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California Courier Online, December 9, 2004
1 - Commentary
Anti-Semitism Growing in Turkey
As EU Considers Membership Talks
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - AMAA Reports on Growing Programs in Armenia
3 - Assembly Accepting Applications for 2005
Internship Programs in Washington, Armenia
4 - Kalemkiarian Named Grand Marshal
Of Annual Monrovia Holiday Parade
5 - February 27 Banquet Will
Celebrate ANCHA's Legacy
6 - Darchinyan to Challenge Pacheco
For IBF Flyweight Title, Dec. 16
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Anti-Semitism Growing in Turkey
As EU Considers Membership Talks
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Turkish officials often boast that there has never been any anti-Semitism
in their country. Such patently false claims are made by Turks for the sole
purpose of ingratiating themselves to American Jews and the government of
Israel. In return, the Turks expect to secure Jewish lobbying assistance
against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. Congress. The
fact is that Jews, like all other minorities in the Ottoman Empire and the
Republic of Turkey, were subjected to all sorts of inhuman treatment. As a
result, very few Jews, Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians remain in Turkey
today.
As evidence of growing anti-Semitism in today's Turkey, in October 2004,
the Turkish Birikim magazine published a petition titled, "Zero Tolerance
for Anti-Semitism." It was signed by more than 100 prominent Turkish and
Jewish individuals of various professional backgrounds living in Turkey and
abroad.
Here are some excerpts from that petition:
"As long as a danger is not properly pronounced, it cannot be fought
against. On the contrary, vague words can only serve to hide the evil.
"We the undersigned wish to draw attention to the ever-present and steadily
increasing ANTI-SEMITISM in Turkey….
"The various historical examples of racist violence and discrimination
against non-Turkish, non-Muslim, non-Sunni citizens of the Turkish Republic
have been, even though to a limited extent, pointed out and criticized,
whereas anti-Semitism remains, with few exceptions, a subject which is met
with silence, underestimation, or outright denial.
"Organized groups in Turkey that had never before found common ideological
ground have come together, especially since the outbreak of the Iraq war,
in an unprecedented coalition based on opposition to the State of Israel.
The Islamist sector, whose hatred of Jews is embodied in the State of
Israel, joined the leftists in parades chanting the slogan, 'NO to the Iraq
War.'
"Groups that proclaim opposition to bloody nationalistic animosities,
imprisonment, and militarism, are unabashedly taking sides in the Middle
East conflict. Instead of condemning the violence on both sides and seeking
peace and non-violent solutions which are so urgently needed, they condemn
and demonize Israel, calling it 'more illegitimate,' 'more dangerous' than
other nations on earth, even sharing with the Islamists a call for its
destruction, while embracing the perpetrators of violence in the other side
of the conflict as 'victims' within a rhetoric of solidarity with the
oppressed.
"Publications have become the vehicles for promoting confusion of concepts
like Nazism, fascism, Zionism, the Holocaust, genocide, etc., emptying
these of their contents and blurring their differences. They debase the
Holocaust by depriving it from its historical uniqueness, thus giving a
green light to those who deny the Holocaust….
"Anti-Semitism today is most actively perpetrated by the Islamist press, a
large segment of which has gone so far as undauntedly praising Adolf Hitler
for his 'foresight.' Concurrently, there has been an unprecedented array of
publications and campaigns against so-called 'Sabetayists' [descendants of
followers of Shabbatai Zvi], whose Jewish roots are traced down and
underscored in a manner reminiscent of the Nazi obsession with creating a
'pure race' targeting them as the evil-intentioned people of a secret sect
which is integral to the 'Jewish plot to dominate the world.'
"This rising tide of anti-Semitism has been allowed to flow unhindered in
the channels of the Islamist as well as the mainstream media and to settle
into the Turkish daily life and discourse. It is now second nature to find
a 'Jewish finger' under every stone, and to invent various conspiracy
theories with 'the Jew' as the villain.
"We hereby proclaim our objection to this unquestioned and pervasive
pattern of anti-Semitic presumptions, and our determination to have ZERO
TOLERANCE TO ANTI-SEMITISM, to get informed, to object, to write, to draw,
to raise our voice and to be in solidarity with all who feel and think
likewise."
