GLENDALE–The Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association celebrated five years of serving as a bridge between the largest Armenian community outside of Armenia and one of the most quintessential Armenian cities, Ghapan. The celebration, which was organized by the committee and sponsored by the City of Glendale, was a cultural program held on Oct. 22 at the Alex Theatre and attended by hundreds of Glendale residents and officials.
Established in 2003, the Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association has successfully completed several humanitarian activities and has made a difference in Ghapan, especially in its healthcare and educational infrastructures.
The cultural program featured performances by the Glendale High Scholl choir and dance troupe, the Vanoush Khanamirian Dance Ensemble, the Maria Luisa dance group, the Luna dance company and the Winds of Passion orchestra playing the traditional duduk.
Master of Ceremonies, Glendale City Clerk Ardashess Kassakhian welcomed the attendees and praised the work of the Glendale-Ghapan Sister City.
In his remarks, Mayor John Drayman emphasized the importance of Glendale’s sister cities in Japan, Armenia and Mexico, saying these programs have provided unique opportunities for the people and officials of the countries to learn more about one another and establish communications and cooperation between the cities.
Drayman praised the commitment of Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Association chairman Artin Manoukian and his efforts to bolster cooperation between the two cities. Mayor Draymon presented Manoukian with a special proclamation from the city.
In his remarks, Manoukian thanked the Glendale Mayor and City Council for their continuous support of the initiative, adding the commendations by the Mayor also belong to the Armenian National Committee Glendale Chapter, the City Council and all the individuals who have worked diligently in the past five years to make the program a success.
Association member Arpi Andonian thanked all the sponsors of the event and presented commemorative plaques to the organizers.
A lucky participant of the event won a trip to Armenia after the raffle drawing.
