Tweet
California Courier Online, December 23, 2004
1 - Commentary
Yes to Civilized Turkey;
No to Barbarians at Europe's Gates
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - It's All About Location and Looks
3 - New Glendale City Council
Candidate Swells Field to 10
4 - Studio City Community Mixer Highlights
Organizations' Tasks, Achievements
5 - Annenberg Foundation Endows $2 Million
Gregorian Chair at University of Pennsylvania
6 - Ani Darakdjian Named US Director of JAA
7 - Darchinyan TKO's Pacheco
To Win IBF Flyweight Title
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Yes to Civilized Turkey;
No to Barbarians at Europe's Gates
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Now that the European Union has set October 3, 2005 as the start of
membership talks, the Turks have a lot of work ahead of them. So do the
Armenians!
Even though the Armenian communities of Europe did everything in their
power to make the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the opening of
the border with Armenia pre-conditions for Turkey's membership, the EU did
not include these requests in its agreement with Turkey for the start of
the talks. The 25 heads of the EU member states, not only ignored the
Armenian issues, but more significantly, they did not demand the withdrawal
of the Turkish occupying forces from Cyprus -- the territory of an EU
member state!
Since the decision to start the talks with Turkey had to be unanimous, the
negative vote of even a single country would have cut short Turkey's dreams
of joining the EU. Despite the fact that most Europeans are strongly
opposed to Turkish membership, the heads of these states overlooked the
wishes of their own citizens and chose to set a date for talks with Turkey.
Even more amazing is the fact both Greece and Cyprus - having the right to
veto the start of talks with Turkey -- chose to go along with the rest of
Europe. The Greek and Cypriot leaders may have felt that by allowing the
Turks to begin the membership process, they would have more leverage in the
long run, than rejecting them outright. It remains to be seen whether the
Turks can dupe the Europeans into accepting them into the EU more than 10
years from now, by simply making a lot of cosmetic changes in their laws
and giving the appearance of complying with all the EU requirements. Of
course, the Turks could also face a rude awakening. If 10 years from now
the Turkish troops are still occupying Cyprus, there would be practically
no chance that Turkey would be admitted to the EU. The Cypriots would
certainly use their veto then.
Ironically, some Armenian officials are much more accommodating to the
Turks than most Europeans, by contending that Turkey as a member of the EU
would be much more amenable to recognizing the Genocide and lifting the
blockade of Armenia. I believe that the opposite is true. Once Turkey joins
the EU, its huge population would entitle it to have the largest number of
deputies in the European Parliament and the largest number of votes in the
European Council, enabling it to win every dispute with Armenia, a non-EU
member. Armenians would then be completely blocked from pursuing their
demands through the EU.
The time to pressure the Turks is prior to their joining the EU, not
afterwards! Armenians should use their lobbying clout as leverage to get
what they want now from the Turks. The Turks should be told in no uncertain
terms that unless they open their border with Armenia, recognize the
Armenian Genocide, make amends for the Armenian losses, and restore the
cultural, religious, and educational rights of the Armenian minority in
Turkey, Armenians would create incessant obstacles to Turkey's EU
membership!
Armenians, of course can't do this alone. As non-members of the EU, they
have to work closely with the larger and more powerful European political
forces that are already opposed to Turkey's EU membership for their own
reasons.
While the Turks are celebrating their temporary victory this week,
anti-Turkish demonstrations have been held in Italy. More than 50,000
supporters of the Italian populist Northern League Party took to the
streets to protest the EU decision.
Trouble also looms for Turkey in several other European countries. The
Chancellor of Austria announced shortly after the EU vote that his country
would be joining France in holding a referendum on Turkey's accession, thus
adding a major potential obstacle in Ankara's path.
Nicholas Sarkozy, former Finance Minister and rising star of French
politics, is against offering Turkey full membership in the EU. Sarkozy has
a good chance of replacing Jacques Chirac as French President in 2007.