Interestingly, among the signatories are not only righteous Turks like
Taner Akcam and Ragip Zarakolu who write truthfully about the Armenian
Genocide, but also historical revisionists like Ergun Kirlikovali and
Mahmut Esat Ozan who actively and constantly deny the Armenian Genocide.
It is significant that even these Turkish propagandists are openly stating
that there is growing anti-Semitism in Turkey. Even more amazing is the
fact that these two individuals, who parrot the misinformation spewed by
the Turkish government, have actually signed this petition acknowledging
that "racist violence" has been committed against "non-Turkish, non-Muslim"
minorities in Turkey - possibly an admission of the Armenian Genocide!
************************************************** ************************
2 - AMAA Reports on Growing Programs in Armenia
PARAMUS, NJ - "This past year was a very successful one," President Andrew
Torigian told the 85th annual meeting of the Armenian Missionary
Association (AMAA), last month, "but more than that, it laid the groundwork
for a good future."
He was referring to the AMAA's growing involvement in Armenia and,
generally, on the broad front of education, including Armenia's best
school.
The meeting heard from the AMAA representative in Armenia, the Rev. Rene
Leonian, that in a broad range of activities, involving both children and
adults, the organization's efforts were increasing and expanding.
The Sponsorship Program now cares for more than 2,800 needy children,
providing them not only financial help but also with food, clothing, and
other necessities; the AMAA orphanage houses 80 "street" boys; Through its
clinics in Yerevan, Spitak, and Vanadzor, the organization provided medical
care for more than 4,600 patients and dental care for more than 3,800, in
addition to which more than 500 infants were provided with infant-milk.
In addition, Rev. Leonian reported that more than 3,400 children attended
the three camps in Armenia and Karabagh, as well as 7,000 children who
participated in 69 day camps in 46 cities and villages throughout Armenia
and Karabagh.
More than 60 elderly people were fed at the organization's soup kitchens
during the winter for the sixth consecutive year.
In the field of education, it was reported that the five-year old Avedisian
Primary School was acknowledged the finest among Armenia's 1,680 schools.
Currently serving 220 children from Kindergarten through Grade 4, the
school has plans to extend its program to Grade 11. The AMAA's seven
Kindergartens have an enrollment of more than 475 young children. In
addition, the organization assistance to 36 Kindergartens in 16
communities.
The older students aren't forgotten, Rev. Leonian reported, and the AMAA
provided almost $10,000 worth of scholarships to 48 university students.
Projects other than the humanitarian included a self-supporting,
cow-husbandry program in the village of Mayakovski. The milk is sold to an
ice-cream factory, and the income pays the salaries of the workers.
************************************************** *************************
3 - Assembly Accepting Applications for 2005
Internship Programs in Washington, Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America announced this week that
it is accepting applications for the 2005 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly
Internship Program in Washington, DC and the Summer Internship Program in
Yerevan. Both internship programs provide college students of Armenian
descent an opportunity to work in those cities while taking part in a full
schedule of educational, cultural and social activities.
Students who are accepted into the Washington program will be placed as
interns in various offices including congressional, think tank, media and
governmental agencies. Interns also have the opportunity to meet with U.S
Representatives, Senators, other government officials and noted
academicians through the Capitol Ideas and Lecture Series programs.
Students will also be exposed to the wide variety of social activities and
networking opportunities that are planned throughout their eight-week stay.
Similarly, students enrolled in the Yerevan program are placed in Armenian
governmental offices and inter-governmental agencies. If accepted, they
will have the opportunity to experience life in their ancestral homeland
while gaining valuable work experience.
At the end of their eight-week stint in Washington, some students, like
2002 intern alum and George Washington University graduate Leslie Azarian
of Old Tappan, New Jersey, leave with the confidence of having gained
valuable work experience and life-long friendships.
"The internship program in DC surpassed all of my expectations," Azarian
said. "I was offered a full-time job during my senior year of college and
still keep in close contact with members of my internship class. Without
this summer experience, none of this would be possible."
