HCDSHARAR DEC 1987 VOLUME 74. NUMBER 10
ALEX MANOOGIAN Honorary President
EDWARD MAR DIG IAN Honorary Life Chairman There is no power on earth greater than that of giving a gift. Give generously to the AGBU this Christmas season. Your gift keeps the ABP. TORKOM MANOOGIAN ABP. VATCHE HOVSEPIAN Armenian spirit alive. Our best wishes to you and your loved ones Honorary Members during this joyous Christmas season. RICHARD McOMBER Chairman The AGBU Central Committee and Headquarters Staff HRANT AGBABIAN First Vice Chairman RITA BALIAN Second Vice Chairman JIRIRE BOYAJIAN Third Vice Chairman VICKI HOVANESSIAN Fourth Vice Chairman - - ZABELLE BUCHANAN Secretary GARY ZAMANIGIAN IS ISSUe Assistant Secretary COVER STORY JOHN HOPLAMAZIAN Treasurer 3 PRESIDENT'S CLUB YEGHIA DEUKMEDJIAN Assistant Treasurer GIA AIVAZIAN FEATURES SARKIS BROUSSALIAN NATIONAL PROGRAMS: ASADOUR HADJIAN MIHRAN KUPELIAN HOVIG MELIDONIAN 5 BROADENING ARMENIAN AWARENESS GARO NALBANDIAN ANNA MARIE NOREHAD AGBUINTERNS HAGOP PIANDARIAN RANDY SAPAH-GULIAN RICHARD TURNAMIAN BOGHOS YEREVANIAN DEPARTMENTS Members 8 CAMPNUBAR VARTKESS BALIAN 11 CHAPTER NEWS ARAX EXERJIAN YERVANT MAVIAN 15 PEOPLE Life Members 16 SPECIAL EVE NTS 22 OBITUARIES PARSEGH KARTALIAN 23 DATES TO REMEMBER Associate Director
Colette Copeland Acting Editor GDA,Inc Design Pictured on the cover Elizabeth Aghabian presenting a rare HOOSHARAR. (THE PROMPTER), Vo l. 74. No. 10 Dec. 19871SSN, No. 0018-4721 . Published monthly (except embroidery made by Armenian women In July and August by the Armenlon General (survivors of the Genocide) to the Governor Benevolent Un ion, Central Committee of America, 585 Saddle River Rood, Saddle Brook, N.J. 07662. Te l. for Mrs. Deukmejian. 1-201 -797-7600. Subscriptions $10.00 per year. Second class postage paid at Rochelle Pork, N.J. 07662 and at additional moiling ottlces. Postmaster: Send address ,change to the Armenian General Benevolent Union, 585 Saddle River Rood, Saddle Brook, N.J. 07662. Ten years of commitment. Join us in year eleven. Ten years ago, a small group of Armenian-Americans visited the Presi dent of the United States at the White House. That historic meeting served as the inaugural gathering of the AGBU President's Club, led by Honorary President Alex Manoogian. A decade later, the President's Club has grown six-fold and has em barked on ambitious new programs designed to help the AGBU promote the advancement of our emerging generation of leaders. . Planning for the future. That is the goal of the AGBU President's Club, and we would like you to join in our efforts.
AGBU PRESIDENT'S CLUB TENTH ANNIVERSARY MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
December 1, 1977: Life President, Alex Mmroogian , CCA Life Clrnimzatl , Edward Mnrdi,~in11 n11ri Sci Momjimr /Jci11g welcomed by Prcsidclll jimmy Cnrlcr. President's Club to Celebrate Tenth Anniversary with President and Mrs. carter in Plains, CA Now, ten years later, this expanded In 1988, the AGBU President's New Media group of distinguished President's Club will launch its newest program Fellowship on Club members will visit President to encourage the professional ad and Mrs. Carter in Plains, GA, in vancement of Armenian youth-the Agenda April1988 to thank them for their AGBU President's Club Media Fel many years of support for the lowship Program. The goal of the T en years ago, on December 1, Armenian community and for the program is to provide significant 1977, the inaugural meeting of the President's Club during its early financial and professional encourage AGBU President's Club took place in stages. ment to a highly selected number of the Roosevelt Room of the White The group will have much to report masters-degree holders in journalism House in Washington, DC. There, an about the steady growth of both the who are about to enter the competi unprecedented group of some 38 Club's membership and its pro tive media job market. The program Armenian-American community grams. The annual $1,000 contribu will provide six-month or one-year leaders and activists, led by AGBU tions of over 100 members provide hands-on apprenticeships at presti Life President Alex Manoogian, were critical support for the AGBU Central gious print and broadcast media es welcomed by President Jimmy Committee of America, totaling tablishments, during which time the Carter, who told them of the impor $150,000 in the past two years alone. candidate's salary and expenses will tance of Armenian contributions to The President's Club also financially be covered by the fellowship award. American life and urged them to join sponsors the New York Summer President's Club members have as community leaders in a unified Intern Program, which began in 1987 continued in the tradition of the first advocacy of Armenian-American with 14 students and will expand in 1977 Charter by meeting with high concerns. 1988 to 30 participants. ranking officials to discuss Armenian 3 December 1, 1977: Life President, Alex Ma11oogian, CCA Life Clraim!all, Edward Mardisirm a111l Set Momjia11 /lei11g welcomed /Jy Prcsidr11t jimmy Carter. President's Club to Celebrate Tenth Anniversary with President and Mrs. carter in Plains, OA Now, ten years later, this expanded In 1988, the AGBU President's New Media group of distinguished President's Club will launch its newest program Fellowship on Club members will visit President to encourage the professional ad and Mrs. Carter in Plains, GA, in vancement of Armenian youth-the Agenda April1988 to thank them for their AGBU President's Club Media Fel many years of support for the lowship Program. The goal of the T en years ago, on December 1, Armenian community and for the program is to provide significant 1977, the inaugural meeting of the President's Club during its early financial and professional encourage AGBU President's Club took place in stages. ment to a highly selected number of the Roosevelt Room of the White The group will have much to report masters-degree holders in journalism House in Washington, DC. There, an about the steady growth of both the who are about to enter the competi unprecedented group of some 38 Club's membership and its pro tive media job market. The program Armenian-American community grams. The annual $1,000 contribu will provide six-month or one-year leaders and activists, led by AGBU tions of over 100 members provide hands-on apprenticeships at presti Life President Alex Manoogian, were critical support for the AGBU Central gious print and broadcast media es welcomed by President Jimmy Committee of America, totaling tablishments, during which time the Carter, who told them of the impor $150,000 in the past two years alone. candidate's salary and expenses will tance of Armenian contributions to The President's Club also financially be covered by the fellowship award. American life and urged them to join sponsors the New York Summer President's Club members have as community leaders in a unified Intern Program, which began in 1987 continued in the tradition of the first advocacy of Armenian-American with 14 students and will expand in 1977 Charter by meeting with high concerns. 1988 to 30 participants. ranking officials to discuss Armenian 3 concerns and aspirations. At the AGBU 80th Anniversary celebrations in Washington, DC, in June 1986, Club members were invited to a luncheon in the Mansfield Room of the U.S. Senate where they met with Senators Robert Dole (R-KS), Carl Levin (0-MI), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and the late Edward Zorinsky (O-NE). In June of 1987, President's Club members were the guests of Gover nor George Deukmejian at a private their efforts on behalf of Armenian drive this winter and spring, target luncheon at the California State Capi youth, particularly in the area of ing New York/New Jersey, Detroit, tol. Governor Deukmejian praised education. and Los Angeles. The Club has set a the President's Club and its Honor The President's Club will seek to goal of adding 100 new members by ary President, Alex Manoogian, for expand its membership through a the end of 1988. D RECIONAL NEWS
