Pasadena, CA – On January 12, 2012, the Armenian National Committee of Pasadena hosted its Annual Holiday Reception with elected officials, community leaders, a packed program along with delicious fare and entertainment. The event which took place at the Pasadena Armenian Center allowed for community leaders and members to meet the newly elected ANCP Board of Directors, learn about its organizational structure, and the plan of action for the coming year. ANCP Co-Chair Shoghig Yepremian opened the program by welcoming the guests and introducing the public officials in attendance. She also took the opportunity to introduce the 2011-2012 ANCP Board of Directors, while providing an overview of the organization’s plan of action for 2012. This was followed by warm remarks from Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and PUSD President, Renatta Copper, who discussed the state of the schools and education in the City of Pasadena. ANCP Board Treasurer David Gevorkyan proceeded to inform the guests about the structure of the organization along with the extensive and unwavering civic and community activities the Pasadena ANC has participated in and plans to accomplish in the coming year. The program concluded with a performance by violinist Liana Hovsepian who is currently a fifth grade student at Webster Elementary School. “The Armenian National Committee of Pasadena would like to thank the City of Pasadena, its officials, and in particular Mayor Bogaard, Councilmembers Chris Holden, Jacque Robinson and Terry Tornek, as well as Assistant City Manager Steve Mermell and representative of the Pasadena Unified School District for being gracious enough to be our guests and take part in the holiday celebrations of the Armenian community,” stated Ms. Yepremian. “The Board of Directors would also like to extend its gratitude to Shahe Bezdjian and to all those who contributed to the success of the event,” added Mr. Gevorkyan. Guests in attendance included Congressman Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Mayor Bill Bogaard, Councilmember Jacque Robinson, Councilmember Chris Holden, Councilmember Terry Tornek, Assistant City Manager Steve Mermell, City Treasurer Vicken Erganian, PUSD President Renatta Cooper, Superintendent Jon R. Gundry, Pasadena City College Board President Bill Thompson as well as other city officials, representatives of community organizations and activists. The ANC Pasadena advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels. ###