Like Azarian, 2004 intern alum Christine Heath of Bloomfield Hills, MI,
currently a junior at the University of Michigan, said, "The Armenian
Assembly has given me a gift that I will carry throughout my life. I will
always cherish the excitement and stimulation of living and working in our
nation's capital."
And like her Washington counterparts, 2004 Armenia intern alum Eliz
Agopian's experience was also inspiring. "Prior to coming to Armenia, I
felt removed from Armenia and my cultural heritage. I had heard many
stories that made me fearful that I might be disappointed from my visit.
Instead, Armenians amazed me with their hospitality, cheerfulness and
intelligence. I realized that Armenia faces some substantial challenges,
but also shows incredible potential."
Since its founding in 1977, the internship program has welcomed more than
800 talented college-aged Armenian-Americans to Washington, DC. Following
the success of the Washington program, the Assembly launched a similar
program in Armenia in 1999 to give students an opportunity to work in
Armenian government agencies, meet with Armenian and Nagorno Karabagh
officials and tour historical sites throughout the region.
To learn more about the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program,
download application forms or apply online, go to the Assembly Web site at
http://www.aaainc.org/students/Internship.php. Partial and full housing
scholarships are available to qualified applicants on a competitive basis.
The deadline for completed Washington, DC program applications is January
15, 2005 and February 15, 2005 for Armenia. For additional information or
assistance with the application process, contact Alex Karapetian, Intern
Program Manager, at 202-393-3434 ext. 245 or via e-mail at [email protected].
************************************************** ************************
4 - Kalemkiarian Named Grand Marshal
Of Annual Monrovia Holiday Parade
MONROVIA, Calif. - Long-time Monrovia businessman Paul Kalemkiarian was
named this year's Grand Marshal of the annual Monrovia Holiday Parade held
on Dec. 2 along Myrtle Avenue. This year, the theme was "Kids in Toyland."
Kalemkiarian, 46, received word that he had been chosen to lead the parade
three months ago. He said being named was an honor.
"When they called and told me that the theme of the parade had been
established and that they couldn't think of a bigger kid in Monrovia than
me, I told then that I was going to take that as a compliment,"
Kalemkiarian said. "I think that you can't lose that edge about being a
kind because you are always going to be a kid."
As a businessman in Monrovia, Kalemkiarian has racked up a list of
accomplishments, including owner of Uncle Kal's Slot Cars. Kalemkiarian
started working on building the business years ago after he purchased a
track from a company in Bakersfield. After keeping the track in storage for
the next four years, he eventually moved his business to Monrovia and found
the space to set up the track and began running the cars during Monrovia's
Family Festival on Friday nights. Since then, the business has grown to
7,000 square feet of racetrack.
In addition to the slot car business, Kalemkiarian is the owner and
president of the Wine of the Month Club, which was originally established
by his father in 1972. Kalemkiarian bought the business from his father in
1989 and moved it to Arcadia where it stayed until 1997 until it was moved
again to its current location in Monrovia. In June 1998, the Wine Shoppe
was added to the current facility.
"Knowing Paul as I do, his life revolves around his family. He is very
kid-oriented," said Karen Mazone, executive administrator of the Wine of
the Month Club.
Through his role as president of the Wine of the Month Club, Kalemkiarian
has been a major benefactor in raising money for local philanthropies. Many
of the charities he has been involved with are Armenian-based charities.
By setting up wine-tasting events, he has been able to raise approximately
$20,000 each to be rotated among the various organizations.
With his involvement with the Little League Girls Softball of the San
Gabriel Valley, Kalemkiarian was able to raise $40,000 for a multi-purpose
room that was constructed at Camino Grove Elementary School.
Kalemkiarian continues to stay involved in many community organizations,
including serving on the board of directors for the Arcadia American Little
League.
He currently resides in Arcadia with his wife Sandra and their three
daughter: Sara, 14, Lisa, 13, and Lena, 10.
************************************************** ************************
5 - February 27 Banquet Will
Celebrate ANCHA's Legacy
LOS ANGELES - A February 27 banquet will celebrate the momentous
humanitarian accomplishments of ANCHA (American National Committee To Aid
Homeless Armenians)- spearheaded by George Mardikian, Souren Saroyan, and
Brigader General (Ret.) Haig Shekerjian. The Banquet, under the auspices of
the Armenian Relief Society of Western Region and organized by the
Mardikian Saroyan Shekerjian Memorial Committee will be held at 6 p.m. at
the Los Angeles Police Academy, Grand Ballroom, 1880 N. Academy Drive, Los
Angeles.
