Tweet
California Courier Online, March 17, 2005
1 - Commentary
Leaders Try to Keep Country Afloat
As Turkey Sinks into More Turmoil
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 - April 9 AMAA Orphan Care Luncheon
Brings Hope for Children of Armenia
3 - USC FAM Annual Meeting
Takes Care of Music Agenda
4 - UCLA Hosts International Conference Series
On Legacy of Armenian Genocide, April 1-3
5 - April 8 Film Screening Will Benefit
Saroyan Endowment at Berkeley
6 - ANCA-WR Accepting Applications
For Washington Internship Program
7 - USC Armenian Institute Raises
Over $850,000 at Inaugural Banquet
8 - SF Poet Laureate, Diana Der Hovanessian
To Read Selections at April 19 Poetry Event
9 - Antonovich Appoints John Krikorian
To County Small Business Commission
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Leaders Try to Keep Country Afloat
As Turkey Sinks into More Turmoil
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The Turkish State is sinking into more turmoil with every passing day.
Several members of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan's ruling Justice and
Development Party have resigned from their parliamentary seats in recent
weeks. The Party has been accused of corruption and receiving funds from
suspicious sources overseas. The press, feeling somewhat shielded by the
European Union, is more brazenly exposing the scandals associated with the
government and is using harsher tones in criticizing the Prime Minister's
shortcomings. In the midst of all this internal turmoil, the government is
trying to overcome the many obstacles facing its quest for membership in
the European Union, while nervously attempting to quell the Armenian
demands on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Turkish
newspapers have published literally hundreds of articles on the Armenian
Genocide in the past couple of weeks alone. This has become such a burning
issue within Turkey that judging from the volume of ink on this subject,
one would think that the genocide had just taken place, rather than a
century ago. Turkish
officials are getting more and more apprehensive as April 24 is
approaching. The EU is further squeezing the Turks by demanding that they
face their bloody past and improve their present legal system and behavior.
Here is a sample of the issues covered by the Turkish media in the past few
days:
The Turkish Ministry of Ecology and Forestry announced that it has decided
to delete the words "Kurdish" and "Armenian" from the names of the "Kurdish
fox" and the "Armenian sheep." The Ministry said that the names of these
animals were threatening the unity of the Turkish State! It is amazing that
a country with the second largest army in NATO is feeling threatened by a
couple of animal names. What's next? Are the Turks going to change the
names of some food items fearing that they may endanger Turkey's national
security? There must be an enemy lurking behind every bush!
There was a worldwide outcry at the televised scenes of the Turkish police
brutally beating the female demonstrators participating in a protest march
during the International Women's Day in Istanbul earlier this month.
European officials said they were shocked by these scenes of excessive use
of force. Instead of chastising the police, the Prime Minister criticized
the women in the march and blamed the Turkish media for reporting the
beatings. One Turkish newspaper said in a banner headline, "joining Europe
will be tough with this mentality." The European Parliament promptly passed
a resolution stating that it "strongly condemns the police brutality in
Istanbul" and asked the EU to conduct an investigation. Some EU officials
questioned the readiness of Turkey to start negotiations for joining the
European Union.
Prominent Turkish commentator Semih Idiz wrote that the Turkish government
had not even implemented the Hatti Himayun reforms it had proclaimed in
1839, let alone those being adopted nowadays to comply with the EU
requirements. Going even further, Idiz said that the Young Turk revolution
of 1908, "hailed by Turks, Armenians and Greeks alike," deteriorated into
"a modern-day ultra-nationalist tyranny under which all of these peoples of
the empire suffered greatly and without exception."
Last week, Prime Minister Erdogan and the leader of the main opposition
party, at a joint press conference, called for Turkish and Armenian
historians to study the "events of 1915." This is yet another clever ploy
by the Turkish side - similar to TARC. This suggestion would kill three
birds with one stone: it would distract the attention of the public away
from domestic turmoil, appease the EU, and undermine the Armenian demands
on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Many non-Armenians along with some Armenians mistook the Turkish
announcement as a gesture of goodwill, hoping that the "historians" would
prove the facts of the genocide to the Turks, leading to a long sought out
recognition.
Fortunately, Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, having learned
from the lessons of TARC, did not fall for this Turkish trick. He
immediately dismissed this suggestion. "The historians have already said
their piece and it is now up to Turkey to determine its attitude," he said.
"It is not a question for historians. They have already done their work....
But since Turkey denies this, this has become a political issue and so
needs a political solution," Oskanian said.
The Armenian Genocide is an established historical fact. It is an insult
for any Armenian to be asked to prove it. The Turkish leaders know full
well the extent of the crimes committed by their ancestors. They just don't
want to admit their country's criminal past. If the Turks are sincere about
wanting to study what happened in 1915, they had 90 years to do it.
The whole world knows what happened in 1915. We do not need any more
investigations. There is no doubt about the Turkish guilt. The only thing
that remains to be discussed is the appropriate penalty for having
committed genocide!
************************************************** ************************
2 - April 9 AMAA Orphan Care Luncheon
Brings Hope for Children of Armenia
BEVERLY HILLS - The Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel will be the
setting of the AMAA Orphan Care luncheon and fashion show on April 9. The
Couture Collection of Academy Awards designer Pol' Atteu, will be featured
in this year's fashion show.
Preparations are underway for this spectacular show, organizers said.
"I am excited to see what Pol' Atteu will create for each of us to
model...this is going to be the best show yet" said Taleen Shrikian who has
been modeling since 1997.
The luncheon co-chairs, Alice Chakrian, Lucy Gulvartian and Eileen
Keusseyan, have been working tirelessly to plan this event.
"Pol' Atteu had several designs from his collection worn by the stars in
the recent Academy Awards-these beautiful gowns will be modeled at our
fashion show," explained Eileen Keusseyan. Lori Muncherian and Gayane
Tatoulian along with the other committee members have been busy collecting
some very special items for the silent auction, which is always a big hit
with the guests.
Joyce Stein, Co-Chair of the National Orphan and Child Care Committee of
the AMAA, is very appreciative of the committee's efforts and everyone's
generous support of this most worthy cause - caring for Armenia's children
and orphans. The proceeds from the luncheon support orphanages, schools,
and handicapped children in Armenia. The AMAA Orphan Care Committee also
supports summer camp, day camp and Christmas programs for thousands of
deprived children annually.
For more information and tickets call Eileen Keusseyan at (818) 404-5686,
Savey Tufenkian at (818) 241-9818 or Elizabeth Agbabian at (310) 476-5306.
************************************************** *************************
3 - USC FAM Annual Meeting
Takes Care of Music Agenda
By Seda Marootian
LOS ANGELES - Members of the University of Southern California Friends of
Armenian Music were recently hosted to their annual membership meeting at
the La Canada Flintridge home of Norman and Sossi Sarafian.
