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Kennedy andArmenianGenocideNew children’smagazine fromGlendaleVartabedianon adoptingArmeniaSee story on page 10 mSee story on page 12 mSee stories on page 19 mNumber 144February 6, 2010the armenianreporterSingers in traditional dress during Surb Sargis celebrations on January 30. Photo: Tigran Tadevosyan/Photolure.Surb Sargis: Armenia marks itsValentine’s Day two weeks earlyVisit us at reporter.amSee photos and story on page 15 m

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010

Number 144February 6, 2010the armenianreporterOn February 2 Rep. Mark Krik securedthe Republican Party’s nominationin elections for U.S. Senateseat from Illinois, while pollsindicate businessperson DannyNationalCongressman: State Department is mainstumbling block for Genocide resolutionIn an “Armenian Reporter” interview,Republican member of CongressScott Garrett discusses theArmenian Genocide resolution andissues faced by his northern NewJersey constituents.NationalArmeniaMr. Garrett believes that independentof political party in powermain stumbling block for the resolutionis the American foreign policyestablishment.See interview on page 3mMark Kirk and Danny Tarkanian aim for theSenateTarkanian was making gains inNevada Senate GOP nominationcontest ahead of June primary.Emil Sanamyan has details.See story on page 2mAvetik Grigorian, 20, and Anahit Kharatian, 22, won the Armenian national chesschampionship. Photo: Photolure.See story on page 16mThe catastrophic earthquake thatstruck Haiti on January 12 leftmillions in need of emergency aid,with rescue and aid groups fromArmenian army celebrated at Tekeyan CulturalAssociation eventOn Friday, January 22 close to 200people celebrated the 18th anniversaryof Armenia’s Armed ForcesDay and honored the recently appointedAmbassador of Armeniato the United Nations. The specialevent, held at The Palisadium inCommunityArmenian groups join appeals for Haiti reliefCommunityArts & CultureNew Jersey, was sponsored andhosted by the New York, New Jerseybranch of the Tekeyan CulturalAssociation (TCA). Florence Avakianreports.LA exhibit highlights poverty in ArmeniaEditorialaround the globe, including severalgroups from the Armenian diasporapitching in.See story on page 19mSee story on page 4mIn the wake of the global recession,poverty has come to afflict muchof Armenia once again. On March26 and 27, How We Live, a specialexhibit by photographer Sara Anjargoliandedicated to the problem,will open in Los Angeles at CasitasStudios..See story on page 11mArmenian Reporter drops print editionsIn a note to readers the ArmenianReporter publisher Gerard L. Cafesjianannounces a decision to dropprint editions, while continuing topublish online. In an op-ed outgoingeditor Vincent Lima discusseshis nearly four years at helm of theflagship Armenian-American publication.See editorials on page 18mWhite House requests$40mln in 2011 Armenia aidArmenian Americanreaction to proposalmixedby Emil SanamyanWashington – The Obama Administrationhas requested $40million in aid to Armenia in 2011,according to figures from a congressionalsource made available toThe Armenian Reporter.The request represents a substantialincrease over the Administration’s2010 proposal and is close tothe amount approved by Congresslast December. It came as part ofthe annual budget proposal sent bythe White House to Congress onFebruary 1.Last year Congress’s Armenianallocation included $41 million ineconomic aid, $8 million to Karabakhand $3 million in militaryaid. Those allocations were madeafter the Obama Administrationrequested just $30 million in economicand $3.5 million in militaryaid and made no specific requestfor Karabakh programs.As in the past this year’s requesthas no specific Karabakh allocation.The 2011 request also includes $3.95million in military aid to Armenia.The Administration also askedfor $22.1 million in economic and$4.4 million in military aid to Azerbaijan,levels unchanged from 2010budget request.Honors one of itsfounders, and raisesclose to $1 millionNew York – Some 450 peoplegathered at Cipriani Wall Street indowntown Manhattan on January15 to mark the 20th anniversary ofthe Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)- an organization that has providedstrength and opportunity to the Armenianpeople - and pay tribute to atrue humanitarian and co-founderof FAR, Dr. Edgar M. Housepian.Many guests traveled hundredsof miles to attend the regal gala,which helped to raise close to $1million to support FAR operations.His Holiness Karekin II, the SupremePatriarch and Catholicos ofAll Armenians, presided over theevent and addressed attendees.Other notable speakers includedTribute Committee Chair Dr. TavitNajarian; Primate of the Diocese ofthe Armenian Church of America(Eastern) and President of FAR ArchbishopKhajag Barsamian; Chair ofFAR’s Board of Directors Mr. RandySapah-Gulian; President Emeritusof Boston University and FAR Boardmember Dr. Aram Chobanian; and Dr.Housepian’s son Dr. David Hovsepian.President Barack Obama sent acongratulatory letter on the occasionof the 20th Anniversary of theFund for Armenian Relief.Community reactionArmenian-Americans and theircongressional friends welcomedthe request with some reservations.“The Obama Administration hascorrected its approach regardingaid to Armenia by proposing anamount close to what Congressmandated last year,” said Ross Vartianof U.S.-Armenia Public AffairsCommittee.“However, the administrationpersists in excluding Karabakh andin proposing asymmetrical militaryassistance in favor of Azerbaijan,”President Obamadelivers his Stateof the Unionaddress on Jan.27. Photo: OfficialWhite House/Pete SouzaMr. Vartian added. “As has beenthe case since Congress first mandatedassistance to Karabakh andmilitary assistance parity betweenArmenia and Azerbaijan, we callupon the community’s friends inCongress to continue aid to Artsakhand military aid parity.”Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.),founding co-chair of the CongressionalArmenian Caucus, also criticizedaspects of the request.“I am disappointed to see that[military] funding proposed byContinued on page mFund for Armenian Relief celebratesits 20th anniversaryDr. Edgar M. Housepian, His Holiness Karekin II and Archbishop KhajagBarsamian. Photo: Julie DermanskyMr. Tatoul Markarian, Armenia’sAmbassador to the U.S., presentedto Dr. Housepian the Mkhitar HeratziMedal, an honor from the Presidentof Armenia Serge Sargsyan,in recognition of Dr. Housepian’swork in improving medical care andbenefiting the Armenian people atlarge. FAR’s Board of Directors bestowedan award in recognition ofDr. Housepian’s outstanding leadershipand extraordinary contributionto the wellbeing of the Armenianpeople. Dr. Housepian alsoreceived the highest honor in theArmenian Church, the St. GregoryThe Illuminator medal and encyclical,presented to him by His HolinessKarekin II.An esteemed neurosurgeon fromColumbia-Presbyterian MedicalCenter, Dr. Edgar Housepian carriedon an amazing career until hisretirement in 1997. When the 1988earthquake in Armenia nearly destroyedthe cities of Gyumri andSpitak, Dr. Housepian mobilized anall-out relief effort. Together withthe late prominent builder and philanthropist,FAR Chairman Emeritus(1923-2009) Kevork Hovnanianand then-Primate ArchbishopTorkom Manoogian, he gatheredemergency supplies and flew to Armeniato witness the impact of thedisaster firsthand.With the desire to do more fortheir homeland, the three helpedto lay the foundation for the Fundfor Armenian Relief, which wasoriginally called the DiocesanFund for Armenian Relief (DFAR).Continued on page m

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010NationalWashington briefingby Emil SanamyanRep. Kirk takes aim atObama’s former SenateseatCo-chair of the congressional Armeniancaucus Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) cruised to victory in the GOPprimary held February 2, ahead ofthe general election that would decidewho will fill President BarackObama’s old Senate seat.Rep. Kirk won 57 percent of thevote, with nearest challenger trailingat 19 percent, according to preliminaryresults released.He will next face Illinois statetreasurer and a Greek-AmericanAlexi Giannoulias (D) in an electionexpert watchers now believewill be one of the most competitivethis November.Independent of that election’soutcome, Mr. Kirk will have to stepdown as member of the House ofRepresentatives and, by default, asco-chair of the Armenian caucus,the position he assumed a year ago.Danny Tarkanian. Courtesy photo.Polls: Armenian-American gains inNevada Senate raceDanny Tarkanian, a Las Vegasbusinessperson and son of nationallyrenowned basketball coach JerryTarkanian, has emerged as thefrontrunner in the race for the Senateseat now held by Senate Majorityleader Harry Reid.According to recent Mason-Dixonand Rasmussen surveys cited bythe Tarkanian campaign, Mr. Tarkanianhas pulled narrowly aheadof Sue Lowden in the projectedresults of the Republican Party primaryrace next June.Both GOP candidates continueto poll much better than SenatorReid ahead of the general electionin November. National Public Radio(NPR) and other U.S. mediaMark Kirk.have recently described Mr. Reid’scampaign to retain his seat as “introuble,” with voters unhappy withestablishment candidates over theeconomy.Senator Reid has been a strongsupporter of Armenian-Americanissues, and last November bothMr. Reid and Mr. Tarkanian issuedstatements in support of ArmenianGenocide affirmation, whilealso raising concerns with the U.S.approach towards the Armenia-Turkey normalization process.If successful, Mr. Tarkanianwould become the first Armenian-Americanto be elected toU.S. Senate, and there are indicationsArmenian-Americans arebeginning to rally for his candidacy,with an early endorsementcoming from California’s formerRepublican Governor GeorgeDeukmejian.Fundraising events for Mr. Tarkanianhave been held in Armeniancommunities in Glendale andFresno, California, and a Facebookgroup “Armenians for Tarkanian”numbered 365 members this week.U.S. continues push forratification of Armenia-Turkey protocolsSenior U.S. officials have resumedcalls on Armenia and Turkey toratify protocols on normalizationof relations that the two countriessigned last October.Implementation of the protocolshinges on parliamentary ratificationwhich Turkey has made conditionalon what it would qualify as progressin Karabakh talks. Armenia alongwith U.S., Russia and Europeancountries is rejecting the link.Armenian officials have indicatedthey might rescind the protocolsunless Turkey moves to ratify themin the next two months.On January 27-28, Secretary ofState Hillary Clinton met with Armenianand Turkish foreign ministersduring an international conferenceon Afghanistan held in London,encouraging them to move aheadwith the process. Mrs. Clinton’schief deputy James Steinberg willvisit Yerevan and two other Caucasuscapitals on February 4.The Secretary of State is also expectedto discuss Armenia-Turkeyprocess with several Armenian-American groups during a meetingplanned for February 9.But in a surprising departurefrom the State Department’s approach,Dennis Blair, Director ofNational Intelligence, suggested incongressional testimony on February2 that U.S.-facilitated “Turkey-Armeniarapprochement hasaffected the delicate relationshipbetween Armenia and Azerbaijan,and increases the risk of a renewedconflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.”Putin to Erdogan:“Don’t pile difficultproblems together”“The Karabakh problem and Turkish-Armenianrelations are difficultissues each in their own right andit would not be right to link theminto one package,” Russian premierVladimir Putin said this week at ajoint press conference with his visitingTurkish counterpart, RecepTayyip Erdogan.“Each of these problems is verydifficult to resolve and if we pilethem together prospects for theirresolution would become evenmore remote,” Mr. Putin stressed,according to the official transcript.Mr. Putin’s comment came in responseto the only question askedby Turkish journalists at the January13 press conference, indicatingthe issue’s importance to the Turkishdelegation.Mr. Putin’s remarks echoed thecomments he made in the meetingswith Mr. Erdogan last year.This week, noting the importanceof Russia’s relations with Armenia,Azerbaijan and Turkey, Mr. Putinstressed that Russia would continueto show “utmost respect for thepositions of all our partners.”He added, however, it was up tothe countries themselves to resolvetheir differences, while “Russia’srole is to support all positive trendstoward the resolution of these twovery difficult problems.”Mr. Erdogan made no commentsabout the issue at the press conference,but weeks later he publiclycriticized the three mediatingcountries charging them with “neglect”in dealing with the Karabakhconflict.Latest Karabakh talksfocus on preamble forBasic PrinciplesPresidents of Armenia, Azerbaijanand Russia met on January 25 inSochi for the latest round of highleveltalks on the Karabakh peaceprocess.With mediation from DmitryMedvedev, Serge Sargsyan andIlham Aliyev reached a “generalPutin (right) at join press conference with Erdogan on January 13. Photo: Russiangovernment.understanding on the preamble”that would precede the main bodyof an Agreement on Basic Principlesof settlement of the Karabakhconflict, Russian Foreign MinisterSergei Lavrov was cited by RIANovosti as saying following themeeting.White House requests $40mln in 2011 Armenia aidThe parties have also agreed todevelop additional proposals to addressremaining differences in thetext, which they have been negotiatingfor years.This was the fifth meeting directlymediated by President Medvedev.The first such meeting tookplace in November 2008, when thetwo parties issued a joint declarationon settlement of the Karabakhconflict. Additional meetings tookplace in June, July and October2009, but produced no further declarations.Ratings: Armenia is bitless free than year agoTwo Washington think tanks issuedtheir annual ratings lastmonth that indicated a slight deteriorationin Armenia’s performancecompared to a year ago.Economic Freedom Index thatthe Heritage Foundation publishestogether with the Wall Street Journalranked Armenia 38th freest inthe world, down from 31st positionin 2009. The think tank cited perceptionof widespread corruptionand weak protection of propertyrights as two areas in which Armeniaunderperformed.For the first time in years Georgiaovertook Armenia in the Index,placing 26th; other regional andformer Soviet countries rankedworse than Armenia.Freedom in the World report issuedby the Freedom House rankedArmenia “partly free” but close tothe “not free” category.The report was preceded by acampaign from the government ofAzerbaijan, which has been rated“not free,” against the report’s separateranking for Nagorno Karabakh,which like Armenia is deemed“partly free.”While Freedom House kept theseparate ranking in place, the report’smap removed a descriptionof Nagorno Karabakh as disputedbetween Armenia and Azerbaijan.Both ratings are considered whenU.S. decides countries’ eligibilityfor U.S. Millennium Challenge assistance.Coming up: WashingtonconferencesOn February 23 Center for Strategicand International Studies willhost a conference on “South Caucasusfault lines: security, energy andU.S. interests” featuring a yet to benamed “high-ranking U.S. governmentofficial.” For details contactBesian Bocka Bbocka@csis.org.From February 28 to March 2 PolicyForum Armenia will hold its secondannual forum in Washington featuringArmenian parliament memberand former foreign minister RaffiHovannisian as keynote speaker. E-mail forum@pf-armenia.org.And on April 11-14, the American-Turkish Council will hold its 29thAnnual Conference that is expectedto feature Turkish Prime MinisterRecep Tayyip Erdogan. fn Continued from page President Obama broke with thelong-held practice of parity in militaryfinancing between Armeniaand Azerbaijan,” Mr. Pallone saidin a statement. “At a time whenAzerbaijan is making aggressivestatements towards Nagorno KarabakhRepublic and threatening war,this administration must followCongress’s lead and ensure militaryparity.”“Additionally, the budget proposalshould have provided fordirect developmental and humanitarianassistance to NagornoKarabakh,” Mr. Pallone added.“Remaining silent on specificforeign assistance to this democracyis something I can notsupport.”In its statement, the ArmenianNational Committee of America(ANCA) praised Mr. Pallone, aswells as Chair of the House ForeignAppropriations SubcommitteeNita Lowey (D-N.Y.) and Reps.Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Anna Eshoo(D-Calif.) and Jackie Speier (D-Calif.)for their role in “educating theAdministration about vital need forincreased aid to Armenia.”Congressional appropriators willreview the Obama Administration’sfunding proposals later this year.The larger billThe overall Administration requestfor 2011 State Departmentand international affairs, whichincludes foreign aid programs,amounted to $53.8 billion, upfrom $51.7 billion requested in2010.But “Assistance for Europe, Eurasia,and Central Asia” account,which includes Armenia aid, sawan overall decline from $742 to $716million.Meantime, the 2011 request forthe Millennium Challenge Corporation(MCC) programs saw anincrease from $875 million to $1.3billion.Last year, Armenia saw its MCCprogram cut from $235 to $168 millionover five years after the UnitedStates charged the Armenian governmentwith democratic shortcomings.At the same time, U.S. expandedMCC programs in Georgia andlaunched a new $262 million programwith Moldova.f

