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06/17/2005
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1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for
Karabagh
2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide
3)Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide
4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution
5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators
6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar
7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students
8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award
9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA
10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings
11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer
1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for
Karabagh
Maintains military aid parity between Armenia And Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON, DCThe House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations
today
voted to allocate $67.5 million in US aid for Armenia for fiscal year 2006,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The amount
represents a $12.5 million increase over President Bush's budget request, but
is lower than last year's appropriation of $75 million.
The panel also agreed to maintain parity in US military assistance to Armenia
and Azerbaijan, at the level of $5.75 million to each country. The
appropriators allotted $5 million in humanitarian assistance to Mountainous
Karabagh.
"We want to express our appreciation to Congressman Joe Knollenberg for his
advocacy within the Subcommittee, to thank Chairman Jim Kolbe and Ranking
Member Nita Lowey for their leadership, and to share our gratitude for the
support of Steve Rothman, John Sweeney, Mark Kirk, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Carolyn
Kilpatrick, Chaka Fattah, and our other friends on this vitally important
panel," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
"We were, of course, especially pleased to see that, consistent with the
President's budget request, the Subcommittee contributed to the continued
stability of the Caucasus by appropriating aid directly to Mountainous
Karabagh, and maintaining parity in military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
We
also appreciate the efforts of our friends, in the face of overall reductions
in aid to the region, to increase Armenia's assistance above the level
proposed
by the President, and look forward to action by the Senate - and later in
conference committee - to bring this figure to at least last year's figure of
$75 million," added Hamparian.
On April 18th of this year, Representative George Radanovich (R-CA) and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) sent a
letter to
the leadership of the Subcommittee, cosigned by 43 of their House colleagues,
calling for an earmark of at least $75 million for Armenia; maintaining the
President's request for equal levels of military aid for Armenia and
Azerbaijan; an additional $5 million in direct aid to Mountainous Karabagh for
fiscal year 2006, and; keeping in place the Section 907 restriction on aid to
Azerbaijan.
The names of the forty-five signatories are as follows: Gary L. Ackerman
(D-NY), Thomas H. Allen (D-ME), Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Beccerra
(D-CA), Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA),
Michael E. Capuano (D-CA), Dennis A. Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers Jr. (D-MI),
Jim Costa (D-CA), Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David
Dreier (R-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett
(R-NJ),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rush D. Holt (D-NJ), Michael M. Honda (D-CA),
Steve Israel (D-NY), Darrell E. Issa (R-CA), James R. Langevin (D-RI), Stephen
F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), James P.
McGovern (D-MA), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert
Menendez (D-NJ), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), Adam
B. Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Clay E. Shaw, Jr. (R-FL), John Shimkus
(R-IL), Mark E. Souder (R-IN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Stephanie Tubbs Jones
(D-OH), Diane E. Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Jerry Weller (R-IL).
In making the case for increased levels of US assistance to Armenia, the ANCA
has stressed the following points:
1) The impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades:
The World Bank estimates that these blockades are costing Armenia $720
million
a year. Despite US pressure, these blockades have remained in place for more
than a decade. Armenia is making tremendous progress toward a modern,
market-based democracy, but needs continued US help to offset the efforts of
Turkey and Azerbaijan to strangle its economy by blockading its eastern and
western borders.
2) The effectiveness of US foreign aid:
US Ambassador John Evans, in the fall of 2004, stressed that, "Since arriving
in Armenia, I have been deeply impressed by not only the breadth and depth of
our assistance programs, but by their high quality and the exacting standards
of the US Government staff and implementing partners who help design, execute
and evaluate these activities."
3) Armenia's progress on economic and democratic reforms:
According to the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia is
the only former Soviet republic, which is rated "mostly free." In fact,
Armenia is ranked 42nd overall and the closest former Soviet republic is the
Ukraine, which is ranked 88th.
Armenia is one of only 16 countries to have qualified for the Millennium
Challenge Account and has already submitted its application. Armenia is
clearly on the right path, and it needs United States assistance to
continue on
this path and withstand the devastating impact of the Turkish and Azerbaijani
blockades.
2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide
BRUSSELS--The European Armenian Federation on Thursday forwarded a Europe-wide
public declaration, launched on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian genocide, to the heads of the 25 members States of the European Union
gathered at the Brussels Summit June 16 and 17.
Hundreds of European associations, organizations, and institutions have
already signed the declaration, which calls on the European Council and the
European Commission to establish, as a formal requirement within the
negotiations framework for Turkey's potential membership in the European
Union,
the necessity that Turkey abide by resolutions adopted by the European
Parliament since 2000 demanding its acknowledgment of the Armenian genocide.
"While seeking to maintain the image of a state committed to accepting its
responsibilities," wrote the Federation in a letter accompanying the
declaration, "Turkey, in practice, continues to escalate its aggressive denial
campaign and to pressure the European Union to avoid this issue altogether."
In light of Turkey's stark hypocrisy, "only a clear and decisive approach on
the part of the European Union will lead to any meaningful progress in this
area," said Hilda Tchoboian, chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.
"The European citizens represented in this declaration hold that the
democratically expressed views of the people of Europe, as expressed European
Parliament, must be reflected in the actual decision-making concerning
Europe's
future," concluded Tchoboian.
3) Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide
BRUSSELSThe Armenian National Committee of FRANCE (CDCA-France), European
Armenian Federation (EAFJD) and the Armenian National Committee (ANCA)
launched
a worldwide campaign this week protesting TIME-Europe~Rs recent decision to
disseminate a DVD advertisement which grossly mischaracterizes the Armenian
Genocide. The advertisement, paid for by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, is
valued at $1 million.
The DVD, with content available in seven languages, was packaged as part of
TIME-Europe~Rs June 6 issue, which included Turkish denial of the Armenian
genocide, under pretense of tourism advertisement.
The magazine was distributed to 485,000 households and businesses. The
European Armenian Federation, CDCA France and ANCA have urged people of good
conscience around the world to send James Geary, Senior Editor at
Time-Europe a
free ANCA WebFax by visiting the EAFJD website:http://www.eafjd.org, or going
directly to the following link:
<http://capwiz.com/anca/mail/compose/?mailid=7722236>http://capwiz.com/anca
/mail/compose/?mailid=7722236.
On Thursday, the European Armenian Federation requested a meeting with
TIME-Europe publishers to discuss the issue.
