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California Courier Online, August 10, 2006
1 - Commentary
It's not the Power of the Lobby,
But Righteousness of its Cause
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 - Hrand and Manoushak Simonian
Literary Fund Awards Prize to Writers
3 - 'Little Armenia' Premieres
At Fountain Theatre, Aug. 11
4- USC Institute of Armenian Studies,
ArmenBar Present Judges Forum, Aug. 11
5 - ADAA Hosts Hollywood Luncheon
For Director/Actor Simon Abkarian
6 - Levik Abramians Named LACC's
New Women's Volleyball Coach
7 - AuthorHouse Releases Boghos
Kupelian's 'African Symphony'
8 - 500 People Walk in ABMDR
First Annual 'Walk of Life'
******************************************** ******************************
1 - Commentary
It's not the Power of the Lobby,
But Righteousness of its Cause
Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
In recent years, as Armenian Americans have been getting better organized in
carrying ut their political objectives, there has been repeated talk about
"the powerful Armenian obby." The most recent example is Julie Corwin's report
on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on August 2, titled: "Confirmation Row
Shows Power of Diaspora Lobbies."
The analyst for RFE/RL expresses her surprise that a large number of
Senators, Republicans and Democrats, challenged the Bush administration's refusal to
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, during the confirmation hearing of
Ambassador-Designate Richard Hoagland. The current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
Evans, is being dismissed for speaking publicly and truthfully about the
Armenian Genocide. On August 1, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed, for
the second time, Amb. Hoagland's confirmation.
Corwin wrote: "The prominence of the issue is due in large part to the
efforts of two powerful lobbying groups "the Armenian National Committee ofAmerica
(ANCA), and the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA). There are lobbying groups
representing the concerns of nearly every diaspora community in the United
States. The Armenian lobby is one of the most successful."
Another interesting article about the Armenian lobby, written by Heather S.
Gregg, a doctoral candidate in the MIT Political Science Department, has been
published a number of times in different versions and lengths (from 6 to 30
pages) over the past five years. The article is titled: "Divided They Conquer:
The Success of Armenian Ethnic Lobbies in the U.S." Various Turkish
publications and websites have featured this article to explain why the Armenian lobby is
"so powerful."
Gregg writes: "Within the last decade, Armenian lobby groups in the United
States have achieved considerable success in gaining political and material
support from Congress, the White House and other federal bodies." She explains
this success by "the intense lobbying efforts of Armenian-Americans in the United
States. The lobbying success of this small ethnic minority is largely the
result of two factors. First, an inter-community rivalry within the
Armenian-American population represented by two lobby groups in Washington,the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian Assembly of America (the
Assembly), has led to hyper-mobilization of this ethnic group's resources.
Second, the Armenians have formed key alliances in Washington including members of
Congress, other lobby groups and organizations, and the bipartisan
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues in the House of Representatives, which have
rallied behind Armenian policy objectives. Together, hyper-mobilization and
alliance building have allowed the Armenians considerable success in achieving
specific policy objectives."
Why is there such a fascination, to the point of obsession, with the
Armenian lobby? Why Turkish and Azeri publications and officials make frequent
references to the "powerful Armenian lobby?" There are three possible reasons as to
why Turkish and Azeri officials, political organizations and media outlets are
interested in presenting the Armenian lobby as being all too powerful:
1) To help rally domestic and international support to their side;
2) To create sympathy among their supporters for having to face such a
"powerful enemy;"
3) To cover up their errors and incompetence after losing a particular
political battle.
One must not exclude the possibility that all those who are lobbying on
behalf of Turkey and Azerbaijan, be they U.S. lobbying firms, Jewish organizations
or Israeli government officials, are intentionally exaggerating the power of
the Armenian-American community in order to exact a higher price from Ankara
and Baku for their artificially inflated services.
It is simply amazing that a powerful country like Turkey and oil rich
Azerbaijan, with their political clout, financial resources, lobbying firmsin
Washington, D.C., and the support of the highest officials of the Bush
administration, are complaining about the political activities of the tiny
Armenian-American community. Turkish and Azeri officials along with their U.S. cohorts, on a
regular basis, pressure, censure and threaten, anyone around the world who
dares to support an Armenian issue. And yet, they are the ones crying "wolf!"
While it is true that the Armenian American community has become politically
more active and effective in recent years, the fact remains that no matter
how many millions do the Turks and Azeris spend, they cannot whitewash their
lies and present them as the truth. They are simply wrong on the issues.
What empowers the Armenian lobby is the righteousness of its cause!
******************************************* *******************************
2 - Hrand and Manoushak Simonian
Literary Fund Awards Prize to Writers
YEREVAN - Levon Ananian, president of the Armenian Writers' Union of Armenia,
announced the winners of the Hrand and Manoushak Simonian Literary Fund,
which annually rewards writers in the Republic of Armenia for their excellence in
literature.