The Turkish plans could also suffer a major setback in Germany if the main
opposition party, which opposes Turkey's EU membership, comes to power in
2006.
Unless Turkey becomes a true democracy, it should not be allowed to join
the union of civilized European nations.
************************************************** ************************
2 - It's All About Location and Looks
By Andrew Blazier
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PASADENA - Emile Aoun didn't build just any old chocolate shop.
When he and partner Marina Meguerditchian, both of Azusa, opened their
latest venture, they stayed away from the routine.
First, two Glendora friends allowed the pair to franchise a chocolate shop
with a French name, "L'Etoile Chocolatier." Then they placed it in a
heavily Armenian east Pasadena neighborhood - a far cry from the company's
largely white Glendora headquarters.
Aoun - who manages L'Etoile - looked at the neighboring storefronts on
Washington Boulevard. Many already catered to the local population -
several had Armenian names and owners - but one façade tended to blend into
the next.
What followed was three months of construction in which Aoun,
Meguerditchian, and the company's founders, Jessy and Johnny Jabbour,
decorated and remodeled the small storefront themselves. They gave the
building an elaborate, pristinely white Mediterranean façade, like a
miniature version of something you'd see on Rodeo Drive. They added rich
Middle Eastern purples and golds, with chic draperies and lighting to set
the store apart from its plain-looking neighbors.
"We wanted to enhance the appearance of the neighborhood," Apen said. "We
wanted to make something to attract them."
In the month since L'Etoile opened, Meguerditchian, who is Armenian, has
seen the benefits of a marketing strategy that precisely targets the local
customer base. The chocolates are hand-wrapped in Glendora, then
hand-decorated for specific special events - from baptisms to births to
weddings.
With more than 40 varieties of chocolates and important Middle Eastern
dried fruits, Aoun believes the shop offers plenty of choices.
Aoun said he is simply filling a need his customers can't satisfy nearby.
"It's almost like having a wedding. That's how much importance they pay to
it," Aoun said. "We want to provide them with something to remember
afterward."
L'Etoile Chocolatier is located at 1781 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.
************************************************** *************************
3 - New Glendale City Council
Candidate Swells Field to 10
By Naush Boghossian
Daily News
GLENDALE -- A new candidate -- one who is being called the voice of the
youth -- has entered the race for City Council. Hovik Gabikian, 35,
announced Monday that he would run for a seat on the City Council -- the
10th candidate to run for the four available seats -- and would fight for
issues including affordable housing, traffic regulation, environmental
protection and expanding fire and police services.
An eligibility worker at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social
Services, Gabikian also serves as a leader with his labor union.
"My intention is to expand and improve the quality of public life by
offering effective services," said the graduate of the University of
California, Los Angeles.
Some race watchers believe that Gabikian, who helped organize more than
70,000 people to march in Hollywood last year to commemorate the 89th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, distinguishes himself with his large
following among Armenian young people.
"He's highly respected by the youth who attend universities and colleges,
so he may not have name recognition in the political arena, but he's
definitely known, especially in the Armenian youth circles," Mayor Bob
Yousefian said.
In addition to incumbents Dave Weaver, Frank Quintero and Bob Yousefian,
those who have said they will run are Glynda Gomez, Ara Najarian, Garry
Sinanian, Steve Hedrick, Pauline Field and John Drayman.
************************************************** ************************
4 - Studio City Community Mixer Highlights
Organizations' Tasks, Achievements
STUDIO CITY Calif. - Armenian Relief Society (ARS) chapters and other
community organizations continually contend with how to attract new
members, how to provide services to the community, and how to engage the
non-Armenian political and community organizations.
At the Armenian Center in Studio City, a recent community mixer was the
solution determined to be the best plan of action by the local Armenian
organizations.
