New York Armenian Home News

New York Armenian
Home
News
Winter 2008
Established in 1948
CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II VISITS
THE NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME
On the afternoon of October 30th, the New York Armenian Home in its usual sparkling purity, found all our residents in their
Sunday finery, excitedly waiting for Vehapar’s visit. Buzzing and whispering to each other, the final moment arrived, walkers and canes did not stop them from standing and applauding as he entered the Solarium where they awaited him.
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CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II VISITS
THE NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME
The solemn look on Vehapar’s face changed as he was giving his welcome talk to the residents, as they interrupted and interacted with him.
As Vehapar realized he had an over anxious and verbal audience, he
stopped his talk and asked them if they sang they responded with Mer
Hairenik. He was taken back with poems written for him by 94 year
old Arsine Terlemezian and a drawing by 83 old Eranui Azatian. Genocide survivor, 98 year old Adriyan Bagciyan sang Khntsorin Dzarin
Dage(under the apple tree) which brought all the High Ranking Clergy
to enormous smiles.
Vehapar had our residents in hysterics as he advised them that if we did not treat
them well, he stomped his Staff on the floor and that is what he would do to us.
The residents were excited for days and their appreciation of his hour and a half
visit and prayers are still with them.
Vehapar Hayr and all of the clergy joined us in a lovely reception just before he left for the airport.
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N E W Y O R K A R M E N I AN H O M E N E W S
Cloudy Skies End Sunnyside Up
On the morning of Sunday, June 10, 2007 the sky was overcast. Volunteers
and employees for the New York Armenian Home’s Annual Picnic were
wearing light jackets and bustling with activity. A good turnout from the
ACYOA Jrs. from Holy Martyrs Armenian Church also came to help. Everyone looked apprehensive as they looked at threatening skies, but that did not
stop their working. Tables were set, our tri color balloons of red, blue, and
orange were proudly waiving amongst the beautiful park like grounds.
Everyone was ready for the guests; the shuttle bus was on standby. After the
early morning cool start, the sun burst through, promising ideal picnic
weather.
Odors of the kebabs on the grill were coming in strong. We received non-stop
accolades about the delicious tasting lulu, shish and chicken kebab. Needless
to say our hamov Armenian deserts were a hit.
It was an honor to have some of our local political dignitaries attend our soiree: Honorable
Toby Stavisky, NY State Senator; Honorable Ellen Young, NY State Assemblywoman;
Honorable Tony Avella, NYC Council Member. Likewise enjoying the day was Kim
Ohanian, Member of Community Board #7, Queens. Katy Papell, Director of the Waldheim Neighborhood Association, complemented our shish kebab as she was busy conversing with Chuck Apelian, who was hosting our prominent guests.
We shouldn’t forget to mention Barbara Baruch, who represented Honorable John Liu,
NYC Council member. When Council Member John Liu visited our Home for the first
time with Ms. Baruch to honor our Genocide survivors, upon seeing our garden, he
quipped, “I didn’t realize we had an oasis here in Flushing!”
At one point the exciting raffle prizes were drawn and were won by:
1st prize –HDTV –winners – Mr. & Mrs. Alpuche.
2nd prize – Handmade Armenian rug donated by Megerian Brothers – winner – Mr. James
Leitner.
3rd prize – Dell Notebook – winners – Mr. & Mrs. Haig Dadourian
4th prize - $500.00 cash – winners – Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Saraydarian, who donated it back to the Home.
5th prize – Cyber Shot Sony Digital Camera – winner – Brandon Ajamian
6th prize – Gold pendant with diamond donated by Ravul Brothers – winners – Mr. $ Mrs. Steve Bojekian.
7th prize – Dinner for two at Byblos Restaurant – donated by owner –winner – Bob Derderian.
One of the most important ingredients for a successful picnic, other than the tasty
foods is the party atmosphere furnished by an excellent ensemble. That was the
beautiful and stimulating music of: Elias Sarkar – vocals and violin, Ara Dinkjian –
keyboard, Robert Boghosian – oud, Chuck Yegian – dumbeg, also joining the musicians was our own Harout Barsoumian on guitar.
All in all there was more than five hours of entertainment which brought the
crowds to their feet dancing and contributed to a funtastic day.
Last but not least, our sincere gratitude to all our many volunteers who help us year
after year including our residents, who arranged napkins and utensils, and folded
the menus. On Saturday the gang did all the prepping, chatting and working like
busy bees. Sunday they were helping out again. To one and all, our heartfelt
appreciation from the Board of Directors, staff, and our main attraction, “Our
Residents.”
So mark your calendar for the 2nd Sunday in June, 2008, come and have fun!
