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California Courier Online, April 20, 2006
1 - Commentary
'We Will Remember not the Words of our
Enemies, but the Silence of our Friends'
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 - Dr. James Reid to Speak on Symptoms of Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivor Writings
3 - AAAA Honors Members, Guests
At Harvest Gallery Reception
4 - Armenian Dukuk is Hot Instrument in World Music
5 - L.A. City Attorney Delgadillo Hosts Armenian
Genocide Exhibit and LAUSD Training
6 - UCLA Will Host May 6 Conference
On Sustainable Development in Armenia
7 - Ohanesian Named
To City of Hope
Board of Directors
8 - Tennessee Titans Lineman
Visits Armenia, Karabagh
9 - Armenian Martyrs' Day Commemoration
To be Held April 24 in Fresno's St. Paul
10 - Mesrobian Students Collect $1500 in Pocket Change for
Armenian EyeCare Project's Adopt-a-School Program
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1 - Commentary
'We Will Remember not the Words of our
Enemies, but the Silence of our Friends'
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
As Armenians are commemorating the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
this week, they should keep in mind that 91 years after the fact, a
distinguished U.S. diplomat has become its latest victim!
John Evans, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, fortunately has not lost his
life, but has sacrificed his diplomatic career for speaking out on the
Armenian Genocide. He is being recalled by the State Department for
publicly acknowledging the facts of the Genocide during his tour of the
United States last year.
As Martin Luther King said: "At the end, we will remember not the words of
our enemies, but the silence of our friends." This famous statement aptly
describes the regrettable situation Amb. Evans and Armenians find
themselves in. The U.S. Ambassador is a true friend of Armenia and
Armenians. But, more importantly, he is a defender of the truth. His
friends should not remain silent about his predicament.
By speaking out, Armenians would be defending not so much the Ambassador --
who deserves their full support -- but their own cause. They cannot remain
silent when the State Department is indirectly trying to bury the truth
about the Armenian Genocide. A noble messenger is being eliminated in order
to silence his message!
The upcoming commemorative events of the Armenian Genocide are the perfect
opportunity for Armenians to raise their voices in defense of the
acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide, in solidarity with Amb. Evans. As
Armenians gather in various cities throughout the world during the week of
April 24, the keynote speakers at commemorative events in every city should
condemn the shameful action of the State Department against one of its
finest diplomats! They should urge their audiences to write to the State
Department expressing their outrage about its inexcusable treatment of Amb.
Evans.
A group of Armenian Americans and their friends in Yerevan are launching
this week a "Yellow Ribbon" campaign in order to shatter the wall of
silence surrounding this affair. As more than a million Armenians will be
marching in a solemn procession to the Genocide Memorial Monument in
Yerevan on April 24, volunteers will be asking each individual to tie a
yellow ribbon on a rope along the path leading toward the Monument. The
organizers have chosen the "Yellow Ribbon" campaign as a mode of silent and
respectful protest that is so familiar to Americans. This activity will be
publicized throughout Armenia as well as the Diaspora.
These actions and the ensuing publicity would add to the extensive media
coverage in recent weeks of the State Department's shocking recall of Amb.
Evans. As the Los Angeles Times wrote in an editorial published on March
22: "Punishing an ambassador for speaking honestly about a 90-year-old
crime befits a cynical, double-dealing monarchy, not the leader of the free
world." In a similar harshly worded editorial published on March 24, the
Fresno Bee wrote: "Shame on the State Department" for recalling Amb. Evans.
Prominent British journalist Robert Fisk wrote a scathing article in The
Independent on April 8. He castigated the State Department for recalling
Amb. Evans and took Pres. Bush to task for reneging on his campaign promise
of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. Fisk said that after getting
elected, Pres. Bush "caved in, gutlessly calling it [the Armenian Genocide]
a 'tragedy' so that he wouldn't get his fingers burned by that wonderful
democratic NATO ally - and would-be EU member - called Turkey."
Despite extensive critical media attention and several letters of inquiry
by members of Congress to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the State
Department continues to stonewall and remain officially silent on the Evans
affair.
If Armenians worldwide react strongly on this occasion, maybe in the
future the State Department and the White House would carefully weigh the
repercussions of their actions, before contemplating important decisions on
Armenian issues. Silence and inaction are not valuable commodities in the
pursuit of any cause, let alone a noble one!
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2 - Dr. James Reid to Speak on Symptoms of Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivor Writings
FRESNO - Dr. James Reid, Kazan Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies at
Fresno State for the Spring 2006 semester, will be giving the final of his
three part lectures series on "The Inner Dimension of the Armenian
Genocide," on April 25. The title of the this third lecture is "Symptoms
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivor Writings."
The lecture will begin at 7:30 PM in the Peters Auditorium of the
University Business Center at Fresno State and is free and open to the
public.
This third lecture will examine symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
in survivor writings. The problem of attaining a complete understanding of
the individual's post-traumatic state of mind is more difficult in memoirs
or other personal writings left by deceased persons. The effort is
immensely important, though, since much can be learned by such
investigations, both for the history of the Armenian Genocide and for the
understanding of modern patients. In order to comprehend the absolute
devastation of the Armenian genocide and accompanying events, it is
imperative to make the effort to understand the human dimensions of this
immense tragedy.
Dr. Reid holds a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and a
Ph.D. from UCLA and is the author of several books, including Crisis of the
Ottoman Empire: Prelude to Collapse, 1839-1878; Studies in Safavid Mind
Society and Culture and Tribalism and Society in Islamic Iran, 1500-1629.
Dr. Reid is a Tsakopoulos Hellenic Fellow, from 2001-2003 he was the
director of the Vryonis Center, and from 1991-2001 he was a senior research
fellow at the Center. He has written extensively on the Ottoman Empire and
modern Greece.
For more information on the lecture, contact the Armenian Studies Program
at 278-2669.
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3 - AAAA Honors Members, Guests
At Harvest Gallery Reception
GLENDALE - The Armenian Allied Arts Association presented an afternoon
reception at The Harvest Gallery in Glendale on March 26, from 2 to 5 p.m.,
honoring AAAA members and their guests.
In an effort to develop and expand the AAAA, the Board of Directors was
present to discuss plans and exchange ideas with the members and their
guests.
