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6th Annual ANCA-ER Banquet Held in NJ
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/12/07/6th-annual-anca-er-banquet-held-in-nj/
December 7, 2012
WATERTOWN, Mass. - More than 300 gathered for an evening of celebration,
recognition, and reflection at the Armenian National Committee of
America Eastern Region's (ANCA-ER) 6th Annual Banquet, where Armenian
studies luminary Dr. Richard Hovannisian and Artsakh (Karabagh) rights
champion, her Ladyship Baroness Caroline Cox, were bestowed the
organization's highest honors.
After successful events held annually in New York, Rhode Island, and
Massachusetts, New Jersey was the site of the Dec. 1 banquet, with the
festivities held at the beautiful Sheraton Crossroads in Mahwah.
A scene from the ANCA-ER Banquet (L-R) ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian, mistress of ceremonies Nora Kzirian, ARF Bureau member
Hagop Der Khatchadourian, Very Reverend Father Tomas Garabedian,
Armenian Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian, His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, ANCA-ER Freedom Award honoree Baroness
Caroline Cox, ANCA-ER Vahan Cardashian Award honoree Dr. Richard
Hovannisian, Virginia Davies, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, and NAASR
Academic Director Marc Mamigonian. (Photo by Diran Jebejian of
Jebejian Images)
Pallone praises youth outreach, education efforts
Among the special guests was New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone (D),
who praised the grassroots efforts of the ANCA and paid tribute to Dr.
Hovannisian and Baroness Cox with Community Service Awards. `One of
the best things about the ANCA is the different programs they have and
how they educate and get young people involved,' said Pallone. `As the
founder and co-chair of the Armenian Caucus in the House [of
Representatives] for so many years, I will tell you that without the
ANCA, grassroots activities of the Armenian community would really be
very minimal.'
Hovannisian: titan of Armenian scholarship
Marc Mamigonian, director of academic affairs at the National
Association of Armenian Studies (NAASR), gave a moving introduction
about Hovannisian, the Vahan Cardashian Award recipient.
Hovannisian, he said `is among the first generation of scholars who
shaped the field that was in its infancy when he began teaching at
UCLA a half century ago. In 1969, he became the first professor of
modern Armenian studies in the United States. ... You may have heard
that Professor Hovannisian is retired. Friends, don't believe him,'
Mamigonian joked.
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-chair Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) with
ANCA-ER Vahan Cardashian Award honoree Dr. Richard Hovannisian and
ANCA-ER Freedom Award honoree Baroness Caroline Cox. (Photo by Diran
Jebejian of Jebejian Images)
Hovannisian is a professor of Armenian and Near Eastern studies at
UCLA. He has authored many books and edited and contributed to at
least a dozen other works. In 1987, he was appointed the first holder
of the Armenian Educational Foundation Endowed Chair in Modern
Armenian History at UCLA.
`I'm deeply honored and thankful to the ANCA for considering me worthy
of receiving this award. Vahan Cardashian remains a champion and a
symbol for the Armenian people. I feel very satisfied after my long
career, and I feel rewarded that I've had more than a half century of
wonderful experiences in the classroom teaching generations regarding
Armenian history and identity,' Hovannisian said.
Cox: matron saint of Artsakh quest for freedom
Virginia Davies, a longtime friend and supporter of the ANCA,
introduced Baroness Cox before presenting her with the ANCA Freedom
Award.
`Karabagh has known no more committed and no more constant friend than
Baroness Cox. From a position of great influence in the British House
of Lords, Baroness Cox has spent 25 years educating, advocating, and
leading humanitarian efforts on the ground in Karabagh,' said Davies.
Cox came to the podium to a standing ovation, like Hovannisian, and
warmly greeted those in attendance. She presented a brief slideshow,
showing photos from her travels to Karabagh and offering inspiring
thoughts for the future.
`Speaking in the British Parliament is a place to give voice to the
voiceless, to speak for those who can't speak for themselves. ... I
would like to say thank you to the Armenian people, who in that holy
land of Artsakh have formed that front line of faith and freedom for
the rest of the world. We who live in freedom, we who call ourselves
Christian, owe you a debt of gratitude for holding that front line for
us. With all my heart, I thank you,' the Baroness said.
