ASBURY PARK, N.J.—While decades have passed since the original Asbury Park “kef” events, which were geared towards the Armenian community in the 1950’s and 1960’s, one important element of that generation has withstood the test of time: the performance of traditional live Armenian music.

Steve Vosbikian on the clarinet and Aram Hovagimian on the keyboards at Asbury Kef Weekend.

For the second year in a row, a new generation of diasporan-born Armenian musicians entertained a sold-out crowd with their traditional Armenian instruments and renditions of popular songs at the “Return to Asbury Kef Weekend,” which took place from Aug. 2-4 at the Ocean Berkeley Waterfront Hotel.

The weekend gave Armenians of that historic era in Armenian-American history the opportunity to reminisce about the old days, and the new generation a glimpse of a special time among those who once summered at Asbury Park and attended Armenian “kef” events. Live Armenian singers and musicians were abound the entire weekend, from an impromptu “jam session” by the hotel’s pool—where all guests had a chance to step in and grab a mic, thump on a dumbeg, or play the violin—and the main event of the weekend, the “barahantes” (dance).

Headlining the musical portion of the weekend were members of the Michael Gostanian Ensemble and the Aravod and Artsakh bands. Although they are all U.S. born, they have learned to play traditional Armenian instruments and sing Armenian songs, ensuring that a part of Armenian culture does not get lost in the shuffle of assimilation.

The interest, will, dedication, and inspiration the musicians were exposed to in their youth certainly helped them forge not only an interest in the music, but the instruments and songs as well. The “original” musicians such as Mal Barsamian, Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian, Richard Hagopian, and Richie Berberian, served as an impetus for the younger generation to pursue this genre of music.

Anthony Deese, a member of the Artsakh Band, who plays the guitar, piano, and keyboard, studied Armenian music during his teen years by listening to recordings of Mal Barsamian and the Vosbikian Band, in particular.

“The Armenian community has a strong affection for its music and, as such, the music has a rich history,” said Deese, a Philadelphia native.

Armen Sevag, who played the violin as a guest with the Michael Gostanian Ensemble, was taught music by his late grandmother, Helen Sevag, who herself performed the violin for 85 years. His music education continued when he joined the Aravod Ensemble in 1997 and explored other instruments such as the oud and kanun. His experiences at Camp Haiastan and Camp Vartan and his exposure to music there also opened him up to Armenian music, which “speaks to our soul as Armenians and is a symbol of our survival and triumph,” said Sevag.

Michael Gostanian’s exposure to Armenian music also started at a young age while in Armenian school and church, gave which him an opportunity to practice his singing as a deacon on the altar. A music session with a good friend of his, however, made him decide to take his interest in Armenian music a step further.

“It started out as just something fun for us to do on our own, but word got out and along came our first gig,” said vocalist Gostanian, who also plays the kanun and bass guitar. “Seeing all the people get enjoyment out of our music sealed the deal.”

Growing up as a part of the East Coast Kef Music scene, Antranig Kzirian took a special interest in the oud, which he found to be “mystical and intriguing.” Although he also played the guitar, he decided to focus more specifically on the oud during his college years.

“Everyone talked about the oud players and their respective techniques and styles, and this really resonated with me as a youth,” said Kzirian.
As a member of Aravod, “the soul and depth” of Armenian music has always inspired him.
The youngest member playing at “Return to Asbury” was Brian Ansbigian, who played the oud with the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. Ansbigian, who comes from a lineage of oud players—his grandfather and father were talented musicians—says that Armenian folk music is part of his DNA.

“My great grandfather, born in Kayseri, was a percussionist and vocalist who performed with the legendary Udi Hrant Kenkulian, Marko Melkon, and Madlen Araradian,” said Ansbigian. “He made a point of encouraging my father to begin playing, and the tradition continued with me. When I think about it, I realize how fortunate I was to grow up listening to 78rpm records of my own great grandfather singing and playing dumbeg.”

He further learned the craft by studying with world-renowned oudist John Berberian.

The opportunity for an event like this to showcase live Armenian music and the talent behind the performances came to fruition through organizer Robin Barone’s leadership, who, after spending time abroad in Armenian communities, realized live Armenian music was a key missing ingredient.

“I quickly learned that I was spoiled to be raised in Philadelphia and surrounded by friends who were third-generation musicians,” said Barone. “Every party that I could recall had live music.”
To that end, she decided to resurrect the Asbury Armenian Kef event and make it accessible to the new generation of Armenians, who could hear traditional Armenian music performed in front of them.

“Armenian music is the heart and soul of any community event in my opinion,” said Barone. “It is my favorite part of our culture and an aspect many people take for granted. Most often, when you hear an Armenian song, doesn’t your heart fill will joy and your body want to start dancing?”

She reached out to the musicians who were her childhood friends and invited them to perform at the event. “Like myself, their families had a connection to the Armenian social life in Asbury decades ago,” said Barone. “They immediately understood what I wanted to recreate and supported me whole hearted. Without their contributions and commitment, this event would not be possible.’

Events such as the “Return to Asbury” weekend do more than create a weekend of Armenian camaraderie, music, and dance. The organization of an event like this makes sure that Armenian music is being preserved and carried forward.

“Armenian folk music is like the Armenian language, they go hand in hand,” said Ansbigian. “ Our ancestors fought and died to preserve it, and I believe we have an obligation to ensure it remains intact for future generations.“

One way to secure that this music will not be lost is for young Armenians to start playing instruments and contribute to their culture in a more musical and artistic way.

“Without new musicians to draw inspiration from previous artists and make it into something new, we will be left listening to the same songs, same arrangements, and same albums,” said Deese.

“Beyond the cultural preservation element is the joy of the family atmosphere in creating music together with good friends,” said Sevag. “These songs are anchors and roots to our happiest moments growing up and it is a privilege to infuse new life into a culture that would otherwise be forgotten.”

“Events like the Asbury Kef represent both nostalgia for the past and move us into the future, as new generations can be inspired by live music and musicians. Without live musicians to watch and be inspired by, as I was in my youth, the future of Armenian music is in jeopardy,” continued Sevag, who also noted that it was admirable and appropriate for the proceeds to benefit three local Armenian camps, which is where he was first exposed to Armenian music.

“The type of music we play is like history set to music,” said Gostanian. “It’s a representation of our people, and I think everybody feels a draw to their own history. Every time we play a song, we get to relive a little bit of that history, and at the same time we get to pass it on to someone else.”

ALMA Offers Free Admission on Annual Museum Day: Sept. 28

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian Museum and Library of America (ALMA) will open its doors free of charge on Sat., Sept. 28, as part of Smithsonian magazine’s ninth annual Museum Day Live!