Karen Kaysing-Doty, AAAA President, welcomed the guests, introduced the
Directors in attendance, and expressed her gratitude to the Armenian
community who supports the arts. A reception followed the program where
guests were treated to an array of wine and cheese, coffee and gourmet
treats.
The Harvest Gallery, at 938 North Brand Boulevard, specializes in
exhibiting the work of Armenian artists and has a fine reputation. The art
of Vasken Brudian was on display, and he was present to discuss his work.
Twenty of his pieces were in the gallery, and many sold that day. The
guests enjoyed his presence, as it made his art come to life. In addition,
the music of Los Angeles violinist, Anne Rardin, complemented the artwork,
as she played pieces on solo violin to represent the genre of Mr. Brudian's
work.
The 66th Annual Armenian Allied Arts Competition deadline for submissions
has now been extended. All hopefuls are encouraged to enter by contacting
the chairperson in the department of their interest.: Department
Chairpersons are:
Art - Siroon Megurian (323) 656-0261; Drama- Geraldine Chuchian, (310)
274-1694; Dance - Dr. Tina Vartanian, (323) 726-9192; Literature - Rosa
Madoyan, (909) 894-8944; Music Composition, Victoria Parian, (626)
303-2023; Music Instrumental & Vocal, Mary Agulian, (626) 791-9816.
For further information on Armenian Allied Arts events or/and competition
submissions, call (323) 654-7988 or visit www.armenianalliedarts.org..
Competition forms may be downloaded on the website.
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4 - Armenian Dukuk is Hot Instrument in World Music
That's the soulful sound of the duduk. The duduk is a kind of folk oboe
from Armenia. It's played here by the Armenian master of the duduk, Djivan
Gasparyan. In Gasparyan's homeland, the duduk embodies Armenian culture and
pervades folk music. But there's no need to leave the United States to hear
it. There's probably one playing at a theater near you. The World's Adeline
Sire explains.
The duduk has become the stuff of Hollywood soundtracks. It's about 2000
years old, so it's probably the oldest and the hardest working instrument
in show business. Many blockbusters have featured it, including The Crow,
Dead Man Walking, The Siege, and even Hulk. The trend started with the 1988
film "The last temptation of Christ." That soundtrack was composed by
British rock musician Peter Gabriel.
Venezuelan-born musician Pedro Eustache was haunted by the sound of this
mysterious instrument.
Pedro: "I said what the heck is that? It sounded like a cello meets a
voice, meets a clarinet, meets a lot of pain, incredibly expressive and it
just rocked my world."
Eustache took up the duduk in 1994 after he was introduced to it by Armen
Anassian, of Los Angeles, who was then Yanni's music director. He then
studied with master Djivan Gasparyan. He soon learned the secrets of this
rudimentary instrument made of Armenian apricot wood. It's topped with a
large reed.
Eustache is a freelancer and in Hollywood, he's very much in demand by film
composers. He plays dozens of woodwinds from around the world. But he
treasures the duduk. And likes to improvise on it.
Pedro: Duduk is such a difficult instrument, pfffff.....it kicks my butt
all the time, excuse my French--which is not French-- but
duduk can express something very specific, peculiar, particular, that
nothing else can express. I would say evocative, I would say
extreme expression from sweetness to pain and they say in Armenia, the
sound of this instrument is a prayer."
That quasi-holy sound has made the duduk a welcomed guest in religious film
epics. In 2004, 16 years after "the last temptation of Christ " the duduk
appeared in Mel Gibson's film "the Passion of the Christ." And this time,
Eustache was playing.
More than an instrument, the duduk is a dramatic device. John Debney
composed the score for "the Passion of the Christ." He says he chose the
duduk because it sounds just like a human voice. But he says that usually
when film composers use it, they aim to refer to the distant past and
distant lands.
Debney: "It does evoke something ancient. I think that most westerners are
drawn to this instrument because it is a plaintive instrument that is very
exotic and very beautiful. And I think that's very appealing."
Filed under "ancient times" evoked by the duduk, you find the films
"Gladiator" and "Alexander." And as for exotic, in 2005 alone, the duduk
evoked a fictitious land in "Chronicles of Narnia," and the middle east in
"Syriana" and "Munich."
Pedro Eustache is the featured duduk player in Munich's soundtrack. And
he's played many more gigs, even in settings beyond Hollywood. He says the
duduk is quite a chameleon.
Eustache: "I've played this in churches, in Hispanic churches, I have
played this in huge arenas all over the world, I have played this from
Dubai to India to Japan to Venezuela, I've used this in Iranian pop, you
know, it's pretty amazing."
Eustache also performs with classical Indian music master Ravi Shankar. In
2002, Eustache performed with Shankar and his band in London. It was a
memorial concert for the Beatles' George Harrison. Shankar had written a
duduk solo for Eustache. And that solo didn't fall on deaf ears. Paul
McCartney was so impressed by the sound of the instrument that he inquired
about the musician who'd played it.
McCartney: "He said that he called Ravi Shankar....and said "Ravi, I want
to have that Indian musician that plays this mournful Indian instrument....
voovoovoo.... and Ravi said "No no no, he's not Indian, he's from Venezuela
and the instrument is from Armenia.. hahaha..."
McCartney called Eustache and invited him to play a duet on his latest
album "Chaos and creation in the garden." The song is "Jenny Wren."
Pedro Eustache is convinced that this folk horn from Armenia has a powerful
and limitless reach. He says it will definitely outlive its current fad.
It's just a hunch but it's based on experience.
Eustache: "I'm from Venezuela, South America. My parents came from Haiti
and I am a whole multicultural weird thing. My point being, there are
things that go beyond geography and chronology an the sound of the duduk is
one of them. I have played this instrument anywhere and everywhere and it
affects people, it immediately capture's people's sensibilities, it
connects deeply with them, I think there is something so incredibly
universal about the sound, the strength, the reality of this instrument."
Its appeal is so universal that last November, UNESCO issued a proclamation
naming duduk music a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity."
As for Eustache, he'll next play on a couple of songs Stevie Wonder is
writing for a documentary. Eustache says the R'N'B star loves the
instrument so much he's getting one for himself. The duduk's next
appearance will be brought to the silver screen by composer Hans Zimmer.
Zimmer asked master Djivan Gasparyan to the play for the soundtrack of "The
Da Vinci Code," out this May.
