A Publication of the Ararat Home of Los Angeles, Inc.® Summer 2014

IN THIS ISSuE

Susan Piponniau was born in Istanbul onMarch 4, 1927, to Armenian Genocidesurvivors, Emastouhi and Arshag Egikian,

originally from Sepastia, Turkey. Susan lost her

father at the tender age of six and wasraised by her maternal grandparents,Manase and Eugenie Sultanian. Mr.Sultanian was a well-known educator inIstanbul, where he served as principal ofEsayan School, professor of Armenianlanguage and Mathematics at GetronaganArmenian High School, and founder ofSultanian School in the city’s Kadıköy district.As such, he instilled in Susan the value ofeducation.

In 1947, Susan moved to New York to livewith her paternal uncle and aend RhodesPreparatory School in Manhaan, where shestudied literature and aspired to be an actress.Her acting tutor recognized her potential andfacilitated her introduction to the infamousDominican motion picture actress, MariaMontez. Impressed with her talents, Ms. Montezencouraged Susan to audition for a role in theplay, The Human Comedy, based on WilliamSaroyan’s novel. She was cast as the twelve-year-old boy, Homer Macauley.

In 1953, Susan aended a masquerade ball,where she met and fell in love with her futurehusband Pierre Piponniau, who at the time, wasemployed as a chef for Air France. Susan andPierre married in 1954. Using her Turkishlanguage skills, she worked as an executivesecretary for an import-export company andsupported her husband while he completed hisengineering degree.

Susan and Pierre moved to Los Angeles in1960, where Pierre worked for several aerospaceand defense contractor companies, includingLockheed, Boeing and Northrop, and Susanstudied and became a licensed electrologist.Their family expanded when, in 1956, they wereblessed with a son, Pierre Jr., and then a daughter,

Nadia, in 1962. Susan passed on to her children thevalue of education, which her grandfather hadtaught her.

Susan is extremely proud of her children andtheir families as evidenced by wedding and familypictures and other sentimental items filling herroom at Ararat Home. Her son Pierre Jr. obtained aMaster of Business Administration degree andcurrently works for Morgan Stanley as a certifiedfinancial advisor and a licensed real estate broker.His wife Linda is, as Susan describes, “extremelygied, capable and dedicated to helping promotebeer healthcare in Armenia.” In her capacity as aRegistered Nurse and Certified Clinical TransplantCoordinator at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LosAngeles, Linda joined a team of doctors from theHeart Transplant Unit in delivering vital equipmentand conducting trainings for doctors in Armenia.Pierre and Linda have a lovely daughter Jennifer,who is presently pursuing graduate studies at theUniversity of Southern California.

Susan Piponniau, as Beautiful Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2as Glamorous in Her Youth

Ararat-Eskijian Museum Hosts an International . . . . . . . . . 2Conference “Honoring Those Who Helped Rescue a Generation of Armenian Survivors” (1915-1930)

Ararat Home Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Elects its Executive Commiee

Ararat Home Annual Picnic: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Bring the Whole Family

Ararat Board Shows Appreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Save the Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ARARATH Y E L I G H T S

Susan Piponniau with Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Pastor of St.

James Armenian Church, where Susan was once actively involved

SuSaN pIpoNNIau, aS beautIFuL today aS GLamorouS IN Her youtH

| By Debbie Avedian

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Susan and PierrePiponniau

2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Susan Piponniau, as beautiful today as she was glamorous in her youth

Susan’s daughter Nadia is aninternationally celebrated ballroomdancer. In 1983, she partnered with herfuture husband Johan Eedal andeventually relocated to London, wherethe couple studied under Mr. Walter Laird,who is considered to be "the greatest ofall dance teachers." Together, Nadia andJohan competed internationally inStandard and Latin styles and won manyprestigious titles. They retired in 1994and moved to California, where Nadiatrains top competitive couples andrepresents the United States as anadjudicator in numerous worldprofessional and amateur champi -onships.