For one day only from 12-6 p.m., ALMA will grant free access to visitors who present an admission ticket to Museum Day Live!, which is available for free download on the Museum Day Live! website, www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday. One ticket is permitted per household, per e-mail address.

A nationwide event, Museum Day Live! is expected to attract close to 400,000 participants. Inclusive by design, the event represents Smithsonian’s commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone, giving museums across all 50 states the opportunity to emulate the admission policy of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C.

Current exhibits at ALMA

“Karsh: Celebrating Humanity,” is a permanent collection of portraits by the renowned Armenian-Canadian portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh, and was a gift from his wife, Estrellita Karsh. The exhibition features Karsh photographs of great personalities of the world, ranging from Winston Churchill and Helen Keller to Aram Khachaturian and Albert Einstein.

“Highlights from ALMA’s Collection” displays a sampling of the finest in ALMA’s collection, carefully selected by the museum’s curator, board, and staff.

The “Who are the Armenians?” exhibit and text span more than 3,000 years of Armenian history and culture.

The “Permanent Genocide Exhibit” is a stunning visual narrative of the events of the 1915-23 Armenian Genocide, and the continuing aftermath and denial by the Turkish government over generations.

About Smithsonian Media

Smithsonian Media comprises of its flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, as well as Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Media Digital Network, and the Smithsonian Channel. Smithsonian Media is a division of Smithsonian Enterprises, the revenue-generating business unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and 9 research facilities. Approximately 30 million people from around the world visit the museums annually.

About ALMA

Founded in 1971, ALMA’s mission is to present and preserve the culture, history, art, and contributions of the Armenian people to Americans and Armenians alike. Since its inception, ALMA’s collection has grown to over 27,000 books and 20,000 artifacts, making it perhaps the largest and most diverse holding of Armenian cultural artifacts outside of Armenia. As a repository for heirlooms, the collection now represents a major resource not only for Armenian studies research, but for the preservation and illustration of the Armenian heritage. In 1988, ALMA acquired a 30,000 square foot facility in Watertown, Mass., one of North America’s oldest and most active Armenian communities. The facility includes exhibition galleries, a library, administrative offices, a function hall, climate-controlled vaults, and a conservation lab.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region will honor author Chris Bohjalian with its highest honor, the prestigious ANCA Freedom Award, at the 7th Annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet on Sat., Oct. 12, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Philadelphia.

The ANCA Eastern Region will present bestselling author Chris Bohjalian with its annual Freedom Award at this year’s ANCA-ER banquet in Philadelphia on Oct. 12.

“Really, I am deeply and profoundly honored,” said Bohjalian upon learning he will be presented with the award.

Bohjalian is the critically acclaimed author of 16 books, including nine New York Times bestsellers. His work has been translated into more than 25 languages.

“We’re honored to present Chris Bohjalian the Freedom Award for his continuous efforts to raise the public’s consciousness on the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA-ER Board chairperson Nora Kzirian. The Freedom Award is presented to an individual who has made tremendous contributions toward recognition of the genocide and who has pursued other issues of importance to the Armenian-American community.

Since 2007, the ANCA Freedom Award has been presented to former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Samantha Power, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), former U.S. Senator Robert Dole (R-N.C.), former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.), and Baroness Caroline Cox.

Bohjalian’s latest novel, The Light in the Ruins, debuted as a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and national Indiebound bestseller. The book is a re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet set in Tuscany at the end of World War II.

His epic novel of the Armenian Genocide, The Sandcastle Girls, was published in paperback in April. His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.

His awards include the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for The Sandcastle Girls, presented at the 2012 ANCA Western Region Banquet; the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Book Award for The Night Strangers; the New England Book Award; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; and the Anahid Literary Award. His novel Midwives was a number one New York Times bestseller, a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and a New England Booksellers Association Discovery pick.

Bohjalian has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including the Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He has been a weekly columnist in Vermont for the Burlington Free Press since February 1992.

Bohjalian graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Amherst College, and lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer, and their daughter Grace. They are passionate supporters of Homeward Bound (the Addison County Humane Society), Burlington’s Committee on Temporary Shelter, Concord Academy, the United Church of Lincoln, and a small elementary school in rural Armenia, where this year they are funding a new fresh water and plumbing system.

Banquet co-chairs James Kzirian and Lorig Baronian, both active members of the Philadelphia Armenian community and members of the ANC of Pennsylvania, are working diligently to ensure the success of this annual fundraising event. “This is a fantastic event that truly showcases the activities and support throughout the Eastern Region. We are looking forward to a spectacular turnout to honor Chris Bohjalian for his many contributions to Armenian Americans and the general public,” Kzirian said.

The banquet will begin with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and awards ceremony at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet. For more information, call James Kzirian at (267) 767-0453.

The ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization that supports the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region in outreach to Armenian-American communities.

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Two qualities become evident whenever photographer Hrair “Hawk” Khatcherian puts on a demonstration. His pictures are indelible, and he travels the extra mile to capture them.

The cover of ‘One Nation, One Church’

A book launching Sept. 4 at the Armenian Library & Museum of America (ALMA) of his 10th work brought out the very best his work has to offer. The museum has been a familiar stomping ground for the photographer. “The door is always open for me here,” he acknowledged.

Titled, One Church, One Nation, the latest volume is a compilation of Armenian churches from around the globe, a mission that was as exhausting as it was rewarding. It’s been a work in progress ever since the outset in 1993.

What you may know about the 52-year-old artist is that doctors gave him 10 days to live as he lay on a hospital bed, suffering from terminable lung cancer.

What may not be so obvious was the fact his mother-in-law Araxie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time. This book is dedicated to her.

“She died holding my hand and passed along the rest of her life to me,” Khatcherian revealed. “I had 10 days to live, not 10 days to die. That was 20 years ago and I’m still around.”

So are his cameras and books, along with an insatiable desire to put his unbridled energy to work preserving Armenian culture and history. He made an extraordinary vow in 1993 on what appeared to be his deathbed.

He promised God that if He allowed to him to live, he would photograph every Armenian church in every country of the world. Twenty years later, that vow has been maintained, living only for and by Armenia, Artsakh (Karabagh), and all the fundamental references, values, and benchmarks of the Armenian world.

Born in Lebanon, Khatcherian moved to Canada in 1984, working out of the Armenian community center in Montreal. He has participated in activities related to the movement of Artsakh, becoming profoundly aware of his roots, origins, and Armenian national identity.

“Hawk represents the Indiana Jones of the camera world,” said museum curator Gary Lind-Sinanian, in his introduction. “He looked death in the face and walked away from it.”

