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6 The Armenian Reporter | February 7, 2009 Community MY NAME IS ARMEN Solitary confinement by Armen D. Bacon I did something slightly shameful this weekend. And before I make my public confession via this column, let me tell you that I’ve already placed myself under house arrest for the action. I am home alone, in solitary confinement, and doing time for my crime. Here is how it all unfolded. The week started out just fine. Early to bed, early to rise, I went to work anticipating a rather normal, uneventful week. But as is typical in my world of work, there was a flood of unexpected meetings, assignments, and, of course, deadlines. I quickly sacrificed my daily gym workouts and lunch hours, living on protein bars eaten at my desk. By Friday afternoon, I was pretty well spent. The one lunch date I protected this week was with a dear friend of mine who is a well-known, local television personality. But even those few precious moments were interrupted by a fan who insisted on approaching our table to say hello and then kept talking until our lunch hour was essentially over. We both left feeling slighted and frustrated. Being the good friend that she is, she called me later in the day so we could rehash the episode and conjure up a survival strategy for next time. During our conversation, we also acknowledged the need to be better stewards of the friendship, even if that meant going under cover in order to finish a sentence. The conversation evolved into thoughts about this chapter of life - wasn’t it supposed to be calm and serene, less harried and chaotic After all, we’d been career women most of our lives. Was life ever going to slow down There was a deafening pause on the other end of the phone. Her tone of voice shifted to a whisper. I was about to be on the receiving end of top-secret information - something she confessed, that she Armenian Reporter columnist Armen D. Bacon is senior director for communications and public relations for the Fresno County Office. Ms. Bacon lives in Fresno, California, and is a wife, mother, professional woman, and writer. Since 2004, her thoughts and reflections about life have been published in the “Valley Voices” section of The Fresno Bee as well as the Armenian Reporter. She also writes, produces, and hosts a radio series titled “Live, Laugh, Love” on Fresno’s K-jewel 99.3 radio. She can be reached at armendbacon@aol.com. has never told a soul. After securing her permission, I’m about to share it with the world. When life’s little interruptions escalate to the point of causing personal havoc and occasional meltdowns, here is what works for my friend, Beth. Quite simply, she goes into hiding. It’s a self-imposed seclusion designed exclusively to reclaim one’s lost self. And she promises me that it works every time. Here’s how it’s done. She quickly and quietly, without any fanfare, cancels all weekend plans, no matter how enticing they might be. This includes (dare I say) her family. She finds refuge in the confines of her own five-star personal cave - her home. For the next 48 hours, she places herself, quite happily, under house arrest. That means no outings for any reason whatsoever. To hear her describe the experience, you would think she was off on some exotic island, vacationing and living the good life. Well, in a way, she is. As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. She dared me to give it a try. Of course, I couldn’t resist. Like most of my weekends, this one was overbooked from the get-go. I had a baby shower for a friend, a Super Bowl party, plans for dinner at a new Peruvian restaurant, and an endless series of errands to run on Saturday. I was hopelessly overprogrammed. I could feel the silent alarm sounding, my own heart pounding, delivering the proverbial SOS signal that this weekend might be the perfect time to jump ship and step off the treadmill of life - even if only for 48 sneaky, slightly deceptive, luxurious hours. Here I go. This morning the blinds are lowered, the phone is ringing but I am not answering it, and I’m happy to report that I have effectively worked through the guilt factor that gnawed at me for the first two hours of my unscheduled and uncluttered day. In just a few hours, I have seen the light of day and I am breathing new life into this spirit of mine. I’m actually starting to feel like my old self again. I am alive and well, enjoying my emancipation proclamation. The day is all mine and I can do whatever I please. That means nothing or everything. Of course I will do something, but without hurry. I just poured myself a second cup of coffee and it is almost noon and I am still in my sweats. I am relishing the mundane as I prepare to sort through my own thoughts on this quiet, beautiful day. As for the bills and groceries and everything else, they will just have to wait. After all, I have banished my former self and am serving a 48-hour sentence in solitary confinement. My name is Armen and I’m sorry I can’t take your call right now. Armena’s Consul General Armen Liloyan with Ashkhen Pilavjian and Abp. Moushegh Martirossian at an event hosted by Mrs. Pilavjian, Jan. 29. 