Comments on: Vartabedian: Life Beyond the AYF

By: Harry Kushigian

Harry Kushigian — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:28:37 +0000

Tom–all of us alumni owe so much to the AYF–how to properly run a meeting, how to organize an event, to teach us so many organizational skills that we all have used during our personal and business lives.
And then ,there are our lifetime friendships from our beloved AYF. I had to smile when I read those first names in your article since I knew exactly who they were even though you did not state their last names and even though I was in the Providence chapter. I also know most of those that submitted comments to your great article–all from belonging to the organization–how lucky!!
Finally, I must end with the fact that I met my wife ,Claire, at an AYF dance in Worcester–again, how fortunate.

By: Michael Mirakian

Michael Mirakian — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:26:14 +0000

How could I possibly forget that (unger) Tom of 19? He was indeed mycounselor at Camp Haiastan! Inquisitive, intelligent and excited about being a part of the Armenian scene. I’ve had the pleasure of your friendship since and so have my children, nieces and nephews.

Have you ever looked around to see who the leaders in your Armenian Community are? They are made up predominantly of former AYFers. I came through the NY Hyortiks, 45 of the most intelligent, rambuctious, and fiery teens you’ve ever met in your life. They all turned out to be outstanding citizens with very responsible positions as adults. Our meetings took forever because we challenged everything. Heck, if it weren’t for those meetings I’d never be expert in Robert’s Rules of Order — a very handy thing to know in my post AYF days! We were the only organization where you had to study your history, demonstrate your loyalty and discipline, and prove yourself worthy of becoming a member. Trips to affairs out of town and meeting super kids and having an opportunity to return the favor made for lifelong friendships. My dearest friends to this day are those I met through AYF or at Camp. Now, we still go to Olympics, not to compete but to enjoy the organization that we loved so dearly by watching the next two and three generations after us enjoy what we did so vigorously a few decades ago. Our eyes smile when we see familiar faces from years past enjoying AYF but this time with their grandchildren, and who could possibly not get excited when they chance upon the ever present Tom Vartabedian replete with camera and beat up little notebook. Lest he forget even the slightest interesting tid-bit to publish.

By: Stepan Piligian

Stepan Piligian — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:53:46 +0000

The AYF afforded us the opportunity to experience and develop skills that have been incredibly
valauble throughout our adult life. As teens and early twenty-somethings,we were organizing dances,
educational forums,seminars and demonstrations. We honed our writing skills in lobbying our politicians and our verbal skills in lectures and educationals. We were given responsibilities that matured our core talents. Today in the business world, working in a “team ” environment with”project
or program management” processes are considered essential building blocks and, in fact are taught at the undergraduate level. The AYF was teaching us these tools as teens ; while connecting us to our heritage. To understand the intensity of those bonds, simply attend an AYF Olympics and meet somone you haven’t seen in a few years. The AYF has done an excellent job in developing leaders for the Armenian community. Diocese, Prelacy, Political, Cultural or Athletics… you will find people who skills and passion for things Armenian were nutured in the AYF. Thanks, Tom for reminding us.

By: Heather Krafian

Heather Krafian — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:03:59 +0000

Bravo Tom, Bravo. I could not have said it better. “Getseh AYF”. We all owe a great deal to our youthful experiences in the youth organization that molded so many of us. We must continue to pass this torch on to the next generation.

I implore all AYF Alumni to get involved. It is up to us to make sure the flame does not go out. Don’t wait to be asked or invited. It is your duty to give back . Our Junior & Senior chapters need our support, guidance and legacy memories. That is what makes this organization so unique.

Thank you Tom for reminding us!!

By: manooshag

manooshag — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:48:24 +0000

Hye Tom, as parents who lived through the AYF years with our children, you said it all so well, for all of us and as well to our AYF current graduates. The connections our children made through the AYF
as well as Camp have been lasting and honest friendships throughout the USA, and more. Manooshag