ROYAL OAK, Mich.—On Sat., July 20, the Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee and the local chapter of the Knights of Vartan hosted the 6^th annual Armenia Fest at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The Fest was conceived to honor and showcase Armenian culture, food, dance, and music, and has become one of the areas most anticipated events attracting thousands of compatriots and guests.

Musicians…

A year in the planning, the 2013 Fest featured a rich collage of Armenian culture. Local vendors lined the market offering homemade Armenian food, crafts, jewelry, and cultural exhibits. A fortune-teller read coffee cups while Flutterby the clown entertained the children with balloon animals.

The official opening ceremony at 6 p.m. began with introductions by co-chair David Terzibashian and master of ceremonies Vaughn Masropian. The presentation of the flags and the singing of the American and Armenian anthems were performed a capella by local, renowned vocalist Deacon Rubik Mailian. Co-chair Corinne Khederian recognized and introduced the visiting elected officials and dignitaries. The Armenia Fest All-Star Band, under the direction of committee member Vaughn Masropian, provided live traditional Armenian and contemporary music, including violinist Harry Hovakimian and vocalists Sam Alajajian and Ani Patterson (nee Atikian), enticing guests to dance—and dance they did!

Two performances by the Arax Hamazkayin Dance Troupe were a highlight of the evening. These beautiful youth trained in the art of Armenian folk dance provided flawless performances with beautiful costuming and choreographed dance routines. Their enthusiasm and talent brought the crowd to their feet with great applause.

… and dancers

Two lucky guests went home with raffle items donated by supporters Hagopian World of Rugs (a beautiful “Ararat” rug) and Ed Karamanian (adult mountain bike and helmet).

It was a very special night of camaraderie, pride, and fun for a good cause.

The Fest is free and open to the public and serves as a fundraiser for Armenian humanitarian causes. From this years proceeds, the sum of $4,000 was donated to the Syrian Armenian Relief fund to be distributed through the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS).

The Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee is a group of committed local Armenian-American activists dedicated to presenting programs like Armenia Fest that unite the community and celebrate Armenian heritage. Committee members are Ed Bedikian, David Terzibashian, Corinne Khederian, Agop Alexanian, Ray Boujoulian, Ken Khezarjian, Paul Kulhanjian, Shirley Sarkisian, Angela Hagopian Snow, and Madeline Thomasian.

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Illinois took issues of importance to Armenians in the 10th Congressional District of Illinois to Rep. Brad Schneider (D) on Mon., Sept. 16. The group included ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and ANC of Illinois Chairman Claude Ohanesian.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) with ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian (left) and ANC-Illinois Chairman Claude Ohanesian on Sept. 16.

Discussion centered on House Resolution 227, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, and the situation in Syria. The ANC of Illinois expressed its concern over Armenians in the region and the safety of all Syrians.

“Rep. Schneider was very receptive to our concerns and we thank him for a terrific meeting. We hope to continue to cultivate our relationship with him as he learns more about Armenian-American issues,” said Ohanesian.

Schneider, who is on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also heard concerns of the local ANC on such issues as the return of Christian properties and foreign aid to Armenia, as well as the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh), the 25th anniversary of its independence, and Azeri aggression in the Caucuses.

The meeting followed 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.

GLENVIEW, Ill.—On Sun., Oct. 6, a crowd of supporters of the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Illinois gathered at the home of Dr. Khachig and Lena Ishkhan to hear about recent developments in Hai Tahd at the local, regional, and national level.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian speaks at an ANC of Illinois fundraiser at the home of Dr. Khachig and Lena Ishkhan on Oct. 6.

The featured speaker of the event was ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, who discussed the various phases that Armenian political activity has passed through. He described how Armenian political activity began nearly a century ago when efforts were centered around fostering sympathy, especially with regard to securing aid for victims of the genocide and for Armenia’s fledgling republic. With the Soviet takeover of the republic, Hamparian said, the community entered a stage of partisanship, which peaked during the Cold War, when different elements aligned themselves within the different poles.

Hamparian discussed how in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the community began to take a more outward focus, organizing protests and becoming more forceful in our demands. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the community grew much active in lobbying efforts and influencing the decision-makers within our government structures. More recently, the ANCA has tried to expand the community’s reach by helping young Armenian Americans join the government structures and eventually become the decision-makers.

He also described how the ANCA’s palette of issues has expanded beyond human rights and the genocide, to demands for reparations, support for Armenia, Karabagh, and Javakhk, and support for Armenian communities in Iraq, Syria, and other areas in turmoil. He talked about the transition of Armenia’s relationship with the U.S. from one that is aid-based to one that is trade-based in order to help fuel economic growth.

Earlier, ANC of Illinois Chair Claude Ohanesian opened the program by thanking everyone for attending. He then presented hosts Khachig and Lena Ishkhan with a gift of a signed copy of the newly published book One Church, One Nation by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian.

Reviewing some of the many activities of the ANC of Illinois, Ohanesian spoke about the organization’s continuing efforts to raise awareness about Armenian issues with local, state, and federal officials, mentioning meetings with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Michael Grimm, Congressman Brad Schneider, members of the Illinois State Assembly, and others. Ohanesian also spoke about the ANC’s 2013 Armenian Genocide commemoration, which was co-hosted by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and featured noted author Peter Balakian. He also discussed continuing efforts with the museum to mark the Centennial of Armenian Genocide. He then introduced Illinois State Holocaust and Genocide Commission member and long-time ANC activist Greg Bedian to provide an update on the commission and other outreach activities.

Bedian, who was appointed to the commission by Gov. Quinn, described the newly organized commission’s efforts to raise genocide awareness. He spoke about how the commission was working to encourage the various communities impacted by genocide to work more closely together and learn from each other, and how the ANC had hosted a meeting of the commission at the Armenian Community Center in March. He also discussed the international academic conference held in May that was co-organized by the ANC and the Assyrian and Greek communities, and held at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. It was the first major conference ever held devoted to the three genocides committed by the Ottoman Turks.

Upon conclusion of the program, attendees were given copies of the book A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide, written by Samantha Power, the current U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The Armenian National Committee of Illinois is a grassroots public affairs organization that works in coordination with a nationwide network of offices, affiliated organizations, and supporters to inform, educate, and actively advance the concerns of the Armenian-American community on broad range of issues.

RIDGEFIELD, N.J.—On Wed., Dec. 4, the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of New Jersey, in conjunction with the ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund, will host a social workshop for community activists featuring Tim White, the vice president of public affairs with Beckerman, an independent full-service strategic communications agency. The event will take place at Bibiz Lounge & Restaurant in Westwood from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Open to professionals and community activists in the New Jersey and New York area, the event will focus on developing an effective grassroots advocacy campaign.