For information about Pedro Eustache and his latest solo CD, go to:
http://www.pedroflute.com http://www.duduk.com
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5 - L.A. City Attorney Delgadillo Hosts Armenian
Genocide Exhibit and LAUSD Training
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo hosted an exhibit
and teacher training program for Los Angeles Unified teachers about the
Armenian Genocide at Los Angeles City Hall on April 3
In attendance were over 100 guests including numerous dignitaries from the
Armenian-American community such as Raffi Momjian, Executive Director of
the Genocide Education Project, 43rd California State Assembly District
Candidate Paul Krekorian, Laurel Karabian, and numerous city employees of
Armenian descent.
Delgadillo addressed the attendees stating, "This month, we pause to mark
the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The scars from this
terrible event are still raw, and have been made even more painful by the
fact that the world has yet to heed the voices of so many senseless
deaths."
Ara Oshagan, Levon Parian, and Raffi Momjian all had an opportunity to
address the audience with comments about their experiences commemorating
the Armenian Genocide.
The teacher-training workshop was conducted by the Genocide Education
Project, a non-profit education organization, which will ultimately train
more than 300 LAUSD teachers about the Armenian Genocide. Incorporated
into the Genocide training are elements from the iwitness exhibit.
Iwitness is an exhibit by the Genocide Project featuring the work of
photographers Ara Oshagan and Levon Parian.
The Genocide Project combines portraits of Armenian Genocide survivors with
their eyewitness accounts of their experience during the Genocide. It was
collected over a10-year period and features historical photographs and
testimonials from American and other officials present in the Ottoman
Empire before and during the Genocide.
Prior to the reception, there was a screening for the historical
documentary "Armenia: The Betrayed," at which numerous individuals and
students from local Armenian Schools attended. After the screening,
iwitness photographers Oshagan and Parian answered questions from audience
members about their emotional experience photographing and interviewing
survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The artists related that survivors had
repressed their memories of the Genocide for years and how emotionally
straining it was for them to now relive the horrific events of their early
years.
Delgadillo thanked members of the community for attending the event and
stated, "My hope is that by co-sponsoring this exhibit with the Genocide
Education Project... we will all speak for the 1.5 million Armenian
Genocide victims -- speak for millions who have died since and take another
step toward preserving memory and preserving life." Delgadillo continues
to be a prominent supporter of the Armenian Community.
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6 - UCLA Will Host May 6 Conference
On Sustainable Development in Armenia
LOS ANGELES - "Armenia: Challenges of Sustainable Development" is the theme
of an international conference to be held at UCLA, on May 6, from 9:30 AM
to 4 PM. in the Court of Sciences 50 (Young Hall).
The conference featuring specialists in economics, finance, and governance
is dedicated to UCLA Professor Emeritus of Economics, Armen A. Alchian, a
world-renowned economist and teacher who was born in Fresno in 1914 and has
been a member of the UCLA faculty since 1946.
The conference is organized by the Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in
Modern Armenian History at UCLA, and the Armenian International Policy
Research Group (AIPRG), with support from the UCLA Von Grunebaum Center for
Near Eastern Studies and the Department of Economics.
AEF Chair Holder Richard Hovannisian will open the morning session with
introductory comments on "The Economic Factor," followed by the
presentation of Professor Alchian and his contributions to economic theory
by a similarly distinguished Professor of Economics, Harold Demsetz.
Enrique Gelband, Deputy Division Chief and former Mission Chief to Armenia
of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will give the keynote address on
"Growth and Poverty Reduction in Armenia: Achievements and Challenges," the
title of his recent book published by the IMF. A panel discussion on the
subject will be moderated by UCLA Professor of Economics Michael
Intriligator and include William Ascher, McKenna Professor of Government
and Economics at Claremont McKenna College; Daniel Mazmanian, Director of
the Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public
Enterprise at the University of Southern California; and Ara Khanjian,
Professor of Economics at Ventura College.
The Saturday afternoon session moderated by Prof. Lee Ohanian of the UCLA
Department of Economics focuses on specific topics relating to Armenia's
economic development. David Grigorian of the IMF will speak on "Tax
Potential versus Tax Effort: Factors behind the Stubbornly Low Tax
Collection in Armenia"; Bryan Roberts of the Department of Homeland
Security, "Remittances, Poverty, and Growth in Armenia"; and Nerses
Yeritsyan, Central Bank of Armenia, "Financial Sector Development in
Armenia: Problems and Challenges." A discussion period will conclude the
afternoon session.
Richard Hovannisian stated: "I am pleased that after 16 wonderful
semi-annual conferences on Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces, we
shifted the focus to contemporary issues in 2005 with 'The Enduring Legacy
of the Armenian Genocide' and 'Three Turkish Voices on the Armenian
Question.' Now, for the first conference of 2006, the economic and fiscal
challenges facing the Republic of Armenia will be addressed. I am thankful
to David Grigorian for arranging much of the program, especially as Ascher,
Khanjian, Roberts, Yeritsyan, and Grigorian are also associated with AIPRG.
The subject of this conference is of critical importance to Armenia and all
those concerned with the welfare of its people."
The conference is open to the public and free of charge. Parking is
available in Structure 2 at the Hilgard and Westholme Avenue entrance to
UCLA.
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7 - Ohanesian Named
To City of Hope
Board of Directors
LOS ANGELES - John Ohanesian, President & CEO of Bosley has been named to
the national Board of Directors of City of Hope Cancer Center.
City of Hope's Board of Directors is comprised of 28 members, spanning a
range of industries that include finance and health care.
Ohanesian has been President fo CEO of Bosley since August 2001, at which
time he completed the orchestration of Bosley, Inc., being acquired by
Tokyo-based Aderans, Inc. Since joining Bosley in October 1990, as
President and COO, Ohanesian has led the growth from eight offices to 98
offices and from 68 employees to over 600 employees. These include
locations in Canada, Mexico, and a surgical clinic in Tokyo, performing
more surgical hair restoration procedures than any company in the world.
Previously, John was Vice President of Saint John's Hospital and Health
Center in Santa Monica from 1984 to 1990. Prior to that, he was
Administrator of Health Services for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing
Committee from 1982 to 1984.
>>From 1990 to 1996, he was a member of the California Citizens Compensation
Committee as an appointee of Gov. George Deukmejian.
