horizons - The Ararat Center

HORIZONS
Ararat Center News & Information
D IOCE SE O F T HE A RME N IAN C HURC H O F A ME R IC A ( EAST E RN )
W INT E R 2010 /2011
WHAT MAKES THE ARARAT CENTER IMPORTANT
FOR THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY?
The Diocesan Ararat Center in Greenville, NY was originally purchased to house the St. Vartan camp program.
The intent was to allow the camp to expand to an eight-week plan since space at former facilities was limited to two
weeks. Before purchasing this ideal venue, there was deliberation of the importance of having our very own spiritual
environment for the use of all parishes: parish retreats, clergy conferences, various youth retreats, inspired social
gatherings and other creative programs. By frequent parish use and support of this serene mountainside sanctuary,
we believe it will cultivate meaningful, spiritual dialogue and further strengthen our dedicated faith-based culture.
It has been seven years since our Diocesan Assembly
voted favorably to purchase the Center. To date, the Ararat
Center has been utilized by St. Vartan Camp, which has
increased from a two-week program to a six-week program,
Women‟s Guild Symposiums, two parishes that held
retreats, annual seminarians‟ retreat, Sacred Music Council
youth choir program, and the St. Vartan AVAKS.
The annual cost to maintain and run the nine-building
facility, which includes a 35 foot by 70 foot pool, is
approximately $300,000. The facility managers and former
owners, Len and Jyl Degiovine, work tirelessly to keep
costs to a minimum. They are prudent in all aspects of
purchase with regards to the Center, food preparation,
supplies, and maintenance repairs. Their expertise has been
essential for the Center‟s operations.
The Ararat Center has become a meeting place for many throughout the Diocese. Each summer, hundreds of
Armenian youth return to share one another‟s company during camp sessions. Also, the Ararat Center‟s annual
festival affords the opportunity for Armenians throughout our Diocese to meet, share a delicious meal, listen to beautiful Armenian music, and simply share a relaxed afternoon with family and friends. Once
you‟ve visited this Center, the familiarity and sense of well-being overwhelms your heart.
WAYS TO
It is peaceful, relaxing, and offers a significant role in our Armenian heritage. The meanU T IL I ZE T HE
ing of being an Armenian and getting to know so many Armenians throughout our Diocese
A R AR AT C EN T ER : is a rarity. How many other religious organizations can say the same? We have a special
bond, a growing kinship and identity, and we make genuine and lifelong friends throughout
 Parish Retreats
the country.
 Youth Activities
 Family Reunions
 Conferences
 Sports Programs
We are joined spiritually by our Armenian Christian heritage. We are proud to display
our Armenian crosses, take pilgrimages to Jerusalem and tattoo an Armenian cross on our
arms. Why do we do this? It gives us a sense of belonging to a greater Divine power. And
we seek those who are alike. It is in our nature to do so.
What better place to seek out other Armenians, have a common place to go, have a place
with a purpose. We do have a place to meet, to feel the camaraderie amongst those who
are like ourselves and a place to call home. We have the Ararat Center!
If you have changed your email address or wish to receive updates from us,
please send your email address to contact@araratcenter.org
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ARMENIAN ARTS & CULTURE SHOWCASED
DURING ARARAT CENTER FESTIVAL
Hundreds enjoyed kebab, music, and entertainment in traditional-styled picnic
The weather looked uncertain in the days leading up to the seventh annual Ararat Center Festival held in upstate New York,
however, clouds and showers cleared for a beautiful afternoon of cultural celebration and traditional picnic festivities on
Saturday, July 24.
Grills were fired up, picnic tables and chairs were set in place, the Center was ready to receive its guests. Nearly 600
people throughout the afternoon converged under the pavilion. Guests feasted on delicious losh and chicken kebab dinners,
picnic pilaf, and watermelon wedges all the while listening to the melodic sounds of the Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble of
Watertown, MA. The ensemble music filled the air with stories reflective of our rich ancient heritage and culture for the lyrics
they sing are the words of our ancestors.
How befitting that the theme for this year‟s Festival was to showcase
Armenian arts and culture. The afternoon program also featured the Nazeli
Dance Group and the Children‟s Choir of the Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian
Church from Providence, RI. The dance group performed graceful Armenianchoreographed dances and displayed a number of exquisite costumes. The
junior choir, conducted by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, sang several
Armenian songs for the attentive crowd. “It was a treat to watch these young
girls perform and heartwarming to see the commitment to maintain our
Armenian culture here in America,” shared Rose Najarian Kedeshian, Ararat
Center Board Vice Chairman and co-organizer for the Festival.
