Day: June 18, 2024
A similar situation exists in Azerbaijan. https://t.co/Oo0tpOqrkV
— Emin Bred (@emin_bred) June 18, 2024
47th Navasartian Victory Ball flyerThe anticipation is mounting as the Homenetmen Western Region gears up for one of the most highly anticipated events of the year: the 47th Navasartian Victory Ball. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 29, when the festivities will take place at the iconic Beverly Hilton.
The Victory Ball is more than just a celebration; it’s a vibrant gathering where chapters honor the triumphs of their athletes, teams, and members. With entertainment by the sensational Allen G Orchestra, the night promises to be filled with electrifying fun and excitement.
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and a dynamic program at 7:00 p.m. This year’s honorees include the distinguished Navasartian Honorary President, Mike and Evelina Sarian, and Homenetmen Exemplary Member, Aram Bekarian. These outstanding individuals have significantly contributed to the growth, education, and empowerment of Homenetmen and its community.
As the games heat up across various gymnasiums and fields in Southern California, the Banquet Committee is diligently organizing an unforgettable event. “We want the community to feel the thrill and energy behind the Navasartian Games,” said Shant Haytayan.
The Navasartian Games continue to thrive each year, thanks to the unwavering support of its regional chapters, volunteers, scouts, and athletes. Every memory created on the basketball court, park grass, and in conference rooms contributes to the robust growth of this cherished tradition.
The Victory Ball also celebrates the dedication of parents, volunteers, and chapters, bringing together community leaders and esteemed donors for a night of recognition and celebration. This red-carpet, formal event is the perfect opportunity to spotlight and praise the talent and hard work that power the community year after year. Plus, this year’s Victory Banquet will feature a Youth After Dark Party for young adults starting at 9 p.m.
The closing celebrations kick off on Thursday, July 4th, and will wrap up on Sunday, July 7th. Over these four action-packed days, attendees will revel in a spectacular firework show, explore vibrant festival booths, savor culinary delights, and enjoy performances by internationally-renowned singers. As is tradition, the final two days will feature the grand Closing Ceremonies and Parade, culminating in thrilling championship games that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
With participation from 18 chapters, 300 teams, 3,200 athletes, and 1,100 scouts, the Navasartian Games and Festival are set to attract over 35,000 spectators. The championship games and festival will be held at Birmingham High School, located at 17000 Haynes Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406.
To attend or sponsor the Victory Ball, please call (323) 344-4300 or email navasartian.wusa@homenetmen.org. For Navasartian Games and Festival sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marie Filipian at marie.filipian@homenetmen.org. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration.
Environmental activists in Kyrgyzstan are worried about the rising potential for a disaster following the parliament’s decision to resume uranium mining after a five-year hiatus.
The Kyrgyz parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, earlier in June approved a government bill to lift a ban on the mining of uranium and thorium that had been in place since 2019. The new rules will go into effect after the law is signed by President Sadyr Japarov, as is widely expected soon.
In pushing for a resumption of mining, the government contended that uranium production could supply a much needed financial infusion for the Kyrgyz economy, which has struggled to overcome disruption caused by the Covid pandemic and Russian sanctions. Japarov has stated the resumption of mining could create a $2 billion windfall for state coffers.
“We must continue to do any work that will provide even a small economic benefit to the state. Let’s at least in the next 10 years reach the level of neighboring countries,” Japarov has said.
While casting mining as an economic imperative, the country’s leadership has promised to use new technologies in the development of deposits to safeguard operations and maintain “strict environmental standards.”
Kyrgyzstan has a number of known uranium deposits that have not been exploited since the ban went into effect. Some of the largest deposits are found in environmentally sensitive areas, including adjacent to Lake Issyk-Kul, which is widely viewed by citizens as “the pearl of Kyrgyzstan.”
That lifting of the mining ban is seen by some environmentalists as paving the way for a nuclear power plant in the Central Asian state. Officials are moving forward with efforts to build a reactor with the help of the Russian state-run entity, Rosatom. Kyrgyz officials have confirmed interest in building a Small Modular Reactor that could supply power for about 1 million citizens. Kyrgyzstan’s interest in nuclear energy is an outgrowth of global warming and climate change, which is inhibiting the country’s main generator of electricity, hydropower.