It was simple and yet an ideal solution on how to introduce the leadership
of organizations working outside the Armenian Center to get to learn about
what goes on inside the walls within the shopping mall. It didn't matter
that the center space was not huge, what mattered was that the Armenian
spirit was alive and well and Armenian hospitality, complemented with good
food, caught the attention of the civic leaders who were invited to the
mixer.
Judge Greg Keosian was the master of ceremonies, who invited the Armenian
organizations to present information about what they do for the community,
and the guests to give their impressions of the event and how they could
benefit from the community. Manig Sakayan of the Armenian National
Committee made the first introductions of the role of the various
organizations which operate from the Armenian Center.
Regional Executive Chair of the ARS of Western USA Board, presented how the
ARS has been serving those in need since 1910, empowering members as
leaders of the organization and the community, contributing to the
education and well being of citizens with five Social Services Centers,
and a Child, Youth and Family Guidance Center. Savoian's PowerPoint
presentation was impressive with a sprinkling of photographs showing
scenes from the LA Marathon, the ARS Armenian Festival, and new ARS members
taking their oath. She highlighted the work of the ARS "Meghri" Chapter,
which operates from the Armenian Center in Studio City. ARS services
include a Social Services branch office. The chapter also sponsors an
after-school Armenian language program at Erwin Elementary in Van Nuys.
Other speakers included Raffi Hamparian, chair of the Armenian National
Committee, Western Region, Jack McGrath of the Studio City Chamber of
Commerce, and Alan Dymond, Rafi Kuyumjian and Michael Klausman of the
Studio City Neighborhood Council. Klausman is also President of the CBS
Studio Center.
Christina Asadourian, a Senior Field Deputy for Los Angeles Councilmember
Wendy Greuel, presented a certificate on behalf of the Councilmember and
LA Mayor Jim Hahn.
************************************************** ************************
5 - Annenberg Foundation Endows $2 Million
Gregorian Chair at University of Pennsylvania
PHILADELHIA - The Annenberg Foundation of Radnor, PA, has endowed a $2
million Vartan Gregorian Chair in the Humanities at the University of
Pennsylvania and provided an additional $500,000 for graduate student
fellowships in t he humanities.
An advisor to the Annenberg Foundation and close friend of the Annenbergs,
Gregorian is a former provost at Penn.
"Vartan Gregorian is a scholar, a humanitarian and a truly remarkable
individual, whose wisdom, leadership and counsel have benefited several
universities and important philanthropic endeavors," said Leonore
Annenberg, president of the Annenberg Foundation.
Gregorian was provost from 1978 to 1981 at Penn, where he also served as
founding Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He has been widely
recognized for his work in revitalizing the New York Public Library, where
he served as president from 1981 to 1989. Gregorian also served for nine
years as president of Brown University.
Penn President Any Gutmann said, "We are honored to have a chair in the
humanities named for Vartan Gregorian, one of the outstanding leaders in
higher education of our time."
"Vartan Gregorian's leadership in the area of civic education has guided
the Policy Center work in the area for the decade and will continue to do
so in the future," said Center Director and Annenberg School professor
Kathleen Hall Jamieson.
At the luncheon celebration of the Policy Center anniversary, Gregorian,
who is the president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, delivered a
keynote address on the impact of scholarship on policy.
************************************************** ************************
6 - Ani Darakdjian Named US Director of JAA
LOS ANGELES - The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Armenia (JAA)
has named Ani Darakdjian its US Director, a new full-time post based in Los
Angeles, California.
"The appointment of Ani Darakdjian as US Director marks a significant
development in the history of our organization," commented Armine
Hovannisian, JAA's Executive Director. "She is the perfect addition to the
JAA family and comes on board at a time when our growth presents new and
exciting challenges."
Darakdjian's responsibilities cover the entire spectrum of JAA's stateside
operation, including financial management, collaborating with JAA's
Armenia-based staff to coordinate and manage all programs and activities,
and actively pursuing new sources of funding for the organization.
"The establishment of a US Director position is a testament to JAA's
continued commitment to achieving excellence both in programming and in
organizational operations," said Jack Berberian, President of the JAA Board
of Directors.