In the request letter, the European Armenian Federation noted that the
dissemination of ~Sthis State propaganda is just as unacceptable as having
relayed a pro-Nazi or pro-apartheid advertisement.~T The letter stressed, that
~Sgenocide denial has nothing to do with freedom of speech~T but is a ~Sharsh
attack on human dignity.~T
The Federation stated that that this act calls to ~Squestion both TIME~Rs
credibility and the ethical principles which underlie its editorial line.~T
4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution
ISTANBUL (AFP)--A German parliamentary resolution adopted Thursday to mark the
killings of Armenians during World War is "ugly," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan said, while other Turkish officials warned the move could cloud
bilateral ties.
"I find it politically wrong and furthermore ugly that the German parliament
sacrificed the issue without debate to petty [Armenian] lobbying," Erdogan
told
reporters here late Thursday on his return from a visit to Lebanon.
He chided German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder--whom he said was against the
resolution--for not pulling his weight before the vote to persuade his
lawmakers to reject the motion.
In a move that has angered Turkey, the Bundestag lower house on Thursday
adopted a resolution commemorating the 1915-1917 massacres of Armenians under
the Ottoman Empire, but stopped short of condemning it as genocide. ~SThe lower
house of parliament regrets that an extensive discussion of events in the then
Ottoman Empire still is not possible and that academics and writers who
want to
look into this part of Turkish history are being prosecuted and defamed,~T the
motion said.
The resolution called on the German government "to help Turks and Armenians
resolve their differences by reviewing, reconciling, and forgiving historical
guilt."
The motion also expressed regret that the German government of the time
didn't act to prevent the killings even though it was aware of what was
happening.
The Turkish foreign ministry condemned the resolution and warned that the
move
could have repercussions on bilateral ties.
The issue has taken on increased importance as some European politicians have
pressed Turkey to address the Armenian genocide in what Ankara sees a
politically-motivated campaign to impede its bid to become a member of the
European Union.
5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators
--Board of Regents to establish Endowment Fund for Educational Activities
ENCINO--The Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools held its first
Annual
BanquetAwards night, on Friday, May 6, at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian
School's Avedissian Hall.
More than 450 community members attended the banquet to support the Board of
Regents' efforts in honoring individuals with extensive service to their local
Prelacy schools, and to assist the Board of Regents in the establishment of an
Endowment Fund to provide for additional educational activities.
The success of the evening was largely due to the hard work of co-chairs Nova
Hindoyan and Yeznik Kazanjian and the organizing committee, who--along with
the
Board of Regents members-- worked diligently to organize an evening full of
excitement and appreciation. Hindoyan thanked the committee and the guests for
their sincere support.
The master of ceremonies for the evening, Patyl AposhianKasparian, presented
the structure of Prelacy Armenian Schools and its activities. The program
began
after Father Razmig Khachadrian of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church
performed the invocation.
"Educational Reflections," the official publication of the Board of
Regents of
Prelacy Armenian Schools, was distributed to the guests as they appreciated
its
attractive cover, rich content, and colorful pictures. Hovan Tashjian was
extended sincere appreciation for his contributions to the publication's
content and layout. Throughout the evening, several sections and articles from
this publication were highlighted by various speakers, as the publication
provided detailed information regarding the goals and activities of the Board
of Regents and facts about the Prelacy Schools. The "Educational Reflections"
will be published on a regular basis to inform the community about the
forthcoming educational activities and goals of Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Dr. Rubina Peroomian, Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian
Schools, conveyed the Board~Rs message as she thanked all the individuals and
organizations who had dedicated their time and talent, over the years, to the
educational and financial success of Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the other Board of
Regents' members joined Dr. Peroomian on stage in bestowing the prestigious
awards.
Benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, were honored by the
Board
of Regents, for Tufenkian's continued support of the Tufenkian Preschool.
Their
generous donations in the past, and their most recent donation, have assisted
in the establishment and expansion of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool.
The
Tufenkians have adopted and shared the concerns and challenges that our
schools
face, thus, bringing their financial and moral support to the betterment of
education of the Armenian children.
Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy
Armenian Schools, presented the biographies of the honorees and extended the
Board of Regents' most sincere appreciation for the many years of service to
their respective schools and communities. Each honoree was invited to the
stage
and received his/her award.
Stepan Kabadaian was presented with the Board of Regents' "Oshagan Lifetime
Achievement Award," for his dedicated services in establishing the Saint
Mary's
Armenian Apostolic Church, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, and
Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool. Kabadaian received a standing ovation as
he approached the podium to receive his award.
The Board of Regents "Khatchadour Abovian Lifelong Teacher Award" was
presented to dedicated and long-serving retired educators Marilyn
Arshagouni of
Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Ohanessian, Rubina Pakradouni,
and Khatoun Pakradouni of Armenian Mesrobian School; and Haigaz Terterian of
Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School.
The "Daniel Varoujan Lifelong Teacher Award" was presented to dedicated and
long-serving current educators Garo Bedrossian and Alfred Mardoyan of Holy
Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Essayan of Richard Tufenkian Armenian
Preschool; Garbis Shekerdemian and Dr. Hasmig Tashjian of Rose and Alex
Pilibos
Armenian School; and Alvart Hounanian of Mary Postoian Armenian Preschool.
The "Nareg Lifelong Service Award" was presented to Arpi Ananian, as one of
the longest serving staff members at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian
School.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian offered his blessings and words of
appreciation and encouragement to the honorees, and to all those who
participated in organizing this successful event. He encouraged community
members to take part in the establishment of this worthwhile Endowment Fund in
order for the Board of Regents to be able to provide much needed educational
activities and staff development within the Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Throughout the evening, contributions and pledges were made towards the
establishment of the Endowment Fund and the evening culminated in a
performance
of creative arrangements of traditional Armenian music performed by vocalists
Saro Koujakian and Gars Sherbetdjian, and guitarist Ara Dabandjian.
The Board of Regents is accepting contributions to its Endowment Fund. Please
contact (818) 500-0822 or email [email protected] to send your
contribution or to receive the Board's official publication; the Educational
Reflections.
6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar
WATERTOWN, MA--Over 350 junior and senior members of the Armenian Youth
Federation-Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(AYF-YOARF) Eastern Region gathered in Prospect, Penn. from May 27-30, to
attend the 34th annual National Junior Seminar.
