On Tuesday, 28th of August,  Anjarians had the chance to get in touch with new techniques in agriculture and news about types of fruits unknown to Lebanese farmers until now. 

The training session was organized by the ASAIL project, ACDI/VOCA's action for sustainable Agro-Industry in Lebanon, which is funded by USAID,  in collaboration with the Municipality of Anjar. 

The seminar was attended by 75 compatriots from Anjar and neighboring villages.  The lectures were given by two specialist doctors from the ASAIL organization. 

The main theme was how to improve the quality of production and ways of treat different kind of diseases. 

After the session, which lasted for three  hours, the guests and the attendants had a lunch in the "S.Zetlian" Center.  

With our deep sorrow we inform you the death of Ms. Dzaghig Hergelian and Mr. Giragos Kesablian that happened on Sunday, 26th of August, after suffering from illness for a short period of time. The funeral services took place on Monday, 27th of August at the "St. Paul" Church.
Our deepest condolences to both families and relatives.

The scouts of HMEM Anjar organized a kermis in the HMEM club on Saturday, 25th of August, starting from 7:00pm.

 
The club was full of parents and children of different ages, where different kinds of home made sweets were being sold and no one could resist the smell of the sandwiches being prepared on the hands of the scouts, with the rhythms of the Arabic and Armenian songs.

   
On the other side the traditional kermis games were being played. Hope that the kermis served the scouts' goal.

On Friday, 24th of August,  the social committee of lokh ''Aghtamar'' chapter organized a luncheon, on the occasion of its 65th anniversary in the ''Green Garden'' restaurant.

After welcoming words made by the chairman of the chapter Mrs. Madeline Khoshian, the conductor of the day Mrs. Isgoug Kurdian created a nice atmosphere and expressed her deepest gratitude to all lokh ''Aghtamar'' founders and all the comrades, who had served the chapter for a long time.

For more than three hours, our comrades played games, told jokes, tasted the delicious food, danced and enjoyed the beautiful scene surrounding them.

Worth mentioning that Lokh "Aghtamar'' chapter is going to celebrate its 65 anniversary, in a special ceremony that is going to take place on 24th of November. 

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Kevork and Natalie Atamian, who were blessed with their first child, a baby boy, Hayg, on Thursday, 23rd of August.

On Monday, 20th of August, ''Mousa Ler'' hall was full of hundreds of compatriots who had come to watch the documentary film of Suzan Khardaian '' I Hate Dogs'', which made the whole world get acquainted once again with the Armenian Genocide and its indelible traces on the generations of its survivors and their children.

On behalf of Hamazkayin ''B. Sevag'' chapter, Mr. Yessayi Havatian  delivered the opening words, introducing the producer Suzan Khardalian and talking about the beginning of her career with ''Back To Ararat'' film.

Then he invited her, to convey her message about the film. Suzan Khardalian spoke about the motives that inspired her to produce such a documentary and mentioned some reasons why the film was forbidden to be shown on the Istanbul film festival.

After watching the film, our compatriots were given the chance to ask questions about it and received large explanations.

This weekend was full of weddings in our village. Three couples said their "I do"s in the ''St. Paul" church. The first couples were Serj Kendirian and Sevan Boyadjian, who got married on Saturday, 18th of August at 7.30pm.
Aram Andonian and Heghnar Hergelian were the second couple, who got married at the same day, at 9:00pm.
The third couple was Razmig Stamboulian and Lousin Boudourian, got married on Sunday, 19th of August at 6:00 pm.
Congratulations...

At the evening of Friday, 17th of august, Mr. Vartkes Khoshian, the chairman of the flourishing committee (a committee that has been brought forth by the ARF ''Garmir Ler'' committee almost six months ago), made the opening words of a conference having as a topic ''With The Perspective Of A More Flourished Anjar'', in the ''Mousa ler'' hall.

In his words, Mr.. Khoshian said that the mission trusted to this committee is huge and various, it is a unique work, which has the aim to flourish our village, by the help of the external world.