The three-part program included a piano-violin recital, recognition of
composer Ara Sevanian's donation to the USC Friends Music Library and
presentation of this year's executive board of directors.
Outgoing President Diana Artunian was presented with an engraved crystal
desk clock by Audrey Gregor, founding member and past president of FAM. In
turn, Maro Makasjian, past vice-president and board member for a number of
years was "handed the gavel" for her coming two-year term.
On behalf of USC FAM, Gregor also presented Ara Sevanian with a dedication
plaque, recognizing his second contribution of musical scores to the
library. As a former board member of FAM, he had donated a limited number
of his compositions in 1986. Sevanian was accompanied by his biographer,
Eva Bogaardt, whose soon-to-be-published book on Sevanian is entitled
"Kanon."
Originally from Armenia, Sevanian received his musical education from
Yerevan Conservatory and at age 23 won the coveted Red Banner competition
held in Moscow. The gold medal was presented to him by Stalin in the
company of composer Arqam Khachaturian.
Coming from Germany to the United States after World War Two, Sevanian
devoted his life to composing and performing on the kanon. His compositions
have been performed by instrumentalists, singers, chamber groups and
symphony orchestras. His works, many of which were inspired by Armenian
folk melodies, are now being catalogued in the Armenian Music Collection of
the USC Doheny Library. Major credit for the existence of the library goes
to Gregor who was instrumental in the inception and development of the
collection which now contains hundreds of scores, books and recordings.
Artemis Bedros, chairman for the afternoon musicale, introduced violinist
Movses Pogossian and pianist Lucine Nargizyan who performed works from
Tchakovsky and Khachaturian.
A Candidate for her Ph.D. in Music this spring, Nargizyan is a FAM
scholarship recipient who shows great promise as a performing concert
pianist.
Violinist Pogossian, a product of the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan and
Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Moscow, has concertized throughout Europe,
Asia, the Middle East and the United States. He has now established
residency in Los Angeles following a professorship at Bowling Green
University in Ohio.
Six $1,000 music scholarships for 2004-05 were given to: Anna Komandyan,
Sarkis Baltaian, Karenn Chutjian, Pepron Pilibosian, Sarkis Kazarian and
Sara Shaklian. Since 1984, the scholarship program has assisted over 35
students on the undergraduate and graduate level.
Newly-installed President Makasjian introduced her officers and chairmen:
Vice President Artemis Bedros; Recording Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Anne
Mills; Corresponding Secretary Seda Marootian; Treasurer Dalita Meketarian,
Membership Sossi Sarafian; Student Events, Sonia Akian, ex-officio Diane
Artunian.
Board members are: Armen Aroyan, Lisa Avazian, Veronica Bagaturian, Lily
Ring Balian, Arpy Barsam, Hilda Fidanian, Audrey Gregor, Rose Ketchoyan,
Steve Mashikian, Fred Mickaelian, Dr., Ida Parker, Irene Sassounian,
Manoush Simonian and Elise Tashjian.
************************************************** ************************
4 - UCLA Hosts International Conference Series
On Legacy of Armenian Genocide, April 1-3
LOS ANGELES--Marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the
Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian history at UCLA
will host its next International Conference Series on April 1-3, titled
"After Nine Decades: The Enduring Legacy of the Armenian Genocide."
The conference, organized by Prof. Richard G. Hovannisian, the holder of
the AEF Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA, will start on April 1,
with an evening session, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in Armenian, at the AGBU Manoogian
Center, 2495 E. Mountain Street, Pasadena. Speakers that night include Nora
Assirian from Damascus University, Karen H. Khachatryan from the Institute
of History in Yerevan,
Marc Nichanian from Wesleyan University, and Raffi K. Hovannisian from the
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) in Yerevan.
The conference will continue on April 2, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at UCLA 100
Moore Hall. The Saturday session will cover a range of topics including the
enduring legacy of the Genocide, America's Foreign Policy and the Armenian
Genocide: A Legacy of Paradox, the Assyrian Genocide:
Late-Nineteenth-Early-Twentieth Century, the Greek Calamity in Asia Minor
and the Pontus, Comparative Media Coverage in English-Speaking Countries,
>From Charles Aznavour to System of a Down, and The Armenian Genocide and
French Society. Speakers include Richard Hovannisian, Henry Theriault,
Suzanne E. Moranian, Hrag Varjabedian, and Katia Peltekian, among others.
The last day of the conference, April 3, 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m., will take place
at the Court of Sciences 50, UCLA. With a focus on history and memory,
topics include Across the Chasm: From Catastrophe to Creativity, Historical
Memory: Threading the Contemporary Literature of Armenia, Turkish Liberal
Historiography and Genocide, and Constructing a New Historiography of the
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. Speakers include
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Rubina Peroomian, Fatma Muge Goçek, and Bedross Der
Matossian, among others.
For more information, visit
<http://www.uclaarmenian.org/>www.uclaarmenian.org. For a UCLA campus map
go to <http://www.ucla.edu/map>www.ucla.edu/map/ or contact Professor
Hovannisian at [email protected]. Admission is free and parking is
available at parking structure no. 2, at the Hilgard and Westholme entrance
to UCLA.
************************************************** ************************
5 - April 8 Film Screening Will Benefit
Saroyan Endowment at Berkeley
LARKSPUR, Calif. - The Lark Theater in Larkspur, Calif., will screen two
independent films on April 8 about the Armenian-American Experience in
California, in a one-night only screening benefiting the William Saroyan
Endowment in Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley.
The event will begin at 7:30 pm, April 8, at the Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia
Ave., in Larkspur, Calif. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the
Lark Theater at (415) 924-5111.The films, "Hayastan: A Promise to Araxi,"
and "Charles Garry: Streetfighter in the Courtroom," were made by local
Bay Area Armenian-Americans, John Garber and Roxanne Makasdjian. A
discussion with the filmmakers will take place after the screening.
"Hayastan," directed by John Garber, represents the personal journey for
understanding, resolution and action that sprung from a son's promise to
his mother that the first genocide of the 20th century should live no
longer as a silent horror.
On April 24, 1915, the government of the Turkish Ottoman Empire embarked on
a plan to destroy its Armenian population, resulting in >the annihilation
of 1.5 million Armenians, the first genocide of the
20th century.
Today, Turkey denies the Armenian Genocide and conducts an extensive
campaign to rewrite history. Ultimately, healing can only begin at the
point when acknowledgement comes -- for Turks, Armenians, and
all of us
"Charles Garry: Streetfighter in the Courtroom," which was produced,
written, directed, and edited by Roxanne Makasdjian, is a first-hand
account of America's civil rights era as seen through the events that
shaped the movement and the recollections of those involved.