Khatcherian was working all cylinders at ALMA in his approach to cover every church he documented. Many of the images on the screen were shown in multiple sequences with short commentaries, just enough to whet the appetite and give viewers an international glimpse.

Pictures were taken in the rain or under a scorching sun, dangling from cliffs and cupolas or while threading his way into uncharted and prohibited areas to get the desired shot.

A picture of a worshipper passing through a ray of sunlight at Gandasar and another of children lighting a candle, glowing with incandescence. Churches in ruins and intact, silhouetted by the moon and basking in the sun.

“Photography is about planning and patience,” he says. “Sometimes it’s luck. You wait for the right moment.”

From Armenia to Karabagh to Jerusalem and Lebanon he traveled, hitting both Americas and the Far East in his mission. It took him two years to secure a visa for Kuwait.

Dressed like he would be on Mount Aragats, Khatcherian spoke with no notes and without a hitch in his voice. He begged some indulgence at elaborating a bit on such favorite places as Ani, Aghtamar, and Noravank.

The photographer is also a man of deep-rooted conviction who speaks his mind.

“Our jeweled churches are being left to decay while we build new places of spiritual worship,” he pointed out. “Many of them are not being attended. We must make every attempt to preserve the old.”

“I’ve seen every rock imaginable,” he said. “Every time I visit there, I find something different to shoot. I want the new generation to continue my journey. We cannot do it alone.”

The next day, Khatcherian was off to Chicago, then back to Armenia and Turkey by mid-September. His itinerary may be filled with detours, but it knows no end.

YEREVAN—On Thurs., Sept. 5, the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) first-ever Matriculation Ceremony marked the launch of the new undergraduate program, making the university the first American-accredited institution in the former Soviet Union to offer undergraduate education. Students, faculty, staff, and family gathered to formally welcome the first generation of undergraduate students to the AUA community.

AUA’s first undergraduate class at the 2013 Matriculation Ceremony

The Republic of Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan offered her welcoming remarks to the undergraduate class, as well as to AUA President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian, Provost Dr. N. Dennis Leavens, and Dr. Caren Meghreblian on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Students also took the AUA Honor Pledge, formally pledging to maintain AUA’s standards of academic integrity.

The undergraduate program offers bachelor’s degrees in business, English and communications, and computational sciences. The incoming undergraduate class is comprised of nearly 300 students from all over the world.

Eighteen-year-old Hovsep Markarian, majoring in English and communications, said, “I feel very proud that I’m a part of the first undergraduate class. I know that we are making history. It’s really an honor to be here.”

With the influx of students, there are many changes occurring within the institution. President Boghosian said, “There are more students in our halls and classrooms than ever before. This will help us better fulfill our mission, which is to address the needs of Armenia and the surrounding region for sustainable development, in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service to society. We are pleased for the opportunity to inculcate these values in a larger population with a broader range of ages.”

Provost Leavens shared, “I see the vibrancy in the halls, in the faculty and staff. I am teaching an undergraduate class and the students are delightful, just a joy. That joy suffuses through the day. Everyone I speak with has nothing but praise for this young group of students. They have changed the whole atmosphere of AUA.”

The launch of the undergraduate program is a momentous occasion for the American University of Armenia, with students bringing new energy to the campus. As Dr. Boghosian notes, “There are lots of smiles in the hallways these days.”

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, 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.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region will be welcoming former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as a guest at the 7th Annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet on Sat., Oct. 12, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Philadelphia.

The ANCA Eastern Region welcomes former Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell as a distinguished guest at the 2013 ANCA Eastern Region Banquet in Philadelphia on Oct. 12.

“I am happy to join in the effort to celebrate the 7^th annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet, which has, for so many years, been the single most important fundraising event in the Eastern U.S. for Armenian issues,” the former governor stated.

Rendell, the 45^th governor of the state of Pennsylvania, held the position from 2003-11. Before serving as governor, Rendell was the mayor of Philadelphia from 1992-2000.

He currently sits on several boards, is a Brookings Fellow, and teaches government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania. Rendell recently finished his autobiography, A Nation of Wusses, which was released in June 2012.

Rendell served two terms as governor of Pennsylvania and oversaw a budget of $28.3 billion as the chief executive of the nation’s 6^th most populous state. His legislative agenda focused on common sense political reform and putting progress ahead of partisanship.

“We’re thrilled to have former Governor Rendell attend the banquet as our distinguished guest,” said Jim Kzirian, co-chair of the ANCA Eastern Region Banquet. “His accolades for this state speak for themselves and we are honored to have him as a supporter of the Armenian cause.”

Rendell is an army veteran who holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Villanova Law School. Before serving as mayor, he was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978-85. Rendell also served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 presidential election.

After 34 years of public service, including 24 years as an elected official, Rendell continues to pursue many of the same issues he was passionate about while serving. He has become a champion for progress in alternative energy and is committed to making the U.S. a cleaner, more efficient place to live. Rendell now serves on the board of several green and alternative energy firms, including Own Energy, Element Partners, and Ocean Thermal Energy. He has also remained heavily involved in the campaign for government efficiency and strategic cost cutting through his work with entities such as Government Sourcing Solutions, Public Financial Management, and Greenhill Advisors.

The 7^th annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet will welcome Governor Rendell as it honors critically acclaimed author Chris Bohjalian with its ANCA Freedom Award and long-time Hai Tahd activist Zohrab Tazian with its Vahan Cardashian Award.

The banquet will begin with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards ceremony at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet. For more information, call James Kzirian at (267) 767-0453.

The ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization that supports the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region in outreach to Armenian-American communities.

The Armenian Cultural Association of America (ACAA) presented its 2013 annual grant to the Armenian Review from the ACAA Alice & Harry Sachaklian Armenian Review Fund. The grant of $12,385.07 supports the publication of the Armenian Review, the leading journal of Armenian studies, which has published peer-reviewed articles and book reviews on Armenian history, sociology, political science, and literature since 1948.

Bedros C. Bandazian and Alice Sachaklian

The Sachaklian Fund was established in 2003 by Alice Sachaklian to allow for the continuing publication of this important academic journal. It is administered by the Armenian Cultural Association of America. Colonel Harry Sachaklian was a founder and early Board of Directors member of the ACAA. He and his wife Alice were dedicated to the mission of the ACAA, as evidenced by a lifetime working for its success, and by serving as mentors to generations of Armenian youth in the Eastern United States and, especially, the Washington, D.C. community. This stalwart couple’s initial donation of $250,000 has grown to $441,666.46 under the stewardship of the ACAA Endowment Fund Trustees, with annual grants underwriting the publication costs of the Armenian Review.