To compliment the cultural theme this year, St. Vartan campers from
Session B, which ran from July 11 to July 24, provided Armenian artwork that
was beautifully displayed for all Festival participants to enjoy.
“How wonderful it is for Armenian families from around our Diocese to join together in Christian fellowship,” said
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), who presided over the
event. “The annual Ararat Festival is a day filled with Armenian culture and life.”
Vendors were also on hand to sell their goods ranging from books, jewelry, stationery, Armenian crafts and more. Children
delighted in the opportunity to revel in the bounce house, roam throughout the expansive grounds of the facility, and be cooled
by flavorful snow cones.
The Ararat Center Board of Directors extends their appreciation to the numerous sponsors, in-kind contributors, and
fantastic volunteers who assisted in the overall success of the Festival. All proceeds from this event will help to offset the
continued maintenance and upgrades of this Diocesan-owned facility.
left: Men focus on an
intense game of tavloo
(backgammon) during
the 7th annual Ararat
Center Festival
right: Rose NajarianKedeshian, festival
co-chair, sets up sales
tent.
Where the spirit soars
- 3 -
EMERGENT POOL NEEDS AT THE ARARAT CENTER
For the past several years, the Ararat Board has been advised to consider replacement of the pool at the Ararat
Center. Constructed in 1939, the 71 year-old cement pool is approximately 35 feet by 70 feet in length, and its main
drain and return piping that empty and carry water in and out of the pool are of the same vintage. Filters and pumps have
been changed when necessary. The Board has heard facility manager and former owner, Len Degiovine‟s concerns loud
and clear; “It is important to meet current pool specifications for circulation and filtration rates.”
Each spring the pool is drained, cemented and repaired, and
repainted with pool paint in order to be operational for the
summer. It is apparent to the Board that a bandaid approach is no
longer effective. Consequently, a new pool must be given high
priority.
The swimming pool is an important feature for the participating
camp programs as well as a highlight for promotion of the
facility. While the Board is always willing to make needed improvements, the biggest challenge with any capital project is its
affordability. Preliminary estimates for the pool project range
between $80K to $90K. The Board has decided to officially launch
a “Pool Fund” but, rest assured, the project will not begin
until funds are in place to cover the costs of the
project.
Our sincere thanks to camp family members who
have previously donated monies for the pool. We
look to you once again, whether you are a camper, a
parent, a grandparent, or someone that believes in the
future growth of the Ararat Center. Together we can
„pool‟ our resources and work toward a common
goal. We have been successful in the past and with
your help will be successful once again in adding
another quality feature to our Ararat Youth and
Conference Center!
above: Overhead view of Ararat Center
right: Map and layout of the facility
In addition to the pool fund, there are other
ways to ensure that the future of the Ararat
Youth and Conference Center is secure for
generations to come. Our attention must now
turn to building a solid endowment fund; and,
therefore, the Board of Directors has set a
goal of 1.5 million dollars to provide for the
unencumbered operations of the Center. The
annual interest generated will be used to
maintain and upgrade the Center. All monies
donated will be invested with the Armenian
Church Endowment Fund (ACEF).
- 4 -
HELP THE ARARAT CENTER THROUGH BRICK GIFT GIVING
Add your name(s) to the brick walkway that leads up to and encircles
the Founding Faithful monument and share a place of honor alongside 300
others who have joined the Pathfinders Campaign. Your contribution will
assist in paving the way to the future by remembering the past. A unique
gift for any occasion, what better way to express your love of family and
friends at Christmastime, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and
remembrances.
The proceeds from these funds are
applied to the operating budget which
maintains the Ararat Center. These
fundraising efforts account for 10—15%
of the operating budget.
Christmas is right around the corner! Why not avoid the Christmas rush and
submit the form below before December 16, 2010. A brick certificate will be mailed
to your home in time for wrapping and placement under your tree. If you prefer to
shop online, visit our website at www.araratcenter.org and purchase your bricks there.
Thank you to all who have already participated in this worthwhile program. We
appreciate your support of the Ararat Center. If you have not yet made a purchase,
please consider one now. Your donation will make a significant difference toward
helping us achieve our goals and all donations are greatly appreciated.
