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08/25/2006
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1. ARF Western US Call of Community to Unite in Support of Homeland 2. Lebanese Political and Religious Leaders call on the Government to Reject Turkish Troops 3. Silva Kaputikian Passes Away at 87 4. ANC of West San Fernando Valley Leads Meeting with Rep. Sherman 5. ANC Leaders Discuss Issues With Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Angelides. 6. ANCA-WR Educates Voters At Semi-Annual California GOP Convention 7. ARS Chairperson Hasmig Derderian Discusses Lebanon Relief Efforts 8. ARS's Lebanon Relief Efforts Making a Difference 9. Shushi Music School Society's Third Annual Summer Camp a Success 10. Sayat Nova Dance Company Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Style 11. "Little Armenia" Performances Added 1. ARF Western US Call of Community to Unite in Support of Homeland GLENDALE--The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US held its 43rd Regional Convention last weekend at the Montebello Armenian Center. At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegates elected a new Central Committee comprised of the following members: Krikor Achekian, Nazareth Apanian, Harout Donoyan, Avedik Izmirlian, Aram Kaloustian, Arto Keuleyan, Karekin Khanjian, John Kossakian, Anahit Stepanian, Krikor Topalian and Hagop Tufenkjian. The convention also issued an announcement, the translated text of which is presented below. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation 43rd Regional Convention convened from August 17 to 20, 2006 at the Montebello Armenian Center. Participating in the meeting were representatives of the ARF Bureau, the local chapters of the Western Region, organizational and Armenian Youth Federation, members of the outgoing Central Committee, guests, as well as representatives of the ARF Central Committees of Eastern US and Canada. The convention carefully addressed its agenda and passed corresponding resolutions regarding issues impacting the homeland, the Diaspora and the Armenian community of the Western region. Special emphasis was placed on assistance to the Armenia, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Javakhk, our community organizational reality, the pursuit of the Armenian Cause--especially the recognition of the Armenian Genocide--the education of the Armenian youth and their participation in community life, as well as internal organizational matters. Our region if facing several national challenges. Based on the historical mission of the ARF to pursue the national aspirations of the Armenian people, the convention decided to reinvigorate efforts to support the people of Armenia and the interests of the Armenian state. In addressing the demographic changes in our community, the convention determined that the more than half a million-member community, which as a result of the inter-relation between Armenians from Armenia and other Diasporan communities, has proved a unique and divergent character to the region. As a result of the amalgamation of Armenians from diverse backgrounds, our community is becoming one of the important Armenian centers--outside of Armenia--which has a specific and decisive role to play in defending the aspirations of the Armenian people. The convention emphasized the important role that the Armenian National Committee of America plays in pursuing the political interests of our community. Through its local, regional and national offices, the Armenian National Committee of America is involved vast political and public relations activities, which create a favorable climate for the ideals of the Armenian people. At the same time, the ANCA works to garner political support and economic assistance for Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Relying on the strong support of communities, the ANCA, on a local level, engages in political activities in support of our people's interests within political circles and with political officials. Given that the Armenian youth are the guarantors of the future of the Armenian nation, the convention adopted resolutions, through which the ARF will do its utmost to strengthen, within them, the national awareness and spirit. The convention also decided to support all youth efforts, which promote progress and cooperation in the community. In addressing the party's internal organizational issues, the convention stressed that although through its rank and file and affiliate organizations, the ARF is an every day presence and force within the Western US, in the 21st century, the organization faces certain existing worldly challenges for which it needs to train throngs professional and young leaders. The convention reaffirmed its solidarity with the strengthening of the Armenian statehood, the self-determination of Karabakh, the socio-economic and cultural rights of Javakhk, bolstering of the vision for a liberated Western Armenia, efforts to strengthen various Diaspora communities, especially in recent days the communities the crisis-ridden communities of Lebanon and Iraq. The convention call on the Armenian community to unite and through a concerted effort assist programs to strengthen Armenia and our community. To this end, the convention appeals to all organizations and members of the community to come together to serve the Armenian people. