NEW YORK, NY - A weekend not to be forgotten. The majestic Catskill Mountains, fall foliage in full bloom, blue skies, warm weather and the Swan Lake Golf and Tennis Resort Hotel was what our friends, families and members enjoyed on the weekend of October 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2000. With more than 90 couples in attendance, our guests greeted old friends and met new friends, and participated in the activities and facilities that the recently refurbished Swan Lake Hotel had to offer.

Friday and Saturday evenings, our guests dined and danced to the great sounds of the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. A variety of Armenian, Greek and Arabic melodies brought the dancers and toe-tappers to the floor. Special requests were performed for those who celebrated anniversaries and birthdays.

The Mr. And Mrs. Club of St. Illuminator's Cathedral presented a brief program, at which time Coordinator Malvina Stepanian explained that the concept of this annual "Weekend" is to bring together Armenian Americans to share and enjoy each other's company, and, most importantly, our heritage.

Raffles containing 13 beautiful gifts were won by a pleasantly surprised group. Mrs. Stepanian also expressed appreciation to Mr. & Mrs. Bob and Florence Sarafian, Bronx, NY, who contributed gold jewelry, and to Mr. & Mrs. Peter Odian, Buffalo, NY, who donated a Mint Set of U.S. Treasury Coins and a Collector's Album of Stamps.

This year's winners of the Weekend Away From Home Raffle were Mr. & Mrs. Victor Menegigian of New Jersey. Malvina ended the program by sincerely thanking the Chairman, Stepan Bakalian, and Coordinators Rosemary & Joe Bruno, Joe & Azad Vartanian and Mary & Michael Azarian, who worked diligently and with dedication in making this 28th "Weekend Away From Home" a complete success.

To all who attended this weekend, your past and continued presence and support has not gone without notice. We enjoyed seeing each and every one of you and hope to see you next year.