The “Pathfinders Campaign” is symbolic of a community working together to pave the way to a bright and secure future for this facility by
remembering the past. A common area of the Ararat Center has been paved consisting of engraved bricks. This area is serving as a touching
tribute to those that survived many adversities to pave the way for future generations of American-Armenians. Make your support of the Ararat
Center known by leaving your permanent mark through a personalized brick. Each donor will receive a certificate of ownership .
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP:____________________________________________________________________________________
PHONE: _________________________________
EMAIL: _________________________________________________
_____4”x8” Brick @ $100
(maximum of 2 lines, 13 characters per line)
_____8”x8” Brick @ $250
(maximum of 4 lines, 13 characters per line)
Amount enclosed: ______________
Please return this form to:
Karnig Durgarian, Ararat Center Treasurer, 120 Pond Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 with check payable to the Ararat Center.
All donations to this non-profit organization are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support.
Where the spirit soars
You can purchase a brick on-line at www.araratcenter.org
Ararat Center Pathfinders Campaign
- 5 -
WISH LIST DONATIONS MADE
The Board of Directors would like to extend its sincere appreciation to those who have donated towards refurbishment of the Center. Wish list items that we were able to purchase are as follows: Washer/Dryer for Ani, flooring for
rooms in Ani, tub surrounds for Gesaria, bi-fold louver doors for Marash, electrical outlets for all rooms in Dikranagerd,
shower curtains for Gesaria, pedestal sink in Marash, and a donation was made for the pool fund.
MORE WISH LIST ITEMS INCLUDE:
ADANA (Swimming Pool)
$80,000—$90,000
ERZURUM (Maintenance Building)
Construction costs
$25,000
GESARIA (South Annex)
Carpeting for hallway and gathering room
Surround tub enclosures (8 rooms)
Toilets and sinks (15 rooms)
Bathroom flooring
Addition of storage room
$ 5,000
$ 300 each
$ 300 per bathroom
$ 100 per bathroom
$ 4,000
MARASH (Main House & Guest Rooms)
Outdoor carpet
$
$ 300
$ 1,500
$ 375
$
AINTAB (Kitchen / Dining Hall)
Flooring (2,500 sq. ft.)
Stainless steel center island
Commercial convection oven
36” refrigerator/freezer
Tub surrounds (2 rooms)
Ceiling fans with light
Area rugs (15 rooms)
$7,000
$ 500
$2,500
$ 500
$ 300 each
$ 200 each
$ 50 each
ANI (Motel)
Surround tub enclosure (1 room)
Flooring (5 rooms)
$ 300
$ 150 each
BITLIS (West Annex)
Ceiling fans with light
$ 200 each
VAN (Recreation Center)
Backgammon table
Indoor flooring
Outdoor rugs
DIKRANAGERD (North Annex)
Commercial wallpaper
$ 200 per room
LANDSCAPE
Shrubs and evergreens (20)
DRIVEWAY
Need for repaving areas
$10,000
150
50 each
Ararat Center Donation Form
A place to call home ~ where memories are created, shared and cherished for generations to come . . .
I would like to help the Ararat Center with the following donation:
 Endowment Fund
Amount $__________
 Pool Fund
Amount $__________

Amount $__________
General Capital Fund
 Wish List
Amount $__________ Item: ______________________________________
Total amount enclosed: $ ______________
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP:____________________________________________________________________________________
PHONE: ________________________________
EMAIL: __________________________________________________
Please return this form to: Karnig Durgarian, Ararat Center Treasurer, 120 Pond Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
with enclosed check payable to the Ararat Center; In the memo, please indicate where you wish this donation to be directed.
Thank you for sharing in the future of the Ararat Center. All donations to this non-profit organization are tax-deductible.
- 6 -
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
President
Thomas Ashbahian, NJ
Chairman
Rose Najarian Kedeshian, NJ
Vice Chairman
Karnig Durgarian, MA
Treasurer
Andrea Karanian, CT
Recording Secretary
DIRECTORS
Bruce Ashbahian, NY
Ed Belemjian, NY
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, NY
Jay Kapur, MA
Papken Megerian, PA
Steve Megrdichian, RI
Randy Saph-Gulian, CT
Kurt Seifel, MA
Pam Talanian McGrath, MA
STAFF
Len & Jyl Degiovine, NY
Facility Managers
Talene Kachadourian, NY
Marketing and Communications
Karen Durgarian, MA
Projects Coordinator
Mission Statement
The intent of the Ararat Center is
to provide and promote an environment in which Armenian culture and
heritage can be celebrated in a variety
of ways while also spiritually nourishing generations of Armenian faithful.