2009. Armen Liloyan honored for service as Armenia’s consul general in Los Angeles GLENDALE – As Armen Liloyan, the consul general of Armenia, prepares to end his term and return to Armenia, the Armenian-American communities of the Western United States are honoring him for his active service. The arf Central Committee organized a farewell reception at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale. It was attended by Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Catholicosate Central Executive member Khajag Dikijian , Prelacy Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian , Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Church leaders, and members of various community organizations. In his remarks, Archbishop Mardirossian commended the consul general’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors. The Prelacy in turn held a farewell reception for Mr. Liloyan on January 29, at Pacific Dining Car in Santa Monica. The event, hosted by Ashkhen Pilavjian, was attended by Prelacy Council members, Mr. Dikijian, arf Bureau member Dr. Viken Hovsepian, ARF Central Committee Chair Mr. Avedik Izmirlian, leaders of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches, and friends. The Prelate and attendees thanked and commended the consul general for his service, and especially for his collaboration in Armenia-diaspora matters during his term. Mr. Liloyan thanked the Prelate and the Armenian community of Los Angeles as a whole for what he described as their cordial relations and cooperation during his term. The consul general spoke highly of the “commitment and contributions of the Armenian community of California to its homeland,” expressing confidence that Armenia-diaspora relations will only get stronger with each passing year. At the conclusion of the reception, Archbishop Mardirossian presented the consul general with a memento. Gueststour newly unveiled computer lab at agbu High School Pasadena. agbu High School Pasadena unveils computer lab, new van for athletic programs PASADENA – On January 23, parents, students, teachers, administrators, and School Board members celebrated the opening of the agbu High School computer lab and the presentation of a new van to the school’s Athletic Department. The computer lab, which features 15 state-of-the-art computers, was established with a donation by Shahan and Shooshig Ohanessian . Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests toured the lab, where Vice-principal Talin Kargodorian presented a plaque to the donors in appreciation of their commitment to the school. “It is with parents’ support that we will continue to strive and make this institution a model Armenian magnet school,” said Ms. Kargodorian in her remarks; she went on to thank everyone for their continued dedication. Afterward the attendees made their way to the parking lot to witness a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school’s new van. Coach Vic Karapetian was handed the keys to the vehicle, which will be used to transport students to and from various athletic games and field trips. The purchase of the van was made possible by the fund-raising efforts of the school’s Parent Support Group and the Fathers’ Club. The vehicle was bought jointly with the agbu Pasadena/Glendale Chapter, which will use it for its scouting program. The two ceremonies were followed by a reception at the Boyajian Hall, hosted by the Parent Support Group. Established in 2006, agbu High School Pasadena is a coeducational institution with 104 students in grades 9-12, serving the Armenian community of the San Gabriel Valley. It is affiliated with agbu Manoogian-Demirdjian School (Canoga Park, California). connect: agbuphs.org agbu.org
The Armenian Reporter | February 7, 2009 7 Community amaa gears up for Orphan and Child Care Luncheon and Fashion Show Leslie Kevorkian and Caroline Tufenkian, co-chairs of the amaa Orphan and Child Care Luncheon and Fashion Show, set for March 21. LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (amaa) Orphan and Child Care Luncheon and Fashion Show, produced by Nordstrom, will be held on Saturday, March 21, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Marilyn Bezdikian, who is in charge of coordinating the fashion show and whose efforts resulted in Nordstrom’s support of the event, said, “The models are so eager to participate and the outfits are so charming that we are going to have an absolutely lovely show for all our guests.” The theme for this year’s luncheon is “Children Helping Children Through Hope and Joy,” reflecting the fact that, by participating in the fashion show, talented children in Los Angeles help raise funds for disadvantaged children in Armenia. “You should see their smiles and eagerness when we explain to them the mission of the amaa and how their presence and their input helps disadvantaged