Tens of thousands Southern Californians alone attest to the lifesaving role
of ANCHA, to help homeless Armenians in the aftermath of WWII in Germany
and the "hot/cold" war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
The proceeds from the event will go to a scholarship endowment fund to
assist qualified students to attend Armenian schools in California.
Call Medy Mardirossian at (323) 662-9259 or Louise Mardirossian Gill at
(818) 335-2101 for questions regarding tickets, donations, submission of
eyewitness-historical material and relevant photographs for the
commemorative booklet.
************************************************** ************************
6 - Darchinyan to Challenge Pacheco
For IBF Flyweight Title, Dec. 16
HOLLYWOOD, FL - The first card to hold a world championship fight in
Hollywood, FL features current IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco facing
undefeated challenger Vic Darchinyan.
IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco (30-0, 22 KOs) of Barranquilla,
Colombia defends his title against the mandatory challenger Vic Darchinyan
(21-0, 16 KOs) of Sydney, Australia in a 12-round championship bout.
Darchinyan, 28, originally from Armenia, now fights out of Australia under
the promotion of former three-time world champion Jeff Fenech. The
undefeated Darchinyan might be the toughest fight of Pacheco's career.
Standing 5'5', the southpaw, Darchinyan, has a reputation of being a
punishing body puncher.
This could be key in slowing down the fast and skillful Pacheco. All 21 of
Darchinyan's fights have taken place in Australia. This will be
Darchinyan's first world title challenge as well as his first bout in the
United States.
Darchinyan, the former Australian and IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight champion
earned his mandatory position to fight for the title by defeating Wande
Chor Charoen of Thailand in 2003 by knockout. Since then, Darchinyan
defeated Falazone Fidal in April, by a technical knockout.
************************************************** *************************
*
************************************************** *************************
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1 - Commentary
Anti-Semitism Growing in Turkey
As EU Considers Membership Talks
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - AMAA Reports on Growing Programs in Armenia
3 - Assembly Accepting Applications for 2005
Internship Programs in Washington, Armenia
4 - Kalemkiarian Named Grand Marshal
Of Annual Monrovia Holiday Parade
5 - February 27 Banquet Will
Celebrate ANCHA's Legacy
6 - Darchinyan to Challenge Pacheco
For IBF Flyweight Title, Dec. 16
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Anti-Semitism Growing in Turkey
As EU Considers Membership Talks
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Turkish officials often boast that there has never been any anti-Semitism
in their country. Such patently false claims are made by Turks for the sole
purpose of ingratiating themselves to American Jews and the government of
Israel. In return, the Turks expect to secure Jewish lobbying assistance
against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. Congress. The
fact is that Jews, like all other minorities in the Ottoman Empire and the
Republic of Turkey, were subjected to all sorts of inhuman treatment. As a
result, very few Jews, Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians remain in Turkey
today.
As evidence of growing anti-Semitism in today's Turkey, in October 2004,
the Turkish Birikim magazine published a petition titled, "Zero Tolerance
for Anti-Semitism." It was signed by more than 100 prominent Turkish and
Jewish individuals of various professional backgrounds living in Turkey and
abroad.
Here are some excerpts from that petition:
"As long as a danger is not properly pronounced, it cannot be fought
against. On the contrary, vague words can only serve to hide the evil.
"We the undersigned wish to draw attention to the ever-present and steadily
increasing ANTI-SEMITISM in Turkey….
"The various historical examples of racist violence and discrimination
against non-Turkish, non-Muslim, non-Sunni citizens of the Turkish Republic
have been, even though to a limited extent, pointed out and criticized,
whereas anti-Semitism remains, with few exceptions, a subject which is met
with silence, underestimation, or outright denial.
"Organized groups in Turkey that had never before found common ideological
ground have come together, especially since the outbreak of the Iraq war,
in an unprecedented coalition based on opposition to the State of Israel.