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010NationalCongressman: State Department is mainstumbling block for Genocide resolutionScott Garrett, NewJersey Republican,discusses Armenianissues, U.S. policiesin interviewWashington – Since 2003 ScottGarrett has represented northernNew Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District,which, according to ArmenianChurch data, includes about 10,000Armenian-American residents. Mr.Garrett is a supporter of the ArmenianGenocide resolution and continuedrobust U.S. assistance to Armenia.In April 2006, Mr. Garrett visitedArmenia on a trip for the U.S. MillenniumChallenge Corporation; he isalso a prominent voice on the HouseFinancial Services Committee. OnDecember 28, Mr. Garrett talked withthe Armenian Reporter’s ShantShahrigian and Emil Sanamyan.Armenian Reporter: Turkish PrimeMinister Erdogan was in Washingtona few weeks ago and made anumber of controversial statements,opposing U.S. policy towardIran and very publicly denying theArmenian Genocide. What is yourreaction to those comments?Rep. Garrett: With regard tothe Iran situation, you have one ofthree alternatives for the UnitedStates, Turkey, and the rest of theworld to take. That is to take toughersanctions, A; B, take militaryactions; or C, find yourselves inthe situation where Iran will haveacquired the capability to deliver anuclear threat.I think none of us want to findourselves in the latter case. The secondposition is a difficult one to advocatefor at this point, so we hopethat will not happen. [That leavesoption A.] I hope Turkey would realizeit is in everyone’s interest tojoin with us on this issue.So it is disconcerting, to saythe least, to have heard the primeminister’s position on this, andwe would have hoped for a betterstatement at that time. At somepoint, you might even say, as mymother once said, it’s better to remainsilent than to say the wrongthing.[Genocide denial] just continuesto be so troubling with regard toTurkey. This is truly just a step backwardin the dialogue that should beongoing. Instead of a positive statementfor or against, again this is acase where silence would have beenpreferable to taking such a positionin the wrong direction.Reporter: Why do you think theArmenian Genocide resolution hasyet to pass through Congress?Rep. Garrett: (Smiling) That,again, is one of the easier questions.I believe it’s in large part dueto pressure that the administrationreceives from the State Department.Not to put all of the fault on theRep. ScottGarrett (R-N.J.).AIADC.orgState Department, but I know whathappens on these things. Membersof Congress push for the legislation,advocate it on the floor, advocateit to the administration. Stateis always on the other side of thisissue. Regardless of which party isin power, the administration harkensto their pleas. The closer wethink we’re getting to the Speaker[of the House of Representatives]ever actually posting the bill, theSpeaker capitulates and sides withthe administration - again, regardlessof party, unfortunately.Reporter: Do you see any causefor optimism about passing theresolution in 2010?Rep. Garrett: I try to remainoptimistic. That’s why I join mycolleagues on [the Genocide resolution],join the trade media outcryhere, join the citizenry on the issue.And that’s eventually what it’sgoing to take in order to get thisadministration to decide. Becauseat the end of the day I don’t thinkany of the leaders will do so - postit [for a full House vote] - with thepresident adamantly opposed tothe resolution.Reporter: What would it meanfor U.S. foreign policy to reflect ArmenianGenocide recognition as iscalled for in the proposed resolution?Rep. Garrett: Our policy vis-àvisTurkey would take a harder line.What does that mean? That meansthat while we may now skirt theissue of the Genocide, if the resolutionwere to be passed it wouldbe up front and center stage in anyof our discussions, deliberations,negotiations on a host of otherissues. [The United States would]work to have them recognize thesignificance and the importance ofthe Genocide.Reporter: Can you give an exampleof the kind of issues betweenthe United States and Turkey thatthe Genocide resolution, if passed,would bear on?Rep. Garrett: Off the top of myhead, economic assistance and thelike is certainly one that would beat issue.Reporter: Do you think thenormalization process betweenArmenia and Turkey, the proposedhistorical sub-commission, throwsa monkey wrench in the U.S. legislativeprocess of recognizing theGenocide?Rep. Garrett: No, [the Genocideresolution] would just be anelement of that processIssues closer to homeReporter: What would you say themain concerns of your Armenianconstituents are?Rep. Garrett: First and foremostare the ones you have raisedright here. But then quite candidlythe issues that they come to eitheras individuals or in groups mightnot all simply be tied to Armenia/Turkey issues. They are businesspeople and the like, so the rest ofthe issues are relevant to the businesscommunity, the economic conditionand consumer issues and soon. Those fall under that category.What I’m saying is they have issueslike anyone else.I guess I would put a caveat onthat, in our district, we have seniorsthere, we have an Armenian[nursing] home. There are certainlyplenty of Armenian issues and generalconstituent issues that are notnecessarily pertaining to them thatare just middle ground issues.Reporter: And what are some ofthe main challenges your districtfaces?Rep. Garrett: Here in our districtwe’re suffering just as the restof the county is from the unemploymentsituation. With Wall Street inour backyard, so to speak, we havebeen hit harder than other parts ofthe country by the economic crisisthat occurred with the bankingproblems last year. That doesn’tmean you have to be a Wall Streetbanker to have been hit by it. It hada ripple effect upon the rest of thecommunity, as well.Reporter: Have your religiousviews shaped your attitude towardArmenian-American issues?Rep. Garrett: All of our viewsare shaped by where we come from.Where I come from, religion is animportant part of my life.On the Armenian situation, Ithink you can address it from bothpoints of view: Clearly, from a moralright point of view, yes, it doeseffect what I feel should have beendone long ago. Even if you aren’tlooking at it from that perspective[but] from a geopolitical point ofview, [Genocide recognition] is inthe interest of the United States aswell.fFund for Armenian Relief celebrates its 20th anniversaryn Continued from page In 1990, DFAR was reorganized asan independent NGO, the Fund forArmenian Relief with ArchbishopKhajag Barsamian as the Presidentof the organization.Dr. Housepian continues to serveas the vice chair of FAR’s Board ofDirectors and the chair of FAR’smedical committee. He also carrieson humanitarian work as the SpecialAdvisor for International Relationsat Columbia-PresbyterianMedical Center.Dr. Housepian’s passion for medicaleducation and his dedication toFAR helped cement several crucialFAR medical programs, which areleading Armenia on the path tobecome an international center formedical education and research.Randy Sapah-Gulian, Chair ofFAR’s Board of Directors, called Dr.Housepian a man of wisdom anda great humanitarian. He recalledthe horrible day in 1988 when theterrible earthquake hit Armenia.“Back then it was all about theFund for Armenian Relief providingthe necessities of life for Armenians- housing, transportation, infrastructure- and they created the Fundfor Armenian Relief because theybelieved they needed an organizationto continue to do the importantthings that Armenia needed,” he said.“FAR has invested $280 million inprograms and projects for Armenia.While we always provide for thosethat need assistance for Armenia,from an infrastructure perspectivethe focus has changed to provide forthe things that will help Armeniansreally help themselves.”Today, FAR also operates programsthat provide Armenians withthe tools, knowledge, and resourcesto take ownership of their future.On a daily basis, FAR touches thelives of thousands of Armeniansthrough programs that providefood and medical care to the elderly;care and guidance to children atrisk;education and support to students,doctors, and academics; andreconstruction of roads, hospitals,and water pipelines to improve thenation’s infrastructure.Mr. Sapah-Gulian told the storiesof some FAR program beneficiaries,including a young girl who obtainedan education because of FAR; an elderlyman who lives in FAR’s seniorcitizen home; and two young childrenwho are no longer living withabusive parents because of the FARHomeless Children Center.“These people and thousands of othershave been helped because of Dr.Housepian,” Mr. Sapah-Gulian said.FAR strives not only to help peoplein need, but also those with talentwho lack the opportunity to improvetheir lives. By creating educationaland employment opportunities, FARhelps build a social ethos of trust essentialfor a productive society.FAR also tries to instill the cultureof volunteerism in the younggeneration of Armenians, explainingthat giving back to others mustbecome an essential component oftheir lives. Dr. Housepian has setsuch an example through his tirelesswork for Armenia.“If anyone could ever decide tobe an example of goodwill towardsmankind it would be Dr. EdgarHousepian,” said Archbishop Barsamian.“All of us here have witnessedhis outpouring of goodwill - how hereaches out to people from all walksof life without discrimination. Ashis friends we know how generoushe is with his time and advice. Weknow of his great patriotism andconcern for our homeland, but whatimpresses me in Dr. Housepian ishis truly humanitarian concern.His goodwill is directed not only tofriends and fellow countrymen, butalso to people he has never met andprobably never will meet.”Archbishop Barsamian spoke ofa recent call he received from Dr.Housepian, asking how the Armeniancommunity could help thevictims of this month’s earthquakein Haiti.“Over these past 20 years I havereceived such calls dozens of timesfrom Dr. Housepian,” ArchbishopBarsamian said. “Whether thecause is a great disaster or the quietaffliction of an individual, the spiritof goodwill in Dr. Housepian’sheart compels him to help, to act,to use whatever power he has forrelief. Today in our world there arecountless people whose lives havebeen touched ... and even saved becauseof his compassion and goodwill.Looking at it that way, onecan see how a spirit of goodwill istruly a blessing from God and likeall blessings it gives us an opportunityto reflect, be grateful, andbe inspired. That is the meaningof tonight’s tribute, to honor, tothank, and to be inspired by oneman’s outpouring of goodwill.”Keynote speaker Dr. Chobaniancalled Dr. Housepian a man of admirablefinesse and resolve. Henoted Dr. Housepian’s great contributionsto robotic brain surgery,his contributions to ColumbiaUniversity, where he has servedon a multitude of committees, hisparticipation in numerous medicalsocieties, as well as his legendaryacademic accomplishments. But itis Dr. Housepian’s personality thatsets him apart, Dr. Chobanian said.“While his academic accomplishmentshave been legendary, whatreally define Ed are his personalqualities. What I consider the qualitiesthat I like to teach to medicalstudents, residents and otherphysicians, I only need to thinkof Ed and the qualities he represents- intelligence, scholarship,thoroughness, and confidence,combined with empathy, openness,honesty, respectfulness, humility,humanness.” His Holiness KarekinII closed the program with specialwords of praise for the Fund forArmenian Relief and the honoree.“Dr. Edgar Housepian, following theexample of his parents, who werededicated to their homeland andloved the Church, and endowedwith their zeal, he is continuing tocontribute to the well being andprogress of our fatherland.Since the 1988 earthquake inArmenia, through the EasternDiocese, FAR and other organizationsthat were summoned to helpArmenia, he has put his rich experiencesand knowledge at the disposalof the productive enterpriseof modernizing health care in ourcountry, helping to refurbish themedical establishments technologically,retraining doctors, andstrengthening relations betweenthe fatherland and the diaspora.Thanks to his professional and benevolentactivities, Dr. Housepianhas attained much appreciationfrom both professional doctorsand the government of Armenia.”he said.Dr. Housepian expressed his gratitudefor the evening’s program. “Allthese activities - the medical activitiesthat I’ve been passionate aboutand involved in - have had a positiveimpact on the medical culture of thephysicians who now actually worktogether,” he said. “The MedicalSchool and Health Ministry cooperatein supporting each other’s programs.These are all firsts in the formerSoviet Union.” He spoke abouteach of the programs FAR has beenimplementing in Armenia - the ContinuingMedical Education programand the FAR Fellowship Alumni Association;the improvement of theArmenian National Medical Library;and the Armenian National Scienceand Education Fund.“It’s been a great honor for me tolead some of these programs forthe past 20 years and I’m gratefulto our Vehapar for being here, andhumbled to have received such highhonors from him, the President ofArmenia Serge Sargsyan, and theentire FAR Board” he said. f

