Lory in Ha! Ha! Land
The divine comedy of writer, actor, and producer Lory Tatoulian
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November 24, 2008
Young Professionals Bring Smiles and a Fresh Coat of Paint to New York's Armenian Home
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YP volunteers were all eager to help beautify the Armenian Home dining room. -
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YPGNY co-chairs, Danny Abajian and Aline Markarian, and Young Professional community volunteers, Gareen Hamalian and Michelle Adanalian, add a fresh coat of paint to the wall of the New York Armenian Home in Flushing, Queens.
On Sunday, October 26, 2008, over 15 volunteers visited the New York Armenian Home in Flushing, Queens to visit the residents and, for the first time, offer their assistance in sprucing up the facility. The trip was organized by the AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY) and included a number of local Armenian-American volunteers.
A day at the Armenian Home has become a YPGNY tradition each autumn as volunteers visit with the residents, bringing joy to them with games, stories, and performances. In addition to the usual activities, this year the volunteers also painted the residents' dining room, outdoor benches and a bird bath.
Aggie Ellian, executive director of the Armenian Home, was extremely grateful to the YPGNY group, which volunteers not only each fall, but also in the summer when the AGBU New York Summer Intern Program is in session. During their summer event, YPGNY coordinates a dance and musical performance by the interns for the residents.
"For another consecutive year, this fall visit provided a great opportunity for Armenian youths to volunteer their time to help the local community," said YPGNY co-chair Danny Abajian. "Personally, it was a pleasant and constructive way to spend my Sunday and demonstrated the positive impact of volunteerism."
Now that the Armenian Home has a fresh coat of paint, next time YPGNY hopes to return to Queens simply to socialize with the residents.
"The Board of Directors, residents and staff are still complimenting the wonderful job the YPs did painting our dining room," said Ellian.
Many volunteers are eager to go back again after seeing the happiness their faces bring to the residents. "It was truly gratifying spending the day at the Armenian Home," said Michelle Adanalian, a first-year volunteer. "The newly painted dining room and the smiles on the seniors' faces were priceless to see."
AGBU YPGNY is part of a growing network of YP Groups and supporters around the world who are committed to preserving and promoting the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs. For more information on YPGNY, email ypgny@agbuyp.org.
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