Monday, July 30, 2012

Chaos, shocks as young Georgian wins gold

By Michael Holden

(Reuters) - Georgia's Lasha Shavdatuashvili, the youngest competitor in the event, grabbed Olympic gold in the men's -66kg judo category on Sunday in a tournament spiced with shock results and an extraordinary refereeing volte-face.

The unheralded 20-year-old, the world number 32, defeated Hungary's Miklos Ungvari, 31, in the final to send a small but incredibly noisy group of fans from his homeland wild as he secured Georgia's third ever judo gold.

"I'm happy to continue the Olympic gold medal list from Georgia and of course this medal belongs not only to the athlete but to the country," said the delighted winner, grinning broadly throughout a later press conference.

His success was overshadowed though by bizarre and chaotic scenes which followed the quarter-final clash between Japan's Masashi Ebinuma, the world champion, and South Korea's Cho Jun-Ho.

After the match finished scoreless following extra time, it was left to the referee and two judges to call the result and they duly raised their blue flags to indicate Cho had won by showing the more attacking intent.

The crowd at London's ExCel Centre, which included a large number of Japanese, erupted in a cacophony of boos and jeers with the disgusted Japanese coach looking utterly flabbergasted.

The reaction clearly had an impact as the startled judges decided to refer their verdict to a reviewing jury which took the unprecedented step of overturning the result.

"I thought I was going to lose," Ebinuma told reporters later, adding he thought the support from the spectators had played a role. "I'm feeling a bit bad for the Korean."

Perplexed

Cho, who had looked perplexed at events but left the mat without any dissent, refused to criticize the referees. Both men went on to earn bronze medals, helping to alleviate any hard feelings

"I thought I had won," Cho said. "We both won bronze medals so I'm very happy."

The governing International Judo Federation, which confirmed a flag decision had never been overturned before, said they wanted to ensure the right man won.

Officials are desperate to avoid any repeat of the furor which followed controversial refereeing decisions such as in the 2000 Olympic heavyweight final in Sydney when French judoka David Douillet took gold from Japan's Shinichi Shinohara amid angry protests from the Japanese camp.

It was an eventful day on the mat as well as the youthful Shavdatuashvili powered to victory as older and higher ranked judokas crashed out well before the final stages.

The raucous crowd went wild when Britain's Colin Oates, 29, dispatched Mongolia's Tsagaanbaatar Khashbaatar, the world number two and bronze medalist in Beijing, in the last 16.

However, Oates could not repeat that success, losing out to Shavdatuashvili, who then reached the final by beating Ebinuma by hurling him to the ground for an automatic winning ippon half way through their encounter.

Ebinuma took bronze by beating Poland's Pawel Zagrodnik, 24, with an ippon, and enjoying another bit of luck when an ippon awarded against him was overturned.

Cho also grabbed bronze but this time being on the right side of the referees' decision after his match with Spain's Sugoi Uriarte had ended all square.

(Editing by Matt Falloon and Jason Neely)

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Armenian Street Festive Guide


St Vartanantz Annual Picnic (MA)Date: Sunday, August 5
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Stephen's Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday August 12
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

Sayat Nova Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

New Britain Armenian Church Annual Picnic (CT)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection
Address: 1910 Stanley St, New Britain, CT, 06053

Taste of Armenia (IL) 
Date: Sunday August 26, 2012
Time: Noon - 6:30PM
Location: St. James Armenian Church
Address: 816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL, 60201

Friday, July 27, 2012

"Is His Father Black????"

This is a great Q&A if you have or are considering adoption of a child of a different or mixed ethnicity.  If you have been wondering how other families manage the often intrusive or outright rude questions from strangers, this is a great place to start.  As for our family, we find a lot of humor in stranger's assumptions and how free they feel to share their interest.  Our children are very proud of their ethnicity and never shy from sharing.  For some families, it is truly painful when asked.  How do you manage this for your family?       