The theme for this year's event, ~SStepping in to the Future: A Journey
through
Armenia's Past,~T aimed at bridging Armenia's history and today's efforts of
cultural preservation, Genocide recognition and reparations, and a deeper
understanding of Western Armenian lands.
Welcoming remarks were given by the 2005 Junior Seminar committee, and
members
of the AYF-YOARF Central Executive and Central Junior Council were introduced.
A slide show was presented by Greater Boston AYF chapter member Sossi
Essajanian on the AYF Pan-American Seminar and the contributions of the eight
AYF-YOARF delegates to the seminar. Central Executive member Aram Hovagimian
showed a PowerPoint of his recent trip to Turkey, with comparative photographs
from the region of sites before the Genocide and today.
During the event, members attended lectures various topics including activism
and Hai Tahd issues, genocide denial, and Armenia's independence and progress.
Lecturers included Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Western
Region
Board of Directors member Raffi Hamparian, who discussed the activities of the
organization and each individual~Rs contribution to the cause; Dr. Lucy Der
Manuelian, who presented a slide show of Armenian monuments and manuscripts;
and Dr. Dikran Kaligian, who discussed the modern history of Artsakh.
This year, the seminar also featured four lectures by Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan and Rev. Father Anoushavan Tanielian, who discussed the challenges
facing the Armenian Church and Christianity as part of Armenia's history.
According to the Prelacy Crossroads E-Newsletter, the Archbishop noted that he
was particularly impressed with the questions that were posed by the young
participants, showing maturity and knowledge, he said.
Addressing attendees this year was ARF Eastern Region Central Committee
chairman Hayg Oshagan, who spoke to the older juniors and senior members about
the ARF, its goals and work in the Eastern US and abroad. Oshagan answered
many
questions from the large group, ranging from his work as chairman to the
structure of the organization.
Evening entertainment was provided by singer Avo Ashjian from California, as
well as Antranig Kzirian on oud, Aram Hovagimian on keyboard, Jimmy Kzirian on
dumbeg and vocals, and on the final night, Armen Sevag on violin and vocals.
The group energized junior and senior members alike by leading AYFers in
singing patriotic songs, as well as popular Armenian songs.
Various chapters also presented skits during a talent show with performances
commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and remembering
the founding of Armenia's first independent republic in 1918. Acts included a
solemn skit depicting the many fedayees that fought in the battle of
Sardarabad, as well as a moving presentation of Western Armenian villages and
the total number of people lost in each.
The following evening, the Central Junior Council announced the winners of
its
annual programs and contests. The first award given was for the Junior Page
contest, where chapters submit articles for the Armenian Weekly newspaper's
AYF
Page. Taking first place was the Greater Boston chapter, followed by the
Chicago and Providence chapters. The honor of Best Article was awarded to
Sahag
Zakarian, while a Camp Haiastan Campership was gifted to Araxi Karafian of the
Greater Boston chapter. Finally, Outstanding Junior Member awards were given
out to one person from each of the region's 18 chapters.
In an attempt to link the past, present and future, members also filled a
time
capsules with letters and keepsakes from the weekend, to be opened by the
committee in five years.
"As a parent and as a lecturer, I was very impressed by how well Junior
Seminar was run. Any event that can gather 60 percent of an organization's
membership is astounding. In this age of video games and youth sports, it
is to
the great credit of the AYF that so many of its members are dedicated
enough to
travel hundreds of miles for an educational, as well as social, weekend," said
lecturer George Aghjayan.
"The whole weekend is energizing. I only wish the entire Armenian community
could witness junior seminar, where our kids shine; intellectually,
athletically and socially," he said.
Junior members were also enthusiastic about the event. "I thought this year's
seminar was a great success. The lectures covered a lot of topics including
the
AYF history, Armenian dynasties, and Armenian architecture. I especially liked
the way the lecturers presented the information; by using PowerPoint, maps,
videos, slide shows, and through group activities. It was also fun reuniting
with of all of my Armenian friends. Nothing makes me happier than seeing over
300 people Armenian line-dancing; this is a way of keeping our Armenian
culture
alive," said Providence junior member Ani Anto Megerdichian.
Since 1971, Junior Seminar has grown to become the largest AYF junior event
with more than 350 junior participants from throughout the United States and
Canada each Memorial Day weekend. The event is an opportunity for juniors to
meet and take part in a thorough educational program, which consists of a set
of eight lectures geared to the participants~R age groups to relay information
and to encourage discussion and independent thinking. The seminar is
supervised
by a staff of more than 50 AYF senior members from various local chapters who
accompany the junior participants to activities and supervise them throughout
the weekend.
7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students
GLENDALEThe Armenian Youth Federation on Friday announced the names of the
seven recipients of the ~SNanor Krikorian~T Scholarship, after reviewing 30
prospective applicants.
The AYF will provide a total of $3500 in scholarship funds to Maral
DerSarkissian and Rubina Ghazarian of Crescenta Valley High School, Edgar
Mkrtchian of La Canada High School, Shaunte Baboumian of Townsend Harris High
School, Ara Thomassian of Alex Pilibos High School, Justine Karanian of Avon
High School, Katie Kavorkian of Shepherd Hill Regional High School.
Each of the seven scholarship recipients has not only displayed commendable
academic achievements, but has also been actively involved in the Armenian
community, displaying exemplary involvement in cultural, political, and
community activities.
According to scholarship coordinator Ani Garibyan, the goal is to encourage
youth to be both academically successful and promote the interests of their
community.~T We are proud of the recipients and know that they will undoubtedly
serve Armenia generously in the future.~T
Now in its third year, the Nanor Krikorian Scholarship has awarded 23
graduating high school seniors of Armenian descent a total of $9600. The
scholarship is named after a young AYF activist, Nanor Krikorian, whose life
was cut short by cancer. Those interested in contributing to the expansion of
the scholarship can mail donations payable to AYF to 104 N. Belmont St. #206
Glendale, CA 91206.
The Armenian Youth Federation Western United States serves Armenian American
communities west of the Mississippi through education, athletics, political
activism, cultural activities and social settings. To learn more about the AYF
please log on to <http://www.ayfwest.org/>www.AYFwest.org.
8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award
(LOS ANGELES)--The Independent Book Publishers Association awarded the Armenia
travel guidebook, ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, as finalist
in the category of best travel guide book published in 2004.
The award, known in the industry as an ~SIPPY,~T recognizes independently
published books in categories that include Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance,
Poetry, Art, Photography, and Travel Guide, among others.