Ardashes Aram was awarded first prize for poetry with his piece entitle
"Nairyan Kronigon." Raphael Nahabedian won for his prose "Rise of Darkness."
Recognition for outstanding achivement in journalism was given to Eknad Mamian,
Grigor Janigian and Samvel Garabedian, who compiled his "Armenian America" book
written entirely in the Armenian language.
"Well known writer and dedicated public servant Hrand Simonian's genuine
interest in advancing Armenian literature and culture is highly appreciatedby
Armenians in Armenia and in the Diaspora, said Mr. Ananian.
The award recipients also had their speeches aired on Armenian television.
The literary fund is awarded annually in the month of April.
Hrand Simonian, of Hollywood California, is a columnist and community
leader. He was born in Aleppo, Syria, and immigrated to the United States with his
wife Manoushak in 1952. He was a successful businessman prior to retiring in
1974 to pursue his interest in journalism. He was the founding editor of Nor
Gyank and USA Armenian Life weekly newspapers, and has a weekly column in USA
Armenian Life, commenting on issues of interest to the Armenian Community.
Manoushak Simonian is also a community leader and former President of the
USC Friends of Armenian Music. The couple is dedicated to promoting excellence
in the field of literature which lead to the formation of the fund.
************************************************** ***********************
3 - 'Little Armenia' Premieres
At Fountain Theatre, Aug. 11
LOS ANGELES - "Little Armenia," an original play based on the real life
stories of three generations of Armenian Americans in Los Angeles, will have its
World Premiere production at the Fountain Theatre, Hollywood, opening August 11
at 8 pm (running through September 3). Previews begin August 4.
Commissioned by The Fountain Theatre and directed by Armina LaManna, "Little
Armenia" was created by a trio of award-winning playwrights, Lory Bedikian,
Aram Kouyoumdjian and Shahe Mankerian. Based on their extensive research and
personal interviews with the citizens of Little Armenia over a period of one
year, the play focuses on three different age groups: teenagers, middle-aged
working families, and seniors - all of whom struggle to stay connected to their
cultural roots as they try to assimilate into contemporary American society.
Their stories capture the spirit, conflicts, music, language and day-to-daylives
of one of Los Angeles' most unique communities.
Stephen Sachs, co-artistic director of the Fountain Theatre, assisted in the
development of the play. As he explains: "for decades this neighborhood
(District 13) was the target point, the 'Ellis Island' for Armenians who first
arrived in Los Angeles. By the year 2000, the L.A. City Council, led by Jackie
Goldberg, officially designated the area as Little Armenia. There are now over
500,000 Armenians living in the L.A. area."
"Little Armenia" is produced by Deborah Lawlor and Armina LaManna. The cast
features: Ludwig Manukian, Karine Chakarian, Jack Kandel, Anoush Nevart, Maro
Ajemian, Salem Michael, Johnny Glacalone, R.B. Dllanchian, Jade Hykush and
Hunter Lee Hughes. The design team includes: Scott Siedman (set design),
Henrik Mansourian (lighting design), Laura King (costumes), Shahen Hakobian(sound
design), Goar Galstyan (props) and Yvette Khalafian (Photography/Graphics).
Lory Bedikian received her BA in English (with emphasis in Creative Writing
and Poetry) from UCLA. Her poetry has been published and has won many awards.
For the stage, she has written and performed her own solo works and was
awarded the Mercedes Ashjian Award for "Most Promising in Drama" from the Armenian
Allied Arts Association. Her play, Yatuh Dasuh Gantsnee, was performed at the
Fountain Theatre, produced by the AGBU Ardavazt Theatre Group.
Aram Kouyoumdjian grew up in Little Armenia. He co-founded the Vista Players
in Sacramento in 1999 where he served as Artistic Director. His play, The
Farewells, was honored with the Elly Award for Best Original Script by the
Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance. His solo piece, Protest, and his newest
play, The Delicate Lines, are being performed in Sacramento, San Francisco
and Los Angeles.
Shahe Mankerian won the 1999 Henry Coulette Memorial Award from the Academy
of American Poets. In 2003 he won both the Erika Mumford Prize and Daniel
Varoujan Award from the New England Poetry Club. His play, Teenage Wasteland, was
presented by AGBU in 2004; his new play, Vort (Worm), was recently staged in
Los Angeles and his poetry was recently honored with a Pushcart Prize
nomination.
The performance schedule: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm.
Tickets are $25-$28. Reservations: (323) 663-1525. The Fountain Theatre is
located at 5060 Fountain Avenue, Hollywood (near corner of Normandie Ave.)
