Category: 2018

International Fund Steps in To Save Historical Landmark of One of Hollywood’s Greatest Icons

FRESNO—Pulitzer Prize and Oscar-winning Armenia-American novelist, screenwriter, and songwriter William Saroyan is having his Fresno home turned into an interactive museum with a Grand Opening Celebration on August 31. This historic event is expected to be covered by multiple media outlets with special guests in attendance.

The “Renaissance” Cultural and Intellectual Foundation, a foundation that exists to preserve cultural history, stepped in to preserve his home with objects of historical meaning provided by private collections pertaining to Mr. Saroyan’s award-winning career (he won the Oscar for screenwriting the 1944 film “The Human Comedy”).

Saroyan’s legacy still stands today and inspires countless modern adaptations of his works and admiration from other artists. Johnny Depp is quoted as saying he lives his life by the mantra “Place in matter and in flesh, the least of the values, for these are the things that hold death and must pass away. Discover in all things that which shines and is beyond corruption” from Saroyan’s book “The Time of Your Life.” Actress Meg Ryan recently directed and starred in a film adaptation of Saroyan’s work titled Ithaca based on “The Human Comedy,” with Saroyan receiving a writer’s credit on the film.

The Grand Opening Event will consist of two segments. The first will be a press-only event at the Opening Ceremony of The William Saroyan Museum located at the House Museum where a ribbon cutting and unveiling of the plaque will take place followed by the first tour to members of the press and then a private reception. The second portion of the event will be open to the public and will take place at the Satellite Student Union on the campus of CSU Fresno starting at 6:30 pm where several speakers and performers, including The Renaissance Foundation’s Arthur Janibekyan, will deliver remarks. Guests will then be invited to view the William Saroyan Pictures/Graphics Exhibition and “Saroyan House” Documentary film followed by a reception.

The “Renaissance” Cultural and Intellectual Foundation was founded in Armenia by Artur Janibekyan in 2013. The mission of the Foundation is to preserve and develop Armenia’s cultural and intellectual heritage, with the vision to make it well-known both in Armenia and abroad. The Foundation has implemented numerous cultural preservation projects in Armenia.

In 2015, the Foundation was made aware of a looming situation regarding the final home of the great American-Armenian writer, William Saroyan. Although listed on the historic registry of Fresno, the home was in danger of being lost forever. The Foundation quickly stepped in and purchased the house out of foreclosure. In the beginning, they were not entirely sure what they would do with the house, their primary goal was to save it.

After securing the house, the Foundation implemented a plan to convert the house into a museum. Saroyan lived in Fresno at 2729 W. Griffith Way for the last 17 years of his life and had produced numerous works during that time.

Saroyan was known for being a novelist, playwright, and short story writer. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940, and he won the 1944 Oscar award for his story in the movie “The Human Comedy”. During his career, he wrote thousands of pieces, most of which remain unpublished.

But he was an accomplished artist in many other genres. The popular 1951 song “Come On-A My House”, which launched the singing career of Rosemary Clooney; was co-written by William Saroyan and his cousin Ross Baghdassarian. He also created thousands of drawings, sketches, and paintings throughout his lifetime.

The Foundation will recreate the ambiance of Saroyan’s house so that each visitor can experience a bit of Saroyan’s personal lifestyle. After the reconstruction, the house museum will become a center for Saroyan studies. The foundation plans to collect books, photos, videos, paintings, and keepsakes that reflect Saroyan’s character, to display in the museum. But from this collection, they will also build a digital archive that will be readily available to the public.

The museum itself will be an interactive experience, with videos, digital effects, and a hologram room where William Saroyan himself will lead guests on a tour of his living room and talk to the visitors. On the same day, the Foundation will announce the launch of a William Saroyan VR museum, allowing visitors from around the world to virtually visit the William Saroyan Virtual Museum, giving them an in-depth look at the writer and his craft.

The Foundation plans to open the museum on August 31st, the 110thanniversary of Williams Saroyan’s birth. The grand opening event will be open to the public and held on the campus of California State University of Fresno. A documentary, musical performances of songs written by Saroyan, a recitation of his writings, and remarks by the Founder and board members of the Foundation will be part of the event. Two of the songs will be a debut performance, having never been played for the public.

Entry to the museum will be by reservation, and free of charge.

BY GOR MKRTCHIAN

Armenia’s collection of renewable energy firms, among them Arpi Solar, Shtigen LLC, Redinet CJSC, and Solaron, are all operating under a terrible burden that doesn’t have to exist: taxation. In 2017, Armenia took the wonderful step of removing import taxes on electric vehicles, but why is the renewable energy industry taxed at all? When you tax something, you get less of it, and we need more energy, not less. Yet, Armenia’s renewable energy firms face property, income, payroll, social security, corporate, sales, and import taxes.

