ARMENIAN REPORTER
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May 26, 2007 — From the community section
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1. Charlie Keyan donates $685,000 to Fresno Armenian community school
(by Paul Chaderjian)
* School to relocate to Clovis and be renamed Charlie Keyan Armenian
Community School
2. Charlie Keyan: a profile of the benefactor (by Paul Chaderjian)
* From happy-go-lucky days in Hollywood to philanthropy
3. Medical society raises $70,000 for juvenile diabetes project (by
Jenny Kiljian)
4. Donors gather to help hearing-impaired Armenian children (by Arin Mikailian
5. Young Armenian artists pay tribute and bring Nerg to life (by Jenny Kiljian)
6. State legislators to join celebration of Armenian independence
* California State Assembly members Paul Krekorian, Kevin De Leon, and
Mike Feuer to participate as cosponsors
7. Akh’tamar Ensemble announces the arrival of spring with a marvelous
and moving dance showcase (by Shushan Barsanogullari)
8. A Philly banquet honors Abp. Gizirian for 60 years of service (by
Andrew Kevorkian)
9. Even with a republic of their own, Armenians can still find a place
among the world’s indigenous peoples
* Similar stories, different lands
******************************************* ********************************
1. Charlie Keyan donates $685,000 to Fresno Armenian community school
* School to relocate to Clovis and be renamed Charlie Keyan Armenian
Community School
by Paul Chaderjian
FRESNO, Calif. – Up until a few days ago, the future of the only
Armenian day school in Central California remained uncertain. The
students and staff of the Armenian Community School (ACS) had nowhere
to go next fall. The school’s current landlord, the Catholic Diocese
of Fresno, had decided not to renew the lease of the St. Therese
Cathedral campus that the Armenian school currently occupies.
"We were going to be left without a location, without a place to
have our school," says ACS principal Rosie Bedrosian, whose school
recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. "We were grabbing at
straws."
ACS was created by community members, representing all local
churches, and has operated as a pan-Armenian educational institution.
The privilege of educating students from all Armenian families and
being a pan-Armenian institution in a fractured diaspora has also
meant the school has not enjoyed the fiscal benefits of being under
the auspices of the Diocese or the Prelacy of the Armenian Church or
other Armenian organizations that fund Armenian schools.
"We had already asked all the local Armenian churches," Bedrosian
tells the Armenian Reporter, "and for whatever reason, they could not
house our facility."
In their search for a new location for the school, ACS School Board
members scoped out the possibilities and found several properties
around Fresno and the neighboring city of Clovis. The location in
Clovis, which borders Fresno on the north and east, was previously
used as a church facility. The property was for sale, in a safe
residential neighborhood, accessible by highways and local arterial
streets, and offered two acres and more for expansion.
"We were going to finance the $685 thousand asking price," says Ms.
Bedrosian. "Some of the board members said, ‘We’ll each take up a
loan.’ Everybody would go and cosign for a loan for a hundred
thousand, and somehow get the money together to get the school going."
Then came a call from a patron of the school, a former Fresnan,
developer, retired rancher, former high school basketball coach and
accredited teacher, Charlie Keyan. The 81-year-old was calling from
his home in California’s Low Desert Valley, just east of Los Angeles
and encompassing Palm Springs.
"I called to find out who the recipients of my scholarships were,"
says Mr. Keyan. The philanthropist had established nearly a dozen,
full-tuition scholarships at the ACS three years ago with a donation
of $100,000."
"Charlie called out of the blue," says Ms. Bedrosian. "He said, ‘Hi,
how are you? Do you still have my scholarship money? Is it still in
the fund or have you spent it like everybody else does?’ And I said,
‘Yes, Charlie, we still have your scholarship fund.’ He wanted the
names of the kids who get his scholarship, so he could call them
individually."
Mr. Keyan continued the phone call by asking Ms. Bedrosian for an
update about the school. Ms. Bedrosian told him that they had a bit of
a problem and that the school did not have a place to move to for the
next school year. She told Mr. Keyan that ACS had been renting its
facilities, and the landlord wanted to move them out to renovate the
property.
Mr. Keyan asked the principal what the school was planning to do,
and Ms. Bedrosian told him that they had found a location that would
cost around $700 thousand, and they were trying to buy the property.
"How about if I help you out?" Mr. Keyan said. "How about six?" he continued.
"I asked, ‘Six?’" remembers Ms. Bedrosian. "’What do you mean six?’
I asked him. ‘Six hundred dollars or six hundred thousand?’"
Mr. Keyan said 600 thousand, and Ms. Bedrosian thought she was
hallucinating. "I said, ‘I can’t believe that. That’s great. That
would be really mean a lot to the kids and the community.’"
That phone call was what Ms. Bedrosian calls "the light at the end
of the tunnel." Mr. Keyan had offered to help the school purchase the
property in Clovis and ensure that the 80-plus Armenian and
non-Armenian students attending the day school had somewhere to go
after their summer break.
* Keyan’s first donation
When Charlie Keyan made his first donation to ACS, it was because of a
referral from Armenian studies professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian, who
helps run the Armenian Studies Program at California State University,
Fresno.
"Charlie came into some money through investments and wanted to
donate to different Armenian institutions," says Ms. Bedrosian. "He
had donated to Mesrobian School in Los Angeles, and he was in touch
with the Prelate Mousegh Mardirossian. He had called up Fresno State,
since he was an alumnus of Fresno State, and donated money for
Armenian Students Association scholarships."
Mr. Keyan had asked Mr. Der Mugrdechian whether Fresno had an
Armenian day school, and the Fresno State professor had told Mr. Keyan
that he would have the principal call him.
"I called up Charlie, and we talked," says Ms. Bedrosian. "He wanted
to give us $50 thousand for scholarships, and I said, ‘You know what,
it would be even better if you give us a hundred.’ And he said, ‘Oh
really? Maybe I can swing that.’ He said, ‘Okay, I’ll send you a
hundred. Just write me a letter that say the money will be used for
scholarships.’ And that was it."
