ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:

Contact: Danielle Saroyan

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY HONORS LONG-TIME
CAPITAL REGION COUNCIL CO-CHAIRS CLARA ANDONIAN AND DORIS GEORGE

WASHINGTON,
D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) and its Capital Region
Council hosted its Annual Holiday Reception last month at the Embassy of the
Republic of Armenia. The standing room only event honored long-time Co-Chairs
of its Capital Region Council, Mrs. Clara Andonian and Mrs. Doris George, for
their decades of hard work, “In Appreciation of Extraordinary Commitment & Unwavering
Support.”

“We greatly appreciate the tireless dedication and
commitment of Clara Andonian and Doris George – two wonderful individuals who
have given generously of their time and talent to help the Armenian Assembly
achieve its mission and goals. Clara and Doris are both one-of-a-kind members,
and we are grateful for their support and leadership,” stated Assembly Board
Member Annie Simonian Totah.

Clara Andonian has been involved with the Armenian
Assembly for over 42 years, serving in areas of advocacy for the affirmation of
the Armenian Genocide. One of her highlights with the Armenian Assembly was
being part of its 2004 Mission Trip to Armenia, led by Totah. As one of the
pillars of the Armenian community in Washington, Clara chaired the St. Mary
Armenian Apostolic Church Women’s Guild, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday
School for six years. She is a member of the Ararat Avak Senior Society, as
well as an active member of the Daughters of Vartan, where she served as Grand
Matron on occasion.

In 1973, Doris George and her husband Robert joined
the Armenian Assembly, and, over the years, Doris served the organization in
different capacities. Doris was a member of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), served on the Board of the Armenian
Rights Council of America, and was Chairwoman of the Daughters of Vartan. She
also serves on the Board of the Armenian American Cultural Association. 

After 20 years of working together, Mrs. Andonian
and Mrs. George completed their terms as Co-Chairs of the Assembly Capital
Region Council handing over the reins to the new incoming Co-Chairs Louisa
Baghdasarian and Marguerite Satian.

Also at the Reception, Yeretskin Anahid Kalayjian
was awarded the Armenian Assembly’s “Volunteer of the Year” for her efforts in supporting
and recruiting new members for the organization.

Armenian National Institute (ANI) Director Dr.
Rouben Adalian was the Master of Ceremonies, and introduced the guest speakers
for the evening, including the Republic of Armenia’s Embassy to the United
States Deputy Chief of Mission, Ara Margarian, and The Honorable Aram Bakshian,
Jr., who spoke about “Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora: Yesterday, Today, and
Tomorrow.”

The evening continued with a special musical tribute
to the late Charles Aznavour, with performances by Edita Kalayjian, who sang
“Armenian Waltz” by Den Gharibian and “Ave Maria” by Charles Aznavour; she was
accompanied by Christine Kharazian on violin and Duff Davis on acoustic guitar.
Victoria Petrosyan sang “Hayastan” by Armen Smbatyan, accompanied by Naira
Babayan. Her daughter, Karine Mikayelyan, sang Charles Anzavour’s “Pour Toi,
Armenie” in the Armenian translated version of “Qez Hamar, Hayastan.”

Following the musical performances, Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny briefed the audience on the Assembly's activities and
accomplishments this past year as well as the challenges ahead in the 116^th
Congress.  He also highlighted the Assembly’s successful National Advocacy
Conference and the need to continue our efforts to make our voices heard on
Capitol Hill. Both Ardouny and Totah encouraged the audience to contact their
Representatives, especially the incoming freshman Members, to educate them on
the importance of strengthening U.S.-Armenia and other key issues.

Photos from the Annual Holiday Reception can be
found on the Armenian Assembly of America’s Facebook Page.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of
America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting
public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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Photo Caption 1: Armenian Assembly Board Member Annie Simonian
Totah awarding Clara Andonian and Doris George awards "In Appreciation of
Extraordinary Commitment & Unwavering Support"

Photo Caption 2: Yeretskin
Anahid Kalayjian awarded Armenian Assembly's "Volunteer of the Year by
Board Member Annie Simonian Totah

Photo Caption 3: Musical
Performances by Duff Davis, Christine Kharazian, Karine Mikayelyan, Naira Babayan,
Victoria Petrosyan, and Edita Kalayjian

Available online: https://armenian-assembly.org/2018/12/20/armenian-assembly-honors-long-time-capital-region-council-co-chairs-clara-andonian-and-doris-george/