When Susan lost her husband of 57years in July 2012, she moved into abeautiful suite at Ararat Home’s AssistedLiving Facility in Mission Hills. She spendsher days socializing and playing cards,tavloo and bingo. When asked how shefeels about living at Ararat Home, sheresponds: "The service is excellent, andthe workers and assistants are friendlyand helpful.” In particular, she praises theleadership of Administrator RitaNoravian and Chief Operating OfficerDerik Ghookasian. Susan hasdemonstrated her appreciation of thewonderful care she receives here bymaking several generous donations toArarat Home and to the Ararat HomeValley Guild. During Kef Time on Fridayaernoons, you can find her merrilysinging her favorite songs.

Ararat-Eskijian Museum hosted a verysuccessful conference on March 22,2014, titled “Honoring Those Who

Helped Rescue a Generation of ArmenianSurvivors.” Organized by Museum Director

Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin, the conferencehad invited leading scholars from around theworld to help pay tribute to countries,individuals and organizations that hadsacrificed so much to aid a perishingnation. The assistance provided tosurvivors of the Genocide becamethe 20th century’s first majorinternational humanitarian effort –an unprecedented global endeavorfrom 1915 to 1930.

The conference highlighted twoorganizations instrumental in thisundertaking: the Near East Relief,which “quite literally kept an entirenation alive” by helping orphansmaintain their heritage andreintegrate into society; and, theAmerican Red Cross, which rescued

and rehabilitated survivors in the Arab NearEast. The role of American and Europeanmissionaries was also discussed, as theybecame eyewitnesses to the atrocities andrescued thousands of children from a tragic

fate.Recently discovered materials

related to the story of survival werealso presented at the conference. Apatchwork of garment, called the“Orphan Dress”, belonging to anArmenian deportee child and anunfinished rug woven by orphan girlsin Hadjin were unveiled publicly forthe first time; they are currently ondisplay in Ararat-Eskijian Museum.New footage from the silent filmRavished Armenia, the first movieabout the Armenian Genocide, whichwas based on Aurora Mardiganian’smemoirs of survival, was discussed.A brief portion of the documentary

Orphans of the Genocide was screened, and abeautiful new arrangement of the works ofGomidas was performed.

The story of survival was brought to thepresent day with discussions of the ongoingwork of the Near East Foundation in the MiddleEast and Armenia as well as of the recurringaccounts of massacres on Syrian soil in acomparison of the 1915 Genocide and thecurrent Syrian catastrophe. The conferenceconcluded with former Governor of CaliforniaGeorge Deukmejian presenting diplomaticrepresentatives from Australia, Greece andNorway with replicas of “Mother Armenia” as asymbol of deep gratitude for the role theircountries played in helping the survival of theArmenian nation.

ararat-eSKIJIaN muSeum Hosts an International Conference

“Honoring Those Who Helped Rescue a Generation of Armenian Survivors” (1915-1930)

Nancy Eskijian, Esq., Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin and Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq.

Martin Eskijian, representing the Eskijian family, addresses the legacy of his grandparents, Rev. and Mrs.

Hovhannes and Gulenia Eskijian, who labored to saveArmenians in Aleppo, Syria from 1915 to 1916

Governor George Deukmejian with Deputy Consul General of Greece,Australian Deputy Consulate-General and Honorary Consul of Norway

exemplary service and care it provides for over 300 residents. The AssistedLiving Facility has received zero-deficiency ratings for seven consecutiveyears from the California Department of Social Services for meeting allstandards and having no violations. Similarly, Ararat Nursing Home and AraratConvalescent Hospital continue to hold five-star ratings from the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services, which is the highest rating given to such facilities.

