YEREVAN—The American University of Armenia (AUA) recently announced the launch of Summer Program 2016. For international students looking to embark on the educational adventure of a lifetime, the summer program is the perfect opportunity, combining unique academic offerings with the benefits of a safe, welcoming, and exciting environment. The summer program is also perfect for those who wish to experience the authentic sights, sounds, and flavors of Armenia while getting ahead in their academics by earning credits for transfer back to their home university.

Participants may choose from a range of courses including Introduction to Environmental Sciences, Global Perspectives and Site Stories, the AUA 2016 Summer Archaeological Field School, and a joint AUA-UCLA course offering Armenian Language and Culture.

In addition to the great opportunities on campus, summer program participants complement their educational experience outside the classroom with the Discover Armenia Educational Tours. They will discover the array of sites Armenia has to offer, from ancient temples and medieval churches to the modern sights of Yerevan.

According to Prof. Gregory Areshian, the summer program helps “establish a deep, internal connection between these Armenian youth in the diaspora and their homeland,” and “AUA is the best place for them to do so.” Tanya Koroyan, who visited Armenia for the first time in June 2015 to take part in the summer program, says, “This was a life-changing experience and the perfect way [for me] to visit Armenia.” Koroyan “learned very much about the Armenian identify and culture…and this will be a part of my focus for my Masters Capstone project.”

To learn more about available courses and dates, and even the popular holiday Vardavar—when everyone takes part in an epic day-long water battle—view a short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6bhmlaiRf8&feature=youtu.be.

Off-campus dormitories are also available through AUA, featuring fully furnished, newly renovated single, double, and triple rooms. For more information on housing or for general questions about the AUA Summer Program, contact the Office of Admissions by e-mailing SummerPrograms@aua.am.

For information about the program and fees, visit http://admissions.aua.am/study-abroad-summer-programs/. For detailed course descriptions and instructor biographies, visit http://admissions.aua.am/summer-program-2016/.

AUA continues to partner with Birthright Armenia, opening up additional opportunities for applicants of Armenian heritage. Students accepted to the AUA Summer Program or Study Abroad AUA and interested in extending their stay in Armenia as a volunteer can visit www.birthrightarmenia.org to learn more about meaningful internship placements, possible travel and homestay living assistance, and eligibility requirements.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is a private, independent university located in Yerevan and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values. Interesting in visiting the campus? Check out the virtual tour at https://youtu.be/TALNM-JkD9Y.

Program will explore ‘Cultural Resistance and Informed Activism’

NEW YORK (A.W.)—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Youth Connect Program (YCP) will be held at New York University (NYU) on March 11-12 and will feature a strong lineup of speakers and dynamic discussions on “Cultural Resistance and Informed Activism.”

Turkish journalist Amberin Zaman

The speakers include New York Times best-selling novelist Chris Bohjalian, Turkish journalist Amberin Zaman, and environmental activist Serda Ozbenian.

The program will feature a discussion with Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, director of the ARS Youth Connect Program. Other speakers will be announced in the coming days.

The program begins on the evening of Fri., March 11, and continues throughout the day on Sat., March 12. Sessions will be held at the NYU Kimmel Center for University Life, 60 Washington Square South, Suite 802 Shorin, in New York City.

New York Times best-selling novelist Chris Bohjalian

The program is available to any Armenian college students between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. Overnight accommodation will be offered for out-of-town students only.

Registration is required. A $25 registration fee includes meals and the evening dinner. To register, visit www.arseastusa.org/donate and choose the Youth Connect Program tab.

Chris Bohjalian is the author of 18 books, most of which were New York Times best-sellers. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and have become movies 3 times. His novel Midwives was a number one New York Times best-seller and a selection of Oprah’s Book Club. His latest novel, The Guest Room, was published in January 2016.

Amberin Zaman is a Turkish journalist who has written extensively about Turkish politics, the Kurds, and Armenian-Turkish relations for the Washington Post, the Daily Telegraph, and the Los Angeles Times. She was the Economist’s Turkey correspondent from 1999 to 2015 and is currently a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. She is also a columnist for the independent Turkish online news portal Diken and for Al-Monitor. Readers can follow her on Twitter @amberinzaman.

Environmental activist Serda Ozbenian

Serda Ozbenian is a researcher with 11 years’ experience working on environmental and social issues. Born in Maryland, Ozbenian has dedicated the last six years to environmental issues in Armenia. Since its founding in 2007, Ozbenian has been the executive director of the Armenian Environmental Network, a project of Earth Island Institute based in Berkeley, Calif. Ozbenian is currently involved with waste management, environmental education, protected area management, wild edible plants, ecotourism, and wild animals in captivity. As part of her graduate work, Ozbenian conducted a survey of attitudes toward and conflicts with wolves and bears in rural villages in Armenia. Ozbenian augmented this research through her recently completed Fulbright Fellowship in Armenia with a research focus on population surveys of wolves and bears. Ozbenian holds an M.S. in environmental science and policy from George Mason University and a B.S. in animal behavior and photography from Towson University.

Khatchig Mouradian is a visiting assistant professor at the Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers University and the coordinator of the Armenian Genocide Program at the university’s Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights (CGHR). He teaches courses on imperialism, mass violence, and concentration camps in the history and sociology departments at Rutgers. Mouradian is also adjunct professor at the philosophy and urban studies departments at Worcester State University, where he teaches courses on urban space and conflict in the Middle East, genocide, collective memory, and human rights. Mouradian holds a Ph.D. in history from the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University and a graduate certificate in conflict resolution from UMass Boston. He was the editor of the Armenian Weekly from 2007-14.

For more information, contact the ARS of Eastern USA office by calling (617) 926-3801, e-mailing arseastus@gmail.com, or visiting the program’s Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/131201310585151.

MIDDLEBURY, Vt.—On any given day, you’ll find Pearl Bargamian Teague and her family working a farmers’ market in this Green Mountain State.

Pearl Bargamian Teague and husband Denis man their own table of Armenian breads and pastries at different venues in Vermont.

The focus is not necessarily on vegetables but home-baked Armenian goods that tempt the Vermont palate.

They call their venture “Storytime Foods.” There’s no chef, no gourmet, not even a cook. Hye hopes keep their choregs and baklavas reaching for the sky.

When he’s not on tour, author Chris Bohjalian will ride by on his bike, stop, and pick out his allotment of goodies. Life is good for Armenians living in Vermont.

“We’ve got something for you whether you’re on the move or settling in for a traditional Armenian meal,” says Pearl. “We think of ourselves as Armenian foodsmiths. Each day I thank God for such gifts as patience and perseverance.”

It’s been a work in progress the past few years for this family. Pearl gave up a comfortable life in Lowell, Mass., to settle for the back hills of Vermont. Tired of the corporate world, where she worked as a CPA and controller, on came a career change few would chance.

Joining their parents with a table of their own are daughters Talin and Caroline Teague.