“We look forward to having Tim White speak to our local activists, and help us further engage and collaborate on pressing issues facing our community,” said James Sahagian, chair of ANC-NJ. “Grassroots mobilization and leadership are the key components and foundation of the Armenian National Committee of America. White’s insight will add significantly to help strengthen our effectiveness.”

Tim White is a registered government affairs agent in New Jersey and manages issue advocacy campaigns for local and statewide regulatory/legislative initiatives. He has extensive experience developing and managing strategic programs designed to obtain regulatory approval and stakeholder support for real estate projects and public utilities. Prior to his move to Beckerman, White was vice president at MWW Group and was a political consultant, communications director, and campaign manager for several statewide, legislative, county, and municipal campaigns for elected office. He served as political director for the New Jersey Republican State Committee in 2004, as special assistant to the Mayor of Jersey City and as special assistant to the Bergen County Executive. He is frequently featured as a political commentator and policy analyst on Fox News’ “America Live” with Megyn Kelly, My9 News’ “New Jersey Now,” and on NJTV’s “NJ Today,” and was a member of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s transition team in 2013.

To register for the event, visit https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=ba4b1b. The $25 registration fee includes appetizers, beer, and wine. For more information, e-mail anc.nj@anca.org or call Sarine Adishian at (646) 265-5144.

NEW YORK—On Wed., Jan. 22, at 7 p.m., the Hilliard Ensemble, England’s celebrated a cappella vocal quartet, will perform Armenian liturgical chants at the New York Metropolitan Museum’s Temple of Dendur exhibit.

The Hilliard Ensemble

The program, titled “Arkhangelos, A Millennium of Music,” will include a number of classic Armenian liturgical chants and one modern composition, alongside chants from other traditions.

The Armenian selections include “Ov Zarmanali,” “Hays Harg,” “Amen Hayr sourp,” and “Sourp Der Zorutyants.” Hilliard will also perform “Lord, Who Made the Spring Run,” a new Armenian piece set to an ancient text by Vache Sharafyan, the composer featured in the Silk Road Project organized by cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The Hilliard Ensemble has had a long artistic association with Armenia and its music. In 2004, the group was invited to Armenia to record sharagans of the Armenian Church arranged by Komitas (1869-1935), the fountainhead of contemporary Armenian music.

Hilliard’s original recording of the Komitas pieces was made in the 13th-century monastery of Saghmosavank, atop the gorge of the Khasakh River.

The Metropolitan Museum is holding “Arkhangelos, A Millennium of Music” as a complement to its extensive collection of Byzantium artwork. In addition to the music of Armenia, the concert will include music from 13th-century France and 16th-century England, and will celebrate the ensemble’s ongoing relationship with living composers Arvo Pärt (from Estonia), Katia Tchemberdji and Alexander Raskatov (both from Russia).

Tickets may be purchased online at www.metmuseum.org/tickets; by phone at (212) 570-3949; or at the Great Hall Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Ticket buyers can receive a special discount by mentioning the code HILL14 when purchasing.

For ticket and performance information, log onto the Met Museum Presents website at wwwmetmuseum.org/tickets. The performance will be live-streamed by Q2 Music at www.q2music.org.

MAG and Associates recently announced the publication of George Mouradian’s latest book, The First Crusade, a historic account of Armenia’s adoption and embrace of Christianity, and the difficulty in maintaining that faith. The narration elaborates on the characters involved in the transformation, and begins with Saints Thaddeus and Bartholomew, who introduced Christianity to the region. The book then describes the nearly three centuries that followed, when Armenians lived in a half-religious state, both Christian and idle-worshiping, as well as St. Gregory the Illuminator’s dramatic involvement with King Tiridates III (Drtad), and the latter’s remarkable acceptance of Christianity as the state religion.

Cover of ‘The First Crusade’

Approximately 100 years after this conversion to Christianity, St. Mesrob Mashdots invented the Armenian alphabet, and the Holy Bible was translated into Armenian. However, even with this triumphant achievement, Armenia continued to have problems with its neighbors. The country had to defend its new faith. The First Crusade deals with Armenia’s wars with the Eastern Roman Empire, Persia, and other countries in an exciting manner. The Vartanants Wars are covered in detail, specifically how Vartan Mamigonian was able to rouse and build an army to fight the Persians with imbalanced odds—66,000 Armenians versus 300,000 Persians plus 20,000 apostate Armenians. Armenia lost the Battle of Avarayr but won the war and retained her love of Jesus Christ. The unassailable patriotism and loyalty displayed during this turbulent period demonstrated the Armenians’ love of God and the continuity of the nation’s Christian commitment.

Mouradian has also written Armenian InfoText, a mini-encyclopedia; Never to Die: A Historical Novel About Armenia and the Quest for Noah’s Ark; Your Journey into Armenia; Evils of the World; Notable Armenian Sayings and Family Relations; in addition to two engineering texts and a book on marriage. All of the books have received exceptional reviews. The First Crusade is available through www.Amazon.com or by sending $14 plus $4 S&H to George Mouradian, 4489 Marcello Drive, Commerce Twp., MI 48382.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—Armenian musician and Kresge Artist Fellow Ara Topouzian recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to help raise funds for his upcoming documentary, “Detroit HYE Times.”

“Detroit has been home to more than 40,000 Armenians in the metro Detroit area since the turn of the 20th century,” said Topouzian. “I want to show the public the important role Armenian musicians played in the development of the Detroit community. These musicians came from the ‘old country’ and brought with them folk songs and their identity to Detroit. This documentary is a way to honor their work and contributions to Motown.”

“Detroit HYE Times” will be a one-hour film documentary focusing on the history of Armenian music and musicians from Detroit. It will feature visits to local metro Detroit locations where Armenian music was once prominent, as well as rare interviews with some of the musicians and nightclub patrons of that era. In addition, the documentary will feature clips from a live concert performance of Armenian folk music that was filmed in Midtown Detroit in April 2013.

Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Topouzian was one of the winners of the 2013 Knights Art Challenge Award, a community-wide contest funding cultural projects that engage and enrich Detroit. He will be awarded a matching grant of $12,000 for his documentary.

Topouzian plays the kanun, a 76-stringed laptop Middle Eastern harp. He has performed throughout the U.S. as a solo artist, as a member of Armenian and Middle Eastern ensembles, and with renowned world music, jazz, and fusion artists. His music has been featured in several nationally aired PBS documentaries. In 2012, he performed as a guest soloist with the Virginia Commonwealth University Symphony, performing an original concerto written for the kanun.