Ms. Bedrosian says the Keyan scholarships have been used for the
past three academic years to provide full tuition to families who
cannot afford to send their kids to ACS but want them to receive an
Armenian education. "We give scholarships to about ten students from
the interest earned from his fund," says Ms. Bedrosian. "Sometimes a
little more, and he knows about that, but we always replenish his fund
back to $100 thousand."
ACS’s student population has fluctuated between 80 and 100 over the
past decade. There are 85 students enrolled currently, and Bedrosian
says there has been a lot of interest from prospective students’
parents after news about the school’s move to Clovis.
"I think our enrollment will go up at least 10 to 15 percent," she
says. "Hopefully we’ll hit a hundred kids when we move in, and we’ll
take it from there. We’re also getting kids who happened to live in
the neighborhood, who are non-Armenian, that see the property being
turned into a private, Christian school that’s Armenian, and they’re
looking forward to coming too."
"We think the new location will attract more students, since most
Armenian families live in northern Fresno or Clovis," says ACS School
Board treasurer Randy Baloian. "Mr. Keyan’s generous donation gives us
the financial resources to develop a permanent school site that will
be a source of community pride for years to come."
Ms. Bedrosian says ACS will need another million or a
million-and-a-half to build new facilities on the property, including
a multi-purpose room, a library, a gymnasium, and new classrooms. In
the meantime, the school will use the old church building at the site
and add portable buildings for each of the pre-kindergarten to
sixth-grade classes.
"We’ll start a major fundraising campaign," says Ms. Bedrosian,
whose office is almost packed into a stack of moving boxes. "We
already have a few people who have approached us and have heard about
the donation, an actual donation, and they want to step in and donate
money to get the project going."
************************************ ***************************************
2. Charlie Keyan: a profile of the benefactor
* From happy-go-lucky days in Hollywood to philanthropy
by Paul Chaderjian
"I’ve heard nothing but good things about the school," says Charlie
Keyan about the Armenian day school that will soon be named in his
honor.
"I have a sister who lives in Dinuba, Agnes Margossian," he says.
"She was a schoolteacher for 33 years. She spends a lot of time in
Fresno and tells me about the school. She is always critical of a new
deal, but this is not a new deal. It’s been going on for 30-some-odd
years."
The "not-so-new deal" in Charlie Keyan’s life begins next fall when
the Armenian Community School of Fresno moves to Clovis and a property
that Keyan is buying with his donation of nearly three-quarters of a
million dollars.
Charlie Keyan’s journey in life began after the turn of the century,
when his parents survived the "Arabian Desert" after being forced to
leave Kharpert. He now lives in Southern California’s Coachella Valley
and the Sonoran Desert, but his goodwill will reach future generations
of Armenians in his native San Joaquin Valley.
"I couldn’t understand why my folks sent me to Armenian school,"
says Charlie, who spent his Saturdays trying to learn Armenian at Holy
Trinity in Fresno. His family grew raisins in Malaga, adjacent to
Fresno. "The ranch and the house are still there on Peach between
North and Central," he says.
"I resented going to Armenian school and paying ten cent a day," he
says, "when I could have gone to the matinee at the Fulton Theater for
five cents and eat as much popcorn as I wanted to. I remember getting
four or five refills."
Charlie says he never learned the entire Armenian alphabet and
decided to stop going to Armenian school on Saturdays when he was in
the eighth grade. His parents accepted his decision and made him spend
his Saturdays working on the ranch instead.
After graduating from Fowler High School and seeing some of his
close friends off to serve in World War II, Charlie was disappointed
that he was not accepted into the military like his friends.
"If I had been 18 a year earlier," he says, "they would have taken
me in." But an imperfect right arm kept him from serving his country
and forced him to pursue a college degree.
Charlie enrolled at Fresno State and majored in physical education
and history. He coached track at the private San Joaquin High School
while still in college and earned his teaching credentials.
"Teaching to me was an easy life," he says. "About every other
month, you have days off. You have the summer off. I didn’t think that
was going to be keep my interest or be incentive enough."
Charlie says his mother always told him to "go into business and
make money," so he did. He moved to Los Angeles and bought a liquor
store with his brother-in-law in the San Fernando Valley.
"The Valley was full of young girls, who came from all over the U.S.
and overseas to become actresses," he says. "If you were from a small
town and wanted to do something with your life, you’d head for
Hollywood."
Being single, young, and selling liquor meant several years of hard
work and fun for Charlie. When he decided he was going to make some
serious money, he began developing housing units, building duplexes
and apartment buildings all over North Hollywood and Burbank.
"I built four-unit homes," he says. "I worked at the liquor store
three to four hours a day and went home to help my mother and father
farm the raisins during the rainy season."
Charlie says he was visiting home and thinking of buying an 80-acre
parcel from the Tagos Ranch in Tulare, which was being sold off to pay
Uncle Sam. His boss in high school told him, "you don’t want to buy 80
acres here. You have to go to Coachilla Valley."
Near Palm Springs, Coachilla Valley was not developed yet, and
Charlie bought 40 acres of land in the desert and planted 13 acres at
the beginning.
"I never worked so hard in my life," he says.
Soon he developed the rest of his land and bought more, eventually
farming 120 acres in the area. He would eventually build his own
packing house and sell the grapes on his own. He says he was quite
successful in the grape-growing business.
"We were the last outfit in the Valley," he says, "and then we had
Interstate 10 go right through our property. We had [highway] 86 go
through the bottom part of the Valley."
The eight-mile stretch of Coachilla Valley that was farming 25
thousand acres of grapes was soon cut down in half and had to
accommodate two major interstate and state highways and new housing.
"We paid 800 dollars for an acre, and it went for about 500 thousand
dollars two years ago," says Charlie. "Now they’re selling it for a
million."
"I decided to get out of the business in ’88 when superior seedless
grapes were developed in Bakersfield," he says. The seedless grapes
were first grown in Chile and Mexico and eventually were public
property for all growers to use.
A few years ago, Charlie went on a journey he will never forget. He
traveled to Western Armenia, now Eastern Turkey, with a group led by
Armen Aroyan. "We went for about two weeks and put in about 28 hundred
miles. It was a very worthwhile trip."
On his journey to his ancestral homeland, Charlie visited his
mother’s and father’s villages of Husineg and Kharakor in Kharpert.
