Kessabstis, family and friends gather for the Massara ceremony and prayer.

Thousand Oaks, CA—On Saturday, November 3, more than 150 Kessabsti’s and friends of Kessab gathered at the home of Dr. George Apelian to celebrate the traditional preparation of Massara.

This annual tradition—preparation of the massara or grape molasses—takes place soon after the grape harvest begins. It is meant to be a time of celebration and merriment. Dr. Apelian and his family hosted the annual event. Guests each left with a jar of the rich and delicious molasses as a memento of the evening.

“It is important to me to keep this Kessabsti tradition alive.” Said George Apelian “I am so appreciative of my friends and family who support this tradition each year.”

Proceeds from donations benefited the Apelian Dental Clinic in Yerevan, Armenia. The Apelian Clinic provides free of charge dental services for children with disabilities and their families at the Prykutun Center. Dr. Apelian established the clinic 12 years ago bearing the name of his son.

Dr. George Apelian, Host of the Massara celebration, Peter Abajian-Paros Foundation, Esther Tognozzi-Kessab Educational Association and Narine Panosian-Paros Foundation at the Massara celebration.

To learn more about the Apelian Clinic and to donate towards its important mission, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Sarah Derderian enjoying the afternoon with one of her four legged friends.

Almost three years ago I made the move from Philadelphia, PA to Gyumri, Armenia to work at the Debi Arach Children’s Center. What I expected to be a one-year assignment has evolved into a longer-term, life changing adventure. Since the day I arrived, I have been asked the same question repeatedly from everybody I meet (whether they are from Armenia or elsewhere.) “Why Armenia? Why Gyumri?”. The “Why Armenia?” question is very simple to answer.  I am one of many repatriates who were born outside of our motherland, but decided to move back. “Why Gyumri?” is the question that I struggle putting its answer into words.

Today, Gyumri is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Spitak earthquake; the earthquake that took the lives, homes, jobs, and futures of so many people. Now, 30 years later, many locals say that not much has changed. Sure, there are new buildings, new businesses, new places to go, but an uneasyness arises any time the topic of the earthquake is mentioned. A city that was once the cultural capital of Armenia, which prospered under the Soviet Union, the home of some of Armenia’s most famous comedians, playwrights, and artists,  is now a place  where many people struggle daily to survive. Three generations of people continue to live in what seems to be a never-ending cycle of poverty.

 Why Gyumri? I chose Gyumri because there islife outside of Yerevan and I wanted to move to a community where I felt I could contribute to a greater cause. I chose Gyumri because I believe in the power of education and the importance of nurturing the next generation. I chose Gyumri to instill hope among students who may not believe in a future.

 Gyumri is not an easy place to live. On the contrary, it’s very difficult to live in a community riddled in poverty and in many aspects stuck in a Soviet mentality. But, what gets me through is my work at Debi Arach and the hope that the investment we make in this next generation will be a solid step in moving Gyumri forward. I currently work with an amazing group of children who are the next generation of Armenia’s doctors, politicians, programmers, and leaders. 

 I guess I’m here to say that there is hope in Gyumri, and that’s “Why Gyumri.”

Sarah Derderian works as development officer and special projects director at the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri.  Sarah has also founded the D.O.G.-Dogs of Gyumri project, which works to spray and neuter street dogs and arrange for adoptions of puppies.  Be sure to visit Sarah, Debi Arach and D.O.G when you are in Armenia.

Its only Tuesday and I have already been asked twice this week about our “100%” promise, so I thought I would take a moment and explain this significant part of our Paros philanthropic model.

Thanks to the on-going commitment and generosity of the Strauch-Kulhanjian Family and our Founder and Chairman, Roger Strauch, 100% of donor contributions (a.k.a. funds that we raise from the community) are applied directly and entirely to fund projects in Armenia.  These are either projects that we have identified and are implementing, or projects that donors have identified and partnered with us on their funding and implementation.  Roger and his family annually underwrite 100% of The Paros Foundation’s administrative costs.  Salaries (two full-time in the U.S. and three in Armenia,) our travel to and from and within Armenia, office supplies, postage, marketing materials, etc. all add up, and we are fortunate to continue to have Roger’s and his family’s support to underwrite these necessities. This significant commitment has helped build trust between our Foundation and the community and allows us to be fully transparent.

If you are thinking about Thanksgiving and “Giving Tuesday,” please keep Paros and our 100% promise in mind!

SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants spent four days working on the art school in the village of Kanakeravan.

The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2018 group wrapped up another great summer of service, touring, and fun bringing the number of program alum to over 100. The nine participants and coordinator from around the United States joined us in Armenia to work on impactful service projects. During the one month program, participants also visited historic sites and developed lifelong friendships. Service Armenia was established in 2013 and provides Diaspora youth ages 17-22 years the opportunity to work on meaningful service projects and to have fun in Armenia. Next year’s program will run from June 23 to July 23, 2019. Applications are now available at www.parosfoundation.org.

