MAY 6, 2009
34th Navasartian Games Take-Off
With An Impressive Party
By: Donig Donabedian

     On Sunday May 3rd, and at one of this year's Navasartian Games' Corporate Sponsor's eatery, Homentemen's Regional Executive Committee hosted a classy affair at the much hyped and lauded Katsuya Restaurant, in Glendale's marquee shopping site, Americana on Brand. Traditionally, the Navasartian Games have preceded the opening ceremony with a kick-off party, and it was only appropriate that this year the tradition was kept intact.
     Present, was an exuberant crowd of Homenetmen members, avid supporters and included such dignitaries as the U.S. Western Prelacy Representative, Reverend Vasken Atmajian and the 33rd Navasartian Games' honorary presidents, Mr. and Mrs. Vahagn and Baydsar Thomasian.
     Yeghpayr Mher Tavidian, the chairman of the Navasartian Committee that organized the kick-off party, was at hand, and graciously made his opening remarks, recognizing the colossal efforts of the regional executive committee and that of his own committee in an effort to bring unprecedented success to this year's games and festivities. Y. Mher continued by laying praise to his well assembled Navasartian Committee team and went on to introduce each of them starting with such Homenetmen stalwarts as, Kouyr Cima Garabetian, whose tasks include the Victory Bowl Banquet chairmanship and kick-off party representation, Kouyr Karineh Avaness, as the Navasartian Opening and Closing representative, Yeghpayr Vahe Ohanesian, festival representative, Kouyr Salpi Jejeian, "Kids Day" notification and sponsor representative, Yeghpayr Norayr Saghbazarian, committee accountant, Yeghpayr Sevag Garabetian, athletic liaison, Y. Ari Boyajian, website and graphic design and Kouyr Ani Kahwajian, committee administrator.
     Y. Mher Tavidian reminded all those who were present that this year's Victory Bowl Banquet was, to again take place at the CBS Studios on Saturday, June 27th , before concluding his remarks by expressing his gratitude to the regional executive committee for placing their trust in the Navasartian Committee and announcing the fast approaching Opening Ceremony date of May, 9th as the official inauguration day of the 34th Navasartian Games.
     Next, Homenetmen Western U.S. Regional Executive Committee Chairman, Yeghpayr Steve Artinian, conveyed his heartfelt optimism about the positive strides Homenetmen was making, namely, with the soon to be completed Regional Executive Headquarters, Homentemen's Camp Tecuya, Hollywood's much anticipated Armenian Center, giving Homenetmen Los Angeles a permanent home, Ararat chapter's immense leap with the acquisition of their 2nd Center, and last but not least, Pasadena "Azadamard" Chapter's purchase of their new center.
     Yeghpayr Steve Artinian went on to introduce to all those present, this year's "Dibar or "Exemplary" Homenetmenagan," Yeghpayr Zakar Chorbajian, who at the age of 80 has been involved with Homenetmen since 1945. Yeghpayr Zakar Chorbajian profoundly thanked the regional executive committee for choosing him as this year's Exemplary Homenetmenagan Honoree.
     As the party wore on and as the sushi eaters showed their fondness for the traditional Japanese delicacy, you could easily see the mood was one of jubilation and happiness, with the notion that the future is now, and is filled with promise.
     In appreciation for their hospitality, service and delightful offerings, Homenetmen's Regional Executive Committee in tandem with the 34th Navasartian Games Committee would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and management of Katsuya Restaurant.