Fueled by the memories of his people and empowered by his good
fortunes, Charlie Keyan’s donation to the Armenian Community School of
Fresno will ensure that future generations learn the language that he
never learned and continue the culture heritage of his people.
***************************************** **********************************
3. Medical society raises $70,000 for juvenile diabetes project
By Jenny Kiljian
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.-More than 350 supporters of the Armenian
American Medical Society of California (AAMSC) gathered at the Beverly
Hills Hotel on May 20 to fete the organization’s 21st anniversary and
to raise funds for the AAMSC Juvenile Diabetes Project in Armenia. The
event generated around $70,000 for the project, according to AAMSC
vice president Dr. Varoosh Alaverdian.
"The AAMSC has entered its third decade of service, and this is an
opportune time to reflect back on the seed that was planted and to
appreciate how it has flourished and come to be the organization it is
today. In October of 1985, a group of Armenian-American physicians
founded the society with the mission of cultivating professional
relationships and contributing toward the improvement of health
services rendered to Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora. I am
uplifted by the many successes through the years, and I am proud of
the breadth of projects ongoing today," said AAMSC president Dr. Boris
Bagdasarian in his welcoming address. "I greatly admire my colleagues
past and present, and as president of the society I want to thank you
all for all that you have done and continue to do. We know that one
hand cannot clap, but when we unite our efforts, tremendous things can
happen."
Bagdasarian noted that the medical society’s membership has
increased to more than 250 physicians and health care practitioners in
the last four years – a sure sign that the Southern California
Armenian-American medical community is growing in strength and
numbers. "We have an increased ability to reduce the burden that those
in the homeland endure. We have the opportunity and obligation to make
an exponential impact in Armenia. We have seen the devastation in our
home country and the environment of hardship that many children and
families live in. There is an old Armenian saying, ‘What the eye can
see, the heart will never forget.’ It is true – we will never forget.
We will respectfully and diligently strive to improve their medical
conditions and to make healthcare safe and free of charge to all."
The AAMSC has a history of creating and implementing innovative
projects, which Bagdasarian highlighted in his remarks. Each year,
under the guidance of nurse Zarmine Naccashian, the AAMSC and the
Armenian American Nurses’ Association (AANA), along with the Armenian
Dental Society of California (ADSC) hold a health fair at the St.
Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. On that day, numerous
AAMSC member physicians and nurses volunteer their services to consult
uninsured patients – Armenian and non-Armenian alike – living in
Glendale, Hollywood, and nearby communities. As many as 400 patients
receive basic health screenings, cholesterol testing, and eye exams at
no charge. In addition, female patients are provided with free
mammography screenings, pap smears, and nutritional counseling. "It is
a considerable collaborative effort, and a shining star in the local
community that illuminates what we can do when we put our resources
together," said Bagdasarian.
In January of 2003, through the efforts of Dr. Armen Cherik and Dr.
Mark Nazarian, the AAMSC established a pediatric epilepsy program in
Armenia. Since its inception, the pediatric epilepsy clinic in Yerevan
has hired a full-time pediatric neurologist and nurse, and the AAMSC
has shipped equipment, books, and antiseizure medications to Armenia.
Today, hundreds of children are receiving care and medication free of
charge at the clinic.
The AAMSC has also established clinics in Armenia in three villages
that border with Azerbaijan – Aregouni in 2005; Pokr Mazrik in 2006;
and the newest clinic in Tsapatagh will open its doors on July 1 of
this year. These clinics have alleviated a tremendous burden for these
villages that are largely populated by refugees from Karabakh, as the
closest health facilities could be as many as eight hours away.
Bagdasarian highlighted the work of the Shenkavid Maternity Hospital
Project, which was inspired by Dr. Bedros Kojian, an OB/GYN specialist
from Orange County who has also served as president of the AAMSC.
Every year, Dr. Kojian travels to the hospital to perform surgeries
and to train the staff in the latest laparoscopic techniques. With the
AAMSC and Dr. Kojian’s efforts, more than $250,000 of radiological
equipment has been shipped to Armenia and the Third Maternity
Hospital’s radiology department now meets international standards.
The focus of the evening’s festivities and Bagdasrian’s remarks was
the AAMSC Juvenile Diabetes Project that has been operating in Armenia
since 1993 under the leadership of Dr. Mark Nazarian.
Bagdasarian explained in painful detail how difficult life can be
for children with juvenile diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can result
in heartbreaking consequences, including loss of consciousness,
dehydration, kidney failure, strokes, blindness, and poor circulation
that could lead to infection and amputation. These young lives are
often cut short because of complications due to juvenile diabetes.
Insulin remains a high-priority medication that is in short supply in
Armenia. With the money raised through the annual "Hye Shakar"
concert, insulin is purchased and shipped to Armenia every year, and
through the support of the AAMSC, the medical community, and
pharmaceutical companies, the incidences of these life-threatening
complications have dramatically declined. The AAMSC has also been
working through a government-sponsored program to ensure that supplies
and medicine are provided to all diabetic children free of charge.
"The worst suffering is to live without hope. Our medical society
brings health care and ultimately brings hope. The medical society
exists to aid those less fortunate – and we too have hope. We hope
that there will come a day when our efforts are not necessary, when
our people will live in health and in wealth. Mother Teresa said, ‘If
we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to
each other.’ We know that we belong to each other. Our eyes have seen
it, and our hearts will never forget it. I thank you for all you’ve
done, all you continue to do," said Bagdasarian in closing.
Master of Ceremonies Mark Geragos, a renowned Armenian-American
attorney, offered congratulatory remarks. "This is a truly exceptional
event, and I am especially heartened and impressed in seeing all of
the good things that the AAMSC has done under the stewardship of Dr.
Bagdasarian," he said. "As Armenians, we often celebrate our defeats,
and talk of the tragedies that have happened to Armenians. But the one
real victory we have as a people has been for Karabakh and liberating
that area. And now, all of the monies that we send there and the work
that we do is truly inspirational. The community deeply appreciates
what we do there."
Geragos invited Dr. Bagdasarian to the podium to present awards to
Dr. Bedros Kojian, Dr. Armen Cherik, Nurse Zarmine Naccashian, and Dr.
