Homenetmen¦ Does it Again!
Asbarez
Dec 18th, 2009
Full of tradition and emotion, opening of newly constructed Center
attracts past and present Homenetmen leaders, members, elected
officials, sister organizations and supporters
Homenetmen pulled all stops in organizing the opening ceremony of its
new Western U.S. headquarters in Eagle Rock. More than 300 guests
attended this historic and memorable event.
Amongt the guests were Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of
the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America,
Homenetmen Central Committee Vice Chairman Koko Balian, Los Angeles
Councilman Jose Huizar, members of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Central Committee, Koko Topalian, Harout Donoyan and Harout
Manoukian, representatives of the Armenian National Committee WR,
representatives of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA,
Hamazkayin WR, Nerses Melkonian of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America, Rev. Vasken Atmajian of St. Mary’s
Armenian Apostolic Church, representatives from various community
organizations, Building Founding Members, Navasartian Honorary
Presidents, Homenetmen Exemplary Members, Homenetmen Chapter leaders,
members, scouts, athletes, supporters and friends.
Regional Scout Leader K Taleen Hidoyan announced the start of the
program followed by a traditional flag ceremony performed by the
Homenetmen Color Guards and accompanied by more than 60 chapter
scouts. Regional Scouting Representative Y Pierre Manougian said, `Our
scouts were eager to take part in this very special ceremony.’
The Regional Marching Band performed the American, Armenian and
Homenetmen anthems. Master of ceremony Viggen Davidian in his
welcoming remarks talked about the vision that was shared by so many
in Homenetmen. He than gave the audience a description of the building
and all its features. He concluded by saying `be happy, be proud.’
Other speakers included Harout Manougian of the ARF Central Committee
and Unger Harout praised the Homenetmen Regional Executive and its
chapters for its recent accomplishments. Koko Balian, Homenetmen
Central Vice Chairman continued with his comments and remembered two
Homenetmen members, Kerop Arakelian and Jerair Boyadjian. Two members
that played an instrumental roll in Homenetmens early successes in the
Western U.S.A. Los Angeles, Councilmember Jose Huizar presented
Homenetmen with a proclamation from the City of Los Angeles. In his
remarks, he welcomed Homenetmen to Eagle Rock and proceeded to talk
about the importance of serving the youth. He praised Homenetmen for
it’s mission and pledged his support.
Chairman of the Homenetmen Regional Executive Committee accepted the
proclamation and addressed the audience,
`Another Homenetmen dream is realized.’ The last few years have been
historic for Homenetmen in the Western USA. With the purchase of the
first Homenetmen camp in the Diaspora, Homenetmen Camp Tecuya and
along with the opening of our second Glendale `Ararat’ Chapter
athletic facility and the opening of the new Homenetmen `Azadamard’
athletic center in Pasadena, this building feels like icing on the
cake. But Homenetmen is not done yet, The Los Angeles chapter is
months away from opening its new doors at the new Armenian Center in
Hollywood’s Little Armenia. In addition, there are other chapters
currently engaged in serious discussions regarding obtaining
facilities to better serve their members and our community. To say
these are historic times for our organization is an understatement.
It’s been said that the value of an organization is based on the
number of lives it has touched. For almost a century Homenetmen has
touched millions of lives all over the globe. Homenetmen is part of
our pop culture; Homenetmen has engaged and involved generations of
youth, Homenetmen empowers, educates and elevates. The number of
volunteer hours that’s put in by its very talented and young scout and
athletic leaders is unbelievable and then there are its chapter
leaders, volunteers and parent. `The unselfish efforts of our
volunteers is what makes this big machine run and we salute them all’
said Artinian.
Another very important component to Homenetmens success is its donors.
Their unwavering support cannot be measured by any stretch of the
imagination. Homenetmen would not have all that it has without the
generosity and support of its donors.
Artinian continued with `As we officially open our new center, I would
like to acknowledge the countless number of building, construction and
fund raising committees and all of the individuals who dedicated their
time, talents, energy and experience and made this state of the art
Homentmen Center a reality. The names are to many to mention. Words
alone cannot describe the value of their contribution.’
Adding that this dream could not be possible without the initial
contributions of its founding members our donors. In 1988 benefactor
Mr. Kirk Kerkorian made a major contribution to Homenetmen and along
with the contributions of a 119 Homenetmen center-founding members the
Homenetmen Regional Executive was able to purchase its first building
on Jackson Street in downtown Glendale. However as the community grew
so did Homenetmen. `It eventually became apparent that we needed a
larger facility to meet our growing needs’ commented former Regional
chairman and master of ceremonies Viggen Davidian.
About five years ago, Homenetmen made a bold move during a good real
estate market and sold it’s building on Jackson Street with the
intensions of reinvesting into as larger building. `Three years ago
after an intense search, we found our new home here in Eagle Rock,
CA.’ said Artinian. `After months of negotiations we became the proud
owner of this beautiful building.’ While under construction, in an
effort to better manage its operating expenses the regional executive
along with staff moved into a temporary office space in the building.
Today the operation officially moves into its permanent office space,
mission accomplished!
Hovsep Boyadjian, Chairman of the building construction committee and
wife Elizabeth proudly stood by as he watched his committees efforts
come to fruition. Fred Khachigian, member of the building construction
committee who was involved in this project from the beginning also
stood by humbly taking it all in. Artinian than acknowledged it’s
architectural and construction firm, Urban development and
infrastructure. `They went beyond the call of duty, while paying
meticulous attention to function and detail.’ Apelinc donated the
beautiful landscaping, which brought the project all together.
