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Friday, September 16, 2005

AGBU SAN DIEGO KICKS OFF CULTURAL SERIES WITH WINES OF ARMENIA EVENT

San Diego, CA – The first in an upcoming series of cultural events,
AGBU San Diego organized a wine tasting event on August 7, 2005
entitled “Wines of Armenia” with the Honorable Gagik Kirakosian,
Consul General of Armenia, as guest of honor. The event held at the
Rancho Bernardo Courtyard attracted over 125 attendees from the San
Diego area, as well as neighboring Orange County, Los Angeles and
Indian Wells.

After welcoming remarks, AGBU San Diego Chair Ani Kalayjian Lanuza
introduced Kirakosian, who summarized the Embassy’s current projects
and initiatives. Other speakers included Honorable Joe Kellejian,
Solana Beach Council Member and three-time Mayor, who presented
Kirakosian with the key to the City of San Diego; Vahe Imasdounian,
AGBU Southern California District Committee (SCDC) Chair; and
Archpriest Reverend Father Datev Tatoulian.

Guest Paul Kousharian praised the event for its high caliber and
impressive attendance of key community leaders. Kousharian was the
former AGBU SCDC Secretary/Treasurer and was instrumental in
revitalizing the AGBU San Diego Chapter two years ago.

The evening was underwritten by the generous contributions of Stella
Bartholomew, Alan Yaghdjian, owner of Rancho Bernardo Courtyard,
Mr. and Mrs. Paul & Rosemarie Kalemkierian, and Gourgen Darbinyan of
Importers Direct Wholesale Co.

AGBU San Diego is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Armenian
identity and heritage through humanitarian, educational and cultural
programs. For more information, please contact AGBU San Diego by
emailing anilanuza@aol.com.

For more information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters, please visit