Focusing on six compelling court cases that brought the social and
political battles of the street into the courtroom, Streetfighter relives
the drama of the 1960s through archival footage and interviews with the
defendants, the journalists, and the leading defense advocate in the trials
-- combative lawyer Charles Garry, a son of poor Armenians who fled Turkish
massacres and came to Central California.
Beyond a historical account, the documentary examines core issues of
American justice still very relevant today -- racial prejudice, minority
rights, and equal justice under the law.
The screening is part of a series of events commemorating the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and will benefit the William Saroyan
Endowment in Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the William Saroyan Endowment in
Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley, P.O. Box 10013, Berkeley, CA 94709-5113,
www.ucbaa.com.
************************************************** ************************
6 - ANCA-WR Accepting Applications
For Washington Internship Program
GLENDALE, CA - The Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
announced this week the opening of the application period for the 2005 ANCA
Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC. This year marks
the 21st anniversary of this competitive and prestigious internship
program, which is considered to be one of the best Armenian American
programs of its kind.
Named after long-time ANCA activist Leo Sarkisian, the eight-week intensive
public affairs internship brings together numerous young Armenian Americans
from across the country to gain first-hand experience in the American
political system, while working on issues of concern to the Armenian
American community. In addition to working at the ANCA national
headquarters, just blocks away from the White House, interns also
participate in a bi-weekly lecture series featuring a wide variety of guest
speakers, including US government officials and Armenian American leaders
and professionals from various fields. Interns are also exposed to
legislative offices and meetings with national figures as part of the
ANCA's on-going advocacy work on behalf of the Armenian American community.
"The ANCA internship program is truly a unique opportunity for young
Armenian Americans to gain an insider's perspective of the intricate and
complex political world in Washington, DC, while at the same time, gaining
a fresh understanding of the current issues facing the Armenian American
community," explained Steven Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of
Directors. "The lecture series and Washington's stimulating professional
and social environment allow interns to spend an enriching and fun summer
working to advance the Armenian Cause," stated Dadaian.
The 2005 Leo Sarkisian Internship program will begin on June 20 and run
through August 12 this year. Applications for the internship are available
on the ANCA website, through the ANCA-WR headquarters, as well as other
community outlets. Applications must be postmarked by March 31 to be
considered for the 2005 program.
For more information, or to request applications, contact the ANCA-WR
headquarters at 818.500.1918 or at [email protected].
************************************************** *************************
7 - USC Armenian Institute Raises
Over $850,000 at Inaugural Banquet
LOS ANGELES - A capacity audience of over 550 alumni and supporters from
all segments of the Armenian American community hailed the founding of the
USC Institute of Armenian Studies during its inaugural banquet held at the
Town and Gown Hall of the University of Southern California, on Feb. 13.
After the rousing tunes of the Trojan Marching Band and the rendition of
the National Anthem, Elizabeth Agbabian, Banquet Committee Co-Chair,
invited Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy,
to deliver the Invocation. Banquet Co-Chair, Savey Tufenkian, welcomed the
guests and opened the evening's program.
Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn took the podium to salute USC's nationally
recognized outreach work in the community which would be further enhanced
by the Institute of Armenian Studies. The Mayor said that the Institute
would celebrate the contributions of Armenians to the arts, literature and
sciences.
As keynote speaker, USC College Dean Joseph Aoun emphasized the global role
of the Institute as a center of Armenian studies so that the nation and the
world would better understand the contributions of the Armenian people and
Armenia. The Dean noted that the first Armenian student graduated from USC
in 1901, and expressed his hope that the children and grandchildren of
today's Trojans would take ownership of the Institute.
Dr. R. Hrair Dekmejian, USC Professor of Political Science, spoke in
Armenian and English about the Institute's ambitious mission as a
multidisciplinary center of learning, research and service to the Armenian
community. He stated that the Institute would continue the glorious
tradition of Armenian learning, going back to the 5th century, when the
Bible was first translated into the Armenian language.
Dr. Mihran Agbabian, Emeritus Professor of Engineering, presented a
historical overview of the Armenian presence at USC, including the crucial
leadership role of Dr. Zohrab Kaprielian as Dean of Engineering and USC
Provost, and Dr. Jack Munushian, Emeritus Professor of Engineering. Dr.
Agbabian urged that the Institute adopt President Steven Sample's motto to
celebrate the 125th birthday of USC -- "Inventing the future, honoring the
past."
The century-long USC-Armenian relationship was further elaborated by Gerald
Papazian, Esq., past president of USC Alumni Association, with a list of
revealing facts -- First graduates: Dentistry (1901), College (1904), Law
School (1909); two class presidents -- Carl Terzian and Walter Karabian;
three Armenian Deans; Naval Secretary Paul Ignatius, who was in attendance;
and two Armenians who were members of the USC Board of Trustees.
Harut Sassounian, the President of United Armenian Fund, offered a
community perspective on the Institute's founding and role. He noted that
the Armenian community is a wonderful mosaic, all segments of which were
represented at the Inaugural Banquet, and hoped that all community
organizations are served by the scholarship and expertise USC had to offer.
On behalf of USC Alumni and students, Shant Minas spoke about the great
opportunities the Institute would provide in defining Armenian identity in
the Diaspora and the betterment of conditions in Armenia through executive
education, exchange programs and leadership seminars.
The festivities were concluded with brief remarks on behalf of Archbishop
Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, delivered by the Very
Rev. Dajad Yardumian, who also gave the Benediction. A musical interlude
was presented by Aroussiak Baltaian, violinist, and Karenn Chutjian,
accompanist.
************************************************** ************************
8 - Federal Judge Larry Burns Joins Sen. Poochigian
At Armenbar's National Meeting in San Diego
SAN DIEGO - California State Senator Chuck Poochigian and Federal Judge
Larry Burns will join several legal scholars, judges and lawyers from
throughout the United States, Canada, France and Armenia, as the Armenian
Bar Association (Armenbar) holds its 16th Annual National meeting in San
Diego the weekend of April 1.
Judge Burns, whose mother's maiden name is Momjian, and is only 51 years
old, was appointed to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of
California in 2003 after his appointment by Pres. George W. Bush and
following unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. He joins Dickran
Tevrizian (Los Angeles) and Samuel Der-Yeghiayan (Chicago) as only the
third Judge of Armenian descent on the Federal Bench. Since 1997, Burns has
distinguished himself as an excellent jurist, and is a rising star in the
Federal Court system. As a Federal Magistrate in 2002, he was voted "Judge
of the Year" by the Consumer Trial Attorneys of San Diego.