The Ararat Home Board of Trustees re-elected its executive commieeofficers for another year of dedicated service on March 27, 2014, inMission Hills, California. Among those entrusted to guide the

organization through another outstanding year of growth is Chairman JosephKanimian. Aorney Kanimian was elected as Chairman of the Board ofTrustees last year and, along with members of the Building Commiee co-chaired by Nazar H. Ashjian Jr., CPA, successfully oversaw the completion andopening of the Avakian Wing, the addition of a 58-bed unit in Ararat NursingFacility. Trustees expressed their appreciation of Chairman Kanimian’scommitment to the mission of Ararat Home and conveyed their trust in hisleadership and vision. The other officers of the Board of Trustees who werere-elected include: Nazar Ashjian Jr., CPA, as 1st Vice Chair, Nora Hampar as2nd Vice Chair, Nadya Verabian as Secretary, Debbie Avedian as AssistantSecretary, Michael Surmeian, CPA, as Treasurer and Ron Nazeley as AssistantTreasurer. Past Chairman Armen Hampar will continue to serve as advisor tothe Executive Commiee.

Upon re-election as chairman, Mr. Kanimian stated: “I would like to expressmy gratitude to the Board for its confidence in my leadership. I am trulyblessed to be surrounded by dedicated individuals who do their utmost forthe Home. I am also thankful to our employees, volunteers, guild and auxiliarymembers, and contributors for their unparalleled support of Ararat Home.”Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Chairman Kanimian states that theprinciple objective of the Board is ensuring the well-being of “our elders”. Tothat end, the Board will be planning new projects and striving for new levelsof success in the coming months.

Ararat Home of Los Angeles has been recognized many times for the

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ararat Home board of trustees elects its executive Commiee

ararat Home aNNuaL pICNIC: brING tHe WHoLe FamILy

ararat Home board oF truSteeS eXeCutIve CommItteeSiing, le to right: Debbie Avedian (Assistant Secretary), Nora Hampar (2nd Vice Chair), JosephKanimian, Esq. (Chairman), Nazar H. Ashjian Jr., CPA (1st Vice Chair), Nadya Verabian (Secretary)Standing, le to right: Armen Hampar (Past Chairman), Ron Nazeley (Assistant Treasurer)Not pictured: Michael Surmeian, CPA (Treasurer)

| By Cindy Kaloostian

ArArAt Home

AnnuAl picnic

Sunday, Sept. 28, 201411:30 am - 6:00 pm

FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING

Don’t miss THIS year’s

worlD famouS pIcnIc!

Games Music DancingDELICIOUS Food

KEF TIME

Circle the date! Sunday, September 28, 2014,means fun! The Ararat Home Annual Picnicis set to go! The Picnic continues to be one

of the most anticipated events each year thanksto the loyal and hard-working members of the LosAngeles Chapter of the Triple X Fraternity. TheAnnual Picnic will feature games and prizes forchildren, live Armenian music by award-winning

Chookasian Armenian Folk Ensemble, andArmenian cultural dances performed in traditionalcostumes by Ara Dance Group. The picnic raffleincludes several cash prizes as well as a grand

prize of a fabulous "Hawaiian Trip for Two”donated by the William H. HannonFoundation. Generous donations by Triple XFraternity chapters, Hai Benefit Circle,Knights of Vartan lodges and individualfriends and supporters of Ararat Home helpensure the Annual Picnic’s great success.

Annual Picnic Commiee Chairman MikeSurmeian welcomes everyone to comespend a glorious day of meeting old and newfriends while enjoying delicious Armenianfood and wonderful entertainment. See youall there!

| By Ani Dikranian

Chookasianarmenian Folk

ensembleara dance Group

ararat HyeLIGHtSCo-edItorS

DEBBIE AVEDIANANI DIKRANIAN

CoNtrIbutING WrIterSCINDY KALOOSTIAN

advISorSARMEN HAMPAR

NORA HAMPARARTHUR ZABOUNIAN

pHotoGrapHyDERIK GHOOKASIAN

deSIGN/prINtINGDOCTORIAN PRODUCTIONS

ararat Home oF LoS aNGeLeS, INC.®15105 MISSION HILLS ROAD

MISSION HILLS, CA 91345

(818) 365-3000 (818) 898-0224 Fax

www.ararathome.orgPublished by

The Ararat Home of Los Angeles, Inc.®© 2014 All copyrights reserved

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ararat board SHoWS appreCIatIoN

It’s no secret that perhaps the most valuable asset Ararat Home hasis a fabulous team of employees. As individuals and as a group,Ararat Home's team is excellent in every way. Professionalism,

enthusiasm and LOVE: these aributes are evident at each AraratHome facility. Because the Ararat Home Board of Trustees feels thatthose who serve so well deserve to be served in turn, the Board wasdelighted to be the “wait staff” at two appreciation luncheons thisspring. (You might remember that Ararat NursingFacility staff enjoyed a similar luncheon asreported in the last issue of Ararat Hyelights).

