Blog Archives
Naples Armenians Host 3rd Annual Basterma Breakfast
The Basterma Boys of Naples, FL; 2017.
By Frank Avakian-Stoneson
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) celebrated its third annual STAG Basterma Breakfast on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the home of Nancy and Sam Kazarian. The sold out breakfast attracted 31 lucky men from our Parish community who feasted on unlimited basterma and eggs, mimosas, and other Armenian delicacies.
Nancy Kazarian, formerly of Racine, Wisconsin, Dolly Matoian from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Alice Boyajian of Palos Heights, Illinois, and Ziba Rezai of Naples, Florida prepared the feast for the hungry gentlemen all morning and afternoon in traditional Armenian style.
The Kazarians and Matoians generously sponsored this event, with all proceeds from admissions donated to the Church. Everyone left for the day asking when the next year’s Basterma Breakfast is to be scheduled, so they can make sure to be in town!
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Schedule for 2016-17 Season
By Frank Avakian Stoneson
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
NAPLES, FL – The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) hosted an ‘After Summer Breakfast’ on Wednesday, October 5th at the Original Pancake House in Naples, FL. About 30 of our local parishioners attended the event, and everyone had a delicious breakfast and enjoyed getting together with one another. The ACSWFL also discussed plans for the first Badarak of the season, which will take place on Saturday, November 5th with Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park, FL.
ACSWFL Badarak services are held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104 at 1:30 PM.
Below is the ACSWFL schedule for the 2016-17 season:
- Saturday, November 5, 2015: Badarak and light lunch with Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian;
- Sunday, December 4, 2016: BADARAK CANCELLED;
- Sunday, January 8, 2017: Badarak and Armenian Christmas Dinner with V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan;
- Sunday, February 12, 2017: Badarak and Bake Sale with Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian;
- Sunday, February 26, 2017: Badarak and Poon Paregantan Banquet with Primate of the Armenian Church of America, H.E. Archbishop K. Barsamian;
- Sunday, March 12, 2017: Badarak and Lenten Lunch with Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian.
For special prayers and/or Hokehankist, please contact Frank Avakian Stoneson at (239) 213-0246 or stonesons@embarqmail.com.
The Only Armenian on the Ballot in Florida
By Arsine Kaloustian
FLArmenians Managing Editor
After a decade spent in Washington, D.C., the Armenian Assembly of America’s former Director of Communications, Taniel Shant, is now the Republican nominee for Palm Beach County Commission District 5, in South Florida. He is also the only Armenian to appear on the ballot in Florida.
Taniel has spent his entire adult life in public service. One year after he moved to Washington, D.C. he found himself battling the Turkish Lobby and the Azerbaijani Lobby. He worked with our friends in Congress to hold the Bush and Obama Administrations accountable. Throughout his tenure, he advanced various pieces of legislation in Congress and at the state level dealing with Armenian Genocide recognition and Holocaust education, global human rights abuses, international religious freedom, anti-genocide initiatives (Darfur, Sudan; Syria; Iraq), protection of Christians in the Middle East, appropriations, U.S. foreign assistance, and many others.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University. Mr. Shant possesses an impressive pedigree – particularly when gazed at through the lens of the Armenian American community. Not only was Mr. Shant the founder of Florida Armenians, the largest statewide Armenian organization in Florida, but he successfully led the effort to pass a resolution in the Florida State Senate recognizing the Armenian Genocide in 2013.
Armenian American political candidates have always been sparse – and too often, they have proved to be unviable. Mr. Shant’s first time candidacy, however, is proving itself as a force to be reckoned with, having raised over $40,000 in four month’s time – officially the most money ever raised by a Republican candidate in this seat. Mr. Shant is rapidly garnering the backing of Armenian communities throughout the country – Florida, New Jersey, New York, California, New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Georgia, Massachusetts, and more.
Time after time, I’ve heard Armenians complain that U.S. leaders are not doing enough for Armenian issues, and that we need more Armenians in government. Today, I’m pleased to tell you that we have a tried and tested community leader stepping up to the stage for us, and for all the people in Palm Beach County. Taniel fought on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Armenian American community; and now the Armenian American community has a chance to have one of our own represent us as an elected official. It is time to let our actions speak louder than our words, and show him our support.
If you would like to volunteer for Taniel Shant’s campaign, learn more about his platform, or make a contribution, please visit www.tanielshant.com or email info@tanielshant.com.
Florida Armenians 