To contribute to Topouzian’s Kickstarter campaign, visit http://kck.st/1efHMnk. The campaign ends on March 18, 2014. For more information, visit www.aratopouzian.com.

CHICAGO, Ill.—With two Bengali tigers at his beckoning side, you might take Ric Gazarian for some Las Vegas act like Siegfried & Roy.

Ric Gazarian finds the tigers in India quite friendly during his travels abroad.

Quite the contrary. He befriended the cats during a stop in India to produce a film that’s suddenly hit the popularity charts big time. The full-length documentary, “Hit the Road India,” was premiered last summer at the Golden Apricot Festival in Yerevan and is currently the No. 3 sports film and No. 5 documentary on iTunes in the United Kingdom.

“The tigers are cared for by a group of monks at a monastery,” he explains. “The attraction wouldn’t be allowed in the western world. You enter a small canyon and are met by 10 giant grown tigers lounging around unchained and unrestricted, almost oblivious to tourists.”

The movie comes from a book he’s written, joined by another titled “7000 KM to Go.”

If anything, the tigers provide that extra kick in his octane when he hits the road. Gazarian is a worldly traveler. He’s been to over 75 countries and 7 continents—and he’s hardly through.

The film defines the experiences he had in India while competing against other teams in an auto rickshaw through unimaginable challenges.

It’s been nothing short of a whirlwind tour for the young adventurist, whether it was the time he was shaken down by Russian cops for a suspected bride in the streets of Moscow; quarantined by the Chinese government in Tibet for five days; felled by a case of unbearable food sickness in Yemen; or surviving a mafia encounter in Taiwan.

All said and done, it’s Gazarian’s work in Armenia that has set him apart. He spends months volunteering at the Zatik Orphanage and with an after-school group in Yerevan.

He also spent eight months volunteering at an orphanage and homeless shelter in Thailand. But it’s the Armenian experience that has left him with an indelible impression.

His first visit in 2003 came with his dad. It was a pleasure trip. He met an Armenian woman working at the hotel who encouraged him to work for USAID, thus planting a seed.

Gazarian already had a traditional career in the financial industry, but no vacation time per se. He hooked up with Jason Demerjian, founder of the Armenian Volunteer Corps, and moved to Yerevan the following year, renting a studio apartment in the center of Yerevan on Sayat Nova Street.

Gazarian soon found himself at Zatik Orphanage caring for 120 children (ages 6-18) and teaching them English. His efforts were also being spent at the Manana Center, an after-school group where children learned about photography, journalism, and film.

As a gesture of gratitude, he organized Zatik Fest, a carnival for the kids with horse rides, cotton candy, ice cream, clowns, music, and a moon bounce.

Since 2003, Gazarian has made annual trips to Armenia to spend time at Zatik and Manana. And each time, Zatik Fest is part of his itinerary. Every dram comes out of his pocket.

“When they turn 18, it becomes more difficult to stay in touch with the children,” he notes. “They leave the orphanage and proceed on their own across the land. Facebook and e-mail make it easier to stay connected. Last year, I hooked up with 10 former students and we spent the day bowling.”

A moment he’ll never forget was visiting an 18-year-old graduate in her new home after being placed out of Zatik. As she gave Gazarian a tour of her room, there was an enlarged photo of the two of them covering the wall. It was taken the day of a Zatik Fest in 2005.

“The lesson is important: Small gestures can mean a lot,” he points out. “Take the time to make the extra effort, the extra phone call, the extra e-mail, and extra visit. It pays off in the end.”

Like others making return trips to Armenia, Gazarian is impressed with the building that’s taken place—the trendy European-city look in Yerevan.

“What really matters is seeing how people live and prosper with so much less than the average person in America,” he says.

His work “7000 KM to Go” traces a 17-day journey he took in 2010 driving from Budapest to Yerevan. The rally, called “Caucasian Challenge,” went through 11 countries covering the 7,000 kilometers.

“We were competing against 10 other teams,” he recalled. “When I learned about the rally and saw that it ended in Yerevan, I knew I had to participate.”

His team raised $9,000 for the Armenian Volunteer Corps. The real winners were the children of Zatik and Manana.

One of his protégés is former student Gor Baghdasaryan whom he met as a lad of 13. They stayed in touch through the years, sharing adventures of the Caucasian Challenge. Gor is now a full-fledged film director and founder of Manana Films.

During a conversation, they decided to create a travel-adventure documentary and wound up participating in the Rickshaw Challenge. Gazarian drove 2,000 kilometers over 12 days across India in a rickshaw, a small 7 hp vehicle, while Gor and his brother Moosh filmed the amazing journey for two weeks, trailing Gazarian in a car.

“A most challenging event,” describes Gazarian. “Awful roads. Brutal traffic. Monsoons. Heat and cold. Police intervention. Terrorism. Food Poisoning. We got hit with all kinds of obstacles but made it.”

After a year of hard work, the film premiered at the Golden Apricot Festival before a packed house. It’s now being marketed and tops the iTunes charts.

Gazarian grew up in Wellesley, Mass., born to Armenian parents. He was educated at Boston College and worked in financial services in Boston before moving to Chicago in 1999. He left the industry in 2008 to start www.drivemesafely.com in Boston, where he remained five years. A recent speaking engagement at St. James Church in Watertown drew a packed house.

CHEYENNE, Wyo.—By a vote of 35 to 25, the Wyoming House of Representatives recently voted down consideration of a Pro-Azerbaijan resolution (HJ 002), with opponents citing Baku’s repression of free speech and religious intolerance as primary reasons to block the measure.

“We are proud to see the Wyoming House of Representatives join the growing number of U.S. States in standing strong on the fundamental American principles of democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of religion by rejecting such flawed measures,”  stated Elen Asatryan, ANCA WR Executive Director.  “Wyoming legislators have sent a powerful message to Azerbaijani dictator Aliyev that a partnership with Baku is impossible as long as its oppressive tactics and campaign of hate against Armenians, and indeed all Christians, continues” added Asatryan.

Wyoming joins Hawaii and South Dakota in voting down measures backed by Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev and his mouthpieces in the U.S., attempting to white-wash Baku’s dismal human rights record. Similar measures currently under consideration in other states are facing tough opposition.

Rep. Nathan Winters who led opposition to Wyoming said, “I am against introduction of this bill. Azerbaijan has a repressive and authoritarian government, which restricts freedom of expression and
assembly and other religious rights.”

