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AYF Alumni Reunion Set in November

The legendary Kef Time Band is getting back together in Montebello this November for the much-anticipated Armenian Youth Federation Alumni Reunion, an event which boasts nearly 1,000 attendees spanning the 80-year-long, nationwide network of the AYF and the broader Armenian community.

The AYF Alumni Reunion will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Montebello’s Baghramian Hall. The event will feature Kef Time Band members Richard Hagopian, Hachig Kazarian, Jack Chalikian, Ed Derderian and Jason Sadoian.

The reunion is organized by the AYF Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter as a celebration of the local chapter’s 56-year history and as a tribute to the larger AYF organization’s 81 years of worldwide service and action for the Armenian people and cause.

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“We’re definitely going to sell out this event,” said Nick Cabraloff, a member of AYF Montebello, who is spearheading the committee made up of AYF Montebello members and alumni to make this reunion a reality. “We are coordinating with people from across California and even the nation to bring together as many people as possible. This is an event that’s open to anybody in the community, from current AYF members and alumni, to friends and family.”

The Kef Time Band is a long-time community staple, having gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s. They have performed for over 30 years at events drawing 500-1,000 people at “kefs” across the United States from Los Angeles to Cape Cod, Mass., Hartford, Conn., and Detroit.

They are regarded by many as America’s favorite Armenian-American dance band, integrating rhythms and modes from the Near East and Armenian homeland with jazz-inspired solos. Their music reflects its members’ unique experiences as the sons of Armenian immigrants growing up in America.

In addition to the “kef” celebration, the weekend presents an enormous opportunity for learning and growth for the AYF organization. With 80 years of institutional memory in one room, the “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter plans to host informal events over the course of the weekend where youth and alumni can sit together and share their organizing experiences.

“This is a chance for both young organizers and alumni to learn from one another,” explained Harout Achekian, another AYF Montebello member. “The youth can learn how things were done in the AYF, and the alumni can see how things are being done in the AYF.”

To purchase tickets for the AYF Alumni Reunion via PayPal, visit tinyurl.com/k3oh8ga. Tickers may also be purchased by e-mail at vahan.cardashian@ayfwest.org or by telephone at 323-482-5053.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian youth.

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AYF Welcomes New “Artsakh” Chapter

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GRANADA HILLS, Calif. — The Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States welcomed the inception of the North Valley “Artsakh” Chapter on Sept. 14, 2014.

Twenty-nine activists gathered at the North Valley Armenian Center in Granada Hills and discussed various issues facing youth in the region. The new chapter established their name and discussed their course of action for the upcoming year.

“We are ready,” said Zohrab Kejejian, the newly elected chairperson of the chapter. “We are ready to embrace the name ‘Artsakh’ and work towards our ultimate goal of a free, independent, and united Armenia.”

The AYF has played an important role in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, also known as Artsakh, since the cease-fire that ended the conflict between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan in 1994.

The AYF was one of the few organizations that implemented a program to rebuild and develop the newly-independent republic’s war-torn villages. To this day, the AYF’s summer volunteer program in Armenia, the AYF Youth Corps, executes day camps throughout villages in Artsakh with underprivileged youth. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the program.

In 2012, the AYF also found the With Our Soldiers program to provide medical aid to war Veterans from Artsakh.

“Mobilizing Armenian youth is our job,” said Arpa Hatzbanian, chairperson of the AYF’s Central Executive. “We are proud that we have created a new hub where active youth can come together to help advance our cause.”

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian youth.

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Free Legal Clinic to Bring Pro Bono Services to Armenian Community

Montebello, CA – A free legal clinic will be offered to the community on Sept. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Montebello Armenian Center located at 420 Washington Blvd.

The clinic, conducted in both English and Armenian (Eastern and Western), will focus on legal topics including immigration, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, criminal matters, wills/trust/estates, as well as business and employment issues.

The event is organized in collaboration between the Armenian Bar Association (ABA), the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter, and the Armenian Law Students Association (ALSA) at Pepperdine University School of Law.

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“Every year, thousands of first generations of Armenian families come from around the world to live in America,” explained Armen K. Hovannisian, Chairman of the Armenian Bar Association. “For 25 years, we have tried to soften their landing by providing guidance about their legal rights and civic responsibilities under applicable laws. We are particularly pleased that the AYF Montebello and area law students have picked up the mantle to help our own. We are, indeed, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”

Volunteer attorneys from the Armenian Bar Association will provide free legal guidance to the members of the community. Law school students from the ALSA will assist community members with intake and communicating with the attorneys. Clinics are limited to advice and consultation only.

Attendees are encouraged to bring to the clinic documentation pertaining to their legal issues, such as agreements or contracts (signed or proposed), written rules or policies, court orders, court papers served or that were filed with the court, and specific paperwork related to the case. Attendees will be served on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments will be served, and ample parking is available.

The Armenian Bar Association was formed in 1989 to provide an arena for lawyers of Armenian heritage to come together socially and professionally and to address the legal concerns of the Armenian community.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian youth.

The Armenian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) at Pepperdine University School of Law is dedicated to enriching Pepperdine’s community understanding and appreciation for Armenian history and culture. The ALSA works closely with Armenian organizations at California law schools and universities to expand, strengthen and establish professional ties in the Armenian legal community.

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AYF Convention Sets Course for the Next Fiscal Year

The Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States held its 41st Annual Convention this weekend at AYF Camp. Over 30 delegates from 11 AYF chapters were present at the Annual Convention, the highest legislative body of the organization.

Various topics about the organization were discussed and analyzed to set an outline for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. Topics included the activities of the outgoing Central Executive; the performance of local chapters in relation to their goals and expectations; and the success of AYF initiatives and programs, both locally and in the homeland. The Convention also discussed community activism, plans for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and establishing new means of strengthening ties with the Homeland, as well as the latest developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and the recent escalation of violence along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border spurred by aggressive attacks from Azeri forces.

The Convention concluded with the election of the organization’s new Central Executive, whose function is to govern the administrative and organizational aspects of the AYF. The Convention opted for a seven-person body consisting of Arpa Hatzbanian, Gevork Iskajyan, Joseph Kaskanian, Hraché Novruzyan, Raffi Senekeremian, Sevag Tchekidjian and Verginie Touloumian.

Representatives from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee, AYF Camp Management Board, the AYF Eastern Region, and other invited guests were also present at the Convention.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian youth.

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