Darakdjian comes to JAA after an exhaustive nationwide search that produced
many impressive candidates. Her resume stood out among the dozens received
because of her exceptional professional and academic accomplishments. Her
career spans corporate consulting, business development and international
affairs, including experience both in the US and Europe in economic
development and international trade. She holds an MBA in Finance and
Management as well as a Master of International Affairs, both from Columbia
University.
"It's a privilege to contribute to Armenia's economic and political
development in this capacity," said Darakdjian.
The hiring comes amidst the expansion of JAA's vital and much-lauded work
in Armenia, which today reaches 170,000 annually through both its economics
and civics courses.
In 2005, JAA will sustain and expand its economics courses (currently in
500 high schools), launch the expansion of civics education and instruction
in Armenia's Pedagogical Institutes, train future civics instructors, and
continue to offer quality extracurricular activities that enhance both
economics and civics education.
The future of the civics program is secure. JAA has successfully rolled
out its civics program to all of the country's high schools. With the
conclusion of its current USAID grant in 2005, the Armenian Ministry of
Education and Science will assume the administrative and financial
responsibilities of the program in the 8th, 9th and 10th grades. JAA will
continue to play a critical role in civics education by providing advanced
teacher training, innovative extracurricular programs, increased access to
the Internet, international competitions, and supplemental civics
materials.
With JAA's proven track record, the organization has recently been selected
to partner with the Academy for Educational Development (AED), one of the
world's foremost organizations dedicated to improving education, leadership
capabilities and economic opportunities around the world. The goal of this
new collaboration is to develop young leaders as catalysts for change.
Junior Achievement of Armenia was established in 1992 to assist Armenia's
transition to democratic governance and a free-market economy. JAA's
mission is to give today's Armenian youth the necessary skills and
knowledge to compete and succeed in tomorrow's world through economics and
civics education. Today, this program reaches more than 170,000 students
in all 1400 of Armenia's high schools. By 2005, nearly 20% of the total
population will have taken a course taught by a JAA-trained teacher.
For additional information, call (818) 753-4997 or visit JAA's website at
http://www.jaarmenia.org.
************************************************** *************************
*
7 - Darchinyan TKO's Pacheco
To Win IBF Flyweight Title
HOLLYWOOD, FL - Vic Darchinyan scored an 11th-round technical knockout of
defending champion Irene Pacheco to win the IBF flyweight title on Dec. 16.
Darchinyan, a native of Armenia now living in Australia, controlled the
pace for most of the bout and finally knocked down Colombia's Pacheco in
the 10th round with a right to the head.
Darchinyan came out in the 10th round and dropped Pacheco for the first
time in the fight with a left hand.
Pacheco, 33, took a mandatory eight count, got up and made it to the end of
the round. He was dropped again in the 11th round with another pile-driving
left hand. Then Pacheco's corner called a halt.
It was Pacheco's first career loss in 31 professional fights and seven
title defense.
Darchinyan's win took his record to 23-0, with 18 knockouts.
Darchinyan became Fenech's first boxer to win a world title.
"The straight left Vic threw at him in the 11th that finally ended the
fight was a piledriver. The punch would have stopped a raging bull in its
tracks," said Fenech."
Born and raised in Vanadzor, Armenia, Darchinyan was spotted by Fenech at
the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
"I've waited for this chance a long time," Darchinyan said. "While I'm
proud of my Armenian heritage, I am also proud to be a naturalized
Australian. "I'm so happy, having my girlfriend Olga Stovvoun in my corner
tonight.
"This is a dream come true for me. I've been a fighter for 20 years. But I
knew if I wanted to win, to beat Pacheco, I needed to throw more punches.
He proved to be a tough and very strong opponent."
************************************************** *************************
The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
[email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
authorship.