children of all ages in Armenia,” said Caroline Tufenkian, who, along with Leslie Kevorkian, is co-chairing this year’s event. “They are truly touched and overwhelmed by emotion, especially when they look at photos of children in Armenia who are in such need,” added Lori Muncherian, one of the West Coast co-chairs. This year’s silent auction will offer many gift items from Armenia, hand-painted works of art, rare crystal and porcelain pieces, from Lalique to Baccarat, jewelry and gift baskets, a night stay at a five-star resort in Monarch Beach, a hotel-and-golf package at a resort in Carlsbad, two-day spa packages at a luxury hotel in Westlake Village, and various event tickets. Nicole Nishanian , silent auction chair, said the response to requests for donating auction prizes has been overwhelming, though not surprising. “All our donors know that the funds raised from this event reach a child in his or her hour of need in a land that is far away from Los Angeles but never too far from our hearts and minds,” Ms. Nishanian noted. Like Leslie Shahinian, who is assisting in the coordination of the silent auction, Ms. Nishanian said she believes that “bidding for these brilliant items [in the auction] will be intense and passionate, driven by the motivation to give to our children in Armenia.” According to Maro Yacoubian, chair of the child-sponsorship amaa has raised over $9 million in capital campaign drive, financial contributions are already being received. “Although we are all living in special economic times, and are at times frightened by what may be around the corner, realizing that the children in Armenia are also frightened is encouraging supporters to make donations, to reassure [our young beneficiaries] that we are here for them and we will not forget them,” Ms. Yacoubian said. In 2008, funds raised by the amaa Orphan and Child Care Committee facilitated nearly 3,000 scholarships and supported 20 kindergartens in Armenia and Karabakh, summer and day camps for more than 6,000 children and teenagers, as well as several art and sports programs. Joyce Stein, national co-chair of the committee, explained that “the funds go directly to the benefit of the needy children - nothing is spared and all efforts are made to reach out to everyone who is in need.” connect: 1-213-509-4337 PARAMUS – The Armenian Missionary Association of America has been celebrating its 90th anniversary over the past year. Founded in 1918, the amaa was created to serve the physical and spiritual needs of people everywhere, both in the United States and abroad. To fulfill this worldwide mission, the amaa maintains a range of educational, evangelistic, relief, social service, healthcare, church, and childcare ministries in 22 countries around the world. Last October 18, during the 90th Anniversary Banquet, Executive Director Andrew Torigian announced the public launch of the “Together, we can build miracles” multiyear capital campaign. Since fundraising commenced for this endeavor in August 2007, over $9 million, approximately two-thirds of the total goal, has already been committed by leading supporters of the amaa. Embarking on this campaign represents the legacy of the amaa’s achievements. It is an opportune time for the association to expand its programs in order to satisfy the growing needs of the people it serves and continue providing accessible community services. amaa Executive Director Andy Torigian with Elsie Kashishian Haig at her home in Los Angeles. Mrs. Kashishian Haig and her children are adding to their endowment fund at the amaa. “Together, we can build miracles” campaign priorities include: opening the doors to a new cultural center and church in Yerevan; developing newly purchased property in Gyumri to serve as a community center and church; expanding the Khoren and Shoushanik Avedisian Elementary School in Yerevan into a middle and high school; commencing renovations to summer camps; restoring a five-story building at Haigazian University in Lebanon; and helping the Charlotte and Elise Merdinian School in California achieve its goal of expanding into a high school. connect: www.amaa.org 1-201-265-2607 Karl Samuelian, Esq., with amaa Executive Director Andy Torigian and Board member Dr. Nazareth Darakjian at Max’s Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Mr. Samuelian and Dr. Darakjian have endowment funds with the amaa. amaa Executive Director Andy Torigian with Stephen Lazarian, President Emeritus of the Armenian Gospel Mission, at Mr. Lazarian’s office in Pasadena, Calif. They explored ways in which they can help indigent people in Armenia. Let us know what’s on your mind. Write to us at letters@ reporter.am BABYSITTER/CAREGIVER My name is Gayane. I am a loving, caring, energetic person. Bilingual in Armenian and Russian. I have many years of experience and I am currently looking for a full-time job I have references to provide. If you are interested in contacting me please call (347)776-7281
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