In an era where electronics are threatening printed media, the Haireniks appear to be weathering the changing times.
Had you attended the reception on Oct. 26, you would have received a vote of confidence in the two publications at 80 Bigelow in Watertown. The Armenian Weekly—formerly Hairenik Weekly—hit the octogenarian mark, while its sister publication Hairenik Weekly is celebrating 115 years of resiliency.
Both have been friendly companions in our midst for nearly two centuries combined and deserve their rightful place in Armenian journalism.
Some 180 guests showed up to offer their congratulations and support in what was an embraceable evening marked by nostalgia and fundraising.
The celebration was hosted by Avo and Carmen Barmakian, who left no stone unturned in this extravaganza. One look at the food selection and hospitality was enough to set the standard for a committee of 15 chaired by Angele Manoogian.
You may have read about Ungerouhi Angele and that medal she received by the Republic of Artskah a month ago. Here she was, back in the flow, organizing this event without the least bit of fanfare.
Guests arrived from all avenues of the community, near and far, like some reunion for the ages with the Haireniks in their heart. Editors. Correspondents. Long-time subscribers. Benefactors, certainly. A support system that could have been instrumental in keeping the Titanic afloat.
For openers, Professor Richard Hovannisian, an icon in himself, reflected on his moments with the two organs, including those halcyon years at 212 Stuart Street in Boston. Had William Saroyan been in the crowd, no doubt they would have locked in embrace.
Both papers were given citations from the office of Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian.
Nice to see two veteran writers recognized. Dr. Michael Mensoian and Dr. Henry Astarjian were both applauded for their years of loyalty to the publications, sometimes controversial in nature but nonetheless relevant in their messages.
Seldom do you find in any newspaper such a proofreader par excellence than Garbis Zerdelian, who could spot a typo inside a haystack. Hairenik Weekly Editor Zaven Torigian expressed his gratitude for that man who’s volunteered his time and his eyes to make the products clean and acceptable.
One has to only look at the lineage of editors here to see the loyalty and devotion that has manifested itself over the years, right to the present time with Nanore Barsoumian (AW) and Zaven Torigian (HW), ready to establish a new legacy of continuity.
Talk to any committee member and the comments flow with exuberance. “The number of attendees was a testament to the diligence and devotion of the committee,” they say.
The Hairenik publications have informed, inspired, motivated, and educated five generations of Armenians, not only here in the United States but all over the world.
From the struggles to the fedayees in the yergir to the war in Syria today, the Haireniks have chronicled our contemporary history.
They have found room for prose and poetry from Siamanto to Saroyan to the AYF Juniors, while its books and periodicals have given us masterpieces in Armenian literature and thoughtful analyses.
An evening such as this restores our integrity in the two mediums. It tells us that people still care about the printed products and are willing to lend their support. It tells us that despite a Sunday night, tight schedules, financial burdens, and sometimes nonchalance and apathy in our midst, people are still willing to patronize our papers and give them added sustenance.
Among those who have been impacted by the Armenian Weekly is community activist Heather (Apigian) Krafian, whose relationship goes back to childhood days. Back then she was reporting on chapter news, which ultimately led to more intensified roles as an Armenian American. Several times she was asked to write a story or two for the Olympics issue.
“I remember how badly I wanted my article to appear on the Junior AYF Page and followed stories written by my friends from other chapters,” she recalls. “This ambition led to my interest in starting an AYF Junior newspaper in Detroit for our own members. The Armenian Weekly facilitated this small journalistic hobby I had acquired.”
Today, that relationship with the Armenian Weekly remains just as tight with four daughters in tow and a husband (Ara) who has kept his spirit intact, particularly on the AYF Olympics end both as an athlete and Governing Body member.
“My strong connection with the Armenian Weekly has grown along with my family,” she says. “It has remained a staple of my life.”
If you wish to contribute, and haven’t had an opportunity, kindly make a check payable to the ACAA and mail it off to Hairenik Publications, 80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472.
And you, too, will be part of this venerable history.
Tom Vartabedian
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