This summer’s service work included renovations at the Zorakan Village School in the Tavush region. SERVICE participants painted six classrooms as part of the second floor remodel. The remainder of the second floor was completed prior to the start of classes, however, $75,000 is still needed for the renovation of the first floor of the school. The Zorakan Village School services 135 secondary school students. At the Kanakeravan Art School in the Kotayk region, participants poured the subfloor and installed new flooring in three rooms. This combined with the complete renovation of these classrooms has created a beautiful environment for the art school students.

SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants visited the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial.

One of the highlights of SERVICE Armenia is always visiting the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. This year minor renovations were done at the Center and a “Packs on Backs” distribution was carried out, providing 185 children with the necessary school supplies and backpacks. SERVICE youth had a chance to get to know students at Debi Arach through a fun day of dancing, playing sports, and socializing. While in Gyumri, Dustin Hochmuth, a repeat participant of SERVICE Armenia, also spearheaded the “Groceries for Gyumri” distribution for 100 families. His efforts included raising the necessary funding, obtaining and assembling food packets with his SERVICE Armenia peers, and coordinating the delivery of basic grocery staples, fresh fruits and vegetables, and personal hygiene products to families in need.

Other 2018 highlights included four exciting excursions with the Yerevan Children’s Home, the Vanadzor Orphanage, the Kharpert Home for Special Children and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. The SERVICE Armenia group also toured many monuments and important historic locations throughout the country, along with overnight stays in the Lori Region and Artsakh. In addition to the well known religious and cultural sites, the group was able to experience hikes at the Hunot Gorge and the Kobayr Monastery, a tour of the Areni Caves and the Historic Noy Cognac Factory, and to visit the World UNESCO Heritage sites, Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries. From Artsakh to Zorakan, SERVICE Armenia 2018 was definitely a summer to remember.

“This program was executed perfectly for the age and the interests of our group,” said Ani Shahinian. “In the three times I’ve been to Armenia, this was my favorite experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip!”

A visit to and lunch at the Geghard Monastary was among one of the many historic and religious sites visited throughout the month long program.

Applications for SERVICE Armenia 2019 are available on our website www.parosfoundation.org. The program includes tours to historic, religious and cultural sites in Armenia and Artsakh, English speaking staff and guides, safe and well located accommodations and transportation combined with interesting cultural and educational activities that will ensure all will have an engaging and memorable experience. The program is open to both Armenian and American young people wishing to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Knowledge of the Armenian language is not required. Join us and create a lifetime of great memories and friends. The deadline to submit the completed application is April 1, 2019.

For more information, please contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061 or via E-mail peter@parosfoundation.org

Children at the Kindergarten in Nor Keghi performing at the opening celebration!

On July 6, 2018 The Paros Foundation’s staff and SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants joined the mayor, staff, parents and children of Nor Keghi in Kotayk province to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated kindergarten auditorium.

The Arakelyan Kindergarten facilitates the early education of more than 85 children.  The renovation of the multipurpose room, stage, ready room, adjacent hallway and stairwell was made possible by the generosity of the Detroit based Nor Keghi Association which sponsored the project.   The Paros Foundation had previously renovated two bathrooms at the kindergarten as part of its 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in 2015 with the support of the Nigoghosianfamily.

“We were able to help Nor Keghi’skindergarten solve another important issue with the help of the Nor Keghi Association and its fundraising efforts,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “The village population is increasing, and the kindergarten principal has requested we help them expand by renovating additional rooms.”

Nor Keghi Mayor, Kindergarten staff, parents, and friends gathered with The Paros Foundation’s staff and SERVICE Armenia 2018 group to celebrate the successful completion of the remodel.

For the auditorium project, The Paros Foundation team installed new doors and windows, resurfaced the existing wood parquet floors, installed laminate flooring in the ready room and stage area, added new electrical and lighting throughout and repaired and painted the walls and ceiling.  The team also worked with the mayor to bring proper heating to the facility.  Following the renovation, 80 high quality stackable chairs were delivered to outfit the multipurpose room. A plaque will be installed in the auditorium acknowledging sponsorship of the project by the descendants of Keghi through the Nor Keghi Association in association with The Paros Foundation.

“It is so heartwarming to see pictures of the renovated multipurpose room of the Arakelyan Kindergarten,” said Nor Keghi Association President, Richard Norsigian. “When my son, Shant and I entered the room in person last September, we were

Children at the Kindergarten in Nor Keghi express their appreciation during a performance in the newly renovated multipurpose room.

devastated – it looked like a tornado had hit it!  It was unusable.  We were deeply saddened to think our little Armenian kindergartners did not have an indoor facility for activities.  The pictures of the now completely renovated multipurpose room brought tears of joy to my eyes.  To our generous Keghetzis and friends who made the renovation possible, I say vartzkernees gadarand God willing, we have only just begun!”

