Concerning the discussion about the unfortunate turn of events with the Turks turning the Sourp Khatch Church on Akhtamar, Vasbouragan into a “museum” and having Badarak there as a ploy to endear themselves to the European Union and the world: In an independent poll of Armenian Americans who were asked if they thought Armenians should attend the Badarak, they all responded with a resounding “No!”
Paul Bardizbanian: “Heart strings or barbed wire—Akhtamar—To be or not to be? Van in this life—heaven in the next! Sprinkling bits of Vasbouragan earth on the caskets of Vanetzis. Going to the Turkish “Museum” opening?? I wish “Saturday Night Live” could do a skit on this tragic joke. If you go, protest appropriately. If you don’t go, do not sit on your hands. Do something. Stay involved. Write a letter. Join/support Armenian activists on this and other relevant issues. Sooner or later Turkey will admit its past!”
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Mitch Kehetian’s book Giants of the Earth has now gone into its third printing. That’s right, third printing, so jump on the bandwagon to purchase this fascinating book about his 1969 trip to the interior of Turkey, or historic Armenia, in search of his Aunt Parancim. It is now available in a paperback edition for a mere $9.95. When ordering online, be sure to ask for “the paperback edition” at www.PublishAmerica.com.
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Alice Nigoghosian is keen on gathering together all Detroit area Keghetsis in a regrouping for the purpose of camaraderie in the tradition of our survivor parents’ generation, which had a powerful Keghetsi society. We want to plan a casual social get together to bring us back as a viable group to toss ideas around. Alice, Mitch Kehetian, and myself, all proud Keghetsis, need to hear from you on this important matter. We’re not going to let the proud Vanetsis be the only show in town, are we?
There might even be a pagharch inner in it for you. Contact Alice or Mitch as soon as possible.
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Armen Tatoian, 15, of East Aurora, N.Y. became an Eagle Scout on June 4, following in the proud tradition of older brother Alex, now serving in Afghanistan. Congratulations to Armen for his accomplishment and to his parents Marty and Kim (Krikorian) Tatoian. Grandparents Anne and George Krikorian of Dearborn, Mich. attended the ceremony. Armen is an athlete and is focusing on his football season and scouting. Mom Kim is full of praise for Armen, who keeps her hopping with all his athletic and school involvement. “He’s such a blessed and good boy,” she says.
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Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic at the Woodward Dream Cruise amid thousands of classic cars, who should be in the next lane but Tony Janigian of Tony’s Mower Shop and Trains, located in Northville Township. His truck was flying a big American flag and I pulled up alongside and asked if he was Armenian, to which he nodded yes. I said I was, too, and that I remember his ads from the old Nerses Serkaian Armenian Radio Program. He sells Lionel and the very popular Thomas trains, M.T.H., and rockets. Website: wwwTonysmower.com.
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Leo Donian from San Francisco: “Thank you for your recent article on Scambile. You opened up a flood gate of colorful childhood memories while growing up during the Great Depression in my hometown of Granite City, Il. Our parents would regularly gather in the evening for a raucous game of Scambile. The sound of laughter and pounding of the table would rattle the windows in the house. While they were enjoying themselves, I would hang out in the kitchen pantry and pull out all of the pots and pans, making a cacophony of sound that could not blot out the screams of laughter during the game. I suspect there was a lot of cheating going on. The game was always followed up with a huge pot of popcorn, grown by one of the parents. Sometimes I even helped shuck the popcorn off the cob. I never learned to play the game. I have always wondered if Scambile was an Armenian card game. Please email your answer.” (No.)
That’s why Hye Beat does what she does. It is gratifying to hear from pleased readers everywhere.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
Latest posts by Betty Apigian-Kessel (see all)
- Meet the Legendary Margaret Lafian of Detroit - October 3, 2017
- The Lament of the Armenian Lady Farmer: How Green Is My ‘Bardez’ - September 22, 2017
- A Purposeful Visit to Great Lakes National Cemetery (Part II) - August 8, 2017
Loved your pleasant, lovable comments.
I treasure young Armenian descendants, who remember heir heritage, and make it known.
Remember….We were the first Christian nation, since the year 301.
NO ONE ELSE MAY MAKE THAT CLAIM !