The most recent volume of the Armenian Review deals with “The New Global Reparations Movement,” the growing movement to require reparations for cases of mass human rights violations. The articles in the issue examine the necessity for reparations for the Armenian Genocide, both as a matter of international law and in contrast to the limited dialogue and acknowledgment models currently ongoing. Other authors place the Armenian case within a broader context by describing reparations models and movements in South Africa, Argentina, and Japan, and for African-Americans. Copies of the issue may be ordered on the Armenian Review website, www.armenianreview.org.

The 1992 annual convention of the ACAA voted unanimously that all its designated and endowed funds would be preserved in its principal amounts and that only income from dividends, interest, and other means would be expended in the form of grants to worthy institutions. Bedros C. Bandazian of Richmond, Md., the current managing trustee, has formulated a professional fiduciary process for the administration and accounting of all funds. The current associate trustees are Richard Krikorian of New Jersey and Aram Sarafian of Washington, D.C. All are professionals in the field of financial analysis and investments.

From its humble beginnings, the ACAA Endowment Funds have grown to $1.3 million as of 2012. Interested donors can designate funds towards their specific areas of interest or for general use by Armenian institutions. For more information, contact Bedros C. Bandazian by calling (804) 370-5468 or e-mailing bandaz@aol.com.

In the almost 112 years since its first worship service, Armenians from various walks of life have entered through the doors of the Armenian Church of the Martyrs in Worcester, Mass. The building has served our people well throughout the years, whether during the Armenian Genocide, the Great Depression, the civil war in Lebanon, or the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Armenian Church of the Martyrs has been, and continues to be, a place of joy, family, fellowship, and faith. We desire to move forward with our ministry so that we can continue to serve the future. This desire will be difficult to achieve, however, with the daunting challenge that we currently face.

In the almost 112 years since its first worship service, Armenians from various walks of life have entered through the doors of the Armenian Church of the Martyrs in Worcester, Mass.

Naturally, as years pass, and as people come and go, a building will show its age. At this point in its history, the Armenian Church of the Martyrs is in dire need of repair. The windows, outside façade, and foundation must all be replaced to prevent continued decay and the loss of this small yet strong church on Ormond Street that introduced so many to their Armenian Christian heritage. The cost of the restoration will exceed $200,000. We are asking you to help us preserve this historical landmark for all Armenians.

This humble church has been the gateway to Christ for generations of Armenians all over the country. As the first Armenian Evangelical church in North America (founded in 1881), it has introduced many to Christ and His church. It gave birth to both the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) and the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA). The building, while not quite as old as the church itself, is the oldest Armenian church building still in use on this continent, having celebrated its first service on Dec. 1, 1901.

We are asking you to help us preserve this historical landmark for all Armenians.

With your generous help, this historic church will not slip into the past. Please help us meet this challenge.

Towatch a 4-minute video about the church, click here.

Checks for donations should be made payable to the Armenian Church of the Martyrs and sent to our Treasurer: Margaret Papazian, 55 Lamplighter Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545-5456. For more information, e-mail ArmenianChurchoftheMartyrs@gmail.com.

You can also visit our Indiegogo page for more information and to donate online.

Earlier this month, several Ungerouhis from the ARS “Satenig” Chapter of Washington, D.C., visited Rose Baboian, a founding member of the chapter, at her home to celebrate her 100th birthday.

ARS ‘Satenig’ founding member turns 100

“It is with distinct honor and great pleasure that we celebrate the 100th birthday of our Sireli Ungerouhi Rose Haroutounian Babobian,” said “Satenig” Chapter Chairperson Jemma Simonian.

Rose (Haroutounian) Baboian retold the story of her life: She was born in 1913 in Kharpert, Turkey, the youngest of four children of Katchig and Kohar Haroutounian. At the beginning of the genocide in 1915, her mother was forced to place two of her children in an orphanage. With the help of the ARF, Rose’s father arrived safely to the U.S. Yet, Rose stayed with her mother. They were very poor. Once, when her mother went to find some sort of a job, she had to leave Rose in front of the apartment building, and when she came back Rose was gone. A priest who lived in the neighborhood had taken her to his home, thinking she had been abandoned, and took care of her for the next two years. After two years of searching, Rose’s mother spotted her while playing in the village, since Rose was still wearing the same dress that she had made for her two years ago. The dress had fallen to threads and Rose was malnourished and frail. Digin Kohar (Rose’s mother) recognized her instantly and took her in her arms.

As mother and daughter were reunited again, the Turks allowed Rose and her mother to return to their original home in Kharpert; however, their house was taken over by the Kurds. Having nowhere to stay, Rose and her mother moved to Syria when Rose was about 10 years old. In a desperate attempt to find her father, Rose and her mother wrote a letter to the “Hairenik” newspaper, hoping they would be able to locate him. Fortunately, they did. Her father had become a citizen of the United States of America. Thus, Rose, at age 14m and her mother were able to immigrate to the U.S. and become citizens of the country as well. Rose went to school and in 1934 married a handsome Armenian named Yervant Baboian and had three sons, Hrant, Melkon, and Khatchig.

The ARS “Satenig” Chapter of Greater Washington found its beginning in the late 1920’s when Vartanoush Gharibian had a vision to form a chapter in the D.C. region. By 1930, Gharibian was able to start up the chapter with two other members: Armenouhi Delalian, as the recording secretary, and “Mama” Derderian, as the treasurer. She wanted to start recruiting more members and needed a chairwoman to run the show, so she approached a very young lady named Vartanoush Haroutounian (today we know her as Rose Baboian). Rose was only 17 when she accepted to lead the newly founded chapter as its chairwoman. To this date, Rose still remains the youngest chairwoman in the ARS “Satenig” Chapter’s history.

On Wed., Sept. 25, Professor Peter Balakian, the Rebar Professor of the Humanities at Colgate University and the Visiting Ordjanian Professor of Armenian Studies at Columbia University, will deliver a talk titled “Terror and Taboo: Going to Turkey” at Columbia University’s Faculty House. Hosted by the University Seminar on Cultural Memory, Balakian will discuss the difficulties of returning to the place of his father’s birth, Istanbul—or Constantinople, when his family left as refugees of the Armenian Genocide in 1922.

“In my family, the Armenian past in Turkey was a fraught and repressed issue,” said Balakian, the author of Black Dog of Fate and The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response. “The word ‘Turkey’ evoked a haunted place. How does one approach this lost place with this weight of history?”

In the decades following the genocide, the Turkish government has actively pursued a worldwide denial campaign. As a poet, memoirist, and scholar, Balakian has immersed himself in the history of the genocide and its aftermath.