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010CommunityArmenian army celebrated at Tekeyan Cultural Association eventby Florence AvakianCliFFside PArk, N.J.7 – Therewas an air of jubilation on Friday,January 22, as close to 200 peoplehonored the recently appointedAmbassador of Armenia to theUnited Nations Karen Nazaryan,and celebrated the 18th anniversaryof Armenia’s Armed Forces Day.The special event, held at The Palisadiumin New Jersey, was sponsoredand hosted by the New York,New Jersey branch of the TekeyanCultural Association (TCA).Following the singing of theAmerican and Armenian nationalanthems, the program started solemnlywith a moment of silence incommemoration of the Armeniansoldiers, and martyrs of the Karabakhwar. Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanianmade a symbolic toast to allmothers whose sons are serving inthe Armenian army, as well as forthose who have been killed defendingthe Armenian homeland.First time celebrationTCA New York, New Jersey BranchChairman Hagop Vartivarian, introducedby TCA branch committeemember Vartan Ilanjian, warmlywelcomed Ambassador Karen andMrs. Nana Nazaryan. Vartivarianpointed out that for the firsttime in the U.S., the anniversaryof Armenia’s Armed Forces Day isbeing noted and celebrated. Presentfor this special recognitionwas Armenia’s Defense Attache inWashington, D.C. Lieutenant ColonelMesrop Nazaryan, and his wifeRusanna Nazaryan.Honored guests present at thehead table were the Nagorno KarabakhRepublic’s Representative inU.S. Robert Avetisyan, TekeyanCultural Association Central CommitteeVice Chairman EdmondAzadian, and Karabakh benefactorAndreas Roubian with Priya Katragadda.Other special guests included Dr.and Mrs. Marian Housepian, Nazarand Ardemis Nazarian, Edwardand Carmen Gulbenkian, Vahramand Lucienne Aynilian, Dr. Raffiand Vicki Hovanessian, Papken andAnahid Megerian, Van and PriscillaKrikorian, Sarkis and Maral Jebejian,and Dr. Gulekjian.“The Tekeyan Cultural Associationis a truly cultural organization.More than any other group, it preservesthe Armenian language. Thisevent is for all of us,” noted HagopVartivarian with obvious pride. “Armeniahas fifteen provinces in historicArmenia, of which four havebeen liberated. The Armenian armyduring the coming decades will liberateall of them,” he declared withemphasis to lengthy applause.Andreas Roubian, a successfulentrepreneur, university lecturer,avid art collector, and Chairman ofthe Karabakh Committee in the late1980’s and early 1990’s, “more thananyone else helped the soldiers ofKarabakh,” Vartivarian said in hisintroduction of the benefactor. Inaddition to aiding the fighters, thecommittee was also instrumentalin helping the Karabakh widows,children, and survivors in the1990’s through its humanitarianendeavors.In his remarks Roubian recalledthat many diasporans were skepticalabout his group at the time.However, the liberation of Kelbajar,a historic Armenian region sandwichedbetween Armenia and Karabakhchanged their opposition.“This victory was a phenomenon,because the Karabakh army was agroup of irregulars,” Roubian said.“As it was transformed into a regulararmy, it proved that if Armenia,Karabakh and the diaspora areunited, we will win. We will alwaysstay united,” Roubian declared tothunderous applause.A professional video demonstratingthe military might of Armeniawas shown, emphasizing its enviableposition of being the strongestarmy in the Caucasus, ready to defendthe homeland at all costs.Ambassador Karen Nazaryan,a seasoned diplomat who hasserved with distinction in Russia,Geneva, and last six years asArmenia’s Ambassador in Iran,was presented with a crystal momentoby TCA Central CommitteeVice Chairman Edmond Azadianwho praised him as a “consummatediplomat”.Unwavering dedicationAmbassador Nazaryan, in his remarksof appreciation, paid tributeto Armenia’s Armed Forces created18 years ago. Calling it “one of themost important structures of theArmenian statehood,” he statedthat the army’s establishment wasmade possible “through the immenseefforts and unwaveringdedication of Armenian men andwomen around the world.”He recalled that in the 1990’s,during the “harsh war in Karabakh,and on the borders of Armenia, theArmenian fighters presented shiningexamples of combat valor. Theheroic deeds of our fallen heroes,Eastern Diocese appoints four parish clergyAbove: AmbassadorKarenNazaryan and Lt.Col. Mesrop Nazaryan(sitting)with TCA Committeemembers.Left: AmbassadorKaren Nazaryanand Mrs. NanaNazaryan (center)with theNazarians.and the 18-year history of our army,are lessons of patriotism for ourcoming generations.”Today, the Armenian army “isrightfully viewed as a victoriousand liberating army,” the Armeniandiplomat continued. “Ourwhole nation trusts and believes inour Army. Through the years, ourarmed forces have constantly beenreinforced, improved and upgraded.Today it is the main guarantor ofour peaceful life, and an importantfactor for the security and stabilityin our region. Eighteen years is ablink in our millennia old history,but this is a meaningful age for us.Today, we are confident that theArmy will continue to fulfill withhonor the tasks entrusted to it bythe people and government of Armenia.”The Ambassador congratulated“all those brothers and sisters inthe Armenian-American communitywho have made their valuablecontributions to the establishmentand strengthening of Armenia’svictorious army. Today, we rememberwith profound gratitude allthose who participated in the armybuildingmission. May God protectour Army. Glory to the Armeniansoldiers, and long live the Republicof Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora,”he declared to a standingovation.Closing the memorable eventwas the Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian,Vicar General of the ArmenianDiocese (Eastern) who wasrepresenting the Diocesan PrimateArchbishop Khajag Barsamian whowas unable to be present due to thedeath of his father earlier that day.“Our people have fought manyenemies throughout our long historyto preserve our freedom,” statedthe Vicar General. “In Karabakh,all Armenians from every stationin life through their strong spiritand faith, brought our struggle tosuccessful conclusion. When wecelebrate our military might, itgives us confidence for our future.Wars are not only fought militarily,but on every level, including diplomatically.Now at the United Nations,we are fortunate to have AmbassadorKaren Nazaryan carryingon this important struggle, and wewish him every success.”Throughout the evening, the richArmenian culture was evidencedby several performers, includingthe noted theatrical artists NoraArmani and Gerald Papasian whorecently performed in New York tocritical acclaim; jazz violinist JennaSarian; singer Annie Djerdjerian accompaniedon the piano by VagharshagOhanian; and the AkhtamarDance group under the direction ofits Artistic Director Silva Asadourian.The hardworking members of theNew York, New Jersey Branch ofthe Tekeyan Cultural Associationwho planned and organized thissuccessful event include ChairmanHagop Vartivarian, Vice ChairmanHarout Chatmajian, SecretaryBetty Salbashian, Treasurer SirvartDemirjian, Advisors Dr. SvetlanaAmirkhanian, Shemavon Atamian,Shoghig Chalian, Lucyn Djerdjerian,Vartan Ilanjian, Meline Khekoyanand Krikor Markarian. fNew York7 – Archbishop KhajagBarsamian, Primate of theDiocese of the Armenian Churchof America (Eastern), recently appointedfour priests to serve parishesin Waukegan, Ill., Cheltenham,Pa., Cleveland, Oh., and St.Paul, Minn.The four priests - Rev. Fr. ParenGalstyan, Rev. Fr. Hagop Gevorgyan,Rev. Fr. Martiros Hakobyan,and Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan - completedtheir studies in Armenia andwere ordained there prior to theirarrival in the U.S., with the blessingsof His Holiness Karekin II, theSupreme Patriarch and Catholicosof All Armenians, and at the invitationof the Primate.They spent the last few years interningwith clergy in the EasternDiocese to learn more about theArmenian Church of America andto prepare to serve the local Armeniancommunities.rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, whohas been named interim pastor ofSt. George Armenian Church ofWaukegan, is a native of Vedi, Armenia.He studied at the VaskenianTheological Seminary in Sevan, theGyumri Theological Seminary, andthe Gevorkyan Theological Seminaryat the Mother See of HolyEtchmiadzin.Following his graduation in 2006,he was ordained into the holypriesthood by Bishop AnooshavanJamgochyan at the Holy See. He remainedat Holy Etchmiadzin, servingits chancellery until his departurefor the U.S. in 2007.In the Eastern Diocese, Fr. Pareninterned at St. James ArmenianChurch of Evanston, Ill. He assumedthe position of interim pastorof the Waukegan community inNovember 2009, after the Primateannounced the appointment duringthe parish’s 50th anniversarycelebration.Fr. Paren is married to Yn. LusineGalstyan. They have two sons, Grigorand Aren.rev. Fr. Hagop Gevorgyan willbegin serving as the pastor of HolyTrinity Armenian Church of Cheltenhamon January 2, 2010. He isa graduate of the Vaskenian andGevorkyan seminaries in Armenia.Fr. Gevorgyan also studied at theOriental Churches Institute in Germany,and while still a deacon, heworked as the administrator of thestorehouses of Holy Etchmiadzin’sTreasury and Pontifical Residence.He was ordained into the holypriesthood in December 2007 byBishop Marcos Hovhannesian. InFebruary 2008, Fr. Hakob traveledto New York and began his internshipat St. Gregory the EnlightenerArmenian Church of White Plains,under the guidance of the Rev. Fr.Karekin Kasparian.At the same time, he enrolled inEnglish language courses at Concordiaand Manhatanville colleges,and completed the Clinical PastoralEducation Program at WestchesterMedical Center in Valhalla, NY.Fr.HagopGevorgyanandYn.AnnaGevorgyan have one son, Narek.rev. Fr. Martiros Hakobyanwill serve as the pastor of the St.Gregory of Narek Armenian Churchof Cleveland. His appointment beginson January 2, 2010.Fr. Hakobyan studied at the GyumriTheological Seminary and theGevorkyan Theological Seminary,and held several positions at theMother See of Holy Etchmiadzinprior to his ordination into the holypriesthood by Archbishop VickenAykazian, Legate of the Eastern Diocese,in June 2007. He then servedat Yerevan’s Holy Trinity Churchwhile continuing his studies at theAmerican University in Armenia.Fr. Hakobyan came to the EasternDiocese in January 2008. Heinterned at St. James ArmenianChurch of Watertown, Mass., underthe leadership of the Rev. Fr. ArakelAljalian. While in Massachusetts,he also studied at the New EnglandSchool of English in Cambridge.Fr. Martiros Hakobyan and Yn.Hasmik Hakobyan have one son,Jirair.rev. Fr. Hratch sargsyan hasbeen assigned the pastorship of theSt. Sahag Armenian Church of St.Paul, effective January 7, 2010.Fr. Sargsyan studied at theVaskenian Theological Seminary,where he also served as the assistantat the nearby Soorp ArakelotzChurch, and later continued hisstudies at the Gevorkyan TheologicalSeminary. Parallel to his studies,he prepared radio broadcasts on religioustopics, served as a deacon atYerevan’s Holy Trinity Church, andwas the general secretary at the Departmentof Interchurch and EcumenicalRelations at the Holy See.In addition, Fr. Sargsyan studiedEnglish at the American Universityin Yerevan.He was ordained into the holypriesthood by Archbishop VickenAykazian, Legate of the Eastern Diocese,in June 2007. Following hisordination, Fr. Sargsyan becamepastor of St. Hovhannes Church inSisyan, Armenia.Coming to the Eastern Diocesein 2008, Fr. Sargsyan interned at St.John Armenian Church of GreaterDetroit, under the leadership of theRev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian. In Detroit,he also completed the ClinicalPastoral Education Program atSinai-Grace Hospital, and studiedEnglish at Wayne State University.Fr. Hratch Sargsyan and Yn.Naira Azatyan have two daughters,Tatev and Mane.f

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010CommunityHigh School dedicates science wing to Haig Varadianby Tom VartabedianCrANsToN, r.i.7 – Throughouthis 41 years in education, HaigVaradian never wasted an opportunityto assist a student.Over that time, he served as ateacher, guidance counselor, coach,secondary school administratorand principal before death intercededin 2007.It was only fitting that CranstonHigh School East dedicate itsnewly-constructed science wingto the “Mr. Chips” of the Armeniancommunity, as he was soaptly known.Family and friends turned outfor a dedication recently duringwhich an appropriate plaque wasplaced at the site to memorializeand honor the man who brought somuch attention and leadership tothe schoolchildren of Cranston.“Dad dedicated his life to family,education, sports and communityservice,” said his daughter DianaVaradian. “He never ran for politicaloffice nor did he come fromany financial means but in his ownmodest and quiet way, he touchedthe lives of many and left behinda legacy that will never be forgotten.Many of his former studentsare thankful for the guidance theyreceived from my father.”Two years before his death,Mr. Varadian was inducted intothe Rhode Island InterscholasticLeague High School Hall of Fame.Referred to by many as “the fatherof Rhode Island wrestling,” hedevoted more than 50 years to thesport in addition to his four decadeson the Council of the NewEngland Secondary Schools Principals’Association, the last 25 as itsexecutive director.In that supreme role, he governedall New England High Schoolathletic tournaments as well as regionaldrama festivals, programs ondrug prevention, computer leaguesand other regional high school activitiesthrough 2004.At one time, he helped initiatea special program through theProvidence Rotary Club for handicappedchildren to attend summercamp.Whether it was academics or athletics,Mr. Varadian never relentedin his capacity to promote a betterenvironment for its constituents.The word “student-athlete” placedpriorities where they should stand,especially with his own family.A graduate of Cranston HighSchool in 1944, Mr. Varadian wasan All-State wrestler for two yearsand also participated in track. Hewas inducted into the U.S. Army,serving as a staff sergeant in theThird Division Combat InfantryUnit during World War 2.He was the recipient of the CombatInfantryman’s Medal with twobattle stars and other awards forvalor, including the Bronze Star.While at Brown University graduatingin 1950, Mr. Varadian participatedon its wrestling team. Hecoached the sport from 1950-1961at Cranston High School, winningmany state titles. He was namedRhode Island Wrestling Coach ofthe Year five times, producing a hostof state and New England champions,many of whom distinguishedthemselves on higher levels.He was chosen by the U.S. OlympicsWrestling Committee as an alternateofficial for the 1960 OlympicGames held in Japan.His professional career in theCranston School System found himas a secondary school principal atCranston High School East andWest and as principal of Park ViewJunior High School until his retirementin 1990. The track at ParkView is also named in his behalf.In 1999, Mr. Varadian was inductedinto the prestigious RhodeIsland Heritage Hall of Fame.As a former member and athleteof the Armenian Youth Federation,Mr. Varadian is credited with establishingtheir Governing Body whichoversees the Olympic Games eachLabor Day Weekend. The organizationhonored him with an OlympicKing Award as named him an honorarymember of the local Providence“Varantian” Chapter.“As a youth, Haig served his countryand never stopped,” said RichardMagarian, assistant executivedirector, Rhode Island InterscholasticLeague. “He served youth inhis capacity as a teacher, coach andadministrator. All were done withtruth and honor.”The science wing bears a bronzeplaque with Mr. Varadian’s photo.Underneath the photo lies the inscription:“Educating the youth tomeet the challenges of the futureand become the leaders of tomorrow.”A concise biographical sketchof the man is also included.“If dad knew this dedicationwas taking place, he would haveChurch organist Eleanor Caroglanian marks 50 years ofdevoted musical serviceby Anne AtanossianwAsHiNGToN7 – When doesone’s dream begin? Could it be acertain moment in a WatertownSunday School, transfigured by theplaying of an organ?Charmed by the sound, eightyear-oldEleanor Der Parseghianapproaches the instrument. “Doyou like music?” asks the young St.James Armenian Church organist,Alan Hovhaness.“Yes,” the girl replies.“Never stop,” he tells her.And she never did.As the years passed and her connectionto music grew, young Eleanorbegan to reflect seriously onthe direction music held in her life’schoices. She joined the church choir,where extraordinary associationswith organist Berj Jamgochian, Dr.Arra Avakian, and Maestros RoubenGregorian and Arsen Sayian fixed inher a love of music that would continueto inspore her dreams.Having met her future husband,Oscar (Asadour) Caroglanian, atan Armenian dance, Eleanor’s fatewould bring her to a junction oflove and music in an unfamiliarplace. In 1957, the couple moved toWashington, D.C., where Ms. Caroglaniancontinued her involvementin the life of the Armenian churchand community.To live in Washington in the1950s and 60s was to live almostas a people denied their Armenianfaith, with no church, no Armenianschool, and no Sunday school toserve the handful of local Armenianhouseholds.A few dedicated Armenian familiescelebrated mass in the rentedspace of “odar” churches after theregular service. Christenings, marriages,and funeral rites were heldin edifices like St. Agnes & AscensionEpiscopal Church, now a historicsite. Priests were brought inonce a month from Philadelphia,New Jersey, Connecticut, or NewYork to perform the badarak.The feeling of being denied a communityhouseofworshipgalvanizedthe locals into action. After muchwork and sacrifice, Soorp KhatchArmenian Church was consecrated.The Prelacy sent its first priest, Rev.Dickran Khoyan of Watertown.Haig Varadian.That was when Ms. Caroglanian’syears of pursuing music became ablessing. Encouraged by the newpriest, she became the new churchorganist, embarking on what shefelt was her destiny. Every Sundayfor the next fifty years, worshiperswere blessed to hear holy badarakaccompanied by Ms. Caroglanian.Invited to perform for the April24 service at Washington NationalCathedral, Ms. Caroglanian wasquite concerned about doing justiceto the enormous pipe organ. Butwith the guidance and confidenceof choir director Ashod Mnatzakanianand the celebrant, ArchbishopHrant Khatchadourian, theevent turned out very successfully.Ms. Caroglanian was also excitedto perform at a banquet forPrimate ordains sub-deacon at Holy Translators Churchbeen humbled by it for sure,” saiddaughter Diana. “But he wouldhave approved. My only wish isthat students take the time to readthe plaque and become inspired tofollow their dreams, contribute tosociety, and make the world a betterplace. Dad’s life was not aboutrecognition. It was about the selfrewardingcontributions he made.”The Honorable Judge HaiganoushBedrosian, who was also Mr. Varadian’sstudent,characterizedtheman’sArmenian heritage at the ceremonyand reminisced about the close relationshipstheir families shared.She credits Haig’s personal attentionof advising and guidingher toward Brown University thatultimately led to law school. Presently,Judge Bedrosian is considereda highly-respected judge of theRhode Island Family Court.Michael Traficante, SchoolCommittee chairman and formerCranston mayor, delighted guestswith personal anecdotes about hislong-time friend and mentor. Bothgo back to their wrestling days atCranston High School.“Coach Varadian led us to manystate and New England titles,” Traficanterecalled.Among those steeped in prideby the tribute were Mr. Varadian’swife Anahid, son Paul, and anotherdaughter Christine, along withgrandchildren Sonig and NevartVaradian, and Erik, Andre, Aleksanderand Kristian Johnsen.“There aren’t too many Armenianswho have a public buildingnamed after them,” said his wife.“It memorializes my husband inthe best possible way he could haveimagined.”fArmenian President Levon Ter-Petrossian, just one among thehundreds of programs she hasplayed over a half-century at theorgan bench.Her love of church and nationhave served Ms. Caroglanian well.“Thank you, Lord,” she says, lookingback on a life entangled with music.“It has been a blessing and joy toserve You.”Catholicos Karekin I praised herthus: “Eleanor (Seda), when youare seated and playing the churchorgan, the angels from above aresmiling.”fEditor’s note: Eleanor (Der Parseghian)Caroglanian is listed among the directors andadvisors of the Alan Hovhaness ResearchCentre, Yerevan, Armenia.New York7 – Archbishop KhajagBarsamian, Primate of the Dioceseof the Armenian Church ofAmerica (Eastern), visited the ArmenianChurch of the Holy Translatorsin Framingham, Mass., onNovember 21-22, where he celebratedthe Divine Liturgy and ordainedMichael Sabounjian, son of parishpastor the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian,to the sub-diaconate.On the eve of Thanksgiving Daycelebrations, the Primate spokeabout the importance of givingthanks to God in the Armenian tradition.“Thanksgiving is one of ourpoints of contact with Jesus Christhimself,” Archbishop Barsamian said,pointingtoexamplesofthanksgivingin Armenian prayers, hymns, and inthe structure of the Divine Liturgy.“This week, we will all be remindedof the many things we canbe thankful for: our families, ourhealth, the blessings of America,our heritage and our homeland,”the Primate said. “But there’s somethingelse for us to be thankful for,too. It was Christ’s sacrifice whichbrought mankind the gift of salvation.And for us as Christians, thatfact, above all others, is our greatestreason for Thanksgiving.”‘A powerful experience’On Saturday, November 21, the Primateshared an evening of fellowshipwith members of the parishcouncil. Archbishop Barsamian’svisit coincided with the sixth anniversaryof the consecration ofHoly Translators Church, and thePrimate commended the parishleadership on their achievementsin the short period.On Sunday, before the celebrationof the Divine Liturgy, the communitygathered to witness theordination of Michael Sabounjianto the sub-diaconate. He has beenpreparing for nearly two years, bothwith his father, Fr. Krikor, and at St.Nersess Armenian Seminary’s deaconstraining sessions.Michael was ordained to the rankof acolyte in February 2008. Now16 years old, he says he wanted topursue the sub-diaconate becausehe realized that serving on the altarallowed him to be “engaged in theDivine Liturgy in a different way.”“It is a powerful experience,” hesaid, “and having that experienceas an acolyte gave me the drive tokeep trying.”Michael said learning the differentparts of the Divine Liturgycame naturally, though he did admitit was challenging to masterthe hymns and chants in Armenian.That proved “the most fulfillingpart of my training,” he said, addingthat over the past two years hehas learned enough of the languageto be able to read in Armenian.His brother, Arthur Sabounjian,who became a sub-deacon in 2003,was another source of inspiration,as were the parish altar servers.Now, Michael hopes he can becomea role model to younger students.He is already helping train twoyoung parishioners to become acolytes.Fr. Krikor Sabounjian leads a vibrantprogram for altar servers atHoly Translators Church. Last February,Daniel Hyde and Ara Bablouzianwere ordained acolytes, alongwith Michael. Also at that time,the Primate ordained Jeffrey Hyde,Christopher Seifel, and Michael Tutunjianas sub-deacons.“My hope is that when these kidscome through, some of them willbe inspired to move on, and maybebe touched by God and called to thepriesthood,” Fr. Sabounjian said.There are also opportunities foryoung women to learn to servethe church, he added. Some singin the choir, while others assistduring the Kiss of Peace portionof the liturgy, and serve in otherways.f