Artinian thanked the Homenetmen regional staff, for their patience
during the construction process. `You are all truly special and your
service to your community does not go unrecognized.’ He thanked the
last 4 regional executive committees for their courage and bold
decision-making. `We went from a 2200 square foot building into an
8500-foot facility. That’s what makes this move so right.’
Anticipation grew as the time came to announce the room dedications.
Room dedications bring substance to our building because those
individuals that we honor by naming a room after them, have all
contributed to this organization in their own special way. `Their
names will be imbedded in Homenetmens history.’ said Regional
Executive Committee member Thomas Tokmajian.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian took the podium, delivered his
spiritual message, and began the blessing of the building and room
ribbon cutting dedications. Rev. Vasken Atmajian accompanied
Archbishop Mardirossian in the blessings. The dedications were as
follows:
Regional Chairman Steve Artinian, accompanied by Central Vice Chairman
and Councilmember Jose Huizar, cut the ribbon to the entrance door.
The Main Lobby is dedicated in the memories of Dr. Varoujan Sahagian
and Dr. Aline Sahagian. son and husband Dr. Vicken Sahagian did the
ribbon cutting.
The Regional Executive Boardroom was dedicated in the memory of
Hovaness Janig Khatchadourian, grandchildren Hrag and Johnny
Khachadourian joined Mrs. Nevart Khachadourian in the ribbon cutting.
Raffi Khatchadourian, a Regional Executive Member and room donor said.
`We do this for our future generations. Homenetmen needs to constantly
adapt and better understand our kids, who are our future leaders. Our
young members here in the US are an invaluable Homenetmen asset if we
can keep them involved.’
The Administrators Office was dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Vahag and
Baydsar Thomasian, daughter Soseh cut the ribbon.
The Staff Office was dedicated to long time Homenetmen and community
supporter Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian. In an interview prior to the start
of the ceremony, Pilavjian expressed her gratitude and support of
Homenetmen and it’s mission and vowed to support for as long as she
can.
The Homenetmen History Museum was dedicated in memory of the first
Homenetmen Western U.S. Regional Chairman Hagop Ovayan. The ribbon was
cut by Mrs. Akhavnee Ovayan and grandson the young Hagop Ovayan.
The Regional Committee Office is dedicated in memory of a member that
played an important role in the regional Marching Band, Hagop
Bosnoyan, his son Hrag Bosnoyan cut the ribbon.
The Andonian family was on hand to witness the ceremony. `My father
would have been so proud today’ said daughter Betty Andonian-Gulezyan.
Alice Andonian cut the ribbon to mark the beginning of construction of
the Homenetmen Kevork Andonian Hall. The 4000 square foot project
which is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2010, will serve
the organization and its community. Chairman Artinian announced that
`in support of Homenetmen Alice Andonian has made a donation of
$200,000³ and thanked the entire Andonian family.
Guests were served champagne, cocktails and gourmet appetizers while
walking through the rooms. Regional Executive and Sub Committee
members were available to answer questions and talk about their
activities. Jano Kahwedjian, Regional Member in charge of Athletics
summed it up best when he said `This is all for our kids and I’m proud
to be a part it.’ Every conference and meeting room is equipped with
video conferencing and power point presentation capabilities. Monitors
throughout the building were playing Homenetmen graphics, as well as
before and after picture of the building and architectural design
drawings of the Kevork Andonian Hall. In a voice mail massage the day
after the event former Navasartian Honorary President Shant Haytayan
expressed how proud he was of Homenetmen and confirmed his commitment
to serve the organization. Center Founding Member, Dr. Sarkis Arevian
said, I’m so proud of Homenetmen for all its accomplishments,
especially this one.
Regional member in charge of the reception was Ano Mansourian and
along with Jassig Jarahian, chairwoman of the reception committee
pulled off an elegant event while keeping very `Homenetmen’. The very
popular Homenetmen TV host Nora Tchaparian took the mic and
interviewed guests as they came in. K Nora was the volunteer HTV host
for many year, her style of reporting always connected well with our
supporters. Peklar Pilavjian who was instrumental in the negotiations
for the purchase of the building was on hand. When thanked for coming
he said, `It’s our duty, anything for Homenetmen.’
`Kudos to the regional executive committee, the regional staff, and
all the sponsors for raising the bar for Homenetmen’ said Armen
Abrahamian, Chairman of the Homenetmen Strategic Planning Committee.
When asked about her thoughts, Regional Executive Committee member
Maro Kechichian said, `Homenetmen is in my blood. I have been working
in Homenetmen my entire life and will continue for as long as I can, I
am very proud to be a part of this historic day.’ Hovig Bedevian,
Regional Vice Chairman was busy greeting the VIP guests as they
arrived and commented. `This is a proud day for the Homenetmen family
because this center will energize our members.’
The celebration went late into the night as members and guests
continued to arrive throughout the evening to attend the annual
Homenetmen Regional Holiday Party. The party took place where the
Kevork Andonian Hall will be built. Guests enjoyed the coffee bar, the
buffet and the holiday music that played throughout the building.
Regional Executive representative Rima Abedi welcomed everyone and
extended the well wishes of the Regional Executive. She continued by
introducing Benefactor Alice Andonian, son Hratch and daughter Betty
to the enthusiastic crowd. Chairman Steve Artinian took advantage of
the opportunity to thank the 2008-2009 Regional Executive Committee
members who came together the night before and joined current Regional
Executive members to help set up for the event. He continued by
expressing the Regional Committee’s heartfelt gratitude to Regional
staff members Rubina Djanseszian and Sevag Garabedian for their
involvement in organizing the event, the Camp Tecuya fund raising
committee for decorating the hall for the Christmas party, the
volunteer videographer Garo and the volunteer photographer Berj and
everyone that played a role in making the events a huge success.