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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 Day in Orange County a Huge Success

As the countdown came close to months of prior planning, AYF Day in Orange County was a huge success. Upon driving through the agoump gates, worrying about having enough water, enough food and music, worrying about if the kids will have fun, I am happy to report that we had over two hundred members present in one community center. I do not remember the last time an event like this took place.

AYF Day was open to all AYF Juniors and Seniors, and all proceeds are to be donated to Orange County AYF Ashod Yergat chapter’s Gyumri Campaign. The day was filled with activities, discussions, competitions, an oath ceremony, a dinner party, and of course, the singing of our revolutionary songs. Unger Vaché Thomassian was the gnkahaiyr to over ninety Juniors who gave their oath.

The Juniors and Seniors were split up into four teams: Red, Blue, Orange and White-white symbolizing Artsakh. All the games were organized by the Orange County Aghpiur Serop Junior executive members. Everyone’s favorite game seemed to be the big water balloon toss which consisted of over 160 people.

This event allowed for an opportunity to build a bridge between the AYF Juniors and Seniors. All the educationals were given by our AYF Seniors. Dikran Khodanian, Puzant Berberian, Christina Bastagian, Kareen Shatikian, and Marissa Bazikian, who participated in Youth Corps this year, gave the Juniors insight on what Youth Corps is, why the program exists, and how their experience was. The Juniors saw the vision that they are a part of a family that is greater than themselves, and that anything they set their minds to is possible.

Berj Parseghian spoke about current events in Artsakh, followed by Razmig Sarkissian who led a discussion and activity on social identity. While the older Juniors participated in this discussion, our younger Juniors received a dance lesson and learned Armenian dances led by Ani Garibyan.

This event was possible because it started out as a chapter resolution in our Orange County Aghpiur Serop Junior chapter. Their director, Nairy Cherchian, was the backbone to making this resolution into reality.

Everyone who participated and had fun all had separate tasks. Both Juniors and Seniors worked together in unison. Whether one was in charge of music, leading the teams’ calls, giving an educational, leading the revolutionary songs, DJ-ing the dinner party (special thanks to DJ Move On (Vahn Apardian)), serving food, picking up trash, or simply playing cards and bonding with the Juniors, everyone’s presence shed light into making the event bigger and better than any AYF Day that I have ever been to.

The smiles on the faces of the Juniors were priceless. By 10:30 p.m., it seemed as though no one wanted to leave. We look forward to more events like this in our future.

The Armenian Youth Federation has once again illustrated time and time again to lead our youth through its pillars: educational, political, social, cultural and athletics.

“If you want to predict and see the future of a people, then look at its youth”-Karekin Njteh

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Seventeen New Members Join the AYF

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GRANADA HILLS — Seventeen new members joined the ranks of the Armenian Youth Federation on Friday during an oath ceremony at the North Valley Armenian Center in Granada Hills. The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by the North Valley “Arshavir Shiragian” Gomideh.

“These new, young members have reinvigorated and brought new light to our organization,” said Sanan Shirinian, a member of the AYF-WR Central Executive. “Their enthusiasm keeps our 81-year-old organization forever young.”

Sixteen of the 17 new members join the newly-formed AYF North Valley Chapter, which will have a total of 24 members at the start of the coming fiscal year. “What is important, and I’m sure these new members understand, is that regardless of which chapter you may be from, you represent something very big and work towards the same cause,” said Central Executive members Sarkis Semerjian.

Vatche Donoyan, chairperson of the North Valley Gomideh, also spoke at the ceremony and welcomed the new members to the AYF. He urged them to give their best to the organization.

Friday’s ceremony was the second in the past two months. On July 27, another oath ceremony was held at Ferrahian Armenian School, where 10 members joined the ranks of the AYF.

“I’ve always looked up to AYF members since I was a little kid,” said Aren D. Kurkjian, one of North Valley’s new members. “By taking my oath, it gives me validation – like I belong to something bigger than me, stronger than me.”

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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We Are Gyumri: The Rebuilding of a Community

The “We Are Gyumri” campaign will kick off their first event on Saturday, August 9, at Noor Restaurant in the Sofia Foyer Hall (260 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101) with a Cocktail and Hors D’oeuvres event hosted by the AYF Orange County “Ashod Yergat” Chapter from 8pm to 12am.

“We Are Gyumri” is a campaign focused on raising funds to help unite and strengthen our youth organization in Gyumri, Armenia. The initial step is to upgrade and renovate the youth offices and facilities located at their Armenian Community Center. Currently, the building needs to be completely rebuilt, as it is unsafe and is not in condition to serve as a proper location for communal meetings. The establishment of a community center will create a common ground for the youth to meet, learn, interact, and collaborate. As this is only the first project of an entire campaign, our ultimate goal is to create a lasting positive impact on the youth of the region that is still struggling after the devastation of the 1988 earthquake.

Rebuilding their youth center will serve as a beacon to inspire the children to further their social and academic aspirations. This campaign will bridge the gap between the youth of Gyumri and our AYF Juniors in the West Coast, allowing members from both regions to interact and share information and strengthening the Homeland-Diaspora bond, while also creating opportunities for the advisors to work together and exchange ideas.

The August 9 event will not only mark the beginning of an exciting journey, but it will be a night to acknowledge the work our youth is doing and to help fuel the soil beneath our feet. The “Ashod Yergat” Chapter has dedicated over a year to organizing this project and would be honored to see you at this event to ensure that our vision for Gyumri transpires and that this campaign gets the best start imaginable. The situation in Gyumri demands assistance and with enough support, our campaign will be able to serve as the source for that relief.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/WeAreGyumri. For tickets, visit www.itsmyseat.com/Gyumri.