--Boundary_(ID_6hMVjcG2akOd/v2DjW/HTw)--
1 - Commentary
Yes to Civilized Turkey;
No to Barbarians at Europe's Gates
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
************************************************** ************************
2 - It's All About Location and Looks
3 - New Glendale City Council
Candidate Swells Field to 10
4 - Studio City Community Mixer Highlights
Organizations' Tasks, Achievements
5 - Annenberg Foundation Endows $2 Million
Gregorian Chair at University of Pennsylvania
6 - Ani Darakdjian Named US Director of JAA
7 - Darchinyan TKO's Pacheco
To Win IBF Flyweight Title
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Yes to Civilized Turkey;
No to Barbarians at Europe's Gates
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Now that the European Union has set October 3, 2005 as the start of
membership talks, the Turks have a lot of work ahead of them. So do the
Armenians!
Even though the Armenian communities of Europe did everything in their
power to make the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the opening of
the border with Armenia pre-conditions for Turkey's membership, the EU did
not include these requests in its agreement with Turkey for the start of
the talks. The 25 heads of the EU member states, not only ignored the
Armenian issues, but more significantly, they did not demand the withdrawal
of the Turkish occupying forces from Cyprus -- the territory of an EU
member state!
Since the decision to start the talks with Turkey had to be unanimous, the
negative vote of even a single country would have cut short Turkey's dreams
of joining the EU. Despite the fact that most Europeans are strongly
opposed to Turkish membership, the heads of these states overlooked the
wishes of their own citizens and chose to set a date for talks with Turkey.
Even more amazing is the fact both Greece and Cyprus - having the right to
veto the start of talks with Turkey -- chose to go along with the rest of
Europe. The Greek and Cypriot leaders may have felt that by allowing the
Turks to begin the membership process, they would have more leverage in the
long run, than rejecting them outright. It remains to be seen whether the
Turks can dupe the Europeans into accepting them into the EU more than 10
years from now, by simply making a lot of cosmetic changes in their laws
and giving the appearance of complying with all the EU requirements. Of
course, the Turks could also face a rude awakening. If 10 years from now
the Turkish troops are still occupying Cyprus, there would be practically
no chance that Turkey would be admitted to the EU. The Cypriots would
certainly use their veto then.
Ironically, some Armenian officials are much more accommodating to the
Turks than most Europeans, by contending that Turkey as a member of the EU
would be much more amenable to recognizing the Genocide and lifting the
blockade of Armenia. I believe that the opposite is true. Once Turkey joins
the EU, its huge population would entitle it to have the largest number of
deputies in the European Parliament and the largest number of votes in the
European Council, enabling it to win every dispute with Armenia, a non-EU
member. Armenians would then be completely blocked from pursuing their
demands through the EU.
The time to pressure the Turks is prior to their joining the EU, not
afterwards! Armenians should use their lobbying clout as leverage to get
what they want now from the Turks. The Turks should be told in no uncertain
terms that unless they open their border with Armenia, recognize the
Armenian Genocide, make amends for the Armenian losses, and restore the
cultural, religious, and educational rights of the Armenian minority in
Turkey, Armenians would create incessant obstacles to Turkey's EU
membership!
Armenians, of course can't do this alone. As non-members of the EU, they
have to work closely with the larger and more powerful European political
forces that are already opposed to Turkey's EU membership for their own
reasons.
While the Turks are celebrating their temporary victory this week,
anti-Turkish demonstrations have been held in Italy. More than 50,000
supporters of the Italian populist Northern League Party took to the
streets to protest the EU decision.
Trouble also looms for Turkey in several other European countries. The
Chancellor of Austria announced shortly after the EU vote that his country
would be joining France in holding a referendum on Turkey's accession, thus
adding a major potential obstacle in Ankara's path.
Nicholas Sarkozy, former Finance Minister and rising star of French
politics, is against offering Turkey full membership in the EU. Sarkozy has
a good chance of replacing Jacques Chirac as French President in 2007.