encouraged them to feel a part of the President's Club AGBU community. Members Host At Bellini's Restaurant in New York Interns City, AGBU President's Club Chair men Vartkess and Rita Balian hosted T he AGBU summer interns were a July 10 reception and dinner. The treated to three welcoming recep Balians offered the interns back tions in the New York area hosted by ground on the establishment of the members of the AGBU President's program and toasted their future Club. Each of these events brought success. The dinner was also at the interns in closer touch with the tended by current AGBU Central individuals who made the intern Committee of America Chairman ner at their Englewood Cliffs home program possible and gave the stu Richard McOmber along with Mrs. on July 28. Mr. Nazarian is also a dents a chance to learn more about Adrienne McOmber, Michael and member of the AGBU Central Board; the AGBU and the President's Club. Judy Cheteyan, and President's Club Mrs. Nazarian is active in the New York/New Jersey AGBU chapter. At the dinner, the Nazarians presented the interns with two-year member ships in the AGBU, along with two year subscriptions to the AGBU's quarterly literary publication, ARARAT. At each of these events, the interns thanked the AGBU President's Club for its sponsorship of the intern pro gram and presented gifts of apprecia tion to the hosts. Lisa Kazanjian's comments were typical among the interns: "It was exciting for us to meet those responsible for creating the Intern Program. I know we all felt special to be the first AGBU interns. The hosts went out of their way to Club Vice President Louise Simone steering committee members who get to know us and were sincerely greeted the interns at a cocktail re generously donated the printing of interested in our summer experi ception at her Manhattan home on the program brochure, application ences. The receptions gave us an July 7. Ms. Simone congratulated the packet, and letterhead. opportunity to learn about the AGBU interns on being the pioneers of the Club Members Sarkis and Artemis and its activities, and helped us to first Summer Intern Program and Nazarian invited the interns to din- feel closer to one another." D 4 mountain I had looked at every day Broadening while growing up in Armenia. But to Armenian me the other side was a mystery-a place guarded by high fences and Awareness soldiers where no one was allowed." A s part of the interns' extra-curricular Intern Program Director Laurens schedule, the AGBU offered the sum Ayvazian discussed the resolutions mer interns a variety of lectures on introduced in the U.S. Congress to Armenian community affairs, culture, designate April24 as a national day and history to enhance their apprecia of remembrance for the Armenian tion of their Armenian identity. Genocide. As the former director of governmental affairs for the -~ Armenian Assembly in Washington, Ayvazian offered a first-hand account of the extent of Turkish lobbying against the resolutions. Intern Lisa Kazanjian stated that it was "upset ting for me to Jearn of the Turkish Lauren Yessayan (left) of the University tactics designed to prevent passage of Michigan conducted historical research of the Armenian resolutions:' and print co nservation of endangered The lecture series gives the interns artwo rk at both the New York City Art an opportunity to have informal, in Commission and the Health and Hospital depth discussions on Armenian top Corporation . ics and to ask probing questions at Program for urging them from the Professor Levan Marashlian of these personalized sessions. The very first day to be reliable, resource Glendale College gave a presentation interns agree that the series opened ful , and committed to the work of the on Turkish efforts to defeat legisla their eyes and, as Rita Tchalikian put office. "The AGBU gave us confi tion in California which would allo it, "the lectures made me realize that dence in our own ability to perform cate state money for a file on the Armenian issues are very much alive in a professional environment. Our Armenian Genocide. He offered in this country, even if settled unfa supervisors noticed our positive atti videotapes of the committee hearings vorably at the moment." D tudes," says Apkarian. at which testimony was presented The AGBU New York Summer both by Armenians who supported Interns Receive Job Intern Program is designed to offer the bill and by Turks who opposed it. undergraduate and graduate stu Intern Joe Maldjian described the Offers, Build dents the chance to obtain career lecture as a "fascinating discussion contacts training that relates to their field of on the behind-the-scenes politics of study. Through their internships, the Turkish attempts: to deny the "During my last week, I was asked students view themselves for the first Genocide." to stay on as a full-time paid staffer," time as professionals putting their Armenian art and architecture says Cassia Apkarian, an AGBU knowledge into practice. came to life during an informative intern from Los Angeles who worked Joseph Maldjian, a fourth-year lecture and slide presentation by at the office of New York Senator medical student at New Jersey's Uni Dr. Lucy Der Manuelian. Said Daniel Patrick Moynihan this sum versity of Medicine and Dentistry, intern Paul Koobatian, "Dr. Der mer. "For me, that was the ultimate obtained a rare glimpse at the emerg Manuelian's lecture left me and the signal that my hard work had really ing field of magnetic resonance imag other interns with a feeling of pride paid off." ing (MRI) and established valuable for being the descendants of a people A month after Lauren Yessayan contacts working at FONAR Corpo who had the talent and knowledge to began working at New York's Health ration. "MRI is at the forefront of create such beautiful works." Jane and Hospitals Corporation art collec current imaging modalities," states Karakashian added, "The sad fact is tion, she called home to Bloomfield Maldjian, "employing magnetic that nothing is being done to pre Hills, MI to say that she had been fields and radio frequency waves to serve the churches which, while still offered a full-time position as a con generate some of the most exquisite amazingly beautiful, are rapidly dete sultant for the conservation of endan and information-packed images of riorating." gered works of art. "My supervisors the body." Hamlet Nersesian showed slides told me that they liked my energetic from his climb up Mount Ararat in and creative approach and said that August 1986. Yerevan-born intern they didn't need to look any further Azniv Ketenchian found the to fill the opening." Nersesian presentation "fascinating Apkarian and Yessayan credit the because it was 'the other side' of a AGBU New York Summer Intern Earlier this year, Maldjian had dis covered that the various university hospitals in the New York area do not offer electives in MRI. Through the efforts of the AGBU, Maldjian ob tained a summer elective at FONAR under the guidance of its president, Dr. Raymond Damadian. "Dr. Damadian is recognized as a pioneer in this revolutionary technol ogy," says Maldjian. "The AGBU program has allowed me to learn about MRI, still in its infancy, at what may be considered the birthplace of the technology. I have been allowed the opportunity to establish the be ginnings of a relationship with FONAR. The significance and even tual impact of this relationship will only be fully appreciated in retro Johns ns Umverszty Gedachian, wrote regional columns about spect from some future point in economic development at the Office New York's Governor Mario Cuomo. time." Hovannes Kasparian, an MBA "The program is a good vehicle for intern. "I wrote 13 regionalized candidate at Chicago's DePaul Uni acquiring career-related experience columns about economic develop- versity, worked as an intern at the and making contacts which might be ment, and two of my columns were Financial Services Corporation of helpful in the future," he says. "I printed statewide. I also represented New York City. "Our department know that the people I met through the Governor's TEAMS program, was responsible for structuring fi FSC will open doors for me." visiting day camps on Long Island to nancing for small- and medium-sized Audrey Gedachian, a native of discuss drug awareness. The job companies at below-market rates to Worcester, MA, studying at Johns reference I received after my intern- induce them to expand or to stay in Hopkins University, also gave kudos ship made it all worthwhile," said New York City," he says. "During the to the program for its success in Gedachian. summer, I revised FSC's spreadsheet "placing the interns in high-powered The 14 participants in the inaugural and conducted a comparison of oper settings." She agreed that "the pro- 1987 program agree that their intern- ating costs between New York City gram was well-organized and ships helped them to establish a net- and New Jersey:' planned, and I found that the con- work of professional contacts that Kasparian feels that the AGBU tacts I made were excellent:' will be valuable to them in future job intern program provided valuable Gedachian worked for New York searches. Program Director Laurens exposure to the world of finance. Governor Mario Cuomo as a press Ayvazian states that "these contacts make an important difference when a DePaul University 's Hovannes Kasparian (second from L) redesigned spreadsheet student is trying to break into the job models for economic at the Financial Services Corporation of New York City. market. Knowing someone in your field alleviates the feeling of isolation that can often take hold during a job search." 0