The Ararat Center will be a place
to remember and honor our ancestors
while training leaders for tomorrow
and creating memories through
Armenian Church programs.
6944 State Route 32
Greenville, NY 12083
Where the spirit soars
WHO’S NEW TO THE ARARAT CENTER
Yn. Paulette Doudoukjian, Marketing and Communications director for the
Ararat Center since 2004 completed her position in September, 2010. Paulette
was appointed a Board member by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian shortly after
the Center‟s purchase in 2004. Paulette promoted the center and created
brochures, launched and produced the HORIZONS newsletter, wrote press
releases, and acted as the reservations coordinator.
While serving the Board in her managerial capacity, Yn. Paulette brought
enthusiasm, dedication and diligence to her position. She will be greatly missed,
and we send best wishes to her in her new endeavors.
Welcome Talene Kachadourian! Talene was appointed to the Board to fill
the position of Marketing and Communications Director. For the past three and
one-half years, Talene worked as a Retirement Consultant and Employee Education Consultant at Mercer in Boston, MA. She also serves as Treasurer on the
board of the Armenian Network, NY chapter. Talene attends work sessions at
the Center and participates at the annual Ararat Center festival. As a member of
an Armenian hiking group, she enjoys the Center during the group‟s weekend
retreats held in October. Talene has a genuine interest in the progression and
future success of the Ararat Center.
If you have an interest in booking the Ararat Center for a future event, you
can contact her by email: contact@araratcenter.org.
This past year, we also welcome to the Board of Directors, Bruce Ashbahian
(Bayside), Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian (NY), and Jay Kapur (Worcester).
BE A DOER, PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
Work sessions at the Ararat Center are quite productive. However, the saying “all work and no play” does not apply here. Yes, our volunteers work hard
during the day to complete the necessary tasks scheduled during the weekend.
When it comes to maintenance and renovation of the facility, there are both
monetary and physical needs. The volunteer work during the day takes exertion
and sometimes great patience. The work is challenging, and at times it can be
strenuous. One thing is for certain: it‟s always entertaining and fun! At night,
we remember to relax, recharge and enjoy one another‟s company.
Evening activities always begin with dinner at an area restaurant or at the
Center. Activities after dinner may include fires at the fire pit, roasting s‟mores,
playing cards or a game of tavloo, watching sports on TV, or simply sitting
around and talking.
Since the purchase of the Center in 2004, there have been 28 work sessions.
Parishioners from throughout the Diocese have had the privilege to come
together to work, to play, and to laugh with one another while forming new
friendships. Adult volunteers have been able to watch with pride as our young
adults, teens and even elementary-aged children work by our side towards a
common purpose: to instill the importance of Armenian community, encourage
volunteer service and preserve our heritage.
Be a doer; Put your best foot forward and help your church, help your
Diocese, help the Ararat Center.
