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FEATURED SUPPORTERS ATP Establishes Michael and
Virginia Ohanian Center
Mrs. Virginia Ohanian is one of Armenia Tree Project’s most active ambassadors. Whenever a birthday or holiday comes around, she asks friends and family to direct gifts to ATP to plant trees in Armenia. They often make such gifts, and do so in her honor too. In fact, Mrs. Ohanian has more trees planted in her honor than any other person in the ATP community. Ginny, as she is known by her many friends, has been involved with ATP since its founding in 1994. Late last year, while looking at photographs of the hundreds of students participating in ATP’s environmental education program in Armenia, she announced that she was thinking about doing something significant for the organization. Years ago, she helped ATP take a major step in expanding its education programs by donating $100,000 to establish the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center at the site of the ATP nursery in Karin Village. ATP’s tree planting efforts have grown exponentially over the past several years and its environmental education curriculum is taught to hundreds of students each year at the Ohanian Center. The site is ideal for education because ATP staff is growing dozens of varieties of fruit and decorative trees in the nearby fields for outplanting across the country. Ginny is happy with the success, but believes the need is great and that ATP could do more. Last fall, she issued a challenge for ATP to bring its educational work to the next level. She wanted to know how such quality programs could reach even more students and professionals, so that the trees being planted today are protected in the future. She backed her challenge with a commitment to fund a second education center in another part of the country where ATP is expanding its strategic reforestation operations. With a new $150,000 gift, Ginny is enabling ATP to establish a new northern outpost in Margahovit, Lori Marz, which will be named the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Center for Environmental Studies. The new center will become an integral part of the region, where ATP has focused its reforestation efforts to combat the huge losses to the forests. In recent years ATP established the Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery in the area, which will allow up to one million trees per year to be planted in this heavily deforested area. In addition, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund has financed ATP’s collaboration with the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, to produce a sustainable forestry manual for use by professionals in Armenia. “The new Michael and Virginia Ohanian Center for Environmental Studies will play a key role in allowing us to train students and professionals in forestry best practices and conduct environmental education lessons with students in the northern parts of the country, which has been hit hard by deforestation,” stated ATP Executive Director Jeff Masarjian. “On behalf of our founder Carolyn Mugar, our thanks go out to Ginny and the rest of her family for their leadership and dedication to ATP and our work in restoring Armenia’s environment for future generations.” “My husband Michael was an inseparable friend to Carolyn’s father Stephen Mugar, and at a certain point we decided to start giving back as much as we can, so we got involved with charitable causes and philanthropy,” recounted Ginny. “When Carolyn told us about ATP and how it produces fruit trees, clean air, and a healthy environment for Armenia, this was something we could all appreciate and get behind and support in a big way.” Ginny attended the inauguration with her family of the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center in Karin Village in 2004, and she recalls the pleasure of visiting and seeing how much of a difference the facility makes in the life of the region for Armenians of all generations. “I am thankful that ATP got involved in environmental education, and especially that they gave me the opportunity to support such a wonderful facility, where students and visitors can learn about the science and other aspects of Armenia’s unique natural heritage,” explained Ginny. “I’m also proud that the organization has grown and we are able to create a new educational establishment in another part of the country.” “Our family is very pleased to be involved in a project this fulfilling, and we are proud to contribute to a Green Armenia, where people have food in their backyards thanks to the fruit trees being planted by ATP,” stated Ginny. “It is a pleasure to be helping people live a good life in Armenia, and everyone should give something back to the land of their heritage.” Most of all, Ginny would like her gift to inspire others to give, for themselves, for ATP, and for Armenia’s future. “I hope other people can experience the sense of joy our family has felt in being able to give something back to Armenia,” she emphasized. “Our support of ATP has been very rewarding and we know it is making an impact in the country, so I would like to issue a new challenge, and ask other diasporans to also think about doing more and showing even more support for ATP’s critical work.” Leitner Family Support Links ATP With Yale Forestry School