Since September of 2001, Ohanesian has been an active member of the Los
Angeles Music Center's Center Theater Board of Directors, the operating
company for the Ahmanson Theater, Mark Tape Forum and the Kirk Douglas
Theater.
John earned his B.A. in Political Science from California State University,
Sonoma in 1977, and his Master of Arts in Health Administration from
California State University, Long Beach in 1980. He resides in Beverly
Hills with his daughter Adona and Ava.
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8 - Tennessee Titans Lineman
Visits Armenia, Karabagh
LOS ANGELES - In January, Rien Long became only the 4th Armenian American
in 50 years to complete three seasons in the NFL. In March, the 24-year-old
6'6", 300-pound defensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans traveled to his
ancestral homeland of Armenia.
Long was joined on his journey by his mother and grandmother: three
generations of Armenian-Americans "returning" to Armenia for the first
time, since Rien Long's great-grandparents, Toros Vartanian and Elizabeth
Krekorian fled to America right before the Ottoman Turks began
systematically killing 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.
The entire trip was filmed for a documentary that will debut this year at
the Alex Theatre in Glendale on Father's Day, June 18.
"The Long journey From the NFL to Armenia" was shot in Nagorno Karabagh;
Yuba City, Calif., Nashville, Tennessee; Eugene, Oregon; Moscow, Idahol;
Anacortes, Pullman and Vancouver, Washington, and in more than 10 cities in
Armenia.
>>From Yerevan to Gyumri to Sevan to Karabagh, Long toured historical sites
and visited with the people of Armenia. He even dropped in on Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian, where the conversation dealt more with American
football than Armenian foreign policy.
"The highlight for me was visiting Karabagh itself," Long said. "I was
especially impressed with Father Ter Hovanes at Gandzasar Monastery. His
stories of the war with the Azeris put a lot of thing we consider struggles
in our country into whole different perspective. It was truly inspiring."
Among others, stops included the Sartarabad Genocide Memorial, a maternity
clinic in earthquake-ravaged Akhuryan, Etchmiadzin, Erebuni, Garni Temple,
Geghard Monastery, an after-school program for at-risk youth, and Yerablur
National cemetery, where Long met veterans of the war in Karabagh.
Long, who sports a tattoo of the Armenian flag on his right arm, will be in
Glendale on June 18 for the debut of the documentary.
For more information, readers can log on to the web site of Global
Opportunity Productions @ www.gop.tv or call filmmaker Peter Musurlian at
(818) 500-1234.
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9 - Armenian Martyrs' Day Commemoration
To be Held April 24 in Fresno's St. Paul
FRESNO - The Armenian Interdenominational Committee will host the Armenian
Martyrs' Day Commemoration on April 24 at St. Paul Armenian Church.
Keynote speaker is Tom Bohigian.
The Committee is comprised of members from St. Paul, Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church and the First
Armenian Presbyterian Church.
The program begins at 7 p.m.
Participating in the cultural portion of the program are Maria Amirkhanian,
Piano, Hermine Sahagian & Flora Mirijanian, Recitations.
At the conclusion of the Service and Program, there will be a fellowship
reception at the Social Hall.
St. Paul Armenian Church is located at 3767 North First Street, Fresno.
Admission is free.
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10 - Mesrobian Students Collect $1500 in Pocket Change for
Armenian EyeCare Project's Adopt-a-School Program
PICO RIVERA, Calif. -Students at Yerevan School N #105 received eye
screenings and eye heath education from the Armenian EyeCare Project
medical team, courtesy of their peers around the globe at the Armenian
Mesrobian School in Pico Rivera, Calif.
For the second year in a row, the Mariam Samoniantz's 9th grade homeroom
class at Mesrobian School participated in the EyeCare Project's
Adopt-a-School Program, which invites AECP donors to sponsor eye screenings
and treatment of the students at a specific school in Armenia. The
Mesrobian students emptied spare change from pockets, purses, and wallets
into a large jar each day for three months. "I felt good knowing that my
small change benefited another Armenian in a significant way," said 9th
grader Nora Gourdikian. The news of the good deed spread around the
school, and students from all grades began to participate-eventually
bringing the grand total to $1,500.
The Mesrobian School, founded in 1965, was the second Armenian Day School
in the United States. The 240 students are taught the importance of
helping others.
"My 9th grade class wanted to help their brothers and sisters in Armenia,"
remarked Samoniantz. "We choose the Armenian Eyecare Project because the
gift of sight is the most precious gift of all."
The AECP medical team screened 320 students at Yerevan school N #105 and
found that 35 children had existing eye problems. The students with eye
problems will receive follow up treatment, which can include a detailed
examination, surgery, medications, and eyeglasses. These services will be
provided at no cost to their families.
In addition to the screenings, the younger students were treated to an
interactive educational puppet show featuring Doctor Tesunik highlighting
the importance of eye care. Third grader Silva Yemenyan liked the puppet
show very much. "Doctor Tesunik told us how to keep our eyes healthy," she
said, "And now I want to have healthy eyes." The older students learned
about the anatomy of the eye and created colorful eye models, one of which
will be sent to their friends at Mesrobian School as a gesture of
appreciation.
Bella Sukiasyan, Schoolmaster of N#105, was "impressed and touched" that
the Mesrobian students gave their lunch money to help others in need. She
noticed that her students became more attentive to eyecare after the AECP's
visit, and more importantly, "they were given an example of compassion and
are ready to exercise it themselves."
The 7th grade class at Yerevan school N #105 decided that they will gather
money to support eye screenings for orphans and the elderly in their
community.
Founded by an American-Armenian Ophthalmologist, Dr. Roger Ohanesian, the
Armenian EyeCare Project, is dedicated to the elimination of preventable
blindness. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2002, the EyeCare Project
launched a seven-year initiative, "Bringing Sight to Armenian Eyes," which
includes (1) direct patient care; (2) medical education and training; (3)
public education; (4) research; and (5) strengthening the Armenian eye care
delivery system. In 2004, the AECP was awarded a three-year grant from
USAID to integrate primary and ophthalmologic health care in Armenia.
For more information about the Armenian EyeCare Project, contact the
California office at 949-675-5767 or 866-GIV-AECP (448-2327) or visit the
AECP website at www.eyecareproject.com. To make a donation, call the AECP
toll-free number or mail a check to 518 South Bayfront, Newport Beach,
California 92662.
