BURBANK—Supporters and friends of the Armenian National Committee of Burbank (ANC Burbank) gathered on December 7 at Arbat Banquet Hall to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the City of Burbank. Community leaders, organizational representatives and activists were joined by several city officials for the event.
“The celebration was a wonderful event for the Armenian National Committee of Burbank, we left the event energized to continue our efforts,” said ANC Burbank Chair Silva Kechichian. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of Mr. Nikogosian for opening his establishment to our community and supporters on this wonderful occasion.”
Long time activist and former chair of the ANC Burbank, Stepan Boyajian, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening and opened the program by thanking those present for their continuous support of the ANC Burbank and for working with the organization on the common goal of bettering the City of Burbank.
Boyajian spoke of the dual significance of the event’s date. That evening marked the Armenian American community’s remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor as well as the 1988 earthquake that killed tens of thousands in Armenia. Remembering Burbank’s response to both events, those in attendance stood for a moment of silence.
Boyajian presented a plaque on behalf of the ANC Burbank to Burbank City Mayor Jess Talamantes and City Council Members Dr. David Gordon and Emily Gabel-Luddy. The plaque noted that “The Armenian National Committee of Burbank salutes the city of Burbank on its centennial while looking forward to another century of prosperity, strong community and excellent public service.”
Also in attendance were Burbank City Attorney Amy Albano, and Deputy City Manager Joy Forbes as well as Roberta Reynolds and Dave Kemp Burbank Unified School District Board of Education.
In addition to those from the City of Burbank, several county, state, and federal representatives were present at the event.
District Director Matt Dabanenh was present representing California’s 27th District Representative Brad Sherman. Representing 43rd District Assembly member Mike Gatto, Stacey Brenner.
Talin Mangioglu, District Director for California State Senator Carol Liu’s, as well as Rita Hadjimanoukian, representing Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, both presented the ANC Burbank with proclamations.
District Representative Mary Hovagimian from California’s 29th District Representative Adam Schiff’s office, presented a Congressional proclamation in honor of the occasion to the City of Burbank.
Many of the Armenian community organizations of Burbank were present at the celebration, bringing both local and regional representatives.
Among those that were present that night, include The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) international Central Committee Chair and Burbank resident, Vicky Marashlian, ARS Regional Committee Chair Nayiree Derderian and board members, and ARS Social Services Executive Director Sona Zinzalian, as well as ARS Burbank “Araz” Chapter Chairperson Seda Martir.
Sarkis Nikogosian, proprietor of Ararat Banquet Hall, graciously hosted the event, welcoming guests to his establishment and thanked those in attendance.
The Armenian National Committee of 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.
