Burbank City leaders and Armenian community gather to celebrate and network
BURBANK, Calif.—The Armenian National Committee of America, Burbank (ANCA-B) hosted its annual Armenian Christmas reception on Jan. 12 at the Burbank Youth Center. Elected officials, including members of the Burbank City Council, Burbank School Board, City Clerk and Treasurer attended the festive dinner, along with city staff, Glendale Mayor, representatives of California Assembly, and many candidates for the upcoming elections for Burbank City Council and School Board. Members of the various organizations that operate out of the Burbank Youth Center also attended.
“This event has been hosted by the ANCA-B for numerous years, and it continues to be a success because it allows members of the Armenian community to meet and discuss important issues with their City officials in a fun setting,” said Gaidzag Shahbazian, co-chair of the ANCA-Burbank. “It provides an informal networking opportunity for attendees and allows them to build connections that will later be used to support the community,” he continued.
The evening began with an opportunity for guests to mingle and enjoy some delicious food provided by Alta Dena Bakery. Mr. Shahbazian welcomed the guests on behalf of the ANCA-Burbank and thanked them for their unwavering support of the ANCA and the Armenian community in Burbank, and recognized the involvement of the Armenian-American community throughout the city. “I am grateful for the officials who support and empower the entire Burbank community, and allow the voices of the citizens to be heard. We’re excited to continue to improve our city through cooperation and grassroots activism,” said Houri Tavitian, member of the ANCA and the committee that organized the reception.
“I enjoy attending the ANCA-B’s Armenian Christmas reception every year because I get to see old faces and meet new ones all while celebrating the holidays with the people who, through tireless and sometimes unrecognized hard work and dedication, help make Burbank such a special place,” said Shahbazian.
The Armenian National Committee of America, Burbank advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.