Given Armenia’s lack of confirmed coal, oil, or natural gas reserves, the nation is dependent on fuel imports from Russia and Iran, and blockaded by its two other neighbors. This means it’s important to insulate against geopolitical risk. If energy imports from Russia and Iran were for one reason or another to cease, the results would be dire. The capability of producing energy domestically may prove vital to Armenia’s future and independence.

A total tax-exemption would not only mean the growth of existing firms, but also an expansion of the industry altogether, with new entrants suddenly finding the sector profitable thanks to reduced participation costs. The energy sector would be more vibrant and competitive, and produce more domestic energy at a lower price. As a result, consumers would adopt its use in growing numbers.

The economy would experience a major windfall in the face of such a reform. With this move towards a freer market, employment opportunities would be created, and the decreased cost of energy would lead to citizens having more money left over after paying their energy bills to spend elsewhere. The positive effects would spill over into the entire economy, not only because consumers would have lower energy bills, but also because energy is the master resource. Every aspect of the modern economy requires energy: every factory, every farm, every store and every home. Thus, reducing the cost of energy would directly benefit the entire economy.

Making Armenia’s renewable energy sector totally tax-free would be an enormous boon to the country’s security and economy. The state shouldn’t wait one moment longer to implement this policy.

A longtime and major benefactor of Armenia Fund USA, Antranig Baghdassarian of Los Angeles has had a leading role in the reconstruction of Talish, a village in Artsakh that suffered heavy damage during the April 2016 War.

Located mere minutes from the border with Azerbaijan, Talish was the first Armenian community to be attacked by the Azeri invaders in the early hours of April 1, 2016. By the time the hostilities had ended, Talish remained firmly in Armenian hands, but lay in ruins. Many fighters and civilians had lost their lives, and most public structures, homes, businesses, and infrastructures were partially or completely destroyed. As significantly, the entire population was displaced, and Talish had turned into a ghost town.

Yet no sooner had the war ended than Los Angeles-based Armenia Fund urgently focused its attention on rebuilding the community, resolved to help it literally rise from the ashes. To this end, Armenia Fund launched the Talish Revival Project, a large-scale reconstruction program made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Antranik Baghdassarian, with additional support from the government of Artsakh.

On May 20, 2018, with a jubilant ceremony in Talish attended by residents, dignitaries including Artsakh President Bako Sahaktan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, and representatives of Armenia Fund’s global partners, as well as Antranik Baghdassarian and Sossi Babelian, Armenia Fund unveiled a number of newly-completed projects across the village. In the short span since the war, the Fund had rebuilt the community center, the event hall, and 18 homes. As importantly, it had rebuilt a 45-kilometer potable-water network and constructed a new, 22-kilometer sewer system.

“These projects seek not only to improve living standards, but also, fundamentally, to help develop a country where the lives of citizens are anchored in values such as mutual respect, hard work, modesty, patriotism, and kindness,” President Sahakyan said in his remarks.

Following the opening ceremony, philanthropist Antranig Baghdassarian stated, “I couldn’t imagine that my donation would result in such large-scale reconstruction, and that there would be money left to continue our work. When I was a child my father used to tell me that I must learn how to use money properly and how to spend it wisely. My money is being used wisely here.”

Today, as residents of Talish are gradually returning to their birthplace, Armenia Fund continues to implement various projects in the community. These include the reconstruction of the school and the kindergarten, the complete renovation of the main road, and the reconstruction of 17 more homes. One key goal is to eventually rebuild a total of close to 70 homes, in order to accommodate the entire population of Talish.

“As a nation, we are known for not taking action unless the knife reaches the bone. That worries me,” Baghdassarian said. “I am convinced that if we join forces and strengthen our Homeland, we’ll have nothing to worry about. All we need is to trust and have faith in one another.”

The 280 passengers who set sail with the 6th International Cruise of the Armenian Relief Society to Northern European countries and Russia have returned home with exciting memories. The Royal Caribbean “Serenade of the Seas” Cruise began on July 22nd from Stockholm and cruised through seven countries in two weeks.

On the first day of the cruise, the passengers had an opportunity to meet with the ARS Chapter in Sweden who had organized a special excursion for them at the Royal Palace, Armenian Church, and the local Armenian Center. The members interacted with the passengers, creating new friendships and learning about their community’s activities.

Then the cruise set sail from Stockholm to Finland, and reached its summit to the historical St. Petersburg, Russia. During the three-days in Russia, the passengers explored the city by visiting several Palaces, Cathedrals, and Museums. Some members even had an opportunity to visit the St. Catherine’s Armenian Church, where with the request of the Archbishop Yezras Nercessian, the Cruise entertainer spontaneously sang Komitas’ “Horovel.”

At sea, when the stars came out, the fun didn’t stop. The ARS had organized four Armenian Kef Nights, with Elie Berberian and his band, who entertained the guests non-stop with his performances in an array of different flavors of music. There was also a special ARS Day program organized where, ARS Central Executive Board Member, Sonia Akellian presented the activities of the ARS to the passengers, which was followed by a session of networking. The passengers also had a chance to explore the countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and after making several stops in Denmark, the action-packed vacation came to an end in Copenhagen.