Mark Nazarian for their tireless efforts in implementing the programs
sponsored by the AAMSC. The medical society also honored Artists for
Kids, a nonprofit organization established in 2004 to better serve the
international Armenian artistic community, and children who have an
interest or talent in the arts.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Artists for Kids coordinated
the entertainment program – a musical interlude by pianist Anna
Sarkisova and tenor Arman Nshanian, as well as the rousing salsa
rhythms played by Grammy-award winning Poncho Sanchez and his band.
"Artists for Kids was formed by a group of artists and musicians whose
purpose was to give back to the community, because there are children
out there who need our help," said Aram Alajajian, a founding member
of the organization. "A couple of years ago, we had a project where we
came together with the AAMSC to help the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
and the Hye Shakar project in Armenia. From that time on, something
clicked and we kept working together, and Artists For Kids is very
proud to be here tonight."
Bagdasarian also recognized the dignitaries who were in attendance
that evening, including Lisa Kalustian on behalf of Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger; California State Assembly member Paul Krekorian;
former Glendale City Mayor Rafi Manoukian; Glendale Memorial Hospital
business development coordinator Ramella Markarian; Glendale Adventist
Medical Center president and CEO Morre Dean; Los Angeles County
Medical Association CEO Art Auer; and past AAMSC presidents Dr. Bedros
Kojian, Dr. Misak Abdulian, and Dr. Armen Cherik.
"The governor is a staunch proponent of healthy living, preventing
serious disease and being sure that we’re also controlling serious
diseases like diabetes. So events like this evening’s gala are very
important because the focus is to raise money to help specifically
with diabetes in Armenia. The governor has traveled all over the world
– even before he became governor – carrying this message. It’s a part
of who he is. That’s why he is very supportive of events like this,"
said Lisa Kalustian. "His hope is that events like this will offer
diabetic children in Armenia hope by providing lifesaving medications
and supplies. It’s not only important to bring monetary and medical
help, but it’s also important to bring hope and moral support to
people and children specifically in countries like Armenia that are
still in a process of building that are still trying to develop the
necessary infrastructure to keep healthy and cure serious diseases and
provide the medical care that’s needed."
The annual Health Fair in Glendale is a project of special
significance to former Glendale City mayor Rafi Manoukian. "The AAMSC
has always been there for the community throughout its many years.
They’re doing great work, and we’re always there to support them," he
said. "The Health Fair they organize each year is very much needed in
the community, and so many people go there to get their basic issues
resolved. The AAMSC provides an indispensable service, and they need
to be commended for what they do."
"I’m so pleased to be able to be here and celebrate the 21st
anniversary of the AAMSC. They do so much for our community, from the
annual health fair and the many other programs they provide in
Southern California," said State Assembly member Paul Krekorian. "I’m
especially pleased to be here to support the work they do for children
in Armenia, especially the Juvenile Diabetes Project that is saving
hundreds of lives. It means so much in Armenia where they wouldn’t
have these resources but for the work of the AAMSC. I applaud Dr.
Bagdasarian and the leadership of the AAMSC for their efforts."
The AAMSC also recognized the sponsors whose contributions helped
make the gala possible, including Glendale Memorial Hospital, Glendale
Adventist Medical Center, Glendale Physicians’ Alliance, Washington
Mutual Bank, and CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. Geragos
also presented a special plaque to Piano Factory’s Hollywood Piano
Company for their generous donation of a Hobart M. Cable piano for the
evening’s raffle.
The evening concluded with the drawing for the piano, and guests
danced well into the night to the Latin beats of Poncho Sanchez.
"It took a good three to four months, through the cooperation of
board members and event committee members, to make this gala possible.
I have to give credit to Hasmik Keyribarian, who worked very hard on
behalf of the AAMSC, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary Committee and Dr.
Bagdasarian for making this evening a success," said Dr. Varoosh
Alaverdian.
Alaverdian explained that as part of its mission, the AAMSC offers
monthly Credit for Medical Education (CME) courses to its members, as
well as an annual 10-credit course in Las Vegas. The AAMSC, he said,
is the largest Armenian medical society outside of Armenia and its
directory of practitioners is a vital resource for Armenian patients
seeking treatment from Armenian doctors.
"It’s not so much about being a member of the society as it is being
able to do more as a collective," said Dr. Mireille Hamparian, an
ophthalmologist and member of the AAMSC Executive Committee. "Given
that in Los Angeles we have the largest concentration of Armenians
outside of Armenia, there’s plenty more that we can do, and the AAMSC
recognizes that potential." As membership chair of the AAMSC,
Hamparian works to bolster the ranks of the organization. "Our
Armenian-American medical practitioners – from recent graduates, to
residents, to long-time physicians – want to come together. That’s why
this organization is perfect for that. As Armenians and physicians, we
sense the need to help our community and homeland. This is one means
by which we can do that, and the more we grow, the possibilities are
endless."
****************************** *********************************************
4. Donors gather to help hearing-impaired Armenian children
by Arin Mikailian
GLENDALE, Calif.-More than 200 people joined together in Armenian
music and dance to give others the ability to enjoy a similar
experience someday.
The Armenian International Medical Fund (AIMF) held its third annual
dinner gala at the Glendale Hilton on Sunday to raise funds to provide
hearing-impaired children in Armenia the ability to understand speech.
The group supports a controversial procedure, cochlear implant
surgery, that involves installing a small, complex electronic device
that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is
profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing.
The cost of the device runs in the tens of thousands of dollars.
The AIMF, since its inception in 2003, has been an advocate for
raising funds to give families an opportunity to have their children
undergo the cochlear surgery.
"The mission of our organization is the create and maintain
innovative healthcare programs in Armenia," said Dr. Andranik
Madikians, co-founder of the nonprofit organization.
The annual dinner gala has been the AIMF’s primary source of
fundraising, and this year’s event was no exception.
Upon their arrival, guests were welcomed to participate in a silent
auction with proceeds going to AIMF.
As those gathered outside the banquet hall trickled into the main
dining room, Father Zaven Mangossian blessed the meal and the evening.
Before the main events of the evening got underway, Dr. Madikians
welcomed the audience with his opening remarks regarding the
significance of their cause.