“This government has become more active in controlling religion; fewer and fewer churches can function legally. In 2012, a number of raids on churches and Christian houses were reported. Under 2010 legislation, it is illegal for unregistered churches to meet, yet registration is nearly impossible. Many Christians are unable to find or keep jobs and are watched closely by secret services. By illustration, three men were charged and detained and threatened with criminal prosecution for
their faith just last year. While the country is growing in its exploration of minerals, I would not endorse its repression of freedom of expression and assembly,” added Winters.

Rep. Thomas Lockhart was also influential in defeating this measure, saying given Azerbaijan’s negative track record, it would be premature to consider such legislation.

Audio from the Wyoming consideration of the measure is available at: http://youtu.be/KXniXJJCwCo

In February, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian issued an open letter to all U.S. state legislatures urging them to take a stand against foreign interference in American civic life by corrupt Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev. “It is truly a tribute to our great American democratic tradition that even a regime as flagrantly corrupt as Ilham Aliyev’s is allowed to operate freely within our open society, ” explained Hamparian. “But that does not mean that American citizens need to remain silent in the face of meddling by foreign leaders who neither respect our rights nor share our values—especially when they try to export their intolerance to our shores.”

To read the complete text of HJ 002, visit: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2014/Introduced/HJ0002.pdf

The Roll Call Vote for HJ 002 is as follows: Ayes: Representative(s) Berger, Blake, Blevins, Blikre, Byrd,
Campbell, Cannady, Coleman, Connolly, Eklund, Esquibel, K., Filer, Freeman, Goggles, Greear, Greene, Kasperik, Kirkbride, Lubnau, Mader, Miller, Nicholas B., Petroff, Zwonitzer, Dn., and Zwonitzer, Dv.

Nays: Representative(s) Baker, Barlow, Brown, Burkhart, Davison, Gay, Gingery, Halverson, Harshman, Harvey, Hunt, Hutchings, Jaggi, Kroeker, Krone, Larsen, Lockhart, Loucks, Madden, McKim, Moniz, Northrup, Patton, Paxton, Piiparinen, Reeder, Semlek, Sommers, Stubson, Teeters, Throne, Walters, Watt, Wilson and Winters.

Contact information for legislators is available at: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/LegislatorSummary/LegislatorList.aspx

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

The post Wyoming House Votes Down Pro-Azerbaijan Measure appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich.—When the call is sounded to rally the metro Detroit area Armenian community to stand fast for justice, activist Ned Apigian makes his presence known.

The Dearborn Heights city councilman is equally active in partisan politics at the local and state levels of government and has embarked on a new mission in announcing he will seek to win the 11th State House District nomination in the Democratic August primary.

Political observers say Apigian’s candidacy to the Michigan State Legislature offers the talent and knowledge gained as a local municipality official. “I know I can help Michigan regain its past laurels that fell victim to the declining manufacturing industry. As a professional architect and community planner I offer a much needed talent to get this state back to better days,” he stressed as he announced his bid to seek the State House seat in the heavily  Democratic voting district.

The 11th House district includes the communities of Inkster, Garden City, Westland, parts of Livonia and Dearborn Heights.

Apigian’s expertise in city planning and support for public education needs gives the Dearborn Heights councilman solid footing in his “platform for victory.”  With that knowledge, Apigian also is enlisting campaign and financial help from metro Detroit Armenians to run an effective winning campaign in the sprawling Wayne County district.

Through the years, Apigian has been in the forefront of the Armenian scene so now would be the time for the community to give support to one of their own who seeks to serve in the State Legislature.

I first met Ned in 1960 at a meeting of the Mourad-Zavarian AYF. As a transfer to the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Antranig Gomideh. It was the closure of my active AYF life and Ned’s first in Mourad-Zavarian. I was impressed with his ARF knowledge and quickly learned the young man from Niagara Falls took his oath as a Dashnaktsagan  at age 16 from legendary ARF field worker Arthur Giragosian, who was noted for his motivational lectures on the free Armenian movement.

“At that time, there was no AYF in Niagara Falls, so I took the oath of the ARF,” Apigian relates.

Before the bid to pursue degrees in architecture at the University of Detroit and a masters in urban planning from Wayne State University, Apigian served for two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he credits for spearheading his keen discipline skills in organizational planning.

In addition to his degree skills, Apigian was awarded with a license as a community planner by the state of Michigan—an honor that gave him access to work with the design team in developing the expansion of Detroit’s Cobo  Hall Convention Center—and a two-year stint on civic developments in Saudi Arabia where he learned Arabic to add to his fluent Armenian language.

At the ARF level, Apigian served four times as a member of the ARF Central Committee and a delegate to an ARF conference in Beirut, Lebanon.

Ned and his wife, Roxy (Madoian) of Providence are the proud parents of daughter Heather Krafian and four grandchildren living in Belmont, Mass.

In looking ahead to the heated contest in the 11th House District  primary, Apigian repeats his pride at being a dedicated Armenian and Dashnak for 60 years.  Presently, the active Azadamart Gomideh member urges Armenians to be equally active in the mainstream American  political parties of their  choice, be it Democrat or Republican.

Persons who want to support Apigian’s bid for the State House can send their political contributions to Committee-to-Elect Ned Apigian, with checks addressed to CTE – Ned  Apigian, P.O. Box 32, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127-0032.

The post Apigian to Run for Seat in Michigan State House appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

CHICAGO, Ill.—Armenians from across Greater Chicago converged on Daley Plaza in the city’s central business district to mark the 99th Anniversary of the Armenian genocide and to protest the Turkish government’s ongoing campaign of genocide denial. The Armenians were joined in the protest by Pontian Greek and Assyrian Christians, whose people were also victims of the genocide, as well as by Moslems from Palestine, Iraq, Nigeria and Sudan. The protest was organized by the Armenian Youth Federation “Ararat” Chapter on April 24.

AYF members lead the Armenian community in a demonstration against genocide denial in Chicago on April 24th.

In addition to carrying signs, waving flags, and chanting slogans, the protestors distributed thousands of leaflets calling for an end to Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide. The leaflets urged passersby to contact their state legislators to oppose Turkey’s blatant attempts to win support for its denial campaign by lavishing gifts on members of the Illinois legislature. The Chicago Tribune has reported that from 2009 to 2012, 32 of the 43 foreign trips received as gifts were by legislators traveling to Turkey, including four trips by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

“The people of Illinois need to send a message loud and clear to their state legislators that our state is not for sale, and we will not tolerate Turkey’s attempts to export lies,” stated Mike Demirjian, Chairman of the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Illinois.