Secure, low-cost parking is adjacent to the theatre. Website:
www.fountaintheatre.com
************************* *************************************************
4 -. USC Institute of Armenian Studies,
ArmenBar Present Judges Forum, Aug. 11
LOS ANGELES - The USC Institute of Armenian Studies and the Armenian Bar
Association will present an Armenian-American Federal Judges' Forum, Aug. 13 at
USC's Davidson Center's Embassy Room, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The three federal judges of Armenian descent participating in this highly
engaging event are Dickran Tevrizian, U.S. District Court, Central District of
California; Samuel Der Yeghiayan, U.S. District Court, Northern District of
Illinois; and Jacqueline Chooljian, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Central District of
California.
This unprecedented event will cover questions of law and opportunities in the
legal profession; a day in a federal judge's life; and legal issues facing
the Armenian community, such as immigration, organized crime, gangs, social
security, retirement, housing, health care, and elder abuse.
This is a rare opportunity for Armenian-Americans to meet these jurists who
occupy leading positions in the judicial profession.
This event is open to the public free of charge.
********'********************************* ********************************
5 - ADAA Hosts Hollywood Luncheon
For Director/Actor Simon Abkarian
LOS ANGELES - The newly formed Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) hosted
a July 24 luncheon in honor of French Armenian actor/director Simon Abkarian
who was in town to direct Love's Labor's Lost, a Shakespeare play for the
Actor's Gang Theater of Los Angeles.
The play which has been receiving rave reviews, can be seen at the Ivy
Substation in Culver City where it will run through September, 2006. It also
features the wonderful music of composer and musician, Ara Dabandjian.
Abkarian, who has had a distinguished film career, most recently was in the
Bahamas filming for the new James Bond film "Casino Royale" due out in November
this year.
The luncheon was attended by various Hollywood professionals as well as a
host of ADAA advisory board members including screenwriter Jose Rivera, artist
Vahe Berberian and journalist Joan Agajanian Quinn.
Some new faces amongst the group were FOX TV correspondent, Anita Vogel,
documentary film-maker Carla Garapedian and award wining producer and casting
director, Valerie McCaffrey.
During the course of the meal, board of directors members Karen Kondazian and
Bianca Bagatourian led a discussion regarding the goals and growth of the
Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance whose aim is to project the Armenian voice
through the arts of stage and screen. Various artists also had a chance to talk
about their particular needs and how ADAA could serve them best.
Through many such events and discussions, this new non-profit organization
hopes to establish specific channels through which to help Armenian artists
prosper in the dramatic performing arts fields. More information and photoscan be
viewed at their website at: www.armeniandrama.org or write to
[email protected]
*************************** ***********************************************
6 - Levik Abramians Named LACC's
New Women's Volleyball Coach
LOS ANGELES - Levik Abramians, the new women's volleyball coach at LA City
College, said he's confident that his team will be a competitive one. "I'ma
positive person," he said. "I love to win. And I plan to use all the training
techniques I've learned in the past to effectively coach the team." For the
past six years he's served as volleyball coach at local middle and high
schools, and at the club level. He was recently named to his LACC post.
He currently serves as coach at Pilibos Armenian School located in Hollywood
where he led the boys' varsity volleyball team to win valley league
championships two years in a row ('05, '06) with an 8-0 record this year and 7-1 last
year. He also coaches the girls' varsity team as well as the boys' and girls'
middle school teams.
In addition, he was head coach of the JV women's team for three seasons at
Hoover High School in Glendale, the coach for the Soph-Frosh team for one year,
and was the assistant for the varsity team.
For the past seven years he played volleyball for Homenetmen Ararat, an
organization in Glendale which provides athletic, cultural, and educational
programs for Armenian-American youth.
A resident of Eagle Rock, Abramians was born in Iran of Armenian descent, and
has been a resident of the United States for 18 years. He attended Hoover
High in Glendale and received his associate in arts from LA City College.
He
plans to continue his education at Cal State LA in order to pursue a careeras
kinesiologist and get his teaching credential.
The women's volleyball program at LACC will start August 15 and the first
game will be played Sept. 29. Home games will be played in LACC's "women's gym"
on the 900 block of N. Heliotrope Ave.
Coach Abramians reports that he has already recruited 12 players for the
team. "There's a saying," he said. "You're only as good as your weakest player.
So that means that everyone on the team needs to be strong player and I have
to build the confidence of each and every player."
LACC is part of the South Coast Conference which includes teams from
Cerritos, Long Beach, East LA, Pasadena, Mt. SAC and El Camino community colleges.
**************************************** **********************************
7 - AuthorHouse Releases Boghos
Kupelian's 'African Symphony'
MONTROSE, Calif. - Raymond Boghos Kupelian is an adopted child of Africa. A
native Armenian, his 20-year sojourn there cultivated his attraction to the
landscape and its people. His acclaimed works about the tragedy of Africa and the
plight of the natives were first published in Armenian, and one of his vivid
collections of short stories, African Symphony (now available through
AuthorHouse), is now available in English.