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010Community Marty Kanayan in Aparan, Armenia, presiding over the interment of his father, General Dro, in 2000.In Memoriam: Marty Kanayanwalked in dad’s footstepsEdward D. Jamie, Jr.Funeral Chapel208-17 Northern Blvd. Bayside, NY 11361Licensed in New York and New JerseyServices Available in All Churches &Locations(718) 224-2390(888) 224-6088N. Lael Telfeyan, Ph.D., LCSWCounseling and Psychotherapywith Individuals, Families and CouplesAdults and Adolescents140 West 97th St.New York, NY 10025By appointment 917-975-3109 24 Windsor RoadGreat Neck, NY 11021e-mail: nlael@aol.com by Tom VartabedianHousToN7 – Growing up in thestreets of Watertown, MA, Mardiros(Martin) Kanayan was his father’skeeper.As the proud son of Armenianfreedom fighter General DroKanayan, he had big shoes to fill.At AYF conventions, he served asa leader and worthy ambassadorfor his peers. At demonstrationsand other political gatherings, hisArmenian was impeccable. His demeanorwas one of respect and admiration.Wherever Marty Kanayan ventured,the image of his famous dadwas sure to follow --- the man whoinstigated the fight for liberationwhile leading the charge at BashAparan and Karakilese during the1915 genocide era .“My father had a deep feelingof national pride toward the Armeniannation,” said his son Dro.“Two of his greatest moments in lifewere when he saw Armenia becomeindependent in 1991 and returninghis father’s remains to the homeland.“My father was also a proudAmerican military veteran, believingwe live in the greatest countryof the world,” his son continued.“He used his success in America tohelp the Armenian nation.”Mr. Kanayan died Dec. 26 aftercelebrating Christmas with hisfamily by his side. He was 71 andmaintained an active Armenian-American lifestyle in Texas beforetaking ill several yeArs ago.Marty was born in Bucharest,Romania, son of the late Gayaneand Dro Kanayan, and also lived inGermany, Italy and Lebanon beforesettling in Watertown in 1951 atthe age of 13.He graduated from NortheasternUniversityandservedwiththeArmySignal Corps. He was employedby Shell Oil Company in sales andmarketing and as an economist inShell’s Pecten International beforeretiring in 1997.Marty took an active interest inthe Republic of Armenia. In 1998,he was invited to attend the 80thanniversary of the First IndependentRepublic at which time the Armeniangovernment asked to havehis father’s remains exhumed andreburied in Aparan.Two yeArs later, he and hisfamily, including his mother (acentenarian), realized that dream.Gayane Kanayan taught orphanedArmenian children and supportedmany refugees escaping fromCommunism who found their wayto Romania. She continued hermission with the Ars and helpedestablish the Sophia HagopianEndowment and the “Bnag MehGeragoor” fund to support underprivilegedArmenians throughoutthe world.“The reception my father receivedfrom the Armenian governmentand people moved him deeply,”said the son. “Growing up, dad alwaysunderstood the importanceof Dro’s legacy and tried to continuehis ideals of protecting andsupporting the people, both in Armeniaand the Diaspora. It was aresponsibility he maintained withdignity throughout his life.”Like his father, Marty was alifelong member of the ArF andassisted many organizations likethe Armenia Fund. He organized acommittee to help a girl from Armeniareceive medical treatment inHouston.He remained active in the Armeniancommunity, continuinghis support of the ArF and otherArmenian organizations, making anumber of visits to the homelandwith a caring and benevolent handextended. He helped start an ArmenianPolitical Action Group inHouston and continued helpingthe country on a national level byadvising on different projects thaterupted.In the outside world, Marty enjoyeda friendly game of golf andfollowed the sports scene closely.“Dad was always a person whofought for what he believed,” saidPhilip, a second son. “He didn’t believepeople should be complacentand tried to encourage Armeniansto stay involved, even if they wereremoved. He loved his wife with allhis heart and in his waning yeArs,continued taking cruises with herbecause he felt she needed the relaxationtime.”On more than one occasion, theywere aboard the Costa Mediterraneanfor the Armenian HeritageCruise, mingling with one Armenianpassenger after anotherwhether Marty knew them or not.He was easily one of the more popularguests on board, given his lineageand notoriety.Though his health became tenuousat the end, Marty never failedto reflect upon the positive side.“There’s nothing he wouldn’t dofor his wife Alice and two sons,”said the younger Dro. “He workedto provide for his family and wenever had to worry about things.Dad would roll out the red carpetwith a white horse and carriage forhis wife.”Marty wed the former AliceDaghlian in 1967, the gal he hadmet from the Watertown AYF whowas the sister of his best friendLee. In addition to his parents, hewas predeceased by three brothers,Luther, Suren and Gourgen, leavingbehind a sister, Olga Proudianof Watertown; his only grandchildGrace; two daughters-in-law, Lynnand Catherine Grace, and severalnieces and nephews.The 2000 project to return GeneralDro’s remains to his homelandturned into an extravaganza ofsorts at Mount Auburn Cemeterywhere the body had rested. ProminentArmenian and American officialswere on hand for the occasionin what turned into a memorableevent.“When the government discussedthe idea, they wanted to erect a memorialstatue for my grandfather,”said the younger Dro. “He hadwanted to be buried in his homelandamong his people but due tothe politics at the time, his wisheswent unanswered.”But Marty knew his dad mayhave relented at such a public spectacle.It was more about helpingthe people, not statues and monuments.Marty finally conceded andworked with the Republic of Armeniato develop the current memorialin Aparan, towering over thecountryside as a beacon of gloryfor motorists and mountaineersalike.Marty also worked diligently inestablishing the Dro Institute forNational Security Studies, which ispart of Armenia’s Ministry of Defense,and where memorial contributionsmay be made via ArmeniaFund USA, Inc., 80 Maiden Lane,Suite 301, New York, NY 10038.“One of the last things he saidto me was the ultimate praise anyson would want to hear,” Dro concluded.“He told me what a wonderfuljob I was doing in raisingmy daughter Gracie. That meant alot to me.”f

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010CommunityCalendar of EventsNew York/New JerseYFebruArY 11, 6:00 PM—STS.VARTANANTZ DAY at St. VartanCathedral, 630 Second Ave.(corner 34th St.), New York City.Under the auspices of the EasternDiocese, with participationof the Mid-Atlantic Knights &Daughters of Vartan. Dinner& program begin on Thursdayevening, 7:30 p.m. in Haik & AliceKavookjian Auditorium (following6:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy).Main Speaker: Armenia’sUN AMB. GAREN NAZARIAN;includes musical program by St.Gregory the Illuminator ArmenianSchool of Brooklyn. Donation:$30 for adults; $15 forchildren 12 and under. For informationcall (212) 686-0710.FebruArY 11. VartanantzDay Divine Liturgy and celebrationat Sts. VartanantzChurch, 461 Bergen Blvd.,Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebrant,Archbishop OshaganCholoyan. Luncheon (adults$20; children $10) and specialcultural program followingchurch services.FebruArY 11, 8:05 PM. Presentationof “Kir Gyanki,” byRev. Fr. Khoren Habeshian,organized by St. Illuminator’sArmenian Apostolic Cathedraland Hamazkayin ArmenianEducational and Cultural Societyof New York, under theauspices of H.E. ArchbishopOshagan, at the ArmenianCenter in Woodside, NewYork, 8:05 pm. Vartan Matiosianwill present the recentlypublished book.FebruArY 15. Online registrationbegins for the 2010 St.Vartan Summer Camp. Clickhere for details or contact JenniferMorris, Youth Outreachcoordinator, at jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org,or at (212)686-0710 ext. 118.FebruArY 17 ANd 24,March3, 10, 17 and 24 —Prelacy LentenService and Lecture series atSt. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221E. 27th Street, New York City.7:30 pm under the auspices ofArchbishop Oshagan. For informationclick here.FebruArY 26. AAHPOMembership Meeting - NewYork. For more details got towww.aahpo.org. AAHPO, P.O.Box 645, Far Hills, NJ 07931201-546-6166MArCH 7. Annual MembershipMeeting, Sts. VartanantzChurch, 461 Bergen Blvd.,Ridgefield, New Jersey.MArCH 13, 5:00 PM. ArmenianRelief Society (ARS) onthe occasion of its 100th anniversary,will be hosting anInternational Food Festivaland Auction on March 13th atthe Hovnanian School in NewMilford, NJ. For more informationplease contact LucyKeomurjian (201) 567-3318 orat lucine.keomurjian@walterkarl.comMore information atwww.arseastusa.orgMArCH 21. Musical Armenia,Weill Recital Hall at CarnegieHall, New York City. Featuredartists: Tanya Gabrielian, pianist;Natalie Aroyan, soprano.MArCH 26. AAHPO MembershipMeeting - New Jersey.For more details got to www.aahpo.org. AAHPO, P.O. Box645, Far Hills, NJ 07931 201-546-6166APril 11. ARS Mayr Chapterpresents ZULAL, a cappelatrio, at the Armenian Society,39-03 Little Neck Parkway, LittleNeck, NY, 3 pm. Donation:$50, $30; $15 for children under12. Contact Sonia, 917-679-6992; Hasmik, 516-330-5290.APril 18. ARS Mayr and ErebouniChapters sponsor “Walk-Armenia” to benefit Camp Haiastan.Registration at St. SarkisChurch, 38-65 234th Street,Douglaston, New York, startsat 12 noon, $25 fee. Walk begins1 pm. For information516-330-5290 (Hasmik); 516-739-0805 (Nayda).APril 29 – MAY 2. The 2010Diocesan Assembly (EasternU.S.) will be hosted by St.James Armenian Church ofEvanston, Ill. Assembly eventswill be held at the Chicago MarriottO’Hare, where a block ofrooms has been set aside at aspecial rate for attendees. Thedeadline for both Assemblyregistration and hotel reservationsis Monday, April 5. Clickhere to access the hotel websiteand make a reservation.MAY 13-16. National RepresentativeAssembly hostedby St. Illuminator’s Cathedral,New York City, and St. SarkisChurch, Douglaston, NewYork.New eNGlANdFebruArY 8-10. AnnualGhevontiantz Clergy Gathering,hosted by St. GregoryChurch, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.FebruArY 12-14. BostonUniversity (BU) will host aconference on the ArmenianDiaspora. Admission is openand free for details contact SimonPayaslian, Charles K. andElisabeth M. Kenosian Chairin Modern Armenian Historyand Literature Departmentof History Boston University,226 Bay State Road, Boston,MA 02215. Phone: (617) 353-8313 Email: payas@bu.eduFebruArY 20,PM.ArmenianRelief Society (ARS) CommunityCenter, 142 Liberty St., Lowell,Mass. will host a program“Armenia Revisited” by JoeDagdigian and Tom Vartabedian.The program is sponsoredby the Lowell “Aharonian” ARFCommittee. The program willinclude a photo presentationfrom a 3-week trip to Armeniain Spring 2009, and will focuson life in more remote parts ofthe country, including Artsakh.A dinner will precede program.Tickets are $20 for adults and$10 for students and may bepurchased at the door.FebruArY 28 and MArCH 7.General Membership meetingsof Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church,Whitinsville, Massachusetts.JulY 17. “A Hye SummerNight V,” dance hosted by Ladies’Guild of Sts. VartanantzChurch and ARS Ani Chapter,Providence, Rhode Island.Watch for details.Mid-ATlANTiCFebruArY 13, 7:30 PM. HolidayInn Hotel at 3 MontgomeryVillage Ave Gaithersburg, MD.Armenian Relief Society (ARS)presents Robert ChilingirianValentine’s Party. Event is organizedby the ARS WashingtonSatenig Chapter. $75, $40 after10:30 PM. Call 703 216 5096FebruArY 20, 21. Films byArtavazd Peleshian, Armenia’sdistinguished cinematic poet,will be shown at the NationalGallery of Arts, East BuildingConcourse, Auditorium. OnFebruary 20 at 2:00 PM TheBeginning followed by We, TheInhabitants, and Life; and onFebruary 21 at 4:00 PM TheSeasons followed by Our Centuryand The End. For moreinformation visit http://www.nga.gov/programs/film/.FebruArY 21, 7:30 PM. CellistNarek Hakhnazaryanwill perform at the JewishCommunity Center (JCC) ofGreater Washington (locatedat 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville,MD 20852 Rockville,MD). For information contactmrosenberg@jccgw.org, topurchase tickets call 301-348-3872 or visit www.jccgw.org.$40 members, $45 students/seniors, $50 general public.FebruArY 28 – MArCH 2- To provide an opportunity forpolicy practitioners, academics,and the public to discuss Armenia-Diasporarelations—perspectiveson and approachesto the present-day challengesfacing the Armenian nation—Policy Forum Armenia (PFA)will hold its 2nd Annual Forumin Washington, DC. For detailssee www.pf-armenia.org.FloridAMArCH 6, 7:30 PM. Vahe Berberianstand-up comedy (SA-GAYN) at St. David ArmenianChurch, 2300 Yamato Rd, BocaRaton, FL. Parts of the Proceedsof this event will benefitthe Knights of Vartan ArmeniaSchool project. $45 in advance.Phone: 561-704-1164MidwesTFebruArY 13 - Poon ParegentanDance 2010, Chicago’sbiggest Armenian dance ofthe year takes place at CrystalPalace, 1070 S. Elmhurst Rd,Mt Prospect IL 7pm to 1am.Open Bar. RESERVATIONSREQUIRED FOR DINNER. Nodinner tickets will be sold at thedoor! Adult dinner tickets: $65/person ($10/ticket discount ifreserved by Feb 4) Child (5-12)dinner tickets: $25/child. Dancetickets: $35 each; purchase atthe door. Reserve online athttp://sites.google.com/site/poonparegentan2010 or e-mailpoonparegentan@gmail.com.BY MAIL: Send checks payableto “Midwest Churches Paregentan”to: St Gregory ArmenianChurch 6700 W. DiverseyChicago IL 60707 or by phoneShant Paklaian 847-322-5996,Shana Halajian 773-391-7786 orArda Paylan 847-400-6302.NorTHerN/CeN-TrAl CAliForNiAFebruArY 11. A VartanantzCommemorationwillbeheldatthe Holy Trinity Armenian ApostolicChurch in Fresno, Calif.This event is co-sponsored byThe Knights and Daughters ofVartan Yeprad Tahlij and AlidzOtyag with the participationof First Armenian PresbyterianChurch, Fresno, California;Pilgrim Armenian CongregationalChurch, FresnoCalifornia; St. Paul ArmenianApostolic Church, Fresno California;St. Gregory ArmenianApostolic Church Fowler. Afterthe program, a complimentarylight dinner will be providedby the Knights and Daughtersof Vartan in the Holy TrinityArmenian Apostolic ChurchSocial Hall. For more information,please call the Holy TrinityArmenian Apostolic ChurchOffice at (559)486-1141.FebruArY 13, 6:00 PM. St.Vartan ACYO Presents ParegentanBall 2010. St. VartanChurch Hall, 650 Spruce St.,Oakland, CA. Dinner andDance. Call 510.893.1671FebruArY 13, 7:30 PM, SanMateo. Ararat Armenian Society’s30 th Anniversary Balldedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Edwardand Eleanor Aslaniansfor their valuable contributionof our cultural heritage andadvancement of our organizationalgoals. Astoria Restaurant,50 -Third Ave, San Mateo.$55. Phone: (415) 661-2888souTHerN CAli-ForNiAFebruArY 12, 9 PM, HyeFX presents LUVfest feat. Top40 and DJ music. Full bar.Pre-sale $10, $15 door. GETTHERE EARLY! TaVu Pasadena:2675 E Colorado BlvdPasadena. www.hyefx.com orcall Harry at 818.802.3249FebruArY 13, 8:30 PM, Tujunga,Joseph Krikorian 2010Valentine’s Dinner DanceParty With HeartBeat DJ. TheGreat Caesar Banquet Hall:6723 Foothill blvd Tujunga.Phone: 818-355-0603FebruArY 14 - The LadiesAuxiliary of the Western Dioceseof the Armenian Churchof North America will hostthe Annual Debutante Ballat the Beverly Wilshire FourSeasons Hotel in BeverlyHills. Entertainment andbroadcast news expert JillSimonian will serve as Mistressof Ceremonies and willbe presenting ten young ladiesof Armenian descent tothe community. The AnnualDebutante Ball is a festiveevening that celebrates theArmenian family. Ticketsare still available for thisyear’s event: $200 for Adultsand $135 for Students. Forfurther information and/orreservations please contactRose Ketchoyan at (818) 788-5138.FebruArY 14 – Western DiocesanSummer Camp registrationopens online at www.hyecamp.com . The SummerCamp Committee we will alsobe having the annual FamilyDay up at Camp on April17, 2010. The camp dates are:Week 1: July 18 - July 24; Week2: July 25 - July 31; Week 3:August 1 - August 7; Week 4:August 8 - August 14.FebruArY 19, 9:30 AM,Los Angeles. Eighth AnnualGraduate Student Colloquiumin Armenian Studies.The Armenian GraduateStudents Association atUCLA invites the public tothe eighth annual GraduateStudent Colloquium in ArmenianStudies at UCLA. Allday event. Royce Hall room314, 340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles.FreeFebruArY 25, 7:30 PM,Sherman Oaks, “ArmenianMusical Culture in Retrospect”.This talk will outlinethe scope of creative contributionsto the Armenian culturethrough music. MerdinianArmenian Evangelical School:13330 Riverside Dr. ShermanOaksFree. Phone: (818)881-0010Visit us at reporter.am

