Washington, DC - The Pasadena home of David and Margaret Mgrublian was the site of the New Year gathering of the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Over 100 friends and supporters had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Board members Lisa Kalustian and Peter Kezirian, and Southern California Regional Council (SCRC) members Al Cabraloff, Talin Yacoubian, James Melikian, and Margaret Mgrublian. Ardouny welcomed the guests, thanking them for their support, and reported on current Assembly activities highlighting several Assembly goals for 2011. Board member Lisa Kalustian commented upon the attendance of many local elected officials and their representatives, demonstrating their support and affording guests the opportunity to hear about the latest issues of concern to our community. Board member Peter Kezirian expressed his appreciation to members for continuing their participation and shared how their involvement on key issues enables the Armenian Assembly to achieve their goals. A special moment of silence was held for the victims of the tragic shooting that took place in Tucson on January 8, 2011, and for the speedy recovery of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) who was injured in the attack. Enjoying the evening and mingling with the guests were: Jacque Robinson, Pasadena City Councilwoman; Jan Perry, Los Angeles City Councilman; Janice Hahn, Los Angeles City Councilwoman; Jenny Chavez, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to Councilwoman Janice Hahn; Avak Keotahian, Division Head of the Office of the Chief Legislative Analyst-Los Angeles; Adrin Nazarian, Chief of Staff to Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian; Ara Najarian, Mayor of Glendale; Bill Bogaard, Mayor of Pasadena and his wife Claire; Mary Hovagimian, District Representative of Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA); Lara Maxey, Representative of Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA); Talin Mangioglu, District Representative of State Senator Carol Liu; and Osheen Keshishian, Editor of the Armenian Observer. Board members expressed their deep appreciation and thanks to David and Margaret Mgrublian for their warm and gracious hospitality, and for providing a perfect setting for the Assembly's New Year gathering. Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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