[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENERAL ATHLETIC UNION 
                         AND SCOUTS-HOMENETMEN

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2008

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th 
Anniversary of the Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts-
Homenetmen, Glendale Ararat Chapter. As an ardent believer in the 
strong mind in a strong body concept, Homenetmen provides young adults 
with scouting, moral, physical, health, social and cultural education. 
Established on December 15, 1978, by seven volunteer members, the 
Ararat Chapter has served over 14,000 members since its inception.
  Ararat's main focus consists of developing and supervising balanced 
programs for our community's youth. A dedicated staff of eight, 
assisted by more than 300 volunteers, does a remarkable job of 
planning, implementing and overseeing year-round supervised after-
school and weekend activities for more than 2,300 children, teenagers 
and young adults between the ages of 7 and 25.
  Homenetmen ensures that youngsters are taught civic and cultural 
values, volunteerism, teamwork, and leadership training in a family-
oriented atmosphere, and are kept away from the negative influences of 
drugs, gangs and crime.
  Homenetmen has always been an influential organization in the 
community. In accordance with their roots in civic duty, they have 
built close ties with other community and volunteer organizations. Some 
of Homenetmen's accomplishments include blood drives with the American 
Red Cross, drug awareness education programs with the Glendale 
Adventist Medical Center, preparation of holiday lunches and dinners in 
cooperation with the Salvation Army, graffiti cleanups, participation 
in cancer walks and visiting senior retirement homes.
  Our community is grateful to Homenetmen and honors them as an 
important resource in shaping the lives of the children in the 29th 
Congressional District. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Homenetmen, Glendale Ararat Chapter on their 30th 
anniversary.

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