"At the age of 23, I set my feet on the African continent and was overwhelmed
by the colorfulness of its daily life, the breathtaking beauty of its nature,
the secrecy hidden behind the thickness of its forest and, especially, the
universally extended boundary of poverty and hunger," Kupelian writes.
In this collection, which includes his captivating art pieces of African
scenes and people, Kupelian captures the heartbeat of the modern realities of
Africa. With poignant descriptions and sensual tones, his stories are vibrant and
emotionally affecting.
Ishkhan Jimbashian, an author and literary critic, describes the stories:
"Kupelian's heroes represent the spectrum of West African society: from thesand
boys and domestic helpers to the president of the republic and civil servants,
from the underage murderer and illicit diamond dealer to the primeval
fisherman, the sophisticated scholar of ancient Greek and golf club guru, these are
the characters that allow Kupelian to depict the daily struggles, but also the
complex interracial relations, prejudices and hatred that suffuse the
continent."
In these vivid portrayals of anguish and hope, the author writes that his
more than 40 years of writing about Africa has an important purpose. "=80¦I came to
the conclusion that my writing experience was a journey undertaken with a
mission to discover and tell the truth, to try to put an end to the suffering of
millions of unfortunate people who are created in the image of Almighty God.
If, by some chance, through my writings, I succeed in bringing even a little
relief to the underprivileged people of the world, in order to stop man's
inhumanity to man, and provided some pleasure of reading to others, I will consider
myself rewarded."
Kupelian has written more than 10 books. African Symphony is the second of
his publications, and its stories were written in the 1970s. He currently lives
in Montrose, California.
************************************* *************************************
8 - 500 People Walk in ABMDR
First Annual 'Walk of Life'
LOS ANGELES - Armenians and non-Armenians alike rallied together on July 29
in the First Annual 5k/10k Walk/Run around the Pasadena Rose Bowl to help
raise awareness in support of further expanding the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor
Registry's (ABMDR) critical life-saving mission to recruit more Armenian bone
marrow donors. In addition to raising needed funds and awareness through the
Walk of Life, 100 new donors signed up.
"We are thrilled with the spirit of giving and life expressed through the
overwhelming participation in our first annual 'Walk of Life'," said Frieda
Jordan, PhD, President of the ABMDR based in Los Angeles. "We are also greatly
appreciative of all our sponsors and the organizational and individual support
that made the first Walk a resounding success and will enhance our ability to
fulfill our life-saving mission." Corporate sponsors included Glendale Memorial
Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital, Closet World, Next Day Color Printing,
Glendale Water and Power, City of Los Angeles and GNC.
A key method of treating leukemia patients or people with other
life-threatening blood diseases is through bone marrow/stem cell transplants. In order to
treat Armenian patients, bone marrow transplants require compatible tissue
types that match the genetic makeup of the patient which is most likely to come
from other Armenian donors. There are currently 630 patients throughout the
Diaspora and Armenia who are desperately waiting to find a matching donor to
help save their lives. On average, it takes 200 donors to find a precise match
for one patient. The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry has a goal of
increasing their registry from its current 11,000 donors to 126,000 to meetthe
critical need. The ABMDR partners closely with Glendale Memorial Hospital and St.
Josephs Hospital in addition to being a member of global organizations such
as the World Marrow Donor Association and World Marrow Donor Worldwide
"By simply walking today, you are helping save a life" said Steve Artinian,
chairman of the Walk of Life organizing committee. "With this Walk we hope
you will spread the message that by taking the simple step of signing up with
the registry every Armenian can give the most precious gift of a second chance
to another fellow Armenian who is fighting for their life against these
destructive diseases." Special guests included Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America,Very
Rev. Father Dajad Yardemian, representative of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church of North America, Dr. Sevak Avagyan, Executive Director ofABMDR
in Armenia and Varant Melkonian, CEO of Closet World and treasurer of the
ABMDR. There also was entertainment at the end of the Walk welcoming participants
at the finish line including the band Element and singer Mariette Soujian.
"The Walk of Life is a huge success today because of all the hard work and
dedication of our volunteers," said master of ceremonies and director of
operations for the Walk, Taleen Khatchadourian at the post-Walk event. "If we join
together like this for our common mission we can make a big difference in the
lives of Armenian patients in need."
During the short program after the Walk, the family of Biurad Moghadasian,
who is an eight-year old Armenian patient currently at Los Angeles' Children's
Hospital being treated for leukemia, approached organizers to stress the
urgency of the ABMDR's mission using their son's plight as an example. Thefamily
made a plea to all present to recruit additional bone marrow donors which is
the only way her son and others like him will have a chance at beating the
disease. Biurad is currently looking for a matching donor to help save hislife.
The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry encourages all Armenians to call and
join the registry with the hope of saving another life. The registration
process is very simple and non-intrusive and only takes a few minutes. ABMDR is
a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and welcomes tax-deductible donations.
*************************************** ***********************************
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authorship.
******************************* *******************************************
1 - Commentary
It's not the Power of the Lobby,
But Righteousness of its Cause
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 - Hrand and Manoushak Simonian
Literary Fund Awards Prize to Writers
3 - 'Little Armenia' Premieres
At Fountain Theatre, Aug. 11
4- USC Institute of Armenian Studies,
ArmenBar Present Judges Forum, Aug. 11
5 - ADAA Hosts Hollywood Luncheon
For Director/Actor Simon Abkarian
6 - Levik Abramians Named LACC's
New Women's Volleyball Coach
7 - AuthorHouse Releases Boghos
Kupelian's 'African Symphony'
8 - 500 People Walk in ABMDR
First Annual 'Walk of Life'
******************************************** ******************************
1 - Commentary
It's not the Power of the Lobby,
But Righteousness of its Cause
Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
In recent years, as Armenian Americans have been getting better organized in
carrying ut their political objectives, there has been repeated talk about
"the powerful Armenian obby." The most recent example is Julie Corwin's report
on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on August 2, titled: "Confirmation Row
Shows Power of Diaspora Lobbies."
The analyst for RFE/RL expresses her surprise that a large number of
Senators, Republicans and Democrats, challenged the Bush administration's refusal to
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, during the confirmation hearing of
Ambassador-Designate Richard Hoagland. The current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
Evans, is being dismissed for speaking publicly and truthfully about the
Armenian Genocide. On August 1, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed, for
the second time, Amb. Hoagland's confirmation.
Corwin wrote: "The prominence of the issue is due in large part to the
efforts of two powerful lobbying groups "the Armenian National Committee ofAmerica
(ANCA), and the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA). There are lobbying groups
representing the concerns of nearly every diaspora community in the United
States. The Armenian lobby is one of the most successful."
Another interesting article about the Armenian lobby, written by Heather S.
Gregg, a doctoral candidate in the MIT Political Science Department, has been
published a number of times in different versions and lengths (from 6 to 30
pages) over the past five years. The article is titled: "Divided They Conquer:
The Success of Armenian Ethnic Lobbies in the U.S." Various Turkish
publications and websites have featured this article to explain why the Armenian lobby is
"so powerful."
Gregg writes: "Within the last decade, Armenian lobby groups in the United
States have achieved considerable success in gaining political and material
support from Congress, the White House and other federal bodies." She explains
this success by "the intense lobbying efforts of Armenian-Americans in the United
States. The lobbying success of this small ethnic minority is largely the
result of two factors. First, an inter-community rivalry within the
Armenian-American population represented by two lobby groups in Washington,the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian Assembly of America (the
Assembly), has led to hyper-mobilization of this ethnic group's resources.
Second, the Armenians have formed key alliances in Washington including members of
Congress, other lobby groups and organizations, and the bipartisan
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues in the House of Representatives, which have
rallied behind Armenian policy objectives. Together, hyper-mobilization and
alliance building have allowed the Armenians considerable success in achieving
specific policy objectives."
Why is there such a fascination, to the point of obsession, with the
Armenian lobby? Why Turkish and Azeri publications and officials make frequent
references to the "powerful Armenian lobby?" There are three possible reasons as to
why Turkish and Azeri officials, political organizations and media outlets are
interested in presenting the Armenian lobby as being all too powerful:
1) To help rally domestic and international support to their side;
2) To create sympathy among their supporters for having to face such a
"powerful enemy;"
3) To cover up their errors and incompetence after losing a particular
political battle.
One must not exclude the possibility that all those who are lobbying on
behalf of Turkey and Azerbaijan, be they U.S. lobbying firms, Jewish organizations
or Israeli government officials, are intentionally exaggerating the power of
the Armenian-American community in order to exact a higher price from Ankara
and Baku for their artificially inflated services.
It is simply amazing that a powerful country like Turkey and oil rich
Azerbaijan, with their political clout, financial resources, lobbying firmsin
Washington, D.C., and the support of the highest officials of the Bush
administration, are complaining about the political activities of the tiny
Armenian-American community. Turkish and Azeri officials along with their U.S. cohorts, on a
regular basis, pressure, censure and threaten, anyone around the world who
dares to support an Armenian issue. And yet, they are the ones crying "wolf!"
While it is true that the Armenian American community has become politically
more active and effective in recent years, the fact remains that no matter
how many millions do the Turks and Azeris spend, they cannot whitewash their
lies and present them as the truth. They are simply wrong on the issues.
What empowers the Armenian lobby is the righteousness of its cause!
******************************************* *******************************
2 - Hrand and Manoushak Simonian
Literary Fund Awards Prize to Writers
YEREVAN - Levon Ananian, president of the Armenian Writers' Union of Armenia,
announced the winners of the Hrand and Manoushak Simonian Literary Fund,
which annually rewards writers in the Republic of Armenia for their excellence in
literature.