When Armenia Tree Project pursued a partnership with Yale University’s Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry, the organization first contacted James and Sandra Leitner because they were active supporters of the school and sponsored expeditions for students to work with the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. In fact, when Sandra Leitner was meeting Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai for lunch at Yale, she made a point of telling the Green Belt Movement founder all about ATP’s programs in Armenia. Jim has degrees in Economics and Russian Studies and he supports Yale’s forestry school because of its international environmental focus, and also because he knew that forestry programs were more challenging to fund than more traditional areas such as law and economics. “These are people who are not always well paid, but they are trying to make the world a better place,” Jim explained. It was a similar interest that attracted them to ATP and its reforestation programs in Armenia. Last year, ATP received a $100,000 grant from Conservation International to work with Yale to develop a sustainable forestry manual for Armenia. This two-year program is intended to give ATP the resources and training to teach people in Armenia about using forests in a more sustainable manner, protecting the resource for future generations. Jim and Sandra Leitner of New Jersey were instrumental in creating the relationship between ATP and Prof. Chadwick Oliver, director of the Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry, and the program has been off to a strong start. Yale graduate student Zachary Parisa spent this past summer in Armenia working with volunteers and Armenian forestry students to complete an inventory of the forests between Dilijan and Margahovit Village, where ATP is working in northern Armenia. In addition, the Leitner Family increased their generous support of ATP to $125,000 in 2007. “We learned about ATP’s founding by Carolyn Mugar after the trees were used for fuel in Armenia during the embargos related to the Karabagh war. We thought it was important to replace the trees that were utilized for that purpose,” emphasized Sandra. “We stayed involved after seeing all the important work being done by ATP to improve the lives of the Armenian people through preservation of the environment.” “We feel that all aspects of ATP’s mission are inextricably intertwined and equally important. The combination of programs in tree planting, environmental education, and poverty reduction address both the immediate and long-term needs and interests of the country and people,” she explained further. “We were delighted to attend the concert for the organization’s 10th anniversary at Garni Temple in 2004, but it has been ATP’s consistent, diligent, and growing work that led us to increase our commitment. There is more to accomplish and thus a greater need for support.” Jim is a member of Yale University’s Investment Committee and the President’s Council on International Activities at the university. Earlier this year, Jim and Sandra were awarded the St. Gregory the Illuminator Medal of Honor by Catholicos Karekin II. Sandra--whose maiden name is Shahinian--has long-standing ties to the Armenian community, and her paternal grandparents were great patriots and believers in the nation of Armenia. “Their first trip back to Yerevan in the 1960’s had an impact on me as a child,” noted Sandra. “Partly due to their influence, I spent my junior year of college at Yerevan State University, learning Armenian and deepening my connection to the Armenian nation which I still feel today.” Sandra grew up immersed in the Armenian community, and her family’s connection with St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, New Jersey goes back to 1990. “We derive great satisfaction from our volunteer work with other families who have an interest in preserving the church for the next generation and encouraging their children to stay connected to the church,” stated Sandra. “We are in the midst of a building campaign to add an education and sports complex to help accomplish that goal.” Sandra was elected to the Diocesan Council of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in May. Jim and Sandra are the
proud parents of three children--Allegra, Evan, and Olivia--who are, respectively,
students in law school, college, and high school. The Leitners also support
human rights programs at Fordham Law School and the Yale School of Nursing.