Demirjian noted that the Turkish Human Rights Association had issued a declaration calling on the Turkish government to halt its denial of the Armenian Genocide and to begin discussions with the Armenian people on the issues of restitution for “the incalculable losses their ancestors and they themselves have suffered and continue to suffer because of the Genocide and its denial.”

“Spending money on PR firms and lobbyists here in Illinois and around the world, the Turkish government thinks that it can somehow re-write history,” stated Mike Demirjian, Chairman of the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Illinois. “Prime Minister Erdogan needs to understand that the world will no longer tolerate his antics, and that even Turks in Turkey have had enough of his genocide denial agenda.”

The post Protest Against Armenian Genocide Denial Held in Chicago appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

Dr. Henry Astarjian makes a point during his presentation in Chicago on Saturday, April 26.

GLENVIEW, Ill.—The Chicago Armenian Community marked the 99^th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a number of events spanning from April 24 to April 27.

The commemorative activities began on Thursday, April 24, with a protest against genocide denial organized by the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter of the Armenian Youth Federation. Held in downtown Chicago, the event was attended by Armenians from across Chicago, as well as by Pontian Greeks, Assyrians, Palestinians, Nigerians, Iraqis and Sudanese.

On Saturday, April 25, the Armenian National Committee of Illinois organized a commemorative program in Shahnasarian Hall. The program opened with the presentation of the colors and the singing of the Armenian and US national anthems by the Chicago Homenetmen Scouts Color Guard. ANC of Illinois Chair Mike Demirjian offered introductory remarks, and then invited former congressman Robert Dold, offered his thoughts and expressed his disappointment, shared by the community, in the failure of President Obama to use the word “genocide” in his annual April 24^th statement.

Following Cong. Dold, the Taniel Varoujan Armenian School students took the stage to perform Artyok Ovker En, Mousa Lertsinerou Yerkuh, and Gliligia, which were warmly received by the audience. Demirjian then introduced the featured speaker, Armenian Weekly columnist Dr. Henry Astarjian. Dr. Astarjian delivered a powerful presentation in the Armenian language, calling on Armenians everywhere to do more. His insightful presentation also included discussion about Armeno-Kurdish relations and the need for Armenians to leverage their worldwide dispersion and become a global power.

On Sunday, April 27, the community gathered at Armenian All Saints Church for a special requiem service dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 Million Armenian Marytrs. Following the hokehankisd, the congregants were led in a procession by the Homenetmen Scouts bearing memorial wreaths to the Armenian Martyrs’ Monument. At the monument, Chicago ARF “Christapor” Gomideh representative Ara Surenian spoke about the upcoming Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, warning that Turkey would be on the offensive, seeking out naïve and self-promoting elements in Armenia and the Diaspora to “share a plate of dolma.”

Surenian was followed to the podium by Chicago AYF representative Daron Bedian, who noted that, unlike previous generations, his generation did not have the chance learn about the Genocide directly from the survivors, and called on the older generation to serve as good examples and teach the youth about commitment and sacrifice through their service to the community. The Chicago Hamazkayin Choral Group then performed a song and the program concluded with the singing of Giligia and a solemn procession with each member of the crowd placing flowers at the Martyrs’ Monument. The program was followed by a memorial dinner offered by the Armenian All Saints Church Ladies Guild and a town hall discussion featuring Dr. Astarjian and an additional performance by the Hamazkayin Choral Group.

Also on Sunday, the Chicago Armenian Relief Society “Zabelle” Chapter organized a Memorial Blood Drive in Hudaverdian Hall. The blood drive, which has been conducted annually for nearly twenty years, has served as a symbolic way for members of the Armenian community to commemorate the sacrifices of our Martyrs by shedding their own blood for the benefit of those in need in the Chicago area.

who spoke about the legacy left to the younger generation.

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Story and photos by Tom Vartabedian

DEARBORN, Mich.—As a veteran legislator, United States Senator Carl Levin has been most passionate about issues that have affected our ancestral homeland, whether it’s been genocide recognition or foreign aid support.

United States Senator Carl Levin graciously accepts the Prelacy’s “Spirit of Armenia” Award with his wife and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan looking on.

He co-sponsored every single genocide resolution and authored many of those movements himself.

Senator Levin was an early supporter of the Karabagh independence movement and worked on the passage of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which prohibits aid to countries blocking U.S. foreign assistance from reaching other countries.

He has received an “A” grade in the ANCA Congressional report card, attended commemorations on Capitol Hill, fought for justice among dissidents, and contributed heavily to the overall welfare of Armenians throughout the world.

For this and other qualities enhancing Homeland security and Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Levin was presented the “Spirit of Armenia” Award by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan at this year’s NRA Assembly May 16, attended by nearly 300 guests.

The affable legislator was humbled by the award, joined at the podium by his wife to a standing ovation. He’s been to Armenia and visited with world leaders of the Armenian Church at Etchmiadzin.

“Being Jewish, I’ve been haunted all my life by the words Hitler uttered as he planned the extinction of my people,” said Senator Levin. “We must prove Hitler wrong and call genocide a genocide. Failure to speak out against it only encourages those who would seek power through the destruction of others.”

In this year of the elderly as proclaimed by the Catholicos, two prominent individuals shared the Eagle Award, given periodically by the Prelacy.

Accepting the honor were Onnig Hachigian and John Manoogian, two icons of the parish community.

Youth Awards were presented to recipients Karoun Cholakian, Vahan Cholakian, Sanan Malkedjian, Chris Kourtjian and Araxie Tossounian, joined by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian.

Hachigian served nine years as a trustee executive; 12 years as an NRA delegate, and four years on the Prelacy’s Executive Council with a focus on Armenian religious education. One of the original AYF pioneers, his wife and three sons have all been active components of St. Sarkis Church.

Manoogian’s niche was building classrooms in his church to the tune of a $250,000 addition, Together with his wife Rose, they have been generous benefactors to both the Prelacy and church.

While chairing the trustees for six years, he presented plans for streamlining Board procedures and methods while also mentoring several newcomers in the process.

For 48 years, he spent every working day with Ford Motor Company—a right hand to those like Lee Iacocca—getting the company’s support to accelerate Armenian issues.

“There is a wisdom to their lives which created a better Armenian-American community for all,” Serpazan pointed out. “With their faith and love, they promoted a new lifestyle for generations that followed. They are the reason we are here.”