Recital Karine Georgian, Cellist Sahan Arzr.uni, Pianist Town Hall January 15, 1988 8PM 123 W. 43rd St., NYC 212-840-2824 a lot we can learn from each other's Interns Inspire experiences," she said. 1988 Intern Program campNubar The AGBU interns spent the week To Expand end of July 24-25 at the camp, where "Many of the applicants to future they relaxed in the pristine hills and T he AGBU New York Summer In AGBU Intern programs are no doubt enjoyed swimming, boating, tennis, tern Program will be expanded to 30 seated in this room," said Intern Pro and volleyball. Camp Director Adam students in 1988, more than twice the gram Director Laurens Ayvazian to Aivazian, Mrs. Ani Aivazian, and the size of the 1987 program. over 100 campers and counselors at a camp staff, formally welcomed the Interns will again be housed in Camp Nubar gathering on July 25 for interns and extended warm hospital adjoining single rooms at Columbia the AGBU summer interns. "You ity throughout the two-day visit. University in Manhattan. Students in came to Camp Nubar because you Campers and counselors took ad non-paying internships will be pro believe in maintaining your vantage of the interns' visit, asking vided with a two-month housing Armenian identity. The AGBU Intern them detailed questions about their stipend. Program is a logical next step for positions, and what the application those who want both to gain career procedure to the program involves. Applications Now Available training and to maintain strong ties Intern Coordinator Kris Markarian to other Armenians," he explained. spoke at length with camp coun Applications for the program are The crowd burst into applause selors about to enter college, and told now available by written request to: when Director Ayvazian introduced them that the best time to apply was interns Rita Tchalikian and Nairi after, at least, their sophomore year AGBU New York Summer Checkosky, who were both campers of college. Intern Program and later counselors at Camp Nubar On their return to New York City, 114 East 27th Street in 1983-84. Tchalikian told the the interns met to discuss sugges New York, NY 10016 campers, "Set your sights on the tions as to how the camp might ex AGBU Intern Program for a future pand its programming to provide an Please use the convenient postcard summer. You'll strengthen the feeling even more rewarding experience for request form in this edition of the of closeness with Armenians that you Armenian young people. The interns Hoosharar to request an application, have experienced at the camp, and presented a list of observations and or call Program Director Laurens you'll have an edge when applying recommendations to then-Chairman Ayvazian in Washington, DC, at for jobs later on." of the AGBU Central Committee of (202) 483-2242. Nairi Checkosky, Miss AGBU 1987, America, Vartkess Balian. D In addition to the completed appli stressed the link between the various cation form, candidates must submit youth programs sponsored by the a resume, official current transcript, AGBU. "It is important to keep in two letters of recommendation, and contact with the other AGBU pro a writing sample. The submission grams, because we are all a source of deadline for the summer 1988 pro support for one another and there is gram is February 19, 1988. D
7 camp Nubar committee Begins Preparations for 1988 season
T he newly formed AGBU Camp director. He has been involved with to the Committee. Subcommittees for Nubar Committee has actively begun the Alumni Committee for six years counselor and camper recruitment, preparations for the upcoming 1988 and has been an active Committee fundraising, programming, long summer session. The new Commit member for four years. He is cur range planning and operations, and tee is composed of many former rently a freelance photographer in maintenance were formed. In addi campers and counselors, (including New York City. Lori Keurian is the tion, the Committee has formed re head counselors and a former direc new vice chairperson. She has been gional committees to help promote tor of Camp Nubar), parents of both a camper and counselor at Camp Nubar in other parts of the campers and counselors, and other Camp. She was one of the organizers country. Regional committees have interested AGBU members. Cumula of the Camp Nubar Alumni Associa been formed in Toronto, Canada, tively, the Committee members have tion and has been an active member Philadelphia, Boston, and Los many years of experience in organiz of the Camp Nubar Committee for Angeles. Plans are underway for ing and managing Camp Nubar. four years. She is currently a real slide shows, interview counselors, The new Committee chairperson is estate attorney in New York City. and sponsor-fundraising events in Stephen Donelian who began attend The Camp Nubar Committee has those areas. ing Camp Nubar at the age of 7. He divided itself into a number of sub Anyone interested in joining the was a counselor for many years and committees. Each subcommittee will Camp Nubar Committee should call eventually became the Waterfront meet independently and report back the AGBU at (201) 797-7600 . 0 8 ACBU camp Nubar A cathering in the committee Visits Hamptons camp Nubar OnSeptember 19, the Agacan fam il y opened their hearts and their beautiful home in the Hamptons, NY, OnOctober 17, the Camp Nubar to the AGBU Camp Nubar Alumni Committee, Richard McOmber, and Association. Mona Agacan, co-Chair Serge Belanger visited Camp Nubar. person of the Camp Nubar Alumni, The group met at the AGBU Center organized the event. in Saddle Brook, NJ, and drove to The alumni spent the day at the Camp Nubar in the Camp's van Agacan home where they savored through the magnificent fall land one of the last days of summer. Al Discussing future Camp Nubar scape of upstate New York. though the weather didn't exactly renovations. The purpose of the trip was two cooperate, they enjoyed a barbecue, fold . First, to introduce Camp Nubar On arriving at the Camp, the group dancing, and listening to the music of to Serge Belanger. Mr. Belanger, ath was warmly welcomed by Bob and Eddie Ajarnian and Andre Farah. Mr. letic director for the Alex Manoogian Jean Basmajian, the Camp care and Mrs. Agacan and Mona were School in Montreal, Quebec, coordi takers. The Committee was immedi gracious hosts; they donated all the nates summer camp excursions for ately whisked away in a hay-filled food and drinks, and over $400 was the students at the Manoogian tractor and enjoyed a full guided tour raised to benefit Camp Nubar. School. Mr. Belanger and the Com of Camp Nubar. Bob Basmajian and mittee are exploring the possibility of the Committee evaluated the condi having the Manoogian School stu tion of each building and discussed dents participate in the 1988 Camp necessary renovations, while enjoy session . ing the beautiful autumn scenery Second, the Committee is in the surrounding the Camp. process of developing a long-range The group spent the night at the capital improvement plan for Camp Mountaindale Chalet in local Bovina, Nubar. As such, the Committee has NY, where they enjoyed a home evaluated the condition of the cooked German meal and spent the Camp's buildings and grounds, and evening talking about Camp Nubar's has hired an architect to draw up present and future. blueprints for both renovation and A slide show of the summer of 1987 Camper Nubar alumni at the Agacan construction purposes. The Commit was presented to the Committee home. tee has formed a long-range planning members. The show will be pre The Camp Nubar Alumni Associa sub-committee, which will raise sented across the country in the com tion was formed five years ago. funds for the required capital im ing year to introduce Camp Nubar to Former campers and counselors raise provements. Armenian communities. 0 funds for the Camp, organize social events to keep alumni in contact with each other, and donate their time at Camp during the summer to help in a variety of tasks. For more information about the Camp Nubar Alumni Association, please call the AGBU at (201) 797-7600. 0
9 The reunion also gives interested Campers and counselors come from Reunion Planned parents and children who have never as far away as South Africa, Europe, T he AGBU Camp Nubar Alumni been to Camp Nubar a perfect oppor and South America. Camp Nubar Association and Committee will be tunity to meet the people who run it. gives young Armenians the opportu hosting the annual Camp Nubar Head Staff and Committee members nity to spend a summer with Arme Christmas Reunion on Sunday, De will be available to discuss plans for nians in an atmosphere where they cember 27, 1987 from 2-5 p.m. at the the summer 1988, and to answer all can learn about and share their heri AGBU Center in Saddle Brook. The questions. tage and culture. reunion gives campers, counselors, Camper applications for the 1988 The Camp Nubar Committee and alumni, parents, and friends an op summer session will be available. Head Staff will host an informational portunity to share the holiday season This year campers who enroll for meeting for anyone interested in and memories of fun at Camp Nubar. camp prior to May 15, 1988, will re being a counselor at Camp Nubar in This year, as always, Santa will visit ceive a free Camp Nubar Beach 1988 on December 27, 1987. The and distribute special Camp Nubar Towel. Tuition discounts for early meeting will immediately follow the gifts to the children. Entertainment enrollment for certain sessions annual Camp Nubar Christmas Re will be provided by the campers and and family discounts will also be union, which all are invited to at counselors, and refreshments will be available. tend. The meeting will be held at the served. The Camp Nubar Alumni and AGBU Center in Saddle Brook, NJ, Committee encourage all friends of from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Available posi Camp Nubar to join them at there tions, salaries, and job descriptions union this year. It promises, as al will be discussed. The program for ways, to be fun and full of surprises. 1988 will be outlined and staff appli For more information, please call the cations will be distributed. Girls' Head Counselor Melissa Arzrouni AGBU at (201) 797-7600. 