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

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Dozens Attend “Know Your Rights” Forum

GRANADA HILLS – The Armenian Youth Federation North Valley Chapter’s “Know Your Rights” forum attracted Armenians and non-Armenians alike in a highly informative discussion about basic civil rights and liberties on June 26.

“Considering the oppressive manner in which the rights of the Armenian people have been violated throughout history, this event had an immense symbolic value,” said AYF Central Executive member Sanan Shirinian regarding the importance of holding this forum.  “The Armenian youth, especially members of the AYF, should be armed with the knowledge of what rights they possess even in our current, privileged American reality.”

The forum was held in the Granada Hills Armenian Cultural Center and featured long-tenured California Highway Patrol Officer Tang and former San Bernardino County District Attorney Garo Madenian as the two main speakers.

AYF Central Executive Chairperson Caspar Jivalagian introduces the night’s honorary speakers, C.H.P. Officer Tang and former San Bernardino County D.A. Garo Madenian.

Both speakers discussed a variety of issues that they deemed most pertinent to the youth, and particularly the Armenian youth, such as vehicle search and seizure rights, police questioning and response rights, protest rights, and how to speak to a police officer, among other things.

After each speaker finished their discussion, the floor was opened for the audience to ask the speakers questions about their rights and liberties.

As the forum came to a close, Madenian had this to say regarding the event: “It’s commendable that the AYF North Valley [Chapter] organized the ‘Know Your Rights’ event, and I was honored to be invited to speak about what to do if contacted by police, individuals’ rights, and lines that the police cannot cross.”

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

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Over $1,000 Raised at the AYF Youth Corps Farewell Dinner

LA CRESCENTA — On Wednesday, June 25, the Armenian Youth Federation Crescenta Valley “Zartonk” Chapter hosted its annual AYF Youth Corps Farewell Dinner at the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center. There were over 60 people in attendance and the event raised over $1,000 for the Youth Corps program.

The night featured tacos, burritos, and quesadillas for dinner as well as an array of desserts. Attendees were asked to write pieces of advice and farewell wishes on index cards to the participants departing next week. Guests also took pictures in a photobooth.

Afterwards, a presentation titled “A Day in the Life of AYF Youth Corps” was given by Youth Corps alumni about what to expect during the program. The participants were then recognized and given gifts courtesy of the “Zartonk” Chapter.

“The donations we receive from various businesses and members of the community provide a great contribution to the overall growth of the program,” said Arpa Hatzbanian, a member of the AYF Youth Corps Central Council and the AYF Central Executive. “Without their support, services to the children in need would definitely be limited. At this time, we are fortunate enough to include more children in our summer day camp program in Armenia and Artsakh.”

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

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AYF Youth Corps Farewell Dinner to Take Place on June 25

On Wednesday, June 25, the annual AYF Youth Corps Farewell Dinner hosted by the AYF Crescenta Valley “Zartonk” Chapter will take place at 7:30 pm at the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center located at 2633 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020.

The entrance fee is $20 and includes appetizers, an entree, dessert, and drinks. The attire is semi-formal. All proceeds will be donated to the AYF Youth Corps program. This year’s Youth Corps participants will be recognized at the dinner.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program. Since 1994, hundreds of volunteers from around the world have spent summers in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh to better the foundation and build bridges to the homeland.

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

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AYF Montebello Launching Free Monthly Armenian Cultural Classes

MONTEBELLO – The smell of homemade Armenian manti filled Armenian Mesrobian School’s kitchen last Tuesday night, when the Armenian Youth Federation’s (AYF) Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” chapter kicked off its first cooking class of the year, which will soon be joined by the launch of folk dancing classes later this month.

“Cooking Armenian dishes together is a great way to learn something new and bond  in a social, cultural and educational way,” said Nick Cabraloff, a cooking class participant and member of AYF Montebello.

He and others learned how to make manti, a meat and dumpling dish found in many eastern cultures, with a distinctly Armenian variant since the 13th century that is smaller in size and cooked as opposed to steamed.

“I was delighted to see such interest about Armenian cooking and the eagerness of the participants in attempting to learn the intricate process of making Manti,” said Mariam Samoniantz, a Montebello Armenian community member and former Mesrobian educator who volunteered to teach the first class and provided her personal manti recipe.

The recipe along with all the cooking instructions were made available to attendees and will also be shared on social media.

The Armenian cooking classes will return Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30pm at Mesrobian, joined by Armenian folk dancing classes starting Saturday, June 21 at 12pm, at the Montebello Armenian Center (more details below).

The dance classes will be led by Armenian youth who are currently studying traditional Armenian folk dances and ‘surch pars’. The selection of dances that will be introduced have been restored in their ethnographic form due to the folklorist work done by Karin Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble (and many others who have worked to preserve Armenian ethnographic dances). Background on the traditional folk movements and meanings will also be discussed and explored.

Both classes are proudly offered by AYF Montebello free of charge to all participants as a service to the Armenian community.

The AYF Montebello chapter aims to provide a fun and accessible way to keep Armenian culture thriving in the Montebello Armenian community, and strongly believes culture is a means of resistance against the constant threat of assimilation and erasure of the Diasporan Armenian identity.

Classes are open to individuals of all ages in the Armenian community, as well as individuals of different backgrounds who want to learn, appreciate and continue the long history of Armenian culture.


Armenian cooking classes

When: Every first Tuesday of the month

Next class: Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30pm (Cooking dish to be announced)

Where: Armenian Mesrobian School Cafeteria (8420 Beverly Rd, Pico Rivera, CA)

Armenian folk dance classes

When: Every third Saturday of the month

Next class: Kickoff will be Saturday, June 21 at 12pm

Where: Armenian Center (420 W. Washington Blvd., Montebello, CA)

 

Individuals interested in signing up or inquiring further can email vahan.cardashian@ayfwest.org.

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