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States 43rd Regional Convention August 20, 2006 Montebello, California 2. Lebanese Political and Religious Leaders call on the Government to Reject Turkish Troops YEREVAN (YERKIR) - At their Thursday meeting in Beirut, representatives of the three Armenian political parties of Lebanon, the leaders of the three political parties--the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Social Democratic Hunchak Party and Liberal Democratic Party--issued a statement urging the Lebanese government to reject any participation of Turkish troops in the international forces to be deployed in Lebanon. A similar letter signed by Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian of the Middle East Armenian Evangelical Union, Bishop Vartan Ashkarian of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Lebanon and Bishop Gegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Lebanon was also sent to the government. Below is the text of the translated text of the statement by the political parties. We, the leaders of the three Armenian political parties, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Social Democratic Hunchak Party and Liberal Democratic Party, deeply appreciate the efforts of the Lebanese government to set a ceasefire, stop the war bloodshed, establish peace and stability and restore what has been destroyed in the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon. We also welcome the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 that intends to increase the number of the peacekeepers in South Lebanon. We, however, voice the Lebanese Armenian community's rejection of the idea to include Turkish troops in the peacekeeping forces because: a. Participation of Turkish troops in the international forces breaches the principle of impartiality for international forces and therefore would obstruct the efforts of establishing peace and stability in Lebanon. No country participating in the international forces should be an ally of a conflict party. Turkey, however, has a history of enmity with many countries and nations, and its history demonstrates the bloody core of its relations with those nations. In addition, Turkey has a military treaty with Israel which also includes a cooperation of special services. That treaty threatens the peace process in the region, and Turkey's biased foreign policy makes us mistrust Turkey. b. Turkey continues its occupation of Cyprus, blockade of Armenia and refuses to recognize the 1915 Armenian Genocide it had perpetrated and apologize for that crime. c. Turkey continues to violate human rights and rights of minorities making it ineligible for peacekeeping mission. d. There is no doubt that any country participating in international forces should be accepted by the Lebanese public: Turkey's history of violence in Lebanon does not help that country to deserve such acceptance considering that the Lebanese people in its collective memory still endures the consequences of the Turkish crimes and tyranny. Taking into consideration these realities, we reaffirm our opposition and refusal to inclusion of Turkish troops in the peacekeeping forces to be deployed in South Lebanon and demand that the Lebanese government turn down the inclusion of the Turkish troops in those forces in support of the Lebanese Armenian community that is an important portion of the Lebanese society. In this letter addressed to the Lebanese government, we demand that the Lebanese government include the Armenian position in its agenda, taking into account that all the communities in Lebanon should be respected. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Social Democratic Hunchak Party Liberal Democratic Party 3. Silva Kaputikian Passes Away at 87 YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--Silva Kaputikian, a famous poetess, publicist and public figure, died in Yerevan on Friday morning, at the age of 87. Kaputikian's works popular in Armenia and across the Diaspora had been translated into different languages. The poetess was actively engaged in Armenia's public life, made public speeches during the Karabakh movement. She was born in Yerevan, January 20, 1919. She graduated from the Yerevan State University's Philological Department and then from Moscow's Gorky Literature Institute. The first collection of her poems was published in 1945. Overall, she published 60 collections in Armenian, Russian and other languages. Silva Kaputikian was laureate of a number of literary awards. In 1998 Cambridge International Geographic Institute awarded her the title of "Woman of the Year." A government commission headed by Prime Minister Andranik Markarian has been set up to organize the funeral of the poetess due to take place at the Pantheon of the Komitas Park. President Robert Kocharian on Friday addressed a message of condolences on Kaputikian's death. "It was with great sorrow that I learned about the