“Peter Balakian is one of the foremost writers on the memory and transmission of the Armenian Genocide to younger generations,” said Marianne Hirsch, the co-director of the University Seminar on Cultural Memory, which hosts discussions of return and discovery of memory on sites of past atrocity. “We are eager to hear how his first visit to Turkey and his confrontation with the history of his ancestors has inflected his inherited memories of the Armenian Genocide.”

Balakian’s talk will begin at 6 p.m. at the Faculty House, located at 64 Morningside Drive in New York. This event is free and open to the public.

When Raffi Wartanian had to decide on his next step post-college, the choice was clear for the Johns Hopkins graduate: He wanted to spend a year in Armenia as a Fulbright Research Fellow focusing on the role of volunteerism and the arts in the development of Armenia’s civil society.

Wartanian at his Tanzatap show performing for Vahan the blind village elder in May 2013

“Music is a means to explore this subject,” said Wartanian, a native of Baltimore, Md., who completed his Fulbright in July. “Performance, be it theatrical, musical, literary, or academic, builds communities and spreads ideas.”

It was in fact an earlier visit to Armenia that inspired his debut album, “PUSHKIN STREET.” While there, he had the unexpected opportunity to perform live music in Yerevan on the street named after the famed Russian writer that Wartanian describes as “a thoroughfare of music, culture, and exquisite cuisine.”

The experience further sparked Wartanian’s musical desires and he spent the next six months recording, mixing, and mastering the album, although the “seedlings of certain songs took root years before.” Once he structured the songs through lyrics, chords, and melodies, he worked with friends and collaborators in Baltimore to record bass, drums, and keys.

Wartanian’s vision and hard work culminated in an eclectic and unique sound, filled with rich and distinct musical compositions, a reflection of the diverse musical roots instilled in him by his family members from a young age.

His mother, brother, sister, and father each played a significant role in shaping his musical tastes. While his brother and sister exposed him to the more contemporary genres of music (The Beatles, Yo La Tango, Guns N Roses, and Paco Pena), his parents influenced the more traditional musical elements that are evident in “PUSHKIN STREET.” Wartanian’s mother played Greek rembetika music, classic rock, and Armenian folk songs for him, and his father, once a student at Etchmiadzin, had a deep affection for Armenian liturgical music from the Orthodox badarak, as well as the “Anoush Opera.” Tying that in with his own interests certainly laid the groundwork for a creative and fresh music style he would nurture over the years.

“Most of my upbringing was spent in Baltimore, a land of the blues, folk, bluegrass, rap, punk rock, and funk, and Beirut, a land of the ancient musics of the orient,” said Wartanian. “I would say all of these influences make an appearance, sometimes in subtle ways, and that each song has its own character both musically and lyrically.”

The diversity of his musical upbringing is evident in each of the songs on his album. “Pelican Sunset” is a love song. “Electronic Flirtation” is a statement on the digitization of romance. Each song has a meaning behind it and is reflective of Wartanian’s experiences over the past few years. “Millard County Jail” and “Gluten Free Blues,” for example, were written as wedding gifts for friends with whom he bicycled across America on a cancer fundraiser ride. The songs “have got some stories from the road and the sense of excitement that comes with bicycling 80 miles per day. “

During his Fulbright year, which began in August 2012, Wartanian had the opportunity to perform his music throughout Armenia. From clubs to village schools to community centers, he embraced the audiences that came with each venue that “wouldn’t otherwise have access to singer-songwriter-troubador types.”

The broad ranging environments also provided Wartanian with experiences he otherwise wouldn’t have seen if his music hadn’t led the way. He preferred the small, isolated communities in Armenia, like the villages of Tanzatap (population 60) and Shvanidzor (population 390).

“It’s super interesting to bring something new into a remote village and see the reaction music evokes,” said Wartanian. “Walking down unpaved roads into run down schools where I hear students, teachers, and researchers share stories of local economic and social woes has been painful and enlightening, compelling me to give 110 percent to each and every performance.”

Aside from taking the time to perform, Wartanian continued to improve his technique by studying the oud and flamenco guitar with masterful teachers from Yerevan’s Komitas Conservatory of Music.

“Growing as a musician under their guidance has been humbling and grown my hunger to continue improving as a player.”

Living in Armenia also thrust him further into the music and arts scene and allowed him to collaborate with other artists and musicians, including Arik Grigoryan, a flutist from the Bambir; Alexy Yeghiakian, from Los Angeles; and Syrian-born Sarkis Atamian and Harch Macoushian. He also worked with filmmaker Oksana Mirzoyan on a music video for the track, “Electronic Flirtation,” and with Anahid Yahjian on an experimental music film.

Wartanian played his music outside of his homeland as well, most recently in Prague and Beirut. His performances in Beirut touched him on an even more personal level when he played at the opening of the formerly abandoned mansion of his great-grandfather Mardiros Baloumian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Once occupied by militias during Lebanon’s civil war, a British painter discovered the space, contacted the new property owner, and they agreed to hold an exhibition along with a lecture by the painter’s father, a retired judge, now pursuing a doctorate from Oxford University about a British explorer who witnessed the genocide.

“I performed at the opening as the nearest descendent of Mardiros,” said Wartanian, who was invited the following day to perform at Badguér, an Armenian cultural center in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon.

“Both of these events were simply special on many levels, particularly at my great-grandfather’s home where his old typewriter, photographs, and other mementos were on display,” said Wartanian. “He was a man who was never supposed to exist, a man who died three years before I was born. Yet like many others that night, I could feel his presence.”

Although Wartanian has received plenty of training and experience over the years—he’s studied classical piano since the age of eight and took lessons at the Peabody Conservatory while in college—he continues to strive to become an even better musician and performer.

“Playing and learning music is like a climbing a glorious mountain that has no summit,” he said. “I constantly strive to improve and develop my technique, the stylistic pallet from which I draw, and learn new songs I find beautiful.”

Music also serves as an avenue for Wartanian to express himself and to question and explore the environment and world around him. As an inhabitant of Armenia for a year, he was able to see his homeland through a different lens and convey that to others through his art.

“I have witnessed first-hand environmental degradation, vote rigging, xenophobia, homophobia, hopelessness, egotism, and more, alongside inspiring activism, civic engagement, and optimism for the future,” said Wartanian. “I’m not saying these issues or dynamics do not exist in other countries in the world—they absolutely do. But, sometimes the nature of living in a diaspora, specifically through distance, mitigates the severity of these issues. So at this stage I am driven by shining a light on some of these issues through performances, song-writing, and collaborations, and I am driven, on the more technical side, to get better.”

