VANCOUVER, Canada – The Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) of Vancouver held what is projected to be its first annual summer picnic at John Lawson Park in West Vancouver on July 23, at which over 100 people attended.
Originally, the organizers intended to provide a barbeque, but because of the many forest fires that British Columbia is experiencing this summer, the Canadian government banned barbeques for the time being. Instead, kebab was catered ahead of time, and cakes and watermelon were also provided.
In addition to food, there was a backgammon competition as well as other contests and games, including volleyball. Children were able to play soccer, ride their bikes and blow bubbles.
The picnic was an opportunity for many in attendance to get to know an Armenian family from Aleppo which recently settled in Vancouver. Others reconnected with old friends and made new ones.
The Vancouver TCA chapter was restarted less than a year ago, and has been very active. Among the executive members involved in preparing this event were TCA chapter chair Rosie Tokatlian, vice chair Elo Attarmigirian, treasurer Meline Kalpakian, secretary Jemil Kevranian, and advisors Beatrice Arkeletian, Robert Semerdjian, Hagop Kucukgeozian, and Manoush Apkar. In addition, Tekeyan members Eddie Tokatlian and Hagop Attarmigirian were helpful.
The chapter’s next major event is a gala for the platinum anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural Association on September 30. For more information, please contact Rosie Tokatlian at rosietokatlian@shaw.ca or 604-925-0612, or Elo Attarmigirian at 604 626-6758.