Not that she abandoned it altogether, but food for thought became food for profit. Securing a home bakery license and the blessings of her attorney husband Denis, she simply took the plunge. That was five years ago and now she’s part of the landscape.

As the business grows, so does the commercial kitchen market concept she entertains. The Teagues sell retail at a number of farmers’ markets, as well as wholesale to local stores like Middlebury Natural Foods Coop, eventually eyeing such mega-markets as Hannaford’s. The superstore has an area where the shelves are stocked with Vermont-made products.

The primary focus for wholesale is choreg loaves filled and baked with fresh-cut fruits. Readers can check out the website at www.storytimefoods.com.

The children are just as involved, with Denis Jr. (Popeye), 19; Talin, 14; and Caroline, 11. They have their own table in conjunction with their parents, making it one perfect family affair.

It’s a move that many professionals might like to make but do not dare in this often fast and furious world, particularly with three kids in the nest. Oh, yes, there’s even an item called a bird’s nest made with phyllo dough, nuts, and honey.

Because vendor spaces at farmers’ markets are coveted and not easy to obtain, Pearl started out selling her goods as a “fill-in” vendor. From her first plunge came a $20 profit. That amount doubled with the next opening. After gaining some stature and a reputation, she’s been selling out the week with loyal customer bases at every venue.

In a society where too many people quit looking for work when they find a job, here’s one family that pursued a fairytale of its own. If nothing else, the children are learning the value of a working dollar and how it earns you income.

Though she still works part-time as a financial consultant in the healthcare industry, it remains many a sleepless night for Pearl to meet the demand. A modest greenhouse was added to their home to produce the many home-grown ingredients. The stuffed breads are a grabber—everything from strawberry, apple, cheese, and pear/lemon.

“I came to Vermont for its friendly, unhurried tempo and pristine natural beauty,” she points out. “Strangers help strangers during a hurricane or any other disaster. I feel right at home with the others here.”

In the process, the Merrimack Valley community lost one of his fervent activists. Pearl chaired the Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley; involved herself in Anti-Defamation League activities against the genocide; served the ARS and ARF with equal zest; and was active with her children at St. Gregory Church.

Since moving to Vermont, Pearl has turned into an Armenian catalyst, as suspected. She had no intention of leaving her identity behind—only to create new inroads.

Armenian choreg rates high among the favorite items.

“The Armenian community here is smaller than I was ever accustomed to serving,” she confirmed. “I attribute my success to the Armenian origins of my food recipes. Word got around through the farmers’ markets and my ethnic community began to take notice. Many of my Armenian friends do special orders for cultural and social events in and around Burlington.”

Storytime Foods was a prime centerpiece for an event at Champlain College, where author Dana Walrath presented her book Water on Stone about her grandmother’s experiences during the Armenian Genocide. A live Armenian band complemented the moment. More than 100 folks attended, most of them non-Armenians.

“I believe Armenian communities are going to hear more about what we’re doing here in Vermont,” she feels. “It reminds me very much of my childhood days growing up in North Providence, where the neighborhoods were so closely knit.”

There seems to be no rest for the weary in Pearl’s case. Much as she’d like to live in a thriving Armenian community, she’s now bringing the community to her or meeting it halfway. For the 100^th anniversary commemoration, she woke her children up at 3 a.m. for the ride to New York City just so the Teagues could be counted among the masses.

In front of her Middlebury home, there’s all the inspiration she really needs. It’s a monument to the Widow Anne story (known as the Mother of the Green Mountain Boys) for the care and assistance to the rebelling patriots during the American Revolution.

Her biography describes a singularly resolute woman who was not deterred by her many difficulties—problems that would have broken a lesser woman.

Bohjalian lives within proximity in Lincoln. The two have met on occasion, whether at an event or a market. He’s usually tempted by one of Pearl’s cheese boregs.

“The Armenian Cause subtly underlies Storytime Foods,” Pearl points out. “During the Centennial, many a conversation would take place at my vendors’ tables of the attempted decimation of the Armenian people. Most people I meet are highly educated on genocide issues. If they lack understanding, we supply it amply. Educating or reminding others about the Armenian Cause is an obligation which should never escape us.”

On the horizon, there’s a rainbow in Pearl’s sky. She wants to put technology to work inside her kitchen while constantly expanding her footprint. Recently, she entered the New York market in Albany en route to Manhattan.

“The business is on a growth trajectory,” she notes. “Our potential is unlimited. It’s my ambition to replace ketchup on the American kitchen table with our most popular spread,

mouhamara, a hot, red pepper dip we make from scratch. If readers cannot find my products on their shelves, tell the grocers to get with the times.”

BOSTON, Mass.—On Tues., Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m., pianist and New England Conservatory (NEC) faculty member Lilit Karapetian-Shougarian will appear in a solo recital at NEC’s illustrious Jordan Hall in Boston. The program will include “Sonata in F Major” by Haydn, Schumann’s “Fantasy in C Major,” a selection of nocturnes and mazurkas by Chopin, and the world premiere of an arrangement of Komitas songs by Armenia-based composer Villy Sargsyan.

Lilit Karapetian-Shougarian

Karapetian-Shougarian has performed extensively in her native Armenia and the former Soviet Union, as well as internationally. Her solo appearances and frequent collaborations with a number of ensembles have garnered acclaim from renowned authorities in the musical world, including Paul Badura-Skoda, Mikhail Pletnev, and Daniel Pollock.

After graduating from the Tchaikovsky Music School in Yerevan under the guidance of Prof. E. Tandilian, Karapetian-Shougarian graduated with honors from the graduate piano class of Prof. Lev Vlasenko and Mikhail Pletnev at the Moscow Conservatory. Among the highlights of her performing and teaching career are the prize at the Transcaucasian Music Competition in 1981 and a professorship at the Yerevan State Conservatory, where she taught a piano class and methods of piano teaching from 1988 to 2005.

Karapetian-Shougarian has given an impressive number of solo recitals in the United States, Great Britain, Italy, Argentina, Syria, and Jordan. In 1994, she was invited to perform in the prestigious Grande Finale concert with Ann Shein, a world-famous pianist, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Her 1995 recital at the Washington Arts Club and a series of concerts in Buenos Aires and Cordoba in 1996 were highly praised by the international press and local musical critics.

More recently, she has given solo recitals in Watertown and Washington, D.C.; performed with violinist Magdalena Richter in Arlington; and appeared in solo recitals at NEC’s Williams Hall in 2012 and 2014. In March 2013, Karapetian-Shougarian held a master class and was the guest artist at a gala concert at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater. Since April 2013, she has been collaborating regularly with renowned violinist Levon Chilingirian.

Orchestral appearances have included the Arlington Symphony Orchestra, the Williamsburg Symphony orchestras, and the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra with performances of Mozart’s “Concerto No. 23” and Saint-Saens’ “Piano Concerto No. 2.” In 2006 and 2007, Karapetian-Shougarian gave solo recitals in Venice, Italy, at the National Museum of Musical Instruments in Rome, and at the Teatro di Marcello of Rome. She also performed during the internationally broadcasted 1^st anniversary of Telepace Armenia.

