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12 The Armenian Reporter | February 7, 2009 Community Videographer Roger Hagopian keeps history in the forefront by Tom Vartabedian LEXINGTON, MA – If you’re an Armenian Genocide survivor living in New England, you probably have been approached by Roger Hagopian to document your history. If not, give it time. There’s only so many hours in a day which is hardly enough for this 59-year-old videographer who’s bent on his mission. Six DVDs tell the story of Armenians in their hallowed state, from the war years to the military, their jobs, families, occupational hazards, done to music, rare footage and told in a stoic manner. For the outside world, it’s an educational tool, meant to be shared. With Hagopian, it’s a little more than that. It’s become his passion to keep history alive and pass it forward to future generations. “It’s an honor and privilege to record and preserve the oral histories of these generations,” he points out. “We must remember and appreciate the struggle, sacrifice and endurance of this breed of reluctant heroes – the likes of which we may never see again.” The 7 th video is yet to come, a work in progress that details the lives of immigrant workers inside the old Hood Rubber Plant in Watertown where conditions raised havoc with their general health and mental state. Among them was renown artist Arshile Gorky, who originally came from Van and occasionally stayed at the Hagopian flat in Watertown. “My father recalled they once went to Nantasket Beach and Gorky came out of the ocean looking like Jesus Christ with a beard he was sporting at the time,” said Hagopian. “He was employed at Hood Rubber for a short time and was fired for drawing on the soles of shoes, often while hunkering down on the rooftop of a factory building.” Such stories tend to manifest themselves, providing a platform for a man who cleans rugs for a living and joins his wife Lynda at weekend craft fairs as she sells her handmade jewelry. It’s also an occasion for Hagopian to peddle his videos and hob-knob with people, something he has no difficulty doing. The video phase of his life began in the mid-90s when Lynda noticed in a Lexington paper that the local cable access TV station was offering courses in film production. In walked Hagopian with a pile of Armenian history books and told them he wanted to create an Armenian documentary. Out of it came his first Armenian film. Subsequently, it’s evolved into using computer software that offers editing and DVD production. “I’ve always been a fan of historical documentary films, especially the work of Ken Burns,” he says. “My focus is the genocide. In my own way, I try to use the video medium, specifically the oral history interviews. Powerful imagery and music enhance the project, leaving an added impression upon the viewer, especially non-Armenians, many of whom are just now learning the enormity of our suffrage as a nation. I could not achieve such an effect through the written word.” Of all the survivors, none meant more to him than his dad Hurire, who was born in 1912 in Avantz near Van. He recalls the turmoil when his own father, who fought in the Van resistance, was in the parliament of the 1918-1920 Armenian Republic and subsequently killed in the ill-fated February 18 th Revolt against the Soviets in 1921. His proudest accomplishment was not only documenting the family’s history in Van, but arranging for his father to be honored as a Genocide survivor at the Massachusetts State House during a 1999 commemoration – seven months before his death. “I’ve always been conscious of my Armenian heritage,” he notes. “But it was the realization that my father did not have long to live that prompted me to record his story and expand upon it by putting it into historical context through research.” Another memorable survivor was Peter Bilezikian, born in Marash in 1912. He witnessed and escaped the death and destruction of the Armenian community there. “At the age of 97, Peter is an inspiration to me,” says Hagopian. “He’s a man of peace and goodwill. He holds no animosity to the Turks and acknowledges the peaceful coexistence between Armenians and Turks in his city up to the genocide. He is full of enthusiasm and gratitude for his life and family, especially his devoted daughter Bethel Charkoudian. I’m grateful