The winning Armenia guide book competed with more than 1,500 entries from the
US, Canada, and 18 foreign countries. Bedros Safarian, a spokesman for Stone
Garden Productions and the publisher of the Armenia book, said he was thrilled
with the award. ~SAs far as I know, this is the first time an Armenia-themed
book has received such an award,~T he said.
The Armenia book shared its finalist status in the travel guide category with
~SMichelin Must Sees: New Orleans,~T which was published by Michelin Travel
Publications. The overall winner in the travel category was a guide to the
Grand Canyon, published by Destination Press.
Jim Barnes, the Managing Editor for the Independent Publisher~Rs Association,
praised all of the winning books for their quality and diversity.
Independently
published books such as the Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, he
said, ~Sare changing the world, one book at a time.~T Complete award results are
available at www.independentpublisher.com.
Sample pages from ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh~T can be
viewed at www.ArmeniaTravelGuide.com. The book is sold online at
www.Amazon.com
and at independent retail bookstores such as Abril Books and Sardarabad Books,
both in Glendale.
The authors, Robert Kurkjian and Matthew Karanian, are currently working on
other projects overseas and were not available for comment. The travel guide
has been the best-selling English language book in Yerevan since its
publication in September 2004. In the US last year, The Stone Garden Guide to
Armenia was the best-selling independently published book about Armenia, based
on reports from booksellers.
9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA
LOS ANGELES--The Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA/USA) organization will
present ~SArmenian Architectural Heritage Endangered,~T from June 20 through
July
31 at UCLA. With fifty images of twenty-five sites of historic architectural
and cultural interest in the traditional Armenian homeland--now governed by
the
Republic of Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and the autonomous region of Nakhichevan in
the Republic of Azerbaijan--the exhibit traces the background of the sites,
including their construction and function, cultural significance, and
issues of
preservation to ensure that the sites can be appreciated and investigated by
future generations.
Co-sponsored by the UCLA College Library, and the UCLA Department of Near
Eastern Languages and Cultures Armenian Studies Program, the exhibit~Rs opening
reception will take place on Monday, June 20, 8:00 p.m. at UCLA Powell Library
Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda.
Featured speakers include S. Peter Cowe, Narekatsi Professor of Armenian
Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Jora
Manoucherian, Vice President of Research on Armenian Architecture, USA, as
well
as ethnic music and light refreshments. Admission is free.
10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings
By Berdj Djamdjian
Two members from the National Armenian Committee on Scouting (NACS), Berdj
Djamdjian and Taleen Hindoyan representing Homenetmen~Rs Scouting Council,
participated in the Boy Scouts of America National Committee meetings held in
Grapevine, Texas, May 25-27.
As the nation's foremost youth program of character development and
values-based leadership training, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) mission
is to
prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by
instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) encourages all religions and cultures to
participate and flourish. As members of BSA~Rs Religious Relationship
Sub-Committee, a variety of topics were reviewed and discussed at the meetings
including Literature Review, Philmont Training Center, High Adventure,
Jamboree
Services, Conferences/Seminars/Special Events, and Awards/Emblems.
The NACS members discussed problem areas in management of Scouting
activities,
where ideas were exchanged. The members also visited the National Scouting
Museum in Irving, Texas where they metMr. Joseph Csatari--the artist,
illustrator, and art director of Boys' Life magazine who followed his
predecessor Norman Rockwell, the famous Saturday Evening Post illustrator.
One of Homenetmen~Rs (Western US) religious programs which teaches the
religious faith and experience of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the St.
Mesrob Emblem program. Approved in 1988 by the Boy Scouts of America, and in
conjunction with the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is
among the official badges a Boy or Girl Scout of America can earn after
fulfilling the program requirements. The program is managed by the National
Armenian Committee on Scouting for Armenian boy and girl scouts that want to
learn about the Armenian Apostolic Church history and faith. The sponsors of
this program--the Armenian Apostolic Church of America Western Prelacy,
Homenetmen Scouting of Western Region, and Boy Scouts of America--all believe
in spiritual growth, Duty to God and Country.
Homenetmen is an athletic and scouting organization with regions and chapters
thought the world that provide athletic activities for youth to reach their
highest goals, as well as a place to meet and express their faith, cultural
and
experience adventures in scouting.
11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer
By Garen Yegparian
I used to wonder if the rabid conservatives could really be as petty,
miserly,
and cowardly as they seemed. It just didn't seem humanly possible. But a
recent
passing interaction in the snack shop at work makes it seem more probable that
there truly can exist human beings who are so small of spirit.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's what happened.
As I was buying a muffin, I noticed the young employee had taped a small US
flag to his shirt. When asked why it was on upside-down, he said it just
happened that way. I remarked that he was likely to get hassled by some people
over that inversion, whereupon another customer chimed in with something to
the
effect of the impropriety of inverting the flag. Then the same guy added, "He
probably also voted for Kerry."
Of course, I told him, I had too and we exchanged words. But it wasn't
substantive, just accusatory, not much more than derogatory name calling. As I
walked back to my desk, it struck me.
This skinny, weaselly looking guy had been in the snack shop before me, seen
the inverted flag, but was afraid to say anything until he thought he had an
all--me--who would back him up. He hadn't the courage to speak up until he was
part of a perceived majority, the typical approach of bullies and Turks
everywhere. They're ferocious tigers when outnumbering or obviously better
situated than their foes. But the minute their opponents show resistance, they
run off like frightened, skittish kittens.
This accounts for the policies and politics of the Bush regime's cabal of
wannabe tyrants. Every heartless, ill-conceived, and societally destructive
proposal emanating from these people has a small constituency of mean people
who have been assembled by extraordinarily gifted organizers. All these small
groups, from hate-spewers to the super-rich to the
narrow-minded-religious-fanatics to the chest-thumping-war-mongers, would
never
have dared be as bold and brazen as they now are in advocating restoration and
implementation of approaches, mindsets, and policies that demonstrated their
ineffectiveness and abject failure in the 19th century!
Let's work on providing the ego support these pathetic creatures need so they
don't feel compelled to go about destroying everyone's quality of life.
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TOP STORIES
06/17/2005
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1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for
Karabagh
2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide
3)Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide
4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution
5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators
6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar
7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students
8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award
9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA
10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings
11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer
1) House Subcommittee Proposes $67.5 Million for Armenia; up to $5 Million for
Karabagh
Maintains military aid parity between Armenia And Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON, DCThe House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations
today
voted to allocate $67.5 million in US aid for Armenia for fiscal year 2006,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The amount
represents a $12.5 million increase over President Bush's budget request, but
is lower than last year's appropriation of $75 million.