In addition to teaching in NEC’s preparatory and continuing education departments, Karapetian-Shougarian teaches piano at the Rivers School Conservatory and Sharon Music Academy.

The concert is free and open to the public. Jordan Hall is located at 30 Gainsborough St. in Boston.

What to Expect from Russian Foreign Policy? Four Scenarios and Implications for by Arthur Martirosyan, Senior Consultant, CMPartners

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Eastern Massachusetts recently announced the inaugural Michael Varantian Lecture Series. The second lecture, presented by Arthur Martirosyan, will be held on Thurs., Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., at the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room of the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown.

Arthur Martirosyan

Named after Michael Varantian, one of the luminaries and intellectuals of the Armenian independence and renaissance movement of the late 19^th century, the series will feature informative talks and panel discussions to help inform and articulate current geopolitical events in Armenia and neighboring countries. In light of the ever-changing developments in the political landscape of the region, and cognizant of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the rebirth of the Republic of Armenia, a better understanding of the dynamics of the dominant powers and shifting alignments of the interested parties will shed light onto and help formulate the participatory strategies of the Armenian nation and its greatest resource, the Armenian Diaspora.

Martirosyan is a senior consultant with CMPartners, a Cambridge, Mass.-based consulting company founded by Prof. Roger Fisher and his students. In 1994, Martirosyan joined the Harvard Negotiation Project (HNP) and has since worked with Fisher on several ethno-political and corporate negotiation projects. From 2001 through 2008, he was the director of the Momentum Program: Negotiation Culture Change in the Former Soviet Union (FSU).

In his 22-year career as a negotiation specialist, Martirosyan has been involved in the design and implementation of a series of successful strategic assistance projects in the complex ethno-political conflicts of Chechnya, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Israel-Palestine, Iraq, and Kosovo. Martirosyan designed innovative approaches to studying the impact of stereotyping on negotiations and the role of media in transforming cognitive and attitudinal aspects of public opinion. From 2003-08, Martirosyan managed the Israeli Palestinian Negotiation Partners program, engaging senior technical advisors to the top decision-makers of both sides in a joint negotiation skills development process. For 10 years now, he has been involved with efforts at building a network of professional negotiators in Iraq.

Recent prominent events involving Russia, such as the Ukrainian and Syrian crises, the launch of the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Russian-Turkish geopolitical stand-off, clearly illustrate that Russia is repositioning itself in the international arena by forcefully demonstrating the post-Soviet space as a focus of its foreign policy. This post-Soviet resurgence has already had a significant impact on developments in the region and on Armenia and Artsakh (Karabagh), in particular. Most international relations and former Soviet studies scholars of Russian foreign policy under Putin’s rule have been drawing linear predictions of his next moves with rare success stories. To get post-Soviet Russia right requires thinking in scenarios—Putin’s preferred method. To explain Russian foreign policy choices and decisions, Martirosyan will explore four core possible scenarios and their current probabilities. It is imperative that Armenian policy-makers be prepared to exploit to the full extent possible every opportunity, neutralize threats, and meet challenges contained in these scenarios.

By providing a platform for experts in the fields of political science, economics, and international law and diplomacy to share their knowledge and experience, the ANC strives to provide the community with a deeper understanding of current affairs, and their overt and covert driving forces. The ANC of Eastern Massachusetts hopes that well-informed citizens will engage more effectively in the political discourse and will affect positive change towards a better future, both for their adopted country and ancestral homeland. This, the ANC believes, is at the core of the democratic principles of the free society we live in, and which we collectively pledge to reinforce, nurture, and sustain in our 25-year-young republic.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

NEW MILFORD, N.J.—The Hovnanian School and the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New Jersey recently co-hosted best-selling author Chris Bohjalian on the New Milford school campus. Shakeh Tashjian, principal of the school, welcomed the audience and introduced Ani Tchaglassian of Hamazkayin.

Shakeh Tashjian

Tchaglassian spoke of her friend, saying, “He is one of the most humble and dedicated people I’ve ever met, not only writing his novels but also publishing many articles regarding the Armenian Genocide throughout the year.”

“I extend congratulations to the author, Hamazkayin, and Hovnanian School, especially Hovnanian School, because it is the only Armenian Day School in New Jersey,” said Rev. Father Hovnan Bozoian from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. “It is very special to us because this school is preparing our future generations and preserving our Armenian identity.”

Father Hovnan performed the traditional Kinetson (book blessing) ceremony by pouring red wine over a first edition of the novel. This is the fourth year in a row that Father Hovnan and the author have held a Kinetson ceremony in New Jersey.

Father Hovnan, Ani Tchaglassian, and Chris Bohjalian during the traditional Kinetson (book blessing) ceremony

In the powerful and moving lecture, Bohjalian shared personal anecdotes from the first leg of his book tour and a slideshow capturing his recent visit to Western Armenia. Identity—one of the major thematic threads throughout Bohjalian’s body of works—is what has bound The Sandcastle Girls, The Guest Room, and his Armenia visit together. Bohjalian talked about his family’s stories and personal eye-witness accounts from the genocide period. During his slideshow, he said that most of his relatives who survived “…took the many stories [of the genocide] to their grave.” That generation could not speak of the atrocities that they suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Turks—the very reason Bohjalian keeps coming back to the genocide in his work and underscores the importance of remembering his ancestors’ stories and preserving their identity. “It’s not the souls that are lost only, but also, their stories.”

Bohjalian signing copies of his new book

Bohjalian then segued to his latest book, The Guest Room, “a spellbinding tale of a party gone horribly wrong.” The meaning of family, relationships, moral struggles, and of the social crisis of human/sex trafficking prevalent in the world are at the core of the novel.

Bohjalian signed dozens of books following the presentation and spoke to his many fans. The Guest Room debuted at #11 on the New York Times best-seller’s list.

MONTEBELLO, Calif.—Armenian Mesrobian High School junior Alex Manoukian was sworn in as youth commissioner for the City of Montebello by Mesrobian Alumnus Councilman Jack Hadjinian on Jan. 14. Manoukian becomes the third consecutive Mesrobian High School student to serve in the position.

(L to R) Honorable Jack Hadjinian, Alex Manoukian, proud grandmother Loucine Beshdikian.

“The future for Alex is very bright,” said Councilmember Hadjinian during the oath ceremony, as proud grandmother Loucine Beshdikian held the Bible on which Manoukian gave his oath. Recently reelected to Montebello City Council, Hadjinian served as the first Armenian mayor of the City of Montebello last year.
Also joining Manoukian that evening were his proud parents Meline and Sako Manoukian, Mesrobian Principal David Ghoogasian, and Rev. Khoren Babouchian.
“It is a unique feeling to see a former student [Hadjinian] swearing in a current student to this type of position,” said Ghoogasian, who is himself an alumnus of the school.

