.
The chapter’s new executive members are chairwoman Stella Bandazian; vice-chairwoman Arpi Bouroujian; secretary Lucy Grey; treasurer Seta Michel; and advisor Sona Pomfret.
On behalf of all of its chapters, the ARS Eastern USA Board of Regional Directors welcomes its newest chapter to the fold and looks forward to its many positive contributions to the Armenian community.
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