0 Anyone (whether or not they have with camper Stacey Kellian. attended Camp Nubar in the past) who is interested in a counselor posi tion is urged to attend. If you are Information for interested in being a counselor but Young Adults cannot attend the informational Interested in Staff meeting, please write the AGBU at: AGBU Camp Nubar Positions 585 Saddle River Road Saddle Brook, NJ 07662 T he AGBU Camp Nubar Commit Or call (201) 797-7600. A staff applica tee is now accepting applications tion will be sent to you immediately. from young Armenian adults to be Interviews will be held in February counselors at Ca~ . p Nubar during and March of 1988. 0 the summer of 1988. Counselor posi tions are available for people who will be at least 16 years old by June 25, 1988. Counselor in-training posi tions (C.I.T.s) for 16-year-olds, junior counselor positions for 17-year-olds, and senior counselor positions for young people 18 years and older are offered. Counselors are expected to take care of a group of children, and help or lead in an activity offered at Camp. Activities offered at the Camp include Armenian language, dance and history, swimming, sailing, ca noeing, rowing, waterskiing, tennis, horseback riding, photography, arts and crafts, ceramics, general sports, and archery. Salaries vary according to age and experience. Camp Nubar is a sleep-away camp located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains on over 400 acres of land with its own spring-fed lake. Life President Alex Manoogian (seated) receives jack Kazanjian (left) and Richard McOmber (right) in his office. Richard McOmber Visits Alex Manoogian School and Detroit Armenian community Leaders
T he dynamic chairman of the continue the vigorous leadership set help the Central Board of Directors in AGBU Central Committee of Amer by his predecessor, Vartkess Balian. its countless community projects. ica, Richard McOmber, was invited He briefly outlined the AGBU's re An attorney by profession, Richard October 6-7 by the Racine, WI, Chap cent achievements and its immediate McOmber reflected on how he came ter of the AGBU to give a talk on the plans for the future, noting this to be associated with Armenians and activites and goals of the AGBU. year's maJOr successes-the Presi theAGBU. On his way back home, Mr. dent's Club, headed by Vartkess and "When I was at law school," he told McOmber stopped in Detroit and Rita Balian, the Intern Program in the students, "I became acquainted paid an official visit to AGBU Life New York City, Camp Nubar, and the with a fellow student who was Arme President Alex Manoogian at his Youth Olympics in Toronto. nian. When I asked her what an-Arme Masco Company headquarters. Jack The Central Committee of America nian was, she suggested I go to the Kazanjian, Chairman and Vice is stressing the importance of the library and read up on the subject. I Chairman of the AGBU Detroit Coor AGBU becoming a financially solvent went to the library and read a book dinating Committee, and Edmond organization. The aim is to raise titled The Forty Days of Musa Dagh . Azadian were also at the meeting. $300,000 before the end of the year, As for the young Armenian lady, I Mr. McOmber stated that during the intention being to first attain self ended up marrying her." his tenure as chairman he intends to sufficiency and, in the near future, to Mr. McOmber stressed the impor- 11 about that heritage through my con tacts and readings, and I have come to admire it-I feel I am a member of the Armenian community." Mr. McOmber concluded his re marks by reiterating that the purpose of the AGBU is to help Armenians. "At one time, when Armenian refu gees were in need of aid, the AGBU supplied them with food, milk, and clothing. Now the focus of the AGBU is on education and culture. The AGBU helps young Armenians to go to universities, receive a higher education and become productive members in both the Armenian com munity and American society:' D
Cleveland
J erry Tarkanian, Head Basketball Coach at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, delighted a large audience at the AGBU's Cleveland Chapter program on Sunday evening, Octo ber 4, at the Stadium Club. Alex Manoogian School, with Coach Tarkanian, who recently Dr. Nadya Sarafian (left) , teacher Dyana Kezelian, and student Taleen Azadian . completed 25 years as a collegiate basketball coach, was introduced by tance of education and added that tage over me. You are Armenian and Sam Mirakian, his cousin and child the AGBU earmarks most of its I am not. You should feel proud to be hood friend. Chapter Vice Chairman budget to Armenian education, offer the inheritors of an ancient and rich Matthew Hatchadorian served as ing nearly 400 scholarships to Arme culture. You must try to carry the M.C. nian university students every year. torch and preserve your heritage and The nation's "winningest" active He also reflected upon the AGBU ethnic traditions. I have learned a lot basketball coach talked and an- youth athletic games which recently took place in the Canadian city of (Left to Right) Jerry Tarkanian, Martha Hacherian, Matthew Hatchadorian, Sam Mirakian. Toronto. He encouraged the partici pation of an even larger number of high school students in this popular annual event. Mr. McOmber an nounced that next year's AGBU Olympics would take place in Miami, FL, during the month of August. The AGBU of America Chairman also spoke about Camp Nubar, lo cated 150 miles northwest of New York City. He described Camp Nubar as heaven on earth for young Arme nians wishing to spend their summer vacation in a beautiful setting. He pointed out the various athletic and cultural activities that the camp of fers, and the camaraderie which de velops among the campers. Reflecting upon the fact that he is not Armenian, Mr. McOmber told the students, "You have an advan- 12 swered questions about his child Past president Margaret Tarakajian hood days in EucHd, OH, his Fresno undertook the initiation, welcoming Intermediates Banquet Armenian background, and his to the chapter new members Anita coaching career and philosophy. Bogossian, Nancy Burdman, and T he Fresno Intermediates held a The Cleveland Chapter was Takouhi Soultanian. deluxe shish kebab banquet on Octo pleased to have among its guests Vivian Hovsepian presented ber 18 at the AGBU Hall. AGBU Associate Director Mona Richard McOmber and Mona The event, chaired by Vickie Karoghlanian. She was accompanied Karoghlanian with the chapter's an Occhinero, was attended by 160 by Allan Federdjian of Montreal, nual remittance of $4,000 to the Cen guests who were entertained with Canada, Eugene and Sonia Karadjian tral Committee of America. (This a comedy directed by Jirair of Toronto, Canada, and Krikor donation is earmarked for the reno Jabagchourian. The cast of characters Oknayan of Detroit, Ml, all members vation of the recreation room at included Bob Murgrdechian, and of the AGBU Central Games Com Camp Nubar.) 0 Carla and Harry Donobedian. mittee. Several local college and high The Rev. Tatoulian gave the open school basketball coaches and players ing and closing prayer. Yeretzgin were also present. Araxie Tatoulian gave an informative At the close of the Program, Chair and entertaining presentation in man Martha Hacherian expressed Armenian, and sang a few songs. appreciation to Coach Tarkanian for A bake sale, run by Doris giving his time and support to the Kasparian, offered the senior AGBU AGBU, and presented him with a Wisconsin ladies' famous choereg and a variety sketch by artist Dick Duggan of the of pastries donated by the AGBU T he Greater Wisconsin Chapter Cleveland Plain Dealer. 0 Intermediate members. of the AGBU received Richard McOmber, Chairman of the AGBU Arts Festival Northern Central Committee of America, as its The Fresno Chapter will be accepting New Jersey guest of honor on October 6 at a sup entries for its Tenth Annual AGBU per meeting held at the Crystal Ridge Central California Armenian Arts New Members Inducted Ski Lodge in Franklin. Festival, to be held Wednesday The Ski Lodge is owned and oper through Sunday, February 24-28, OnSeptember 15, the Northern ated by John and Lynn Kaishian of 1988. New Jersey Chapter of the AGBU Milwaukee, and has been made Amateur Armenian artists of all held a luncheon at Charlie Brown's available to the Chapter for its ages and levels are encouraged to restaurant in Tenafly for 30 members meetings. submit entries in various categories, and six guests-among them the Chapter members were delighted which include painting, sculpture, newly elected Chairman of the Cen to have the opportunity of meeting and ceramics; photography; litera tral Committee of America, Richard Richard McOmber, and of hearing his ture, prose, and poetry. All judging McOmber. presentation on the AGBU's past will be done on an anonymous basis. Following the luncheon, Chapter accomplishments, as well as its fu Further information and entry Chairman Vivian Hovsepian called ture plans and goals. They were also forms are available by writing the the meeting to order and asked that pleased to witness the presentation Fresno Chapter at 1720 Fulton Sh·eet, standing committee chairmen give of a plaque to Claire Kadamian, a 30- Fresno, CA 93721, or by calling the their reports. Richard McOmber be year member, who received a "most office at (209) 233-5626. Entries must gan the proceedings with a brief out valuable volunteer award" at the last be submitted no later than February line of the AGBU's accomplishments. AGBU convention. 0 7,1988. 0 Richard McOmber presents Wisconsin chapter member Claire Kadamian with an award.