The Islamist sector, whose hatred of Jews is embodied in the State of
Israel, joined the leftists in parades chanting the slogan, 'NO to the Iraq
War.'
"Groups that proclaim opposition to bloody nationalistic animosities,
imprisonment, and militarism, are unabashedly taking sides in the Middle
East conflict. Instead of condemning the violence on both sides and seeking
peace and non-violent solutions which are so urgently needed, they condemn
and demonize Israel, calling it 'more illegitimate,' 'more dangerous' than
other nations on earth, even sharing with the Islamists a call for its
destruction, while embracing the perpetrators of violence in the other side
of the conflict as 'victims' within a rhetoric of solidarity with the
oppressed.
"Publications have become the vehicles for promoting confusion of concepts
like Nazism, fascism, Zionism, the Holocaust, genocide, etc., emptying
these of their contents and blurring their differences. They debase the
Holocaust by depriving it from its historical uniqueness, thus giving a
green light to those who deny the Holocaust….
"Anti-Semitism today is most actively perpetrated by the Islamist press, a
large segment of which has gone so far as undauntedly praising Adolf Hitler
for his 'foresight.' Concurrently, there has been an unprecedented array of
publications and campaigns against so-called 'Sabetayists' [descendants of
followers of Shabbatai Zvi], whose Jewish roots are traced down and
underscored in a manner reminiscent of the Nazi obsession with creating a
'pure race' targeting them as the evil-intentioned people of a secret sect
which is integral to the 'Jewish plot to dominate the world.'
"This rising tide of anti-Semitism has been allowed to flow unhindered in
the channels of the Islamist as well as the mainstream media and to settle
into the Turkish daily life and discourse. It is now second nature to find
a 'Jewish finger' under every stone, and to invent various conspiracy
theories with 'the Jew' as the villain.
"We hereby proclaim our objection to this unquestioned and pervasive
pattern of anti-Semitic presumptions, and our determination to have ZERO
TOLERANCE TO ANTI-SEMITISM, to get informed, to object, to write, to draw,
to raise our voice and to be in solidarity with all who feel and think
likewise."
Interestingly, among the signatories are not only righteous Turks like
Taner Akcam and Ragip Zarakolu who write truthfully about the Armenian
Genocide, but also historical revisionists like Ergun Kirlikovali and
Mahmut Esat Ozan who actively and constantly deny the Armenian Genocide.
It is significant that even these Turkish propagandists are openly stating
that there is growing anti-Semitism in Turkey. Even more amazing is the
fact that these two individuals, who parrot the misinformation spewed by
the Turkish government, have actually signed this petition acknowledging
that "racist violence" has been committed against "non-Turkish, non-Muslim"
minorities in Turkey - possibly an admission of the Armenian Genocide!
************************************************** ************************
2 - AMAA Reports on Growing Programs in Armenia
PARAMUS, NJ - "This past year was a very successful one," President Andrew
Torigian told the 85th annual meeting of the Armenian Missionary
Association (AMAA), last month, "but more than that, it laid the groundwork
for a good future."
He was referring to the AMAA's growing involvement in Armenia and,
generally, on the broad front of education, including Armenia's best
school.
The meeting heard from the AMAA representative in Armenia, the Rev. Rene
Leonian, that in a broad range of activities, involving both children and
adults, the organization's efforts were increasing and expanding.
The Sponsorship Program now cares for more than 2,800 needy children,
providing them not only financial help but also with food, clothing, and
other necessities; the AMAA orphanage houses 80 "street" boys; Through its
clinics in Yerevan, Spitak, and Vanadzor, the organization provided medical
care for more than 4,600 patients and dental care for more than 3,800, in
addition to which more than 500 infants were provided with infant-milk.
In addition, Rev. Leonian reported that more than 3,400 children attended
the three camps in Armenia and Karabagh, as well as 7,000 children who
participated in 69 day camps in 46 cities and villages throughout Armenia
and Karabagh.
More than 60 elderly people were fed at the organization's soup kitchens
during the winter for the sixth consecutive year.
In the field of education, it was reported that the five-year old Avedisian
Primary School was acknowledged the finest among Armenia's 1,680 schools.
