Launch of Garin Hovannisian’s “Family of Shadows”
On Tuesday December 7th, 2010, Garin K. Hovannisian, recipient of the Fulbright Fellowship in Creative Writing and the Lynton Award for Book Writing and graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, launched his new book, Family of Shadows, at the AGBU’s Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre in Toronto.
In his compelling lecture, Hovannisian read selected excerpts from Family of Shadows, which tells the tale of the Hovannisian family, of several generations haunted by the events of the 1915 genocide and torn between dreams of rebirth for their ancestral homeland and success in the United States.
A question and answer period followed Mr. Hovannisian’s readings and talk. Attendees, around 100 people, were moved and overwhelmed by Hovannisian’s passion and appreciation of his family’s history. Many were inspired to purchase his book for further reading.
Donations in Memory of Harry Artinian
December 3, 2010 · Filed Under Past Events, Press Releases
We were deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Harry Artinian’s passing. Harry, a life long member and a supporter of our organization, was proud of his Armenian roots and heritage. He hardly missed any events at the AGBU Toronto, be it cultural or social. We will always remember him.
We would like to thank the Basmajian family for remembering us during this painful time by selecting AGBU to honor Harry’s memory. Our thoughts are with the family during this most difficult time.
On behalf of the AGBU, we would like to sincerely thank the donors for their generous contributions in Harry’s memory. These donations will help ensure that our mission to promote the Armenian heritage and to serve Armenians both in Armenia and the Diaspora continues successfully.
So far, we have received the following in-lieu of flowers donations:
| Shakeh Basmajian & Family | 1,000 | ||||
| Shakeh Basmajian & Family | 1,000 | To the Zaroukian School | |||
| Hripsime Dwyer and family | 100 | ||||
| Mr. Arto Tikiryan | 50 | ||||
| Mr. Hayk Tikirian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. Krikor Ghoshgarian | 50 | ||||
| Ms. Setta Frankian | 100 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Abboud Azar | 100 | ||||
| Dr. & Mrs. Jack Sakarya | 250 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Berge Papazian | 100 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Soghomon Meneshian | 30 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Benny Ampagoumian | 50 | ||||
| Ms. Elizabeth Ouzounian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Masis Afarian | 100 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Barkev Khojajian | 100 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ishkanian | 100 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. George Derghazarian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Noubar Yeretsian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Serge Colekessian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Bedros Kokorian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Adom Knadjian | 50 | To the Sports and Youth Committee | |||
| Ms. Nadya Hamparian | 100 | To the Soup Kitchens in Armenia | |||
| Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kuiumdjian | 50 | ||||
| Mr. Bert Frankian | 100 | ||||
| Ms. Karin Frankian | 100 | ||||
| Mr. & Mrs. Louis Frankian | 400 | ||||
| Ms. Margaret Shiels | 40 | ||||
| Ms. Silva Basmajian | 400 | To the Soup Kitchens in Armenia | |||
Omnibus Meeting
December 3, 2010 · Filed Under Past Events, Press Releases
On November 29, 2010 the Boards of Armen Ontario, AGBU Toronto Executive, The Young Professionals, the Sports and Youth Committee and the AGBU Zaroukian School staff met at the Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre.
The purpose was to acknowledge the dedication of volunteers and staff and discuss the common goals and objectives of AGBU.
Mr. Berge Papazian, Secretary of AGBU Central Board and President of Armen Ontario of AGBU reiterated AGBU’s mission and communicated the status, future goals and direction of AGBU worldwide.
He indicated AGBU’s ongoing dedicated support to the current programs, long term projects and youth oriented events.
The chairs of the AGBU Executive, Knar Basmadjian, Young Professionals, Karen Papazian, Sports and Youth Committee, Jack Semerdjian presented their board members as well as their goals and plans for the upcoming year. Principal of the AGBU Zaroukian School, Mrs. Orysia Perun also presented the status and the goals of the school.
The AGBU Toronto Board is looking forward to work with these committees to help strengthen and further develop the Toronto chapter.
Annual Bazaar and Food Fair
December 3, 2010 · Filed Under Press Releases, Social
On Sunday, November 14th, Armenians from the GTA area gathered in the Babayan ballroom of the Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre for AGBU Toronto’s annual bazaar and food fair. This event consistently draws a
large number of community members as it is a rare opportunity to taste and purchase delicious, authentic Armenian food. The ballroom was filled to capacity and the hall was beautifully decorated within a Christmas theme.
Among the many savory items available at the food fair were a variety of homemade dishes including herise, kebab, koftas, sarma, itch, etc. Other featured food items included a selection of Middle Eastern salads and desserts. In addition to all the wonderful food, many vendors were also on site selling culturally relevant merchandise.
AGBU thanks all the volunteers for graciously contributing their time and help. It is with the help of our members and friends that AGBU’s bazaar has become a popular family event where people come to see their old friends and taste delicious Armenian food. We hope that you will join us at next year’s bazaar for great food and fun!
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AGBU Toronto Images