13
series of eight albums (with corres other young musicians were brought ponding cassettes) entitled Positively together for an album presenting Positively Armenian. Louise Simone is the pro Armenian dancing songs, folk songs, ducer, Arzruni the artistic director. and original compositions. Armenian An entire album is devoted to the The young violinist Levon singing of the distinguished contralto Chilingirian, winner of several inter Lili Chookasian. She performs 17 national competitions and well ASeries of songs, including melodies by Komi known in England, has formed a Recordings and tas, Aram Khachaturian, Romanos string quartet that bears his name Melikyan, Alan Hovhaness, Alexan and features him as first violinist. cassettes der Dolukhanyan, Sirvart Kara The quartet tours regularly in Europe manuk, Sahan Arzruni, Schahan and America, enjoying a fine reputa Berberian, Richard Yardumian, Ara tion. The recording devoted to per T he following***** article appeared in a Bartevian, Aram Merangulyan, and formances by the Chilingirian recent issue of Hayreniki Dzayn, a Ashot Satyan, as well as the majestic Quartet includes Sargis publication of the Committee for and pining" Akna krunk." It was a Aslamazyan's Annenian Suite after Cultural Relations with Armenians revelation to hear the noted Arme Komitas, Aram Khachaturian's Dou Abroad. It is signed by Shake nian-American composer Richard ble Fugue, Eduard Mirzoyan's Quartet, Varsyan, a veteran correspondent of Yardumian's "Narek," based on a and Ludwig Bazil's Th e Abandoned the paper, and is presented here in segment of Narekatsi's Book of Lamen Churches of Ani. translation. tations and dedicated to Lili Each album contains a booklet pro Chookasian. Listening to Miss viding the Armenian texts, corres Chookasian's unique interpretation, ponding transliterations, and English Louise Manoogian***** Simone , Vice one cannot disagree with the music translations. Each record cover pro President of the AGBU, and the critic of The Chicago Tribune who vides extensive liner notes on the noted pianist and ethnomusicologist, wrote, "When she sings a song, it composers and the works presented. Sahan Arzruni, visited Armenia a stays sung." Sahan Arzruni is the assisting artist few years ago at the invitation of the On another album we hear the at the piano in all instances. Committee for Cultural Relations glorious bass Ara Berberian, star of A number of distinguished musi with Armenians Abroad. They had in the Metropolitan Opera. The music cians and American composers have mind an extensive and formidable critic of the Cincinnati Enquirer wrote, expressed admiration for the series. project for the preservation of Arme "I would make a trip to Babylon just Composer David Amram writes: nian culture (in the Diaspora]: to to hear the superb basso Ara "The beauty of Armenian music has present on long-playing records and Berberian sing those ominous, elo influenced much of our 20th centu cassettes one of Armenian culture's quent recitatives." Yet all the Dias ry's finest artistic achievements . ... most vivid expressions-its music in pora Armenian has to do in order to At last, those of us who appreciate its various facets. hear Berberian is to obtain these rec this music now have the opportunity "Armenian music, the sustenance ords and listen to them leisurely at to hear recordings which display the of the Armenian soul, ought to be home, and become acquainted with talents of artists who have come from disseminated and made known some of the treasures in the rich rep this background and who have dis throughout the world; both Arme ertoire of Armenian song. covered new ways to interpret bold nians and non-Armenians should A third record features violinist Ani feelings. Positively Annen ian is a mile hear it-to enjoy, appreciate, and Kavafian, winner of many interna stone for all people who love Arme understand it the way they respond tional awards, performing music by nian music." to the best Western music," Mrs. Khachaturian, Babadjanyan, and This project must continue. Under Simone said at the time. "The situa Hovhaness. The piano music of the Positively Armenian banner new tion for the Diaspora Armenian is Hovhaness, including his Suite, Pas recordings should be released, as perhaps somewhat different. toral, Two Ghazals, Achtamar, and sembling classic and contemporary Whether he speaks his native tongue Twelve Armenian Folk Songs, is pre works, all that is authentically Arme or not, in his ethnic music he will sented on a separate disc in a deeply nian. No master performer, no tal find an expression of his soul as well felt performance by Arzruni. Yet an ented composer should be left out of as echoes of the souls of his ances other album features The Ensemble the series. tors. And once familiar with this of Ancient Wind Instruments, under The Positively Armen ian records are music, he will want to listen all the the direction of Karlen Mirzoyan. available through the AGBU, 585 time, in his own home, to the records Kamanchist Andranik Aroustamian, Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook, NJ we are producing:' It was a noble ud player George Mgrdichian, and 07662, or by calling Barbara idea. singers Michael Kermoyan, Anita Boghosian at (201) 797-7600. They are Recently, Louise Simone and Darian, and Kay Armen are well also marketed in various record Arzruni were again guests of the known in American music circles. shops, including Tower Records in Committee. They brought along a These artists and an assemblage of the New York metropolitan area. 0 15 Cast of characters of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Halloween Treats at Alex Manoogian School H alloween customs are observed Linus; Ara Kaypekian as Sally; Jackie Klugman's puppet show on October 31 in many parts of the George Nalkranian as Charlie played to the students more than world. Their origins lie in pagan Brown; Lisa Akyian as Lucy; Chuckie once, and to the public on Grandpar times when people believed that Yessayan as Snoopy; Neshon ents' Day on November 6. witches, demons and spirits of the Abadjian and Jamil Hamade, as trick Grandparents' Day is observed dead roamed the earth on the eve of or treaters. yearly at the Alex Manoogian School, November 1. Bonfires were lit to In the story, Linus is a peculiar boy with songs, recitations, and artistic drive the evil spirits away, and to in his neighborhood. He sincerely performances, offered to an audience protect themselves from their tricks, believes that the Great Pumpkin will made up of a great number of grand people tried to fool the demons by show up on Halloween night. In parents. Everyone enjoyed the fun wearing scary masks themselves. stead of going out to trick or treat, he the narrator of the puppet show, the Some devout Christian priests and waits all night in a pumpkin patch for musician, and the manipulators of parishioners condemn these pagan the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. the puppets (the puppets were made practices, but most children enjoy the The only kid who believes Linus is by the students themselves). While game of trick or treat on Halloween, Sally. While all the others are out the fifth graders were responsible for because it gives them an opportunity enjoying trick or treating, Linus and the puppet show, Grandparents' to amass lots of candy, and dress up Sally are scanning the skies in a Day saw the participation of the en as witches and ghosts. pumpkin patch for the appearance of tire school. Halloween at the AGBU Alex the Great Pumpkin-which never Headmistress Dr. Nadya Sarafian, Manoogian school in Southfield, MI, shows up. Frustrated, Sally tells her elementary school teachers Jackie was highlighted by a puppet show, friend Linus, "I believed in you! I Klugman, Satig Andriassian "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie missed trick or treat because I sat in Kennedy, Lucene Meguerditchian, Brown," prepared by fifth grade this pumpkin patch all night. It was Anahid Toumajan, Arpi Kaissarian, teacher Jackie Klugman. The cast of stupid, and you owe me restitution!" and Keganus Keledjian prepared a characters included Suzanne Abou "Stupid?" shrieks Linus. "What do fine program and their students an Elkheir as the narrator; Sarkis you mean, 'stupid'? Just wait until equally fine performance. 0 Arakelian who was in charge of the next year, and the Great Pumpkin music; Vartan Terian in the role of will come!" 16
------Artist Levon Prepares Major Exhibit in Fort Lauderdale