Ghana News

F-I-V-E beautiful children were granted court decrees today!!!  Congratulations to our three Hopscotch families.  We are celebrating with you!!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Central and East European Coalition Invites You to a Policy Forum

 

The Impact of Russian “Soft” Power in Washington
and its Spillover Effects

Ariel Cohen, Senior Research Fellow, Heritage Foundation
Susan Corke, Director for Eurasia Programs, Freedom House
Jeff Trimble, Deputy Director, International Broadcasting Bureau
Irina Van Dusen, Managing Editor, Voice of America Russian Service

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
3:00-5:00 p.m.

Room GD 11
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Constitution Avenue and 1st Street, NE

Refreshments will be served.

RSVP (acceptances only):
ceecoalition@gmail.com
Tel. 202-481-3334

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Armenian Street Festive Guide



Camp Haiastan Alumni Annual Picnic (MA)Date: Sunday, July 29
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Vartanantz Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 5
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Stephen's Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday August 12
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

Sayat Nova Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

New Britain Armenian Church Annual Picnic (CT)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection
Address: 1910 Stanley St, New Britain, CT, 06053

Taste of Armenia (IL) 
Date: Sunday August 26, 2012
Time: Noon - 6:30PM
Location: St. James Armenian Church
Address: 816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL, 60201

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

United Nations World Food Day

This year Joint Council is participating in the United Nations World Food Day on October 16, 2012. As part of our contribution and desire to raise awareness of worldwide hunger and nutrition, Joint Council is designing and distributing placemats, with an international food theme. We would like to personalize the placemats by asking children to describe the food of the country from which they were adopted: anything from food facts, trivia, or even favorite dish of their native country. This will not only raise awareness of international hunger and proper nutrition, but also make the project personal by showcasing some of the adopted children we advocate for.

If you could pass this request along, and send any response with the age and country of the child noted to partners@jointcoucil.org we would greatly appreciate it. We would ask for all response by August 15, 2012.

Also, if you have families who are interested in participating or getting involved, World Food Day is offering a poster contest for children ages 5 to 17. The deadline for the poster is September 30, 2012. To view the details, click here.

Thank you for your participation and help in advance.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

When Waiting Hurts...


Hopscotch dedicates this week to Evan Moses Haufler.  Hopscotch, family and friends are commemorating the passing of Evan Haufler two years ago this week. He was a precious child that brought so much joy to everyone he met.  Evan joined his family in Tbilisi, Georgia in July 2010 and then suddenly departed to be with his heavenly Father.  We hope Evan's life will motivate everyone responsible for children in care, to expedite a child's union to their family, in hopes of avoiding another preventable tragedy. His life is still being celebrated, but we imagine this world as such a sweeter place, if only Evan could have stayed a little longer.

Let this child's legacy be a reminder to parents, our own government and our future children's government to not wait, to do their very best to bring a child into a permanent biological or adoptive family as expediently as possible.  Evan's story reminds us to work for and demand change, because children cannot wait.   


Friday, July 13, 2012

Bulgaria News

Congrats to three Hopscotch families on their official match to FOUR amazing children!  These families jumped through incredible paperwork hoops to make their family dreams come true on short notice... we love the intense commitment families feel for their waiting children – it's affirming to see how much children are loved.  Love knows no boundary!

Armenia News

Congrats to our Hopscotch family on their arrival to Armenia this weekend to complete the adoption of their very adorable little girl.  Cute beyond words!!!!

Ghana News

Congratulations to our Hopscotch family on their arrival to Ghana today.  They are bringing their beautiful new son home!!!! 

Armenian Street Festive Guide


3rd ACEC Kermesse Street Festival (MA)
Dates: July 20-21-22, 2012
Time: All day and late evening
Location: Armenian community at Armenian Cultural Educational Center (ACEC)
Address: 47 Nichols Ave, Watertown, MA 02472

Camp Haiastan Alumni Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, July 29
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Vartanantz Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 5
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Stephen's Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday August 12
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

Sayat Nova Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

New Britain Armenian Church Annual Picnic (CT)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection
Address: 1910 Stanley St, New Britain, CT, 06053

Taste of Armenia (IL) 
Date: Sunday August 26, 2012
Time: Noon - 6:30PM
Location: St. James Armenian Church
Address: 816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL, 60201

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Ghana News: The Naming Ceremony of a Ga Child

In honor of our Ghanaian partner's naming ceremony for his new daughter, we wanted to share information with you that explains this rich tradition and most joyous occasion to be celebrated this weekend.  Please keep their family in your thoughts this week as they prepare for the big day.  Hopscotch staff and families wish you the very best! 