death of the renowned poetess Silva Kaputikian," Kocharian said in the message spread by his press service. "Silva Kaputikian is one of the most distinguished representatives of modern Armenian literature whose literary works for decades accompanied both Armenian and foreign readers. She was very popular both in Armenia and in the Diaspora as an intellectual concerned with the fate of her country and people." "The death of Silva Kaputikian is a great loss for our literature and public life. I express my sincere condolences to the family of the poetess and thousands of admirers of her art," the president said in his message. Chairman of the Writers' Union of Armenia Levon Ananian also called Kaputikian's death 'a great loss' for Armenian literature and emphasized the poetess' civil and patriotic mission. "As a citizen and a patriot she had the happiness to see her motherland's independence something that she had always dreamed of and always struggled for in the name of the Armenian state," Ananian emphasized. 4. ANC of West San Fernando Valley Leads Meeting with Rep. Sherman SHERMAN OAKS, CA-The Armenian National Committee of the West San Fernando Valley met with U.S. Representative Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) in his district office last week to discuss issues of concern to the local Armenian American community. The delegation was led by the West San Fernando Valley Chairman, Ara Papazian who was joined by Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) Board Member Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, ANCA-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian, and ANCA-WR Intern Allen Yekikan. The meeting attendees expressed appreciation for Congressman Sherman's record of support for Armenian American issues. Various topics were discussed including Armenian Genocide legislation, the controversial nomination of Richard Hoagland as the next U.S. ambassador to Armenia, and congressional efforts to support regional cooperation and integration in the Southern Caucasus Region. Zerounian-Khanzadian, a constituent of Rep. Sherman, explained that the Armenian American community is extremely disturbed over Richard Hoagland's evasive and outright genocide denial leading up to, during, and following his hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Rep. Sherman expressed his concern and agreed to write a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, opposing Richard Hoagland's confirmation as the next Ambassador to Armenia. The Congressman noted that "Ambassador Evans was a great ambassador who should not have been recalled." Papazian, a constituent of the Congressman, thanked him for his continued support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution as well as his co-authorship of the Crowley Amendment, an amendment to the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006. The Crowley Amendment, authored by New York Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) and co-authored by Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Rep. Brad Sherman, prohibits the Export-Import Bank from providing any assistance "to develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections that traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey, and that specifically exclude cities in Armenia." The bill to which it was amended was approved by the House of Representatives in July and will go to the Senate for consideration. Rep. Sherman expressed his commitment to the amendment and promised to work closely with his colleagues in the Senate to make certain the amended bill does not get altered or excluded from the final draft of the legislation. Zerounian-Khanzadian invited Representative Sherman to both the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet in November and the ANCA Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. scheduled for September 14-17th. The Congressman expressed his gratitude for the invitations and promised to attend, even offering to lead a workshop during the conference. Congressman Brad Sherman represents California's 27th district, home to a large Armenian American community. Since being elected to Congress in 1997, Rep. Sherman has worked to continue building US relations with Armenia and co-sponsored previous Armenian Genocide recognition legislation, including the resolutions introduced in the 109th Congress. He is also an original co-sponsor of the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, H.R. 3361 as well as the End the Turkish Blockade of Armenia Act, H.R.3103. The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues. 5. ANC Leaders Discuss Issues With Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Angelides. BURBANK--Members and friends of the local Armenian National Committee chapters in Burbank and Glendale joined ANCA-WR regional leadership and staff in attending a town hall event featuring California gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides. The event was hosted by Burbank ANC member Avo Donoyan and his family at their home on Wednesday morning. The event was emceed by Congressman Brad Sherman whose district covers a portion of