Armenian Students Organization Participates in Community Events

Andrew Esguerra
Staff Writer

As the fall semester winds down, the Armenian Students Organization remains active, holding events that are fun and keep the mind off of pesky midterms (for me at least), essays, and projects.

Events in the Armenian community held on the last two weekends of October garnered the attention of the club. A lively festival, “A Taste of Armenia,” took place October 23 on the downtown Fresno Fulton Mall, where Armenian food vendors, musicians, and most importantly local Armenians (and Hye-enthusiasts alike) converged. The ASO spent that Saturday selling ASO T-shirts and staffing the Tavli [backgammon] tent and cultural room. Delicious food and a variety of entertainment made “A Taste of Armenia” entertaining and something that should continue and grow every year.

The ASO annual Car Wash on Saturday, October 30, proved successful as members spent the afternoon making cars look especially shiny, as only Armenian hard work can do. Things went smoothly after the group started to work more cohesively. This event was even more satisfying after I had my own car washed while I took my break from the meticulous scrubbing.

November started with the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School (CKACS) Annual Banquet, where alumni of the school and ASO members alike volunteered. “A great event for the school… with a little bit of something for everybody,” said Principal Sophie Mekhitarian. “The ASO did a wonderful job, and any volunteer help we get is wonderful for the school.”
While the ASO’s part in the November 6 event was to serve food, it was a reminder of the importance of an Armenian organization to support other Armenian organizations, such as CKACS, especially as it is the only Armenian school between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Friday, November 19, marked movie night for the club. In a spacious Fresno State classroom (which could have passed for a movie theater) The Italian Job was screened, as decided by poplar vote. Of course, a table overflowing with food and a good movie on a Friday night made movie night a hit. Along with the movie, we also discussed plans through December. Upcoming events include a bowling night and a Christmas party. Bowling night is just what it sounds like—fun with friends at the Fresno State bowling alley (in the University Student Union). That is taking place on Friday, December 3. The Christmas party will take place right after the semester ends, and will no doubt have lots of relieved students and delicious food!

The ASO is lively, its events support the Armenian community, and are just good fun for the average Fresno State student. For any other information, direct your attention to the red, blue, and orange booth in front of the USU, which is staffed by ASO members Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and they will gladly tell you about the latest news and all about upcoming events!