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*****
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1 - Commentary
'We Will Remember not the Words of our
Enemies, but the Silence of our Friends'
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 - Dr. James Reid to Speak on Symptoms of Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivor Writings
3 - AAAA Honors Members, Guests
At Harvest Gallery Reception
4 - Armenian Dukuk is Hot Instrument in World Music
5 - L.A. City Attorney Delgadillo Hosts Armenian
Genocide Exhibit and LAUSD Training
6 - UCLA Will Host May 6 Conference
On Sustainable Development in Armenia
7 - Ohanesian Named
To City of Hope
Board of Directors
8 - Tennessee Titans Lineman
Visits Armenia, Karabagh
9 - Armenian Martyrs' Day Commemoration
To be Held April 24 in Fresno's St. Paul
10 - Mesrobian Students Collect $1500 in Pocket Change for
Armenian EyeCare Project's Adopt-a-School Program
****************************************** *******************************
1 - Commentary
'We Will Remember not the Words of our
Enemies, but the Silence of our Friends'
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
As Armenians are commemorating the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
this week, they should keep in mind that 91 years after the fact, a
distinguished U.S. diplomat has become its latest victim!
John Evans, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, fortunately has not lost his
life, but has sacrificed his diplomatic career for speaking out on the
Armenian Genocide. He is being recalled by the State Department for
publicly acknowledging the facts of the Genocide during his tour of the
United States last year.
As Martin Luther King said: "At the end, we will remember not the words of
our enemies, but the silence of our friends." This famous statement aptly
describes the regrettable situation Amb. Evans and Armenians find
themselves in. The U.S. Ambassador is a true friend of Armenia and
Armenians. But, more importantly, he is a defender of the truth. His
friends should not remain silent about his predicament.
By speaking out, Armenians would be defending not so much the Ambassador --
who deserves their full support -- but their own cause. They cannot remain
silent when the State Department is indirectly trying to bury the truth
about the Armenian Genocide. A noble messenger is being eliminated in order
to silence his message!
The upcoming commemorative events of the Armenian Genocide are the perfect
opportunity for Armenians to raise their voices in defense of the
acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide, in solidarity with Amb. Evans. As
Armenians gather in various cities throughout the world during the week of
April 24, the keynote speakers at commemorative events in every city should
condemn the shameful action of the State Department against one of its
finest diplomats! They should urge their audiences to write to the State
Department expressing their outrage about its inexcusable treatment of Amb.
Evans.
A group of Armenian Americans and their friends in Yerevan are launching
this week a "Yellow Ribbon" campaign in order to shatter the wall of
silence surrounding this affair. As more than a million Armenians will be
marching in a solemn procession to the Genocide Memorial Monument in
Yerevan on April 24, volunteers will be asking each individual to tie a
yellow ribbon on a rope along the path leading toward the Monument. The
organizers have chosen the "Yellow Ribbon" campaign as a mode of silent and
respectful protest that is so familiar to Americans. This activity will be
publicized throughout Armenia as well as the Diaspora.
These actions and the ensuing publicity would add to the extensive media
coverage in recent weeks of the State Department's shocking recall of Amb.
Evans. As the Los Angeles Times wrote in an editorial published on March
22: "Punishing an ambassador for speaking honestly about a 90-year-old
crime befits a cynical, double-dealing monarchy, not the leader of the free
world." In a similar harshly worded editorial published on March 24, the
Fresno Bee wrote: "Shame on the State Department" for recalling Amb. Evans.
Prominent British journalist Robert Fisk wrote a scathing article in The
Independent on April 8. He castigated the State Department for recalling
Amb. Evans and took Pres. Bush to task for reneging on his campaign promise
of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. Fisk said that after getting
elected, Pres. Bush "caved in, gutlessly calling it [the Armenian Genocide]
a 'tragedy' so that he wouldn't get his fingers burned by that wonderful
democratic NATO ally - and would-be EU member - called Turkey."
Despite extensive critical media attention and several letters of inquiry
by members of Congress to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the State
Department continues to stonewall and remain officially silent on the Evans
affair.
If Armenians worldwide react strongly on this occasion, maybe in the
future the State Department and the White House would carefully weigh the
repercussions of their actions, before contemplating important decisions on
Armenian issues. Silence and inaction are not valuable commodities in the
pursuit of any cause, let alone a noble one!
********************************************* *****************************
2 - Dr. James Reid to Speak on Symptoms of Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivor Writings
FRESNO - Dr. James Reid, Kazan Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies at
Fresno State for the Spring 2006 semester, will be giving the final of his
three part lectures series on "The Inner Dimension of the Armenian
Genocide," on April 25. The title of the this third lecture is "Symptoms
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivor Writings."
The lecture will begin at 7:30 PM in the Peters Auditorium of the
University Business Center at Fresno State and is free and open to the
public.
This third lecture will examine symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
in survivor writings. The problem of attaining a complete understanding of
the individual's post-traumatic state of mind is more difficult in memoirs
or other personal writings left by deceased persons. The effort is
immensely important, though, since much can be learned by such
investigations, both for the history of the Armenian Genocide and for the
understanding of modern patients. In order to comprehend the absolute
devastation of the Armenian genocide and accompanying events, it is
imperative to make the effort to understand the human dimensions of this
immense tragedy.
Dr. Reid holds a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and a
Ph.D. from UCLA and is the author of several books, including Crisis of the
Ottoman Empire: Prelude to Collapse, 1839-1878; Studies in Safavid Mind
Society and Culture and Tribalism and Society in Islamic Iran, 1500-1629.
Dr. Reid is a Tsakopoulos Hellenic Fellow, from 2001-2003 he was the
director of the Vryonis Center, and from 1991-2001 he was a senior research
fellow at the Center. He has written extensively on the Ottoman Empire and
modern Greece.
For more information on the lecture, contact the Armenian Studies Program
at 278-2669.
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3 - AAAA Honors Members, Guests
At Harvest Gallery Reception
GLENDALE - The Armenian Allied Arts Association presented an afternoon
reception at The Harvest Gallery in Glendale on March 26, from 2 to 5 p.m.,
honoring AAAA members and their guests.
In an effort to develop and expand the AAAA, the Board of Directors was
present to discuss plans and exchange ideas with the members and their
guests.
Karen Kaysing-Doty, AAAA President, welcomed the guests, introduced the
Directors in attendance, and expressed her gratitude to the Armenian
community who supports the arts. A reception followed the program where
guests were treated to an array of wine and cheese, coffee and gourmet
treats.
The Harvest Gallery, at 938 North Brand Boulevard, specializes in
exhibiting the work of Armenian artists and has a fine reputation. The art
of Vasken Brudian was on display, and he was present to discuss his work.
Twenty of his pieces were in the gallery, and many sold that day. The
guests enjoyed his presence, as it made his art come to life. In addition,
the music of Los Angeles violinist, Anne Rardin, complemented the artwork,
as she played pieces on solo violin to represent the genre of Mr. Brudian's
work.
The 66th Annual Armenian Allied Arts Competition deadline for submissions
has now been extended. All hopefuls are encouraged to enter by contacting
the chairperson in the department of their interest.: Department
Chairpersons are:
Art - Siroon Megurian (323) 656-0261; Drama- Geraldine Chuchian, (310)
274-1694; Dance - Dr. Tina Vartanian, (323) 726-9192; Literature - Rosa
Madoyan, (909) 894-8944; Music Composition, Victoria Parian, (626)
303-2023; Music Instrumental & Vocal, Mary Agulian, (626) 791-9816.
For further information on Armenian Allied Arts events or/and competition
submissions, call (323) 654-7988 or visit www.armenianalliedarts.org..
Competition forms may be downloaded on the website.
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4 - Armenian Dukuk is Hot Instrument in World Music
That's the soulful sound of the duduk. The duduk is a kind of folk oboe
from Armenia. It's played here by the Armenian master of the duduk, Djivan
Gasparyan. In Gasparyan's homeland, the duduk embodies Armenian culture and
pervades folk music. But there's no need to leave the United States to hear
it. There's probably one playing at a theater near you. The World's Adeline
Sire explains.
The duduk has become the stuff of Hollywood soundtracks. It's about 2000
years old, so it's probably the oldest and the hardest working instrument
in show business. Many blockbusters have featured it, including The Crow,
Dead Man Walking, The Siege, and even Hulk. The trend started with the 1988
film "The last temptation of Christ." That soundtrack was composed by
British rock musician Peter Gabriel.
Venezuelan-born musician Pedro Eustache was haunted by the sound of this
mysterious instrument.
Pedro: "I said what the heck is that? It sounded like a cello meets a
voice, meets a clarinet, meets a lot of pain, incredibly expressive and it
just rocked my world."
Eustache took up the duduk in 1994 after he was introduced to it by Armen
Anassian, of Los Angeles, who was then Yanni's music director. He then
studied with master Djivan Gasparyan. He soon learned the secrets of this
rudimentary instrument made of Armenian apricot wood. It's topped with a
large reed.
Eustache is a freelancer and in Hollywood, he's very much in demand by film
composers. He plays dozens of woodwinds from around the world. But he
treasures the duduk. And likes to improvise on it.
Pedro: Duduk is such a difficult instrument, pfffff.....it kicks my butt
all the time, excuse my French--which is not French-- but
duduk can express something very specific, peculiar, particular, that
nothing else can express. I would say evocative, I would say
extreme expression from sweetness to pain and they say in Armenia, the
sound of this instrument is a prayer."
That quasi-holy sound has made the duduk a welcomed guest in religious film
epics. In 2004, 16 years after "the last temptation of Christ " the duduk
appeared in Mel Gibson's film "the Passion of the Christ." And this time,
Eustache was playing.
More than an instrument, the duduk is a dramatic device. John Debney
composed the score for "the Passion of the Christ." He says he chose the
duduk because it sounds just like a human voice. But he says that usually
when film composers use it, they aim to refer to the distant past and
distant lands.
Debney: "It does evoke something ancient. I think that most westerners are
drawn to this instrument because it is a plaintive instrument that is very
exotic and very beautiful. And I think that's very appealing."
Filed under "ancient times" evoked by the duduk, you find the films
"Gladiator" and "Alexander." And as for exotic, in 2005 alone, the duduk
evoked a fictitious land in "Chronicles of Narnia," and the middle east in
"Syriana" and "Munich."
Pedro Eustache is the featured duduk player in Munich's soundtrack. And
he's played many more gigs, even in settings beyond Hollywood. He says the
duduk is quite a chameleon.
Eustache: "I've played this in churches, in Hispanic churches, I have
played this in huge arenas all over the world, I have played this from
Dubai to India to Japan to Venezuela, I've used this in Iranian pop, you
know, it's pretty amazing."
Eustache also performs with classical Indian music master Ravi Shankar. In
2002, Eustache performed with Shankar and his band in London. It was a
memorial concert for the Beatles' George Harrison. Shankar had written a
duduk solo for Eustache. And that solo didn't fall on deaf ears. Paul
McCartney was so impressed by the sound of the instrument that he inquired
about the musician who'd played it.
McCartney: "He said that he called Ravi Shankar....and said "Ravi, I want
to have that Indian musician that plays this mournful Indian instrument....
voovoovoo.... and Ravi said "No no no, he's not Indian, he's from Venezuela
and the instrument is from Armenia.. hahaha..."
McCartney called Eustache and invited him to play a duet on his latest
album "Chaos and creation in the garden." The song is "Jenny Wren."
Pedro Eustache is convinced that this folk horn from Armenia has a powerful
and limitless reach. He says it will definitely outlive its current fad.
It's just a hunch but it's based on experience.
Eustache: "I'm from Venezuela, South America. My parents came from Haiti
and I am a whole multicultural weird thing. My point being, there are
things that go beyond geography and chronology an the sound of the duduk is
one of them. I have played this instrument anywhere and everywhere and it
affects people, it immediately capture's people's sensibilities, it
connects deeply with them, I think there is something so incredibly
universal about the sound, the strength, the reality of this instrument."
Its appeal is so universal that last November, UNESCO issued a proclamation
naming duduk music a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity."
As for Eustache, he'll next play on a couple of songs Stevie Wonder is
writing for a documentary. Eustache says the R'N'B star loves the
instrument so much he's getting one for himself. The duduk's next
appearance will be brought to the silver screen by composer Hans Zimmer.
Zimmer asked master Djivan Gasparyan to the play for the soundtrack of "The
Da Vinci Code," out this May.
For information about Pedro Eustache and his latest solo CD, go to:
http://www.pedroflute.com http://www.duduk.com
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5 - L.A. City Attorney Delgadillo Hosts Armenian
Genocide Exhibit and LAUSD Training
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo hosted an exhibit
and teacher training program for Los Angeles Unified teachers about the
Armenian Genocide at Los Angeles City Hall on April 3
In attendance were over 100 guests including numerous dignitaries from the
Armenian-American community such as Raffi Momjian, Executive Director of
the Genocide Education Project, 43rd California State Assembly District
Candidate Paul Krekorian, Laurel Karabian, and numerous city employees of
Armenian descent.
Delgadillo addressed the attendees stating, "This month, we pause to mark
the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The scars from this
terrible event are still raw, and have been made even more painful by the
fact that the world has yet to heed the voices of so many senseless
deaths."
Ara Oshagan, Levon Parian, and Raffi Momjian all had an opportunity to
address the audience with comments about their experiences commemorating
the Armenian Genocide.
The teacher-training workshop was conducted by the Genocide Education
Project, a non-profit education organization, which will ultimately train
more than 300 LAUSD teachers about the Armenian Genocide. Incorporated
into the Genocide training are elements from the iwitness exhibit.
Iwitness is an exhibit by the Genocide Project featuring the work of
photographers Ara Oshagan and Levon Parian.
The Genocide Project combines portraits of Armenian Genocide survivors with
their eyewitness accounts of their experience during the Genocide. It was
collected over a10-year period and features historical photographs and
testimonials from American and other officials present in the Ottoman
Empire before and during the Genocide.
Prior to the reception, there was a screening for the historical
documentary "Armenia: The Betrayed," at which numerous individuals and
students from local Armenian Schools attended. After the screening,
iwitness photographers Oshagan and Parian answered questions from audience
members about their emotional experience photographing and interviewing
survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The artists related that survivors had
repressed their memories of the Genocide for years and how emotionally
straining it was for them to now relive the horrific events of their early
years.
Delgadillo thanked members of the community for attending the event and
stated, "My hope is that by co-sponsoring this exhibit with the Genocide
Education Project... we will all speak for the 1.5 million Armenian
Genocide victims -- speak for millions who have died since and take another
step toward preserving memory and preserving life." Delgadillo continues
to be a prominent supporter of the Armenian Community.
*************************************** ****************************
6 - UCLA Will Host May 6 Conference
On Sustainable Development in Armenia
LOS ANGELES - "Armenia: Challenges of Sustainable Development" is the theme
of an international conference to be held at UCLA, on May 6, from 9:30 AM
to 4 PM. in the Court of Sciences 50 (Young Hall).
The conference featuring specialists in economics, finance, and governance
is dedicated to UCLA Professor Emeritus of Economics, Armen A. Alchian, a
world-renowned economist and teacher who was born in Fresno in 1914 and has
been a member of the UCLA faculty since 1946.
The conference is organized by the Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in
Modern Armenian History at UCLA, and the Armenian International Policy
Research Group (AIPRG), with support from the UCLA Von Grunebaum Center for
Near Eastern Studies and the Department of Economics.
AEF Chair Holder Richard Hovannisian will open the morning session with
introductory comments on "The Economic Factor," followed by the
presentation of Professor Alchian and his contributions to economic theory
by a similarly distinguished Professor of Economics, Harold Demsetz.
Enrique Gelband, Deputy Division Chief and former Mission Chief to Armenia
of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will give the keynote address on
"Growth and Poverty Reduction in Armenia: Achievements and Challenges," the
title of his recent book published by the IMF. A panel discussion on the
subject will be moderated by UCLA Professor of Economics Michael
Intriligator and include William Ascher, McKenna Professor of Government
and Economics at Claremont McKenna College; Daniel Mazmanian, Director of
the Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public
Enterprise at the University of Southern California; and Ara Khanjian,
Professor of Economics at Ventura College.
The Saturday afternoon session moderated by Prof. Lee Ohanian of the UCLA
Department of Economics focuses on specific topics relating to Armenia's
economic development. David Grigorian of the IMF will speak on "Tax
Potential versus Tax Effort: Factors behind the Stubbornly Low Tax
Collection in Armenia"; Bryan Roberts of the Department of Homeland
Security, "Remittances, Poverty, and Growth in Armenia"; and Nerses
Yeritsyan, Central Bank of Armenia, "Financial Sector Development in
Armenia: Problems and Challenges." A discussion period will conclude the
afternoon session.
Richard Hovannisian stated: "I am pleased that after 16 wonderful
semi-annual conferences on Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces, we
shifted the focus to contemporary issues in 2005 with 'The Enduring Legacy
of the Armenian Genocide' and 'Three Turkish Voices on the Armenian
Question.' Now, for the first conference of 2006, the economic and fiscal
challenges facing the Republic of Armenia will be addressed. I am thankful
to David Grigorian for arranging much of the program, especially as Ascher,
Khanjian, Roberts, Yeritsyan, and Grigorian are also associated with AIPRG.
The subject of this conference is of critical importance to Armenia and all
those concerned with the welfare of its people."
The conference is open to the public and free of charge. Parking is
available in Structure 2 at the Hilgard and Westholme Avenue entrance to
UCLA.
***************************************** **********************************
7 - Ohanesian Named
To City of Hope
Board of Directors
LOS ANGELES - John Ohanesian, President & CEO of Bosley has been named to
the national Board of Directors of City of Hope Cancer Center.
City of Hope's Board of Directors is comprised of 28 members, spanning a
range of industries that include finance and health care.
Ohanesian has been President fo CEO of Bosley since August 2001, at which
time he completed the orchestration of Bosley, Inc., being acquired by
Tokyo-based Aderans, Inc. Since joining Bosley in October 1990, as
President and COO, Ohanesian has led the growth from eight offices to 98
offices and from 68 employees to over 600 employees. These include
locations in Canada, Mexico, and a surgical clinic in Tokyo, performing
more surgical hair restoration procedures than any company in the world.
Previously, John was Vice President of Saint John's Hospital and Health
Center in Santa Monica from 1984 to 1990. Prior to that, he was
Administrator of Health Services for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing
Committee from 1982 to 1984.
>>From 1990 to 1996, he was a member of the California Citizens Compensation
Committee as an appointee of Gov. George Deukmejian.