Burbank. He was joined by Phil Angelides and a number of Californians who discussed the challenges faced by middle-class taxpayers in the state. Former ANCA-WR Board Chairman Levon Kirakosian and former ANCA-WR Board Member Michael Mahdesian attended the event and took the opportunity to speak with Angelides issues currently facing the Armenian American community in California. "If elected governor, we look to Mr. Angelides to continue support of state initiatives, such as the California-Armenia Trade Office, that provide a beneficial as well as needed bridge between these two states and societies. Doing so helps enhance the Armenian American community's participation in and contribution to [California's] growth and development," remarked Mr. Kirakosian. Among the many local ANC friends attending the event were Glendale ANC Board Member Pierre Chraghchian, Burbank ANC Chairman Arbi Ohanian, Burbank ANC Board Member, Shant Minas, ANCA-WR Intern Teresa Petrosyan, former ANCA-WR Intern Anita Avakian as well as Glendale ANC activist Meghedi Babakhanlou. "This event was a great opportunity for our community to get to know Phil Angelides," noted Haig Hovsepian, the ANCA-WR Community Relations Director. "As an organization that seeks to engage and promote an educated Armenian American electorate we look forward to similar opportunities and greater communication with Mr. Angelides in this regard." 6. ANCA-WR Educates Voters At Semi-Annual California GOP Convention LOS ANGELES--Seeking to raise awareness about Armenian American issues as well as engage members of the community, the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region once again participated in the California Republican Party's semi-annual state convention. The convention took place on August 18th through the 20th at the Century Plaza Hyatt in Los Angeles and drew thousands of loyal California Republicans. The ANCA-WR sponsored an exhibitor table at the convention to provide a forum through which it could raise awareness about the organization and its activities and programs. Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian was joined by nearly a dozen volunteers and interns in staffing the table and answering questions from delegates and party activists attending the convention. ANCA-WR Board Member Leonard Manoukian as well as local ANC activists, Jack Hadjinian and Krikor Boyrazian also attended the convention. Mr. Hadjinian, Mr. Manoukian, and Mr. Hovsepian participated in a presentation by the Chuck Poochigian campaign updating the community regarding the candidate's vision for California as a candidate for State Attorney General. They also attended the welcome reception hosted by the Los Angeles County Republican Party on Friday evening. "The participation of the ANC at the GOP convention in Los Angeles is important to maintain the organizations effort to educate voters throughout the State of California on issues impacting our community, "explained Mr. Hadjinian. "The ANC has been successful at building strong relationships with Republican elected officials in our State government and we must continue to not only to maintain, but further develop these ties." A number of Armenian American youth and young professionals from across the state of California who attended the convention stopped by the ANC table. Many were particularly pleased to see the ANC table and wanted to know more about the organization including how to keep in touch and get involved in their own communities. Many candidates for office as well as party officials and activists from across California visited the table to learn about the ANC's grassroots presence throughout California. "The people attending the convention are enthusiastically involved and I think it was helpful for them to see that the ANC is dedicated to engaging the Armenian American community in the political process," remarked Vanda Ayrapetyan, a student at Occidental College who worked at the ANCA-WR table over the weekend. ANCA-WR Intern and UCLA student, Allen Yekikan agreed. "By working with the ANC at the GOP Convention I was able to help reach out to the party's base and share with them how our issues compliment the party's vision. This was a great opportunity especially for young Armenian Americans like me to learn more about the Republican party's structure and political direction." 7. ARS Chairperson Hasmig Derderian Discusses Lebanon Relief Efforts The recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon created an unforeseen and devastating humanitarian crisis for the thousands who were displaced as a result of the bombings. The Armenian Relief Society Inc. Central Executive mobilized its ranks and communities in the Diaspora to heed the almost century old organization's mission and begin a massive relief effort to assist Lebanese refugees and to aid the Armenian community there as it took on a leadership role in that effort. This massive undertaking is only a fraction of what the organization is doing as it prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of its founding. Assistance to Armenian in Javakhk, healthcare and public health initiatives in Armenia and