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010CommunityWomen’s programs to be held at Mass. Armenian ChurcheswATerTowN, Mass.7 – Inan effort to reach out to the communityand raise awareness aboutits mission, the A.W.W.A. has beenhosting coffee hours at the variousArmenian churches in the area forthe past several months. Some ofthe parishes they have visited so farinclude Holy Trinity in Cambridge,the Church of the Holy Translatorsin Framingham, Sts. Vartanantz inChelmsford, and St. James.These visits have been an opportunityfor parishioners to learnmore about the organization andits service to the community overthe past 95 years. Board membershave presented a brief overviewof the A.W.W.A. and its work bothat the ANRC in Jamaica Plain andthe Elderly Care project in NagornoKarabagh. A recent video madeabout the A.W.W.A. has also beenshown.Church visitations have alsogiven Board members an opportunityto hear more fromparishioners about their experiencesat the ANRC. Severalpeople have commented on thewonderful care their relativeshave received at the ANRC; oneman told of the thoughtful carehis sister received and his instructionto his children thatthey take him to the ANRC whenthe time comes.Many parishioners were notaware of the A.W.W.A.’s project inStepanakert where 200 elderlyNancy Kasarjian, Karen Hovsepian, Tana Onanian, Rev. Father Khachatur Kesablyan, Pastor Sts.Vartanantz Armenian Church, Janet Jeghelian, Lillian Almasian and Anne Dorian.aged 63 or over, living alone, receivemedical care as well as foodand social care. The A.W.W.A. hasbeen providing a substantial sumfor the last five years to this program.Please join A.W.W.A at one ofthe coffee hours to be hosted atthe following churches in the nextmonths:February 7 St. Stephen’s in WatertownMarch 14 First Armenian Church,BelmontApril 11 The Armenian Church atHye Pointe, HaverhillMay 2 Church of Our Saviour,WorcesterSeptember 10 St. AsdvadzadzinArmenian Church, Whitinsvilleoctober 3 Armenian MemorialChurch, Watertown fNancy Kasarjian, Rev.Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, Pastor ofHoly Trinity Armenian Church, Tana Onanian, and MaryShervanian.Wilmington High students respond to Armenian GenocideFrom left: KarenHovsepian,Nancy Kasarjian,Karen Diranian,Rev. Fr. KrikorA. Sabounjian,Pastor ArmenianChurch of theHoly Translators,Janet Jeghelian,JoAnn Janjigian,and EstherStepanian.wilMiNGToN, Mass.7 – Studentsat Wilmington High Schoolwere so enamored by the ArmenianGenocide, they expressed their feelingswith words and actions.In a host of letters sent to theArmenian Genocide CurriculumCommittee of Merrimack Valley,they took exception to the country’slackluster effort to get a GenocideBill passed and vowed to helpthe cause in every way possible.The letter-writing campaign followeda program on Armenian Genocideoffered by committee chairmanDro Kanayan, whose grandfatherby the same name led the charge atBash Abaran and Karakilese.Kanayan was joined by membersAlbert S. Movsesian and Tom Vartabedian.Together, they spent theday addressing various classes inan effort to get the Genocide curriculumactivated in high schoolsnorth of Boston.“I can’t wait to spread the wordabout the atrocities of the ArmenianGenocide and the strengthof the Armenian people,” wroteHeather Crowe. “Until I was introducedto that important segmentin world history, I knewlittle to nothing about the atrocities.The history and experienceswill stay with me for the rest ofmy life.”Another student from Indiaequated the Genocide with similarturmoil in her native land.“The cultural and religious tieswith Armenia intensified the feelingsI have for my own Indian culture,”wrote Nira Pandya. “AlthoughI was born and raised in India, I, too,am struggling to keep my identityintact as I assimilate into the Americanmainstream. The ArmenianGenocide must not go unpunishedand coincides with the problemsthat face our society today.”Amanda Hollenbeck was unawarethat an Armenian Genocidetook place in 1915 and gravitatedto William Saroyan’s epic tale, “TheArmenian and the Armenian.”“The world would be a better placeif we all learned to live in harmony,”wrote Martin Bamberg. “The ArmenianGenocide was an event inhistory that should set a precedentamong other troubled nations. It’simportant for students like us toraise awareness and maybe somedayget Turkey to repay the Armeniansfor the crimes committed. Anadmission of guilt would be a stepin the right direction.”Among the initiatives being adoptedby the class is an approachto the United States Postal Serviceto get a postage stamp adopted reflectingman’s inhumanity to manin conjunction with the 95th anniversaryof the genocide this year.“Our class is actually working onthe stamp idea and sending it tothe Postmaster General,” wrote AllieGraham. “I find it particularlyfrustrating that the youth of Americais not learning about the injusticesagainst the Armenians.”Kristi Adley wrote about theimportance of ethnicity and howstudents like herself should identifywith their roots while learningabout others.“The only genocide I was familiarwith was the Jewish holocaust,” admittedVeronica Bell. “I’m very upsetthat Turkey will not make reparationsand return the land to Armenia.I will do all I can to help spreadthe word of the Armenian Genocideso more people can learn about it.”Students represented the juniorand senior classes under thetutelage of Maura Tucker and LisaLucia who are utilizing the text,“Facing History and Ourselves.” Accordingto Tucker, students havethe opportunity to reflect not onlyupon the universality of racism andsocial injustice but also upon theimportance of global awareness.“They will use inquiry, analysisand interpretation in order to confrontmoral questions imbeddedinto history and literature,” shepointed out.The Armenian Genocide subjectwas augmented by the country’sgeography, literature and contributionsto world civilization. Studentswere also given a lesson on how tointerview a survivor.“The response we’ve gotten fromthe outside community has beenextremely positive,” said Kanayan.“We’ll continue to push forward untilall the schools have been contacted.Our intent is to approachas many schools as possible to increasecredibility on the subject.”Contacts have also been madeto Lowell, Chelmsford, Haverhill,Westford and Andover. Curriculumsupervisors in those schools weremore than enthusiastic with thegenocide curriculum. At the veryleast, they agreed to open theirclassrooms to a program this spring.Other sessions have been completedat North Andover andTewksbury.The curriculum committee hasthe support and endorsement ofarea churches and organizations,including Armenian legislators andnoted educators.fLooking for the best and the brightest?Help Wanted with the Armenian Reporterclassifieds@reporter.am 612-436-2037

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010CommunityNAASR, KoV announce research grantsbelMoNT, Mass. 7 – The NationalAssociation for ArmenianStudies and Research (NAASR) isprepared to consider applicationsfor grants for research within thefield of Armenian Studies. As fundsare very limited, the following conditionsshould be noted by prospectiveapplicants:Grants may be given for travel,cost of microfilm or other researchmaterials and for similar expenses,for a period not exceeding one year.Excluded are stipends for living expensesin the applicant’s own institutionor home and scholarships tocolleges and universities.Each applicant must state infull detail the purpose and scopeof his research. Applicants mustalso indicate the exact sum ofmoney required and whether othersources have been approachedfor financial support, giving theproposed itinerary in the case ofan application for travel funds.In addition to a curriculum vitae,recommendations from at leasttwo persons of academic standingfamiliar with the applicant’s previouswork and proposed researchare required.A copy of any book, article, reportor other work, the writingof which has been assisted by agrant, is to be deposited with NA-ASR. A final report and financialaccounting is expected within 15months of a grant. Support ofNAASR must be acknowledged inany publication resulting from aresearch grant.NAASR reserves the right of accessto all microfilms, software,copies of documents, or othermaterials acquired with a NAASRgrant. Recipients may not disposeof such materials for a periodof 5 years of the receipt ofa grant without the permissionof NAASR.Knights of Vartan Fundfor Armenian StudiesThe National Association for ArmenianStudies and Research (NAASR)and the Knights of Vartan jointlyadminister the Knights’ Fund forArmenian Studies (FAS).The Knights of Vartan Fund forArmenian Studies provides fellowshipsand support for scholarlyresearch and publication in thefield of Armenian Studies to qualifiedscholars in any institution ofhigher learning, at the graduate orpost-doctoral levels. Grants mayMichigan Armenian Studies announces $350K bequestANN Arbor7 – The late Mr.Robert S. Ajemian of Michiganhas willed the Armenian StudiesProgram at the University ofMichigan the generous amount of$350,000. This gift has been designatedfor student use in two endowmentfunds: the annual proceedsof the first ($250,000) willbe available for general supportfor students in Armenian studies,while the proceeds of the remaining$100,000 are designatedfor student travel and researchabroad. The funds reserved forresearch and travel abroad alsoqualify for President Mary SueColeman’s Challenge for The StudentGlobal Experience whichwill add another $50,000 fromUniversity funds to the initialendowment amount. Starting inthe spring of 2010 students atthe UM with research related toArmenia and Armenian studieswill be able to benefit from theproceeds of this generous andthoughtful combined endowmentof $400,000.Mr. Ajemian was born in Detroitin 1927, the son of a student fromChmshkatzak and a survivor ofthe Genocide. He served in the USarmy, studied chemistry at WayneState University. He developed acareer in occupational health andpollution prevention. He workedfor major companies and publishedextensively. He was an outstandingmember of the Armeniancommunity in the Detroit area. Inaddition to the generous gift providedto the University of Michigan,Mr. Ajemian made fundsalso be made to fund lectures, seminars,and conferences. Funds arenot available for undergraduate researchor for work that falls outsidethe field of Armenian Studies.All proposals received are reviewedby the Executive Committee of NA-ASR’s Board of Directors, which submitsappropriate proposals to theNAASR Academic committee for review.Proposals for grants are subjectto approval by the NAASR AcademicCommittee and the Board of Trusteesof the Knights of Vartan FAS. fFor information contact MarcMamigonian at marc@naasr.orgavailable to various organizationswithin the Armenian community,including to the A.G.B.U Alex &Marie Manoogian School in Southfield,Michigan, and the ArmenianGeneral Benevolent Union.The endowments establishedby Mr. Ajemian will be knownas the Haiganoosh Mengushian/Ajemian Memorial ScholarshipFundfUniv. of Michigan Armenian Studies Program announces events2010 Calendar ofEventsAll events will be held at the InternationalInstitute, located at 1080South University Street Room1636, Ann Arbor, Mich. and areopen to the public unless otherwisenoted.WINTER SEMESTER 2010Jan. 11 Arman Grigoryan, (ManoogianSimone FoundationPost-doctoral Fellow), “War,Fears of Minorities, and Genocide,”5:00 PM.Jan. 23 Armenian Student CulturalAssociation, “The 2010 Hye HopCharity Dance” Michigan Union-Rogel Ballroom (2nd floor), 8PM-1:30AM.Jan. 25 Hrach Martirosyan, (ManoogianSimone FoundationPost-doctoral Fellow, Netherlands/Armenia),“Perspectiveson the Origin of Armenian Languageand Culture”Jan. 28 Performance, “Sojourn atArarat,” Nora Armani & GeraldPapasian. Biomedical ResearchScience Building Auditorium,109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor,MI, 7:00PM.Feb. 10 Paul Werth, AssociateProfessor of History, Universityof Nevada, “ ‘Foreign Confessions’in Foreign Contexts:Religion Across the Border ofthe Russian Empire.” Sponsoredby the Center for Russianand European Studies,12:00-1:30PM.Feb. 11 Lunch/student seminarwith Paul Werth by invitation.1644 SSWB, 12:00-2:00PM.April 18 Annual Holocaust andArmenian Genocide Commemoration,“The Challenges of andOpportunities of Oral Testimonies,”lectures by professorsGerard Libaridian and SidneyBolkosky. Bernath Auditorirumof the David W. Adamany UndergraduateLibrary at WayneState University. (Co-sponsoredby ASP), 2:00 PM.May 8-9 Second Meeting of theworkshop on Kosovo and Karabakh,“After Kosovo Declarationof Independence and the August2008 War: The New Geopoliticsand Role of Diplomacy in theCaucasus,” co-organized withCIMERA, in Geneva, Switzerland.May TBD Second meeting of theInternational Workshop on the“State of Armenian Studies” (by invitation)fFor information contact Ingrid Petersonat irjp@umich.eduvartanantz dayUnder the auspices of theDiocese of the ArmeniAn church of AmericA (eAstern)With the participation of theMid-AtlAntic Region of the Knights AnddAughteRs of VARtAnThursday EvEning, FEbruary 11, 2010divine Liturgy—6:00 p.m.st. vartan armenian CathedralThe Divine Liturgy will be sung by the St. Vartan Cathedral ChoirUnder the direction of Maestro Khoren MekanejianClinical ResearchOrganizationis looking to hiretwo Lead Data Managers (LDM)with 10+ yearslarge pharmaceutical or CRO experience,to manage client contact,projects and study teams.dinner and Program—7:30 p.m.Main SpeakerHis ExcEllEncy Mr. GarEn nazarianAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryPermanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United NationsMusical Program by theSt. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian School of Brooklynhaik and alice Kavookjian auditorium, 630 second avenue, new york CityDonation: $30 for Adults, $15 for Children 12 and underApplicants must be willing andable to travel abroad as needed.Resumes to:review2020@yahoo.com