The government’s embrace of uranium mining and nuclear power has environmentalists on edge. The prospect of a nuclear reactor operating in a country prone to earthquakes is unsettling to many. Beyond the threats posed by a natural calamity, Kyrgyzstan’s poor safety record in containing the toxic consequences of mining for precious metals, including gold and uranium, is another major concern. Popular protests against environmental contamination, after all, were what prompted the government to press pause on uranium mining back in 2019.
In May of this year, a group of Kyrgyzstani activists appealed to the Ministry of Environment, warning that the resumption of uranium mining could exacerbate already existing environmental challenges. “They are citing figures of up to $2 billion in profits from [uranium mining], but no one is saying what the cost of restoring the destroyed lands will be,” the activists wrote.
Fears of new hazards and accidents aren’t unjustified. On June 1, an accident in the Dzhumgal district of the Naryn Region saw a Rosatom truck careen into a river. The vehicle was involved in an ongoing operation to clean up uranium tailings. Officials at the Emergency Situations Ministry said the truck in question was empty at the time of the accident. But footage circulating on the Internet appeared to contradict official accounts, seeming to show black sludge had spilled from the truck into the river.
According to a report published in April by the Reuters news agency, reservoirs with large volumes of uranium tailings are contained by unstable dams. The dams experienced significant damage from landslides in 2017. Another such landslide or earthquake could cause the structures to fail “threatening a possible Chernobyl-scale nuclear disaster,” according to the Reuters report. Toxic waste could spread across the river network that supplies water for agricultural lands in the FerghanaValley, encompassing Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
WOBURN, Mass.—Armenia Tree Project (ATP) proudly commemorates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of dedicated efforts towards reforestation, environmental sustainability and community engagement. Since its inception in 1994, ATP has been a beacon of hope for the Armenian landscape, and this milestone celebration is an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and unveil exciting initiatives for the future.
New Armenia Tree Project logo
Fresh look with a new logo
To mark its 30th anniversary, ATP is unveiling a brand new logo that symbolizes the organization’s evolution, resilience and commitment to a greener future. In collaboration with Thirty O’ Nine, an Armenian-owned branding and merchandising agency in Los Angeles, the redesigned logo reflects the organization’s growth and signifies a renewed dedication to environmental stewardship in Armenia. The logo incorporates the cultural significance of Mount Ararat as seen through the shape of the forearms, and the growth of the sapling in our previous logo to the blooming tree in our updated logo reflects the organization’s impact and reach over the past 10 years.
Vibrant events and fundraising initiatives
Throughout the anniversary year, ATP will host a series of engaging events and fundraising initiatives to celebrate our achievements and involve our community. From in-person fundraising events to educational webinars, these events will provide opportunities for supporters to connect, learn and contribute to the ongoing success of ATP. If you’d like to host a fundraising event in your city, please contact our Chief Development Officer Nanor Shirikjian at nanor@armeniatree.org.
Website revamp
ATP is excited to launch its updated website, providing visitors with a more user-friendly and immersive experience. The revamped site will feature enhanced navigation, a dynamic events calendar and an informative blog to keep supporters informed about the latest developments in ATP projects, events and environmental initiatives. There will also be a dedicated microsite for the 30th anniversary, so be sure to check it out for all the latest updates.
ATP celebrates its 30th anniversary
Stylish new merchandise
Show your support for ATP with our latest merchandise! ATP is introducing a line of exclusive 30th anniversary t-shirts, showcasing a modern design that reflects the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation. These t-shirts will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards ATP’s reforestation efforts.
As ATP enters its fourth decade, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to make Armenia a greener and more sustainable place. The 30th anniversary celebrations serve as a testament to the collective efforts of its supporters, partners and the entire ATP community.
Join ATP in celebrating 30 years of growth, resilience and environmental impact. Together, we can continue to plant the seeds of a sustainable future for Armenia and beyond.
About Armenia Tree Project
Armenia Tree Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reforesting and improving the environment in Armenia. Since its founding in 1994, ATP has planted millions of trees, educated thousands of people about environmental conservation and fostered sustainable development in Armenia. Learn more at ArmeniaTree.org.
Author information
Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is a non-profit program based in Woburn and Yerevan conducting vitally important environmental projects in Armenia’s cities and villages and seeks support in advancing its reforestation mission. Since 1994, ATP has planted and restored more than 6,000,000 trees, and hundreds of jobs have been created for Armenians in seasonal tree-related programs.
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