ARARAT HOME RECEIVES 4TH CONSECUTIVE AWARD FROM STATE
Mission Hills: For the 4th consecutive year, the Ararat Home Assisted Living Facility has been awarded a zero deficiency survey designation by the State of California. Under the administrative leadership of Mrs. Rita S. Noravian, the excellent staff of the Assisted Living Facility continues to provide exceptional care in the areas of environment, resident rights, activities, food/nutrition and overall quality of life. In congratulating Mrs. Noravian and the entire staff, Ararat Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Nazar Ashjian Jr. stated, “When everyone does their job to the best of their ability, then the organization is outstanding. Each and every one of you are OUTSTANDING!”
ARARAT CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 30
TH ANNIVERSARY
Eagle Rock CA – Celebrating 30 years of service to the “hayrigs” and “mayrigs” of the San Gabriel Valley, Ararat Home Convalescent Hospital in Eagle Rock was host to honored guests and valued staff on May 13, 2010. Administrator Robert Taylor introduced long-time supporters and former administrators who expressed their fond memories of the hospital’s humble beginnings and stellar reputation. In an atmosphere which felt like a family reunion, a delicious meal was shared and an anniversary cake was cut and enjoyed. To cap off the afternoon, certificates of appreciation for specific years of service were presented by Mr. Taylor, Director of Nurses Mrs. Aida Yeghiayan and Chairman of the Ararat Board of Trustees, Mr. Nazar Ashjian, Jr. Special recognition was given to the two longest serving staff members, Mr. Ovanes Bakalian, Cook, and his wife, Janet, Certified Nurse Assistant who have provided loving care for approximately 1800 residents over these 30 years. Chairman Ashjian, speaking for the whole Armenian community, said to the staff members who care for Ararat’s residents, “Your services and hard work are much appreciated by us all.”
Left to Right:
Aida Yeghiayan, Director of Nurses, Robert Taylor, Adminstrator, Ovanes and Janet Bakalian, faithful 30-year staff members
Eleventh Annual Armenian History Timeline Quiz Bowl Held at Ararat Home
For the first time, eighth grade students from the Krouzian-Zekarian Vasbouragan Armenian School in San Francisco on April 11, 2010, joined eighth graders from Armenian day schools in the greater Los Angeles area for the Eleventh Annual Armenian History Timeline Quiz Bowl at the Ararat Home in Mission Hills.
A lively contest developed, revealing the depth of the knowledge of the students, the thorough preparation provided by their teachers, and the absorbed attentiveness of the audience.
In a two-hour competition, the students answered a series of questions on Armenian history and culture. They demonstrated a familiarity with material spanning three millennia and ranging over topics as varied as history, geography, literature, science, the arts, and religion. The winning team earned 98 points, and the second and third place teams were separated by a single point.
When all the questioning had concluded, checks for their scholarship funds, provided by the generous support of the Board of Trustees of the Ararat Home, were presented to the participating schools by Nazar Ashjian, Chairman of the Board. The St. Gregory Hovsepian School, with students Lory Djiguerian, Katrina Gumushian, Grace Khanlian, and Sevag Rezian, finished in first place, winning a check for $1000.00. The second place award of $750.00 went to the Manoogian-Demirdjian School, represented by Tiffany Balabegians, Lauren Kafadarian, and Marc Matossian. The Armenian Sisters’ Academy, with Ishkhan Amerkhanian, Rita Ghougasian, Nareg Khodanian, and Alec Kurkjian, took the third place award of $500.00.
Each of the other participating schools received a check for $250.00. They included the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan School, with Mikhael Alayan, Krikor Andonian, and Sevan Nahabedian; the Merdinian School, with Ani Kechichian, Rita Kenjoian, Jacqueline Magtesyan, and Michelle Safarian; and the Sahag-Mesrob School, with Areen Kojikian, Hasmik Koshkaryan, and Rita Nokhoudian.
All participating students received trophies and certificates. In addition, they took home a mug especially designed for the Quiz Bowl, featuring graphics from the Timeline itself, thanks to generous donations from friends of the Ararat Home. Harold Mgrublian, Vice-Chairman of the Board, presented each student with an Ararat pin.
An event of this type requires the assistance of many people. Among them were Hagop rshagouni, emcee and coordinator; Tamar Boyadjian, quizmaster; Robert Arshagouni and Arpi Tchorbajian, judges; Armen Avedissian, Agnes Boghosian, Lucy Hovsepian, Beaterice Malkhasian, Ruth Onesian, and Robert Tuncer, proctors; Michael Arshagouni and Ned Rodriguez, scorekeepers; Camelia Boyajian, timekeeper; and Nina Arshagouni, sorter. The many enthusiastic spectators followed the proceedings with great concentration and cheered on the participants.
The competition, organized by Hagop and Marilyn Arshagouni, consisted of questions taken from their book Armenian History Timeline, with graphics by the late Herach Hovsepian. The Timeline itself, the only one of its kind in the world, is located on the grounds of the Ararat Home.
BIG SURPRISE IN A SMALL BROWN LUNCH BAG
Executive Director Margo Babikian tells of a recent visitor to Ararat Nursing Home who arrived unannounced and asked for a tour with detailed information about the philosophy and workings of the Home. It was lunch time so the staff was involved in feeding the residents with utmost care and patience. Mrs. Babikian told the visitor, “These loved ones do not come to Ararat Nursing Home to die. They come to live their sunset years with us. It is not only quality care, but quality life too.” The visitor was very touched and had tears in her eyes. She gave Mrs. Babikian a big hug and graciously thanked her for accommodating the visit without an appointment.
Approximately two hours later, a gentleman arrived asking to see Mrs. Babikian privately. In her office, Mrs. Babikian asked him how she could help him. He handed her a wrinkled small brown lunch bag and said, “Take it.” Curious to see what was in it, she opened the bag to find a stack of hundred dollar bills. Unable to believe her eyes, she asked, “Please tell me! Who should we thank for this donation?” Pressed further, the man adamantly said, “I’m only a messenger, and the donation is to remain anonymous.”
So the mystery remains. There are no names to report or acknowledge. There is no certainty, only a suspicion that the two visitors were somehow connected. What is certain is that there were three hundred $100 bills in the lunch bag equaling $30,000.
On the chance that the generous donor and messenger might read this story, the Ararat Home family wishes you to know that we are indeed grateful for your gift. We can all be reminded that there are many ways to give to Ararat Home, most of which can be found on the website and all of which are heartily appreciated, but the one-of-a kind gift which arrived in a small brown lunch bag will be remembered for a long time with a smile.
Printer Friendly
Favorites
Make Home Page!
Email this Page