(L to R) Principal David Ghoogasian, Honorable Mayor Art Barajas, Commissioner Alex Manoukian, Honorable Jack Hadjinian, Meline and Sako Manoukian (parents), Loucine Beshdikian, and Rev. Khoren Babouchian.

“I’m happy and proud as an Armenian to be represented in City Hall. I definitely want to tie in the Armenian community and cause into my work as I serve all Montebello area youth,” said Manoukian.
“I love politics and I’m happy to have been appointed even though I recently moved here,” said the 16-year-old; he moved to Montebello from Lebanon 3 years ago. In that short time, he has wasted no time putting himself in the service of the tight-knit Armenian community of Montebello and Southern California. In many ways, he represents the organic development of leadership at Mesrobian School.
Wise beyond his years and eager to serve, Manoukian is the vice-president of Mesrobian School’s Associated Student Body Student Council, the co-chairperson of the AYF Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Junior Chapter at the Montebello Armenian Center, and an altar server at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral.

Special for the Armenian Weekly

Diasporan Armenians are known to develop obsessions about local Armenian food. The taste of the apricots, the juiciness of the tomatoes, and the aromatic honey have no comparison, and nothing back home can come close.

A farmer poses with his quinoa plants in Armenia

However, for those who have spent time in Armenia through all of the seasons, the tendency towards mono-eating becomes a little more obvious—especially during the wintertime. While tomato and cucumber salads become an automatic staple during the spring and summer, beets, cabbage, and potatoes seem to be the only options to choose from during the winter (beyond khash, of course).

While this reflects mostly what is grown, many farmers are challenging this by growing non-traditional vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and even kale, and with the rise of Syrian-Armenian spices and food shops, things are becoming more varied and interesting.

So while diasporans take a lot of the above-mentioned foods—and drinks (most notably cognac)—from Armenia back as gifts or for themselves, they do often return with their own essentials.

That’s why when I heard about Meline’s Garden, a new initiative introducing quinoa in Armenia, I knew this would radically alter my ‘bring-back’ list.

While bulghur and rice are common, gretchka (buckwheat) tends to reign supreme in Armenia in terms of grains. It can be incorporated into almost every meal and cooked in a variety of ways. Sooner or later, however, the idea of eating gretchka every day loses its appeal. That’s where Taline Kevonian comes in. After many visits to Armenia since 1996 and a two-year stay in 2004, Kevonian had a vision to tackle some of the country’s tendency towards high-sugar diets. She initially thought planting agave would be her focus in order to replace sugar, but she soon realized Armenia’s climate was not right for this tropical type of growth.

Distributing seeds

She opted for quinoa instead, as it has many health benefits, is an adaptable grain, already contains the natural pesticide saponin, is much better suited for diabetics due to its fiber content, and after a few seasons it actually replenishes the nutrients in the soil it is planted in. Another plus was that, as she and many others were a little sick of the common grains available, she felt quinoa would add some healthy diversity to the tendency of mono-culture in the motherland.

Kevonian began renting out her apartment in the United States in order to save money for her project, and was confident in her decision, as she believed she would be doing something beneficial for a community she had spent so much time in.

A contract signed between a farmer from the Sisian region and Kevonian

Soon, however, she began experiencing the notorious “chi gareli” (it’s not possible) mentality of many local and diasporan friends. Reminding herself that “Trader Joe’s didn’t have any quinoa 10 years ago,” and that it is a grain neutral in appearance and therefore not a “scary new product,” she knew it had potential to become something big and beneficial in Armenia.

She approached a farmer she had known for more than 13 years in Halidzor with her plan and asked if he wanted to dedicate a section of his plot of land to growing quinoa together. After going over the details, he agreed with the idea of “bringing his boy back from Russia,” and after a few celebratory (mandatory) shots of tti oghi the wheels were in motion.

Farmers harvesting quinoa in Halidzor

Kevonian brought with her four different types of seeds to plant, acknowledging Armenia did in fact have wild quinoa, though it did not carry the same nutritional aspects of cultured.

Between May and June, they planted the seeds to test them. Some mistakes were made and learned from—such as planting them too close to each other, therefore causing cross pollination. But they had also made a decision to grow it in less-than-ideal conditions—such as areas with very little water—and if it succeeded they would confidently know that “if it can grow here, it can grow anywhere.”

“With quinoa it is just an initial 1.5 months of monitoring where we would have to keep the weeds in check, change positions if needed on top of the planting itself, and after that it is not a labor intensive process,” Kevonian said of the quinoa production process.

Already from that one experimental plot in Halidzor, Meline’s Garden will expand to six more areas by the end of the year, including Sisian and Tavush, and Kevonian is in the process of signing contracts with the interested farmers. Her focus is on working with small-scale farms (of about six hectares) to establish a network of dependable farmers who can remain reliable and not overwhelmed. A few local and international organizations have also proposed projects to work specifically with border villages.

First round of seed planting

Taline Kevonian’s overall approach is that she is not “helping” anyone. She wanted to avoid this sort of mentality she saw in a lot of diasporan friends with good intentions, or even organizations that focus solely on charity. She wants the resulting partnership to be mutually beneficial and since the positive benefits of this venture significantly outweigh the negatives, Kevonian has learned to focus only on individuals who agree to take on some of the responsibility.

Although she has three master’s degrees, she is quick to point out that she has no specialization in agriculture. However, she asks rhetorically, “Why would I work in international development when I have an idea that would directly support farmers and benefit communities?”

Quinoa plants in Halidzor

She elaborated more on her initial reasons for going forward with this project: “My grandmother is Meline, who the project is named after, and it is also my middle name. She is 94 years old, cooks the most delicious food, and is an extremely independent woman who was however sometimes overlooked. I was always connected with her and wanted this to be tribute to her.” Taline Kevonian jokes about how her grandmother had never actually tried quinoa before, and when she made her a dish, she quickly exclaimed “Sa inch a!” (What is this!).

Kevonian also noted a secondary reason—and that was my first article published in the Armenian Weekly on veganism in Armenia. She told me that it showed her that healthy living was on the rise in Armenia and that now was the time to begin her project.

Initial packaging stage

Final packaging

While one of Kevonian’s goals is to have quinoa become a staple in the diets of the local population, she acknowledges that, right now, it may be too pricey. She notes it is just the first year of production, and by continuing to grow it locally and by cutting overhead costs, the price will soon become more accessible. She also has smaller packages available for those who prefer to sample it before committing to the larger amounts. In Armenia currently there is also an imported option from Italy, which is almost double the price of that offered through Meline’s Garden.

Taline Kevonian sells to individuals, distribution companies, as well as to shops and restaurants. Her packaging is through Zart Print, where a portion of the proceeds goes to creating job opportunities for disabled youth.

Although her farm plots specific to quinoa are already rapidly expanding, Kevonian will not stop there. She plans to also incorporate chia seeds and work with farmers in Gyumri to increase flax seed production so that shugas (markets) can sell local—rather than only imported—options.