LA exhibit highlights poverty in ArmeniaUpcoming exhibitand book examinefamilies on the brinkWhat follows is a press releasefrom The Tufenkian Foundation.In the wake of the global recession,poverty has come to afflictmuch of Armenia once again.For the first time in over a decade,poverty increased in Armeniain 2009, with as many ashalf of Armenia’s residents nowliving below the poverty lineand unable to meet basic food,shelter and healthcare needs.And yet, these families continuetheir struggle to live, carvingout an existence at society’smargins where people regularlylive off garbage dumps, childrenbattle malnutrition, andfamilies sleep in barns and tinshacks.On March 26 and 27, How WeLive, a special exhibit by photographerSara Anjargolian,will open in Los Angeles at CasitasStudios.Produced in collaborationwith the Tufenkian Foundationand designed by NarinehMirzaeian, the How We Liveexhibit and accompanying bookdocument the lives of familiesstruggling with poverty in Armenia.Through immersivephotography, multimedia vignettesand video interviews,How We Live explores in compellingdetail the challengesthese families face every day, aswell as the socio-economic andpolitical factors behind the perpetuationof poverty.After living and working inArmenia for over two years,Photos by Sara Anjargolian. ©2009, All rights reserved.Anjargolian traveled back toArmenia in July of 2009, onassignment for the TufenkianFoundation, to document thepoverty crisis. The exhibit, curatedby Narineh Mirzaeian,a Los Angeles based designerworking with Frank Gehry’sfirm and who has volunteeredextensively in Armenia, is conceivedas an experience immersingthe viewer in the livesof those portrayed.How We Live will benefit theTufenkian Foundation’s socialprotection programs, primarilyZangakatun-a network of agenciesthat provide beneficiaryfamilies with counseling, legaladvice, psychiatric treatment,and other assistance addressingthe factors underlying socialvulnerability. The familiesfeatured in the exhibit are allcurrently benefiting from theFoundation’s programs.How We Live March 27, 2010(Special Donor Preview ReceptionMarch 26)Location: Casitas Studios3229 Casitas Avenue Los Angeles,CA 90039For further information, pleasevisit www.HowWeLive.org.For Friday evening donor previewreception tickets and bookContinued on page 13 mADAA’s $10,000 William Saroyan prize for playwriting 2010deadline approachingThe Armenian Dramatic ArtsAlliance (ADAA) welcomes submissionsfor its 2010 WilliamSaroyan Prize for Playwriting,made possible by a grant fromthe William Saroyan Foundation.The deadline is February15, 2010 for full-length plays onArmenian themes.The grand prize is $10,000,with publicity and other prizesawarded to the top three finalists.Electronic Submissionsare preferred to adaa@armeniandrama.org,.Complete guidelinesare available on http://www.armeniandrama.org/Saroyan_Award_2010.php.The Armenian Dramatic ArtsAlliance’s mission is to makethe Armenian voice heard onthe world stage through the dramaticarts of theatre and film.The organization accomplishesthis mission by supportingplaywrights and screenwriterswith production opportunities,annual industry events, networkingresources, film festivalsand writing awards. Visit www.armeniandrama.org for moreinformation.Submissions for the prizemust be postmarked or timestampedby February 15, 2010.Again, email submissions arepreferred, or the script (fourcopies), bio, entry fee ($20), synopsisand other required materialcan be mailed to ADAA, SunsetGower Studios, 1438 N. GowerSt., Box 24, Courtyard Suite 43,Hollywood, CA 90028. fadaa@armeniandrama.org or323 315 9415 or 858-344-3357.William Saroyan.Nareh Balian.Armenian Reporter Arts & Culture | February 6, 2010 11

Program Grid8 – 14 FebruaryeST PST09:00 PM 12:00 AM09:30 PM 12:30 AM10:00 PM 1:00 AM10:30 PM 1:30 AM11:00 PM 2:00 AM11:30 PM 2:30 AM12:00 AM 3:00 AM12:30 AM 3:30 AM1:00 AM 4:00 AM1:30 AM 4:30 AM2:00 AM 5:00 AM2:30 AM 5:30 AM3:00 AM 6:00 AM3:30 AM 6:30 AM4:00 AM 7:00 AM4:30 AM 7:30 AM5:00 AM 8:00 AM5:30 AM 8:30 AM6:00 AM 9:00 AM6:30 AM 9:30 AM7:00 AM 10:00 AM7:30 AM 10:30 AM8:00 AM 11:00 AM8:30 AM 11:30 AM9:00 AM 12:00 AM9:30 AM 12:30 PM10:00 AM 01:00 PM10:30 AM 01:30 AM11:00 AM 02:00 PM11:30 AM 02:30 PM12:00 PM 03:00 PM12:30 PM 03:30 PM01:00 PM 04:00 PM01:30 PM 04:30 PM02:00 PM 05:00 PM02:30 PM 05:30 PM03:00 PM 06:00 PM03:30 AM 06:30 AM04:00 PM 07:00 PM04:30 AM 07:30 AM05:00 PM 08:00 PM05:30 PM 08:30 PM06:00 PM 09:00 PM06:30 PM 09:30 PM07:00 PM 10:00 PM07:30 PM 10:30 PM08:00 PM 11:00 PM08:30 PM 11:30 PM8 February 9 February 10 February 11 February 12 February 13 FebruaryMonday TueSday WedneSday ThurSday Friday SaTurdayMondayDimakahandesImmigrants88-92Yere1Americayi DzaynSahum en astghereSassounian CommentaryMi Katil MeghrMer Lezun, Mer XosqeHayreniq - SpyurqAmericayi DzaynKargin haghordumYere1Sassounian CommentaryHayFilmBlef3 PatImmigrants87Bari LuysMer Lezu, Mer XosqeKhohanotzYO YONews2 Yeres1 originalYERGENQ MIASINHayreniq-SpyurqAAMCUnlucky HappinessOriginal 1Yere1Dimakahandes6Immigrants88NewsTuesdayBari Gisher HayerDimakahandes6Immigrants88Unlucky HappinessRepeatNewsKhohanotzYere1Mer Lezun, Mer XosqeNewsBari Gishr Hayer32 Atam2 Yeres1 RepeatBlefNewsUnlucky Happinessrepeat1Yere1Dimakahandes6Immigrants88Bari LuysSahum en…KhohanotzYO YONews2 Yeres2 originalMARIKAHayreniq-SpyurqDRIVE HO BE….Unlucky Happiness2 Original32 AtamDimakahandes7Immigrants89NewsWednesdayBari Ghisher, hayerDimakahandes7Immigrants84Unlucky HappinessRepeatNewsKhohanotz32 AtamNewsBari Gisher HayerSahum en…2 Yeres2 RepeatYere1NewsUnlucky Happiness-Repeat 232 AtamDimakahandes7Immigrants89Bari LuysSahum en…KhohanotzYO YONews2 Yeres3 originalTITUSHayreniq-SpyurqINSURANCEUnlucky Happiness3 OriginalYere1Dimakahandes8Immigrants90NewsThursdayBari Gisher, HayerDimakahandes8Immigrants85Unlucky HappinessRepeatNewsKhohanotzYere1Mi Katil MeghrNewsBari Gisher HayerSahum en …2 Yeres2 RepeatMi Katil MeghrNewsUnlucky Happinnes3Yere1Dimakahandes8Immigrants90Bari LuysSahum en …MARIKAAybenaranNews2 Yeres4 originalKIADRIVE TO BE…Hayreniq-SpyurqBRAND SURQICALUnlucky Happinnes4 OriginalKargin HaghordumDimakahandes9Immigrants91NewsFriday3 patBari Gisher, hayerDimakahandes9Immigrants86Unlucky Happiness-Rep.NewsKhohanotzYere1Kargin HaghordumNewsBari Gisher HayerSahum en…2 Yeres4 RepeatYere1NewsUnlucki Happiness-Repeat 4Kargin HaghordumDimakahandes9Immigrants91Bari LuysMer lezun, Mer XosqeKhohanotzAybenaranNews2 Yeres5 originalSTEPANRUBINAUnlucky Happiness5 OriginalYere1Dimakahandes10Immigrants92NewsSaturday32 AtamBari Gisher HayerDimakahandes10Immigrants87Unlicky Happiness-Rep.NewsHAYTNUTYUNMi Katil MeghrNewsYere1BlefMer lezun, mer xosqe2 Yeres5 RepeatKargin HaghordumNewsUnlucky Happiness-Repeat 5Yere1Dimakahandes10Immigrants9232 AtamNaxordMi Katil MeghrArajnordaranSassounian CommentaryTITUS2 Yeres6 originalMi Katil MeghrYere1BlefSassounian CommentaryKargin Haghordum32 AtamSahum en astghereUnlucky Happiness14 FebruarySundaySundayUnlucky HappinessSassounian CommentaryUnlucky Happiness2 YeresRepeatSassounian Commentary32 AtamAncac shabatvaSassounian CommentaryYere1Mi Katil MeghrBlef2 Yeres6 RepeatBlefSassounian CommentaryKargin haghordum32 AtamSahum enAstghereMer Lezun, Mer XosqeArajnordaranArmenian TeletimeAmericayi DzaynHayreniq-SpyurqRAFISassounian CommentaryBlef3 PatDimakahandesChildren’s magazine in Armenian to be launchedColorful monthlyintended for 3 to 7year oldsGLENDALE – Gakavig, a colorfulnew monthly magazine forchildren, is being launched inSouthern California in the firstweek of February – not a momenttoo soon.Parents of young children inthe Armenian-American communityhave long complainedof a shortage of child-friendlybooks and magazines in the Armenianlanguage. For children7 and under, parents can findhundreds of books with simplestories, basic vocabulary, andpowerful images – in English.Not so in Armenian.Enter Juliette Davtian. Herclear vision: to give Armenianchildren a colorful and fun wayto see and hear stories in Armenian,to learn reading andcounting in Armenian, and torelate to the world around themin the Armenian language.“Children learn best throughcolorful images,” Ms. Davtiansaid. “They have differenttalents. As adults, we shouldrecognize children’s differentstyles of learning and interacting,and promote the bestpossible development of theirnatural strengths and weaknesses.”The magazine has colorfulartwork and will feature stories,poems, riddles, songs, cut-andpasteprojects, children’s cookingprojects, a bit of science,and more. Using classical Armenianspelling, the magazineis in both Eastern and WesternArmenian.Unique qualificationsA successful venture starts witha vision, but it requires muchmore. Ms. Davtian brings it allto the table: With an MBA andmarketing experience, she is betterqualified than most Armenianpublishers to run a magazine.With years of experience asa preschool teacher, ArmenianSaturday school teacher, andresident counselor for childrenand teenage girls, and a degreein psychology and child development,she is exceptionally wellprepared for the venture she hasstarted. Add to that some experiencein publishing, and youhave the whole package.Now it’s a matter of hardwork and enthusiastic communityresponse.“Starting a print publicationin the Armenian-Americancommunity, especially in a timeof economic uncertainty, is nota safe path to take, and severalpeople have kindly remindedme of this fact,” Ms. Davtiansaid.“At the same time, I have beentouched by the generous supportof several distinguishedmembers of our community.They understand that our communityneeds an excellentchildren’s magazine, and sharemy confidence that parents andchildren will be excited to haveGakavig in their homes everymonth.”Gakavig will be availablethrough several Armenianschools and in Southern Californiagrocery stores. Subscriptionsare available by calling1-818-548-2438 or writing gakavig@gmail.comf The cover of the inaugural issue of Gakavig, a monthly children’s magazinepublished in Glendale, Calif.Let us know what’s on your mind.Write to us atletters@reporter.am12 Armenian Reporter Arts & Culture | February 6, 2010