Cox has visited Armenia and Nagorno- Karabagh 78 times to date, many
of them during the war with Azerbaijan in the early 1990's, and is
planning on at least two more visits in 2013. Working with the
Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART), she helped establish the Lady
Cox Rehabilitation Center in Stepanakert in 1998, which has become a
leader in providing care and rehabilitation for those with physical or
mental disabilities. It looks after babies, children, and adults who
have been disabled from birth, as well as patients suffering from war
injuries, accidents, and illnesses such as strokes.
HART is internationally recognized as a `center of excellence,'
disseminating its wide-ranging therapeutic repertoire far beyond
Karabagh to other countries throughout the South Caucasus.
Baroness Cox was awarded the ANCA Freedom Award for her undying
support of the Armenian people and for her dedication to human rights
for all. She has traveled to many other countries, particularly those
affected by severe human rights violations, to provide aid to those in
need.
As part of her trip to the U.S., Cox was accompanied by ANCA Eastern
Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian, HART-US Executive
Director Donna Mundy, ANC of United Kingdom member Vahan Krikorian,
and ANCA Eastern Region Board Member Ani Tchaghlasian, at a series of
meetings with human rights groups including Human Rights Watch and
Human Rights Foundation.
Spotlight on power of grassroots advocacy
A consistent theme in the remarks offered throughout the evening was
the expansion of the ANCA's dedicated network of grassroots supporter
throughout the Eastern United States.
ANCA ER Banquet Committee Co-chairperson Karine Shnorhokian was
eloquent in her welcoming message, thanking her fellow banquet
committee volunteers and the collective efforts of all present to
ensure not only the success of the banquet, but of the broader goals
of the organization.
`Together, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and our
success could not happen without each and every one of you. ... As the
list of Freedom and Vahan Cardashian Award winners grows, those in
this room tonight are witness to a special moment in history,' she
said.
Speaking on behalf of the ANCA-ER, George Aghjayan discussed the
importance of Hai Tahd and the ANCA's work to rally the youth in
support of our common cause.
`As we work on these things over the years, any cause like ours, which
is so strongly activist-based, is going to take risks and have
successes and failures over the years. We accept those failures and
embrace the successes. ... You're going to see how many young people are
involved in our cause and embrace the cause. This is something we've
done exceptionally well,' Aghjayan commented.
ARF Eastern Region Central Committee Chairman Dr. Ara Chalian
addressed the crowd, saying, `I'm excited with the work the ANCA does
every day and what will come in the future. This is a grassroots
organization. It's everyone in the room; it's those who have lifted
their phones, asked questions, educated, hit the button on the
computer. This is a celebration of a year's work and a lifetime of
work. Now, we can go out and engage others in this work.'
In his concluding remarks, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian
offered many thanks to supporters. `Ours is an ethic of quiet service.
Ours is a tradition of humble sacrifice. We're not supposed to say
thank you because we're all doing our duty, our responsibility to our
cause and our community. I think each of you in this room holds a
special love and respect for everyone else here because you are
brothers and sisters in common cause. We're soldiers and that binds us
very close together, and that's a great treasure,' he commented.
Mistress of ceremonies Nora Kzirian navigated the evening with skill
and eloquence, inviting Alyne Corrigan to sing the American and
Armenian national anthems, followed by a moving invocation by
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
`We commend this organization's dedication to truth and justice for
the Armenian nation and for all peoples of the world,' said Archbishop
Choloyan, who has worked with the ANCA national, regional, and local
affiliates in support of justice for the Armenian Genocide, including
efforts to secure the return of stolen Christian churches and
properties from Turkey.
Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Garabedian of the Armenian Catholic Exarchate of
America later offered the evening's benediction.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ambassador Garen Nazarian,
permanent representative of Armenia to the United Nations; ARF Bureau
member Hagop Der Khatchadourian; ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian; Diocesan
Council Vice Chairman Dr. Raffy Hovanessian; Prelacy Executive Council
member Sarkis Ohanessian; Armenian Missionary Association of America
Executive Director Levon Filian; Armenia Fund USA Chairman Khoren
Bandazian; ARS Eastern Region Board members Suzy Azarian and Sevan
Kolejian; AYF Eastern Region Central Executive member Yervant
Kachichian; Hairenik Weekly Editor Zaven Torigian; Armenian Weekly
Assistant Editor Nanore Barsoumian, and many prominent community
benefactors.