F ormer Florida resident Levon Oamgochian), the noted painter printmaker residing in the Washing ton, DC, area since 1972, is returning to his former home for Christmas to mount his most comprehensive one man show in the Southeast to date. A unique construction in Fort Lauderdale's revitalized downtown core-the multimillion dollar Bra ward County Main Library-and its art committee will be sponsoring Levan's major exhibit January 2 to 30, 1988, in their elegant fifth-floor gallery. The exhibit will consist of large and medium-size mixed-media oils, ink watercolors, drawings, lithographs, etchings, and embossings. Subtitled "Odyssey 1980-1987," the works are from Diary August 80, Ararat & Fore fathers, Unity Is Strength, Human Rights, and his most recent works, Love, Life. Many of these works will be shown for the first time, and on January 8, a reception will be held for dignitaries and selected guests. A graduate of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy, Levan needs no introduction. With an ex tensive international exhibition rec ord to his credit, Levan describes himself as an artist "fully devoted to the poetry of paint." His personal anc innovative style has led to his works being displayed in public and private collections, such as the Lowe Arts Museum in Miami, Le Musee Arme nien de France in Paris, Museo di San Lazzaro in Venice, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, the perceptions visible to all who will And from a full-page feature in Th e National Gallery and Museum of see. To surrender to interior wander Miami Herald, "Mount Ararat fea Modern Art in Yerevan, and the Alex ing; to search for fragments of the tures [in Levan's work] as a symbol & Marie Manoogian Museum in soul; to eventually find shelter from of hope for humanity:' 0 Etchmiadzin. one's own suffering is the realm of Critical acclaim has not been lack the artist. It is not a commonplace ing. Following Levan's 1984 Euro journey, for the heart must remain Books and Records from the AGBU pean tour, one critic wrote: "Levan companion to the brain. It is a road BOOK SERVICE make great gifts for offers love of his special subject, Hay chosen by Levan ... Communicating CHRISTMAS or ANYTIME! Call asdan, Mount Ararat. His most senti that impossible-to-explain feeling AGBU (201) 797-7600 for a copy of mental works are also his most creates a higher order of color-shape the new book list. complex spiritual connections .. . terminology." 17 Firebrand, Henrik lgitian Bridges Art cap Between Armenia and America
The following is reprin ted courtesy of collections of works by Armenian press efforts. While Armenians re THE ARMENIAN OBSERVER, Holly children and adult artists from all main skeptical, he himself feels posi wood, CA. over the world which he has shared tive about Demirdjian and the in lecture form here, and plans to government's awakening belief in I n early October a lively spirit blew present in Philadelphia, New York him to create a supportive environ in from Soviet Armenia to prod the City, and Boston. ment for visiting artists, such as the community conscience, stimulate Arriving on short notice, Igitian ex-New Yorker sculptor, Khoren der local brains, and ask the impossible. spent his first everung, September Harootian, now in his sixth year in Through the generosity of Louise 29, speaking with culturally con Armenia, carving important monu Manoogian Simone and the AGBU cerned community members and ments such as the Gomidas gates at organizational talent, Heruik Igitian southland artists such as Antoyan, Etchmiadzin. Orphaned by the 1915 has been spending several months in Godjabashian, Melikian, Kardash massacre, he has great Hye Ser and different American cities. He is here Omrug, Piliguian, Parian, Yeretzian, has given many works of art to Ar for many reasons. First, in his capac and Zomian. Because many already menia, which in turn has given him ity as director of both Yerevan's Chil knew Igitian, the impromptu meet materials, a house in which he and dren's Museum and Modern Art ing turned out to be rather like a large wife Yolanda live, and many official Museum, he has brought samples of family gathering with its affectionate honors. Thus Igitian broached the Armenian art to the American public. greetings, good-humored joshing, third purpose of his visit-the He assembled an extraordinary chil polite badgering, and, eventually, return of Armenian artists from the dren's art show featuring 11-year-old confrontational moments over politi diaspora. Dikran Tzidoghtzian, which has been cal differences. Nevertheless, family "Hyastan dies with aJI of you art on display in New Orleans, Atlanta feeling won out by week's end. ists here in Los Angeles. The situa and Washington, DC, and then trav Heruik Igitian proudly recounted tion there has changed now. I'm els to Memphis and Cincinnati. The the humble beginnings of the chil serious about this-that people like Los Angeles AGBU chapter intends dren's museum in 1972, and the lit Yervant had to leave, we'd be so to present the exllibition in early eral bulldozer efforts it required to proud if he were there now. My April before its final stop in Kansas budge local shopkeepers to give up dream is to have a special exhibit City. Igitian has also brought marvel their spaces in the plaza for the cause why not California and New York ous slides from the two museums' of the museum, an idea which has artists in Armenia? We will give you since become popular all over the materials if you will come work for us world. Today the museums employ and give us your works. When Ire Henrik Igitian Bridges Art Gap Article 600 workers and have over 150,000 turn I would like to see slides from all pictures from 110 countries. of you." Challenging questions from "Who says we can't have a Mozart, the audience as to arrangements Picasso, or Rafaello?" said Igitian. brought impulsive chastisement from "We have such rare, talented chil Igitian, "You have a huge Armenia dren, some as young as five years right here-why don't you have the old. When students are brought in to unity we do? Why don't you bring us for art study, we ask the children, Armenian children here? If I lived what do YOU want, not their par here, I'd have a center for them-a ents. Then we let them do it. In Ar basic dormitory hotel for six months merua they all play music too, so our at a time of study. There are no starv school has a band. Great violinists ing Armenians here-you could do it! and artists aged eight to 17 have When Carzou and I saw a Pompidou come out of low-class old places Center show, we were surprised at Bayadzet. And I am their strength. If the French because their contempo their work is good, I am able to come rary work was so bad. In Armenia, outside. I want to make little Hyastan with no materials, no food, we even into big Hyastan." painted on matches one by one and Though not self-effacing, Igitian is put them together to make pictures. a sympathetic figure. He spoke en America is so rich, and we worked on thusiastically about the new Soviet matches. Louise Simone helped me attitude towards literary, film, and very much to come here; when we of art, our breath:' Sarian to him was not only great for his colors, but also as a poet and philosopher. He ac knowledged Gorky and his very strong Armenian feeling, and the colors of Galenz too. "Their colors are bright but sad-we Armenians, suddenly sadness comes over us. But I couldn't live outside Armenia." He went to discuss many more artists, including Jansem and Carzou. "Carzou sent me his studio key and told me to go help myself to works ...__I, for my museum:' Many outstanding Henrik Igitian of the Yerevan Children's Museum and Modern Art Museum speaking, works were shown; the paintings of answering questions, and enjoying the company of the Los Angeles AGBU members. Gayane Khachadourian stood out, as did the carpet designs by children. needed colored paper, she just lis Aivazian and Garo Nalbandian. He Once again, the halls were tened and then brought 5,000 sheets spoke at length as to what Soviet crowded with artists. Zarouhi from Paris-nobody else was like Armenia could do for the students Piliguian was impressed. "With the this, not every rich person has such and vice versa, and that he'd like to dynamic power that Igitian has, he Armenian soul and heart." create a similar situation here for has accomplished so much. He's In his zeal to urge artists to contrib young people as exists in Armenia. supporting artists-I wish we had ute, he mentioned older, famed aca Aivazian said, "The man is very someone like that here:' demic artists no longer in favor, knowledgeable, energetic and con There were warm goodbyes at the which brought pained looks from cerned about our youth. That he end, with reminders to Igitian to visit former compatriots and perhaps loves his work is very obvious-he the two modern museums in Los showed lack of understanding of wants to spread his museums' activi Angeles before leaving. While the American thinking. Igitian revealed ties to every village in Armenia and impact of his visit will take some time the need to raise the standard of Ar let nothing get in his way. I don't care to assess, there was a general broad menian graphic work, to have special about his politics. I just know he is ening of attitudes all around. Parsegh spaces for stained glass, miniatures, doing a job no one else is doing, and I Kartalian, AGBU head, noted: "I saw pottery, and so on. Another idea of appreciate that very much." Igitian as an excellent scholar who his is to make a sort of Armenian That evening in the Hollywood brought a totally new dimension to Disneyland showing famous histori Hills, the sculptor Alice Melikian and our understanding of Armenian art cal buildings in miniature form, a I gave Igitian time to be a tourist and and made me very proud of our so tiny Ani or Van. He also envisions a recover from the morning earth phisticated avantgarde artists. I large book on famous artists like quake. After a curbside picnic, he