Dr. Madikians summed up the organization’s progress since its
inception in 2003. He said over the last four years 13 Armenians have
received the cochlear implant. But most importantly, he thanked the
audience for their continuous donations that keep the project going.
"It’s because of you we’ve accomplished what we’ve accomplished," he said.
After Dr. Madikians’ opening remarks, the gala attendees were
treated to dinner and a show with live salsa dancers.
But the guests were treated to special dessert when a live video
feed of children who’ve undergone the cochlear surgery in Armenia was
broadcast in the dining room.
Despite being twelve hours ahead and being drowsy from waking up
early and having to be at a studio at 7:30 a.m., the young children
were more than happy to talk to the audience.
Salpy Akagarian, the chairperson of the AIMF, spoke to one of the
young boys, a four-year-old named Artium and bade him good morning.
After hearing her greeting, Artium promptly and eagerly responded in
Armenian.
"Good morning," he said. "My name is Artium."
He then went on to demonstrate how much he has learned about numbers
and counted to twenty out loud.
Some audience members became a little misty-eyed, while others
looked on in amazement as the promises made to them were upheld in
front of them onscreen.
For some of the donors to the cause, the final product was worth
their funding.
"It’s a miraculous thing," said donor Sara Chitjian. "These kids can
hear now. We should have more people volunteering."
As the children slowly bade farewell, Dr. Madikians approached the
podium again to award those who made their ability to communicate a
reality.
Dr. Madikians presented a certificate, signed by Assembly member
Paul Krikorian, on behalf of the AIMF to Dr. Akira Ishiyama, for
performing the cochlear implant surgeries.
Over the past three years, Dr. Ishiyama, director of the Head and
Neck Division at UCLA, has flown to Armenia on three separate
occasions to perform the cochlear implant surgeries and has done so
free of charge.
As Dr. Ishiyama made his way to the audience to the podium to accept
his award, the entire dining hall rose up in unison and gave him a
standing ovation.
But as Dr. Ishiyama gladly accepted the award and thanked the board
members of the AIMF, he took the time to thank his colleagues who made
the arduous process of giving a child useful hearing sensations a
reality.
"The surgery is actually a small part of what really takes place,"
said Ishiyama. "I thank the audiologists and speech pathologists who
were so very involved. They’ve been a miraculous help, without them we
couldn’t have done any of this."
Dr. Ishiyama ended his remarks by adding that he’d eventually like
to have surgeons in Armenia who can perform cochlear implant surgeries
without his assistance.
"Please continue to support us until we transfer this project there," he said.
Akagarian was also given an award for her hard work in establishing
relations between Armenia’s government and UCLA.
The two most generous donors to the fund were also recognized.
Roobik and Carmen Ovanesian accepted the award on behalf of the AIMF
for their generosity.
"What can give more satisfaction than being able to give an Armenian
child the gift of hearing?" said Roobik Ovanesian.
The last piece of recognition handed out was a letter from Glendale
Mayor Ara Najarian, read by his brother, commending the nonprofit
organization for its tireless efforts to aid the hearing-impaired
youth in Armenia.
The evening was brought to a close as the words ended and audience
members were asked to join together on the dance floor.
Although the total of the funds from the evening has not been
tallied yet, AIMF treasurer Hovik Khaloian, said he estimates $25,000
will be raised from pre-fundraising and the actual gala. The funds
will continue to go toward implant surgeries in Armenia.
Next month, Dr. Ishiyama will once again fly to Armenia and perform
the cochlear implant surgery for four additional children.
*************************************** ************************************
5. Young Armenian artists pay tribute and bring Nerg to life
by Jenny Kiljian
STUDIO CITY, Calif. – Nerg. The Armenian word for "paint." It sounds
as simple in speech as it does in form. That is until you put it into
the hands of the 14 emerging Armenian artists whose work was featured
in an exhibition on May 19 at the Lurie Gallery in Studio City.
In their hands, this nerg becomes a three-foot-tall canvas depicting
the innards of a pomegranate with its mustard-hued core and maroon
seedlings. It becomes the 21st-century illuminated manuscripts in
which birds elegantly contort their bodies in the shape of the
Armenian alphabet.
In the hands of those artists – Arpine Aleksanyan, Armen
Tutundzhyan, Shant Hamassian, Arpine Shakhbandaryan, Todd Gevorgian,
Armen Kechoumian, Raffi Hadidian, Adrineh Grigorian, Alisha
Amirkhanian, Garo Chirishian, Shant Beudjekian, Taline Avedissian and
Raffi Agopian – that monosyllabic nerg speaks volumes.
And for the event’s featured artist, Avak Avakian, that nerg serves
as an indelible record of a perceptive mind and Avak’s gift for seeing
the beauty in his surroundings.
Around 300 people attended the exhibition, which was organized by
the Manoogian-Demirdjian School Alumni Association to establish and
build the Avak Avakian Art Scholarship. Avakian, who graduated from
the Manoogian-Demirdjian School in 1996, was disabled in a 1997 car
accident that left him unable to carry on his craft.
"We couldn’t have predicted such an unbelievable turnout," said
Raffi Svadjian, who serves as vice-chair and treasurer of the
committee. "It took a lot of effort to collect the artwork, secure the
gallery, and display the pieces. Every committee member devoted
themselves tirelessly in order to present Avak’s works and the works
of the young artists. We felt that there had to be one event that
displayed Avak’s works, and we hope the funds raised will help a young
Manoogian-Demirjian School artist. This is definitely the most
selfless thing we’ve done as an alumni association."
Avak’s family helped secure his artwork for the exhibition. Several
pieces that weren’t displayed in the gallery were shown in a slideshow
prepared by the Alumni Association.
"We were all for doing it," said Hourig Celik, Avak’s older sister
and a 1993 graduate of the Manoogian-Demirdjian School. "Ten years
after his graduation and accident – it just is a good time to honor
him. He did a lot for the school, and we’re more than happy to share
his drawings."
She said despite all the anticipation and preparedness, seeing the
exhibition itself made her mother emotional. Her father, however,
didn’t attend. "It’s been really hard on my dad," she said. "But it’s
been ten years – our family has moved on."