Although Wartanian recently returned to the Baltimore-D.C. metropolitan area and is working on his second album, his memories and experiences in Armenia as a Fulbright remain with him.

“Beyond music, this grant has presented opportunities to work with some incredible movers and shakers working for environmental, economic, electoral, media, and social reform. Their dedication and efforts have simply been an inspiration.”

For updates on Raffi Wartanian and his music, visit www.raffijoemusic.com. His recently launched music video for “Electronic Flirtation” can be viewed by visiting http://youtu.be/_T2u-NY1FdU.

Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation and Armenia Tree Project (ATP) have announced the establishment of a memorial forest in Armenia in honor of Sosé Thomassian and Allen Yekikian. The young couple, who had strong ties in Armenia as well as throughout the diaspora, lost their lives as a result of a car accident four months ago.

Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation and ATP recently initiated a social media campaign to support a memorial forest in honor of Sosé Thomassian and Allen Yekikian, a young couple who lost their lives as a result of a car accident four months ago.

Vaché Thomassian, Sosé’s brother, and several close friends launched the Legacy Foundation to support the couple’s core values: education, repatriation, volunteerism, and democratic development. “The forest will serve as a living, breathing memorial to Sosé and Allen, and will have a positive effect on Armenia’s environment,” said Thomassian.

Here’s how the campaign will work. For every new “Like” on ATP’s Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/ArmeniaTree), five trees will be planted in the memorial forest.

“This is a collaborative and interactive campaign, highlighting the great work Armenia Tree Project does, and we’re asking the public to spread the word to grow the forest. The social media aspect emphasizes Sosé and Allen’s focus on utilizing technology and encouraging direct participation,” continued Thomassian.

The campaign was launched on Sept. 10, Sosé’s birthday, and will conclude on Allen’s birthday on March 10, 2014. The organizations hope the effort will attract at least 10,000 “Likes” in order to plant 50,000 trees, covering 45 acres, and raise awareness of ATP’s mission in Armenia. Site selection will begin immediately, and planting will commence in the spring of 2014.

Tax-deductible contributions to support the memorial forest may be made to Armenia Tree Project by calling (617) 926-TREE, via ATP’s website www.ArmeniaTree.org, or by mail payable to Armenia Tree Project, 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Donors are asked to indicate that the gifts are “In memory of Sosé and Allen” online or on the memo line of their checks.

Armenia Tree Project was established in 1994 to plant trees in urban and rural sites throughout Armenia, provide environmental education to Armenia’s schoolchildren, provide jobs in seasonal tree-related programs, and help improve the environment and standard of living in Armenia.

Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation (www.SoseandAllen.com) works to continue the couple’s vision by establishing programs and supporting existing programs aimed at bridging the gap between Armenia and its diaspora, through an emphasis on education, repatriation, and volunteerism.

LOS ANGELES—New York City-based pianist Kariné Poghosyan successfully performed two recitals last weekend in Southern California with separate, major programs by two of classical music’s most renowned composers of the piano repertoire, Franz Liszt and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Both recitals were greeted by enthusiastic standing ovations by her fast-growing fan base there. Poghosyan is a member of the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned her master’s degree and D.M.A.

Karine Poghosyan (Photo by Brian Hatton)

For Poghosyan’s Friday-evening all-Liszt recital, she returned to her undergraduate alma mater California State University Northridge for a Guest Artist Recital. Her Sunday-afternoon recital opened the sixth season of the “Sundays At Two” series in Rolling Hills United Methodist Church’s spacious sanctuary. She performed an all-Rachmaninoff recital to a standing-room-only audience that included on-stage seating. Between these two recitals, Poghosyan performed a Saturday-afternoon recital in the Manhattan Beach home of Steve and Sarah Olsen.

“Ms. Poghosyan is a relaxed and natural musician. … Her technique is big and secure, with blazing octaves, clean articulation, and a beautifully weighted touch. More importantly, her virtuosity was not a shallow display of party tricks, but a tool for musical expression,” according to the New York Concert Review.

Poghosyan made her orchestral debut at 14 playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1, and her solo Carnegie Hall debut at 23. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, and went on to earn her master’s degree and doctorate in record time at the Manhattan School of Music. Along the way, she won the New West Symphony Discovery Artists Competition, the Thousand Islands International Piano Competition, CSUN Symphony Concerto Competition, and the Artists International Auditions, and was a top-prize winner in the Los Angeles International Liszt Piano Competition, Five Towns Music and Arts Competition, and the Arno Babajanian Piano Competition.

She has been described as an “extraordinary” and “larger than life” pianist, whose playing goes “to the heart of the music.” New York Concert Review called her a pianist who “has that spark.” She has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the New West Symphony, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony Orchestra, Musica Bella Symphony Orchestra, and the CSUN Symphony.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA-ER) has announced that Antranig Garibian will be the master of ceremonies of the 7th Annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet on Sat., Oct. 12, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Philadelphia.

Antranig Garibian, a longtime and active member of the Pennsylvania-Armenian community, will serve as ANCA Eastern Region Banquet master of ceremonies.

A native of Philadelphia, Garibian was raised in a vibrant and active Armenian community. He credits his family and community for inspiring and encouraging him to be active in the Armenian Church and in his efforts to create awareness of Armenian issues in the United States.

“I have always admired the ANCA’s energy, passion, and dedication,” Garibian said. “The ANCA’s work is critical to the future of the Armenian people both in Armenia and here in the U.S. It’s easy to talk the talk, but the ANCA truly does walk the walk. I am truly honored and humbled to serve as master of ceremonies for this year’s 7th annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet. I look forward to celebrating another successful year for the ANCA, and to working together to face the significant challenges that lie in the year ahead.”

Garibian earned his bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University in 2001, focusing on post-Soviet democratization, and his J.D. from Temple University in 2004. He is a litigation associate at Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young, LLP in Philadelphia. He maintains an active practice in New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, focusing on complex commercial litigation, product liability, insurance coverage, and on the representation of religious and non-profit organizations.

Garibian has traveled to Armenia several times, having last visited with his family in 2011. He also travels to Jerusalem and maintains close ties with the Armenian community there, focusing his efforts on preserving the rights of the Armenians in the Holy Land. He serves on the Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church and is a member of the committee of the Diocesan Legate, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, where an emphasis has been placed on the safety of the Christian minorities in the Middle East.

He currently lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sabrina, a native of Rhode Island, and their two children, Raffi and Alessandra. The Garibians are active members of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church parish in Cheltenham, Pa., and feel blessed to have such wonderful friends and family throughout the entire Philadelphia-Armenian community.