Sunday School activist Diana Changelian was presented a certificate of merit for her years of dedicated service over the decades, starting from Granite City to Watertown, then Providence and finally Dearborn. Over that time, she directed school programs, worked tirelessly on NRA and ARS committees, bazaars and grasped every opportunity to serve the church.

National Representative Assembly convened at Soorp Sarkis Church May 15-17 in Dearborn, MI.

“She is motivated by the love of God and heritage,” said Serpazan.

Youth awards were presented to five outstanding students: Karoun Cholakian, Vahan Cholakian, Sanan Malkedjian, Chris Kourtjian and Araxie Tossounian.

Karoun is a star performer for Hamazkayin dance group, Sundayschool teacher, AYF member and active volunteer.

Vahan counseled orphans in Armenia and served as a Camp Hayastan counselor. He’s helped the elders of his committee as well as the needy.

Sanan is an active HMEM member, dances with Hamazkayin, serves on AYF executive and works her own cake pop business. Her poem at the Friday banquet received loud applause.

Chris has held many leadership positions, served on the altar and remains active in AYF leadership roles. He also dances with the Hamazkayin ensemble.

Araxie sings in the church choir. She’s a member of the Armenian National Committee and AYF while also a member of the Alik Trio which entertained at the Friday banquet.

In keeping with the “elder” concept, retired Rev. Archpriest Vasken Bekiarian (Worcester) was proclaimed by Serpazan as “Man of the Year” for his distinguished service throughout the decades. Illness prevented him from attending the event.

Remarks were rendered by Chairman Stephen Hagopian, who served as MC, along with Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor, and Michael Hagopian, vice-chairman, trustees.

In his message, Archbishop Choloyan emphasized the importance of organized leaders and called upon communities to mobilize themselves for next year’s Armenian Genocide centennial. He commended the work performed by the Executive Council.

“The best road is being well-prepared and organized,” he said, “not leaving our ecclesiastical-national life to chance. The NRA Assembly is one ring in our eternal quest and the task of turning it into gold falls upon all our shoulders.”

Oshagan Serpazan was re-elected by unanimous acclamation as he enters a fifth term. Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian was re-elected to the Religious Council. For Executive Council, those re-elected were Stephen Hagopian, Hagop Antranigian and Sarkis Ohanessian.

John Aharonian was elected a new member, replacing Raffi Ourlian, who completed three terms of impeccable service as treasurer.

More than 50 delegates joined with clergy in promoting new inroads for the church. The National Guild met separately with close to 20 delegates. A tour of the Motown Music Museum was enjoyed by the ladies.

On the lighter side, the very last raffle ticket sold by extremist Antranig Boudakian wound up being a winner. It belonged to Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, one lucky vicar!

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CHICAGO, Ill. (A.W)—A banquet celebrating the 115^th anniversary of Hairenik and the 80^th anniversary of the Armenian Weekly took place at the home of Arpi Seferian on May 17.

A scene from the event (Photo by Tina Cholakian)

Around 50 guests attended the event, which featured Professor Richard Hovannisian as guest speaker. Hovannisian spoke about the time he spent in Lebanon when he was still a student, and the wealth of experience he gathered there. He told anecdotes from that period in his life, accompanied by slideshows of photographs of that time, nearly 60 years ago.

Additional details to follow.

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Armenian Weekly columnist C.K. Garabed (Charles Garabed Kasbarian) discussed his recently-published Dikranagerd Vernacular Handbook with the Kurdish website Infowelat.

“Sometime about 1970, I began recording whatever I knew from speaking to my parents and members of the Armenian community at large. After all, the Dikranagerdtsi dialect is my native language. I made entries in a notebook in my spare time,” he said. “As the years went by, I realized that a written record of our dialect was an important undertaking, and therefore took my task more seriously. With the advent of personal computers, I transcribed whatever I had recorded, until it grew to a size that was feasible to pass on to the public.”

The interview is accompanied by a letter, photographs, and a brief history of the author’s family in Dikranagerd prior to the Armenian Genocide.

Concluding, C.K. Garabed poses the following questions on Kurdish-Armenian relations to the interviewer and Kurdish readers: “Have any of your Kurdish colleagues touched on this subject? What is the thinking among rank and file Kurds, especially in the Dikranagerd region? It’s all well and good for Abdullah Demirbaş, mayor of Sur in the province of Diyarbakir, to invite Armenians back. But does that reflect the thinking of those Kurds who are currently occupying property of the ancestors of those very same Armenians? Would your Kurdish colleagues like to see the forming of dialogues and alliances with Armenians of the Diaspora? If so, to what extent?”

The full text of the interview can be read here.

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The annual Detroit area Walk Armenia event hosted by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) took place on a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon on June 8 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market in suburban Detroit. Walkers began arriving at 2 p.m. Infants, toddlers, school-age youth, and their parents and grandparents each received bright apricot-colored T-shirts bearing the ARS logo on one side and the words “#SaveKessab” on the front. ARS volunteers gave out snacks, drinks, and small American and Armenian flags. Walkers were also given informational brochures to give out to the public.

A scene from Walk Armenia

Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, offered a blessing to the more than 130 walkers before they began their 2-mile walk at 3 p.m. The enthusiasm and camaraderie of young and old grew as they began walking and singing “Mer Hairenik.”

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit ARS programs in Armenia; the #SaveKessab/Syrian Armenian Relief Fund; and Gleaners Community Food Bank of southeastern Michigan. One of many similar events spearheaded by the ARS in the U.S., Walk Armenia Detroit made a difference for these charities.

The five sister chapters of Detroit—“Maro,” “Sybille,” “Zabel,” “Shakeh,” and “Tzolig”—sponsored Walk Armenia, which has become an annual event anticipated by the community at large. To learn more, visit www.Facebook.com/ArmenianReliefSocietyDetroit.

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What a great theme for the upcoming 81^st Annual AYF Olympics in Detroit: “Roots Run Deep.”