Ardashes Aram was awarded first prize for poetry with his piece entitle
"Nairyan Kronigon." Raphael Nahabedian won for his prose "Rise of Darkness."
Recognition for outstanding achivement in journalism was given to Eknad Mamian,
Grigor Janigian and Samvel Garabedian, who compiled his "Armenian America" book
written entirely in the Armenian language.
"Well known writer and dedicated public servant Hrand Simonian's genuine
interest in advancing Armenian literature and culture is highly appreciatedby
Armenians in Armenia and in the Diaspora, said Mr. Ananian.
The award recipients also had their speeches aired on Armenian television.
The literary fund is awarded annually in the month of April.
Hrand Simonian, of Hollywood California, is a columnist and community
leader. He was born in Aleppo, Syria, and immigrated to the United States with his
wife Manoushak in 1952. He was a successful businessman prior to retiring in
1974 to pursue his interest in journalism. He was the founding editor of Nor
Gyank and USA Armenian Life weekly newspapers, and has a weekly column in USA
Armenian Life, commenting on issues of interest to the Armenian Community.
Manoushak Simonian is also a community leader and former President of the
USC Friends of Armenian Music. The couple is dedicated to promoting excellence
in the field of literature which lead to the formation of the fund.
************************************************** ***********************
3 - 'Little Armenia' Premieres
At Fountain Theatre, Aug. 11
LOS ANGELES - "Little Armenia," an original play based on the real life
stories of three generations of Armenian Americans in Los Angeles, will have its
World Premiere production at the Fountain Theatre, Hollywood, opening August 11
at 8 pm (running through September 3). Previews begin August 4.
Commissioned by The Fountain Theatre and directed by Armina LaManna, "Little
Armenia" was created by a trio of award-winning playwrights, Lory Bedikian,
Aram Kouyoumdjian and Shahe Mankerian. Based on their extensive research and
personal interviews with the citizens of Little Armenia over a period of one
year, the play focuses on three different age groups: teenagers, middle-aged
working families, and seniors - all of whom struggle to stay connected to their
cultural roots as they try to assimilate into contemporary American society.
Their stories capture the spirit, conflicts, music, language and day-to-daylives
of one of Los Angeles' most unique communities.
Stephen Sachs, co-artistic director of the Fountain Theatre, assisted in the
development of the play. As he explains: "for decades this neighborhood
(District 13) was the target point, the 'Ellis Island' for Armenians who first
arrived in Los Angeles. By the year 2000, the L.A. City Council, led by Jackie
Goldberg, officially designated the area as Little Armenia. There are now over
500,000 Armenians living in the L.A. area."
"Little Armenia" is produced by Deborah Lawlor and Armina LaManna. The cast
features: Ludwig Manukian, Karine Chakarian, Jack Kandel, Anoush Nevart, Maro
Ajemian, Salem Michael, Johnny Glacalone, R.B. Dllanchian, Jade Hykush and
Hunter Lee Hughes. The design team includes: Scott Siedman (set design),
Henrik Mansourian (lighting design), Laura King (costumes), Shahen Hakobian(sound
design), Goar Galstyan (props) and Yvette Khalafian (Photography/Graphics).
Lory Bedikian received her BA in English (with emphasis in Creative Writing
and Poetry) from UCLA. Her poetry has been published and has won many awards.
For the stage, she has written and performed her own solo works and was
awarded the Mercedes Ashjian Award for "Most Promising in Drama" from the Armenian
Allied Arts Association. Her play, Yatuh Dasuh Gantsnee, was performed at the
Fountain Theatre, produced by the AGBU Ardavazt Theatre Group.
Aram Kouyoumdjian grew up in Little Armenia. He co-founded the Vista Players
in Sacramento in 1999 where he served as Artistic Director. His play, The
Farewells, was honored with the Elly Award for Best Original Script by the
Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance. His solo piece, Protest, and his newest
play, The Delicate Lines, are being performed in Sacramento, San Francisco
and Los Angeles.
Shahe Mankerian won the 1999 Henry Coulette Memorial Award from the Academy
of American Poets. In 2003 he won both the Erika Mumford Prize and Daniel
Varoujan Award from the New England Poetry Club. His play, Teenage Wasteland, was
presented by AGBU in 2004; his new play, Vort (Worm), was recently staged in
Los Angeles and his poetry was recently honored with a Pushcart Prize
nomination.
The performance schedule: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm.
Tickets are $25-$28. Reservations: (323) 663-1525. The Fountain Theatre is
located at 5060 Fountain Avenue, Hollywood (near corner of Normandie Ave.)