The Turkish plans could also suffer a major setback in Germany if the main
opposition party, which opposes Turkey's EU membership, comes to power in
2006.
Unless Turkey becomes a true democracy, it should not be allowed to join
the union of civilized European nations.
************************************************** ************************
2 - It's All About Location and Looks
By Andrew Blazier
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PASADENA - Emile Aoun didn't build just any old chocolate shop.
When he and partner Marina Meguerditchian, both of Azusa, opened their
latest venture, they stayed away from the routine.
First, two Glendora friends allowed the pair to franchise a chocolate shop
with a French name, "L'Etoile Chocolatier." Then they placed it in a
heavily Armenian east Pasadena neighborhood - a far cry from the company's
largely white Glendora headquarters.
Aoun - who manages L'Etoile - looked at the neighboring storefronts on
Washington Boulevard. Many already catered to the local population -
several had Armenian names and owners - but one façade tended to blend into
the next.
What followed was three months of construction in which Aoun,
Meguerditchian, and the company's founders, Jessy and Johnny Jabbour,
decorated and remodeled the small storefront themselves. They gave the
building an elaborate, pristinely white Mediterranean façade, like a
miniature version of something you'd see on Rodeo Drive. They added rich
Middle Eastern purples and golds, with chic draperies and lighting to set
the store apart from its plain-looking neighbors.
"We wanted to enhance the appearance of the neighborhood," Apen said. "We
wanted to make something to attract them."
In the month since L'Etoile opened, Meguerditchian, who is Armenian, has
seen the benefits of a marketing strategy that precisely targets the local
customer base. The chocolates are hand-wrapped in Glendora, then
hand-decorated for specific special events - from baptisms to births to
weddings.
With more than 40 varieties of chocolates and important Middle Eastern
dried fruits, Aoun believes the shop offers plenty of choices.
Aoun said he is simply filling a need his customers can't satisfy nearby.
"It's almost like having a wedding. That's how much importance they pay to
it," Aoun said. "We want to provide them with something to remember
afterward."
L'Etoile Chocolatier is located at 1781 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.
************************************************** *************************
3 - New Glendale City Council
Candidate Swells Field to 10
By Naush Boghossian
Daily News
GLENDALE -- A new candidate -- one who is being called the voice of the
youth -- has entered the race for City Council. Hovik Gabikian, 35,
announced Monday that he would run for a seat on the City Council -- the
10th candidate to run for the four available seats -- and would fight for
issues including affordable housing, traffic regulation, environmental
protection and expanding fire and police services.
An eligibility worker at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social
Services, Gabikian also serves as a leader with his labor union.
"My intention is to expand and improve the quality of public life by
offering effective services," said the graduate of the University of
California, Los Angeles.
Some race watchers believe that Gabikian, who helped organize more than
70,000 people to march in Hollywood last year to commemorate the 89th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, distinguishes himself with his large
following among Armenian young people.
"He's highly respected by the youth who attend universities and colleges,
so he may not have name recognition in the political arena, but he's
definitely known, especially in the Armenian youth circles," Mayor Bob
Yousefian said.
In addition to incumbents Dave Weaver, Frank Quintero and Bob Yousefian,
those who have said they will run are Glynda Gomez, Ara Najarian, Garry
Sinanian, Steve Hedrick, Pauline Field and John Drayman.
************************************************** ************************
4 - Studio City Community Mixer Highlights
Organizations' Tasks, Achievements
STUDIO CITY Calif. - Armenian Relief Society (ARS) chapters and other
community organizations continually contend with how to attract new
members, how to provide services to the community, and how to engage the
non-Armenian political and community organizations.
At the Armenian Center in Studio City, a recent community mixer was the
solution determined to be the best plan of action by the local Armenian
organizations.