Currently serving 220 children from Kindergarten through Grade 4, the
school has plans to extend its program to Grade 11. The AMAA's seven
Kindergartens have an enrollment of more than 475 young children. In
addition, the organization assistance to 36 Kindergartens in 16
communities.
The older students aren't forgotten, Rev. Leonian reported, and the AMAA
provided almost $10,000 worth of scholarships to 48 university students.
Projects other than the humanitarian included a self-supporting,
cow-husbandry program in the village of Mayakovski. The milk is sold to an
ice-cream factory, and the income pays the salaries of the workers.
************************************************** *************************
3 - Assembly Accepting Applications for 2005
Internship Programs in Washington, Armenia
WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America announced this week that
it is accepting applications for the 2005 Terjenian-Thomas Assembly
Internship Program in Washington, DC and the Summer Internship Program in
Yerevan. Both internship programs provide college students of Armenian
descent an opportunity to work in those cities while taking part in a full
schedule of educational, cultural and social activities.
Students who are accepted into the Washington program will be placed as
interns in various offices including congressional, think tank, media and
governmental agencies. Interns also have the opportunity to meet with U.S
Representatives, Senators, other government officials and noted
academicians through the Capitol Ideas and Lecture Series programs.
Students will also be exposed to the wide variety of social activities and
networking opportunities that are planned throughout their eight-week stay.
Similarly, students enrolled in the Yerevan program are placed in Armenian
governmental offices and inter-governmental agencies. If accepted, they
will have the opportunity to experience life in their ancestral homeland
while gaining valuable work experience.
At the end of their eight-week stint in Washington, some students, like
2002 intern alum and George Washington University graduate Leslie Azarian
of Old Tappan, New Jersey, leave with the confidence of having gained
valuable work experience and life-long friendships.
"The internship program in DC surpassed all of my expectations," Azarian
said. "I was offered a full-time job during my senior year of college and
still keep in close contact with members of my internship class. Without
this summer experience, none of this would be possible."
Like Azarian, 2004 intern alum Christine Heath of Bloomfield Hills, MI,
currently a junior at the University of Michigan, said, "The Armenian
Assembly has given me a gift that I will carry throughout my life. I will
always cherish the excitement and stimulation of living and working in our
nation's capital."
And like her Washington counterparts, 2004 Armenia intern alum Eliz
Agopian's experience was also inspiring. "Prior to coming to Armenia, I
felt removed from Armenia and my cultural heritage. I had heard many
stories that made me fearful that I might be disappointed from my visit.
Instead, Armenians amazed me with their hospitality, cheerfulness and
intelligence. I realized that Armenia faces some substantial challenges,
but also shows incredible potential."
Since its founding in 1977, the internship program has welcomed more than
800 talented college-aged Armenian-Americans to Washington, DC. Following
the success of the Washington program, the Assembly launched a similar
program in Armenia in 1999 to give students an opportunity to work in
Armenian government agencies, meet with Armenian and Nagorno Karabagh
officials and tour historical sites throughout the region.
To learn more about the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program,
download application forms or apply online, go to the Assembly Web site at
http://www.aaainc.org/students/Internship.php. Partial and full housing
scholarships are available to qualified applicants on a competitive basis.
The deadline for completed Washington, DC program applications is January
15, 2005 and February 15, 2005 for Armenia. For additional information or
assistance with the application process, contact Alex Karapetian, Intern
Program Manager, at 202-393-3434 ext. 245 or via e-mail at [email protected].
************************************************** ************************
4 - Kalemkiarian Named Grand Marshal
Of Annual Monrovia Holiday Parade
MONROVIA, Calif. - Long-time Monrovia businessman Paul Kalemkiarian was
named this year's Grand Marshal of the annual Monrovia Holiday Parade held
on Dec. 2 along Myrtle Avenue. This year, the theme was "Kids in Toyland."
Kalemkiarian, 46, received word that he had been chosen to lead the parade
three months ago. He said being named was an honor.
"When they called and told me that the theme of the parade had been
established and that they couldn't think of a bigger kid in Monrovia than
me, I told then that I was going to take that as a compliment,"
Kalemkiarian said. "I think that you can't lose that edge about being a
kind because you are always going to be a kid."