N E W Y O R K A R M E N I AN H O M E N E W S
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EXCERPTS FROM OUR MAILBOX
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the
Staff at the Home for taking wonderful care of our
Mother. The Family of Charlotte Kelly.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the wonderful residents and Staff at the Home.
Annette Ohnikian
To the Armenian Home Staff, we will always be so thankful for all the care you
gave Ara.
In memory of my husband Garbis
Garabedian, please accept my enclosed donation to our Armenian
Home which is doing beautiful work
with our elderly people.
The Jilajians, Alyce, Brenda, Skye & Shoonig too!
Sona Garabedian.
To the staff at the New York Armenian Home,
Dear Aggie and Jenny,
With the holiday season in full swing, I would
like to take this opportunity and express how
much your kindness and caring means to my
grandmother Arsine and me. Thank you for
bringing grace and comfort in every day of our
lives!
May your world be peaceful, may your heart
be joyful!
Hoping this season brings you and your staff
joys to cherish throughout the New Year!
I would like to acknowledge my deepest thanks for giving me the opportunity to volunteer at your facility. I experienced how precious it is
to help the elderly, knowing that once they were young teenager like
myself and how life was fun for them. I feel sad; but yet I pray for their
health and blissful lives.
I also wish that all of my fellow peers come and experience that getting
aged doesn’t mean that life ends or stops being fun, as I found out during my time volunteering. Many thanks to Aggie Ellian for giving me
the opportunity to volunteer and Mrs. Ovsanna for her kindness and
caring.
I really, really enjoyed this experience.
God bless you all, Nevair Oranjian.
Sincerely,
P.S. I look forward to future visits.
Adriana Manikian
(Editors note: God Bless you, you truly live up to your name. This delightful teenager is not only articulate, but she is very talented.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
•
Birthday party third Thursday of each month to celebrate residents’
birthdays for that month.
•
May 18, 2008—The Home’s Annual Membership meeting
•
June 8, 2008—New York Armenian Home Annual Picnic
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N E W Y O R K A R M E N I AN H O M E N E W S
LIFE AT THE HOME
SHOW TIME AT THE NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME
By John Sarian
On the sunny afternoon of Sunday, March 11, 2007, after a delightful lunch, residents of the New York Armenian Home and
guests were treated to a very gratifying and entertaining afternoon, a kaleidoscopic retrospect of early 20th century Armenian immigration to America. The group calling themselves “The Way We Were” performed this show focused on the normal problems encountered by immigrants, as well as those unique to Armenians that came from the various villages. The format of the program was a continuous series of comedic and dramatic vignettes interspersed with patriotic, folk and popular Armenian songs and dances.
The eighteen-member troupe and the instrumental ensemble of Clarinet, Oud, 2 Dumbegs, Organ, and a large keyboard furnished a blend of excellent entertainment. Solo songs and ensemble singing were rendered with sensitivity or robust delivery, as befit
each song.
If I may be so bold, praise is due to our own soprano, Karine Barsoumian, for her beautiful rendition of Karavan. Her son
Harout accompanied the group on keyboard.
Comedic element of the sketches elicited much laughter throughout the program. Although everyone does not experience the
situations depicted in the sketches, yet we are all at least familiar with the profiles.
The very talented Hourig Sahagian, who visualized the concept for the show, directed it and compiled the songs and dances,
deserves significant praise. For anyone who remembers the years when she and Sosy Kadian were featured soloists of Armenian
songs and dances, and this is self evident that the show is the fruition of decades of performing experience and a thorough knowledge
of the Armenian public.
N E W Y O R K A R M E N I AN H O M E N E W S
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NYAH FAMILY WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS
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NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME NEWS
LIFE AT THE HOME
AGBU YOUNG PROFESSIONALS VISIT HOME
On a beautiful sunny Sunday July 15, 2007, while families were planning outings, picnics and flocking to the beaches, approximately 40
young AGBU interns gave up their day off to visit the New York Armenian Home. They came from all over from the United States and
Europe.
Thanks to Michael Hovsepian AGBU Associate Program Director and
AGBU-YP Sylvia Ansarian of the New York City Internship program
arranged to have these lovely and talented young co-ed Armenians to
come and visit our Home. The young interns had a wonderful program
prepared; they performed their talents from comedy to serious violin
playing and all types of singing and dancing.
The residents enjoyed
the program with laughs
and oohs and awws.
After the program was
over, the Interns served
cake and coffee and
they interacted with all
the residents talking and
dancing with them. We
certainly appreciate the
fact that the young professionals took time out
to prepare a show entertain our Armenian Elderly. A Good Time
Was Had by All. We
love all of you and wish
you the best in your
careers.