Join The Paros Foundation October 16-29 for a Journey through Armenia

Experience all Armenia has to offer through an exciting 11 day itinerary, which will include several visits to UNESCO world heritage sites, amazing cultural outings and several visits to Paros project sites. Opportunities to interact with Armenia’s children through service work will certainly leave you with a memorable and lasting impression. Delicious food, premium accommodations and transportation and English-speaking staff and guides ensure all will have a meaningful experience.

In-country fees including airport pick up, lodging, in-country transportation, tours with admissions to all sites and cultural activities and most meals:

$2,500 double occupancy
$3,200 single occupancy

Price includes a $500 tax-deductible donation in support of Paros projects. Pricing does not include airfare. This trip is open to everyone.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING US PLEASE COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM AND RETURN TO US.

* THIS JOURNEY THROUGH ARMENIA IS COORDINATED BY THE PAROS FOUNDATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SIMA TOURS & GROUP LEADERS JEANETTE BORAS AND CHARLENE ASDOURIAN.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF ARMENIA.

Its been a while since I blogged about our current activities.  Certainly NOT because our team is not getting things done, but just the contrary! We are in our pre-summer run up to SERVICE Armenia 2018 and a in the midst of planning for a terrific fundraiser in New York on June 7th.  I have to say, it has been difficult being in the US watching from afar the incredible changes that are taking place in Armenia this last month.  I honestly feel cheated that I am not in Hayastan. My timing really does suck.  I have been in Armenia each year for the last 12 years for no less than three months a year via four or five trips annually–and I missed it!  But, I will be in Armenia in a couple of weeks and we have accomplished a bunch of important things.

Our team in Armenia is working on several smaller projects with funds remaining from our Support Our Heroes project that is worth mentioning today.

One of Nodorik’s new piglets.

Several weeks ago, construction was completed on the barn in the village of Gugark for the family of Nodorik Margaryan. We paid for all the materials, labor and supplied them with three piglets and feed.  We are hopeful this will help them expand their agribusiness and allow them to better care for themselves.

Roof renovations in process.

Up in Saragukh, a village near Novemberyan, we are helping a father/son soldier team with roofing materials to complete the construction of their village home.  These men and their family moved to this village and are living in a rented home until they are able to finish construction.  They are both contract soldiers and are stationed about five kilometers away from their home on the border.

Fitting for a new prosthetic leg.

Late last week, our colleague Gegham met a soldier who is stationed in Artsakh.  About two years ago he had his foot and part of his leg blown off from a landmine.  The prosthetic leg that he was given has continuously given him problems with sores and open wounds.  So, Gegham met him in Yerevan at the master prosthetic maker in town to fit him and we ordered him a new prosthetic.  Hopefully this higher quality leg will fit him better and allow him to get around easier.

Finally, we are supporting cancer treatments for the mother of a soldier that was injured and left partially disabled as a result of the April war.  We have supported two rounds of treatments and we are hopeful that her condition will improve.

We have lots of big projects moving forward in full swing that I will report on from Armenia, but I didn’t want these important, but smaller projects to be overlooked.

As Armenians come together today around the world to commemorate the 103^rdanniversary of the Armenian Genocide, our thoughts and prayers not only remember the 1.5 million Armenians who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government, but turn to our compatriots living in this remarkable time in Armenia.

Scores of fearless people, facing uncertain consequences, took to the streets leading a well-organized, peaceful protest aimed at preventing a power-grab by Serzh Sargsyan, who had pledged not to pursue the office of Prime Minister following Armenia’s change to a parliamentary form of government. Calls for acts of peaceful civil disobedience initiated by young people and then joined by tens of thousands of citizens from all walks of life culminated in Sargsyan’s resignation. Throughout these tense days, both citizens and Armenia’s police exercised incredible restraint.  The protestors, police and Sargsyan himself should celebrate the fact that Armenia is maturing and its growing pains were not met with loss of life, but rather a peaceful transition.

In the coming days, what the future holds for our homeland and its citizens is unknown.  On behalf of The Paros Foundation, we join in the spirit of positive change and collaboration to build a bright future for Armenia’s children.  We support our brothers and sisters in Hayastan on their path to long-term nation building over short-term personal gain. We, at Paros remain committed to mobilize Diasporan support for the implementation of valuable projects and the progressive leadership necessary to ensure their long-term success.

By remembering our past, we will build a homeland together that is safe, secure and prosperous, and one that our ancestors would be proud to call “Mer Hayrenik.”