Poochigian is an Honorary Life Member of Armenbar, and has announced his
candidacy for Attorney General of California. He recently authored
California's revamped worker's compensation law, and will be a panelist in
a legal seminar highlighting the new law, which is considered the most
significant reform of the system since its establishment over 90 years ago.
Joining Senator Poochigian will be expert practitioners Saro Kerkonian,
former Treasurer of Armenbar, Edvin Minassian and Harry Samargachian
Poochigian will also be the keynote luncheon speaker at the convention.
The program will also include a panel on "The Survival of the Armenian
Church and Community in the Historic Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem" and
"The Inclusion of Turkey in the European Union."
Panelists for the Armenian Quarter discussion will include Bedross Der
Matossian, a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University and a resident of
Jerusalem, Karnig Kerkonian of Chicago, a Harvard graduate who received a
post-doctoral diploma in International Law at Cambridge University, and
members from the Armenian Clergy.
The panel on Turkey's inclusion to the European Union will be presided over
by international legal expert Olivier Roumelian of Paris. Among the issues
to be discussed is whethe
r Turkey will be required to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide as a
precondition to its admittance into the Union.
"We are proud of the distinguished list of participants and guests for our
historic 16th Annual meeting, and invite our members and the community to
join us in San Diego," said Betty Jamgotchian, Executive Director of
Armenbar.
The meeting will be presided over by Armenbar Chairman Robert Roomian of
Washington, D.C.
Armenbar is the largest group of attorneys, judges and law students outside
of Armenia. The group has promoted the rule of law in the Republic of
Armenia, has provided pro bono legal services to needy members of the
Armenian community, provided legal seminars and continuing legal education
seminars and serves as a network for the interaction of judges, lawyers and
law students of Armenian descent.
To find out more about the organization and the Annual Meeting, visit the
group's website at Armenianbar.org.
************************************************** ************************
8 - SF Poet Laureate, Diana Der Hovanessian
To Read Selections at April 19 Poetry Event
SAN FRANCISCO - At a unique event in commemoration of the 90th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide, renowned poet and translator Diana Der
Hovanessian and San Francisco's poet laureate
Devorah Major will read selections from their work.
The evening of poetry and arts, hosted by the Bay Area Armenian National
Committee will take place on April 19, at 7:30 pm at the San Francisco
State University Poetry Center. In addition to other readings, the event
will also include music performed by Armenian composer and singer Gor
Mkhitarian, and an exhibit of paintings by local Armenian-American artist
Nanor Ekmekjian.
Der Hovanessian, well known as a poet and one of the world's finest
translators of Armenian poetry, was a Fulbright professor of American
poetry at Yerevan State University in 1994 and 1999. She is the author of
21 books of poetry and translations, and has won awards from the National
Endowment for the Arts, PSA, Pen-Columbia Translation Center, National
Writers Union, American Scholar, Prairie Schooner, and
Paterson Poetry Center, among others. Her poems are often aired on National
Public Radio and have appeared in the New York Times, Christian Science
Monitor, and journals worldwide. She is currently president of the New
England Poetry Club.
"Reflections on Genocide," also features Devorah Major, San Francisco's
Poet Laureate. In addition to being a poet, Major is a novelist, spoken
word artist, activist, and arts educator. Her most recent books are two
volumes of poetry: Where Rivers Meet Ocean" (City Lights Publishing, 2003)
and "With More Than Tongue" (Creative Arts Books, 2003). An anthology of
her work will be released in May 2005 by City Lights Publishing.
The evening will also include readings by native San Franciscan poet Sevana
Panosian, who holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from San
Francisco State University's prestigious writing program. Her work has been
anthologized and translated in "Birthmark: An Anthology of Armenian
American Poetry", and she is the first place recipient of the New England
Poetry Club's "Daniel Varoujan" award.
Los Angeles poets William Archila and Lory Bedikian will also read
selections of their work. Each holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree in
Creative Writing from the University of Oregon. Bedikian was awarded the
Dan Kimble First Year Teaching award for poetry and her work has appeared
in journals nationwide. Archila, exiled during El Salvador's civil war, has
been anthologized in Another City: Writing from Los
Angeles published by City Lights Books.
Musician Gor Mkhitarian who will perform songs from his award-winning CDs
"Episode," "Yeraz," and "Godfather Tom," A recitation in Armenian by UC
Berkeley student Hasmig Tatiossian will also take place. Tatiossian is in
her senior year at UC Berkeley, International Relations with an Emphasis on
Genocide and Human Rights Violations. Mixed media paintings by local artist
Nanor Ekmekjian will also be featured at this extraordinary event. Born and
raised in Lebanon, Ekmekjian's work revolves around themes of displacement
and exile. Her work is predominantly mixed media in both figurative and
abstract paintings.
The SFSU Poetry Center is located on the fifth floor of the Humanities
Building, room 512. For further information, contact the Bay Area Armenian
National Committee at (415) 387-3433.
************************************************** *************************
9 - Antonovich Appoints John Krikorian
To County Small Business Commission
LOS ANGELES - Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved the appointment of Glendale businessman
John Krikorian to the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission.
Krikorian is a publisher/consultant for Cal-Conn Enterprises, Inc.,
publisher of Business Life and Senior Living Magazines, along with
Krikorian Marketing Group. He is also a member of the Glendale Adventist
Medical Center Civic Advisory Board, Pasadena's Mayor Disability Committee,
Woodbury University President's Executive Council, L.A. County Human
Relations Corporate Advisory Council, and County of L.A. Area Agency for
Aging.
The L.A. County Small Business Commission provides advice and support to
the Board of Supervisors to help small business grow in Los Angeles County.
John Krikorian and his son Greg Krikorian (serving as President of the
Glendale Unified School Board) are the founders of Business Life Magazine,
a business lifestyle magazine that serves readers and advertisers in Los
Angeles County.
In the mid-90s', they saw the need to develop a multicultural agency to
reach the emerging ethnic market, thus the birth of Krikorian Marketing
Group (KMG). They also have also founded the Senior Living Magazine to
serve the needs of the over 55 market In Los Angeles County.
Business Life Magazine has received many awards and recognition over the
past years. The U.S. Small Business Administration presented Business Life
with their State of California "Media Advocate" award. Soroptimist
International gave their prestigious "Improving the Status of Women" award
for a 20-county region to Business Life.
Krikorian Marketing Group (KMG) was born to serve the needs of the
multicultural market located in Los Angeles County and in California. The
concentration was on the emerging multicultural populations that included a
large and growing number of Armenians and extended our to connect with the
Russian, Arabic and Muslim communities. The mainstream media, both print
and television were not serving these emerging markets.
For additional information contact: Tel (818) 240-7088 or visit
www.businesslife.com
************************************************** ************************
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.