The panel also agreed to maintain parity in US military assistance to Armenia
and Azerbaijan, at the level of $5.75 million to each country. The
appropriators allotted $5 million in humanitarian assistance to Mountainous
Karabagh.
"We want to express our appreciation to Congressman Joe Knollenberg for his
advocacy within the Subcommittee, to thank Chairman Jim Kolbe and Ranking
Member Nita Lowey for their leadership, and to share our gratitude for the
support of Steve Rothman, John Sweeney, Mark Kirk, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Carolyn
Kilpatrick, Chaka Fattah, and our other friends on this vitally important
panel," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
"We were, of course, especially pleased to see that, consistent with the
President's budget request, the Subcommittee contributed to the continued
stability of the Caucasus by appropriating aid directly to Mountainous
Karabagh, and maintaining parity in military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
We
also appreciate the efforts of our friends, in the face of overall reductions
in aid to the region, to increase Armenia's assistance above the level
proposed
by the President, and look forward to action by the Senate - and later in
conference committee - to bring this figure to at least last year's figure of
$75 million," added Hamparian.
On April 18th of this year, Representative George Radanovich (R-CA) and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) sent a
letter to
the leadership of the Subcommittee, cosigned by 43 of their House colleagues,
calling for an earmark of at least $75 million for Armenia; maintaining the
President's request for equal levels of military aid for Armenia and
Azerbaijan; an additional $5 million in direct aid to Mountainous Karabagh for
fiscal year 2006, and; keeping in place the Section 907 restriction on aid to
Azerbaijan.
The names of the forty-five signatories are as follows: Gary L. Ackerman
(D-NY), Thomas H. Allen (D-ME), Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Beccerra
(D-CA), Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA),
Michael E. Capuano (D-CA), Dennis A. Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers Jr. (D-MI),
Jim Costa (D-CA), Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), David
Dreier (R-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett
(R-NJ),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rush D. Holt (D-NJ), Michael M. Honda (D-CA),
Steve Israel (D-NY), Darrell E. Issa (R-CA), James R. Langevin (D-RI), Stephen
F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), James P.
McGovern (D-MA), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert
Menendez (D-NJ), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), Adam
B. Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Clay E. Shaw, Jr. (R-FL), John Shimkus
(R-IL), Mark E. Souder (R-IN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Stephanie Tubbs Jones
(D-OH), Diane E. Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Jerry Weller (R-IL).
In making the case for increased levels of US assistance to Armenia, the ANCA
has stressed the following points:
1) The impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades:
The World Bank estimates that these blockades are costing Armenia $720
million
a year. Despite US pressure, these blockades have remained in place for more
than a decade. Armenia is making tremendous progress toward a modern,
market-based democracy, but needs continued US help to offset the efforts of
Turkey and Azerbaijan to strangle its economy by blockading its eastern and
western borders.
2) The effectiveness of US foreign aid:
US Ambassador John Evans, in the fall of 2004, stressed that, "Since arriving
in Armenia, I have been deeply impressed by not only the breadth and depth of
our assistance programs, but by their high quality and the exacting standards
of the US Government staff and implementing partners who help design, execute
and evaluate these activities."
3) Armenia's progress on economic and democratic reforms:
According to the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia is
the only former Soviet republic, which is rated "mostly free." In fact,
Armenia is ranked 42nd overall and the closest former Soviet republic is the
Ukraine, which is ranked 88th.
Armenia is one of only 16 countries to have qualified for the Millennium
Challenge Account and has already submitted its application. Armenia is
clearly on the right path, and it needs United States assistance to
continue on
this path and withstand the devastating impact of the Turkish and Azerbaijani
blockades.
2) Entire European Council Receives European Declaration on Armenian genocide
BRUSSELS--The European Armenian Federation on Thursday forwarded a Europe-wide
public declaration, launched on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian genocide, to the heads of the 25 members States of the European Union
gathered at the Brussels Summit June 16 and 17.
Hundreds of European associations, organizations, and institutions have
already signed the declaration, which calls on the European Council and the
European Commission to establish, as a formal requirement within the
negotiations framework for Turkey's potential membership in the European
Union,
the necessity that Turkey abide by resolutions adopted by the European
Parliament since 2000 demanding its acknowledgment of the Armenian genocide.
"While seeking to maintain the image of a state committed to accepting its
responsibilities," wrote the Federation in a letter accompanying the
declaration, "Turkey, in practice, continues to escalate its aggressive denial
campaign and to pressure the European Union to avoid this issue altogether."
In light of Turkey's stark hypocrisy, "only a clear and decisive approach on
the part of the European Union will lead to any meaningful progress in this
area," said Hilda Tchoboian, chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.
"The European citizens represented in this declaration hold that the
democratically expressed views of the people of Europe, as expressed European
Parliament, must be reflected in the actual decision-making concerning
Europe's
future," concluded Tchoboian.
3) Worldwide Campaign Protesting Time-Europe's Ad Denying Armenian Genocide
BRUSSELSThe Armenian National Committee of FRANCE (CDCA-France), European
Armenian Federation (EAFJD) and the Armenian National Committee (ANCA)
launched
a worldwide campaign this week protesting TIME-Europe~Rs recent decision to
disseminate a DVD advertisement which grossly mischaracterizes the Armenian
Genocide. The advertisement, paid for by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, is
valued at $1 million.
The DVD, with content available in seven languages, was packaged as part of
TIME-Europe~Rs June 6 issue, which included Turkish denial of the Armenian
genocide, under pretense of tourism advertisement.
The magazine was distributed to 485,000 households and businesses. The
European Armenian Federation, CDCA France and ANCA have urged people of good
conscience around the world to send James Geary, Senior Editor at
Time-Europe a
free ANCA WebFax by visiting the EAFJD website:http://www.eafjd.org, or going
directly to the following link:
<http://capwiz.com/anca/mail/compose/?mailid=7722236>http://capwiz.com/anca
/mail/compose/?mailid=7722236.
On Thursday, the European Armenian Federation requested a meeting with
TIME-Europe publishers to discuss the issue.
