Amid a flurry of holiday attire and glitter, 180 persons enjoyed a delightful New Year’s Eve Celebration at Kalustyan Hall on December 31, 2007, sponsored by the Holy Martyrs Armenian Language School.  The beauty of the décor, representing a winter wonderland of angels, stars, trees, wildlife, and complete with white poinsettias intertwined with white lights, was a feast for the eyes. 

To begin the evening’s activities, Event Co-chair Mayreni Sanag offered a few words of welcome to all. A well-appointed table of appetizers accompanied by complimentary wine was followed by a full-course dinner, all under the watchful supervision of the HMALS Board and Event Chairs Mayreni Sanag and Lucy Calikyan. Tastefully prepared and presented, the foods were enjoyed by all present. 

The enticing strains of Varoujan Vartanian’s Armenian melodies brought the guests to their feet in very professional-looking shoorch bars.  Among the dancers was the leader of Holy Martyrs’ Aradzani Dance Group, Robert Haroutunian, members of our Hye Bar Dance Group, as well as Parish Council Chair Michael and Mrs. Silva Zohrabian.  An array of exquisite gifts was on display, along with a steady stream of delighted revelers/prizewinners claiming their prizes.  The children of the parish had their special menu in the church auditorium where a DJ entertained with kids’ music and games, under adult supervision.  Our graceful young adults of teenage and above had their own special table in Kalustyan Hall and impressed everyone with their polite and well-behaved presence.

Excitement escalated in Kalustyan Hall as the youngsters came to join their parents in welcoming in the New Year.  The Honorary Chairs of the 50^th Anniversary Committee released fifty balloons at the stroke of midnight, champagne was poured, and the echoes of “Happy New Year” could be heard throughout.  The love and joy among those present were beautiful to behold. A beautiful Viennese table was at the ready with delectable sweets and fruits while dancing and merriment continued. 

50^th Anniversary Chair Garo Sekdorian thanked the evening’s co-chairs for a job well done and invited everyone to the forthcoming events of this anniversary year. The closing remarks of Parish Council Chair Michael Zohrabian expressed a wish to see everyone soon in our larger hall, which will hopefully be under construction in the near future. The successful outcome of the New Year’s Celebration provided Holy Martyrs Church with substantial proceeds in honor of the 50^th anniversary of the church’s consecration.