couldn't believe that these were chil Melik Pashayev, the first conductor, had an opportunity to see photos of dren's works. The national pride is Tourian, Tavrizian, and the like. Sur modern works by painter Kero there; they do fantastic things there prisingly, he mentioned in passing, Antoyan and excellent examples of because the government is behind "Even Turks want their kids in my children's art done at Dikranian them. Here it is loose and more diffi school. When I tell them only Arme School, which he very much ad cult. From my school experience, I nian is spoken there, very few of mired. The film Fatal Attraction at the can say that most parents don't care them persist." Chinese Theater brought him back to enough about their children's creativ Sculptor Yervant Godjabashian full alert. "Never have I seen such an ity. I want to make an impact on summed up, "Larique [Igitian] American film-only musicals and those parents, especially since we're knows what he likes and what he westerns. This was intelligent, surre getting so ghettoized these last few hates-he is definite, which is good. alistic art:' As we walked, he stopped years. Everything lies in the chil He has his own point of view. Heroi and, with finger pointed in the air, dren-all we have to do has to do cally, he created both museums for analyzed the film; it took some time with them. What we do in the right future generations; and when he to return to the car. At his request way remains a tangible asset in the asked us artists to donate works to Friday was spent at Disneyland. future to contribute to the Armenian get it started, we did it. In art, he is Saturday evening's slide lecture at community later on, in music, dance very objective." Beshgetourian Hall showed Igitian in and art, and will be intimately tied to Two days later, Igitian stopped at top form. Never faltering in enthusi the history:' the Armenian Martyrs Monument in asm or knowledge, he spoke of the Whether the Armenian community Montebello, then visited the Ameri artists he knew, of how he had found in America can rise to Henrik Igitian's can-Armenian International College Minas Avedissian as a student and challenges remains to be seen. 0 at La Verne with his hosts, Adam encouraged him. "Minas is the spirit Janet Samuelian 19 ACBU Accepting student Requests Etchmiadzin Lodge, the Queens N.Y. Armenian Home Chamber of Commerce, Holy Mar For 1988·89 Financial For The Aged Elects tyrs Church Reserve Fund Chairman, Aid Applications New Chairman the Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association, and is currently teach T he Armenian General Benevolent T he Board of Directors of the New ing Sunday School at Holy Martyrs Union is now accepting applications York Home For the Armenian Aged Church. He has served on the Parish for financial aid to students for the have elected Edward D. Jamie, Jr. as Council of Holy Martyrs, and been 1988-89 academic year. their chairman for the 1987-1988 year. on many fundraising committees for Both grants and loans are offered, Mr. Jamie is the son of the late a number of churches and civic under the program, to fully matricu Edward D. Jamakordzian and Lucy organizations. lated students of Armenian descent Jamakordzian (nee Tufankjian). He is The other newly elected officers and are awarded on the basis of aca co-owner of the Edward D. Jamie include Cedric Melkonian, vice-chair- demic standing, financial need, good .National Memorial Chapel, Inc., man; Shah Arslan, secretary; William character, and involvement in Arme located in Flushing, NY, which was Crisci, assistant secretary; Leon nian community activities. founded by his father over SO years Karibian, treasurer; and Oscar Scholarship grants and/or loans are ago. He has been on the Board of Kurkjian, assistant treasurer. The mainly available for undergraduate Directors for more than ten years, Administrator for the Home is studies. There are, however, limited serving as Treasurer and Vice-Chair- Christine Saraydarian. You may call funds for graduate and post graduate man, as well as serving on various or write the Home for an application schools, such as in the fields of medi fundraising committees for the for admission at 137-314Sth Avenue, ci ne, law, Armenology and political Home. Flushing, NY 11355, telephone science. At this time the AGBU will ac Mr. Jamie is married to the former (718) 461-1504. cept applications also for Hirair & Lynn Arifian and has two children, The Home is open to all Armenian Anna Hovnanian Fellowships from Christopher and Marissa. He is a elderly, and visits to our facilities are graduate and post graduate students member of the Knights of Vartan, welcome. 0 majoring in U.S. Government, Inter national Law/International Affairs . The deadline for all students, both new and former recipients, to request a form is February 15. The deadline to return the completed forms is Opening For cations skills. Background in aca April 30th. demic program administration Student should apply to the AGBU coordinator, ACBU and/or Armenian affairs desirable. Scholarship Committee at 585 Saddle New York summer The Coordinator will report to the River Rd. , Saddle Brook, NJ 07662 . 0 Program Director, who will maintain Intern Program general oversight responsibility. The T he Coordinator is required to per Coordinator will work out of the form the following functions: AGBU's Manhattan office. susan Dworkin Wins • Disseminate information The position of Coordinator is Praise From Literary • Process applications fixed-term, beginning in February • Maintain liaison with applicants and ending in mid-August. cuild • Research internships Salary is commensurate with expe • Conduct placement effort rience. T he question of ethics-artistic, • Provide logistical assistance for To apply, please submit a resume political, business-informs a love matriculating interns and covering letter describing your story in award-winning TV writer • Supervise summer program background to: and playwright Susan Dworkin's first • Organize extra-curricular Vartkess Balian novel, STOLEN GOODS. Dworkin's activities Chairman, President's Club examination of life's moral underpin • Maintain contact with intern Armenian General Benevolent nings is the only novel Newmarket offices Union Press will publish this year in its Qualifications include minimum 1300 Crystal Drive mostly non-fiction publishing pro two years work experience and Suite 1505 gram. Newmarket Press is also the strong organizational and communi- Arlington, VA 22202 0 publisher of Dworkin's first two books-film studies about the mak ing of the film Tootsie and on the film maker Brian De Palma-and of the 20 Anna's re-entry into life is sparked by Littell with 25,942, or 35 percent. by her determination to run her fa Davis and Selby trailed with 11,154, ther's printing business, a world or 15 percent, and 10,545, or 14 per where daughters are not expected to cent, respectively. Republican state rule. She outmaneuvers the man Sen. Wayne Dumont Jr. , who ran who has waited his whole life to take unopposed, led the slate with more over her father's business, and ex than 34,000 votes. pands the scope of Karavajian Press Haytaian, scoffing at the loss of far beyond what her father ever eight Republican seats Tuesday, said dreamed. And at age 37, Anna falls the GOP's reduced majority next in love again, this time with a taci year "will make us a more disciplined turn playwright, Charles Borden ill, party:' whose play based on his Vietnam But Littell said Haytaian would forthcoming MISS AMERICA, 1945: experience brings him unexpected, have "a lot tougher job" moving the BESS MYERSON'S OWN STORY, and late, fame. party's agenda against the 38 Demo October, '88. As Anna brings in one lucrative crats who will be seated in 1988. STOLEN GOODS, praised by account after another, relying on her Haytaian said he would work Kirkus as "an intelligent portrait of a father's business acumen less and harder to achieve a consensus on woman's coming of age," is due to be less, Charles is courted by TV and legislation posted for a vote in the featured by the Literary Guild for film producers for his talent. A seem Assembly. "It will cause us to make their "Editor's Corner" this August. ingly small theft involving a manu sure there are no loose ends when In addition, British rights have been script brings Anna face-to-face with a the bills go up on the board (for sold, and in response to early reader questionthatechoesthroughoutthe action)," he said. enthusiasm, Newmarket went back book: What are the boundaries of our for a pre-publication second printing. Neither Littell nor Haytaian had ethics, and at what price do we cross In STOLEN GOODS, Dworkin expected the Republicans them? D recreates the theatre, film, and print to hold the 20-vote edge they enjoyed ing worlds with an insider's deft this year. Two years ago, with popu touch and eye for detail. Set on the lar Gov. Thomas Kean winning re election, the GOP took control of the East and West coasts, the novel intro duces a New Jersey-based Armenian Assembly after years of Democratic majorities. family, the Karavajians, whose close Haytaian again ma Haytaian had predicted a 43-37 and passionate ties provide the novel with some of its greatest strength and