Category Archives: News
Endorsements: Boca Raton Special Election 2018
Florida Armenians is pleased to announce our endorsements for the City of Boca Raton Special Election that will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 28, 2018.
For Mayor of Boca Raton: Scott Singer
For Boca Raton City Council Seat A: Kathy Cottrell
BACKGROUND
Scott Singer
Scott Singer has served on the Boca Raton City Council since first being elected in 2014. In 2017, Florida Armenians was proud to endorse his successful re-election campaign. Singer’s involvement in the city is deep, where he sits on numerous boards and is involved with several community organizations. Of particular concern to Armenian American residents in Boca Raton, Mr. Singer has been a strong advocate for human rights and Armenian Genocide recognition. He has supported numerous resolutions in City Hall commemorating the Armenian Genocide and has attended Armenian community events at St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton and throughout the city. Therefore, Florida Armenians is proud to support Scott Singer for Mayor of Boca Raton.
To learn more about Mr. Singer please click here.
Kathy Cottrell
Although new to politics, Mrs. Cottrell has been actively engaged in Boca Raton community and civic affairs. A Boca Raton native, she has sat on city boards and consulted with Fortune 500 companies. Given her deep roots to Boca Raton and the community, and her education and professional background, Florida Armenians is proud to endorse Mrs. Cottrell for Boca Raton City Council Seat A.
To learn more about Mrs. Cottrell please click here.
SPECIAL ELECTION
Following the suspension of Mayor Susan Haynie in April of this year, a special election to fill her seat was immediately scheduled for August 28, 2018, to coincide with the State of Florida’s Primary Election Day. In accordance with Florida’s new “resign to run” law, Scott Singer, who sat on the City Council at the time of Haynie’s suspension, resigned from city council to run for mayor to replace Haynie. That opened his seat for election, Seat A, which will also be decided tomorrow.
For more information about the City of Boca Raton municipal elections, please click here.
Orlando Students Receive ‘Back-to-School’ Blessing
Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church of Orlando, FL, held a ‘Back-to-School’ celebration on Sunday, August 5, where parish youth from pre-K through college received a special blessing from the visiting pastor, Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian.
Following the Divine Liturgy parish families gathered for a cookout, where students were able to pick out school supplies for the coming year, and were entered into a raffle to win a backpack and other prizes.
“We hold this event to remind our students that God loves them—and so does their church family,” explained parishioner Aram Nazarian. “We hope an event like this can be an inspiration to our sister parishes, too.”
Alabamans Learn ‘All About Armenians’
Educators in Montgomery, Alabama learned ‘All About Armenians’ at a conference this summer, when Audrey Pilafian, Sunday School Superintendent at St. Mary Armenian Church of Hollywood, Florida presented a workshop under that title.
The 50 participating teachers — members of the Alpha Delta Kappa society for women educators – entered the auditorium to the sounds of Gomidas melodies played by Pilafian on the cello.
Aided by multimedia resources provided by Gildak Kupelian, director of the Eastern Diocese’s Armenian Studies department, the educators viewed presentations on ancient Armenia and its geography, its role as the world’s first Christian nation, the Armenian alphabet, the battle of Avarayr, the Armenian Genocide, and prominent Armenians in the arts and various professions.
The day closed with educators joining in a line dance and enjoying a reception of Armenian pastries. “Many teachers commented that the session inspired a new interest in Armenia,” said Audrey Pilafian,“ and several intend to include Armenia in their cultural studies classes in the coming year.”
Florida Armenians 