THOUSAND OAK ENDS LINK WITH SISTER CITY SPITAK

Thousand Oaks Acorn
ity/025.html
Dec 18 2008
USA

The Sister City Committee Executive Board recently decided to dissolve
the organization after many years of assistance to the city of Spitak,
Armenia. The committee will contribute the remaining budget of more
than $5,000 to the Spitak school children for food, clothes and
financial assistance.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the earthquake that destroyed
several towns and more than 300 villages in Armenia. About 25,000
people died; 140,000 were injured, and more than a million were
left homeless.

Because of the great need after the earthquake, the Sister City
Committee was founded by filmmaker J. Michael Hagopian, local resident
Armenians and nonArmenians. The committee has sponsored fundraising
events and contributed toward the financial assistance to the people
of Spitak.

First committee president Francis Prince was instrumental in raising
funds to rebuild an apartment complex for the homeless. The committee
has also sent medical and school supplies and supported the local
fire station and building projects.

Treasurer Don Goodrow has visited Spitak numerous times and has been
a generous contributor.

Other past presidents include Ray Garcia, Sark Keochekian, Araxie
Wright and Alan Roubik.