the continued care to the population of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic are but a few of the projects that keeps its chairperson, Hasmig Derderian busy. She sat down with "Hai Sird" for this interview, the translated text of which is reprinted below. Hai Sird: We are all distressed and alarmed with the situation created in the Middle East. We have felt its destructive impact not only in regards to the Lebanese-Armenians but all our communities in the Middle East. Being aware of the important role the Middle East has assumed in our Diasporan reality, what repercussionsif anydo you foresee in the world-wide structure and activities of the Armenian Relief Society? Hasmig Derderian: It is a well known fact, that it is not the first timeduring its 96-year historyfor the Armenian Relief Society to come face to face with tragic devastations resulting from armed conflicts. A short look backward takes us to the agonizing days of the civil war in Lebanon. During that protracted conflict, the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon, along with the world-wide ARS entities and numerous Diasporan Armenian organizations, continued its humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered population, until peace returned to the country. This time, at the very beginning of the Israeli bombings, the ARS Central Executive Board, once again, through the Diasporan news media, appealed to the public to come to the assistance of the people of Lebanon by supplying the necessary food and medication needed in the stricken areas... H.S.: How will the global ARS network be involved in the post-cease-fire reconstruction of Lebanon's socio-economic structurethe resettlement of the displaced and the homeless, etc.? H.D.: Both during and after the 15 long years of the Civil War, the Shirak earthquake of 1998, and the Artsakh liberation war, the ARS Central Executive Board- with appeals to the public-has mobilized its membership in 23 different countries with special circulars and directives. The initial ARS aid reached Lebanon without delay and will continue until the present chaotic conditions return to normal, allowing and the people have recovered from the trauma of this latest round of armed conflict. H.S.: The process of recovery may take a long time. What are your prognostications in this regard? H.D.: Well, the UN-arranged cease fire allows us some optimism as to the possibility of lasting peace. We pray that the destructive clashes do not restart. Nevertheless, one must refrain from rash predictions. Too much optimism or pessimism can interfere with the momentum of reconstruction. We must proceed with the requirements and realities of the events as they unravel, from day to day. H.S.: Surely, the ARS is not going to be alone in this humanitarian endeavor-most certainly, other Armenian organizations will also share the burden of long term assistance... H.D.: Naturally. It is with united efforts that we have been able to implement effective humanitarian programs whenever and wherever it has been needed in the past. As we had noted in our second appeal, in view of a worsening situation and in order to be able to provide the ever increasing amount of assistance, with community-wide efforts, a special United Assistance Committee was set up in Beirut, headquartered in the offices of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon. The same approach is being activated in other Diasporan communities. I must also mention the swift and substantial aid arriving from the Republic of Armenia almost immediately after the initial aerial attacks targeting Lebanese cities. Let me add, that national unity plays a beneficial role not only during times of crisis but also in the peacetime implementation of programs of national significance designed and geared towards the construction of a better future for coming generations. H.S.:We have in front of us a list of over forty resolutions adopted by the 68th International Convention of the ARS. Aside those concerning organizational matters, a large number deal on a large scale with the educational, health and numerous other humanitarian needs of the Diaspora, Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk. These resolutions imply enormous commitments not only of voluntary manpower but financial means as well. H.D.: That is true. But let me say this: During its 96 years of devoted service, the ARS has had one simple motto-"For the people, to the people; from the people." The ARS has been able to function and continue its mission with no disappointments in our people's empathy and generosity. H.S.: The amount and quality of programs carried out thus far prove what you are saying. However, these obviously enhanced fields of activity necessitate commensurate financial means. What are the expectations of the ARS, for instance, in the case of the Akhurian "Mother & Child" Health Center and its recently added maternity ward, as well as the Artsakh "Soseh" Kindergartens-soon to have their namesakes in various locations in Armenia as well? How is the ARS going to finance their construction and maintenance? H.D.: That is a reasonable question, no