In the request letter, the European Armenian Federation noted that the
dissemination of ~Sthis State propaganda is just as unacceptable as having
relayed a pro-Nazi or pro-apartheid advertisement.~T The letter stressed, that
~Sgenocide denial has nothing to do with freedom of speech~T but is a ~Sharsh
attack on human dignity.~T
The Federation stated that that this act calls to ~Squestion both TIME~Rs
credibility and the ethical principles which underlie its editorial line.~T
4) Erdogan Condemns Germany for Adoption of Armenian Resolution
ISTANBUL (AFP)--A German parliamentary resolution adopted Thursday to mark the
killings of Armenians during World War is "ugly," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan said, while other Turkish officials warned the move could cloud
bilateral ties.
"I find it politically wrong and furthermore ugly that the German parliament
sacrificed the issue without debate to petty [Armenian] lobbying," Erdogan
told
reporters here late Thursday on his return from a visit to Lebanon.
He chided German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder--whom he said was against the
resolution--for not pulling his weight before the vote to persuade his
lawmakers to reject the motion.
In a move that has angered Turkey, the Bundestag lower house on Thursday
adopted a resolution commemorating the 1915-1917 massacres of Armenians under
the Ottoman Empire, but stopped short of condemning it as genocide. ~SThe lower
house of parliament regrets that an extensive discussion of events in the then
Ottoman Empire still is not possible and that academics and writers who
want to
look into this part of Turkish history are being prosecuted and defamed,~T the
motion said.
The resolution called on the German government "to help Turks and Armenians
resolve their differences by reviewing, reconciling, and forgiving historical
guilt."
The motion also expressed regret that the German government of the time
didn't act to prevent the killings even though it was aware of what was
happening.
The Turkish foreign ministry condemned the resolution and warned that the
move
could have repercussions on bilateral ties.
The issue has taken on increased importance as some European politicians have
pressed Turkey to address the Armenian genocide in what Ankara sees a
politically-motivated campaign to impede its bid to become a member of the
European Union.
5) Prelacy Armenian Schools Honor Longtime Educators
--Board of Regents to establish Endowment Fund for Educational Activities
ENCINO--The Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools held its first
Annual
BanquetAwards night, on Friday, May 6, at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian
School's Avedissian Hall.
More than 450 community members attended the banquet to support the Board of
Regents' efforts in honoring individuals with extensive service to their local
Prelacy schools, and to assist the Board of Regents in the establishment of an
Endowment Fund to provide for additional educational activities.
The success of the evening was largely due to the hard work of co-chairs Nova
Hindoyan and Yeznik Kazanjian and the organizing committee, who--along with
the
Board of Regents members-- worked diligently to organize an evening full of
excitement and appreciation. Hindoyan thanked the committee and the guests for
their sincere support.
The master of ceremonies for the evening, Patyl AposhianKasparian, presented
the structure of Prelacy Armenian Schools and its activities. The program
began
after Father Razmig Khachadrian of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church
performed the invocation.
"Educational Reflections," the official publication of the Board of
Regents of
Prelacy Armenian Schools, was distributed to the guests as they appreciated
its
attractive cover, rich content, and colorful pictures. Hovan Tashjian was
extended sincere appreciation for his contributions to the publication's
content and layout. Throughout the evening, several sections and articles from
this publication were highlighted by various speakers, as the publication
provided detailed information regarding the goals and activities of the Board
of Regents and facts about the Prelacy Schools. The "Educational Reflections"
will be published on a regular basis to inform the community about the
forthcoming educational activities and goals of Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Dr. Rubina Peroomian, Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian
Schools, conveyed the Board~Rs message as she thanked all the individuals and
organizations who had dedicated their time and talent, over the years, to the
educational and financial success of Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the other Board of
Regents' members joined Dr. Peroomian on stage in bestowing the prestigious
awards.
Benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian, were honored by the
Board
of Regents, for Tufenkian's continued support of the Tufenkian Preschool.
Their
generous donations in the past, and their most recent donation, have assisted
in the establishment and expansion of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool.
The
Tufenkians have adopted and shared the concerns and challenges that our
schools
face, thus, bringing their financial and moral support to the betterment of
education of the Armenian children.
Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Regents of Prelacy
Armenian Schools, presented the biographies of the honorees and extended the
Board of Regents' most sincere appreciation for the many years of service to
their respective schools and communities. Each honoree was invited to the
stage
and received his/her award.
Stepan Kabadaian was presented with the Board of Regents' "Oshagan Lifetime
Achievement Award," for his dedicated services in establishing the Saint
Mary's
Armenian Apostolic Church, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, and
Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool. Kabadaian received a standing ovation as
he approached the podium to receive his award.
The Board of Regents "Khatchadour Abovian Lifelong Teacher Award" was
presented to dedicated and long-serving retired educators Marilyn
Arshagouni of
Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Ohanessian, Rubina Pakradouni,
and Khatoun Pakradouni of Armenian Mesrobian School; and Haigaz Terterian of
Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School.
The "Daniel Varoujan Lifelong Teacher Award" was presented to dedicated and
long-serving current educators Garo Bedrossian and Alfred Mardoyan of Holy
Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School; Marie Essayan of Richard Tufenkian Armenian
Preschool; Garbis Shekerdemian and Dr. Hasmig Tashjian of Rose and Alex
Pilibos
Armenian School; and Alvart Hounanian of Mary Postoian Armenian Preschool.
The "Nareg Lifelong Service Award" was presented to Arpi Ananian, as one of
the longest serving staff members at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian
School.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian offered his blessings and words of
appreciation and encouragement to the honorees, and to all those who
participated in organizing this successful event. He encouraged community
members to take part in the establishment of this worthwhile Endowment Fund in
order for the Board of Regents to be able to provide much needed educational
activities and staff development within the Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Throughout the evening, contributions and pledges were made towards the
establishment of the Endowment Fund and the evening culminated in a
performance
of creative arrangements of traditional Armenian music performed by vocalists
Saro Koujakian and Gars Sherbetdjian, and guitarist Ara Dabandjian.
The Board of Regents is accepting contributions to its Endowment Fund. Please
contact (818) 500-0822 or email [email protected] to send your
contribution or to receive the Board's official publication; the Educational
Reflections.
6) Over 350 Gather at Annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar
WATERTOWN, MA--Over 350 junior and senior members of the Armenian Youth
Federation-Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(AYF-YOARF) Eastern Region gathered in Prospect, Penn. from May 27-30, to
attend the 34th annual National Junior Seminar.