The 7th annual ANCA Eastern Region Banquet will honor critically acclaimed author Chris Bohjalian with its ANCA Freedom Award and long-time Hai Tahd activist Zohrab Tazian with its Vahan Cardashian Award.

The banquet will begin with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards ceremony at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet. For more information, call James Kzirian at (267) 767-0453.

The ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization that supports the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region in outreach to Armenian-American communities.

LOWELL, Mass.—The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Merrimack Valley took issues of importance to Armenians in the 3rd Congressional district of Massachusetts to the office steps of Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA-3) on Mon., Sept. 9.

(L-R) Tom Vartabedian, Michelle Hagopian, Rep. Niki Tsongas, Stephen Dulgarian, Ara Jeknavorian, and Aram Jeknavorian. The ANC of Merrimack Valley focused its discussion on Syria and House Resolution 227 with Rep. Tsongas (D-MA-3) on Sept. 9.

The group included longtime ANCA activists Ara Jeknavorian, Aram Jeknavorian, Tom Vartabedian, and Stephen Dulgarian. ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian accompanied the group to the meeting Monday morning.

The visit came on the heels of a Washington, D.C. meeting with the Congresswoman and Hagopian. Tsongas has been a steadfast supporter of Armenian-American concerns, consistently co-sponsoring legislation and attending Armenian events both in the district and on Capitol Hill.

“Rep. Tsongas has always been very attentive to our issues and our cause. We’re glad she’s trying to become an even stronger advocate for Armenians, and this meeting was a reminder of that,” said Ara Jeknavorian, co-chairman of the ANC of Merrimack Valley.

Much of the discussion centered on the situation in Syria and the ANCA’s stance opposing U.S. air strikes. The ANC leaders expressed their grave concerns about the region, and about Armenians living there and those who have fled. Rep. Tsongas was receptive and also deeply concerned about the entire situation, and informed the group she would keep the local ANC abreast about what plays out in Congress this week.

Rep. Tsongas, a member of the Armed Services Committee, was informed about Syrian rebels targeting Armenians prior to that committee’s hearing on Syria on Tues., Sept. 10.

In addition to Syria, Rep. Tsongas heard concerns of the local ANC on issues such as House Resolution 227 (the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution), foreign aid to Armenia, and Massachusetts’ 3rd district Armenian community. She said she is always happy meeting with her constituents, as she “is only as good as the stories I hear.”

“The ANCA Eastern Region is very lucky to have such a strong voice for Armenians in our corner with Rep. Tsongas. She has made her presence known both locally and nationally, whether by attending April 24 commemorations or signing on to Dear Colleague letters over the years,” stated Hagopian.

The ANC of Merrimack Valley also brought up the dedication of a new Armenian Genocide monument that will be erected on public land in front of Lowell City Hall in April 2014. Both Jeknavorians, Dulgarian, and Vartabedian serve on the Merrimack Valley Armenian Genocide Monument Committee and encouraged Rep. Tsongas to attend the event next spring.

The meeting follows a busy month in August for the ANCA Eastern Region that saw many local ANCs meeting with representatives in their districts while Congress was in recess.

Charlotte (Arsha) Kechejian, 100, of New York, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10. She was born in Nigde, Turkey on Oct. 21, 1912 to the late Setrak and Elmone Avakian. As a young child, she endured the horror of the Armenian Genocide, including her father’s murder. Young Arsha lived in an orphanage where her mother was a nurse. Over time, they made their way across the desert of Syria, through Lebanon, then by ship to France, and arrived at Ellis Island in New York when she was 10.

Charlotte Kechejian

Arsha was eager to learn and loved the New York Public Library, where she expanded her English-language skills. Her mother re-married, and Charlotte welcomed a brother, Charlie Genjian. She graduated from Washington Irving High School in New York, and worked in retail.

When Charlotte was 19, she married the love of her life, the late Oscar Kechejian, in 1932. Initially, they lived in Washington Heights, and then moved to New Rochelle, where she raised her family. Shortly after Oscar’s death in 1976, she moved to Fort Lee, N.J., and enjoyed living near Charlie and watching her family expand with grandchildren. Throughout her life, she was an active and loving mother, grandmother, sister, neighbor, and friend.

In recent years, Charlotte took residence at the New York Armenian home in Flushing. She was a vibrant member of the community and remained an active voice to remember and recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2010, Charlotte went to Washington, D.C. to testify at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Armenian Genocide Resolution 252. With her testimony, the resolution passed.

As recently as April, she attended the 98th commemoration of the atrocities in Times Square. With the 100th anniversary of the genocide approaching, Charlotte offered interviews and first-hand accounts of what happened. In March she told reporters, “I remember feeling so tired and hungry, but my mother kept telling me to walk just a little more.”

“I miss my father,” she added, shaking her head. “I miss him.”

Charlotte is survived by her three children, Edward Kechejian (Lynn) of Florida, Madeline Magarian (the late Aram Magarian) of New York, and Gregory Kechejian (Diane) of New Jersey. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Eric Kechejian, Christine (Kechejian) Miles, Michael Magarian, Paul Kechejian, Sarah Kechejian, and Lauren Kechejian, and 10 great-grandchildren. Charlotte is also survived by her brother, Charles Genjian (Grace) of New Jersey, along with many nephews, nieces, cousins. and friends.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 12 at the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, N.Y., followed by the burial beside Oscar at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs (209-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Bayside, NY 11364) or the New York Armenian Home (137-31 45th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355).

Storytelling with massmouth

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Award-winning author and storyteller Norah Dooley will lead an exciting workshop at the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) on Sat., Sept. 28 from 4-6 p.m. This workshop is open to all and funded in part by the Watertown Community Foundation and by Judith Saryan.

This workshop is open to all and funded in part by the Watertown Community Foundation and by Judith Saryan.

Participants will be coached by workshop leader Norah Dooley in learning the timeless art of storytelling.  The session combines entertainment, listening to others tell their stories, and learning to tell one’s own story so others listen.  The topic will be objects that have special meaning in individual’s lives.  Participants are asked to bring their own object—an ordinary household item or a special heirloom, all are important.

One’s own material possessions may not have as many centuries of stories as those in ALMA, but they are nevertheless important. Such an object could be a  piece of jewelry, a gift received, or something found that developed into a personal treasure. It could also be a favorite article of clothing, a picture, a photo, or a much used tool or pen. All of these tell a story about us, our times, and who we are.

The workshop begins with a short concert of stories by winners of massmouth (www.massmouth.org) story slams.  After a short break for refreshments, participants will join in games and exercises designed to turn personal experiences into a story. The next step is optional, and involves turning a story into a performance. Finally, names will be drawn at random for people to tell a three to four-minute story, an exciting storyslam competition with everyone a winner.