As a businessman in Monrovia, Kalemkiarian has racked up a list of
accomplishments, including owner of Uncle Kal's Slot Cars. Kalemkiarian
started working on building the business years ago after he purchased a
track from a company in Bakersfield. After keeping the track in storage for
the next four years, he eventually moved his business to Monrovia and found
the space to set up the track and began running the cars during Monrovia's
Family Festival on Friday nights. Since then, the business has grown to
7,000 square feet of racetrack.
In addition to the slot car business, Kalemkiarian is the owner and
president of the Wine of the Month Club, which was originally established
by his father in 1972. Kalemkiarian bought the business from his father in
1989 and moved it to Arcadia where it stayed until 1997 until it was moved
again to its current location in Monrovia. In June 1998, the Wine Shoppe
was added to the current facility.
"Knowing Paul as I do, his life revolves around his family. He is very
kid-oriented," said Karen Mazone, executive administrator of the Wine of
the Month Club.
Through his role as president of the Wine of the Month Club, Kalemkiarian
has been a major benefactor in raising money for local philanthropies. Many
of the charities he has been involved with are Armenian-based charities.
By setting up wine-tasting events, he has been able to raise approximately
$20,000 each to be rotated among the various organizations.
With his involvement with the Little League Girls Softball of the San
Gabriel Valley, Kalemkiarian was able to raise $40,000 for a multi-purpose
room that was constructed at Camino Grove Elementary School.
Kalemkiarian continues to stay involved in many community organizations,
including serving on the board of directors for the Arcadia American Little
League.
He currently resides in Arcadia with his wife Sandra and their three
daughter: Sara, 14, Lisa, 13, and Lena, 10.
************************************************** ************************
5 - February 27 Banquet Will
Celebrate ANCHA's Legacy
LOS ANGELES - A February 27 banquet will celebrate the momentous
humanitarian accomplishments of ANCHA (American National Committee To Aid
Homeless Armenians)- spearheaded by George Mardikian, Souren Saroyan, and
Brigader General (Ret.) Haig Shekerjian. The Banquet, under the auspices of
the Armenian Relief Society of Western Region and organized by the
Mardikian Saroyan Shekerjian Memorial Committee will be held at 6 p.m. at
the Los Angeles Police Academy, Grand Ballroom, 1880 N. Academy Drive, Los
Angeles.
Tens of thousands Southern Californians alone attest to the lifesaving role
of ANCHA, to help homeless Armenians in the aftermath of WWII in Germany
and the "hot/cold" war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
The proceeds from the event will go to a scholarship endowment fund to
assist qualified students to attend Armenian schools in California.
Call Medy Mardirossian at (323) 662-9259 or Louise Mardirossian Gill at
(818) 335-2101 for questions regarding tickets, donations, submission of
eyewitness-historical material and relevant photographs for the
commemorative booklet.
************************************************** ************************
6 - Darchinyan to Challenge Pacheco
For IBF Flyweight Title, Dec. 16
HOLLYWOOD, FL - The first card to hold a world championship fight in
Hollywood, FL features current IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco facing
undefeated challenger Vic Darchinyan.
IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco (30-0, 22 KOs) of Barranquilla,
Colombia defends his title against the mandatory challenger Vic Darchinyan
(21-0, 16 KOs) of Sydney, Australia in a 12-round championship bout.
Darchinyan, 28, originally from Armenia, now fights out of Australia under
the promotion of former three-time world champion Jeff Fenech. The
undefeated Darchinyan might be the toughest fight of Pacheco's career.
Standing 5'5', the southpaw, Darchinyan, has a reputation of being a
punishing body puncher.
This could be key in slowing down the fast and skillful Pacheco. All 21 of
Darchinyan's fights have taken place in Australia. This will be
Darchinyan's first world title challenge as well as his first bout in the
United States.
Darchinyan, the former Australian and IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight champion
earned his mandatory position to fight for the title by defeating Wande
Chor Charoen of Thailand in 2003 by knockout. Since then, Darchinyan
defeated Falazone Fidal in April, by a technical knockout.
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