In 1938-40, a woman named Sydney Robertson Cowell organized and ran a WPA Folk Music Project. She and her colleagues went around to various parts of California recording all kinds of American, American Indian, and other ethnic folk music. They went to Fresno and recorded the Armenian immigrants playing instruments and singing songs they had brought with them from the “old country.” One of the songs they recorded was of a man singing a diasporan version of “Hoy Nazarim Yarim,” an old Armenian folk song. It was a diasporan version because the verses were referring to the Armenian girls of New York, Fresno, Detroit, and Boston, and their taste in potential husbands. The song was sung by one Ruben J. Baboyan:

Bostoni hay aghchigner, hoy nazarim yarim Doctor pastapan guzen, hoy nazarim yarim

Fuh-res-no-in aghchigner, hoy nazarim yarim Hayruir aker hogh guzen, hoy nazarim yarim New Yorki hay aghchigner, hoy nazarim yarim Khali dzakhoghner guzen, hoy nazarim yarim

Dee-troy-ee-tee hay aghchigner, hoy nazarim yarim Fordi ashkhadogh guzen, hoy nazarim yarim

Back in the 1930’s, there were clearly four song-worthy Armenian towns, and Detroyeet was one of them. Roots run deep. The 1930 Ameriga-Hye words to this old song tell a story. They tell a very simple story of where Armenians first migrated to in this country. Armenians went to Fresno for a reason. They ended up in Andover, Mass. for the same reason. Armenians who had been farmers could farm in these places. You could almost envision the first immigrants coming to these places with a sack of seeds. Literally, for these Armenians, roots ran deep.

The Findlater as it appears today as a dance hall.

Armenians went to New York to be merchants and Boston to continue or start professions. As highlighted in this song, Armenians also went to Detroit. They came to Detroit because of Henry Ford, his factories, and the $5/day wages he was paying. My grandfather, Levon, worked in one of Henry Ford’s factories. He worked in the foundry. I always thought of the dichotomy of he and his friend growing up in a rural and agrarian Armenian village and ending up in, what was at that time, the industrial epicenter of the world. What a contrast. He was not alone. A lot of Armenians were uprooted and made new homes in Detroit with the lure of becoming a Fordi ashkhadogh. Roots run deep.

The auto industry is still important to the Armenian community of Detroit. Many Armenians work for or have worked for Ford, GM, or one of the suppliers over the years. There are numerous examples of families with two, three, and even four generations working for either Ford or GM. Armenians have made significant contributions to the industry in terms of general management, assembly, engineering, and quality at the VP and director levels. Roots run deep. Armenians from certain villages in the old country tended to immigrate to the same places in the United States. Detroit had Armenians coming from everywhere, but the bulk of the immigrants were from Sepastia, Van, and Kghi. They came together in Detroit, still rooted in their villages that were no more, to create a new Armenian village in Detroit. To this day, the Vasbouragan Society meets and holds events. The children and grandchildren of the original immigrants from Keghi recently regrouped and held a very successful pagharch dinner in 2012. These roots run very deep. The immigrants got married and had children. They worked to preserve a sense of being Armenian in the gritty industrial boomtown that was Detroit. In 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation was founded and provided a natural way to bolster the Armenian Spirit in the youth, and slow down the very strong lure to melt and meld into the American culture. They had planted new roots in this gritty industrial city and wanted to nurture the coming generations. They built churches and community centers, called getrons.

The children of the survivor generation made the AYF strong. This generation, my parent’s generation, embraced American and Armenian life. They fought in World War II and Korea. They married, often have found their spouse in the AYF.

At first, like many regions, the metropolitan Detroit area had several AYF chapters, from Pontiac to Melvindale. Over time, as transportation advances made the geography more compact and the demographics of the community changed, chapters merged to become bigger and stronger. When I first became aware of the AYF, there were two chapters in Detroit: Christopher and Mourad-Zavarian. In the 1960’s, the two chapters became one. They took a new name, Koppernick Tandoujian, a member of parliament of the first Armenian Republic who had settled in Detroit…and made new roots. His granddaughters were members of the chapter at the time.

This year, the Olympics return to Detroit. Detroit hosted its first Olympics in 1950. In that first year, the local chapters—Detroit Christopher, Detroit Mourad, Detroit Zavarian, Windsor, Melvindale, and Pontiac—all had representation on the organizing committee. Detroit has hosted the Olympics in 1961, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1993, 2000, and 2008. The 2014 Olympics will be the 9^th AYF Olympics in Detroit.

For the 1950 Olympics, the ARF gave a room at the Armenian Getron on Lafayette to the AYF. The local AYF chapters raised funds and transformed this room into a lounge and clubhouse for AYF members. At that Olympic weekend, the room was inaugurated. It was jam packed with AYFers for an epic Friday night hook-up and impromptu talent show.

After that first Olympics in Detroit, the AYF room was open every night for AYF members to meet and socialize. One had to actually show an AYF membership card to get in. The AYF continued to use that room into the 1970’s. The older men had their srjaran, the youth the AYF room.

Detroit had a few Olympic firsts. In 1950, Detroit held the track and field games at a University of Detroit stadium. This was the first university venue for the AYF Olympics. In 1975, the Detroit AYF alumni organized and hosted the first Alumni Night on Friday. It was completely complimentary and set a standard that has become a highlight of the Olympic weekends for the alumni. Roots run deep.

Clearly, the theme for this year’s AYF Olympics is a good one. Make your travel plans, book your rooms, place an ad in the Ad Book. Come and join the Detroit AYF community for a weekend full of athletics, dances, meeting old friends, and making new ones. Come and experience the Armenian side of Detroit. Come and contribute to strengthening our roots that, indeed, run deep.

The post Gavoor: ‘Roots Run Deep’ appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

On Sat., May 17, Chicago community leaders and activists came together at Arpy Seferian’s home to celebrate the 115^th anniversary of the Hairenik and the 80^th anniversary of the Armenian Weekly. The evening was made even more memorable with special guest Prof. Richard Hovannisian, accompanied by his wife Dr. Vartiter Hovannisian, among other attendees from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern Region Central Committee, including Chairman Richard Sarajian, members Antranig Kasbarian, Ari Killian, and Angele Manoogian, and Hairenik Weekly editor Zaven Torigian.

A scene from the event (Photo by Tina Cholakian)

Guests were greeted by members of the Chicago Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Ararat” Chapter and welcomed graciously by Seferian and her son and daughter-in-law, Serge and Nadine. Following dinner, Kasbarian opened a brief program expressing the importance of Hairenik publications to the hearts and minds of Armenians everywhere, and especially to the Eastern USA as a connection and attachment to our nation and spirit. Remarks by Torigian conveyed the same sentiments and emphasized the importance of the Hairenik Weekly in preserving the Western Armenian language. Arpy Seferian shared her enthusiasm for Hairenik publications and its impact on her life, beginning with her father, who was a contributing writer for many years.