The Naming Ceremony of a Ga Child

As soon as a child is born, the husband and his family are at once informed, so that they may go and congratulate both the mother and the newcomer. The husband then sends a present to all who have assisted at the birth. The present frequently consists of rum, and therefore called "Defomo dan," the hand washing rum. The husband then sends one of his cloths for use as a pillow for the child. This is absolutely necessary, as it is the first actual sign of recognition by him that the child is his.

On the eighth day, a week after birth, according to the native calculation, the child is taken out and publicly presented to families of both the father and mother, as well as to friends at the father’s or grandfather’s house, if they live in separate houses. The mother’s and father’s families meet together at the paternal grandfather’s house or the father’s house in the morning between 2 and 4; they take to the meeting corn, wine and other drinks.

A person of good character and reputation in either of the two families, or outside of them, is next asked to take the child in his arms, hold it up and bring it down three times gently on the floor, sprinkle water on it three times, and then the father’s family name the child with one of their family names.

Next the owner, or the eldest person in the house or quarter where the ceremony is being performed, will say the following prayer for blessing on the child:

Tsua Tsua Tsua manye aba. Tsua Tsua Tsua manye aba. Tsu-a Tsu-a Tsu-a manye aba, Osoro (Osu) Ahatiri, Obu Ahatiri, Oboro dutu wokpe, Wodsebu wodse nu, Wo ye wo nu wo kodsii adso wo, Gboni bale etse yi ana wala, Enye yi ana wala, Esee tuu, Ehee fann, Eyi aba gbodsen, Ese aba halaann, Wekumei wona faa ni wo fa le, Eba tsu eha wo ni woye, Eko atasi ni eko aba, Ganyo humile koyo tsua dani owieo, Tsua Tsua Tsua manye aba,"

To which the others answer "Yao!" A free translation into English of the above would be:

Oyez! may the Gods pour their blessing upon us! Oyez! may the Gods pour their blessing upon us! Oyez! may the Gods pour their blessing upon us!

A child has been born (presented); we have formed a circle round to view it.

Whenever we dig may it become a well full of water: and when we drink out of the means of health and strength to us!

May the parents of this child live long!

May it never look at the place whence it came!

May it be pleased always to dwell with us!

May it have respect for the aged!

May it be obedient to elders, and do what is right and proper.

May many more follow, full of grace and honour!

May the families always be in a position to pay respect and regard to this child, and out of his earnings may we have something to live upon!

May it live long and others come and meet it!

As a Ga person does not speak at random, so may this child be careful of his words and speech, and speak the truth so that he may not get into trouble and palavers!

Oyez! may the Gods pour their blessing upon us!"

To which the others say "Amen!"

This ceremony is called "kpodsiemo" and is made up of three words meaning in English Annunciation, Proclamation, and naming. Some people compare the word with "Baptism." Whatever the meaning, there can be little doubt but that the form of ceremony seems similar to the Jewish one.

The Name

This is the most important thing among the Gas, much more important, even, than their tribal facial cut, which is of comparatively recent origin.

Just as it is possible for an instructed person to pick out a Ga man from among thousands of other people of a different tribe, so he can also distinguish from among most of the Ga people to which family he belongs as soon as he hears the name of that person.

In old days a Ga man would die for his family name; and, just as it is considered an insult, not only to the person to whom the affront is offered, but also to the family to which he belongs, to serve him with a summons personally, so it is considered and unpardonable defamation to call a man or a woman by a name other than the one which was given to him or her on the eighth day after his or her birth in the presence of the families of both of his or her parents.

Further, in former days a Ga man asked for nothing more than to die fighting in the midst of his family, under the family banner, with the family war song ringing in his ears, or in the time of peace to die in the midst of his family, and be laid to rest under the ground in the family house.