The theme for this year's event, ~SStepping in to the Future: A Journey
through
Armenia's Past,~T aimed at bridging Armenia's history and today's efforts of
cultural preservation, Genocide recognition and reparations, and a deeper
understanding of Western Armenian lands.
Welcoming remarks were given by the 2005 Junior Seminar committee, and
members
of the AYF-YOARF Central Executive and Central Junior Council were introduced.
A slide show was presented by Greater Boston AYF chapter member Sossi
Essajanian on the AYF Pan-American Seminar and the contributions of the eight
AYF-YOARF delegates to the seminar. Central Executive member Aram Hovagimian
showed a PowerPoint of his recent trip to Turkey, with comparative photographs
from the region of sites before the Genocide and today.
During the event, members attended lectures various topics including activism
and Hai Tahd issues, genocide denial, and Armenia's independence and progress.
Lecturers included Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Western
Region
Board of Directors member Raffi Hamparian, who discussed the activities of the
organization and each individual~Rs contribution to the cause; Dr. Lucy Der
Manuelian, who presented a slide show of Armenian monuments and manuscripts;
and Dr. Dikran Kaligian, who discussed the modern history of Artsakh.
This year, the seminar also featured four lectures by Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan and Rev. Father Anoushavan Tanielian, who discussed the challenges
facing the Armenian Church and Christianity as part of Armenia's history.
According to the Prelacy Crossroads E-Newsletter, the Archbishop noted that he
was particularly impressed with the questions that were posed by the young
participants, showing maturity and knowledge, he said.
Addressing attendees this year was ARF Eastern Region Central Committee
chairman Hayg Oshagan, who spoke to the older juniors and senior members about
the ARF, its goals and work in the Eastern US and abroad. Oshagan answered
many
questions from the large group, ranging from his work as chairman to the
structure of the organization.
Evening entertainment was provided by singer Avo Ashjian from California, as
well as Antranig Kzirian on oud, Aram Hovagimian on keyboard, Jimmy Kzirian on
dumbeg and vocals, and on the final night, Armen Sevag on violin and vocals.
The group energized junior and senior members alike by leading AYFers in
singing patriotic songs, as well as popular Armenian songs.
Various chapters also presented skits during a talent show with performances
commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and remembering
the founding of Armenia's first independent republic in 1918. Acts included a
solemn skit depicting the many fedayees that fought in the battle of
Sardarabad, as well as a moving presentation of Western Armenian villages and
the total number of people lost in each.
The following evening, the Central Junior Council announced the winners of
its
annual programs and contests. The first award given was for the Junior Page
contest, where chapters submit articles for the Armenian Weekly newspaper's
AYF
Page. Taking first place was the Greater Boston chapter, followed by the
Chicago and Providence chapters. The honor of Best Article was awarded to
Sahag
Zakarian, while a Camp Haiastan Campership was gifted to Araxi Karafian of the
Greater Boston chapter. Finally, Outstanding Junior Member awards were given
out to one person from each of the region's 18 chapters.
In an attempt to link the past, present and future, members also filled a
time
capsules with letters and keepsakes from the weekend, to be opened by the
committee in five years.
"As a parent and as a lecturer, I was very impressed by how well Junior
Seminar was run. Any event that can gather 60 percent of an organization's
membership is astounding. In this age of video games and youth sports, it
is to
the great credit of the AYF that so many of its members are dedicated
enough to
travel hundreds of miles for an educational, as well as social, weekend," said
lecturer George Aghjayan.
"The whole weekend is energizing. I only wish the entire Armenian community
could witness junior seminar, where our kids shine; intellectually,
athletically and socially," he said.
Junior members were also enthusiastic about the event. "I thought this year's
seminar was a great success. The lectures covered a lot of topics including
the
AYF history, Armenian dynasties, and Armenian architecture. I especially liked
the way the lecturers presented the information; by using PowerPoint, maps,
videos, slide shows, and through group activities. It was also fun reuniting
with of all of my Armenian friends. Nothing makes me happier than seeing over
300 people Armenian line-dancing; this is a way of keeping our Armenian
culture
alive," said Providence junior member Ani Anto Megerdichian.
Since 1971, Junior Seminar has grown to become the largest AYF junior event
with more than 350 junior participants from throughout the United States and
Canada each Memorial Day weekend. The event is an opportunity for juniors to
meet and take part in a thorough educational program, which consists of a set
of eight lectures geared to the participants~R age groups to relay information
and to encourage discussion and independent thinking. The seminar is
supervised
by a staff of more than 50 AYF senior members from various local chapters who
accompany the junior participants to activities and supervise them throughout
the weekend.
7) AYF Grants ~QNanor Krikorian~R Scholarship to Seven Students
GLENDALEThe Armenian Youth Federation on Friday announced the names of the
seven recipients of the ~SNanor Krikorian~T Scholarship, after reviewing 30
prospective applicants.
The AYF will provide a total of $3500 in scholarship funds to Maral
DerSarkissian and Rubina Ghazarian of Crescenta Valley High School, Edgar
Mkrtchian of La Canada High School, Shaunte Baboumian of Townsend Harris High
School, Ara Thomassian of Alex Pilibos High School, Justine Karanian of Avon
High School, Katie Kavorkian of Shepherd Hill Regional High School.
Each of the seven scholarship recipients has not only displayed commendable
academic achievements, but has also been actively involved in the Armenian
community, displaying exemplary involvement in cultural, political, and
community activities.
According to scholarship coordinator Ani Garibyan, the goal is to encourage
youth to be both academically successful and promote the interests of their
community.~T We are proud of the recipients and know that they will undoubtedly
serve Armenia generously in the future.~T
Now in its third year, the Nanor Krikorian Scholarship has awarded 23
graduating high school seniors of Armenian descent a total of $9600. The
scholarship is named after a young AYF activist, Nanor Krikorian, whose life
was cut short by cancer. Those interested in contributing to the expansion of
the scholarship can mail donations payable to AYF to 104 N. Belmont St. #206
Glendale, CA 91206.
The Armenian Youth Federation Western United States serves Armenian American
communities west of the Mississippi through education, athletics, political
activism, cultural activities and social settings. To learn more about the AYF
please log on to <http://www.ayfwest.org/>www.AYFwest.org.
8) Armenia Travel Guide Earns Independent Publisher Award
(LOS ANGELES)--The Independent Book Publishers Association awarded the Armenia
travel guidebook, ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, as finalist
in the category of best travel guide book published in 2004.