to call him my friend.” Hagopian names his filmmaking venture Yeznig Film Productions which has a separate identity from his work cleaning carpets and upholstery. One commands a modest salary, the other no payment whatsoever. Hagopian has a music degree from UMass Boston. He and his wife, the former Lynda Kechejian, are parents of two sons, Rodger and Manuel. Affiliations include: NAASR, ALMA, Knights of Vartan, Armenian Memorial Church and Middlesex Canal Association. He’s one of five Lexington Armenians participating in the successful removal of the ADL/ No Place for Hate from Lexington in 2007. “Growing up in a diverse inner city neighborhood (Dorchester) shaped my outlook on other groups in a positive way,” Hagopian maintains. “I gravitated toward the Jews and the Greeks because of our commonalities – the Greek food and the Jewish experience with the Holocaust.” When Hagopian left Dorchester List of favorites Music – Jazz Entertainers – Pianist Errol Garner, John and June Baboian TV show – Reruns of “The 3 Stooges” Movie – “Duck Soup” with the Marx Brothers Screen star – Sophia Loren Hobbies – Jazz piano and trumpet; model and real trains; nature and historical hikes American song – “Love” by Nat King Cole. I used to sing it to Lynda when we dated. Armenian song – “Giligia” Relaxation – A 3-to-4-mile run Most embarrassing moment – Any time I’m given credit for being any more than what I really am. If I could trade places with anyone for a day – Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns Pet peeve – Those who ignore the golden rule Pet – Our cat Chessie, a railroad kitten Favorite spot in Greater Boston – The Freedom Trail. I wrote a poem about it as a kid. Day trip – Walking the Marginal Trail in Ogunquit, Maine, with my in his teens, the process of yearning and reminiscence began, hence the videos. His love of music, especially jazz, has struck up a connection with Serge Tankian of the band, “System of a Down,” and its efforts to obtain Armenian Genocide recognition internationally. Support has come his way through the Watertown Cultural Council and Amaras Art Alliance which promotes the rich cultures of Armenian and American people through performs, exhibits, lectures, publications and travel tours. Videographer/ historian Roger Hagopian is shown with his collection of DVDs, which numbers six and continues to gain momentum. wife Lynda American book – “Flags of Our Fathers” by James Bradley, an account of the lives of six Marines who raised the flag at Iwo Jima Armenian book – “Neither to Laugh nor to Weep,” a memoir of the Armenian Genocide by the late Rev. Abraham Hartunian, translated into English by his son, my friend, the late Rev. Vartan Hartunian Athlete – Marathon runner, the late Johnny Kelly, who ran into his 80s. Statesman – President John F. Kennedy Armenians – Vartan Mamigonian and General Antranig Proudest accomplishment – Documenting the story of the Hagopian family of Van, then arranging to have my father, Hurire, singularly honored as an Armenian Genocide survivor at the Massachusetts State House during the 1999 commemoration – 7 months before his death Quote – “Happiness is accepting reality,” by my late uncle, Charlie Changelian One of his heroes is Dr. Carol Ann Najarian, who coordinated relief work in Armenia and together with her husband George, built and improved hospitals in Armenia and Karabagh following the earthquake in 1988 and the war with Azerbaijan throughout the 1990s. Another contemporary of his is Apo Torosyan who, like himself, is an independent filmmaker of subjects such as the Armenian Genocide and has enjoyed universal appeal with his works. Hagopian videos recapture history 1. Journey along the Middlesex Canal – An historical account of the first major canal in America (1803-1853), linking Boston Harbor to the Merrimack River. A town-by-town exploration of the abandoned route and remains of the old waterway with its locks, lock tender houses, aqueducts and culverts. 2. Journey of an Armenian Family – The story of the Hagopian family of Van, where 1,300 Armenians, including Roger’s grandfather Nishan, heroically held off thousands of Turks and Kurds. 