Watch Armenia TV on Dish Network. To get a dish and subscribe, call 1-888-284-7116 toll free.Satellite Broadcast Program Grid8 – 14 February8 February 9 February 10 FebruaryMonday TueSday WedneSdayeST PST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian5:00 8:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela6:30 9:30 “Mascarad’-Telenovela7:20 10:20 “Immigrants”-Film8:10 11:10 GoodNight,Armenians10:00 13:00 “Mascarad’-Telenovela10:40 13:40 “Immigrants”-Film11:20 14:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela12:00 15:00 Telekitchen12:30 15:30 Blef13:00 16:00 News inArmenian14:00 17:00 “Favorite”-Telenovela14:40 17:40 OurLanguage,Our Speech15:00 18:00 News inArmenian15:30 18:30 Yere116:00 19:00 A Drop ofHoney16:20 19:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela17:00 20:00 “Immigrants”-Film17:30 20:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela18:20 21:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela19:00 22:00 News inArmenian19:30 22:30 GoodMorning,Armenians21:00 0:00 News inArmenian21:30 0:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela22:30 1:30 Telekitchen23:00 2:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela23:50 2:50 “Mascarad’-Telenovela0:50 3:50 “Immigrants”-Film1:30 4:30 News inArmenian2:00 5:00 When tha starsskaiting2:30 5:30 Yere13:00 6:00 A Drop ofHoney3:30 6:30 “Favorite”-TelenovelaeST PST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian5:00 8:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela6:00 9:00 32 Tooth6:30 9:30 “Mascarad’-Telenovela7:20 10:20 “Immigrants”-Film8:10 11:10 GoodNight,Armenians10:00 13:00 “Mascarad’-Telenovela10:40 13:40 “Immigrants”-Film11:20 14:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela12:00 15:00 Telekitchen12:30 15:30 A Drop ofHoney13:00 16:00 News inArmenian13:30 16:30 Yere114:00 17:00 “Favorite”-Telenovela14:40 17:40 When tha starsskaiting15:00 18:00 News inArmenian15:30 18:30 32 Tooth16:00 19:00 A Drop ofHoney16:20 19:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela17:00 20:00 “Immigrants”-Film17:30 20:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela18:00 21:00 When tha starsskaiting18:20 21:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela19:00 22:00 News inArmenian19:30 22:30 GoodMorning,Armenians21:00 0:00 News inArmenian21:30 0:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela22:30 1:30 Telekitchen23:00 2:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela23:50 2:50 “Mascarad’-Telenovela0:50 3:50 “Immigrants”-Film1:30 4:30 News inArmenian2:00 5:00 When tha starsskaiting3:00 6:00 A Drop ofHoney3:30 6:30 “Favorite”-TelenovelaeST PST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian5:00 8:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela6:00 9:00 Yere16:30 9:30 “Mascarad’-Telenovela7:20 10:20 “Immigrants”-Film8:10 11:10 GoodNight,Armenians10:00 13:00 “Mascarad’-Telenovela10:40 13:40 “Immigrants”-Film11:20 14:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela12:00 15:00 Telekitchen12:30 15:30 A Drop ofHoney13:00 16:00 News inArmenian13:30 16:30 A Drop ofHoney14:00 17:00 “Favorite”-Telenovela14:40 17:40 When tha starsskaiting15:00 18:00 News inArmenian15:30 18:30 Yere116:20 19:20 A Drop ofHoney17:00 20:00 “Immigrants”-Film17:30 20:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela18:00 21:00 When tha starsskaiting18:20 21:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela19:00 22:00 News inArmenian19:30 22:30 GoodMorning,Armenians21:00 0:00 News inArmenian21:30 0:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela22:30 1:30 Telekitchen23:00 2:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela23:50 2:50 “Mascarad’-Telenovela0:50 3:50 “Immigrants”-Film1:30 4:30 News inArmenian2:00 5:00 When tha starsskaiting2:30 5:30 Yere13:00 6:00 A Drop ofHoney3:30 6:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela11 February 12 February 13 February 14 FebruaryThurSday Friday SaTurday SundayeST PST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian5:00 8:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela6:00 9:00 Cool Program6:30 9:30 “Mascarad’-Telenovela7:30 10:30 “Immigrants”-Film8:30 11:30 3 Wall9:45 12:45 GoodNight,Armenians10:20 13:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela11:00 14:00 “Immigrants”-Film11:40 14:40 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela12:20 15:20 Telekitchen13:00 16:00 News inArmenian13:30 16:30 Yere114:00 17:00 “Favorite”-Telenovela14:40 17:40 When tha starsskaiting15:00 18:00 News inArmenian15:30 18:30 Cool Program16:00 19:00 A Drop ofHoney16:20 19:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela17:00 20:00 “Immigrants”-Film17:30 20:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela18:00 21:00 When tha starsskaiting18:20 21:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela19:30 22:30 GoodMorning,Armenians21:00 0:00 News inArmenian21:30 0:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela22:30 1:30 Telekitchen23:00 2:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela23:50 2:50 “Mascarad’-Telenovela0:50 3:50 “Immigrants”-Film1:30 4:30 News inArmenian1:50 4:50 3 Wall2:40 5:40 Cool Program3:00 6:00 A Drop ofHoney3:30 6:30 “Favorite”-TelenovelaeST PST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian5:00 8:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela6:00 9:00 Yere16:30 9:30 “Mascarad’-Telenovela7:30 10:30 “Immigrants”-Film8:30 11:30 3 Wall9:45 12:45 GoodNight,Armenians10:20 13:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela11:00 14:00 “Immigrants”-Film11:40 14:40 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela12:20 15:20 Telekitchen13:00 16:00 News inArmenian13:30 16:30 32 Tooth14:00 17:00 “Favorite”-Telenovela14:40 17:40 A Drop ofHoney15:00 18:00 News inArmenian15:30 18:30 Yere116:00 19:00 A Drop ofHoney16:20 19:20 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela17:00 20:00 “Immigrants”-Film17:30 20:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela18:00 21:00 When tha starsskaiting18:20 21:20 “Mascarad’-Telenovela19:00 22:00 News inArmenian19:20 22:20 The witness oftime21:00 0:00 News inArmenian21:30 0:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela22:15 1:15 3 Wall23:00 2:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela23:50 2:50 “Mascarad’-Telenovela0:50 3:50 “Immigrants”-Film1:30 4:30 News inArmenian2:00 5:00 A Drop ofHoney2:40 5:40 “Favorite”-Telenovela3:20 6:20 Blef3:50 6:50 Yere1eSTPST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian6:00 9:00 Cool Program6:30 9:30 32 Tooth7:30 10:30 When tha starsskaiting-Concert9:00 12:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela11:00 14:00 News inArmenian12:00 15:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela13:00 16:00 News inArmenian13:30 16:30 When tha starsskaiting15:00 18:00 News inArmenian15:30 18:30 Yere116:00 19:00 “Favorite”-Telenovela16:40 19:40 A Drop ofHoney17:30 20:30 “Celebrity”-Telenovela19:00 22:00 OurLanguage,Our Speech19:30 22:30 Armenian-Diaspora20:00 23:00 When tha starsskaiting-Concert22:00 1:00 Cool Program22:20 1:20 Yere123:45 2:45 Blef0:20 3:20 A Drop ofHoney2:00 5:00 VOA(The Voiceof America)2:45 5:45 Armenian-Diaspora3:15 6:15 A Drop ofHoneyeSTPST4:30 7:30 News inArmenian5:00 8:00 32 Tooth6:00 9:00 Blef6:30 9:30 3 Wall7:30 10:30 “Mascarad’-Telenovela10:30 13:30 “Immigrants”-Film12:00 15:00 3 Wall13:00 16:00 VOA(The Voiceof America)13:30 16:30 A Drop ofHoney14:00 17:00 “UnhappyHappiness”-Telenovela19:00 22:00 News inArmenian19:30 22:30 GoodMorning,Armenians21:00 0:00 News inArmenian21:30 0:30 “Favorite”-Telenovela22:20 1:20 Telekitchen23:00 2:00 32 Tooth0:00 3:00 3 Wall1:00 4:00 A Drop ofHoney1:30 4:30 News inArmenian2:00 5:00 OurLanguage,Our Speech2:30 5:30 Blef3:00 6:00 A Drop ofHoney3:30 6:30 “Favorite”-TelenovelaLA exhibit highlightspoverty in Armenian Continued from page 11pre-purchase go to: http://www.itsmyseat.com/DisplayEvent.html?sse=253548For Saturday evening ticketsand book pre-purchase go to:http://www.itsmyseat.com/DisplayEvent.html?sse=328476Tickets: $25 pre-sale; $30 at theevent Book: $40 pre-sale; $50 atthe eventProceeds from the event benefitthe Tufenkian Foundation’swork in Armenia connectingthese families and hundreds ofothers to crucial support neededto break their cycles of povertyand neglect.The Tufenkian Foundationwas founded in 1998 by entrepreneurJames Tufenkian topromote social justice in Armeniaand Nagorno-Karabagh.For more information on theFoundation’s work, please visitwww.TufenkianFoundation.org.fRick Barry RBarry@Tufenkian.com 212-475-2475 x384Your news goes right hereSee an “ian” on the credits?Watch a Hye on your localnews? Write the Reporter, andwe’ll get crackin’ to profilethe son or daughter of Haykin an upcoming issue.Point and click an ‘e’ toarts@reporter.am (dot amon the ‘net is for all thingsArmenian!).connect:arts@reporter.amArmenian Reporter Arts & Culture | February 6, 2010 13

14 The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010ArmeniaABMDR tenth-anniversary celebrations kick offwith major event in Artsakh“Save a Life” concertand recruitmentdrive nets 160 newstem cell donorsStepanakert – On January 8the Armenian Bone Marrow DonorRegistry (ABMDR) held an extraordinaryconcert and donor recruitmentdrive in Artsakh. The muchanticipatedevent, titled “Save aLife,” marked the first of a seriesof functions that will take placethroughout this year in celebrationof the ABMDR’s tenth anniversary.“Save a Life,” which was held atthe Spayi Tun hall in Stepanakert,featured an extensive program ofmusical performances by prominentartists from Artsakh as wellas Armenia. The six-hour eventwas attended by hundreds of concertgoersand ABMDR supporters,including a roster of Artsakh dignitaries.“It was just a wonderfully festiveoccasion, and the outpouring ofgrassroots support made it all themore worthwhile,” said Dr. FriedaJordan, president of the ABMDRBoard of Directors. “Today, as wecelebrate the tenth anniversary ofthe ABMDR, we are as much proudof the registry’s achievements as weare enthusiastic about its ongoinggrowth and community outreach.”Dr. Sevak Avagyan, executivedirector of the ABMDR, added thatthere was symbolic significance inthe choice of the Artsakh concertrecruitmentdate, as January 8has been declared “Donor Day” bythe government of Armenia. “Wepicked January 8 to further emphasizethe critically importantrole that stem cell donors can havein helping save lives,” Dr. Avagyansaid.The “Save a Life” event was organizedjointly by the ABMDR, theArtsakh Ministry of Health, andthe republic’s Ministry of Youthand Cultural Affairs. Prior to theconcert, on January 8, ABMDR staffmembers and several supporters,among them Artsakh governmentofficials, visited the War Victims’Memorial, also in Stepanakert,where they laid a wreath.Archbishop Martirosyan volunteering to become bone marrow donor.Artsakh soldiers volunteering to become bone marrow donors.As with recruitment drives heldacross Armenia, the United States,and elsewhere, the ABMDR’s Artsakhconcert gave dozens of volunteersthe opportunity to educateattendees about the life-savingwork of the registry as well as recruitpotential bone marrow stemcell donors. The effort resulted in160 new recruits, including ArtsakhNational Assembly member AshotGhulyan, Health Minister ArmenKhachatryan, Youth and CulturalAffairs Minister Narine Aghabalyan,and Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan,Prelate of the Artsakh Dioceseof the Armenian Apostolic Church.Dr. Jordan said that Artsakh’speople and government alike continueto be extremely supportiveof the ABMDR’s work. Yet anotherindication of their solidarity camein the form of a Certificate of Recognition,which the government ofArtsakh bestowed on the ABMDRduring the January 8 concert.Previously the registry has heldtwo recruitment drives in Artsakh,in 2002 and 2004, led by ABMDRHonorary President and formerFirst Lady of Armenia Bella Kocharyan.The two campaigns resultedin the recruitment of a total of805 stem cell donors.Last year the ABMDR reached akey milestone when it opened aStem Cell Harvesting Center in Yerevan.The only one of its kind inthe Caucasus region, the center canstore and harvest stem cells providedby healthy bone marrow donors.The stem cells subsequentlyABMDR Board of Directors President Dr. Frieda Jordan accepting Certificate ofRecognition bestowed on the registry by the government of Artsakh. Photos:Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.can be utilized in transplants forpatients suffering from life-threateningblood-related diseases suchas leukemia and other cancers.In 2010 the ABMDR’s tenth-anniversaryevents - including recruitmentdrives, concerts, and presentations- will seek to both recruitbone marrow donors and garnersupport for the registry’s nextmajor goal, the establishment of adedicated stem cell transplantationcenter in Armenia. “This will be thenext logical step in the evolution ofthe ABMDR,” Dr. Jordan explained.“A full-fledged transplantation centerwill give thousands of Armenianpatients access to affordable,life-saving stem cell transplants.”About the Armenian Bone MarrowDonor Registry: Establishedin 1999, the ABMDR, a nonprofitorganization, helps Armeniansworldwide survive life-threateningblood-related illnesses byrecruiting and matching donorsto those requiring bone marrowstem cell transplants. To date, theregistry has recruited over 15,000donors across three continents,identified 1,305 patients, found1,033 potential matches, and facilitatednine bone marrow transplants.fFor information contact Dr. FriedaJordan at abmdrla@abmdr.am (323)663-3609COAF retrains the next generation of school psychologists in ArmeniaGroup focuses onchild and familysupport services inArmavir districtArmavir – The Children of ArmeniaFund (COAF) announced todaythe completion of the most recentaddition to its program in Childand Family Support Services-a pilotproject designed to train futureschool psychologists in the villagesconstituting COAF’s Model Cluster.The eight participants from thevillage communities of Baghramian,Dalarik, Karakert, Lernagog andMiasnikian received six months ofintensive training at COAF’s Childand Family Support Center in thevillage community of Dalarik. Beyondthe introductory lectures onthe principles and ethical foundationsof school psychology, classeswere primarily conducted throughinteractive methods of learningand case studies.As Mr. Koryun Makaryan, LernagogSchool Principal observed, “Iattach great importance to psychologicalservices and look forward tothe trained psychologist’s work inour school, and to the early detectionand prevention of problems.”A major component of the trainingprogram centered on the theoriesand research conducted in thearea of Developmental Psychology.Various approaches and the uniqueaspects of the psychologist’s workin primary, middle and high schoolswere introduced, accompanied byeducational videos and documentaries.Working with various communitygroups-teachers, parents,community youth and volunteersineducation, health care andChild and Family Support Serviceshas always been a priorityfor COAF. Accordingly, the finalpart of the course highlighted theimportance of communication inthe teacher-student relationshipand related issues: stress managementin children, foundations ofgood parenting and family counseling.Susanna Asatryan, a traineerepresenting the village communityof Lernagog, was excited aboutbeing trained by one of the mostskillful experts in psychology inthe country: “We knew so littlewhen we came here, but it’s differentnow. Thanks to COAF, we feelconfident and strong. A new worldhas opened up for us. We now havemany opportunities to be useful toour schoolchildren and our villagepopulation.Certificates of course completionwere awarded by Dr. Naira Gharakhanyan,COAF Health and SocialPrograms Manager and Ms. TamaraHarutyunyan, Expert Psychologistand COAF Trainer. When addressingthe trainees, Dr. Gharakhanyannoted that “COAF is always readyto initiate and support any innovativeidea that may be useful in ruralcommunities. We are just at the beginningof a new direction and thisis a good start.” Ms. Harutyunyan,in turn, thanked the trainees forparticipating in the course and forshowing such interest and commitmentfor the project.On receiving her certificate,Hripsime Karapetyan, a local psychologistfrom the village communityof Karakert who has been operatingin the villages since 2007,added: “Certificates are important.But after all, they’re just pieces ofpaper. The knowledge I acquiredhere is the most precious thing Iwill take with me, and it will bewith me forever. I would like touse this opportunity to express mydeep gratitude to COAF for playinga significant role in shaping mypersonality, both as an individualand as a professional who plans towork with children.”The Children of Armenia Fund(COAF) is a non-profit organization,founded in 2003, that aimsto reduce poverty through therevitalization of rural Armeniaand the realization of projectsthat are instrumental for the developmentof rural children andyouth. With the introduction ofits novel approach to clusteringin February 2006, COAF is currentlyimplementing the “ModelCluster” Comprehensive RuralDevelopment Program working insix villages in Baghramian Regionof Armavir District. The key componentsof COAF’s Model Clustercomprise community developmentincluding Health, Social andEducation Programs, as well asInfrastructure Rehabilitation andEconomic Development. ‘For the past six years, about22,000 rural residents and over4,600 children from Argina, Dalarik,Lernagog, Karakert, Miasnikianand Shenik have benefited fromCOAF’s continuous developmentefforts and improved schools, kindergartens,health clinics, sportcomplexes, community and psychosocialcenters, capacity buildingtrainings and workshops and multifacetedbusiness development opportunities.fFor information contact Inessa Grigoryanat igrigoryan@coafkids.org

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010 15ArmeniaScenes from Surb Sargis celebrations in Yerevan. Photos: Photolure.Surb Sargis: Armenia marks its Valentine’s DayYerevan – Armenia marked theholiday of Surb Sargis (Saint Sergius)on January 30, patron saintof the young and those in love. Accordingto Armenian Church traditionSargis is said to have lived between285 and 337 and was a militarycommander for the first ChristianRoman Emperor Constantine,including in Armenia.While in Zoroastrian Persia, Sargiswas beheaded for refusing toabandon his Christian faith andthus became one of early Christianmartyrs.In the fifth century, Saint MesropMashtots delivered relics ofSurb Sargis from Persia to Karbi-Ushi near Ashtarak where a churchwas built in his name.Armenian popular tradition hasit that on the night before the holidaythe young eat a salty pancake,without other food or drink, andwould then expect to dream abouttheir destined groom or bride.Traditionally, Surb Sargis is depictedas a Roman-era warrior on awhite horse.fArmenian recovery seen acceleratingLoving hearts.Photo: VahramBaghdasaryan /Photolure.by Emil DanielyanArmenia’s economic recessioneased further last month, resultinga full-year Gross Domestic Productionfall of 14.4 percent, accordingto official statistics released onMonday.The rate of economic contractionreported by the NationalStatistical Service (NSS) is significantlydown from the peakdecline of 18.5 percent registeredduring the first seven months of2009. It essentially matches governmentforecasts made in recentmonths.The country’s macroeconomicperformance began slowly improvingin September, with GDPdecreasing by 16 percent year onyear in January-November. Thishas been due, in large measure,to the fact that the Armenianeconomy was already adverselyaffected by the global financialcrisis in the fourth quarter of2008 after nine months of doubledigitexpansion.The Armenian governmentsays economic growth will getback into positive territory butwill make up a modest 1.2 percentthis year. The InternationalMonetary Fund and the WorldBank have made similar forecasts.According to IMF projections,Armenian growth will accelerateto 3 percent in 2011 and graduallyreach 4.5 percent in 2014. TheArmenian economy expanded byan average of 12 percent from2002 through 2007.The GDP fall in 2009 was primarilyattributable to a nearly 37percent slump in constructionregistered by the NSS. The oncebooming construction sector,which accounted for about onefifth of GDP, has been hit hardestby the recession and the resultingreduction in external cash inflowsto Armenia.A more than 8 percent fall inindustrial output also significantlycontributed to the decline.By contrast, the NSS recorded a1 percent increase in retail tradeand other services. Armenia’s agriculturaloutput, another majorsource of GDP, was flat in 2009mainly because of the decreasedproduction of meat and dairyproducts.Despite the recession, the Armenianauthorities have failed tokeep inflation below a maximumtarget rate of 5.5 percent. Consumerprices in the country roseby 2 percent in December alone,pushing up the annual inflationrate to 6.5 percent.The Central Bank of Armenia(CBA) considers the rising inflationarypressures to be a furtherindication of unfolding economicrecovery. The CBA raised itsbenchmark re-financing rate by50 basis points to 5.5 percent onFriday, citing the need to preventfurther price hikes. The banksteadily cut the cost of borrowingin 2009.f© 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted withthe permission of Radio Free Europe /Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave.,N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org