While this keeps Kevonian very busy and involved in Armenia, she jokes that sometimes leaving Armenia is crucial so she can “get a break from the ‘chi gareli’ mentality”, and return re-energized, focused, and with more determination.

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) recently announced the honorary jury for the 2016 cycle of the biennial Saroyan/Paul $10,000 Human Rights Prize in Playwriting.

Rob Drummer

The judges are Rob Drummer, associate dramaturg and director from the Bush Theatre in London; Neil McPherson, artistic director of the Finborough Theatre in London since 1999; and Simon Levy, artistic director of the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles since 1993. All three judges will preside over the three finalist scripts in 2016.

The preliminary evaluation of scripts has begun, as synopses have been pouring in from around the globe. The synopsis submission period for the contest has been extended to Feb. 7.
Playwrights whose submitted synopses meet ADAA’s guideline specifications will be chosen by the selection committee to submit their full scripts from March 1 to April 24. Scores will be awarded to each script based on excellence of writing and for furthering the theme of “human rights/social justice.”

In addition, to further ADAA’s mission to support Armenian stories, ADAA will also host a special $2,500 prize—the Kondazian Playwriting Award for Armenian Stories—which will be awarded to an outstanding play with a focus on an Armenian theme.

Neil McPherson

The late William Saroyan believed that the performing arts were a powerful tool for facilitating civic engagement and advancing social change. The new direction ADAA has pursued since 2014 is to expand the competition’s parameters to celebrate playwrights whose work dynamically engages with social and political issues and/or promotes peace, social justice, and human rights. This widens the scope of the competition by promoting intercultural understanding and including more playwrights exploring the transformative power of theater to address issues of global significance.

Simon Levy

This path will be in keeping with the spirit of William Saroyan, a pan advocate of human rights. It will also further the aim of the Armenian community as a whole in its quest for justice and human rights.

The Saroyan Prize is made possible by a donation from the William Saroyan Foundation, which inaugurated the award at ADAA in 2007, and has been joined by the Lillian and Varnum Paul Fund, a longtime supporter of ADAA’s Paul Screenwriting Award, to complete the funding of the biennial playwriting prize, which has become known as one of the world’s most reputable playwriting awards.

ADAA has been administering this contest since 2008. For more information, visit ADAA’s newly redesigned website at http://www.armeniandrama.org or e-mail adaa@armeniandrama.org.

BELMONT, Mass.—On Sat., Jan. 16, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) held a reception graciously hosted by Berj and Ani Chekijian of Belmont. More than 50 guests gathered in fellowship and good spirits to view a video presentation and hear updates on the happenings and operations of the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School in Yerevan.

Berj Chekijian welcomes the guests

AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian began his presentation by placing the success of the school in context with the AMAA’s long history of moving education forward as one of its primary missions throughout the world.

The school’s benefactor, Edward Avedisian, and Armenia Tree Project (ATP) Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian highlighted the numerous ways it benefits Armenia beyond offering a fine education. The school serves a major extracurricular, social, and community function for the deprived Malatia-Sepastia district of Yerevan, in addition to working with numerous partner organizations such as ATP.

Edward Avedisian talks about the Avedisian School in Yerevan

The original Avedisian School was founded in 1999 as a tuition-free kindergarten. In September 2014, the doors opened to the new Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center complex, in the presence of Republic of Armenia President Serge Sarkisian and various leaders of the AMAA. It is the first LEED-certified school building in Armenia and the Caucasus. The complex includes a primary school in the Krikor and Beatrice Bilezikian Building; a kindergarten, middle school, and high school; athletic facilities, including a soccer field; and a community center.

Dr. Robert Mirak and Edward Avedisian

The AMAA held the reception to highlight the importance of upholding the passionate spirit that resonates throughout the administration, faculty, and students of this fine institution. Various giving opportunities are available to support the school and to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit Armenian students for years to come.

For more information, visit www.amaa.org or call the AMAA at (201) 265-2607.

BELMONT, Mass. (A.W.)—On Jan. 28, Prof. Keith David Watenpaugh of the University of California, Davis, gave a lecture about his latest book, Bread from Stones: The Middle East and the Making of Modern Humanitarianism (Univ. of Calif. Press), at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center in Belmont. The lecture, which was co-sponsored by the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, focused on the theory and practice of modern humanitarianism, with a particular focus on relief efforts during the Armenian Genocide, and included readings from Watenpaugh’s new book.

Watenpaugh reads from Bread From Stones

Marc A. Mamigonian, director of Academic Affairs at NAASR, delivered opening remarks and invited NAASR’s newly appointed executive director, Sarah Ignatius, to speak about NAASR’s activities. Mamigonian then invited Watenpaugh, historian and Associate Professor of Modern Islam, Human Rights & Peace who teaches in the Religious Studies Program at UC-Davis, and author of Being Modern in the Middle East, to deliver his lecture.

Watenpaugh introduced the audience to his book Bread from Stones, which breaks new ground in analyzing the theory and practice of modern humanitarianism. Genocide and mass violence, human trafficking, and the forced displacement of millions in the early 20^th-century Eastern Mediterranean form the background for this exploration of humanitarianism’s role in the history of human rights.

Centering the international response to the genocide of the Ottoman Armenians in the history of humanitarianism and human rights, in the book, Watenpaugh explores how organizations like Near East Relief and the rescue of a generation of trafficked Armenian children helped lay the foundations of the Diasporan Armenian community.

Watenpaugh read excerpts from the book, which dealt with the story of three orphans of the Armenian Genocide and their different experiences. He also answered questions from the audience and signed copies of Bread from Stones, which were sold that evening.

Mark Ojakian, the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, recently announced that Mary A. Papazian will resign as president of Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) effective July 1, 2016, and will become the 29th president of San Jose State University.

Mary Papazian

In announcing her resignation, Ojakian noted that while Papazian has only served as SCSU president since 2011, she has nevertheless produced a distinguished record of student success and accomplishment.

“From major construction projects that have changed the face of SCSU, to urban initiatives and the growth of STEM programs to meet workforce development needs, President Papazian has served the SCSU community with exceptional vision and integrity,” said Ojakian. “We are indeed fortunate to have had the benefit of her extraordinary leadership.”

“The Board of Regents greatly appreciates President Papazian’s service and commitment to Southern Connecticut State University and its students,” said Board of Regents chairman Nicholas Donofrio. “We wish her well in her future endeavors and we thank her for her service to the state, CSCU community, and Southern Connecticut State University.”

Since 2011, Papazian—the 11th president of SCSU—led a period of institutional advancement. During her tenure, she established a Student Success Taskforce that enhanced student services and support, and the first Presidents Commission on Campus Climate and Inclusion. Major construction projects included the new School of Business, the renovation of Buley Library, and the Academic Laboratory Science Building, and changed the face of the SCSU campus.