The Armenian a cappella folk trio Zulal performed a variety of songs,
entertaining the crowd with their smooth voices and unique sound. They
journeyed back in time to historic Armenia and weaved a story through
their music, captivating attendees and providing a break in the
program.
Attendees also watched a seven-minute video of ANCA-ER highlights from
the past year, which was directed by ANCA activist Justin Kaladjian.
The night began with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction
at 6:30 p.m. With more than 50 auction items, attendees were able to
bid on a variety of gifts, from cruise tickets to autographed sports
gear to authentic Armenian paintings.
Joining Shnorhokian in organizing the Eastern Region Banquet were
Nicole Alashaian, Taline Chalian, Sarine Adishian, Aram Afarian, Talin
Apkarian, Gassia Asadourian, Isabel Kubikian, Alice Movsesian, Tamar
Nahabedian, James Sahagian, Maral Sahagian, Talar Sarafian, and Meline
Toufayan. The silent auction committee was chaired by Bea Movsesian,
with help from Talin Daghlian, Maral Kaprielian, Lynn Mahlebjian, Lisa
Movsesian-Ramos, Mary Ohanessian, Silva Takvorian, and Stephanie
Torossian.
Alex & Ani creator Carolyn Rafaelian also made a special charm
necklace for Baroness Cox.
More than 100 banquet guests and ANCA activists from the New York and
New Jersey area enjoyed a casual evening of celebration on Nov. 30 at
48 Lounge in New York City, organized by Tamar Nahabedian.
Pictures from the ANCA Eastern Region Banquet, taken by Diran Jebejian
of Jebejian Images, are available on the ANCA Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151214232781859.452118.16968936858&type=1 .
Video from the banquet will be posted to the ANCA YouTube page in the
upcoming days, and can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ancagrassroots.
From: A. Papazian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/12/07/6th-annual-anca-er-banquet-held-in-nj/
December 7, 2012
WATERTOWN, Mass. - More than 300 gathered for an evening of celebration,
recognition, and reflection at the Armenian National Committee of
America Eastern Region's (ANCA-ER) 6th Annual Banquet, where Armenian
studies luminary Dr. Richard Hovannisian and Artsakh (Karabagh) rights
champion, her Ladyship Baroness Caroline Cox, were bestowed the
organization's highest honors.
After successful events held annually in New York, Rhode Island, and
Massachusetts, New Jersey was the site of the Dec. 1 banquet, with the
festivities held at the beautiful Sheraton Crossroads in Mahwah.
A scene from the ANCA-ER Banquet (L-R) ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian, mistress of ceremonies Nora Kzirian, ARF Bureau member
Hagop Der Khatchadourian, Very Reverend Father Tomas Garabedian,
Armenian Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian, His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, ANCA-ER Freedom Award honoree Baroness
Caroline Cox, ANCA-ER Vahan Cardashian Award honoree Dr. Richard
Hovannisian, Virginia Davies, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, and NAASR
Academic Director Marc Mamigonian. (Photo by Diran Jebejian of
Jebejian Images)
Pallone praises youth outreach, education efforts
Among the special guests was New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone (D),
who praised the grassroots efforts of the ANCA and paid tribute to Dr.
Hovannisian and Baroness Cox with Community Service Awards. `One of
the best things about the ANCA is the different programs they have and
how they educate and get young people involved,' said Pallone. `As the
founder and co-chair of the Armenian Caucus in the House [of
Representatives] for so many years, I will tell you that without the
ANCA, grassroots activities of the Armenian community would really be
very minimal.'
Hovannisian: titan of Armenian scholarship
Marc Mamigonian, director of academic affairs at the National
Association of Armenian Studies (NAASR), gave a moving introduction
about Hovannisian, the Vahan Cardashian Award recipient.