16 The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010ArmeniaGrigorian, Kharatian – newest chess stars appearYerevan – Avetik Grigorian tookthe Armenian chess crown withone tour left to go in the nationalchampionship, Armenian newsagencies reported on January 30.As of January 1, 2010, 20-yearoldGrigorian was rated thirteenthamong Armenia’s chess players.22-year-old Anahit Kharatyanbecame the winner of the women’schess championship, winning inthe final round on January 31.In the men’s championship Mr.Grigoryan did better than halfa dozen better rated players, althoughthe country’s four highestrated chess masters, Levon Aronian(the 2002 champ), GabrielSargsian (2000 and 2003), VladimirAkopian (1996 and 1997) andArman Pashikian (2009), did notparticipate.The men’s championship was70th in Armenia’s history. Thewomen’s was 65th.fYerevan police drop case against opposition youthsGrigorian (right)and Kharatian.Photo: Photolure.by Irina HovannisianPolice in Yerevan said on Mondaythat they have failed to collect sufficientincriminating evidence toput a young opposition activist ontrial despite keeping him prison formore than three months on highlycontroversial charges.Tigran Arakelian was one of severalyoung members of the oppositionArmenian National Congress(HAK) who clashed with plainclothespolice last July as they publicizedan HAK rally held in Yerevanthe next day. He and two otheryouths were injured in the incidentand required hospitalization. Theysaid they were punched, kicked andpistol-whipped for informing cityresidents about the rally.The police insisted, however, thatlaw-enforcement officers themselvescame under attack whenthey tried to stop a brawl involving60 young people. Arakelian wasarrested and charged with assaultinga “representative of the stateauthority,” a charge punishable byup to ten years in prison. The diminutiveactivist was released frompre-trial detention in October, ostensiblyfor health reasons, amida mounting uproar from the HAKand local human rights groups.Hrach Sargsian, a senior police officerleading the criminal investigationinto the incident, told RFE/RLthat the criminal case against Arakelianand two other young oppositionists,who were never put underarrest, has been closed for lack ofevidence. He said the investigatorshave arrived at the conclusion thatthe suspects did not know for certainthat they are clashing with lawenforcementofficers because thelatter did not wear uniforms.The conclusion sharply contrastswith statements made by other,more high-ranking police officials.Alik Sargsian, the chief of Armenia’snational police service, insistedin September that Arakelian’sguilt is already a proven fact, beratingmedia for claiming the opposite.“It was the third time that TigranArakelian raised a hand against apoliceman,” he said.Ashot Karapetian, the chief ofthe police department of Yerevan’scentral administrative district, assuredRFE/RL at the time thatinvestigators have photographsof the opposition youths kickingan overpowered policeman in thehead. Karapetian said on Mondaythat Armenian courts would notview the pictures as a piece of evidencebecause they were taken by“non-legitimate means.” He did notelaborate.Arakelian’s lawyer, meanwhile,told RFE/RL that she is not satisfiedwith the mere closure of theArmenia faces meat crisis as sheep exports boomcase and believes that her clientshould have been formally declaredinnocent. Vartuhi Elbakian said shewill lodge a corresponding appeal toa prosecutor overseeing the inquiryand, if necessary, to local courts.Armen Khachatrian, an HAK officialdealing with arrested oppositionactivists, also downplayed thepolice move. He said the oppositionalliance plans to appeal to theEuropean Court of Human Rightsto declare Arakelian’s arrest andprosecution illegal.f© 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with thepermission of Radio Free Europe / RadioLiberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W.Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.orgby Karine Simonian andHovannes ShoghikianA sudden upsurge in exports ofArmenian sheep to Iran observedsince last spring has drasticallypushed up the cost of lamb in Armenia,raising fears of dwindlinglivestock numbers that could eventuallycost local farmers dearly.Some Armenian sheep breederssay they have sold off the bulk oftheir animals to wholesale buyersdoing business with Iran at pricesconsiderably higher than in thedomestic market. The retail priceof lamb has more than tripled tobetween 3,000 and 4,000 drams($10.6) per kilogram since May.According to the NationalStatistical Service, Armenianexports of livestock and meatsoared by 65 percent to $13.7million in January-November2009. The surge is particularlynoteworthy when set against a37.4 percent fall in the country’soverall export revenue recordedduring the same period.Agriculture Minister GerasimAlaverdian clarified on Tuesday thatArmenia exported some 117,000sheep to Iran and some Arab countriesin 2009. He said the figure accountsfor roughly one-fifth of thecountry’s sheep population, dismissingfears that the export boomcould wreak havoc on Armenianagriculture unless it is reined in bythe government.Sheep stocks appear to havefallen below a minimum level necessaryfor their reproduction in atleast one Armenian village, Zvartnots.Located about 20 kilometerssouth of Yerevan, Zvartnots ismainly populated by Yezidi Kurdswho have traditionally specializedin sheep breeding. Local residentssaid as much as 80 percent of theirsheep was sold off last year.“We have stopped breeding animalsand can therefore be deemedArmenians,” joked one man. “Wedon’t have livestock anymore.”“The Iranians have taken what wehad and left us sitting at home anddoing nothing,” he said.“Why do you blame the Iranians?We ourselves gave away our sheep,”said another one of his neighbors.Zahar Ravoyan, the deputychairman of the Union of Yezidisof Armenias who also lives in thevillage, had a simple explanationfor that. “Everyone was in debtand they seized upon the chanceto quickly repay the debts,” he toldRFE/RL.“Hay is expensive, there is no waterand it’s hard to keep sheep. Soif someone offers a good price whyshouldn’t people sell?” reasonedone farmer. “They have now startedshipping cattle to Iran,” he said,referring to livestock buyers.Hrachya Berbedian, chairmanof the Armenian Agrarian Union,sounded alarm over these developments,alleging that the government’sfailure to step in testifiesto its “ineptness.” “There is a largescaleexport of sheep to Iran andArab countries, which is a ‘welcome’development,” he told RFE/RL.“We’re like a factory selling its machinesand equipment after emptyingits production inventories.”Alaverdian, the agriculture minister,insisted, however, that the exportedsheep were mainly “unfit forreproduction” and that Armenia’ssheep stocks will grow by 200,000already by this summer. He saidthe Ministry of Agriculture hasdevised a plan of actions aimed atraising the total number of sheepto 1.5 million by 2020. Speaking ata news conference, Alaverdian alsoannounced that Armenia will soonstart also exporting live cattle andbeef to Iran.Such a prospect is causing seriousconcern among local meat traderswho fear that a resulting surgein the prices of beef, which is consumedin Armenia in far greateramounts than lamb, will dramaticallycut their sales. About a dozentraders in a Yerevan food markettemporarily shut down their meatshops on Wednesday to demand agovernment ban or restrictions onbeef exports.“They must not take cattle abroad,”one of them told RFE/RL. “We riskrunning out of meat. It’s beneficialfor farmers to sell cattle at ahigher price. But they don’t thinkabout what they are going to eattomorrow.”“If things continue like this, therewill no meat one month later,”claimed another protester.The retail price of beef has slightlyrisen over the past month and currentlyaverages 1,700-1,800 dramsper kilogram in Yerevan food storesand markets.f© 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with thepermission of Radio Free Europe / RadioLiberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W.Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.orgUS sponsors vocational school building renovations in MaralikYerevan – The BRIDGE PublicWorks Program, implemented bythe Cooperative Housing FoundationInternational (CHF) and fundedby USAID, carried out the renovationof the Maralik VocationalSchool Building during the 2009program year. The official openingceremony of the project site tookplace on January 25, 2010 and wasattended by the Acting Directorof the USAID/Armenia Social ReformOffice Volodymyr Yatsenko,Maralik Mayor Artak Gevorgyan,representatives of the AnoushavanAbrahamyan Educational Fund andlocal community.The renovation of the VocationalSchool was made possible thanksto the cooperation and support ofthe Anoushavan Abrahamyan EducationalFund, which had earlierrenovated the roof of the building,replaced the windows and doorsand installed a new heating system.To increase the number of classroomactivities, the college neededthe renovation of seven roomsand the main foyer (a total of 400square meters) on the third floor.The designated area was completelyrenovated by the USAID BRIDGEPublic Works Program and will nowserve around 80 students.The USAID BRIDGE program alsoorganized vocational training for21 socially vulnerable communitymembers in Painting and Plasteringand Tiling. After the completionof the theoretical part of the trainingcourse, the graduates gainedon-the-job experience by renovatingthree rooms and the foyer floorin the Vocational School under thesupervision of the constructioncontractor.fTell us what you think.Write to letters@reporter.am

The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010 19CommentaryLiving indiasporaA nursing home adopts Armeniaby Tom VartabedianThe author’s mother Jennie Vartabedian is pictured on right. Courtesy photo.Haverhill, Mass. – This is about a groupof residents inside a nursing home who knewlittle or nothing about Armenia until theywere exposed to it one fine afternoon.It’s not just any nursing home but one Ifrequent almost daily to visit my mom, thelast remaining genocide survivor in Haverhill.The ambassador that she remains in behalfof her nation, Ojen often talks to otherswith admiration about her country --- proud,patriotic and prolific in her own humble way.Many nod their heads in approval. Sometimes,they’ll probe deeper into her wisdom.Other times, they’ll dismiss it as gibberish.More often than not, it does my mothermore good than the others.One afternoon, the institution decided todeviate from the usual Bingo game and focusits attention on something a bit moreenlightening.“What about a program on Armenia?” I volunteered.“It would give residents a chanceto learn about a different country, see somecolorful photos, and perhaps identity withtheir own heritage.”Of course, my mother was elated. If shetaught me anything, it was the ability to remainArmenian and pass the culture on toothers. Much too often, we keep our heritagecloistered when it should be displayed,whether in schools, office buildings and institutionssuch as this.“Do you think the people here will appreciateArmenia?” she wondered. “Most of themwill complain if you take away their Bingo time.They’ll get restless. Their minds can’t handle it.”This is a 98-year-old woman speakingwho’s spent her last three years in acute care,faced with dementia, but still mindful of herheritage. She showed up with a small Tricolorin her hand.I recall once as a young AYFer visiting theArmenian Nursing Home in Jamaica Plainwith my peers and bringing cheer to the confinedone Christmas season. Here it was, 50years later, and I still recall that eventful day.In doing so, it enhanced our spirit and gaveus a sense of purpose.What it gave them was a brighter holiday.I checked with the activities director andshe voiced her approval, looking for innovativeways to entertain her residents. I arrivedthat afternoon with only a DVD I had made ofmy recent trip to Armenia last spring.“Keep it personal and short,” I remindedmyself.Fifty residents were wheeled into theroom. Of the lot, only my mother and twoothers were Armenian by birth. For them,this would be an added treat. None of themhad ever been to Armenia, much as they hadyearned. In some ways, the country was comingto them.The activities director went all out. A tableladen with refreshment was an added inducement.Local newspapers were informed.Officials were invited. Every preparation wasmet accordingly.I began my history with a brief introduction,explaining how the country dates back 3,000years before the birth of Christ, and how wewere the first nation in history to adopt Christianityas a state religion back in 301AD.“Armenia is the birthplace of civilization,” I wenton to say, explaining how Noah had landed his arkon Mount Ararat as told in the Book of Genesis.I told them the fig, cherry and apricot originatedin Armenia and that Old Ironsides inBoston was salvaged by an Armenian becausehe didn’t want the vessel to be turned into aTurkish warship.“But our greatest contribution is the factwe were able to survive and prosper after agenocide in 1915 that took 1.5 million livesat the hands of the Ottoman Turkish Empireand left another million scattered,” Iinformed them. “Today, we pride ourselveson being industrious, God-abiding citizens,looking to advance a country that has beenindependent just 18 years.”Much to my surprise, the residents appearedengrossed by the talk. Hands flewArmenian groups join appeals for Haiti reliefinto the air. One said how he worked for anArmenian in the shoe factories as an Italianimmigrant. Another mentioned the Armenianfood her neighbor used to prepare.And so it went. If there were 50 people inthat room, each of them could connect to anArmenian in some manner. A Greek womanlived through a genocide in her own countryand told how Armenians helped shape thatland. A Polish woman presented her own accountof Armenians growing up in her neighborhoodas children.“’They were always a people to be admired,”she brought out.Others who were customarily immobile ormindless took the opportunity to form anopinion. They shared thoughts of their ownethnicity. As one woman put it, “America isthe land of immigrants. They shaped thiscountry of ours with a lot of sweat and tears.”Someone else reflected upon the time shetraveled throughout Turkey with her husbandand was saddened by the Armenianchurches she had found in ruins.On came the video as the images told theirown story. The background music left peopletapping their feet and swaying their bodyin cadence. An Armenian man would havejumped from his wheelchair and danced,much like he did in his youthful prime.My mother shed a tear of joy. For one briefinterlude, this became that Armenian nursinghome I had frequented as a teenager backin the 1960s. Many were able to strike an accordwith their very own lineage.In the long run I suppose, we all share thisvision of equality, no matter where our rootsmay lie. Without a country or a civilization,we remain a lonely star in the galaxy.The following day, I saw my mother talkingto another resident who was usually reticent.As I listened closely, I heard the word “Armenian”mentioned. It may not have been apublic rally, a demonstration in the streets ofBoston or NYC, but every bit as relevant.Life in this nursing home had suddenlytaken a turn for the better.fby Emil SanamyanWASHINGTON - The catastrophic earthquakethat struck Haiti in the late afternoonof January 12 left millions in need of emergencyaid, with rescue and aid groups fromaround the globe, including several groupsfrom the Armenian diaspora pitching in.On January 14, the Armenian NationalCommittee of American (ANCA) issued anappeal to its supporters for donations to bemade to the American Red Cross.On the same day the Western Diocese ofthe Armenian Church in Burbank, Calif., issueda statement similarly calling for donationto the Red Cross, while the Eastern Dioceseasked its parishes for donations to bemade to its Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR),including with an option to donate online.In its statement the Eastern Diocese recalledthe 1988 Armenia earthquake and “the world’sbeautiful outpouring of goodwill towards ourcountry and its people,” encouraging a similareffort to alleviate the tragedy in Haiti.The Armenian Relief Society of WesternU.S.A. also set up a “Haiti Relief Fund” withan option to donate online.“The ARS feels the suffering of the Haitianpeople, especially since we experienced similardevastation after the 1988 earthquake inArmenia,” Sossie Poladian, chairperson ofthe ARS Regional Executive said in a statementon January 15.And on January 18, the Armenian GeneralBenevolent Union (AGBU) announced a donationof $50,000 and an appeal to its supportersto donate to FAR.In a telegram, Armenia’s president offeredcondolences and extended an offer of assistanceto his Haitian counterpart, Arminforeported on January 15.On January 14 an Armenian rescue serviceofficial said a 52-member rescue group wasready to be dispatched to Haiti, but the groupdid not deploy citing logistical constraints. fconnect: http://www.farusa.org/http://www.arswestusa.org/Destruction in Haiti. Photo: Photolure.

20 The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010