On March 12, 2014, the Assisted Living Facilitystaff, ably led by Administrator Rita Noravian,was invited to a catered luncheon hosted by theBoard. Highlights of the day included a delightfulsong and slide show prepared by ActivitiesAssistant Ruzanna Sargsyan with help fromResident Care Supervisor Vicky Tumikyan andPayroll Personnel Coordinator Salpy Sagherian.Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian madecomplimentary remarks, and Administrator

Noravian emphasizedthe Assisted LivingFacility’s superiorsafety record. Inappreciation foremployees' years ofservice to the Home,each received areusable shopping bagbearing Ararat Home'sLogo.

Similarly, in AraratConvalescentHospital's cozyseing, on May 13,2014, Trustees hosteda delicious luncheon,which they served witha smile to the staff.AdministratorVarsenik Keshishyanawarded pins and

certificates to 11 employees for their variousmilestone years of service ranging from 5 and 25years. Certified Nursing Assistant Lidia Sarkisovarecited a lovely poem she had wrien about theConvalescent Hospital “family”. In his appreciatoryremarks to the staff, Chairman Kanimian commented,“All the supporters and encouragers of the AraratHome family join with the Board in thanking all of you.You bring pride to us all.”

| By Cindy Kaloostian

Ararat Home Trustees with Ararat Convalescent Hospital staff members recognized for 5 to 25years of service. From Le: Arthur Zabounian (Trustee), Laura Margaryan (Dietary Assistant),Souzi Djeredjian (Dietary Supervisor), Tatevik Mavian (CNA), Nadya Verabian (Trustee), JosephKanimian (Chairman), Varsenik Keshishyan (Administrator), Aida Yeghiayan (Director ofNursing), Margush Kyaramyan (Environmental Assistant), Peter Darakjian (Trustee), GaryKaloostian (Trustee), Derik Ghookasian (Chief Operating Officer), and Debbie Avedian (Trustee)

Aida Yeghiayan awarded for 20 years of service atArarat Convalescent Hospital.  From Le: JosephKanimian (Chairman), Aida Yeghiayan (Director ofNursing), and Varsenik Keshishyan (Administrator)

Administrator Rita Noravian with some staff members

Board of Trustees ready to serve

“LadIeS auXILIary”moNtHLy LuNCHeoNSFIrSt tueSday oF eaCH moNtH, 11:00 a.m.

ararat Home deukmejian ballroom

“maSSIS GuILd”Saturday, oCtober 18, 11:00 a.m.

massis Family 50's dinerrio Hondo event Center

SuNday, deCember 7, 12:00 p.m.Christmas Lunch and Installation rio Hondo event Center

CoNtaCt: allise arakelian Hart 626-688-2358

S a v e t H e d a t e S“SaN GabrIeL vaLLey GuILd”SuNday, deCember 14, 12:30 p.m.

Christmas Luncheon embassy Suites, arcadia

CoNtaCt: Cindy Kaloostian 626-792-4479

“vaLLey GuILd”moNtHLy LuNCHeoNS FourtH moNday oF eaCH moNtH, 11:30 a.m.ararat Home board roomCoNtaCt: Lucy melkonian 818-708-7769

“WeStSIde GuILd”Saturday, deCember 6, 11:00 a.m.

Christmas Luncheonbeverly Hills Hotel

CoNtaCt: Liliana youssoufian 818-700-1402

“ararat HomeaNNuaL pICNIC”

SuNday,September 28

“CaSINo NIGHtXI”

Saturday,November 1

4