Hovannisian, he said `is among the first generation of scholars who
shaped the field that was in its infancy when he began teaching at
UCLA a half century ago. In 1969, he became the first professor of
modern Armenian studies in the United States. ... You may have heard
that Professor Hovannisian is retired. Friends, don't believe him,'
Mamigonian joked.
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-chair Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) with
ANCA-ER Vahan Cardashian Award honoree Dr. Richard Hovannisian and
ANCA-ER Freedom Award honoree Baroness Caroline Cox. (Photo by Diran
Jebejian of Jebejian Images)
Hovannisian is a professor of Armenian and Near Eastern studies at
UCLA. He has authored many books and edited and contributed to at
least a dozen other works. In 1987, he was appointed the first holder
of the Armenian Educational Foundation Endowed Chair in Modern
Armenian History at UCLA.
`I'm deeply honored and thankful to the ANCA for considering me worthy
of receiving this award. Vahan Cardashian remains a champion and a
symbol for the Armenian people. I feel very satisfied after my long
career, and I feel rewarded that I've had more than a half century of
wonderful experiences in the classroom teaching generations regarding
Armenian history and identity,' Hovannisian said.
Cox: matron saint of Artsakh quest for freedom
Virginia Davies, a longtime friend and supporter of the ANCA,
introduced Baroness Cox before presenting her with the ANCA Freedom
Award.
`Karabagh has known no more committed and no more constant friend than
Baroness Cox. From a position of great influence in the British House
of Lords, Baroness Cox has spent 25 years educating, advocating, and
leading humanitarian efforts on the ground in Karabagh,' said Davies.
Cox came to the podium to a standing ovation, like Hovannisian, and
warmly greeted those in attendance. She presented a brief slideshow,
showing photos from her travels to Karabagh and offering inspiring
thoughts for the future.
`Speaking in the British Parliament is a place to give voice to the
voiceless, to speak for those who can't speak for themselves. ... I
would like to say thank you to the Armenian people, who in that holy
land of Artsakh have formed that front line of faith and freedom for
the rest of the world. We who live in freedom, we who call ourselves
Christian, owe you a debt of gratitude for holding that front line for
us. With all my heart, I thank you,' the Baroness said.
Cox has visited Armenia and Nagorno- Karabagh 78 times to date, many
of them during the war with Azerbaijan in the early 1990's, and is
planning on at least two more visits in 2013. Working with the
Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART), she helped establish the Lady
Cox Rehabilitation Center in Stepanakert in 1998, which has become a
leader in providing care and rehabilitation for those with physical or
mental disabilities. It looks after babies, children, and adults who
have been disabled from birth, as well as patients suffering from war
injuries, accidents, and illnesses such as strokes.
HART is internationally recognized as a `center of excellence,'
disseminating its wide-ranging therapeutic repertoire far beyond
Karabagh to other countries throughout the South Caucasus.
Baroness Cox was awarded the ANCA Freedom Award for her undying
support of the Armenian people and for her dedication to human rights
for all. She has traveled to many other countries, particularly those
affected by severe human rights violations, to provide aid to those in
need.
As part of her trip to the U.S., Cox was accompanied by ANCA Eastern
Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian, HART-US Executive
Director Donna Mundy, ANC of United Kingdom member Vahan Krikorian,
and ANCA Eastern Region Board Member Ani Tchaghlasian, at a series of
meetings with human rights groups including Human Rights Watch and
Human Rights Foundation.
Spotlight on power of grassroots advocacy
A consistent theme in the remarks offered throughout the evening was
the expansion of the ANCA's dedicated network of grassroots supporter
throughout the Eastern United States.
ANCA ER Banquet Committee Co-chairperson Karine Shnorhokian was
eloquent in her welcoming message, thanking her fellow banquet
committee volunteers and the collective efforts of all present to
ensure not only the success of the banquet, but of the broader goals
of the organization.
`Together, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and our
success could not happen without each and every one of you. ... As the
list of Freedom and Vahan Cardashian Award winners grows, those in
this room tonight are witness to a special moment in history,' she
said.
Speaking on behalf of the ANCA-ER, George Aghjayan discussed the
importance of Hai Tahd and the ANCA's work to rally the youth in
support of our common cause.