While president, she also established the Office for STEM Innovation and Leadership, where SCSU’s new science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs were created in alignment with the needs of a 21^st-century economy. In spring 2015, Papazian and New Haven Mayor Toni Harp announced a new bioscience partnership linking SCSU and the city of New Haven, Conn. In addition, the university is now developing an initiative with the city of Bridgeport, focusing on education, business, and environmental science.

During her time at SCSU, Papazian also led the university through the final phase of a successful academic accreditation process, expanded SCSU’s community engagement by cultivating stronger ties to SCSU’s feeder K-12 school districts, and began the planning phase in partnership with New Haven Public Schools to place a K-4 magnet school on campus. Her efforts enabled SCSU to earn a place on the coveted President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Before joining SCSU, Papazian was provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at Lehman College at the City University of New York. She also served as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University in New Jersey, and associate dean of the College of Arts and Science at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. She holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in English literature from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Papazian is active in many community organizations, and is chair of the Connecticut Campus Compact governance sub-committee, president of the Greater New Haven Heart Walk, and director of New Haven Promise, a scholarship and support program to promote college education for New Haven Public school students. In 2014, she received the Athena Leadership Award from the Greater New Haven and Quinnipiac Chambers of Commerce, and a state delegation member for Complete College America.

BERKELEY, CA—Applications are now available for the Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2016 program, which will run from June 23 to July 24. The program enables young people to travel and tour Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh), while engaging in meaningful service projects benefiting Armenia and her people.

‘SERVICE Armenia’ participants and local children in Vanadzor following the construction of the Vanadzor Park play structure

“I am looking forward to a fun and successful SERVICE Armenia 2016 program this summer,” said Peter Abajian, the executive director of the Paros Foundation. “It is quite exciting to see students from throughout the country develop friendships with one another while working on meaningful service projects in Armenia.”

‘SERVICE Armenia’ participants touring at Noravank on the way to Artsakh

Participants will tour historic, religious, and cultural sites in Armenia and Artsakh with experienced, English-speaking staff and guides. Safe and well-located accommodations and transportation, combined with interesting cultural and educational activities, will ensure that the participants will have an engaging and memorable experience.

The program is open to both Armenian and American youth (17 to approximately 23 years old) wishing to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Knowledge of the Armenian language is not required. Join Paros and create a lifetime of great memories and friends. The deadline to submit the completed application is April 1, 2016.

“Overall, this was the best month ever and I couldn’t imagine my first experience in Armenia any other way. I made amazing memories with the best people, who I will carry out friendships with for a lifetime,” said Nicole Sarkisian, a SERVICE Armenia 2015 participant.

For more information, including photos, a video, and the application form, visit http://www.parosfoundation.org or contact Peter Abajian by calling (310) 400-9061 or e-mailing peter@parosfoundation.org.

Alla Levonyan

WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Sat., March 12, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the Sorenson Center for the Arts at Babson College, located at 231 Forest St. in Wellesley.

This much-anticipated event is designed to bring together the Armenian community to celebrate the school’s existence and achievements. “Celebrating our school’s 30th anniversary is a testament to the resilience of our Armenian community and its unshakable belief in the value of a solid Armenian education,” says Houry Boyamian, principal.

Located in Watertown, the SSAES consists of a pre-school and an elementary school with a bilingual curriculum steeped in Armenian culture, including daily lessons of Armenian language. Since 2004, every graduating 5^th grade class takes a school-organized trip to Armenia.

A large group of current and past parent volunteers is working to coordinate all of the details of this event, which is also meant as a major fundraiser for the school. “We do have a supportive community and we are expecting a great turnout,” says Sarkis Ourfalian, committee chair.

The evening will start off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a program in the theater-style auditorium, including a concert performance by acclaimed singer Alla Levonyan from Armenia and pianist Jasmin Atabekyan. The event will conclude with a dessert reception.

Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased by visiting www.mkt.com/ssaes; by e-mailing 30years@ssaes.org; or by calling (617) 926-6979.

St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School to Celebrate 30th Anniversary in March

PARAMUS, N.J.—Most people remember how, as children, they looked forward to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa and Christmas gifts. These holidays were filled with laughter, joy, and songs. Sometimes people indulge in their everyday life and forget to offer children the gift of a true Christmas celebration. Yet, for more than 30 years, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) and the Evangelical Church of Armenia have not forgotten the children in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh during the Christmas season.

Christmas in Yerevan

During the 2015-16 Christmas season, in more than 40 towns and cities in Armenia and Karabagh, Christmas and New Year’s programs were organized in the final days of December until the end of winter vacation for children, teens, and their parents. Through these programs, God’s love and “Christmas joy” was brought to thousands of children and their families. The real message of Christmas was proclaimed through music, recitations, games, and drama with the children presenting Christ’s birth, conveying the meaning and importance of His birth, and telling of the plan of God’s salvation. Each program included a special visit from Santa distributing “Christmas joy” boxes of school supplies, socks, candy, toys, Christmas story activity booklets, puzzles, and coloring books.

Christmas in Yerevan

The highlight of the Christmas programs took place at the AMAA Center in Yerevan on Jan. 8 and 9 for more than 1,500 children and their parents. Four presentations of a beautiful and exciting drama by AMAA’s “Hayasa” Theatrical group, entitled “The Giver of Joy,” were staged and directed by Nune Abrahamyan.

Christmas in Goris

The AMAA is appreciative of all those who prayed for and contributed toward these programs, and of the volunteers who participated in the process of assembling the “Christmas joy” boxes. The AMAA especially recognizes Nelson Randolph and Al Jibilian, who coordinated the purchasing and shipping of the boxes and their contents from the United States to Armenia. Jibilian even traveled to Armenia with U.S. volunteers to assist with the packing and assembling of the “Christmas joy” boxes. Since their involvement over the last few years, the Christmas Joy Program has strengthened and continues to grow.

Christmas in Alaverdi

CHELMSFORD, Mass.—For the 47^th consecutive Lenten Season, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Chelmsford will sponsor a series of 6 fellowship evenings designed to promote spiritual renewal through prayer and thought-provoking discussion.

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Chelmsford

Each Friday evening of Lent, beginning on Feb. 12, parishioners will gather at 6:30 p.m. to participate in the Peace and Rest Services, which will feature many eloquent penitential prayers and hymns. The faithful will then enjoy a meal prepared according to the church’s Lenten dietary guidelines.

With this year marking the 100th anniversary of the Sts. Vartanantz parish, the focus of the Lenten Program will be on the faith and legacy of those who established and expanded the parish over the past 100 years. The brave men and women who escaped the horrors of the Armenian Genocide and immigrated to the United States left an incredible legacy of sacrifice and dedication, which has inspired growth of the Armenian Orthodox faith and spirituality for some five generations in the Greater Lowell community.

The Lenten Fellowship program is dedicated to the memory of a former pastor of Sts. Vartanantz, Very Reverend Father Ghevont Samoorian, who initiated this opportunity for the parish faithful to worship, share a Lenten meal, and encourage spiritual examination and renewal.