Secure, low-cost parking is adjacent to the theatre. Website:
www.fountaintheatre.com
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4 -. USC Institute of Armenian Studies,
ArmenBar Present Judges Forum, Aug. 11
LOS ANGELES - The USC Institute of Armenian Studies and the Armenian Bar
Association will present an Armenian-American Federal Judges' Forum, Aug. 13 at
USC's Davidson Center's Embassy Room, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The three federal judges of Armenian descent participating in this highly
engaging event are Dickran Tevrizian, U.S. District Court, Central District of
California; Samuel Der Yeghiayan, U.S. District Court, Northern District of
Illinois; and Jacqueline Chooljian, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Central District of
California.
This unprecedented event will cover questions of law and opportunities in the
legal profession; a day in a federal judge's life; and legal issues facing
the Armenian community, such as immigration, organized crime, gangs, social
security, retirement, housing, health care, and elder abuse.
This is a rare opportunity for Armenian-Americans to meet these jurists who
occupy leading positions in the judicial profession.
This event is open to the public free of charge.
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5 - ADAA Hosts Hollywood Luncheon
For Director/Actor Simon Abkarian
LOS ANGELES - The newly formed Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) hosted
a July 24 luncheon in honor of French Armenian actor/director Simon Abkarian
who was in town to direct Love's Labor's Lost, a Shakespeare play for the
Actor's Gang Theater of Los Angeles.
The play which has been receiving rave reviews, can be seen at the Ivy
Substation in Culver City where it will run through September, 2006. It also
features the wonderful music of composer and musician, Ara Dabandjian.
Abkarian, who has had a distinguished film career, most recently was in the
Bahamas filming for the new James Bond film "Casino Royale" due out in November
this year.
The luncheon was attended by various Hollywood professionals as well as a
host of ADAA advisory board members including screenwriter Jose Rivera, artist
Vahe Berberian and journalist Joan Agajanian Quinn.
Some new faces amongst the group were FOX TV correspondent, Anita Vogel,
documentary film-maker Carla Garapedian and award wining producer and casting
director, Valerie McCaffrey.
During the course of the meal, board of directors members Karen Kondazian and
Bianca Bagatourian led a discussion regarding the goals and growth of the
Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance whose aim is to project the Armenian voice
through the arts of stage and screen. Various artists also had a chance to talk
about their particular needs and how ADAA could serve them best.
Through many such events and discussions, this new non-profit organization
hopes to establish specific channels through which to help Armenian artists
prosper in the dramatic performing arts fields. More information and photoscan be
viewed at their website at: www.armeniandrama.org or write to
[email protected]
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6 - Levik Abramians Named LACC's
New Women's Volleyball Coach
LOS ANGELES - Levik Abramians, the new women's volleyball coach at LA City
College, said he's confident that his team will be a competitive one. "I'ma
positive person," he said. "I love to win. And I plan to use all the training
techniques I've learned in the past to effectively coach the team." For the
past six years he's served as volleyball coach at local middle and high
schools, and at the club level. He was recently named to his LACC post.
He currently serves as coach at Pilibos Armenian School located in Hollywood
where he led the boys' varsity volleyball team to win valley league
championships two years in a row ('05, '06) with an 8-0 record this year and 7-1 last
year. He also coaches the girls' varsity team as well as the boys' and girls'
middle school teams.
In addition, he was head coach of the JV women's team for three seasons at
Hoover High School in Glendale, the coach for the Soph-Frosh team for one year,
and was the assistant for the varsity team.
For the past seven years he played volleyball for Homenetmen Ararat, an
organization in Glendale which provides athletic, cultural, and educational
programs for Armenian-American youth.
A resident of Eagle Rock, Abramians was born in Iran of Armenian descent, and
has been a resident of the United States for 18 years. He attended Hoover
High in Glendale and received his associate in arts from LA City College.
He
plans to continue his education at Cal State LA in order to pursue a careeras
kinesiologist and get his teaching credential.
The women's volleyball program at LACC will start August 15 and the first
game will be played Sept. 29. Home games will be played in LACC's "women's gym"
on the 900 block of N. Heliotrope Ave.
Coach Abramians reports that he has already recruited 12 players for the
team. "There's a saying," he said. "You're only as good as your weakest player.
So that means that everyone on the team needs to be strong player and I have
to build the confidence of each and every player."
LACC is part of the South Coast Conference which includes teams from
Cerritos, Long Beach, East LA, Pasadena, Mt. SAC and El Camino community colleges.
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7 - AuthorHouse Releases Boghos
Kupelian's 'African Symphony'
MONTROSE, Calif. - Raymond Boghos Kupelian is an adopted child of Africa. A
native Armenian, his 20-year sojourn there cultivated his attraction to the
landscape and its people. His acclaimed works about the tragedy of Africa and the
plight of the natives were first published in Armenian, and one of his vivid
collections of short stories, African Symphony (now available through
AuthorHouse), is now available in English.