It was simple and yet an ideal solution on how to introduce the leadership
of organizations working outside the Armenian Center to get to learn about
what goes on inside the walls within the shopping mall. It didn't matter
that the center space was not huge, what mattered was that the Armenian
spirit was alive and well and Armenian hospitality, complemented with good
food, caught the attention of the civic leaders who were invited to the
mixer.
Judge Greg Keosian was the master of ceremonies, who invited the Armenian
organizations to present information about what they do for the community,
and the guests to give their impressions of the event and how they could
benefit from the community. Manig Sakayan of the Armenian National
Committee made the first introductions of the role of the various
organizations which operate from the Armenian Center.
Regional Executive Chair of the ARS of Western USA Board, presented how the
ARS has been serving those in need since 1910, empowering members as
leaders of the organization and the community, contributing to the
education and well being of citizens with five Social Services Centers,
and a Child, Youth and Family Guidance Center. Savoian's PowerPoint
presentation was impressive with a sprinkling of photographs showing
scenes from the LA Marathon, the ARS Armenian Festival, and new ARS members
taking their oath. She highlighted the work of the ARS "Meghri" Chapter,
which operates from the Armenian Center in Studio City. ARS services
include a Social Services branch office. The chapter also sponsors an
after-school Armenian language program at Erwin Elementary in Van Nuys.
Other speakers included Raffi Hamparian, chair of the Armenian National
Committee, Western Region, Jack McGrath of the Studio City Chamber of
Commerce, and Alan Dymond, Rafi Kuyumjian and Michael Klausman of the
Studio City Neighborhood Council. Klausman is also President of the CBS
Studio Center.
Christina Asadourian, a Senior Field Deputy for Los Angeles Councilmember
Wendy Greuel, presented a certificate on behalf of the Councilmember and
LA Mayor Jim Hahn.
************************************************** ************************
5 - Annenberg Foundation Endows $2 Million
Gregorian Chair at University of Pennsylvania
PHILADELHIA - The Annenberg Foundation of Radnor, PA, has endowed a $2
million Vartan Gregorian Chair in the Humanities at the University of
Pennsylvania and provided an additional $500,000 for graduate student
fellowships in t he humanities.
An advisor to the Annenberg Foundation and close friend of the Annenbergs,
Gregorian is a former provost at Penn.
"Vartan Gregorian is a scholar, a humanitarian and a truly remarkable
individual, whose wisdom, leadership and counsel have benefited several
universities and important philanthropic endeavors," said Leonore
Annenberg, president of the Annenberg Foundation.
Gregorian was provost from 1978 to 1981 at Penn, where he also served as
founding Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He has been widely
recognized for his work in revitalizing the New York Public Library, where
he served as president from 1981 to 1989. Gregorian also served for nine
years as president of Brown University.
Penn President Any Gutmann said, "We are honored to have a chair in the
humanities named for Vartan Gregorian, one of the outstanding leaders in
higher education of our time."
"Vartan Gregorian's leadership in the area of civic education has guided
the Policy Center work in the area for the decade and will continue to do
so in the future," said Center Director and Annenberg School professor
Kathleen Hall Jamieson.
At the luncheon celebration of the Policy Center anniversary, Gregorian,
who is the president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, delivered a
keynote address on the impact of scholarship on policy.
************************************************** ************************
6 - Ani Darakdjian Named US Director of JAA
LOS ANGELES - The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Armenia (JAA)
has named Ani Darakdjian its US Director, a new full-time post based in Los
Angeles, California.
"The appointment of Ani Darakdjian as US Director marks a significant
development in the history of our organization," commented Armine
Hovannisian, JAA's Executive Director. "She is the perfect addition to the
JAA family and comes on board at a time when our growth presents new and
exciting challenges."
Darakdjian's responsibilities cover the entire spectrum of JAA's stateside
operation, including financial management, collaborating with JAA's
Armenia-based staff to coordinate and manage all programs and activities,
and actively pursuing new sources of funding for the organization.
"The establishment of a US Director position is a testament to JAA's
continued commitment to achieving excellence both in programming and in
organizational operations," said Jack Berberian, President of the JAA Board
of Directors.