It is this enchantment in the family name that makes every man go to war taking for his party the father’s side; in a word, he does all he can to enhance the fame and the good name of his family.

It is only the present generation that has forgotten the house that bore and bred their forefathers, a generation that apes that which is foreign to its creation, nationless descendants of the generation that witnessed heroic acts and deeds, that look down on what is intended for them by nature, abashed, disgraced, and defamed to own the name into which they were born, considering it unbecoming to bear the honour of their father’s family name, but not ashamed to assume names coming form a land and people as foreign as it was unknown to his early imagination, and knowing not what the meaning or purport of that name may be these are the men who weaken the very roots of all attempt to live a national life suited to the country of their birth; without ambition, they look forward to being what they will never be, and, being without faith in the strength of indigenous things truly their own, they look for help and support from that which is entirely extraneous and exogamous.

It appears that in other tribes there is always a difficulty in naming a child; therefore children are mostly called after the day on which they were born. But there is no such difficulty experienced among the members of the Ga tribes because, in most cases, if not in all, children are born into their names, i.e., before a child is born, it is known what name it will bear, irrespective of the day on which it is born they have their names according to the order of their birth.

It may be mentioned that in case a husband in either line has more than one wife, the issue of each wife has to be named the same order in the particular line and number.

There are generally two sets of names: the senior or first set, i.e., the fathers; and the junior or second set, i.e., the children. The fathers give the names in the second set to their children, and the children give the names in the first set to their own children. It means that the customary law lays it down that children are bound to give to their own children the names which their fathers, uncles and aunts bear or have borne.

Among the Ga tribes one or two of the following are given to children, viz.: Tribal names. Family names. Day names. Fetish names. Kra names. Nicknames. The following are the names in general use among the hole of the Ga tribes, viz.: Ayite (Male), e.g., Ga Nyo Ayite. Ayele (Female), e.g., Ga Nyo Ayele. Dede do. Korkor do. Tette (male). Ayi do.

Family Names

It is evident that a country like that occupied by the Ga tribes must necessarily contain a population made up of heterogeneous groups containing two or more families with distinctive names and customs peculiar to each of them, besides the general custom of the mass over which a Mantse rules or the unity of masses over which the paramount head called the Ga Mantse reigns.

Apart from any fame or importance which any particular family might have attained subsequently in politics or otherwise by individual exertions on the part of a member or by a whole family, the fact remains that these family names have in their origin a meaning attached to each of them, and also that they are arranged like a chain in make and female lines.

Source: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/tribes/ga_names.php

Notice: Approval of the Agreement between the United States of America and the Russian Federation Regarding Cooperation in Adoption of Children

On July 10, 2012 the Russian Duma approved the bilateral adoption agreement signed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 13, 2011.  This marks a significant milestone toward the entry into force of the Agreement, which will provide additional safeguards to better protect the welfare and interests of children and all parties involved in intercountry adoptions. To find out more about the agreement, please visit the U.S. Department of State's FAQs and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) FAQs on the Agreement and its implementation.

The Agreement will now go to the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian Parliament, and once approved, will be sent to President Putin.  Following President Putin’s signature, the parties will need to establish procedures to implement the Agreement, which we are committed to doing as expeditiously as possible.  Following the establishment of these procedures, the Agreement will enter into force upon the exchange of notes between the U.S. and Russian governments. The Department of State and USCIS will provide guidance on their websites related to the Agreement.

Please monitor adoption.state.gov and uscis.gov for more information.

Monday, July 9, 2012

All American Girl with an Armenian Heart and Soul


Advocacy Alert H.R. 4373

Dear Adoption Tax Credit Working Group (ATCWG) Member:                                                                                               
The ATCWG is coordinating a constituent U.S. House of Representatives call-in this week to generate Congressional attention for the federal adoption tax credit. Representatives need to hear from their constituents about the adoption tax credit to know that it is important to them. For this reason, we are asking members of the Working Group to email an advocacy action alert to their networks tomorrow, July 10th! The goal of the action alert is to have individuals call their Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 4373, The Making Adoption Affordable Act.