“It is important to us to try to leave the world a better place,”
they concluded. Leadership Pledge From Mirak Family Funds Startup and Operation of New ATP Reforestation Nursery in Lori Region
ARLINGTON, MA--In late 2005 just as Armenia Tree Project was putting the finishing touches on its plans to establish a large-scale reforestation tree nursery in the Lori region, Jill Mirak called the Watertown office to discuss the family’s interest in supporting a new program. After a meeting with sisters Jill and Jennifer Mirak and their father Robert, the family agreed to support the start-up and fund the operational costs of the nursery for the next four years with a generous pledge of $260,000 to ATP. Several years ago, ATP decided to initiate its reforestation programs in the areas of Armenia which were hardest hit by deforestation. The organization established backyard nurseries in the villages of the Getik River Valley and a rented land for a large reforestation nursery in Vanadzor. That operation is now being transferred to a new site in Margahovit village, owned and operated by ATP. The 12-acre Margahovit nursery will have the capacity to produce millions of trees, which will be used to reforest the mountains and hills in the Lori region of northern Armenia. “Our family supports other programs in Armenia, such as school renovations and the installation of playground equipment, but we were interested in increasing our level of giving to Armenia Tree Project,” stated Jill Mirak. “After hearing about the plans with this nursery, our family decided that this was a worthy program and a good investment in Armenia’s future.” The Margahovit nursery will be named after the late John and Artemis Mirak, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide from Arapkir who moved to the United States. In the 1930s, John Mirak established the Arlington Center Garage and Service Corporation. With the involvement of sons Robert, Charles, and Edward, and now members of the third generation of the family, the businesses have expanded to include Mirak Chevrolet/Hyundai, Mirak Properties, and Mirak Leasing. The Mirak Family has contributed to a number of other charitable and education institutions, including Arlington’s hospital, libraries and the preservation of historic structures, and the Armenian Cultural Foundation in Arlington. “My father had a grove of fruit trees on his property in Florida, and I can remember how much time he would spend outdoors tending those trees,” stated Dr. Robert Mirak. “We are certain that ATP will ensure the legacy of my parents with this nursery, and I know my father and mother would have been very proud to support a program like this as a way of rehabilitating that which was lost in Armenia.” Generous Donation by Augustus and Marjorie Barber of Maine Allows ATP to Expand Reforestation Program
PORTLAND, ME--Nearly 120,000 tree seedlings for reforestation were purchased by Armenia Tree Project from backyard nurseries owned by residents of three rural villages, as a result of a leadership gift of $100,000 from Augustus and Marjorie Barber of Maine. In Fall 2005, ATP started a massive reforestation project in northeastern Armenia. By December, three plots of over 120 acres of land were completely covered with strong and healthy seedlings. More than 40 villagers were employed by ATP in the reforesting activity. In the early 1990s, Gus Barber visited Armenia and witnessed people with no work, food, or prospects for improvement. “Trees were being cut down everywhere, and people cannot live without trees,” he told ATP. Gus was so struck by the unfortunate plight of Armenia that he made a commitment to improving the situation. Gus’ personal experiences as the son of Armenian immigrants gave him a particular appreciation for the hardships of others. In 1955, he started a small business with just three employees. Today, as President of Barber Foods, he employs over 850 workers. Over 40 percent of his staff are immigrants, and each year he pays college tuition for 25 employees. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2005. Gus takes great pride in his own flourishing orchard of walnut, apple, and other fruit trees, plus a large stand of wild Maine blueberries. In recent years, the Barber Family supported the planting of over 5,000 walnut and almond trees at pilgrimage sites and in rural villages throughout Armenia. ATP established a unique backyard nursery pilot project in 2003 in Aygut village. Working closely with communities and local officials, ATP entered into agreements with families interested in growing tree seedlings to be sold to ATP for reforestation. Seventeen nurseries were established in the first year, and as a result of the success of the pilot program, the number of families participating grew to over 300 in 2006. The program now includes two other villages where families agreed to develop these micro-enterprises in collaboration with ATP. After signing contracts, each backyard nursery owner
is provided with a variety of seeds from nearby forests as well as the