3. Memories of Marash – Traces the ancient history of the city, located in present Turkey, through a series of massacres from the late 1800s to 1923 through the genocide years and final expulsion of the Armenian community. The firm consists of interviews with Armenian Genocide survivors and experts on the subject of Marash and Celicia 4. Our Boys – Armenian- American World War 2 veterans reflect upon the bombing of Pearl Harbor, their induction into the military and near-death experiences during combat. Life on the home front is also recalled by women. 5. Victory at Van – An account of the defense of Van where the outnumbered Armenians successfully drove off the attacking Turks and Kurds, saving over 30,000 people. Interviews with survivors recount the subsequent evacuation of Van through imagery of the period and scenes of the region today. 6. Memory Fragments from the Armenian Genocide – Survivor and eyewitness accounts of the deportations and evacuations enhanced through historical photographs and period films. Strangely enough, Hagopian has never been to Armenia, except in his dreams. His work, he feels, keeps him in touch with Armenia every single day. “I believe that one individual in a grass roots effort can accomplish a lot,” he maintains. “Armenians need to promote an awareness of our story at whatever level we are capable – whether it’s through oneon-one conversation, public speaking, classroom education, writing books and creating documentary films.” POSITION SOUGHT A vibrant 50-year old Armenian woman looking for work as either a babysitter or caregiver for elderly. Excellent Armenian cook. Speaks Armenian & Russian. Live in or live out in New York or New Jersey. Please call Elsa, (347) 782-4811. N. Lael Telfeyan, Ph.D., LCSW Counseling and Psychotherapy with Individuals, Families and Couples Adults and Adolescents 140 West 97th St. New York, NY 10025 By appointment 917-975-3109 24 Windsor Road Great Neck, NY 11021 e-mail: nlael@aol.com
The Armenian Reporter | February 7, 2009 13 Community GALA DINNER & DANCE PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE RENOVATION OF ST. ILLUMINATOR’S ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CATHEDRAL Under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate Hosted by Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral Abp. Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor, the architect, and Board members at the St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral Gala dinner and dance to support Eastern Prelacy Cathedral renovation NEW YORK – Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in New York are hosting a gala dinner and dance on Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m., to support the renovation of the cathedral. The cathedral sanctuary is being renovated, and plans are under preparation to restructure the entrance. Varoujan Vartanian and his band will provide the entertainment at the event, which will take place at Terrace on the Park in Corona, New York. Calendar of Events In preparation for the dinner, the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, addressed the faithful in a letter highlighting the history of the cathedral and outlining the renovations underway. The Prelate wrote, “After all these years that St. Illuminator’s Mother Church has served our community, the time has come when she needs our support and assistance. I request that after reading this message, you reply with a generous donation.” Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 at 5:00pm Terrace on the Park (52-11 111th Street, Corona, NY) Featuring VAROUJAN VARTANIAN AND HIS BAND Donation - $100.00 Students: - $75.00 For more information and reservations please call: Cathedral Office: (212) 689-5880 Let us know what’s on your mind. Write to us at letters@reporter.am New York FEBRUARY 19 - STS. VARTAN- ANTZ DAY at St. Vartan Cathedral, 630 Second Ave. (corner 34th St.), New York City. Under the auspices of the Eastern Diocese, with participation of the Mid-Atlantic Knights & Daughters of Vartan. Dinner & program begin on Thursday evening, 7:30 p.m. in Haik & Alice Kavookjian Auditorium (following 6:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy). Main Speakers: FR. HAIGAZOUN NAJARIAN, and DR. ARTHUR KUBIKIAN; includes musical program by “Shnorhali Chorale” (of Bayside’s Holy Martyrs Church). Donation: $25 for adults; $10 for children under 12. For information call (212) 686-0710. FEBRUARY 22 - GALA DINNER & DANCE. Proceeds to benefit the renovation of the St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral. At Terrace on the Park, 52-11 111th Street, Corona, NY. Starting at 5:00 p.m.; Donation: $100.00 (students $75). For information and reservations call the Cathedral at (212) 689-5880. MARCH 8 - MUSICAL ARME- NIA, Sunday, at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, featuring cellist David Bakamjian and violinist Cecee Pantikian. . Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild. MARCH 15 - “MORTGAGE BURNING” CELEBRATION BAN- QUET at Saint Sarkis Church, Douglaston, Queens. Sunday, at 1:30 pm. The Pastor and Board of Trustees invite parishioners and friends to join the Saint Sarkis family in an afternoon Banquet Celebration of this momentous and joyful event in the Church history. For information, kindly contact the Church office at 718- 224-2275 MARCH 28 - SAVE THE DATE! ARS Centennial Gala Banquet at the prestigious Yale Club of NYC. Details to follow. 718-961-9550. APRIL 16 - QUARTERLY FO- RUM SERIES - Remembering the Forgotten: The Untold Story of Clergymen Lost to the Genocide. The second forum features Yeretzgeen Joanna Baghsarian’s remarkable story of how a group of her students took a proactive role in remembering these forgotten martyrs. There is no charge for the evening, but RSVP is requested by email to events@armenianprelacy.org or by telephone at 212-689-7810. MAY 16- HMADS GALA DINNER DANCE hosted by the “Friends” at Russo’s on the Bay, featuring Addis Harmandian and his Band. Cocktails 7:30 pm. Dinner 9:00 pm. Donation: $ 150. For Reservations please call, school office: (718) 225 4826, Negdar Arukian: (718) 423 4813. New Jersey FEBRUARY 7 - 50TH ANNIVER- SARY DINNER DANCE OF STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH, Ridgefield, NJ. Celebration includes cocktails, Silent Auction & Open Bar at the beautiful Rockleigh Country Club, music by Varoujan Vartanian, Ara Dinkjian, Harold Hagopian. Donation: $150 pp. Call church office at (201) 943- 2950 for reservations and information. FEBRUARY 21 - PAREGENTAN Dinner Dance sponsored by St. Thomas Armenian Church. Corner of Rt. 9W and East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly NJ. Music by MOSHE and Soloist. Includes variety of “mezze” appetizers, filet mignon dinner, desserts and soft drinks. Saturday, Cash Bar available. Performance by Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of St. Thomas Children’s Group. Adults $50 pp. Children 11 and under $20 pp. For reservations call: Sylva Torosian at (201) 894-0143, Tanya Vartanyan at (201) 941-6764, Shamiram Hamparian (201) 265-7251, Rosine Hovsepian at (201) 265-1275 or the Church Office NOVEMBER 15 - “ONE NATION, ONE CULTURE” A Cultural Festival organized by Hamazkayin Eastern USA Regional Executive, Featuring Alla Levonian from Armenia and Babin Boghosian & Ensemble from Los Angeles, With the participation of Antranig Dance Ensemble of AGBU, Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble of St. Thomas Armenian Church, Yeraz Dance Ensemble of St. Sarkis Church, NJ Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Group & Arekag Children’s Choir & Dhol Group. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009. 4pm. Felician College Lodi, New Jersey. Donation: $75, $50, $35, $25. For more information or tickets please contact: Hamazkayin @ 201-945-8992 or Paradon2009@ gmail.com Greenwich, Connecticut JANUARY 1 - MARCH 1 - EXHIB- IT - “WINDOW TO THE EXOTIC” by HOVSEP PUSHMAN. Featuring 8 important master works from a private collection. Abby M. Taylor fine Art, 43 Greenwich, CT. For more info. call (203) 622-0906 or visit amtfine.art.com Subscription Coupon the armenian reporter annual rates U.S.A.: First Class Mail, $125; Periodicals Mail, $75 Canada: $125 (u.s.); Overseas: $250 (u.s.) name street city/state/zip AGAU SCHOLARSHIPS AVAIL- ABLE The AGAU Alumni scholarship applications are available for NJHS 2009 Graduates. For application please call President Irene Khorozian (201) 262-4625. All scholarship winners must attend the June 28, 2009 scholarship luncheon at the Landmark II in East Rutherford, N.J. Check Enclosed OR Charge My: Mastercard Visa Amex Discover Exp. mail coupon to: armenian reporter p.o. box 129, paramus, nj 07652 or fax coupon to (201) 226-1660 (credit card orders only)
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