WASHINGTON, DC - The Assembly's Acting Executive Director Arpi Vartanian briefed local activists on the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the people of Armenia and Karabagh at the Washington, DC Membership Forum held at the home of Fellow Trustees Ash and Shirley Mikaelian, December 2. Vartanian, who recently returned to the US to serve as the Assembly's Acting Executive Director, emphasized the impact that the Assembly's work was having on the people of Armenia and the importance of supporting its efforts. "It's humbling to have someone in Armenia come up to you, clasp your hand, and tell you, with tears in their eyes, 'thank you' for the work you do," said Vartanian. "Although you might not see the end result, it is vital to the people of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh."

Several local activists, whose continuing support plays an important role in the Assembly's work for Armenia, were honored at the Forum. The Mistress of Ceremonies, Annie Totah, well known in the community for her many years of service as the Armenia Missions Chair, received a painting drawn by a child at the Gyumri Center for Aesthetic Education in Armenia. Totah has led hundreds of Assembly members on trips to Armenia to help them reconnect with their roots and has served in this capacity since she led her first Mission in 1993.

Longtime Associate Trustees -- Myron and Lynda Erkiletian, Harold and Vicky Sakayan -- and Fellow Trustees -- Rita Balian, Ellen Bodurian, Peter Gabrielian, Elizabeth Hanessian, The Honorable Harold and Melissa Keshishian, James Keshishian, Dr. Garo Matossian, Dr. Edward and Marilyn Melkonian, Asher and Shirley Mikaelian, Elsie Nazarian, Jirair and Anahid Nishanian, Christine Parseghian, Dr. Simon and Arpi Simonian, Sami and Annie Totah -- were informed that the Assembly had planted trees in their name in Armenia for their support. The Assembly presented each with an Armenia Tree Project certificate as a symbol of their commitment.

Assembly members and their guests were urged to continue their work at the grass-roots level. "Our adversaries are numerous and powerful. We need to grow as quickly and as dramatically as possible," said Washington, DC Regional Council Co-Chair Doris George. "I urge you to increase your involvement and join the Armenian Assembly if you are not already a member," she said.

"I have seen and have been extremely impressed with the tremendous results that the Armenian Assembly has achieved over the years. That is why I am proud to serve as the new Regional Council Co-Chair with long-time Assembly activist Doris George," added Clara Andonian. She also noted the importance of working together collectively to assist the people of Armenia and Karabagh, emphasizing that the Assembly is one of the best, if not the best, organizations to do so.

Local activists were so moved by the evening's program and the testimonials of so many of its members that they too joined the Assembly that evening. The Assembly welcomes new Affiliate Members Alice Guida, Jean and David Sayian, George and Margaret Krikorian, Alfred and Jenel Moosakhanian -- and Fellow Trustee Nancy Nahigian, and thanks them for their support.

Adding to the evening's interest was a briefing on the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial. Ross Vartian, in his new position as the Director of Planning for the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial Project, updated the forum. He told them he will work with an oversight committee to develop the historic property located two blocks from the White House and Treasury Department "into a world-class museum of which the entire Diaspora can be proud."