necessary tools and equipment. In addition, ATP agro-specialists visit
the nurseries to provide technical assistance and training. The money
earned by the families and workers involved in this project has provided
a desperately needed source of income. Bilezikian Family Foundation Supports Expansion of ATP's Backyard Nursery Program in Getik River Valley
“When we began our Backyard Nursery Program we looked for an area that would benefit most from our efforts,” stated ATP Executive Director Jeff Masarjian. “We started with the knowledge that deforestation was linked to poverty. We knew that in addition to planting trees, we had to provide people with a steady income, so they could meet their basic needs.” “In two years we have grown from helping 20 families learn how to start their own tree nurseries to now providing a stable income for 330 families who are also creating a successful and renewable source of tree seedlings for the degraded hillsides around their villages,” noted ATP founder Carolyn Mugar. “ATP has found a way to create reliable ‘micro-enterprise’ partnerships with these families, and we are grateful to the Bilezikian Family Foundation for providing the support to bring their work to fruition.” The Bilezikian Family Foundation was established by Charles and Doreen Bilezikian of Hyannis. The foundation assists programs on Cape Cod and other parts of Massachusetts such as the Home for Little Wanderers, and is a major supporter of hospitals and schools in Armenia and Artsakh, primarily through the Armenian Missionary Association of America. The Talanians of Newbury Street Support New Reforestation Initiatives in Armenia's Rural and Mountainous Regions
BOSTON, MA: From their real estate offices on Newbury Street in downtown Boston, Charles M. Talanian and Gail O’Reilly, the children of Nevart and the late Charles Sr., reflect on their passion for, and sense of responsibility towards, their Armenian homeland. Long-time supporters of the Armenia Tree Project, the Talanians, have pledged $100,000 through their family foundation to kick-start ATP’s new reforestation initiatives in Armenia’s rural and mountainous regions. “On my first trip in 1995, I was shocked at what I saw in Armenia,” said Charles. “Just looking at the landscape was so disappointing. There were no trees, no birds, no life of any description. A place of great beauty seemed drained, but now things are changing.” As an owner in the new Marriot Armenia Hotel, Charles is there 4 to 6 times a year, checking on the progress of the renovations. He says, “I can see the contributions that committed members of the Diaspora are making in the lives of our countrymen. I also believe that this is Armenia’s last chance to move forward. It is now or never. We cannot expect the younger generation of Armenian Americans to feel that same sense of connection with the motherland. It is up to us.” Gail’s first visit to Armenia in 1991 changed her life. With the fall of the Soviet Union, she recalled, with pathos, how it could have been her family, huddled in a small Yerevan apartment, with no heat or running water, and no real prospects for the future. If her grandfathers had not left western Armenia and settled in America, she too would have been forced to chop down trees for fuel. In 2004, Gail can see the change brought about by her contributions to the Armenia Tree Project. “The former stump-strewn landscape of Armenia is being transformed. You can see green once more,” she said. After four and a half years of researching Armenia’s finest artisans, Gail has founded www.MadeinArmeniadirect.com, an Internet site where she sells the handicrafts of 60 of Armenia’s best craftspeople. “I’m glad to see my artisans gaining weight,” says Gail. “I know that means they have food on the table.” Gail’s concern for the environment is still of foremost concern. “When I purchase crafts, made of wood, I ensure that any trees that are lost are immediately replaced through ATP.” Nevart Talanian's late husband, Charles Talanian, Sr. was a self-made man of humble origins. Charles had a grocery store in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He closed the store at the beginning of World War II and worked as an airplane mechanic. He applied his mechanical skills following the war by opening a Kaiser-Fraiser automobile dealership and garage. Following the sale of the garage, he went into real estate, which became his major career. He founded the C. Talanian Realty Company, the oldest established specialists for retail and office space on Boston's fashionable Newbury Street. Nevart was always at his side throughout all of his career changes during their 45 years of marriage. They were a team, and their legacy lives on with their commitment, and support for Armenia and the Armenia Tree Project. As Nevart eloquently stated, “Carolyn had a vision 10 years ago, and we wanted to applaud and support her goal for survival of our homeland. Whatever we can do, we should do. We can all make a difference.” |
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