Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-1890
[email protected]
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2006
Armenian Americans Gather in Support of Deval Patrick and Tim Murray
Democratic Ticket for Massachusetts Governor and Lt. Governor
Winchester, MA – Armenian Americans from throughout Massachusetts gathered
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Aida Bejakian on Sunday, October 15, for
a fundraising brunch reception which raised over $20,000 for Deval Patrick
and Tim Murray, the Democratic ticket for Massachusetts Governor and
Lieutenant Governor, reported the Armenian National Committees of
Massachusetts.
The event was cosponsored by The Honorable George Keverian, State
Representative Peter Koutoujian, State Representative Rachel Kaprielian,
Joyce Aghjayan, Sharistan Ardhaldjian, Elo Artinian, Nancy Barsamian, Aida
Bejakian, Houry Boyamian, Arev Dervartanian, Linda Kaboolian, Bella
Khachatourian, Hasmik Kouchakdjian, Dr. Lilian Mahrokhian, Julia Mirak Kew,
Carolyn Mugar, Dr. Carolann Najarian, Muriel Parseghian, and Lisa Sedrakian.
Host Sam Bejakian welcomed a crowd of Armenian American activists from
throughout the Commonwealth to his home and spoke of the Armenian American
community’s support for the Deval Patrick – Tim Murray team.
Bejakian then introduced Sharistan Ardhaldjian of the Armenian National
Committee of Eastern Massachusetts who spoke of the broad community support
for the Deval Patrick – Tim Murray ticket. "The Deval Patrick-Tim Murray
team make the most exciting ticket this state has seen in a very long
time," stated Ardhaldjian. "Together they are going to make this state the
best place in the country to live. We are here today to support this team in
that effort but in no uncertain terms also because of their commitment and
sensitivity to so many of the issues of particular concern to the Armenian
American community."
Ardhaldjian then introduced the lineup for the afternoon.
Muriel Parseghian of Lowell, Massachusetts, introduced Mayor Murray.
Parseghian, a long time activist with the Armenian National Committee of
Merrimack Valley and Chairwoman of the Armenian Relief Society of North
America, was a Deval Patrick – Tim Murray committed delegate to the
Massachusetts State Democratic Convention.
In introducing Mayor Murray, Parseghian spoke of Murray’s long time
commitment to working families and improving living conditions in cities and
towns across the commonwealth, noting that Murray had already done just that
in Worcester. Parseghian noted Murray’s long time relationship with the
Armenian American community in Worcester and his support of issues of
special concern to Armenian Americans. Parseghian also noted the Mayor’s
commitment to properly commemorating the Armenian Genocide and also noted
Murray’s leadership in revitalizing the City of Worcester by redeveloping
industrial brownfields, increasing energy conservation, and pursuing an
aggressive education reform package.
Mayor Murray then addressed the audience. Murray, a third term mayor of
Worcester, spoke about his own experience growing up in Worcester and some
of the important endeavors he has embarked on since becoming mayor. He spoke
passionately about his commitment to justice and overcoming intolerance and
remarked on the similarities between his own background and of that of so
many in attendance, particularly when it comes to seeking justice. Murray
outlined the commitment of the Patrick-Murray team to building a better
Massachusetts by improving the judicial system.
The Honorable George Keverian, former speaker of the Massachusetts House of
Representatives, then offered his personal remarks about the Deval Patrick
– Tim Murray ticket, noting that Patrick does not shy away from difficult
positions just because they are unpopular. Keverian also remarked that
Patrick is an outstanding leader for those who need his help the most.
State Representative Rachel Kaprielian, who represents the largest Armenian
American community in Massachusetts, also expressed her deep commitment to
the Patrick – Murray ticket noting what a bright future the state of
Massachusetts will have when Deval Patrick and Tim Murray become Governor
and Lt. Governor. Kaprielian encouraged the audience to become as involved
as possible in the three weeks leading up to the election to help secure
Massachusetts’ future.
State Representative Peter Koutoujian, who represents the second largest
Armenian American community in Massachusetts, also talked passionately about
the commitment of Deval Patrick and Tim Murray to so many of the issues of
particular concern to the Armenian American community. He noted Patrick’s
commitment to education, faith, community, and family. Koutoujian also noted
Patrick’s long time commitment to protecting civil and human rights.
Carolyn Mugar, Director of Farm Aid, President of the Armenian Assembly of
America, and Founder of the Armenia Tree Project, then introduced Deval
Patrick by noting that we haven’t had in a long time a team that represents
so many of the core interests and with as much integrity as this team. Mugar
noted Patrick’s long history protecting civil and rights during the Clinton
Administration. Mugar then thanked Patrick for taking the high road in the
campaign and for listening to the community.
The Democratic Candidate for Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick, then
addressed the audience, first thanking hosts Sam and Aida Bejakian for their
hospitality. Patrick outlined a commitment to towns and communities and
individuals living in the Commonwealth and spoke of improving the health
care system to better serve more residents, awakening our sense of
community, which he likened to his own upbringing in Chicago. Patrick spoke
passionately about rebuilding a firm sense of community and character. And,
committing his campaign to governing the grassroots way he assured the
audience that his campaign would continue to be built on positive ideas and
vision. Patrick reminded the audience that, "you don’t have to agree on
everything to work together."
Ardhaldjian then thanked Murray and Patrick for their integrity and personal
commitment to so many important issues and also thanked those in attendance
for supporting the Patrick – Murray ticket for Massachusetts Governor and
Lieutenant Governor. And, Mugar reminded the auidence to get involved with
the election and help get out the vote.
To learn more about where Deval Patrick and Tim Murray stand on issues of
particular importance to Armenian Americans, visit
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N ote to Editors: Pictures sent under separate cover