1 - Commentary
Leaders Try to Keep Country Afloat
As Turkey Sinks into More Turmoil
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 - April 9 AMAA Orphan Care Luncheon
Brings Hope for Children of Armenia
3 - USC FAM Annual Meeting
Takes Care of Music Agenda
4 - UCLA Hosts International Conference Series
On Legacy of Armenian Genocide, April 1-3
5 - April 8 Film Screening Will Benefit
Saroyan Endowment at Berkeley
6 - ANCA-WR Accepting Applications
For Washington Internship Program
7 - USC Armenian Institute Raises
Over $850,000 at Inaugural Banquet
8 - SF Poet Laureate, Diana Der Hovanessian
To Read Selections at April 19 Poetry Event
9 - Antonovich Appoints John Krikorian
To County Small Business Commission
************************************************** ***********************
1 - Commentary
Leaders Try to Keep Country Afloat
As Turkey Sinks into More Turmoil
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The Turkish State is sinking into more turmoil with every passing day.
Several members of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan's ruling Justice and
Development Party have resigned from their parliamentary seats in recent
weeks. The Party has been accused of corruption and receiving funds from
suspicious sources overseas. The press, feeling somewhat shielded by the
European Union, is more brazenly exposing the scandals associated with the
government and is using harsher tones in criticizing the Prime Minister's
shortcomings. In the midst of all this internal turmoil, the government is
trying to overcome the many obstacles facing its quest for membership in
the European Union, while nervously attempting to quell the Armenian
demands on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Turkish
newspapers have published literally hundreds of articles on the Armenian
Genocide in the past couple of weeks alone. This has become such a burning
issue within Turkey that judging from the volume of ink on this subject,
one would think that the genocide had just taken place, rather than a
century ago. Turkish
officials are getting more and more apprehensive as April 24 is
approaching. The EU is further squeezing the Turks by demanding that they
face their bloody past and improve their present legal system and behavior.
Here is a sample of the issues covered by the Turkish media in the past few
days:
The Turkish Ministry of Ecology and Forestry announced that it has decided
to delete the words "Kurdish" and "Armenian" from the names of the "Kurdish
fox" and the "Armenian sheep." The Ministry said that the names of these
animals were threatening the unity of the Turkish State! It is amazing that
a country with the second largest army in NATO is feeling threatened by a
couple of animal names. What's next? Are the Turks going to change the
names of some food items fearing that they may endanger Turkey's national
security? There must be an enemy lurking behind every bush!
There was a worldwide outcry at the televised scenes of the Turkish police
brutally beating the female demonstrators participating in a protest march
during the International Women's Day in Istanbul earlier this month.
European officials said they were shocked by these scenes of excessive use
of force. Instead of chastising the police, the Prime Minister criticized
the women in the march and blamed the Turkish media for reporting the
beatings. One Turkish newspaper said in a banner headline, "joining Europe
will be tough with this mentality." The European Parliament promptly passed
a resolution stating that it "strongly condemns the police brutality in
Istanbul" and asked the EU to conduct an investigation. Some EU officials
questioned the readiness of Turkey to start negotiations for joining the
European Union.
Prominent Turkish commentator Semih Idiz wrote that the Turkish government
had not even implemented the Hatti Himayun reforms it had proclaimed in
1839, let alone those being adopted nowadays to comply with the EU
requirements. Going even further, Idiz said that the Young Turk revolution
of 1908, "hailed by Turks, Armenians and Greeks alike," deteriorated into
"a modern-day ultra-nationalist tyranny under which all of these peoples of
the empire suffered greatly and without exception."
Last week, Prime Minister Erdogan and the leader of the main opposition
party, at a joint press conference, called for Turkish and Armenian
historians to study the "events of 1915." This is yet another clever ploy
by the Turkish side - similar to TARC. This suggestion would kill three
birds with one stone: it would distract the attention of the public away
from domestic turmoil, appease the EU, and undermine the Armenian demands
on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Many non-Armenians along with some Armenians mistook the Turkish
announcement as a gesture of goodwill, hoping that the "historians" would
prove the facts of the genocide to the Turks, leading to a long sought out
recognition.
Fortunately, Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, having learned
from the lessons of TARC, did not fall for this Turkish trick. He
immediately dismissed this suggestion. "The historians have already said
their piece and it is now up to Turkey to determine its attitude," he said.
"It is not a question for historians. They have already done their work....
But since Turkey denies this, this has become a political issue and so
needs a political solution," Oskanian said.
The Armenian Genocide is an established historical fact. It is an insult
for any Armenian to be asked to prove it. The Turkish leaders know full
well the extent of the crimes committed by their ancestors. They just don't
want to admit their country's criminal past. If the Turks are sincere about
wanting to study what happened in 1915, they had 90 years to do it.
The whole world knows what happened in 1915. We do not need any more
investigations. There is no doubt about the Turkish guilt. The only thing
that remains to be discussed is the appropriate penalty for having
committed genocide!
************************************************** ************************
2 - April 9 AMAA Orphan Care Luncheon
Brings Hope for Children of Armenia
BEVERLY HILLS - The Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel will be the
setting of the AMAA Orphan Care luncheon and fashion show on April 9. The
Couture Collection of Academy Awards designer Pol' Atteu, will be featured
in this year's fashion show.
Preparations are underway for this spectacular show, organizers said.
"I am excited to see what Pol' Atteu will create for each of us to
model...this is going to be the best show yet" said Taleen Shrikian who has
been modeling since 1997.
The luncheon co-chairs, Alice Chakrian, Lucy Gulvartian and Eileen
Keusseyan, have been working tirelessly to plan this event.
"Pol' Atteu had several designs from his collection worn by the stars in
the recent Academy Awards-these beautiful gowns will be modeled at our
fashion show," explained Eileen Keusseyan. Lori Muncherian and Gayane
Tatoulian along with the other committee members have been busy collecting
some very special items for the silent auction, which is always a big hit
with the guests.
Joyce Stein, Co-Chair of the National Orphan and Child Care Committee of
the AMAA, is very appreciative of the committee's efforts and everyone's
generous support of this most worthy cause - caring for Armenia's children
and orphans. The proceeds from the luncheon support orphanages, schools,
and handicapped children in Armenia. The AMAA Orphan Care Committee also
supports summer camp, day camp and Christmas programs for thousands of
deprived children annually.
For more information and tickets call Eileen Keusseyan at (818) 404-5686,
Savey Tufenkian at (818) 241-9818 or Elizabeth Agbabian at (310) 476-5306.
************************************************** *************************
3 - USC FAM Annual Meeting
Takes Care of Music Agenda
By Seda Marootian
LOS ANGELES - Members of the University of Southern California Friends of
Armenian Music were recently hosted to their annual membership meeting at
the La Canada Flintridge home of Norman and Sossi Sarafian.