doubt. Over the last decade-and-a-half since the establishment of the ARS/Armenia our Society has spent over $25,000,000 implementing numerous programs throughout the Homeland. Let me also note, that this year, in Armenia, we will celebrate that region's 15th Anniversary with a conference and a tour of Armenia and Artsakh. The programs continue to be subsidized, admittedly with some difficulty but without interruption. To say that the burden of such continuous and costly projects has not affected our financial stability would be untrue. Naturally, in response to the needs on the threshold of its centenary, the ARS, at its last International Convention, passed a special resolution, which is being implemented as we speak. H.S.: If I am not mistaken, you are talking about the ARS Centennial Fund-drive. If so, would you give us a brief run-down on its concept, operational structure and scope? H.D.: With pleasure, as you noted, on the threshold of its Centenary the ARS 68th International Convention, with present and future activities in mind, passed a number of resolutions and recommendations which will make possible the uninterrupted continuation of our Society's services on a global and pan-Armenian basis, while maintaining and developing its international connections and standards. Having in mind the essential nature of both present and future programs, I consider the International Convention's decision to launch the ARS Centennial Funddrive the most important of all the resolutions. With less than four years to the Centennial, the Central Executive Board may face unpredictable obligations in both the Diaspora and the Homeland-witness the present turmoil in Lebanon. In order to meet these obligations the ARS Central Executive Board has already initiated the implementation of the Fund-drive. The successful outcome of our efforts, by the year 2010, our Centennial Year, will secure a substantial, restricted sum to be invested. The interests accrued along with sums from other resources will help us continue and expand our programs geared to the growing needs of our communities everywhere. 8. ARS's Lebanon Relief Efforts Making a Difference BEIRUITWith $20,000 already donated and another $10,000 on the way, the ARS and its entities are responsible for bringing immediate help and relief to Armenians and non-Armenians alike whose lives have been disrupted by recent attacks on Lebanon. Care packages to needy Armenian individuals and families living in battered neighborhoods have been personally distributed by a cadre of ARS Lebanon volunteers in the past weeks. These efforts have been made possible through the immediate emergency donation of $20,000 by the ARS international office in Watertown, Mass. "People are very proud," said ARS Lebanon Regional Board of Directors Chairwoman Maral Mekhjian in an interview on August 18. "So, our members are personally delivering food and other necessities directly to Armenian neighborhoods hard hit by recent fighting in Lebanon. We wanted to make it easier for people to receive what they need." Noodles, cheese, sugar, and other basic foodstuffs have been distributed to bring immediate relief to those who cannot otherwise afford such necessities at this time. Relief efforts through a community-wide Board of Assistance have been headquartered at the ARS Lebanon's Arax Boulghourjian Center. While food and medicine was being distributed daily predominantly to non-Armenians in need, current relief efforts are being redirected to focus on the Armenian-Lebanese community. "There is a need for chronic medications right now," Mekhjian reported. "Those with heart conditions and cholesterol are relying on our efforts in obtaining these medications and we are working very hard to be sure that people get the medicines they need. But we are running out of medications very quickly." This week, the ARS international headquarters is transmitting an additional $10,000 to its ARS Lebanon entity to continue the food and medicine distribution that the population has come to rely on. The additional infusion of cash is made possible by donations from the ARS's Eastern USA, Western USA, Canada, Cyprus, Greece, England, Australia, Salonica, and Kuwait entities. Although Mekhjian reported that the Armenian-Lebanese community is cautiously optimistic that the political and social climate will improve, she added that the ARS will provide its important social and medical relief to the community for as long as necessary. Those who wish to make a donation to assist the ARS in its relief efforts in Lebanon and elsewhere around the world should send their tax-deductible donation to ARS, Inc., 80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472. 