Category Archives: Events
In Memoriam: Angel Tersakian
Angel Tersakian of Boca Raton, Florida passed away peacefully at Hospice on Friday, July 10, 2015. She had been a resident of Boca Raton for 31 years coming from the Boston area to be with her children. Angel was born in Istanbul, Turkey to parents who survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The family moved to Holland in the late 60’s, then to Boston in the early 1970’s. She is survived by son Melkon Tersakian (Laura) and daughter Marta Batmasian (James); four grandchildren: James and Armen Batmasian, Michael and Olivia Tersakian. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins around the world.
Funeral Services will take place on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 5:00pm at St. David Armenian Church, 2300 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. David Armenian Church. Glick Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Return to Asbury Park 2015
By Robyn Kalajian
FLArmenians Cuisine Contributors
Asbury Park, New Jersey had been my family’s go-to vacation destination ever since the early 1950’s. Some landmarks of that era included the Van Hotel, Hye Hotel, Berkeley-Carteret Hotel, Monte Carlo swimming pool, Convention Hall, Sunset Lounge, the boardwalk, and, of course, the beach!
Armenians crowded the sandy shore mostly between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. Beach blankets covered the sand; kef-time music filled the air. It was an awesome, innocent, coming-of-age location.
The late 1960’s -1970’s presented hard times for Asbury. Thankfully, the area has come into its own again. Tourism is once again flourishing, and Armenians are returning! In fact, 2015 marks the fourth consecutive year where Armenians will appear en masse in Asbury!
This year’s ‘Return to Asbury’ kef weekend on the beach is taking place from August 7th through August 9th. By attending, you’ll not only have the time of your life, the event proceeds will benefit Camp Haiastan, Camp Nubar, and St. Vartan Camp.
Arsine Kaloustian and Taniel Koushakjian at ‘Return to Asbury’ in 2014
Arsine Kaloustian and Taniel Koushakjian, founders of the state-wide organization Florida Armenians (FLArmenians) and rising community leaders, are working hard to make this year’s gathering super-spectacular. I’ve known these two fine, young professionals since they were children. I met Taniel when he was five, but have known his mother, Arlys, since she and I were in our early teens – in fact, we met at the Van Hotel in Asbury Park! I met Arsine and her family when she was about 12. Arsine, Taniel, and my daughter, Mandy are all about the same age, and grew up in South Florida. They formed a close-knit friendship from the very start – but I digress.
Return to Asbury 2015 will feature the Artsakh Band and……for the first time in Asbury in almost 50 years…..the Fabulous Vosbikian Band!
Need a place to stay? Check out the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel or the Hotel Tides. There are also some B&Bs in the area.
Get your tickets online now: www.returntoasbury2015.eventbrite.com.
Florida Armenians 