The three-part program included a piano-violin recital, recognition of
composer Ara Sevanian's donation to the USC Friends Music Library and
presentation of this year's executive board of directors.
Outgoing President Diana Artunian was presented with an engraved crystal
desk clock by Audrey Gregor, founding member and past president of FAM. In
turn, Maro Makasjian, past vice-president and board member for a number of
years was "handed the gavel" for her coming two-year term.
On behalf of USC FAM, Gregor also presented Ara Sevanian with a dedication
plaque, recognizing his second contribution of musical scores to the
library. As a former board member of FAM, he had donated a limited number
of his compositions in 1986. Sevanian was accompanied by his biographer,
Eva Bogaardt, whose soon-to-be-published book on Sevanian is entitled
"Kanon."
Originally from Armenia, Sevanian received his musical education from
Yerevan Conservatory and at age 23 won the coveted Red Banner competition
held in Moscow. The gold medal was presented to him by Stalin in the
company of composer Arqam Khachaturian.
Coming from Germany to the United States after World War Two, Sevanian
devoted his life to composing and performing on the kanon. His compositions
have been performed by instrumentalists, singers, chamber groups and
symphony orchestras. His works, many of which were inspired by Armenian
folk melodies, are now being catalogued in the Armenian Music Collection of
the USC Doheny Library. Major credit for the existence of the library goes
to Gregor who was instrumental in the inception and development of the
collection which now contains hundreds of scores, books and recordings.
Artemis Bedros, chairman for the afternoon musicale, introduced violinist
Movses Pogossian and pianist Lucine Nargizyan who performed works from
Tchakovsky and Khachaturian.
A Candidate for her Ph.D. in Music this spring, Nargizyan is a FAM
scholarship recipient who shows great promise as a performing concert
pianist.
Violinist Pogossian, a product of the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan and
Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Moscow, has concertized throughout Europe,
Asia, the Middle East and the United States. He has now established
residency in Los Angeles following a professorship at Bowling Green
University in Ohio.
Six $1,000 music scholarships for 2004-05 were given to: Anna Komandyan,
Sarkis Baltaian, Karenn Chutjian, Pepron Pilibosian, Sarkis Kazarian and
Sara Shaklian. Since 1984, the scholarship program has assisted over 35
students on the undergraduate and graduate level.
Newly-installed President Makasjian introduced her officers and chairmen:
Vice President Artemis Bedros; Recording Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Anne
Mills; Corresponding Secretary Seda Marootian; Treasurer Dalita Meketarian,
Membership Sossi Sarafian; Student Events, Sonia Akian, ex-officio Diane
Artunian.
Board members are: Armen Aroyan, Lisa Avazian, Veronica Bagaturian, Lily
Ring Balian, Arpy Barsam, Hilda Fidanian, Audrey Gregor, Rose Ketchoyan,
Steve Mashikian, Fred Mickaelian, Dr., Ida Parker, Irene Sassounian,
Manoush Simonian and Elise Tashjian.
************************************************** ************************
4 - UCLA Hosts International Conference Series
On Legacy of Armenian Genocide, April 1-3
LOS ANGELES--Marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the
Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian history at UCLA
will host its next International Conference Series on April 1-3, titled
"After Nine Decades: The Enduring Legacy of the Armenian Genocide."
The conference, organized by Prof. Richard G. Hovannisian, the holder of
the AEF Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA, will start on April 1,
with an evening session, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in Armenian, at the AGBU Manoogian
Center, 2495 E. Mountain Street, Pasadena. Speakers that night include Nora
Assirian from Damascus University, Karen H. Khachatryan from the Institute
of History in Yerevan,
Marc Nichanian from Wesleyan University, and Raffi K. Hovannisian from the
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) in Yerevan.
The conference will continue on April 2, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at UCLA 100
Moore Hall. The Saturday session will cover a range of topics including the
enduring legacy of the Genocide, America's Foreign Policy and the Armenian
Genocide: A Legacy of Paradox, the Assyrian Genocide:
Late-Nineteenth-Early-Twentieth Century, the Greek Calamity in Asia Minor
and the Pontus, Comparative Media Coverage in English-Speaking Countries,
>From Charles Aznavour to System of a Down, and The Armenian Genocide and
French Society. Speakers include Richard Hovannisian, Henry Theriault,
Suzanne E. Moranian, Hrag Varjabedian, and Katia Peltekian, among others.
The last day of the conference, April 3, 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m., will take place
at the Court of Sciences 50, UCLA. With a focus on history and memory,
topics include Across the Chasm: From Catastrophe to Creativity, Historical
Memory: Threading the Contemporary Literature of Armenia, Turkish Liberal
Historiography and Genocide, and Constructing a New Historiography of the
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. Speakers include
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Rubina Peroomian, Fatma Muge Goçek, and Bedross Der
Matossian, among others.
For more information, visit
<http://www.uclaarmenian.org/>www.uclaarmenian.org. For a UCLA campus map
go to <http://www.ucla.edu/map>www.ucla.edu/map/ or contact Professor
Hovannisian at [email protected]. Admission is free and parking is
available at parking structure no. 2, at the Hilgard and Westholme entrance
to UCLA.
************************************************** ************************
5 - April 8 Film Screening Will Benefit
Saroyan Endowment at Berkeley
LARKSPUR, Calif. - The Lark Theater in Larkspur, Calif., will screen two
independent films on April 8 about the Armenian-American Experience in
California, in a one-night only screening benefiting the William Saroyan
Endowment in Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley.
The event will begin at 7:30 pm, April 8, at the Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia
Ave., in Larkspur, Calif. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the
Lark Theater at (415) 924-5111.The films, "Hayastan: A Promise to Araxi,"
and "Charles Garry: Streetfighter in the Courtroom," were made by local
Bay Area Armenian-Americans, John Garber and Roxanne Makasdjian. A
discussion with the filmmakers will take place after the screening.
"Hayastan," directed by John Garber, represents the personal journey for
understanding, resolution and action that sprung from a son's promise to
his mother that the first genocide of the 20th century should live no
longer as a silent horror.
On April 24, 1915, the government of the Turkish Ottoman Empire embarked on
a plan to destroy its Armenian population, resulting in >the annihilation
of 1.5 million Armenians, the first genocide of the
20th century.
Today, Turkey denies the Armenian Genocide and conducts an extensive
campaign to rewrite history. Ultimately, healing can only begin at the
point when acknowledgement comes -- for Turks, Armenians, and
all of us
"Charles Garry: Streetfighter in the Courtroom," which was produced,
written, directed, and edited by Roxanne Makasdjian, is a first-hand
account of America's civil rights era as seen through the events that
shaped the movement and the recollections of those involved.