Guests that evening were also privy to Hovannisian’s private recollections and photos of his study in Beirut as a young university graduate at the Neshan Palanjian Jemaran. Amidst interesting stories and humorous anecdotes, Hovannisian told of the extraordinary place that Jemaran was in the late 1950’s, and his great fortune to have been there at the same time as so many of the quiet heroes of the Armenian nation, who served as the school’s teachers and administrators. Notably, Hovannisian established a close mentor-pupil relationship with Jemaran’s principal, Simon Vratzian, the former prime minister of the First Republic of Armenia. Vratzian advised the young American, and the two later became friends. The Neshan Palanjian Jemaran instilled a distinct “Armenianess” in its students—love, faith, and honor for the nation—that would never be forgotten nor repeated. Hairenik Publications aims to do the same.

More than $25,000 was raised at the event. In appreciation, guests received a copy of Hairenik Publication’s most recent work, Voices from the Past, translated by Vahe Habeshian.

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

(Photo by Tina Cholakian)

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ROYAL OAK, Mich.—Armenia Fest 2014, Oakland County’s largest ethnic festival, was held on July 12 for the third year at the beautiful Royal Oak Farmers Market, and brought to metro Detroit by the Armenia Fest 2014 Committee under the auspices of the Detroit Chapter Knights of Vartan. Attendance exceeded all expectations.

A year in the planning, the event featured a rich collage of Armenian culture. Local vendors lined the busy market offering home-made Armenian food, including a wide assortment of breads, pastries, kebabs, and other delicacies to enjoy at the Fest or take home for later, as well as Armenian crafts, jewelry, and cultural exhibits. Flutterby the Clown was present to entertain the children.

The festival opened at 5 p.m. with introductions by co-chairs David Terzibashian and Edward Bedikian. The American and Armenian anthems were soulfully performed by one of our local talented Armenian youth, Araxie Tossounian. A highlight of the evening were two skillful performances by the Hamazkayin Dance Troupe comprised of local Armenian youth trained in the art of Armenian folk dance. Their beautiful costuming, enthusiasm, and virtually flawless dance routines brought the crowd to their feet.

Music provided by Vaughn Masropian and the Armenia Fest All Star Band ensemble rang out through the warm night enticing guests to dance, and dance they did. Everyone enjoyed the “Oud Fantasy” number put together by Masropian.

Proceeds from the Fest are earmarked for humanitarian causes. The 2014 committee included Edward Bedikian, co-chair, David Terzibashian, co-chair, Hagop Alexanian, Ray Boujoulian, Ken Khezarjian, Paul Kulhanjian, Shirley Sarkisian, Angela Hagopian Snow, Madeline Thomasian, and Pam Coultis(ian).

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MILWAUKEE, Wisc.—You happen to be a well-known Armenian chef in America, and suddenly you get a call from the president of Armenia who wants to visit your home for dinner.

If you’re Justin Aprahamian, the menu would be nothing out of the ordinary. Simply, the same as any traditional Armenian meal.

Justin Aprahamian can turn any kitchen into a gourmet’s delight.

“You can’t go wrong with a lamb shish kebab and rice pilaf dinner,” he says. “A side of cheese beoreg (turnover) and gatah (sweet roll) for dessert. It holds a very special place in my heart and I love sharing that.”

Aprahamian is still on top of his culinary world these days after landing the top prize in a contest featuring the best chefs in America. He took home the coveted Beard Award as the best chef in the Midwest.

The owner of Sanford Restaurant lived up to his hype as the sole nominee from Wisconsin, beating out other contenders known for their craft.

He took the stage at Lincoln Center to accept his prestigious award and told the crowd, “It’s very surreal to see chefs I’m inspired by on a daily basis. We have a good spirit, a good collaboration in the kitchen. The award is nice but we need to get in there and push even harder. No resting on our laurels.”

Justin Aprahamian is a 31-year-old culinary expert who started with an uncle in the catering business. An older brother was working for him and needed an extra hand so Justin tagged along.

At the first party, he was assigned to making fruit platters. At age 13, he picked up a small allowance for his efforts. The more he worked, the better he got at it.

The James Beard Award is a huge honor in this industry, much like an Oscar in the movie world.

“It takes a lot of very consistent work at a high level,” he notes. “What makes it so special is that it comes from peers in my industry and nothing can take that away.”

Aprahamian dedicates the award first to the former restaurant owners at Sanford for being such effective mentors, then to his family, all the way to grandparents.

“They taught me so much about priorities, hard work, and ethics,” he maintains. “They’ve given me all the support I’ve ever needed.”

The days are long and often laborious. With a baby due in September, Aprahamian’s juggling act will take another turn: He also has a brewery project going and works a station on the line every night. Should a customer be disgruntled, he’s got that covered, too.

“Mistakes will happen,” he says. “It’s how you handle it that meets resolve and defines your reputation. Diffuse the situation before it escalates.”

Aprahamian sees a strong correlation between food and his Armenian identity. It’s inherent to the Armenian tradition, he believes, and is the centerpiece of every ethnic gathering.

“Our functions seem to embrace and revolve around great cuisine. It might be part of the reason I gravitated toward food and entertainment.”

His great-grandfather left Armenia and his grandfather was born here. The Armenian side comes from his dad.

“My grandfather could be classified as a role model,” he points out. “He was an amazing individual who accomplished so many amazing things. He represented his family and traditions so well and passed it on to us.”

Aprahamian lists food as a big part of his Armenian interest. He’s collected as many family recipes as possible, reading cookbooks and learning from other experts. He’s got some Armenian friends who are also involved in the industry. As to the Genocide Centennial next year, “It would be nice to see politics set aside and the genocide given its recognition,” he says. “I’m still in shock over how it has passed by so many history classes.”

Whether it’s an ordinary diner, athlete, musician, or big-name politician, Aprahamian has catered to them all. Among his guests was the Dalai Lama at a luncheon he prepared some years ago in Madison.

So what would be his desert island meal? Not what you might think.

“I could eat tacos several times a week, so that would be a candidate,” he reveals. “There’s something about Mexican food that I enjoy. One of my favorite comfort foods is my mom’s meatloaf.”

The job doesn’t come without stress. Aprahamian relieves his anxieties with music, be it his collection of records or attending a concert. He also frequents antique shops and flea markets.

A decade from now, Aprahamian could gain added notoriety with a company he’s started called Minds Brewing. That project seems to have gained impetus and he aims to make it work.

Aprahamian bought his Sanford restaurant in 2012 and it’s maintained a 4-star rating ever since. The establishment focuses on seasonal cooking and includes occasional dishes inspired by his Armenian heritage.

As for motivating others in the food business, Aprahamian offers this advice: “Be patient. Pay your dues. Respect where you came from and don’t assume anything. Graduating from culinary school doesn’t make you a chef.”

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