The award, known in the industry as an ~SIPPY,~T recognizes independently
published books in categories that include Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance,
Poetry, Art, Photography, and Travel Guide, among others.
The winning Armenia guide book competed with more than 1,500 entries from the
US, Canada, and 18 foreign countries. Bedros Safarian, a spokesman for Stone
Garden Productions and the publisher of the Armenia book, said he was thrilled
with the award. ~SAs far as I know, this is the first time an Armenia-themed
book has received such an award,~T he said.
The Armenia book shared its finalist status in the travel guide category with
~SMichelin Must Sees: New Orleans,~T which was published by Michelin Travel
Publications. The overall winner in the travel category was a guide to the
Grand Canyon, published by Destination Press.
Jim Barnes, the Managing Editor for the Independent Publisher~Rs Association,
praised all of the winning books for their quality and diversity.
Independently
published books such as the Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh, he
said, ~Sare changing the world, one book at a time.~T Complete award results are
available at www.independentpublisher.com.
Sample pages from ~SThe Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh~T can be
viewed at www.ArmeniaTravelGuide.com. The book is sold online at
www.Amazon.com
and at independent retail bookstores such as Abril Books and Sardarabad Books,
both in Glendale.
The authors, Robert Kurkjian and Matthew Karanian, are currently working on
other projects overseas and were not available for comment. The travel guide
has been the best-selling English language book in Yerevan since its
publication in September 2004. In the US last year, The Stone Garden Guide to
Armenia was the best-selling independently published book about Armenia, based
on reports from booksellers.
9) Armenia~Rs Endangered Architectural Heritage to be Featured at UCLA
LOS ANGELES--The Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA/USA) organization will
present ~SArmenian Architectural Heritage Endangered,~T from June 20 through
July
31 at UCLA. With fifty images of twenty-five sites of historic architectural
and cultural interest in the traditional Armenian homeland--now governed by
the
Republic of Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and the autonomous region of Nakhichevan in
the Republic of Azerbaijan--the exhibit traces the background of the sites,
including their construction and function, cultural significance, and
issues of
preservation to ensure that the sites can be appreciated and investigated by
future generations.
Co-sponsored by the UCLA College Library, and the UCLA Department of Near
Eastern Languages and Cultures Armenian Studies Program, the exhibit~Rs opening
reception will take place on Monday, June 20, 8:00 p.m. at UCLA Powell Library
Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda.
Featured speakers include S. Peter Cowe, Narekatsi Professor of Armenian
Studies, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Jora
Manoucherian, Vice President of Research on Armenian Architecture, USA, as
well
as ethnic music and light refreshments. Admission is free.
10) Homenetmen Represented at Boy Scouts of America Meetings
By Berdj Djamdjian
Two members from the National Armenian Committee on Scouting (NACS), Berdj
Djamdjian and Taleen Hindoyan representing Homenetmen~Rs Scouting Council,
participated in the Boy Scouts of America National Committee meetings held in
Grapevine, Texas, May 25-27.
As the nation's foremost youth program of character development and
values-based leadership training, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) mission
is to
prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by
instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) encourages all religions and cultures to
participate and flourish. As members of BSA~Rs Religious Relationship
Sub-Committee, a variety of topics were reviewed and discussed at the meetings
including Literature Review, Philmont Training Center, High Adventure,
Jamboree
Services, Conferences/Seminars/Special Events, and Awards/Emblems.
The NACS members discussed problem areas in management of Scouting
activities,
where ideas were exchanged. The members also visited the National Scouting
Museum in Irving, Texas where they metMr. Joseph Csatari--the artist,
illustrator, and art director of Boys' Life magazine who followed his
predecessor Norman Rockwell, the famous Saturday Evening Post illustrator.
One of Homenetmen~Rs (Western US) religious programs which teaches the
religious faith and experience of the Armenian Apostolic Church is the St.
Mesrob Emblem program. Approved in 1988 by the Boy Scouts of America, and in
conjunction with the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is
among the official badges a Boy or Girl Scout of America can earn after
fulfilling the program requirements. The program is managed by the National
Armenian Committee on Scouting for Armenian boy and girl scouts that want to
learn about the Armenian Apostolic Church history and faith. The sponsors of
this program--the Armenian Apostolic Church of America Western Prelacy,
Homenetmen Scouting of Western Region, and Boy Scouts of America--all believe
in spiritual growth, Duty to God and Country.
Homenetmen is an athletic and scouting organization with regions and chapters
thought the world that provide athletic activities for youth to reach their
highest goals, as well as a place to meet and express their faith, cultural
and
experience adventures in scouting.
11) OPINIION: Now I'm Surer
By Garen Yegparian
I used to wonder if the rabid conservatives could really be as petty,
miserly,
and cowardly as they seemed. It just didn't seem humanly possible. But a
recent
passing interaction in the snack shop at work makes it seem more probable that
there truly can exist human beings who are so small of spirit.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's what happened.
As I was buying a muffin, I noticed the young employee had taped a small US
flag to his shirt. When asked why it was on upside-down, he said it just
happened that way. I remarked that he was likely to get hassled by some people
over that inversion, whereupon another customer chimed in with something to
the
effect of the impropriety of inverting the flag. Then the same guy added, "He
probably also voted for Kerry."
Of course, I told him, I had too and we exchanged words. But it wasn't
substantive, just accusatory, not much more than derogatory name calling. As I
walked back to my desk, it struck me.
This skinny, weaselly looking guy had been in the snack shop before me, seen
the inverted flag, but was afraid to say anything until he thought he had an
all--me--who would back him up. He hadn't the courage to speak up until he was
part of a perceived majority, the typical approach of bullies and Turks
everywhere. They're ferocious tigers when outnumbering or obviously better
situated than their foes. But the minute their opponents show resistance, they
run off like frightened, skittish kittens.
This accounts for the policies and politics of the Bush regime's cabal of
wannabe tyrants. Every heartless, ill-conceived, and societally destructive
proposal emanating from these people has a small constituency of mean people
who have been assembled by extraordinarily gifted organizers. All these small
groups, from hate-spewers to the super-rich to the
narrow-minded-religious-fanatics to the chest-thumping-war-mongers, would
never
have dared be as bold and brazen as they now are in advocating restoration and
implementation of approaches, mindsets, and policies that demonstrated their
ineffectiveness and abject failure in the 19th century!
Let's work on providing the ego support these pathetic creatures need so they
don't feel compelled to go about destroying everyone's quality of life.
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