Keep those
visits coming!
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever
wasted.
Aesop, (6th century B.C.) Greek fabulist
St. Nersess Students Visit
The New York Armenian Home
Father Sahak Kaiishian and Deacon Levon Altian
brought their summer students visiting St. Nersess
Seminary in July and August. After prayers were
said the students had lunch with the residents. After
lunch, they sang songs and bid their farewells.
N E W Y O R K A R M E N I AN H O M E N E W S
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PICTURING HOLIDAYS
Two years ago after Thanksgiving, Michael & Barbara
Mirakian visited the Home with several poinsettia Plants; starting off our decorating for the Christmas season. Residents
were so happy, that last year the Mirakian’s came with twice as
many plants. Again, we were happy and the residents thanked
Michael themselves. This year on Friday, November 30, 2007
the Mirakian’s brought every resident a plant to be put in their
rooms. Mr. Mirakian left the home not only with thanks but
the resident’s blessings to him and his family.
Father Kasparian and
ACYOA’S
from
St.
Gregory, in
Westchester
bearing
Christmas
gifts, visiting Home
and entertaining the
Residents.
The trio comprised of Varujan Vartanianvocals,
Ara
Dinkjian-Oud,
Nubar BoyajianDumbeg came to
the Home on
December
12,
2007.
Varujan
sang his Heart
out and danced
with the residents.
When
Varujan imperPage 8
sonated Tom Jones singing “Delilah”
92 year old Flora Vaezi stood up and sang
the chorus with Varujan.
Armenian Club from Frances Lewis High School visits the
New York Armenian Home
Hayr Soorp Vahan from Holy
Martyrs Church
holds
weekly
Bible Classes at
the Home. But
this time he
came to play
piano and sing,
to share the Holiday spirit with
our residents.
Saturday, December 12, 2007, Der Hayr Nareg from St. Sarkis Church
brought the Saturday School Children along with St. Sarkis Ladies
Guild. The children recited poems, sang and interacted with the residents.
N E W Y O R K A R M E N I AN H O M E N E W S
AT THE HOME
Sunday, November
25, 2007 Thanksgiving dinner was
given for Residents
and Families. Der
Hayr Mesrob from
St. Illuminators and
Der Hayr Nareg
from St. Sarkis
came.
They
opened the program with prayers
and ended with
singing and reciting
poems.
January 6, 2008,
Armenian Christmas was celebrated
in our Auditorium.
Surpazan Anoushavan and Der Hayr
Nareg celebrated
“Soorp Zoonunt”
with prayers. Then
they sang Gaghant
Baba as Gaghant
Baba (aka Karine
Barsoumian) came,
danced and sang
with the residents
and gave out presents.
Archbishop Khajak Barsamian came to bless the Home for
the New Year and had lunch with residents in the Home’s
Dining Room.
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME NEWS
Holy Martyrs Armenian School kids sang Christmas Carols to our
residents.
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THEY SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY
Page 10
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME NEWS
Edward D. Jamie, Jr.
Funeral Chapel
208-17 Northern Blvd, Bayside, NY
(718) 224-2390
(888) 224-6088
“Serving the Armenian Community”
New York Armenian Home
137-31 45th Avenue
Flushing, NY 11355
I would like to help The Home continue to provide excellent care and greater comfort for the residents
Enclosed is my donation for $________________________
Name ___________________________________________
Address _________________________________________
City _______________ State __________ Zip __________
Gifts are deductible for Income, Gift and Estate Tax purposes
Please mail donation to: The New York Armenian Home, 137-31 45th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME NEWS
Page 11
Flushing, NY 11355
Permit No. 141
Flushing, NY 11351
137-31 45 Avenue
U.S. Postage Paid
New York Armenian Home
Non Profit Organization
With gratitude
WHEN MAGIC WANDS DON’T
WORK, OUR WISHES DON’T
COME TRUE WITHOUT YOU!
New York Armenian Home appreciates each and everyone of you who made the donations in lieu of flowers and in memory or the residents of the Home who
passed away within the last two years. We miss all of
them.
2 Water fountains
Asdvadz Hokinere Loosavore…
Mirrors for closet doors
$800.00
New Stereo set
$500.00
80 Table lamps
$7,000.00
Zauvart Alexanian
Israel Arabian
Nazareth Derkazarian
OUR WISH LIST...
$1,500.00
Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers ...
Helen Gayeakian
Irene Kasbarian
Kristine Naldjian
Ann Odabashian
Berjui Papazian
Vartkes Ravul
Page 12
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME NEWS
Editor
AGGIE ELLIAN
Publishing Manager
JENNY AKOPYAN
NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME NEWS