Since September of 2001, Ohanesian has been an active member of the Los
Angeles Music Center's Center Theater Board of Directors, the operating
company for the Ahmanson Theater, Mark Tape Forum and the Kirk Douglas
Theater.
John earned his B.A. in Political Science from California State University,
Sonoma in 1977, and his Master of Arts in Health Administration from
California State University, Long Beach in 1980. He resides in Beverly
Hills with his daughter Adona and Ava.
********************************************* *****************************
8 - Tennessee Titans Lineman
Visits Armenia, Karabagh
LOS ANGELES - In January, Rien Long became only the 4th Armenian American
in 50 years to complete three seasons in the NFL. In March, the 24-year-old
6'6", 300-pound defensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans traveled to his
ancestral homeland of Armenia.
Long was joined on his journey by his mother and grandmother: three
generations of Armenian-Americans "returning" to Armenia for the first
time, since Rien Long's great-grandparents, Toros Vartanian and Elizabeth
Krekorian fled to America right before the Ottoman Turks began
systematically killing 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.
The entire trip was filmed for a documentary that will debut this year at
the Alex Theatre in Glendale on Father's Day, June 18.
"The Long journey From the NFL to Armenia" was shot in Nagorno Karabagh;
Yuba City, Calif., Nashville, Tennessee; Eugene, Oregon; Moscow, Idahol;
Anacortes, Pullman and Vancouver, Washington, and in more than 10 cities in
Armenia.
>>From Yerevan to Gyumri to Sevan to Karabagh, Long toured historical sites
and visited with the people of Armenia. He even dropped in on Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian, where the conversation dealt more with American
football than Armenian foreign policy.
"The highlight for me was visiting Karabagh itself," Long said. "I was
especially impressed with Father Ter Hovanes at Gandzasar Monastery. His
stories of the war with the Azeris put a lot of thing we consider struggles
in our country into whole different perspective. It was truly inspiring."
Among others, stops included the Sartarabad Genocide Memorial, a maternity
clinic in earthquake-ravaged Akhuryan, Etchmiadzin, Erebuni, Garni Temple,
Geghard Monastery, an after-school program for at-risk youth, and Yerablur
National cemetery, where Long met veterans of the war in Karabagh.
Long, who sports a tattoo of the Armenian flag on his right arm, will be in
Glendale on June 18 for the debut of the documentary.
For more information, readers can log on to the web site of Global
Opportunity Productions @ www.gop.tv or call filmmaker Peter Musurlian at
(818) 500-1234.
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9 - Armenian Martyrs' Day Commemoration
To be Held April 24 in Fresno's St. Paul
FRESNO - The Armenian Interdenominational Committee will host the Armenian
Martyrs' Day Commemoration on April 24 at St. Paul Armenian Church.
Keynote speaker is Tom Bohigian.
The Committee is comprised of members from St. Paul, Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church and the First
Armenian Presbyterian Church.
The program begins at 7 p.m.
Participating in the cultural portion of the program are Maria Amirkhanian,
Piano, Hermine Sahagian & Flora Mirijanian, Recitations.
At the conclusion of the Service and Program, there will be a fellowship
reception at the Social Hall.
St. Paul Armenian Church is located at 3767 North First Street, Fresno.
Admission is free.
******************************************** ******************************
10 - Mesrobian Students Collect $1500 in Pocket Change for
Armenian EyeCare Project's Adopt-a-School Program
PICO RIVERA, Calif. -Students at Yerevan School N #105 received eye
screenings and eye heath education from the Armenian EyeCare Project
medical team, courtesy of their peers around the globe at the Armenian
Mesrobian School in Pico Rivera, Calif.
For the second year in a row, the Mariam Samoniantz's 9th grade homeroom
class at Mesrobian School participated in the EyeCare Project's
Adopt-a-School Program, which invites AECP donors to sponsor eye screenings
and treatment of the students at a specific school in Armenia. The
Mesrobian students emptied spare change from pockets, purses, and wallets
into a large jar each day for three months. "I felt good knowing that my
small change benefited another Armenian in a significant way," said 9th
grader Nora Gourdikian. The news of the good deed spread around the
school, and students from all grades began to participate-eventually
bringing the grand total to $1,500.
The Mesrobian School, founded in 1965, was the second Armenian Day School
in the United States. The 240 students are taught the importance of
helping others.
"My 9th grade class wanted to help their brothers and sisters in Armenia,"
remarked Samoniantz. "We choose the Armenian Eyecare Project because the
gift of sight is the most precious gift of all."
The AECP medical team screened 320 students at Yerevan school N #105 and
found that 35 children had existing eye problems. The students with eye
problems will receive follow up treatment, which can include a detailed
examination, surgery, medications, and eyeglasses. These services will be
provided at no cost to their families.
In addition to the screenings, the younger students were treated to an
interactive educational puppet show featuring Doctor Tesunik highlighting
the importance of eye care. Third grader Silva Yemenyan liked the puppet
show very much. "Doctor Tesunik told us how to keep our eyes healthy," she
said, "And now I want to have healthy eyes." The older students learned
about the anatomy of the eye and created colorful eye models, one of which
will be sent to their friends at Mesrobian School as a gesture of
appreciation.
Bella Sukiasyan, Schoolmaster of N#105, was "impressed and touched" that
the Mesrobian students gave their lunch money to help others in need. She
noticed that her students became more attentive to eyecare after the AECP's
visit, and more importantly, "they were given an example of compassion and
are ready to exercise it themselves."
The 7th grade class at Yerevan school N #105 decided that they will gather
money to support eye screenings for orphans and the elderly in their
community.
Founded by an American-Armenian Ophthalmologist, Dr. Roger Ohanesian, the
Armenian EyeCare Project, is dedicated to the elimination of preventable
blindness. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2002, the EyeCare Project
launched a seven-year initiative, "Bringing Sight to Armenian Eyes," which
includes (1) direct patient care; (2) medical education and training; (3)
public education; (4) research; and (5) strengthening the Armenian eye care
delivery system. In 2004, the AECP was awarded a three-year grant from
USAID to integrate primary and ophthalmologic health care in Armenia.
For more information about the Armenian EyeCare Project, contact the
California office at 949-675-5767 or 866-GIV-AECP (448-2327) or visit the
AECP website at www.eyecareproject.com. To make a donation, call the AECP
toll-free number or mail a check to 518 South Bayfront, Newport Beach,
California 92662.
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*****
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