jority leader in As margin for the Republicans after the humor. last balloting. He missed by sembly one seat. Gabe Karavajian, the patriarch, is a The 42-38 edge next year will mean leading member of the Armenian F resh from preserving control of the little room for defectors on legislation community, and the owner of a suc state Assembly for the next two important to the GOP, Haytaian said. cessful printing business in lower years, Republicans re-elected Chuck In the 89-member chamber, it takes Manhattan. He and his wife raise Haytaian as majority leader 41 votes to approve legislation. their three daughters to be strong For Haytaian, R-Warren-Sussex, it But he noted that several times women-but in traditional ways will be his third and fourth years in during the past year, he went to Tren and they are continually surprised the Assembly's No. 2 post. The GOP ton to act on bills on which he had and frustrated by the results. Beauti assemblymen also re-elected Chuck only 31"sure" votes at the outset of ful Lucia, the eldest, is married to an Hardwick, R-Union, as speaker. the day, despite 50 Republican mem up-and-coming classical musician Haytaian was among the 42 GOP bers, and emerged with the needed whose fiery politics clashes with her candidates elected as the 41. father's, and whose success is the Democrats battled back from a 50-30 "If you think that was easy," he focus of her ferocious energy. Mary, deficit in the current Assembly. He said, "you've got another thing com who embraced the America of the and the senior state assemblyman, ing. I was sweating:' sixties, is married to a pacifist whose Robert Littell, easily defeated Demo Asked to explain the GOP latest revolutionary past catches up with crats Robert Davis and Edwin Selby losses after a two-year legislation the present, creating personal havoc. in the 24th District race. session in which he said the Republi And Anna, the youngest, who at 22 Littell, a resident of Franklin in cans forged an enviable record, Hay suffers a terrible tragedy on the eve Sussex County, won his 11th term, taian said, "It happens in an off-year of her wedding, is the unlikely hero while Haytaian, of Mansfield Town election .... People like change." D ine. For more than a decade after the ship, won his fourth two-year term. incident, she drifts among jobs and The most up-to-date vote counts Written by Don Rosselet, Staff Writer, relationships, shunning emotional show Haytaian led the way with The Express and moral commitments. 26,586 votes, or 36 percent, followed 2 1 Greece, and Lebanon, was In the fall of 1947, the In 1968 Zabel, with her an active force behind family moved to Jaffa for a daughter Gia, went on a many of the organization's brief period, and then to pilgrimage to Armenia to activities. Amman where Levan visit her mother and other In 1933 she married Aivazian taught at the members of the Apamian Levon Aivazian. They Hetumian School for six family. And in June 1971, were blessed by four chil years. In 1954, he was she experienced life's dren, Dziadzan (Gia), invited to teach in Beirut, greatest sorrow with the Adam, Krikor, and first at Haigazian College, loss of her 29-year-old Arshaluys. and then as an AGBU architect son, Krikor Zabel Aivazian was a paid teacher, at the Te Aivazian, a graduate from dedicated Armenian keyan School until the UC Berkeley, and mother and wile taking family moved to the U.S. mourned that untimely the same path as her hus in early 1960. loss to the end of her life . band, that of serving the Zabel Aivazian dedi Zabel Aivazian was a nation. In 1934-1938 they cated her life to her chil modest and virtuous lived in Cyprus where dren . They owe their woman. Her life was a Levon Aivazian taught educational achievements total dedication and guid and served as athletics to her motherly love and ance to her family and master at the Melkonian care. It is thanks to her children. She loved her ZABEL AIVAZIAN Institute. In 1938 they continuous striving and nation for whose service Zabel Aivazian was born moved to Piraeus, Greece, stubbornness, matched she also prepared her on February 15, 1912, in where Levon Aivazian only by her will, that all children. Bandirma, Turkey. She was principal of two her children have received Peace to her soul. D was the daughter of Krikor AGBU-supported schools. university education. and Mannig Apamian. In At the outset of World 1922 she emigrated with War II, the Aivazian family her parents to Kavalla, moved to Nea-Erithrea, a Greece. There she at village north of Athens. tended the local Arrneruan During the dreadful years school and graduated with of the war, Zabel, with The AGBU gratefully acknowledges high honors. immense suffering and a donation of $1,000 from Mrs. As a young woman, she sacrifice, cared for her was active in the local children, saving them Hiagoohe Kalashian in memory of Armenian community tile, from certain starvation. In her beloved late husband, Dickran S. and was a member of the those days, when the food Kalashian. Mr. Kalashian passed Armenian Church choir, centers were taken over by away on September 11, 1987. He was an active member of the the Nazi army and innu a member of the AGBU since his Ararat Athletic and Cul merable people died of tural Association, which starvation, Zabel would arrival in the United States in 1922. had been founded in 1929 sell the treasures of her Mrs. Kalashian's generous dona by her future husband, dowry and secure food for tion will be used to sponsor two Levon Aivazian. She was her children. Thanks to a needy children to attend the AGBU a member of the AGBU for heroic act, she also saved Camp Nubar in 1988. 0 40 years and, as the wife of her husband from the a teacher of AGBU-sup hands of the dreaded ported schools in Cyprus, Gestapo.
r------~ A Quarterly Magazine Published by the Armenian General Benevolent Union/Central Committee of America ARARAT 585 Saddle River Rd., Saddle Brook, N.J. 07662 (201) 797-7600 I would like to subscribe to ARARAT. Please send __ year is Ararat gift subscription to the person Please fin d enclosed my check/money order for$ ___ whose name appears below, and find enclosed$ _____
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Hotel Biltmore 1988 January 15 New York City: Town Hall Recital by Karine Georgian, Cellist and Sahan Arzruni, Pianist 8PM January 17-24 Saddle Brook: Art Exhibition of French artist Sempat Ebrahimian " ... the world is a window (panjarah) .. :' Sayat Nova, 1759 March 5 Fort Lauderdale: Ft. Lauderdale Chapter Dinner Dance Deerfield Hilton March 12 Miami: Miami Chapter Annual Dinner-Dance, Biscayne Bay Marriott Hotel June 23-26 Detroit: 74th National Convention, Novi Hilton Hotel August 9-14 Miami: 7th AGBU Athletic Games & Youth Festi val, Sheraton Bal Harbour
(Please note: Since this calendar is set up far in advance these events and dates are subject to last minute change.) December 27 Saddle Brook: Camp Nubar Reunion, 2-5 p.m. December 27 Saddle Brook: Camp Nubar Staff Recruitment, 6-8 p.m. December 31 Los Angeles: Gala New Years Eve Dinner Dance Hotel Biltmore 1988 January 15 New York City: Town Hall Recital by Karine Georgian, Cellist and Sahan Arzruni, Pianist 8PM January 17-24 Saddle Brook: Art Exhibition of French artist Sempat Ebrahimian " ... the world is a window (panjarah) ..." Sayat Nova, 1759 March 5 Fort Lauderdale: Ft. Lauderdale Chapter Dinner Dance Deerfield Hilton March 12 Miami: Miami Chapter Annual Dinner-Dance, Biscayne Bay Marriott Hotel June 23-26 Detroit: 74th National Convention, Novi Hilton Hotel August 9-14 Miami: 7th AGBU Athletic Games & Youth Festi val, Sheraton Bal Harbour
(Please note: Since this calendar is set up far in advance these events and dates are subject to last minute change.) AGBU PRESENTS
... The World is aWindow ... Paintings January 17 through 24, 1988 Reception - Sunday, Jan. 17 Saddle Brook, NJ 3to5PM
T he first American exhibition of the paintings of Sempat Ebrahimian will take place from January 17-24 at the Sarkis & Vava Katchadourian Gallery in Saddle Brook, N.J. The artist has entitled his exhibit" ... the world is a window (pan jarah) .. :',which has been inspired by the words of Sayat Nova, 1759. Mr. Ebrahimiam was born in Iran and pursued a career in painting, graphic art, cinematography, and film making. In 1978, he moved to France and earned degrees in Graphic Arts & Advertising and Cinematography from the Ecole d'Art et de Publicite and Universite Paris VIII respec tively. He has exhibited in Teheran, Iran and Paris, France. In 1986, he participated in the Collective Paintings Exhibition (APAF) in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union in Paris, France. This year, his works were featured in the 98th Annual Exhibition of Grand Palais, Independent Artists Society in Paris. Mr. Ebrahimian's studies and research in man-earth and man-sun relations are reflected in his works. In his view, "the earth and the sun are not just tangible objects, but also apply to and illustrate humanity:' His paintings are oil and acrylic abstracts that have been viewed as "an abstract tie to the motherland, which creates curiosity and strength in his works:' The AGBU is proud to present his paintings and the public is cordially invited to view the exhibition and meet the artist. D