"At the age of 23, I set my feet on the African continent and was overwhelmed
by the colorfulness of its daily life, the breathtaking beauty of its nature,
the secrecy hidden behind the thickness of its forest and, especially, the
universally extended boundary of poverty and hunger," Kupelian writes.
In this collection, which includes his captivating art pieces of African
scenes and people, Kupelian captures the heartbeat of the modern realities of
Africa. With poignant descriptions and sensual tones, his stories are vibrant and
emotionally affecting.
Ishkhan Jimbashian, an author and literary critic, describes the stories:
"Kupelian's heroes represent the spectrum of West African society: from thesand
boys and domestic helpers to the president of the republic and civil servants,
from the underage murderer and illicit diamond dealer to the primeval
fisherman, the sophisticated scholar of ancient Greek and golf club guru, these are
the characters that allow Kupelian to depict the daily struggles, but also the
complex interracial relations, prejudices and hatred that suffuse the
continent."
In these vivid portrayals of anguish and hope, the author writes that his
more than 40 years of writing about Africa has an important purpose. "=80¦I came to
the conclusion that my writing experience was a journey undertaken with a
mission to discover and tell the truth, to try to put an end to the suffering of
millions of unfortunate people who are created in the image of Almighty God.
If, by some chance, through my writings, I succeed in bringing even a little
relief to the underprivileged people of the world, in order to stop man's
inhumanity to man, and provided some pleasure of reading to others, I will consider
myself rewarded."
Kupelian has written more than 10 books. African Symphony is the second of
his publications, and its stories were written in the 1970s. He currently lives
in Montrose, California.
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8 - 500 People Walk in ABMDR
First Annual 'Walk of Life'
LOS ANGELES - Armenians and non-Armenians alike rallied together on July 29
in the First Annual 5k/10k Walk/Run around the Pasadena Rose Bowl to help
raise awareness in support of further expanding the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor
Registry's (ABMDR) critical life-saving mission to recruit more Armenian bone
marrow donors. In addition to raising needed funds and awareness through the
Walk of Life, 100 new donors signed up.
"We are thrilled with the spirit of giving and life expressed through the
overwhelming participation in our first annual 'Walk of Life'," said Frieda
Jordan, PhD, President of the ABMDR based in Los Angeles. "We are also greatly
appreciative of all our sponsors and the organizational and individual support
that made the first Walk a resounding success and will enhance our ability to
fulfill our life-saving mission." Corporate sponsors included Glendale Memorial
Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital, Closet World, Next Day Color Printing,
Glendale Water and Power, City of Los Angeles and GNC.
A key method of treating leukemia patients or people with other
life-threatening blood diseases is through bone marrow/stem cell transplants. In order to
treat Armenian patients, bone marrow transplants require compatible tissue
types that match the genetic makeup of the patient which is most likely to come
from other Armenian donors. There are currently 630 patients throughout the
Diaspora and Armenia who are desperately waiting to find a matching donor to
help save their lives. On average, it takes 200 donors to find a precise match
for one patient. The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry has a goal of
increasing their registry from its current 11,000 donors to 126,000 to meetthe
critical need. The ABMDR partners closely with Glendale Memorial Hospital and St.
Josephs Hospital in addition to being a member of global organizations such
as the World Marrow Donor Association and World Marrow Donor Worldwide
"By simply walking today, you are helping save a life" said Steve Artinian,
chairman of the Walk of Life organizing committee. "With this Walk we hope
you will spread the message that by taking the simple step of signing up with
the registry every Armenian can give the most precious gift of a second chance
to another fellow Armenian who is fighting for their life against these
destructive diseases." Special guests included Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America,Very
Rev. Father Dajad Yardemian, representative of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church of North America, Dr. Sevak Avagyan, Executive Director ofABMDR
in Armenia and Varant Melkonian, CEO of Closet World and treasurer of the
ABMDR. There also was entertainment at the end of the Walk welcoming participants
at the finish line including the band Element and singer Mariette Soujian.
"The Walk of Life is a huge success today because of all the hard work and
dedication of our volunteers," said master of ceremonies and director of
operations for the Walk, Taleen Khatchadourian at the post-Walk event. "If we join
together like this for our common mission we can make a big difference in the
lives of Armenian patients in need."
During the short program after the Walk, the family of Biurad Moghadasian,
who is an eight-year old Armenian patient currently at Los Angeles' Children's
Hospital being treated for leukemia, approached organizers to stress the
urgency of the ABMDR's mission using their son's plight as an example. Thefamily
made a plea to all present to recruit additional bone marrow donors which is
the only way her son and others like him will have a chance at beating the
disease. Biurad is currently looking for a matching donor to help save hislife.
The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry encourages all Armenians to call and
join the registry with the hope of saving another life. The registration
process is very simple and non-intrusive and only takes a few minutes. ABMDR is
a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and welcomes tax-deductible donations.
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