Many compatriots from Anjar, Zahle, Beirut, as well as representatives of the active associations of our village were invited to the conference, to listen to the committee's achievements during the past six months, express their opinions and proposals about the numerous achievements that are going to be conquered during the next decade. After the welcoming words, Mrs. Yester Havatian read the six month report of the committee, which included their main achievements, such as the tree plant and the possibility of installing a new turbine in the spring.

Then Mr. Yessayi Havatian introduced the state of agronomy of our village, its advantages ad disadvantages and successively Mr. Khoshian spoke about the tourism part, ways of keeping our soil ad water clean and different means in developing this section.

Eventually, the attendants were given the chance to ask questions, make suggestions and propose other plans, all of which would serve in flourishing our village.

We are happy to announce that Mr. & Mrs. Hratch and Zabelle Banboukian, living in Africa, were blessed with a new baby girl, Christa-Maria, sister of Jack and Maria, on 12th of July. Congratulations...

On Tuesday 14th of August, all compatriots of Anjar over 70 years were dressed up carrying their bags and heading towards ''Green Garden'' restaurant by the invitation of Lokh "Aghtamar" chapter on the occasion of the St. Mary's Day.

The welcoming words were made by Mrs. Alice Handian, on behalf of the Elder's Committee of the chapter, after which our elders enjoyed the delicious ice-cream .

Then the chairman of the chapter Mrs. Madeline Khoshian expressed the deepest gratitude of the chapter to all the donors and sponsor who are making such events possible to our compatriots.

For two hours, more than 100 elders danced sang and spent wonderful and unforgettable moments.

On Sunday, 12th of August, Mr. Tatoul Hagopian, reporter, analyst and the Yerevan correspondent of "Aztag" daily, who has been in Lebanon by the invitation of "Aztag"'s editorial board, visited Anjar. At around 10:00 am, he arrived at 

"S. Zetlian" Center, where he was welcomed by the members of ARF "Garmir Ler" Committee and its Organizational committee.

After having a national breakfast in the center, he started his promenade around Anjar, first by visiting Armenian Evangelical Church meeting with its community and tasting the blessed grapes, then "St. Paul" Church and then he was able to be present in the Special Mass ceremony and the blessing of "Herisa'' in the Armenian Catholic Church, where he had a special meeting with its pastor Rev. Father Mesrob Topalian.

Roaming around the village he was able to get acquainted with our traditions, different aspects of our life and of course enjoyed the wonderful scenes of our beautiful village. Later at the evening, Mr. Hagopian had a meeting with our compatriots in the front yard of the "S.Zetlian" Center, which was organized by ARF "Garmir Ler" Committee's Organizational Council.

The opening remarks were delivered by the chairman of the committee, Mr. George Apelian, who after welcoming our guest allowed him to begin his conversation with the attendants. The topic of the discussion mainly addressed "the current problems of Armenia". Hagopian also talked about the latest developments of Gharapagh and Chavakhg.

Hagopian's talk was followed by questions from the attendants, who expressed their viewpoints and asked for further explanations on several issues.

As every year, on the occasion of "St. Mary's Day" the Catholic community prepares the traditional ''Herisa'' in their church yard. 

This year, on the evening of Saturday 11th of August, they were all gathered in the yard watching "Herisa" being cooked on one side and the believers filling the church on the other side.

On Sunday and during the Mass the "Herisa" was blessed and distributed to the believers, along with blessed grapes.

During his visit to United States and after having a successful exhibition, Mr. Levon Tashjian was granted a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition signed by Mr. Adam B. Schiff, a member in the American congress. The certificate was given by Mr. Hayg Kartounian, in recognition of his outstanding and invaluable services to the community. Congratulations...

On Sunday August 5, the “B. Sevag” chapter of Hamazkayin celebrated the 30th anniversary of the “Gakavig” pediatric choir. The event was held in the ''K. Guilbenkian'' hall in presence of the pastors, honor guests, parents, and hundreds of compatriots and music fans, who were there to attend the concert of “Gakavig 07”.

At first, the historical narrative of the choir was presented in the form of a powerpoint slide show, starting from the days of establishment of “Gakavig” in 1977 by Mr. Vartan Ashkarian, currently Rev. Mashdots Ashkarian; displaying the success of the choir in its 1990 versions with conductor Zakar Keshishian; ending up with the achievements of the last two years with the efforts of our young conductor Sebouh Kevorkian.