Here is a document template you can use, or, modify as appropriate, as your advocacy action alert. We ask that you please share it through your networks using your normal email, or other, distribution methods.

If appropriate, you can also suggest anyone who has ever been named an Angel in Adoption and whose member of Congress is still in office ought to mention that to whoever he/she talks to when calling. It is a built in connection to the Member and will help persuade the staffer to take it seriously.

Thank you for your support and collective effort to renew the adoption tax credit. Also, we would love your feedback on how this action alert was received by your constituency and how we can improve upon it for the next time we send out an action alert.

Sincerely,

Shari
ATCWG Executive Committee, Secretariat 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Rosita and Todor on their recent wedding.  We know you will have a happy marriage and wish you all the best from Hopscotch staff and family!!

Orphan Statistics: Can You Make a Difference in One Child's Life?


  • Total estimated number of orphans worldwide: 153 million 
  •  Estimated number of orphans that have lost only their mother: 34.5 million 
  • Estimated number of orphans that have lost only their father: 101 million 
  • Estimated number of orphans that have lost both parents: 17.8 million
Source: U.S. Government "5th Annual Report to Congress on Public Law 109-95" and affirmed by UNICEF

American Friends of Georgia's 'Journey to Georgia' Trip

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to invite you to join AFG on a journey of discovery to a place which we are passionate about--the unique country of Georgia, Land of the Golden Fleece.  This in-depth adventure combines the pleasure of touring a fabulously beautiful and welcoming place and the "business" of visiting some of the humanitarian projects that are supported by American Friends of Georgia.  We are privileged to be seeing a side of Georgia that ordinary tourists will never catch a glimpse of--meeting extraordinary Georgians, sipping wine in a Bishop's vineyard, and visiting AFG projects such as Abbess Mariam's Day Care Center for vulnerable children.  In between these inspiring visits, we'll be experiencing the beauty, hospitality and bountiful food of the ancient culture of Georgia.

AFG's 'Journey to Georgia' trip will be September 9 - 18, 2012, with an optional extension of September 18 - 23, 2012.  So you can choose our 9 day trip.  Or you can stay on for an additional 5 days for our optional extension trip.  

Please see this brochure in both horizontal and panel forms.  If you have any friends who you think would be interested in seeing Georgia through our eyes, please forward this information to them.

You may contact me with any questions or call the MIR Corporation at 800-424-7289.  AFG is working with the MIR Corporation, experts in Eurasian travel.  Click onto this link to see AFG's 'Journey to Georgia' trip on their website.


Sincerely,

Marusya Chavchavadze
Executive Director/US
American Friends of Georgia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1200
Truro, MA 02666
Tel: 508-349-2180
Mob: 508-237-3109
Email: afgeorgia@gis.net
www.afgeorgia.org


Nino Aduashvili
Executive Director
Georgian Association in the United States, Inc.

THE GEORGIAN ASSOCIATION IS A NONPARTISAN NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION OF GEORGIAN-AMERICANS AND FRIENDS OF GEORGIA THAT ADVOCATES FOR GEORGIA AND GEORGIAN ISSUES IN THE U.S. IT IS THE OLDEST ORGANIZATION IN THE US REPRESENTING THE GEORGIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Armenian Street Festive Guide




Armenian Youth Federation/ Eastern Region Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, July 15
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

3rd ACEC Kermesse Street Festival (MA)
Dates: July 20-21-22, 2012
Time: All day and late evening
Location: Armenian community at Armenian Cultural Educational Center (ACEC)
Address: 47 Nichols Ave, Watertown, MA 02472

Camp Haiastan Alumni Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, July 29
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Vartanantz Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 5
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Stephen's Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday August 12
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

Sayat Nova Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

New Britain Armenian Church Annual Picnic (CT)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection
Address: 1910 Stanley St, New Britain, CT, 06053

Taste of Armenia (IL) 
Date: Sunday August 26, 2012
Time: Noon - 6:30PM
Location: St. James Armenian Church
Address: 816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL, 60201

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Families are Forever: Lead Poisoning Prevention Information for Parents and Prospective Parents of Internationally Adopted Children

Dear Colleagues,

Here is an article containing important information to safeguard the health of internationally adopted children, during early medical exams in the U.S.

