The "dog days" of August are upon us and that usually means a few things. On the East Coast, we are talking about AYF Olympics (www.ayf.org) and winding down Cafe Anoush at the ACEC as well as the last weeks of Camp Hayastan. AYF Olympics, for those who are not familiar, is the annual sports weekend for the Armenian Youth Federation. As an alumni, it's an even that cannot be missed for the sheer scope of an event. Sure, you've got the sports events, but, the dances and after hour parties are where the fun really is. This year it is in Providence, RI and I encourage all that want a true Armenian-American experience to attend.

Camp Hayastan is the AYF's youth camp for kids 8-15. It is located in Franklin, MA. The camp attracts kids from all over the world and is a great place for young Armenians to learn and share their Armenian culture with each other. There is a similar AYF camp in California. Usually, there are picnics on the Camp grounds every Sunday so visitors get a chance to roam the area of the Camp.

Cafe Anoush is fast becoming a Watertown institution in the summer time. Located in the courtyard of the ACEC (Armenian Culutral and Educational Center) in Watertown, MA, it is open every Thursday from 5-9 and great food is served by the ACEC and local AYF vulunteers.

If you are in town for any of these dates, please check them out as you will get a great feel for Armenian-American culture on the East Coast.