                    
Mr. Hagop Aintablian, the chairperson of Hamazkayin’s “B. Sevag” chapter welcomed the audience and greeted the new members of the choir and their parents, expressing his deepest gratitude to every person, who contributed to the survival and success of the choir.

The 65 junior and senior members of “Gakavig”, accompanied by Miss Lale Havatian, Miss Houry Makhoulian, and Miss Laury Aintablian on the piano, and Mr. Vatche Kendirjian on the drums, presented a bunch of Armenian and Arabic songs, fascinating the audience with their excellent performance.

During the concert Mr. Setrag Havatian, the sponsor, delivered a speech in which he thanked the Chapter and especially the conductor for his efforts.
At the end of the concert, Mr. Aintablian invited one of the founders and the first conductor of “Gakavig” Father Mashdos Ashkarian, and honored him with a commemorative trophy for his efforts, on the occasion of “Gakavig”’s 30th anniversary.

Father Ashkarian emphasized the importance of the pediatric choir in protecting the Armenian culture and congratulated the parents encouraging them to involve their youngsters in Armenian cultural activities.

The event was concluded by a cocktail in the backyard of "St. Paul" Church.
We congratulate “Gakavig” for the great success and wish them better achievements and longevity.

The new executive committee of Anjar Black Belt Amity was elected on July 2007 for a time period of four years. The members of the new committee are:
Mr. Jack Taghlian (The president)
Mr. Vartkes Khederlarian (Vice president)
Mr. Nareg Doumanian (General Secretary)
Mr. Zareh Tovmasian (The accountant)
Mr. Asbed Stamboulian
Mr. Khajag Hergelian and Mr. Hayg Keshishian.
We congratulate the new committee and wish them new achievements and success.

Tavit Karayan and Laury Nekrourian said their "I do"s on Saturday, the 28th of July, at the Evangelical church of Anjar. The wedding banquet following the official ceremony was held in front yard of the big boys boarding school.

Congratulations to Tavit, Laury and their families.

Of course whoever visits our village can't forget its beauty and its sweet memories. Here are two photos taken by Mr. Mazakian which will remind you the magnificence of our village.

As we have informed you before that our compatriot Mr. Levon Tashjian has been in United States for more than two months and had a successful photograph exhibition. During his stay, he was invited to the 32nd Navasartian games closing ceremony as the torchbearer. During the ceremony he has ran around the field holding the torch in his hands and then took up the stairs and lit the flame. Take a look to his pictures and more information about his visit later.

On Sunday, 29th of July, Rev. father Ashod Karakashian headed a special Memorial Mass in "St.Paul church" in honor of the five martyrs of Lisbon.  The ceremony was attended by the members of LEM "Shavarsh Misakian" Chapter, ARF "Garmir Ler" Committee and a big crowd of compatriots. Later at the evening the Chapter has organized a commemoration event in the front yard of the "S.Zetlian" Center at 8.00 pm.

    
The opening words were made by Mr. Saro Kendirjian, on behalf of LEM "Sh. Misakian" Chapter. In his words Mr. Kendirjian said that  this revolutionary act was the righteous retaliation for all the losses of the Armenian people and ended his words by saying  that: ''We all deign in front of our heroes, who lost their precious lives for the sake of the Armenian cause, making sure for them that  with our unanimous efforts we will continue their 0holy path. 

Then Varant Dumanian from AYF "Haratch" Chapter gracefully recited a poem, after which Ms. Laury Aintablian had a performance on the piano. The speaker of the day Mr. Hagop Aintablian was then invited to convey the message by saying that the act of Lisbon was not a terrorist act and it could never been so, it was the act to make the international nations draw their attention on our sacred Armenian cause.
 

The speech was followed by a video film prepared by the Central Committee of the AYF, which was followed by a great poem recited by Tsoler Stamboulian from the AYF "Haratch" Chapter.

The event ended by the revolutionary and patriotic songs performed by the choir of the AYF "Haratch" chapter, accompanied with Ms. Nare Havatian on piano. Worth mentioning that for the first time the choir sang a song dedicated to our martyr Bedig Injeian.