The risk for lead exposure is higher in many countries from which children are adopted than in the United States. Sources of lead exposure vary by country. Concern exists about children adopted from overseas who may have been exposed in their home countries. The full article is linked below.

Title: Families Are Forever: Lead poisoning Prevention Information for Parents and Prospective Parents of Internationally Adopted Children: Important Information to Safeguard the Health of Your Child, During Early Medical Exams in the U.S.

Published: 2011

PDF: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/adoptionflyer.pdf

Abstract: Intended for adoptive parents of children from other countries, this fact sheet reviews information on the risk of lead exposure. Information is provided on finding ...


Joint Council on International Children’s Services | Partnership Department
Joint Council CFC Donation Information #10366
Please note: Joint Council is listed as “Adoptions International - JCICS

Monday, July 2, 2012

We're Home! Now What?

Only $10 and Only in July!  

alp 10 year anniversary  



We're Home! Now What? was designed to address immediate issues families face while getting to know one another.  Both courses offer practical tips that are easy to implement right away.  Topics addressed include:
  • Transitions including: language, sleeping and eating
  • Discipline
  • Attachment
  • Medical Care 
  • School placement    
There are two courses: one designed for new parents of adopted toddlers, the other for new parents of adopted school-aged children.  $10 for either course for this month only.

 

ALP Logo

IAC 221 & 222 Results

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 221 & 222 held on May 15th and 30th, 2012.
Download the PDF here.

American Friends of Georgia 'Journey to Georgia' Trip

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to invite you to join American Friends of Georgia on a journey of discovery to a place which we are passionate about--the unique country of Georgia, Land of the Golden Fleece.  This in-depth adventure combines the pleasure of touring a fabulously beautiful and welcoming place and the "business" of visiting some of the humanitarian projects that are supported by American Friends of Georgia.  We are privileged to be seeing a side of Georgia that ordinary tourists will never catch a glimpse of--meeting extraordinary Georgians, sipping wine in a Bishop's vineyard, and visiting AFG projects such as Abbess Mariam's Day Care Center for vulnerable children.  In between these inspiring visits, we'll be experiencing the beauty, hospitality and bountiful food of the ancient culture of Georgia.

AFG's 'Journey to Georgia' trip will be September 9 - 18, 2012, with an optional extension of September 18 - 23, 2012.  So you can choose our 9 day trip.  Or you can stay on for an additional 5 days for our optional extension trip.   

Please see the attached brochure in both horizontal and panel forms.  If you have any friends who you think would be interested in seeing Georgia through our eyes, please forward this information to them. 

You may contact me with any questions or call the MIR Corporation at 800-424-7289. AFG is working with the MIR Corporation, experts in Eurasian travel.  Click onto this link to see AFG's 'Journey to Georgia' trip on their website.

Sincerely,
Marusya Chavchavadze
Executive Director/US
American Friends of Georgia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1200
Truro, MA 02666
Tel: 508-349-2180
Mob: 508-237-3109

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Armenian Street Festive Guide


Armenian Youth Federation/ Eastern Region Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, July 15
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

3rd ACEC Kermesse Street Festival (MA)
Dates: July 20-21-22, 2012
Time: All day and late evening
Location: Armenian community at Armenian Cultural Educational Center (ACEC)
Address: 47 Nichols Ave, Watertown, MA 02472

Camp Haiastan Alumni Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, July 29
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Vartanantz Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 5
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

St Stephen's Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday August 12
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

Sayat Nova Annual Picnic (MA)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Camp Haiastan
Address: 722 Summer St, Franklin, MA, 02038

New Britain Armenian Church Annual Picnic (CT)
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection
Address: 1910 Stanley St, New Britain, CT, 06053

Taste of Armenia (IL) 
Date: Sunday August 26, 2012
Time: Noon - 6:30PM
Location: St. James Armenian Church
Address: 816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL, 60201