`As we work on these things over the years, any cause like ours, which
is so strongly activist-based, is going to take risks and have
successes and failures over the years. We accept those failures and
embrace the successes. ... You're going to see how many young people are
involved in our cause and embrace the cause. This is something we've
done exceptionally well,' Aghjayan commented.
ARF Eastern Region Central Committee Chairman Dr. Ara Chalian
addressed the crowd, saying, `I'm excited with the work the ANCA does
every day and what will come in the future. This is a grassroots
organization. It's everyone in the room; it's those who have lifted
their phones, asked questions, educated, hit the button on the
computer. This is a celebration of a year's work and a lifetime of
work. Now, we can go out and engage others in this work.'
In his concluding remarks, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian
offered many thanks to supporters. `Ours is an ethic of quiet service.
Ours is a tradition of humble sacrifice. We're not supposed to say
thank you because we're all doing our duty, our responsibility to our
cause and our community. I think each of you in this room holds a
special love and respect for everyone else here because you are
brothers and sisters in common cause. We're soldiers and that binds us
very close together, and that's a great treasure,' he commented.
Mistress of ceremonies Nora Kzirian navigated the evening with skill
and eloquence, inviting Alyne Corrigan to sing the American and
Armenian national anthems, followed by a moving invocation by
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
`We commend this organization's dedication to truth and justice for
the Armenian nation and for all peoples of the world,' said Archbishop
Choloyan, who has worked with the ANCA national, regional, and local
affiliates in support of justice for the Armenian Genocide, including
efforts to secure the return of stolen Christian churches and
properties from Turkey.
Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Garabedian of the Armenian Catholic Exarchate of
America later offered the evening's benediction.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ambassador Garen Nazarian,
permanent representative of Armenia to the United Nations; ARF Bureau
member Hagop Der Khatchadourian; ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian; Diocesan
Council Vice Chairman Dr. Raffy Hovanessian; Prelacy Executive Council
member Sarkis Ohanessian; Armenian Missionary Association of America
Executive Director Levon Filian; Armenia Fund USA Chairman Khoren
Bandazian; ARS Eastern Region Board members Suzy Azarian and Sevan
Kolejian; AYF Eastern Region Central Executive member Yervant
Kachichian; Hairenik Weekly Editor Zaven Torigian; Armenian Weekly
Assistant Editor Nanore Barsoumian, and many prominent community
benefactors.
The Armenian a cappella folk trio Zulal performed a variety of songs,
entertaining the crowd with their smooth voices and unique sound. They
journeyed back in time to historic Armenia and weaved a story through
their music, captivating attendees and providing a break in the
program.
Attendees also watched a seven-minute video of ANCA-ER highlights from
the past year, which was directed by ANCA activist Justin Kaladjian.
The night began with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction
at 6:30 p.m. With more than 50 auction items, attendees were able to
bid on a variety of gifts, from cruise tickets to autographed sports
gear to authentic Armenian paintings.
Joining Shnorhokian in organizing the Eastern Region Banquet were
Nicole Alashaian, Taline Chalian, Sarine Adishian, Aram Afarian, Talin
Apkarian, Gassia Asadourian, Isabel Kubikian, Alice Movsesian, Tamar
Nahabedian, James Sahagian, Maral Sahagian, Talar Sarafian, and Meline
Toufayan. The silent auction committee was chaired by Bea Movsesian,
with help from Talin Daghlian, Maral Kaprielian, Lynn Mahlebjian, Lisa
Movsesian-Ramos, Mary Ohanessian, Silva Takvorian, and Stephanie
Torossian.
Alex & Ani creator Carolyn Rafaelian also made a special charm
necklace for Baroness Cox.
More than 100 banquet guests and ANCA activists from the New York and
New Jersey area enjoyed a casual evening of celebration on Nov. 30 at
48 Lounge in New York City, organized by Tamar Nahabedian.
Pictures from the ANCA Eastern Region Banquet, taken by Diran Jebejian
of Jebejian Images, are available on the ANCA Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151214232781859.452118.16968936858&type=1 .
Video from the banquet will be posted to the ANCA YouTube page in the
upcoming days, and can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ancagrassroots.
From: A. Papazian