- 7 -
Removed rug in guest room;
Padding stuck to floor
Painting room
Floor after scraped and polished
Installing floor tiles
Scraped off wallpaper and spackled
Installing floor tiles
Installing tub surround
Biking after a hard
days work
Above: Playing a friendly game of cards
Below: Dining out
Taking a break and
soaking up the sun
- 8 -
DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF AMERICA
630 SECOND AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10016-4806
Visit our website: www.araratcenter.org
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Albany, NY
Permit # 370
Thank You Ararat Center Work Weekend Volunteers: 2004—2010 (7,050 hours)
Karnie Abalyan, NY
Fr. Arakel Aljalian, MA
Joyce Ariyan, NJ
Adrienne Ashbahian, NJ
Carol Ashbahian, NJ
Greg Ashbahian, NJ
Harry Ashbahian, NJ
Janet Ashbahian, NJ
Katherine Ashbahian, NJ
Lauren Ashbahian, NJ
Tom Ashbahian, NJ
Zovig Ashjian, NY
Ashley Assarian, MA
Ara Bablouzian, MA
Leon Bablouzian, MA
Susan Bablouzian, MA
Aram Barkamian, NY
Ed Belemjian, NY
Erika Belezerian, MA
Dan Blinka, WI
Barbara Boghosian, NJ
Diane Boghosian, MA
Ed Boghosian, NJ
Elizabeth Boghosian, MA
Joe Brinker, PA
Pam Brinker, PA
Talene Brinker, PA
Jack Brinker, PA
Arpi Canker, NJ
Holly Dadekian, NY
Greg Dalakian, NJ
Marcus Dalakian, NJ
Jyl DeGiovine, NY
Len DeGiovine, NY
Ed DerAsadourian, CT
Seth Derderian, MA
Oscar Derderian, MA
Paul DerOhanessian, NY
Christine DiBianca, NJ
Yn.Paulette Doudoukjian, NY
Andrea Durgarian, MA
Elise Durgarian, MA
Karen Durgarian, MA
Karnig Durgarian, MA
Nick Durgarian, MA
Ara Ekmekjian, NJ
Jaklin Ekmekjian, NJ
Burt Friedman, NJ
Taline Gebhardt, NJ
Gary Genojoian, NJ
Sevan Goenezen, Germany
Raffi Gulbenk, CT
Diana Harotian, MA
John Harotian, IL
Liana Harotian, MA
Nancy Hovnanian, PA
Steve Hovnanian, PA
Barbara Hovsepian, NJ
Leon Hovsepian, NJ
Jeri Humphries, MA
Judi Humphries, MA
Daniel Hyde, MA
Where the spirit soars
Adam Scicchitano, NJ
Jeff Hyde, MA
Bob Meeson, NY
Andrea Scicchitano, NJ
Jeffrey Hyde, MA
Haiganoush Melkonian, NJ
Danielle Seifel, MA
Lisa Hyde, MA
Dan Merian, MA
Christopher Seifel, MA
Brenda Jermakian, MA
Steve Mergrdichian, RI
Kurt Seifel, MA
Talene Jermakian, MA
Sam Mikaelian, IL
Lucine Seifel, MA
Phyllis Jevanian, NY
Jonathan Najarian, NJ
Tahleen Seifel, MA
Talene Kachadourian, NY
Phil Natcharian, NY
Merideth Semorian, RI
Jay Kapur, MA
Caleb Neves, RI
David Shahbazian, NY
Andrea Karanian, CT
Bill Nevins, NY
Anne Terkenian, PA
Adam Karian, NY
Dan O'Keefe, NY
George Terkenian, PA
Laurie Karian, NY
Martin Papazian, RI
Nick Terkenian, PA
Stephanie Karian, NY
Berdjouhi Parseghian, NJ
Angel Tevan, MA
Aggie Kasparian, MA
Greg Parseghian, NJ
Mark Torosian, MA
Girard Kasparian, CA
Masis Parseghian, NJ
Greg Torosian, MA
Joe Kasparian, MA
Kristen Parsekian, MA
Erik Trojian, NJ
Glenn Kasparian, MA
Bob Parsekian, MA
Chuck Tutunjian, NY
Traci Kasparian, MA
Jonathan Paleaz, NJ
Michael Tutunjian, MA
Slava Kayruns, NY
Ray Paleaz, NJ
Joe Vartanesian, NC
Sarkis Kedeshian, NJ
Tom Peretzian, MA
George Vartanian, RI
Rose Najarian-Kedeshian, NJ
Ani Petithory, NY
Gevorg Voskanian, MA
Armine Khanarian, NJ
Rita Petithory, NY
Parkoohi Voskanian, MA
Garo Khanarian, NJ
Lauren Piligian, MA
Margo Voskanian, MA
Michael Mamishian, MA
Matt Royland, NJ
Nicko Voskanian, MA
Knar Manoli, MA
Arthur Sabounjian, MA
Lisa Zeytoonian, MA
Elise Marifian, MO
Jennifer Sabounjian, MA
Michael Zeytoonian, MA
Richie Markarian, MA
Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, MA
Adrienne Ziemkiewicz, CT
Jeff Masoian, CA
Yn. LuAnn Sabounjian, MA
Adam Zouranjian, MA
Julie Masoian, CA
Michael Sabounjian, MA
Alexandra Zouranjian, MA
Caroline McGrath, MA
Ani Sarkisian, NJ
Lauren Zouranjian, MA
Pam Talanian McGrath, MA
George Sarkisian, NJ
Scott Zouranjian, MA
Olivia McGrath, MA
Donna Scagliarini, MA
Doug Zoraian, NJ