Norah Dooley is “an entrancing storyteller” (Boston Globe), teacher/coach, frequent keynote speaker, and featured participant in the Christmas and Spring Revels and other festivals. Co-founder of massmouth and project director of StoriesLive, a curriculum-based, high school storytelling initiative, she is also an author and has created spoken word CDs.

The event is  open to the public. A donation of $5 is appreciated. Refreshments will follow the program.  For more information, contact ALMA by calling (617) 926-2562, ext 7 or e-mailing info@almainc.org. The Armenian Library and Museum of America is located at 65 Main St. in Watertown.  Parking is available in the municipal lot behind ALMA.

BELMONT, Mass.—Dr. Daron Acemoglu, the Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Dr. David A. Grigorian, the co-founder of Policy Forum Armenia, will present “Armenia’s Economic Development: Prospects for Growth and Risks of Failure” on Wed., Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) in Belmont.

Acemoglu

In this special forum, economist Daron Acemoglu will discuss his acclaimed book, Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty (2012, co-authored by James A. Robinson). Why Nations Fail addresses a question that has stumped experts for centuries: Why are some nations rich and others poor, divided by wealth and poverty, health and sickness, food and famine? Economic analyst David Grigorian will address the specific case of Armenia today, drawing on Acemoglu’s general model and his own experience with the particularities of Armenia and the economic challenges it faces.

Acemoglu received his Ph.D. in economics at the London School of Economics in 1992, and in 2005 received the John Bates Clark Medal awarded to economists under 40 judged to have made the most significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge. His books include Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy (with James A. Robinson), which was awarded the Woodrow Wilson and the William Riker prizes, Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, and Why Nations Fail.

Grigorian is a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Monetary and Capital Markets Department in Washington, D.C. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Maryland at College Park (2001). In his current position, he deals with a wide array of emerging market economies covering issues such as sovereign debt restructuring, public debt management strategy, and capital market development. He is a co-founder of Policy Forum Armenia (www.pf-armenia.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit think tank aimed at strengthening discourse on Armenia’s economic development and national security.

The NAASR Bookstore will open at 7 p.m. the night of the lecture. The program is free and open to the general public. For more information about this program, call (617) 489-1610, e-mail hq@naasr.org, or write to NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

NEW YORK—On Sat., Sept. 7, the Armenian National Education Council (ANEC) sponsored a seminar for teachers in Armenian day and Saturday schools in the U.S. eastern region. Attendees from schools in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Providence, and Philadelphia gathered at the Armenian Prelacy headquarters in New York for breakfast and opening remarks that morning from His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, who spoke about his experience as a teacher and the important role of the educator. The task of educating the next generation is not just a cultural issue, he emphasized, but a national one.

Participants in the seminar

Serving as the day’s master of ceremonies, ANEC member Dr. Asbed Vassilian told participants, “This seminar is dedicated to you.” Each year, he said, ANEC looks for ways to change and improve. He then gave a brief overview of the program and introduced the first speaker, ANEC’s director Dr. Vartan Matiossian.

Matiossian’s presentation, titled “‘Secrets’ of the Armenian Language,” aimed to empower teachers with an in-depth knowledge of the roots of the Armenian language, while dispelling common myths. Matiossian spoke about the Armenian language as part of the Indo-European tree, the connection between Classical and Modern Armenian, Eastern and Western Armenian, and the spelling debate.

Maroush Gulumian then shared her vast knowledge on the topic of “Teachers’ Resources: Where to Find and How to Use Them.” Her discussion ranged from textbooks for various ages and abilities, instructional reading materials, and books teaching mathematics in Armenian, to maps, puzzles, videos, and DVDs. For each item presented, Gulumian commented on where it was produced, where it could be purchased, and how it could be used. Participants were then able to browse and purchase the materials from the Prelacy Bookstore.

The teachers then enjoyed a lunch provided by ANEC, and had the opportunity to mingle and discuss their thoughts on the topics presented. After lunch, ANEC chairman Haroutune Misserlian presented the third portion, titled “Armenian History through Maps.” He talked about the notion of teaching through association, and Armenian School teachers focusing on instructing students on the depth of knowledge that they might not get at home or public school.

The final presentation by Matiossian, titled “Basic Knowledge on the Armenian Genocide,” provided an overarching framework on effectively teaching students about the Armenian Genocide. He noted that it is important to show students that although governments may change, the responsibility they bear regarding the past carries on. He also spoke a bit about the distinction between the historical name for the genocide (Medz Yeghern) and the legal name (Armenian Genocide).

In his closing remarks, Vassilian talked about the support ANEC promises to teachers, students, and administrators, but also of the power for change that lies in the hands of each school. ANEC cannot solve each school’s problems, he said, but can support each as they find solutions. Vassilian concluded by saying that ANEC will work towards finding ways for teachers to connect and work together, and support each other.

Over coffee and desert, ANEC members led an open discussion about the topics presented, and about concerns or other comments teachers wanted to share. A lively conversation took place around preparing the next generation of Armenian School teachers and the continued growth of the student population.

ANEC is a joint body formed through the partnership of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Relief Society. For more information, visit www.armenianprelacy.org.

BELMONT, Mass.—On Thurs., Nov. 21, Linguist Luc Vartan Baronian will present a lecture entitled, “On the Classification, Antiquity, and Spread of the Armenian Dialects, ” at 7:30 p.m. at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Avenue in Belmont.

In this talk, Baronian proposes a new definition of the east/west border dividing traditional Armenian dialects. The original definition, from Adjarian’s (1909) foundational work, is based on the present tense formation and reflects the pre-1915 Russian/Ottoman border. Baronian argues that a methodologically sounder division should rest on consonant systems, which then places the border roughly between Greater Armenia and the minor kingdoms of the west.

By pushing back in time the western consonant system, it becomes much more likely that it was inherited from a spoken dialect contemporary with Classical Armenian. Some arguments in favor of such a view have already been proposed by noted linguists; yet, Baronian brings the arguments together for the first time, along with a series of new findings from a careful study of dialect material. This new take on Armenian dialects is more consistent with a prehistoric spread of the Armenian language from the west of the plateau to its east, rather than the opposite.

Holder of a Ph.D. in linguistics from Stanford University, Luc Vartan Baronian is associate professor of linguistics at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). He is the principal investigator on a three-year Quebec governmental grant on “Lexical Diffusion in the Linguistics Atlases of French Canada.” He has published on Louisiana French, Quebec French, and Western Armenian in the areas of phonology, morphology, and historical linguistics.

For more information, call (617) 489-1610, e-mail hq@naasr.org, or write to NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.