They have moved on, but not without Avak. Celik, married to her
classmate Sayyat, takes their two children to see him every day. "They
know him as Avak Keri. They jump on his bed every day, they do funny
things for him," she said. "A day doesn’t pass by without him having
breakfast with us, watching television with my parents. He’s come a
long way. He’s eating food, where he couldn’t before. He smiles; he
offers his hand for people to shake. For us, having known him for
twenty years, it’s little. But for others it’s a significant change."
The horrific crash happened on a stretch of highway between Los
Angeles and Las Vegas while Avak was driving. The impact propelled him
through the windshield. His friend Armen Kamali, who was sitting in
the back seat, was killed. Todd Gevorgian, the other passenger,
survived.
Gevorgian, whose artwork was part of the exhibition, said he is
still haunted by the memories of the crash. The three had been
classmates at the Manoogian-Demirdjian School – a talented artistic
trio that was well-known and loved by teachers and students alike. "I
wasn’t just his classmate – he was like my brother," said the
30-year-old Gevorgian. "I think about him all the time. It’s
definitely affected my work. I can’t explain it in words but I know it
has."
The exhibition’s curator, Raffi Hadidian, was just 22 when he joined
the faculty of the Manoogian-Demirdjian School as an art teacher. He
had graduated from the school in 1990, and knew the trio well. "Avak
was my student, along with a few of the artists here. This is how Avak
can still reach his friends and touch them – and they can see him in
these pieces. I think anyone who sees his drawings can appreciate his
work."
Hadidian developed the exhibition not only as a tribute to his
former student, but also as a gesture of support for other young
artists whose work often goes unrecognized. "I appreciate their work
and talent, and I felt that they needed an outlet to express
themselves," said Hadidian. "Drawing and painting is an endangered art
form in comparison to the commercial, professional works that are
sold. The work here comes from the heart and subconscious of people
who want to make a statement – not a sale. These are the type of
artists I want to curate, not those who are commercial or
mass-produced."
"This is an extraordinary exhibit and a unique opportunity for me,"
said Arpine Shakhbandaryan. "It’s the first time I’ve displayed my
work outside my circle of friends, and it’s an honor to meet other
Armenian artists and have our pieces form an exhibit that the
community can appreciate."
The works ranged in style from abstract to portraiture, but all
seemed to have been imbued with the essence of the Armenian identity.
"It’s refreshing to see young talent blossoming to such fruitful and
meaningful expression," said Keghon Kevonian. "These pieces bridge the
depth and history of our culture as Armenians – intertwining ancient
motifs with modern sensibilities."
In all, the exhibition generated $11,000 for the Avak Avakian Art
Scholarship Fund. "Avak was an inspiration, and we were honored to
have this event where his family and the community could celebrate his
talent. The outcome has been far beyond what I anticipated," said Dr.
Gaby Aslanian, who serves as chairperson of the alumni association
committee. "Everyone put their heart and soul into making this
exhibition a success. It’s the first of many events that we plan to
organize to promote the endeavors of young Armenian artists."
********************************** *****************************************
6. State legislators to join celebration of Armenian independence
* California State Assembly members Paul Krekorian, Kevin De Leon, and
Mike Feuer to participate as cosponsors
HOLLYWOOD – California State Assembly members Paul Krekorian
(D-Glendale), Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), and Mike Feuer (D-Los
Angeles) will serve as cosponsors of the second annual Armenian
Independence Day Festival in Little Armenia, Hollywood, the Armenian
Cultural Foundation announced. The annual festival will take place on
Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Hollywood Boulevard,
between Vermont and Alexandria streets.
"When I was growing up, a free and independent Armenia seemed like
an impossible dream," said Assembly member Paul Krekorian, who
represents the largest Armenian community in the world outside
Armenia. "As the first Armenian-American ever to represent the
Glendale area in the state legislature, I am immensely proud to join
in this wonderful celebration of the achievement of that long-sought
dream. It is a great privilege to be a part of the Armenian
Independence Day Festival."
Assembly member Krekorian represents California’s 43rd State
Assembly District, which encompasses the cities of Glendale and
Burbank and the Los Feliz, Silver Lake, North Hollywood, Valley Glen,
Toluca Lake, Atwater Village and Valley Village communities of Los
Angeles.
Assembly member Kevin De Leon’s 45th State Assembly District and
Assembly member Mike Feuer’s 42nd State Assembly District both
encompass portions of Little Armenia.
"I’m delighted to participate in the Armenian Independence Day
Festival," announced Assembly member Feuer. "I treasure my
relationship with the Armenian community, which is such a vibrant part
of our social, cultural, and economic life here in Los Angeles."
"The 45th Assembly District is home to a vibrant Armenian American
community and I am honored to be part of this exciting celebration,"
stated Assembly member Kevin de Leon.
Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, also cosponsor of
the festival, is expected to be in attendance.
"We thank our elected officials for their cosponsorship of this
year’s festival and appreciate their continued support of the Armenian
American community," said Festival Committee member Marie Minassian.
The large-scale block party will feature a variety of cultural
displays, musical and dance performances and ethnic food. The festival
will also have a kid’s zone, which will include a petting zoo, pony
rides, various games and rides.
****************************************** *********************************
7. Akh’tamar Ensemble announces the arrival of spring with a marvelous
and moving dance showcase
by Shushan Barsanogullari
LODI, N.J. – The Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble offered its annual dance
showcase, "It’s Spring!" on April 29, at Felician College in Lodi. The
show included a special performance by California’s Element Band, and
featured a tribute to Hrant Dink.
More than 600 people turned out to watch the troupe of about 60
girls, ranging in age from 6 to 21, bring to life a variety of
traditional and specially-choreographed Armenian dances, under the
direction of Silva Asadourian.
One such dance was the furtive "Dance of the Doves," conceived as a
posthumous expression of gratitude to Hrant Dink " for giving his life
to make a difference, for believing in the Armenian heritage, being
proud to be an Armenian, and for opening all of our eyes to the
chances that we can take to make a difference," according to the
ensemble members.