For more information, call the church office at (978) 256-7234.

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) will hold a special event featuring best-selling author Chris Bohjalian acclaimed filmmaker Eric Nazarian, and award-winning filmmaker and director Dr. Carla Garapedian as Master of Ceremonies, on Sat., Feb. 27, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Author Chris Bohjalian (Photo: Aaron Spagnolo)

The event, which is an expression of thanks to the members of NAASR’s Leadership Circle, will include a dinner reception, followed by Bohjalian and Nazarian in a dialogue on the screen adaptation of Bohjalian’s novel The Sandcastle Girls, as well as the introduction of newly appointed NAASR Executive Director Sarah B. Ignatius to give an update on NAASR initiatives.

Chris Bohjalian is the author of 18 books, including his new novel, The Guest Room. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and adapted 3 times as movies. His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon. His awards include the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for The Sandcastle Girls, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for The Night Strangers; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for The Sandcastle Girls; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Trans-Sister Radio and the Anahid Literary Award. His novel, Midwives, was a number one New York Times best-seller, a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and a New England Booksellers Association Discovery pick.

Screenwriter, director, and producer Eric Nazarian

Eric Nazarian is an acclaimed screenwriter, director, and producer. Born in Armenia and raised in Los Angeles, he holds a B.A. in film production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. “The Blue Hour,” his first feature film, premiered at the 55th San Sebastian International Film Festival, receiving several awards on the international film festival circuit. In 2008, Nazarian received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting for his screenplay, “Giants.” In 2010, Nazarian made “Bolis,” a short film about a descendent of a genocide survivor in Istanbul, as part of the European Union’s Capital of Culture program. Nazarian is currently working on the film adaptation of The Sandcastle Girls, Bohjalian’s critically acclaimed best-selling novel. He has lectured on the origins of cinema and on the Armenian Genocide on campuses across the United States and Europe. He is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America West and a fellow of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies.

Carla Garapedian

Dr. Carla Garapedian is an award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, and correspondent. She is on the Board of Directors of the Armenian Film Foundation and was the director of the film “Screamers.”  Her other films include “Lifting the Veil,” about the brutal treatment of women in Afghanistan, and “Iran Undercover,” about the underground student movement in Iran, which won the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2005 as part of the PBS Frontline World series.  She worked closely with J. Michael Hagopian on his “Witnesses” trilogy. She earned a Ph.D. in international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science before working as a producer, director, and correspondent based in London.  She is the recipient of the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award, the AGBU Generation Next Community Hero Award, and was given the Clara Barton Medal of Gratitude from the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

Sarah B. Ignatius is NAASR’s first executive director, effective Jan. 1. She earned a J.D. from Georgetown University and B.A. from Stanford University. She has served on NAASR’s Board of Directors since 2014 and on its Executive Committee as treasurer. Her interest in Armenian studies deepened after she went on the 2006 NAASR tour to Armenia and Historic Armenia, and upon returning drafted a young adult manuscript, “The Devil’s Kaleidoscope,” about a 14-year-old Armenian boy caught up in the genocide. Her manuscript has received recognition from the New England Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators, the National League of American Pen Women, and the Somerville Arts Council. Ignatius has worked for more than 25 years as a lawyer and executive director, primarily with the Political Asylum Immigration Representation Project in Boston, defending people fleeing from persecution worldwide. She taught immigration and asylum law at Boston College Law School for 10 years, co-authored Immigration Law and the Family, and authored a National Asylum Study for Harvard Law School.

In addition to members of NAASR’s Board of Directors and Leadership Circle and invited guests, the event is also open to the public at a cost of $100 per person, which includes dinner and one year of membership in NAASR. The event will start at 6 p.m. at the UCLA Faculty Center, California Room, 480 Charles Young Drive East in Los Angeles.

To receive an invitation, contact NAASR Board member Dr. Gregory Ketabgian at gketabgian@yahoo.com.

The NAASR Leadership Circle was established to develop an elevated level of membership to join the association in facing the new challenges and demands of the 21st century. NAASR, established in 1955 and to mark its 60th anniversary during 2016, has led the movement to create, maintain, strengthen, and perpetuate Armenian studies in the United States, including pioneering initiatives to establish the first two chairs in Armenian studies in the United States at Harvard University and UCLA.

For more information about NAASR, contact the organization’s headquarters by e-mailing hq@naasr.org or calling (617) 489-1610.

By Ara Demirjian

On Sun., Jan. 31, after attending a memorial service at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Mass., in commemoration of the victims of the Armenian Genocide from Marash (1915-20), the Boston Marashtsi community held its annual reception in the St. Stephen’s Armenian Church Hall, once again remembering their ancestors who heroically defended Marash.

Shant der Torosian playing the piano at the event (Photo: Marash Girl)

The Marash Defense ended with the departure of the French in the middle of the night, their horses’ hooves covered with burlap to deaden the sound of their departure, which would assure the demise of most of the Armenians in Marash.*

This year’s commemorative event began with Nevart Kouyoumjian, president of the Watertown chapter of the Union of Marash Armenians, who welcomed the Very Reverend Father Antranig Baljian, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, honored guests, and the Marashtsis and friends of Marashtsis.  Kouyoumjian discussed the canonization of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1920) and commented on how Marashtsis in the United States help support Armenian Schools, such as St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School in Watertown, Mass., and help the Armenians in Syria.  “However we can, we help them,” she said. Kouyoumjian also thanked the younger members of the community, who work together towards the success of this yearly event.

Traditional Marash “Keshkek Ghabakhli,” a hulled wheat-based pilaf with a squash “sulu” (cooked with onions) and chi kufte (a traditional dish of raw lamb meat kneaded with bulgur), and Armenian salad (fresh tomatoes with onions and parsley) were served.

The meal was blessed by the Very Reverend Father Antranig Baljian, who later addressed the audience on the Beatification of the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, including Marashtsi martyrs, a beatification that occurred on the 100th anniversary of the genocide—April 15, 2015. Rev. Baljian drew attention to the fact that for centuries, concerned with survival, the Armenian Apostolic Church had beatified no saints, but for the past decade has undertaken the task of research and re-discovery of the process of beatification, keeping those lost in the genocide in mind.

Baljian emphasized that Armenian martyrs were proclaimed saints, not by us mortals, but by God for the sacrifices they made for Jesus and God throughout their life and daily work. He said that the church recognizes that fact through the process of beatification, not for us to pray for them as we did over the past century, but rather for them to pray for us as intercessors with God.

The reverend also observed that this beatification is a “Group Beatification” as opposed to individual sainthoods—all have ancestors who are beatified, although it does not mean that individuals are descendants of saints. The group beatification is for Armenians to bear example of their lives in the service of God so that their descendants aspire to do the same in their lives.