9. Shushi Music School Society's Third Annual Summer Camp a Success The Music Society's first summer camp was held in 2004. It generated so much enthusiasm among the children of Shushi and the volunteers from Los Angeles who helped to organize it that the Board of Directors of the Shushi Music School Society decided to make it a yearly event. Summer Camp 2006 was held from July 10 to 18. A total of 14 volunteers from Los Angeles--some of which were high school and college students--led the various daily activities for the 80 camp participants. For some, this marked their second trip to Shushi. Once again, the travel expenses of many of the student volunteers were subsidized by various individuals and businesses in Los Angeles. Daily activities at the camp included the traditional clinics and games in basketball, volleyball and soccer, classes in English language, computers, arts and crafts, and dance. This year, a nurse and a dentist from Los Angeles accompanied the group of volunteers to provide health services to the children of Shushi. Most camp attendees received eye vision screening tests. Thanks to the generosity of our volunteer nurse, some of the children were taken to Stepanakert to have prescription glasses made. Lice checks were performed and instructions on how to prevent lice were provided to the parents of campers. The children also received free dental care by our volunteer dentist who was given the opportunity to use the only dental clinic in Shushi, which is fully sponsored by the Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario (ACMAO). She also gave a presentation on the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Moreover, each camp attendee received toothbrushes and educational pamphlets on dental care. The summer camp is truly a source of joy and entertainment for the children of Shushi who are given the opportunity to participate in well organized activities and to further their knowledge in specific areas. It provides them with the much needed change from the daily challenges they face due to the economic constraints of the region. It is also an invaluable life-altering experience for the young volunteers from Los Angeles who undoubtedly are impacted by the chance they are given to help and make a difference. "You're driving through war-torn streets with broken down homes and main streets that require off-road vehicles to pass through. You see several wide-open manholes that young children play alongside of. You ask yourself a second time why you actually came here. Then, from the bottom of the street, a mystical tune waves through your ears and reminds you of what you're actually here for. The walls of Daniel Ghazaryan School resonate to the harmonious sounds of Shushi's youth. That's what I'm here for," describes a 2005 camp volunteer Tro DerSarkissian a senior student attending Crescenta Valley High School in Los Angeles California. "As young Armenians, interacting with the children inevitably stirs up emotions in us. We see in them a thirst for knowledge, which is unfortunately limited to them in so many ways. There is so much talent hidden between the broken buildings and roads, that it fills me with great joy to be able to provide an outlet for their creative and intellectual abilities," said sophomore UCLA student, Paleny Topjian, who gave instruction in English and dance. "I will never forget the tears a child cried the night before we left for Yerevan. His tears ushered forth our own tears and staggering aches in our hearts. Knowing that you can affect a child that deeply is worth more than words can tell. We found new brothers and sisters in Shushi, and left them with promises of our return. More than that, though, I think we all left a piece of our hearts in Shushi," remarked Maral DerSarkissian, a sophomore student attending U.C. Berkeley, who also volunteered her time to this project last year. For Terenig Topjian, a senior student enrolled at Cal State Northridge, the summer camp experience was different from his many previous trips to the Homeland. "My experience with this group was far different in nature from my previous visits, which consisted of leisurely bus rides to the routine tourist destinations. For about a week and a half we interacted with the children of Shushi. We lived in the same war torn city that these children grew up in. We worked with them, played alongside them, and at the last day of the camp we danced with them during the "khurakhjank." Such an experience brought us much closer to understanding what life is truly like for most of our fellow Armenians, something that no tour organized by a travel agency and that no amount of sightseeing or brief encounters with locals could give. Every Armenian should give himself or herself the opportunity to leave the more visitor friendly streets of Yerevan's "Gendron" and get involved in one of the many voluntary, hands on programs dedicated to serving the vast array of needs of the people of Armenia," said Topjian On the final day of camp, the children and volunteers gathered in the school's Concert Hall. In her opening remarks, the school's principal, Mrs. Gohar Mkrtchian, welcomed the guests and thanked the volunteers for their time and effort. The spectators were then able to enjoy vocal and dance performances taught to the children during the week long camp. In the second part of the program, the gifted students of the Daniel Ghazaryan School demonstrated their outstanding skills in music, by performing various traditional Armenian selections. The Shushi Music School Society was established in 1994. Its Mission is to