Focusing on six compelling court cases that brought the social and
political battles of the street into the courtroom, Streetfighter relives
the drama of the 1960s through archival footage and interviews with the
defendants, the journalists, and the leading defense advocate in the trials
-- combative lawyer Charles Garry, a son of poor Armenians who fled Turkish
massacres and came to Central California.
Beyond a historical account, the documentary examines core issues of
American justice still very relevant today -- racial prejudice, minority
rights, and equal justice under the law.
The screening is part of a series of events commemorating the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and will benefit the William Saroyan
Endowment in Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the William Saroyan Endowment in
Armenian Studies at UC Berkeley, P.O. Box 10013, Berkeley, CA 94709-5113,
www.ucbaa.com.
************************************************** ************************
6 - ANCA-WR Accepting Applications
For Washington Internship Program
GLENDALE, CA - The Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
announced this week the opening of the application period for the 2005 ANCA
Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC. This year marks
the 21st anniversary of this competitive and prestigious internship
program, which is considered to be one of the best Armenian American
programs of its kind.
Named after long-time ANCA activist Leo Sarkisian, the eight-week intensive
public affairs internship brings together numerous young Armenian Americans
from across the country to gain first-hand experience in the American
political system, while working on issues of concern to the Armenian
American community. In addition to working at the ANCA national
headquarters, just blocks away from the White House, interns also
participate in a bi-weekly lecture series featuring a wide variety of guest
speakers, including US government officials and Armenian American leaders
and professionals from various fields. Interns are also exposed to
legislative offices and meetings with national figures as part of the
ANCA's on-going advocacy work on behalf of the Armenian American community.
"The ANCA internship program is truly a unique opportunity for young
Armenian Americans to gain an insider's perspective of the intricate and
complex political world in Washington, DC, while at the same time, gaining
a fresh understanding of the current issues facing the Armenian American
community," explained Steven Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of
Directors. "The lecture series and Washington's stimulating professional
and social environment allow interns to spend an enriching and fun summer
working to advance the Armenian Cause," stated Dadaian.
The 2005 Leo Sarkisian Internship program will begin on June 20 and run
through August 12 this year. Applications for the internship are available
on the ANCA website, through the ANCA-WR headquarters, as well as other
community outlets. Applications must be postmarked by March 31 to be
considered for the 2005 program.
For more information, or to request applications, contact the ANCA-WR
headquarters at 818.500.1918 or at [email protected].
************************************************** *************************
7 - USC Armenian Institute Raises
Over $850,000 at Inaugural Banquet
LOS ANGELES - A capacity audience of over 550 alumni and supporters from
all segments of the Armenian American community hailed the founding of the
USC Institute of Armenian Studies during its inaugural banquet held at the
Town and Gown Hall of the University of Southern California, on Feb. 13.
After the rousing tunes of the Trojan Marching Band and the rendition of
the National Anthem, Elizabeth Agbabian, Banquet Committee Co-Chair,
invited Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy,
to deliver the Invocation. Banquet Co-Chair, Savey Tufenkian, welcomed the
guests and opened the evening's program.
Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn took the podium to salute USC's nationally
recognized outreach work in the community which would be further enhanced
by the Institute of Armenian Studies. The Mayor said that the Institute
would celebrate the contributions of Armenians to the arts, literature and
sciences.
As keynote speaker, USC College Dean Joseph Aoun emphasized the global role
of the Institute as a center of Armenian studies so that the nation and the
world would better understand the contributions of the Armenian people and
Armenia. The Dean noted that the first Armenian student graduated from USC
in 1901, and expressed his hope that the children and grandchildren of
today's Trojans would take ownership of the Institute.
Dr. R. Hrair Dekmejian, USC Professor of Political Science, spoke in
Armenian and English about the Institute's ambitious mission as a
multidisciplinary center of learning, research and service to the Armenian
community. He stated that the Institute would continue the glorious
tradition of Armenian learning, going back to the 5th century, when the
Bible was first translated into the Armenian language.
Dr. Mihran Agbabian, Emeritus Professor of Engineering, presented a
historical overview of the Armenian presence at USC, including the crucial
leadership role of Dr. Zohrab Kaprielian as Dean of Engineering and USC
Provost, and Dr. Jack Munushian, Emeritus Professor of Engineering. Dr.
Agbabian urged that the Institute adopt President Steven Sample's motto to
celebrate the 125th birthday of USC -- "Inventing the future, honoring the
past."
The century-long USC-Armenian relationship was further elaborated by Gerald
Papazian, Esq., past president of USC Alumni Association, with a list of
revealing facts -- First graduates: Dentistry (1901), College (1904), Law
School (1909); two class presidents -- Carl Terzian and Walter Karabian;
three Armenian Deans; Naval Secretary Paul Ignatius, who was in attendance;
and two Armenians who were members of the USC Board of Trustees.
Harut Sassounian, the President of United Armenian Fund, offered a
community perspective on the Institute's founding and role. He noted that
the Armenian community is a wonderful mosaic, all segments of which were
represented at the Inaugural Banquet, and hoped that all community
organizations are served by the scholarship and expertise USC had to offer.
On behalf of USC Alumni and students, Shant Minas spoke about the great
opportunities the Institute would provide in defining Armenian identity in
the Diaspora and the betterment of conditions in Armenia through executive
education, exchange programs and leadership seminars.
The festivities were concluded with brief remarks on behalf of Archbishop
Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, delivered by the Very
Rev. Dajad Yardumian, who also gave the Benediction. A musical interlude
was presented by Aroussiak Baltaian, violinist, and Karenn Chutjian,
accompanist.
************************************************** ************************
8 - Federal Judge Larry Burns Joins Sen. Poochigian
At Armenbar's National Meeting in San Diego
SAN DIEGO - California State Senator Chuck Poochigian and Federal Judge
Larry Burns will join several legal scholars, judges and lawyers from
throughout the United States, Canada, France and Armenia, as the Armenian
Bar Association (Armenbar) holds its 16th Annual National meeting in San
Diego the weekend of April 1.
Judge Burns, whose mother's maiden name is Momjian, and is only 51 years
old, was appointed to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of
California in 2003 after his appointment by Pres. George W. Bush and
following unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. He joins Dickran
Tevrizian (Los Angeles) and Samuel Der-Yeghiayan (Chicago) as only the
third Judge of Armenian descent on the Federal Bench. Since 1997, Burns has
distinguished himself as an excellent jurist, and is a rising star in the
Federal Court system. As a Federal Magistrate in 2002, he was voted "Judge
of the Year" by the Consumer Trial Attorneys of San Diego.