Darakdjian comes to JAA after an exhaustive nationwide search that produced
many impressive candidates. Her resume stood out among the dozens received
because of her exceptional professional and academic accomplishments. Her
career spans corporate consulting, business development and international
affairs, including experience both in the US and Europe in economic
development and international trade. She holds an MBA in Finance and
Management as well as a Master of International Affairs, both from Columbia
University.
"It's a privilege to contribute to Armenia's economic and political
development in this capacity," said Darakdjian.
The hiring comes amidst the expansion of JAA's vital and much-lauded work
in Armenia, which today reaches 170,000 annually through both its economics
and civics courses.
In 2005, JAA will sustain and expand its economics courses (currently in
500 high schools), launch the expansion of civics education and instruction
in Armenia's Pedagogical Institutes, train future civics instructors, and
continue to offer quality extracurricular activities that enhance both
economics and civics education.
The future of the civics program is secure. JAA has successfully rolled
out its civics program to all of the country's high schools. With the
conclusion of its current USAID grant in 2005, the Armenian Ministry of
Education and Science will assume the administrative and financial
responsibilities of the program in the 8th, 9th and 10th grades. JAA will
continue to play a critical role in civics education by providing advanced
teacher training, innovative extracurricular programs, increased access to
the Internet, international competitions, and supplemental civics
materials.
With JAA's proven track record, the organization has recently been selected
to partner with the Academy for Educational Development (AED), one of the
world's foremost organizations dedicated to improving education, leadership
capabilities and economic opportunities around the world. The goal of this
new collaboration is to develop young leaders as catalysts for change.
Junior Achievement of Armenia was established in 1992 to assist Armenia's
transition to democratic governance and a free-market economy. JAA's
mission is to give today's Armenian youth the necessary skills and
knowledge to compete and succeed in tomorrow's world through economics and
civics education. Today, this program reaches more than 170,000 students
in all 1400 of Armenia's high schools. By 2005, nearly 20% of the total
population will have taken a course taught by a JAA-trained teacher.
For additional information, call (818) 753-4997 or visit JAA's website at
http://www.jaarmenia.org.
************************************************** *************************
*
7 - Darchinyan TKO's Pacheco
To Win IBF Flyweight Title
HOLLYWOOD, FL - Vic Darchinyan scored an 11th-round technical knockout of
defending champion Irene Pacheco to win the IBF flyweight title on Dec. 16.
Darchinyan, a native of Armenia now living in Australia, controlled the
pace for most of the bout and finally knocked down Colombia's Pacheco in
the 10th round with a right to the head.
Darchinyan came out in the 10th round and dropped Pacheco for the first
time in the fight with a left hand.
Pacheco, 33, took a mandatory eight count, got up and made it to the end of
the round. He was dropped again in the 11th round with another pile-driving
left hand. Then Pacheco's corner called a halt.
It was Pacheco's first career loss in 31 professional fights and seven
title defense.
Darchinyan's win took his record to 23-0, with 18 knockouts.
Darchinyan became Fenech's first boxer to win a world title.
"The straight left Vic threw at him in the 11th that finally ended the
fight was a piledriver. The punch would have stopped a raging bull in its
tracks," said Fenech."
Born and raised in Vanadzor, Armenia, Darchinyan was spotted by Fenech at
the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
"I've waited for this chance a long time," Darchinyan said. "While I'm
proud of my Armenian heritage, I am also proud to be a naturalized
Australian. "I'm so happy, having my girlfriend Olga Stovvoun in my corner
tonight.
"This is a dream come true for me. I've been a fighter for 20 years. But I
knew if I wanted to win, to beat Pacheco, I needed to throw more punches.
He proved to be a tough and very strong opponent."
************************************************** *************************
The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
[email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
authorship.
--Boundary_(ID_6hMVjcG2akOd/v2DjW/HTw)--