support the Daniel Ghazaryan School located in Shushi, in the heart of Nagorno-Karabagh. This institution, with a current student enrollment of 100, provides superior academic and music instruction. The Society's goal is to prepare the future intellectuals and leaders of Shushi, a once a vibrant cultural center of Artsakh. The Shushi Music School Society's Board of Trustees would like to thank all those individuals who have supported the organization's endeavors to date. Through many years of arduous work, and after surmounting many obstacles, Shushi Music School Society has completely renovate the main building of the school, where all the academic and music instruction takes place, and construct a basketball court, a soccer field, a playground, a concert hall, a library, a computer laboratory and a cafeteria. This was accomplished thanks to the support of various individuals and organizations in the Diaspora who believe in the importance of the existence of such an institution in this war devastated area. For more information regarding the Society's various undertakings, including additional pictures about the summer camp, or to make a tax-deductible donation for a specific project, you may contact the Society by visiting its website at <;www.shushis chool.org or by writing to Shushi Music School Society at 6000 Topeka Dr.,Tarzana, CA 91356 10. Sayat Nova Dance Company Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Style BOSTON--The 20th anniversary celebration of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Greater Boston is in full swing with plans for an elegant gala, in addition to two special performances at Boston's Majestic Theater. This milestone has left founder, choreographer and artistic director Apo Ashjian both amazed and humbled. "When we first started, I didn't think we would last at all. We were an independent group and that was rare among Armenian organizations. People felt funny. Now we're celebrating our 20th year and holding up our heads," Ashjian said of the Watertown-based dance troupe. "We never, ever thought we would reach this far. And this success is all thanks to the community and the intense support we got from them." A gala banquet at Boston's Fairmont Copley Plaza will kick off the 20th anniversary celebration on September 16. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner and dancing to the Melik Ohanian Band. A guest speaker will also be featured, helping with the planned silent and live auction. Special invitations have also been mailed to past and current supporters and members of SNDC. Those interested can just call the number on the invitation. The second phase of the celebration will consist of two shows at the Cutler Majestic Theater in Boston, on September 30, and October 1. The Saturday show will be at 8 p.m., and the Sunday show at 3 p.m. The two performances, titled "Power in Rhythm," will stress cultural and ethnographic dances, which SNDC has done so well over the years. "We want to show non-Armenians the deep-rooted cultural heritage that we have. We want to show our culture to everyone," said Ashjian, a resident of Belmont. Several active Boston-area Armenians have been working on the two committees, spearheading the 20th anniversary programs, including the chair for the dance programs, Armand Andreasian, and the chair for the gala, Margrit Atinizian. Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston has toured the US and the world since 1986. It has toured widely within the US, Canada and Armenia. In July the dance troupe had several sold out performances in Armenia, winning it much national publicity and acclaim. About 80 crewmembers, dancers and choreographers make up the core of Sayat Nova Dance Company. The non-profit group relies on donations and community support for maintaining its rigorous weekly dance sessions and numerous annual performances. Ashjian and his team of volunteers also regularly visit Armenia to learn about traditional Armenian dances, costumes and music, in order to better represent the art of Armenia to Diasporans and non-Armenians alike. Tickets for both shows at the Majestic are available by calling 617-901-2758.or calling Telecharge at (800) 233-3123. Tickets may also be purchased at <;www.telecharge.c om. 11. "Little Armenia" Performances Added LOS ANGELES, CA--Thanks to overwhelming community support, the world premiere run of Little Armenia at the Fountain Theatre was virtually sold out. To accommodate demand, two performances have been added for August 26 at 5:00 p.m. and September 1, at 5:00 p.m. Commissioned by the Fountain and written by Lory Bedikian, Aram Kouyoumdjian, and Shahe Mankerian, the play has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a "seminal" production "laced throughout by an invigorating humor leavened with a healthy dose of genuine sentiment." Little Armenia is inspired by the real-life stories of three generations of Armenian immigrants in Hollywood. Since its opening on August 11, it has played to full houses of enthusiastic audiences. Tickets may be obtained by calling the box office at (323) 663-1525. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.