Poochigian is an Honorary Life Member of Armenbar, and has announced his
candidacy for Attorney General of California. He recently authored
California's revamped worker's compensation law, and will be a panelist in
a legal seminar highlighting the new law, which is considered the most
significant reform of the system since its establishment over 90 years ago.
Joining Senator Poochigian will be expert practitioners Saro Kerkonian,
former Treasurer of Armenbar, Edvin Minassian and Harry Samargachian
Poochigian will also be the keynote luncheon speaker at the convention.
The program will also include a panel on "The Survival of the Armenian
Church and Community in the Historic Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem" and
"The Inclusion of Turkey in the European Union."
Panelists for the Armenian Quarter discussion will include Bedross Der
Matossian, a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University and a resident of
Jerusalem, Karnig Kerkonian of Chicago, a Harvard graduate who received a
post-doctoral diploma in International Law at Cambridge University, and
members from the Armenian Clergy.
The panel on Turkey's inclusion to the European Union will be presided over
by international legal expert Olivier Roumelian of Paris. Among the issues
to be discussed is whethe
r Turkey will be required to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide as a
precondition to its admittance into the Union.
"We are proud of the distinguished list of participants and guests for our
historic 16th Annual meeting, and invite our members and the community to
join us in San Diego," said Betty Jamgotchian, Executive Director of
Armenbar.
The meeting will be presided over by Armenbar Chairman Robert Roomian of
Washington, D.C.
Armenbar is the largest group of attorneys, judges and law students outside
of Armenia. The group has promoted the rule of law in the Republic of
Armenia, has provided pro bono legal services to needy members of the
Armenian community, provided legal seminars and continuing legal education
seminars and serves as a network for the interaction of judges, lawyers and
law students of Armenian descent.
To find out more about the organization and the Annual Meeting, visit the
group's website at Armenianbar.org.
************************************************** ************************
8 - SF Poet Laureate, Diana Der Hovanessian
To Read Selections at April 19 Poetry Event
SAN FRANCISCO - At a unique event in commemoration of the 90th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide, renowned poet and translator Diana Der
Hovanessian and San Francisco's poet laureate
Devorah Major will read selections from their work.
The evening of poetry and arts, hosted by the Bay Area Armenian National
Committee will take place on April 19, at 7:30 pm at the San Francisco
State University Poetry Center. In addition to other readings, the event
will also include music performed by Armenian composer and singer Gor
Mkhitarian, and an exhibit of paintings by local Armenian-American artist
Nanor Ekmekjian.
Der Hovanessian, well known as a poet and one of the world's finest
translators of Armenian poetry, was a Fulbright professor of American
poetry at Yerevan State University in 1994 and 1999. She is the author of
21 books of poetry and translations, and has won awards from the National
Endowment for the Arts, PSA, Pen-Columbia Translation Center, National
Writers Union, American Scholar, Prairie Schooner, and
Paterson Poetry Center, among others. Her poems are often aired on National
Public Radio and have appeared in the New York Times, Christian Science
Monitor, and journals worldwide. She is currently president of the New
England Poetry Club.
"Reflections on Genocide," also features Devorah Major, San Francisco's
Poet Laureate. In addition to being a poet, Major is a novelist, spoken
word artist, activist, and arts educator. Her most recent books are two
volumes of poetry: Where Rivers Meet Ocean" (City Lights Publishing, 2003)
and "With More Than Tongue" (Creative Arts Books, 2003). An anthology of
her work will be released in May 2005 by City Lights Publishing.
The evening will also include readings by native San Franciscan poet Sevana
Panosian, who holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from San
Francisco State University's prestigious writing program. Her work has been
anthologized and translated in "Birthmark: An Anthology of Armenian
American Poetry", and she is the first place recipient of the New England
Poetry Club's "Daniel Varoujan" award.
Los Angeles poets William Archila and Lory Bedikian will also read
selections of their work. Each holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree in
Creative Writing from the University of Oregon. Bedikian was awarded the
Dan Kimble First Year Teaching award for poetry and her work has appeared
in journals nationwide. Archila, exiled during El Salvador's civil war, has
been anthologized in Another City: Writing from Los
Angeles published by City Lights Books.
Musician Gor Mkhitarian who will perform songs from his award-winning CDs
"Episode," "Yeraz," and "Godfather Tom," A recitation in Armenian by UC
Berkeley student Hasmig Tatiossian will also take place. Tatiossian is in
her senior year at UC Berkeley, International Relations with an Emphasis on
Genocide and Human Rights Violations. Mixed media paintings by local artist
Nanor Ekmekjian will also be featured at this extraordinary event. Born and
raised in Lebanon, Ekmekjian's work revolves around themes of displacement
and exile. Her work is predominantly mixed media in both figurative and
abstract paintings.
The SFSU Poetry Center is located on the fifth floor of the Humanities
Building, room 512. For further information, contact the Bay Area Armenian
National Committee at (415) 387-3433.
************************************************** *************************
9 - Antonovich Appoints John Krikorian
To County Small Business Commission
LOS ANGELES - Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of
Supervisors unanimously approved the appointment of Glendale businessman
John Krikorian to the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission.
Krikorian is a publisher/consultant for Cal-Conn Enterprises, Inc.,
publisher of Business Life and Senior Living Magazines, along with
Krikorian Marketing Group. He is also a member of the Glendale Adventist
Medical Center Civic Advisory Board, Pasadena's Mayor Disability Committee,
Woodbury University President's Executive Council, L.A. County Human
Relations Corporate Advisory Council, and County of L.A. Area Agency for
Aging.
The L.A. County Small Business Commission provides advice and support to
the Board of Supervisors to help small business grow in Los Angeles County.
John Krikorian and his son Greg Krikorian (serving as President of the
Glendale Unified School Board) are the founders of Business Life Magazine,
a business lifestyle magazine that serves readers and advertisers in Los
Angeles County.
In the mid-90s', they saw the need to develop a multicultural agency to
reach the emerging ethnic market, thus the birth of Krikorian Marketing
Group (KMG). They also have also founded the Senior Living Magazine to
serve the needs of the over 55 market In Los Angeles County.
Business Life Magazine has received many awards and recognition over the
past years. The U.S. Small Business Administration presented Business Life
with their State of California "Media Advocate" award. Soroptimist
International gave their prestigious "Improving the Status of Women" award
for a 20-county region to Business Life.
Krikorian Marketing Group (KMG) was born to serve the needs of the
multicultural market located in Los Angeles County and in California. The
concentration was on the emerging multicultural populations that included a
large and growing number of Armenians and extended our to connect with the
Russian, Arabic and Muslim communities. The mainstream media, both print
and television were not serving these emerging markets.
For additional information contact: Tel (818) 240-7088 or visit
www.businesslife.com
************************************************** ************************
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.