The dance (whose title references Dink’s now-famous final Agos
column) was an element in a larger tribute to the slain journalist
which, the dancers said, "held a special meaning" for them, and "made
a big difference in the entirety of the performance." Through their
movements, the dancers tried to express what they saw as the emotions
of Dink’s final months, when, as he wrote, he would constantly be
looking over his shoulder, to his left, right, front and back – like a
dove nervous about its very surroundings.
The tribute also included a slide presentation of Dink’s work,
prepared by the local Ardzagang TV cable broadcaster, and the song
"Sari Gyalin" performed by Element Band.
The inclusion of L.A.’s Element Band brought a unique and different
style of to the show. The band’s beautiful sound exposed the audience
to new vistas in contemporary Armenian music. The band members are
themselves young, and their combination with the youthful athleticism
of the Akh’tamar dancers seemed a perfect fit – and delivered an
optimistic message to the audience about the artistic potential within
the Armenian community’s younger generation.
* Pouring their hearts into dance
During its 15 years of existence, the Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble has
been a vehicle for Armenian girls to come into closer contact with
their heritage, form lifelong friendships, and preserve one of the
most delicate and expressive art forms of Armenian culture.
Choreographer and director Silva Asadourian not only trains the
young performers in the physical aspects of dance, but also enlightens
them about their culture and history. Asadourian’s artistic vision
combines dance, music, and a deep appreciation for one’s roots, to
create beautiful dances conveying Armenian history and tradition.
While the group of 60 dancers consists mostly of teenagers and young
women, one of the special delights of each performance is to see the
lower end of the age bracket – starting from age 6 – gliding smoothly
and gracefully across the stage, like diminutive floating angels.
Asadourian feels a special reward in training such young dancers, not
only to coordinate their physical movements but also to overcome the
natural apprehension of performing before large audiences.
The group normally practices Friday nights at the "Hye Doon" – the
Armenian-American Support and Educational Center – in Palisades Park.
But in order to get ready for their latest performance the dancers
practiced three to four times a week, giving up their weekends to
spend endless hours dancing. One dividend of all the rehearsal and
travel is the closeness that has arisen among the troupe members,
spawning friendships that the dancers feel will carry on throughout
their lives. And the "family" bond shows in the emotional intensity of
each performance: as several dancers puts it, "We pour our hearts out
on every stage."
A good example is the finale for this year’s spring production,
depicting the rebirth, grace, and strength of the Armenian nation,
with the tri-colored flag unfurled. The audience members clearly
connected with the emotion on stage, leaping to their feet in an
evident rush of pride.
* A lasting impression of beauty and grace
Along with planning the choreography, Sylva Asadourian also designs
the costumes worn by the ensemble, which are hand-made by the mothers
and friends of the dancers. This, too, is an arduous task, considering
the number of often elaborate costumes needed for 60 girls, each with
as many as half a dozen wardrobe changes per show.
For the mothers, of course, the glue-gun burns and scissor-cuts all
seem worthwhile when they see their daughters on stage. And certainly,
from an audience perspective, the costumes enhance the dances
themselves, leaving a lasting impression of beauty and grace.
Soon other communities will get a chance to have this experience.
With "It’s Spring" behind them, the young dancers of the Akh’tamar
Ensemble plan to take their unique show on the road next autumn.
***************************************** **********************************
8. A Philly banquet honors Abp. Gizirian for 60 years of service
by Andrew Kevorkian
PHILADELPHIA – "A pastor, a teacher, a bishop, a shepherd" is how
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian was described by Fr. Tateos Abdalian of
the Holy Trinity Church, during a May 20 banquet honoring the
archbishop for his 60 years of service to the worldwide Armenian
Church.
The banquet was a joint effort of Cheltenham’s Holy Trinity Church
and Wynnewood’s St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church, at both of which the
archbishop served at one time or other.
As Fr. Abdalian suggested, Archbishop Gizirian has served in many
capacities in the church. After his ordination in 1947 in Cilicia, the
young priest held down several administrative posts as well as
teaching at the theological seminary and the local Mesrobian School.
He came to America in the early 1950s, and was vicar in parishes in
New York, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Canada, in
addition to the two in Philadelphia.
He has also served as Vicar General of the Eastern Diocese; served
on the editorial staff of The Armenian Guardian, the publication of
the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America; served on the
Central Council of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs; was
editor-in-chief of Hayasdanyatz Yegeghetzi; was director of Sunday
Schools; and served as a member of the Diocesan Council.
Consecrated a bishop in 1982, he took up the post of Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of England, serving also as the
church’s official representative at Lambeth Palace, the headquarters
of the Archbishop of Canterbury, where Gizirian represented Catholicos
Vasken I. By then elevated to archbishop, he also served as the
president of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches in Great
Britain, and as co-chairman of the Anglican and Oriental Churches
Forum.
He retired from the British post and returned to America in 2001,
moving to the Philadelphia area.
Such is the bare bones of the active life of the archbishop; but he
is hardly "retired," as he has served both Philadelphia parishes
whenever requested, as well as serving as visiting pastor in many of
the parishes of the Eastern Diocese, and at the Diocesan headquarters
in New York.
* The sweetest words in the language
The banquet program opened with an invocation by Archbishop Vatche
Hovsepian, former Primate of the Western Diocese. Following a toast to
the honoree by Fr. Abdalian, the 200 guests were welcomed by the joint
co-chairmen of the banquet committee, Robert Damerjian and Arpy Jones.
Nubar Kupelian read a heartfelt and warm letter of thanks for his
services from the Armenian Community in London, in which they
recounted the sadness and the tears that were shed upon the much-loved
archbishop’s decision to retire – a fact that can be confirmed by this
reporter, who was in London at the time.
Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nerses Seminary, spoke about
Archbishop Gizirian the teacher, along with his other services to the
church.
Torkom Postajian, a classmate of the archbishop in Cilicia, spoke
about their days as seminarians.
Noting that many clergy in America have benefited from the teachings
of the honoree, Eastern Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
reminded the audience that the "Spiritual Leadership Award" was
presented to the Archbishop Gizirian at this year’s Diocesan Assembly.
"His love of God, his love of the community, his love for every one of
his flock" marked him out as someone special, the Primate said of his
colleague.
Following Archbishop Gizirian’s brief thanks to the clergy and
guests – in which he noted, in his characteristically modest way, that
he would have preferred no ceremony and that the "sweetest words in
the language, ‘Thank You,’ would have been enough" – the Primate’s
benediction closed the program.
Special guests at the event included Fr. Arten Ashjian, Fr. Carnig
Hallajian, Fr. Paree Metjian, and sisters from the Armenian Sisters
Academy.
Entertainment was provided by Anoosh Barclay, who sang two arias
from Puccini operas, as well as songs by Ashot Satian and Sayat Nova.
Her encore was by Komitas. The glorious-voiced soprano was accompanied
by Seta Karakashian.
Antranig Garibian served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The Senior and the Junior members of the ACYOA of the two host
parishes served at the tables.
***************************************** **********************************
9. Even with a republic of their own, Armenians can still find a place
among the world’s indigenous peoples
NEW YORK – More than 2,000 people representing the world’s "indigenous
peoples" gathered at the 6th session of the "Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues" at the United Nations headquarters, from May 14 to
25. Discussions revolved around the original inhabitants of various
locales – often stateless, having been displaced or marginalized by
subsequent populations – their rights, and the restoration or fair use
of land, territories, and resources.
A number of these issues bear a resemblance to historic concerns of
Armenians. In spite of the existence of an independent state in the
free Republic of Armenia, Armenians continue to face struggles similar
to those of indigenous peoples, especially in western Armenia and
Karabakh.
Indeed, according to historian Dr. Rouben Adalian, of Washington’s
Armenian National Institute (ANI), "Armenians are an indigenous
people: the descendants of the earliest recorded inhabitants of their
region."
New York-based activist Anoush Ter Taulian was the sole Armenian to
attend the forum and bring up Armenian issues. "Indigenous peoples
conferences are a good opportunity for Armenian organizations to
network and educate others about Armenian struggles," she said.
As a useful tool for future conferences, she recommended a video
titled, "The Hidden Armenians" (produced by the France 24 television
station) which portrays the discrimination endured by thousands of
Armenians in their historic native lands, now the Republic of Turkey.
Among the set pieces in the video: a woman on her deathbed discloses
to her granddaughter her long held secret that she was born an
Armenian; an Armenian man confesses that he has had to practice his
religion in secret since his village became controlled by Turks; his
mother tells how she practices Islam to melt into the population, but
adds that she secretly prays to Jesus at night.
But it’s not just Armenians who have come up against Turkish
intransigence. When Millani Trask, a native Hawaiian lawyer and member
of the Indigenous Forum, was lobbying for passage of the "UN
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," she visited a member
of the Turkish delegation who had voted against the declaration.
"Article 8 of the declaration says indigenous peoples have a right to
be protected from racial discrimination," said Ms. Trask; "but [the
Turkish delegate] said that Turkey doesn’t have any indigenous people,
and that Turkey works with the U.S., which also opposes the
declaration."
In Ms. Trask ‘s telling, she informed the delegate: "If you don’t
support this declaration, the whole Indigenous Forum will protest to
the European Council about your neglect of human rights. So the
delegate changed his mind, and said he would support the declaration."
According to Ter Taulian, many participants in the indigenous
peoples conference were knowledgeable and supportive of the Armenian
cause. Mark and Carleen Franco of the Winnemen Wintu Tribe in Northern
California have put an article about the Armenian struggle on their
forthcoming website. Peter Smith, an Australian aborigine, brought up
the Armenian cause in a meeting of the National Council of Churches in
Australia. Maritza Alvarez, of Yaki origin, has included the Armenian
cause in a documentary film she is helping to make about the
Indigenous Forum.
Armenian "connections" often arise in unexpected quarters. Milo
Yellow Hair, a Lakota Indian from the Badlands of South Dakota, has
been to Turkey and was conversant about the murder of Hrant Dink. "Our
struggle to regain our lands and cultures is part spiritual and part
physical," he said. "How has being a ‘colonialized’ people affected
our minds and spirits? How can conquering governments respect our
rights if they don’t respect our culture?"
While acknowledging the demoralizing aspect of any continuous
struggle – a familiar feeling for Armenians, as well – Yellow Hair was
optimistic about the future. "The Indigenous Movement began in 1923
when Cayuga Chief Deskaheh tried to get the League of Nations to hear
about how the U.S. was breaking treaties and stealing Iroquois land.
They wouldn’t hear his case," he said. "But now we have a worldwide
movement and a permanent forum at the UN for indigenous peoples to
connect and help each other."
* Similar stories, different lands
Those connections, Ter Taulian hopes, may prove valuable for Armenians
in Nagorno-Karabakh, where she lived for 10 years in the 1990s. A
speech she gave at last year’s conference, calling on the various
indigenous peoples to recognize the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, was
excerpted in UNESCO’s April 2007 publication, "Documentation of the
Center of Indigenous Peoples." Azerbaijan responded by saying that it
considers the people of Karabakh merely "a minority residing in the
territory of a sovereign state," and not indigenous in the decisive
sense.
But the NKR representative in Washington, Vartan Barseghian, has
said it would be beneficial for Nagorno-Karabakh to receive
recognition from indigenous peoples.
However useful it could prove, it may be that other factors stand in
the way of greater identification between Armenians in general and the
indigenous movement. Armenians as a group have historically been
willing to commiserate with fellow sufferers, but in the quest for
justice they have looked to the great powers, notably Europe. Yet as
Ter Taulian observes, for all its sympathetic gestures towards the
Armenian cause, Europe has been unable to deliver resolution on the
issues which matter to Armenians.
The other great power of the day is the United States, which is the
great engine of private and public aid to economically-strapped
Armenia and Karabakh. But for that very reason, said Ter Taulian,
grateful Armenians may be reluctant to enter into alliances with
Native American groups struggling with their own issues of
persecution, marginalization, and worse, at the hands of the American
government.
Nevertheless, she feels that the "spiritual unity" of such
connections would benefit Armenians. "We’re all trying to resist
assimilation, and gain worldwide support," she said. Though Armenians
are not numerous in the group at present, Ter Taulian feels they have
a natural place in the indigenous movement.
Historic Armenia has been called the "cradle of civilization," after
all. You can hardly get more ‘indigenous’ than that.
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