As the 6th International Cruise of the ARS came to an end, the passengers already began asking about the next one. “We are grateful to those who planned their summer vacation with the ARS” stated former ARS Central Executive Board member and Chairperson of the Cruise Committee, Shakeh Basmajian. “Through their participation, they were able to escape ordinary vacations and create memories that last a lifetime, all while supporting their beloved organization.”

The next Tour will be announced soon. To stay up to date, sign up for the ARS newsletter at st1yle=”margin:0px 0px 10px”>

LOS ANGELES—Homenetmen Western U.S.A. announced a partnership with Glendale Library, Arts & Culture to host an exhibit celebrating its centennial at the Downtown Central Library’s ReflectSpace and PassageWay galleries, entitled Elevate: Homenetmen Centennial Exhibition.

The multi-disciplinary exhibition, co-sponsored by the City of Glendale Arts & Culture, will run from September 16 through September 30. It will feature contemporary art, as well as an array of photographs and unique artifacts from the last 100 years that showcase the riveting past and present contributions of the organization to the community, and in particular the youth, through athletics, scouting, and leadership training. The “Elevate” exhibition committee is comprised of Ara and Anahid Oshagan, Mher Tavidian, Vahagn Thomasian, and Harry Vorperian.

Homenetmen is a pan-Armenian diaspora organization devoted to leadership, sports and scouting, with the motto “Elevate Yourself and Elevate Others with You”.

“Over the years, Homenetmen Western Region has invested so much in our youth and our overall community members across the world, instilling in them qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, respect, and a willingness to help others. We have ingrained in them the principle that it is important to elevate others, along with one’s own self, and the importance of valuing and preserving their Armenian heritage,” said Manuel Marselian, Chair of Homenetmen Western USA. “We would like to thank Glendale Library, Arts & Culture for providing us with the space to celebrate our youth, our accomplishments, and our continued service,” he added.

Based on a theme of elevating the community, the committee has commissioned several local artists to create work exclusively for Homenetmen’s centennial anniversary. Created by Thomasian, one of the featured items includes a high-tech, holographic projection of Homenetmen’s global presence. Photographer Levon Parian will provide a new portrait series of Homenetmen members, while Vorperian and Thomasian collaborated on a sculpture.

“Its message incorporates the idea of ‘elevate’ in multiple ways: emotional, physical and psychological, and not just for the individual, but also the nation as a whole,” Vorperian said. “My work is part art and part gratitude for this amazing organization.”

Thomasian said he is excited to share the organization’s work over the past century through the beautiful art at the exhibition.

“It is critical for us to demonstrate what dedication and service to our youth can accomplish,” he said.

Complementing the art in ReflectSpace, a number of historical artifacts will be on display throughout the library, including a rare, complete Homenetmen scouting uniform from 1929, loaned by Serop Beylerian. In the PassageWay, historical posters developed by Hayk Demoyan, chair of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, will highlight Homenetmen’s origins and its critical role in reviving both the Armenian nation and identity after the Genocide.

The public opening of the exhibition on September 16 coincides with an all-day street festival at 1 p.m. Beginning at noon, a marching band comprised of Homenetmen scouts and athletes, will kickstart the festival from the front of the Glendale Downtown Library down Brand Blvd. to Colorado St., and lead the community into a day full of song and dance with booths and food trucks, all the way up to 7 p.m. at Glendale Central Park, which sits next to the library.

The exhibition and festival are a part of a series of events organized by the Homenetmen Western Region to celebrate its centennial anniversary. A Youth Forum, featuring community activists, leaders, and the Republic of Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, was held on June 21 to kickstart activities. It was closely followed by a Victory Ball on July 1 and the Navasartian Games and Festival from July 3-7. Along with the exhibition and street festival, centennial activities will conclude with the official Centennial Celebration Programs scheduled for October 5 in Northern California and October 28 in Southern California at Glendale High School.

Further information about each Homenetmen centennial event as well as sponsorship opportunities can be found on www.weare100.info. For updates and additional details, follow Homenetmen on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HomenetmenUSAWR and Instagram at @Homenetmen_Western_USA.

The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, referred to as Homenetmen, is a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization founded in 1918, which has to date served over 800,000 youth in five continents. Homenetmen Western Region currently has 19 chapters. It is the largest Armenian athletic and scouting organization in the United States.

ReflectSpace is an inclusive exhibition gallery designed to explore and reflect on major human atrocities, genocides and civil rights violations. Immersive in conception, ReflectSpace is a hybrid space that is both experiential and informative, employing art, technology and interactive media to reflect on the past and present of Glendale’s communal fabric and interrogate current-day global human rights issues.

Glendale’s Library, Arts & Culture Department began in 1907 and includes six neighborhood libraries, as well as the Brand Library & Art Center, housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Downtown Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for studying, learning and gathering. For more information call Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2030 or see the website www.GlendaleLAC.org.