Peter Koutoujian Jr., sheriff of Middlesex County, delivered his remarks next, thanking Baljian for his words and thanking the community who came on that important day. He recounted his Marashtsi heritage by briefly reflecting on the memory of his elders. Following Koutoujian’s remarks, Harout Sajounian accompanied by Helena Hagopian performed a rendition of “Kedashen” and “Adana Vokhb,” two patriotic songs in remembrance of the Armenian martyrs.

Ani Chekijian recited poetry reflecting on the sufferings of Armenians then, a century ago, and now in present-day Syria. Sevan Soukiassian and Shant Der Torossian followed with two short piano pieces, culminating in Sajounian and Hagopian’s performance of “Giligia,” a hallmark song performed at the closing of many observation ceremonies at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church.

*This information is based on the eye-witness account of Stephen Baliozian. His oral history—documented in an interview conducted by Marash Girl—is on tape and on file at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown. Baliozian was 8 years old at the time of his departure from Marash during the famous snowstorm.

By Ani Melkonian

YEREVAN—Environmental education has been one of Armenia Tree Project’s (ATP) strategic priorities since 2005, with trainings and workshops conducted all over Armenia. Thousands of schoolchildren visit ATP’s two education centers sponsored by the Ohanian family of Boston. The centers—one located on the grounds of the Karin Nursery and another in Margahovit Village—provide interactive lessons focused on all aspects of the environment.

Melanya Sarukhanyan is an active member of ATP’s eco-club in Margahovit, a village in the northern region of Lori.

2015 was a record-breaking year as more students visited the centers than ever before. Sixty-four school groups (a total of 1,646 students) from Yerevan, Kotayk, and Armavir attended classes at the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center in Karin, which significantly exceeds the number from previous years. In Margahovit, 74 school groups (1,971 students) visited the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Center for Environmental Studies from Lori, Tavush, Gegharkunik, and Shirak.

“Our approach is that planting trees is not enough when there is limited awareness about environmental issues in the country,” explains Alla Sahakyan, education manager. “Through our environmental education program, ATP aims to raise a responsible generation of Armenians that will take on their roles as caretakers and protectors of the environment. To support that goal, our team works hard to instill respect, care, and understanding towards nature in the youth.”

Melanya Sarukhanyan is a 13-year-old schoolgirl from Margahovit and a regular at the Ohanian Center. She’s a member of ATP’s eco-club, the inauguration of which in 2012 was cause for great excitement in the village. Melanya was introduced to the club at school by her biology teacher, Gayane Markaryan, who also happens to be the eco-club trainer. The club has 35 members in 2 age groups—middle and high school students—and they meet 3 times a week. “Making the extra effort after school is no inconvenience for the students because they enjoy learning new things in a stimulating and peaceful environment,” says Sahakyan.

The Ohanian Center is like an illustration straight out of a children’s book. The building itself is camouflaged to reflect the surrounding green rolling mountains, with the Hrant Dink Memorial Forest in the background and the Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery within sight of the gardens. The front yard is a beautifully laid out garden and an exhibition of the children’s projects. The delicate flowers, plants, and vegetables are a result of all that the children are learning in the eco-club.

ATP’s Michael and Virginia Ohanian Center for Environmental Studies is a ‘living laboratory’ for environmental education in northern Armenia.

Here Melanya has learned how to make compost, how to graft fruit trees, and how to plant and care for trees. She’s also learned about organic insect control and growing organic vegetables. ATP has introduced broccoli and Brussels sprouts to the village, where only cabbage and potatoes were grown in the past.

Students also study the importance of bees in an ecosystem, the damage of pesticides and herbicides to bee colonies, bee care, and honey production.

“The goal is to connect children with the environment. We want them to value their natural heritage,” adds Sahakyan.

When asked what she likes about the eco-club, Melanya says they put into practice things they learn in theory. “We use modern and at the same time eco-friendly technology, which we don’t have at school. We watch slideshows and videos together…It’s more fun that way. I’ve learned that nature gives us life, so we must care for it.”

A vital part of ATP’s education program is for students to make a connection between what they learn and what occurs in their daily lives. They apply their knowledge by making compost in their gardens and by recycling paper and plastic bottles. “I get a lot of phone calls from parents complaining because their kids won’t allow them to throw trash away,” jokes Sahakyan. “That’s how I know our work is paying off.”

In addition to hosting local students, ATP hosts diasporan youth as part of the Building Bridges program in the United States. Students from Armenia meet their peers from the diaspora and together learn about their natural heritage and a little bit about each other. In 2015, ATP hosted six school visits from the diaspora, which included tree plantings at historical locations like Sardarabad. The environmental education program also includes the training of teachers to use the “Plant an Idea, Plant a Tree” manual published by ATP and approved by the Ministry of Education, and conducting lessons at a number of workshops and summer camps.

Since its inception in 1994, ATP has planted more than 4.9 million trees, established 3 nurseries and 2 environmental education centers, and greened villages, churches, parks, and open spaces throughout Armenia. In the process, the organization has provided employment for hundreds of people and provided vital resources to thousands of villagers.

For more information, visit www.armeniatree.org.

Hagop Janessian, M.D., of Watertown, Mass., passed away on April 2. Janessian was born in Tel Abyad, Syria, on Dec. 22, 1942. He was the eldest son of Sarkis and Makrouhi Janessian. He had two brothers—Kevork and Hovannes—and two sisters—Arpine and Lousin. His younger brother, Krikor Zohrab, passed away at a young age.

Hagop Janessian

Janessian attended the Khorenian School in Tel Abyad; when his family relocated to Aleppo when he was eight years old, he continued his education at the Zavarian School, and later at the Karen Jeppe Armenian School. He pursued his medical education at the Heidelberg University in Germany, specializing in Cardiology, and worked in various German hospitals until 1976. Returning to Aleppo, he opened his own medical clinic, while also working at public and private hospitals.

Janessian married Seta Donigian on April 22, 1979. They had two children, Sarkis and Maria.

In 1998, Janessian moved to the U.S. with his family, hoping to offer his children a brighter future. One of the happiest moments of his life was the wedding of his daughter Maria to Levon Shahnazarian; another joy in his life arrived in the form of his grandson, Vahan.

Janessian became involved in Homenetmen at a young age. He also entered the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) in his youth, remaining a loyal member until his death. In Aleppo, he held various positions in the Armenian Prelacy, and was a member of the executive board of the Karen Jeppe Armenian School. Once a week, he would volunteer by offering routine checkups to the students. He was also instrumental in the planning and execution of building the Aram Manougian Armenian Community Center of Aleppo.

He left behind his beloved wife Seta (Donigian) Janessian; children Sarkis Janessian and Maria Janessian (husband Levon Melik-Shahnazarian); grandson Vahan; sisters Arpine Pakhanian and Lousine Hayrebedian; and brothers Kevork Janessian (wife Sossi), and Hovanness Janessian (wife Ani). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Ave. in Watertown on Thurs., April 7 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

At the request of the family, there are no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen’s Armenian Church or the ARS Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472. Interment will take place at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown.