Tom Vartabedian

Al Kaprielian reigns as ultimate meteorologist

Sep 01, 2010: For a veteran weatherman there’s no such thing as a bad day when you’ve been broadcasting weather reports for 26 years, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Getting adjusted to electronic age

Aug 30, 2010: Veteran journalist Tom Vartabedian discusses the challenges and opportunities offered by quickly evolving computer gadgets  more...

Author Chris Bohjalian making literary strides

Aug 30, 2010: Tom Vartabedian talks to the most popular contemporary Armenian American writer about his successes so far and plans for the future.  more...

AYF Olympics to feature WWII homage

Aug 18, 2010: When young Armenians gather in Philadelphia between September 2 and 6 for the 77th Olympic Games, there will be more at stake besides medals and championships, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Project SAVE: treasure trove of photographic history

Aug 17, 2010: Tom Vartabedian notes the achievements and challenges of Project SAVE, thirty-five years since launch, and becomes acquainted with its 2011 calendar.  more...

My friend the scholar-athlete

Aug 12, 2010: Life is full of twists and turns and yesterday's role model may be struggling tomorrow, observes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Restaurant snafus not what customer ordered

Aug 12, 2010: Tom Vartabedian shares a few awkward moments from his experiences in the kitchen and at the dining table.  more...

Just how Armenian are you?

Jul 20, 2010: Tom Vartabedian peruses a "You are Armenia if..." list and finds at least a dozen of 50 points are true as far as he is concerned.  more...

Recovery urged for Armenian survivors’ gift to U.S.

Jul 20, 2010: A new home is needed for a rug weaved by orphans in 1926 as a thank you for U.S. aid over Genocide, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Keeping your kids Armenian

Jul 13, 2010: Tom Vartabedian writes that he is finding it increasingly difficult to keep children Armenian and shares some thoughts on how to deal with that challenge.  more...

Father Karekin Bedourian prepares to pastor St. Gregory Church

Jul 11, 2010: St. Gregory Armenian Church of North Andover holds two auspicious celebrations, reports Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Arev Ensemble links past with future

Jul 01, 2010: The Armenian folk music ensemble will present its album "Arev: The Return" during July 9 concert at Watertown's Armenian Cultural & Educational Center.  more...

Who might learn Armenian?

Jun 28, 2010: In my never-ending quest to keep the Armenian tongue alive, I have often searched for answers as to why anyone might want to learn this language, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Armenian Botanical Gardens looking to blossom

Jun 28, 2010: The Armenian Botanical Gardens and Institute is in dire need of a make-over. Once the blossoming rose of Yerevan, more recently it has wilted through hard economical times and lack of governmental support.  more...

A Father’s Day letter to my dad

Jun 17, 2010: Tom Vartabedian writes a letter to his father, reflecting on change in thirty-five years since his passing.  more...

In Memoriam: Rev. Arshag Daghlian remembered for his piety

Jun 16, 2010: At an age when most people retire to the comfort of an easy chair or a nursing home, Rev. Archpriest Arshag Daghlian forged ahead, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Finding a tie that binds (to one's Armenian heritage)

Jun 09, 2010: Tom Vartabedian searched high and low for a tie that would combine the three Armenian colors. It seemed like a futile task until a lucky break.  more...

The many sides of Nancy Tutunjian

Jun 09, 2010: Tom Vartabedian profiles Watertown area actress, singer and motivational speaker.  more...

Memorial Day --- barbeques or tributes?

May 31, 2010: On this Memorial Day, wouldn’t it be idyllic if all of us observed the occasion for which it was intended, asks Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Almasians prove devoted ALMA volunteers

May 27, 2010: If you’re searching for a formula to create the consummate volunteer, take a man well into his 70s, happily retired, still energetic and motivated, suggests Tom Vartabedian. Take a man well into his 70s, happily retired, still energetic, looking to give something tangible back to the Armenian community.  more...

Gevorkian photos capture Armenia's sense of place

May 27, 2010: An exhibit of Sona Gevorkian's photography is on display at the Bedford Free Public Library through mid-July, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Watertown awards Hagopian for documentary on town history

May 24, 2010: The Town of Watertown paid tribute to Roger Hagopian by presenting him with the community's Historic Resources Award.  more...

Bone marrow donor urgently needed to save Irene Katrandjian

May 17, 2010: She is a 52-year-old devoted Armenian who wants nothing more than to live a happy and fulfilling life and do what's best for her three children; but that simple wish is now threatened by life-threatening blood cancer.  more...

Six high schools receive genocide education

May 12, 2010: Six high schools throughout this region north of Boston received a heavy dose of Armenian Genocide education this spring in conjunction with a curriculum proposed by the Massachusetts Governor's Council on Education in 1998.  more...

Facing poverty in Armenia

May 12, 2010: Poverty is rampant in Armenia, writes Tom Vartabedian. But no matter how bad living conditions can sometimes be, this is home, there’s no alternative and there are plenty of rewards.  more...

Doing business with Armenians

May 07, 2010: Given the choice, I feel more at home when I’m dealing with an Armenian, writes Tom Vartabedian. But…a certain turn of events has cast a shadow of doubt on this preference.  more...

Sitting through speeches at Armenian events can be challenging

May 05, 2010: I love a finished speaker, writes Tom Vartabedian. By that, I don’t necessarily mean someone who’s refined but one who finally ends his monologue.  more...

Times Square commemoration defies Mother Nature

Apr 28, 2010: Rain failed to dampen the spirit of thousands who turned out April 25 to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Genocide to hear members of Congress and community leaders, Taleen Babayan and Tom Vartabedian report.  more...

Village memorial service offers a glimpse of life

Apr 27, 2010: The element of surprise is often prevalent in Armenia, especially as an unsuspecting outsider - in this case Tom Vartabedian - is looking to act normal.  more...

This April 24, if it’s a nice day, I’ll get my garden in order

Apr 21, 2010: I am a proud Armenian-American, writes Tom Vartabedian. But if this April 24 is a nice day, I’ll prefer to work my garden rather than attend another Genocide commemoration.  more...

Genocide survivors defy age and torment

Apr 19, 2010: My mother represents a model of inspiration and so do 6 other survivors of the Armenian Genocide currently in my small community of Merrimack Valley, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Barry Chooljian earns national acclaim in wrestling

Apr 14, 2010: If Barry Chooljian isn't the top high school wrestling coach in America, then he's certainly creating a strong case for himself, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Merrimack Valley Genocide commemoration to focus on Armenian culture

Apr 07, 2010: A memorial concert by the Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale will highlight the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide April 18 in Merrimack Valley.  more...

A proud Armenian veteran rekindles past

Apr 05, 2010: You may or may not know Harold Paragamian, depending on where you live. He is a quiet man, relatively private, and surely not one to shine in any limelight, writes Tom Vardabedian.  more...

Razmig Manoogian is gatekeeper of church that is rubble

Apr 05, 2010: Tom Vartabedian takes a circuitous route outside of Yerevan over bumpy dirt roads and jagged crossings to a church in some God-forsaken village called Ptghni to hear a lesson in spirituality.  more...

Want to kill a good idea? Give it to committee!

Apr 05, 2010: In a commentary, Tom Vartabedian reflects on importance of promoting public speaking early in life and how his recent proposal was canned in the interest of time.  more...

Speaking Armenian a matter of choice

Mar 29, 2010: Armenian Americans who make an effort to exercise their mother tongue will be rewarded by the experience, argues Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Armenian Boxing School delivers a knockout

Mar 26, 2010: While it may not be the film version of "Rocky," young boxing aspirants in Yerevan are punching a ticket to become future champions of Armenia, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

An eminent mother-daughter writing duo in Armenia

Mar 23, 2010: One book doesn't necessarily make an accomplished author but with Knarig Svazlian, it's a step in the right direction.  more...

Knights send $425,000 in medical supplies to Armenia

Mar 22, 2010: Medical equipment valued at $425,000 will help residents at the Miasnikyan Regional Health Care Center in the Armavir District of Armenia and Yerevan Central Oncology Hospital, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Genocide discussion engages Wilmington High students

Mar 16, 2010: Khatchig Mouradian painted a vivid picture of how his family experienced genocide; other panelists share experiences from Germany, Cambodia and Rwanda.  more...

Gregorian brothers follow in military dad’s footsteps

Mar 09, 2010: For Felix Gregorian, nothing could be prouder than having two sons attending the most prestigious military academies in the land, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Genocide survivor’s wish for his son fulfilled

Mar 09, 2010: As a genocide survivor, Harry Kazarosian wanted nothing better than an honorable life for his family and more than anything else, he wanted his son to attend Harvard University, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Gyumri music school recovers from ruins

Mar 03, 2010: The sound of music is alive and well inside the Tigranyan Institute, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Obituary: Paul Kazarosian raised his “bar” another level

Feb 22, 2010: As a venerable attorney in the city of Haverhill, he could defend any cause with a voracious appetite for justice, stand toe-to-toe with anyone opposing justice, and bring homage where it was due, Tom Vartabedian writes in tribute to Paul Kazarosian.  more...

Armenian music holds a steady beat

Feb 22, 2010: Maybe it's a sign of old age but more and more, I've preferred listening to Armenian music as opposed to dancing by it, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

History of Hood Rubber plant tells story of Armenians in Watertown

Feb 17, 2010: Former Bentley College President Gregory Adamian worked there. So did Tufts University guru John Baronian and prominent artist Arshile Gorky until he overstepped his boundaries and got dismissed.  more...

Opinion: If only more Armenians were good Armenians

Feb 17, 2010: In our never-ending quest to create a better, more active Armenian lifestyle, a student in our Sunday School program came up with a logical solution, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Val Avery remembered as actor personified

Feb 17, 2010: Whether he played a cop, thug, Mafia kingpin, a traveling corset salesman or a loveable Italian grandfather, rest assured. Val Avery, born Sebouh Der Abrahamian, always put his best acting foot forward.  more...

Question: “What time is it when it’s Armenian time?”

Feb 11, 2010: As a conscientious Armenian, I like to be on time. I like to see events begin on time. As a journalist, I've always been raised in a punctual world - by the clock, writes Tom Vartabedian.  more...

Movsesian drives 25,000 miles for charity

Jan 29, 2010: Each week when the call comes from Northern Essex Elder Transport, into his car he goes to drive some thankful patient into Boston to meet a medical appointment.  more...

High School dedicates science wing to Haig Varadian

Jan 29, 2010: Throughout his 41 years in education, Haig Varadian never wasted an opportunity to assist a student.  more...

In Memoriam: Marty Kanayan walked in dad’s footsteps

Jan 29, 2010: Growing up in the streets of Watertown, MA, Mardiros (Martin) Kanayan was his father's keeper.  more...

A nursing home adopts Armenia

Jan 29, 2010: This is about a group of residents inside a nursing home who knew little or nothing about Armenia until they were exposed to it one fine afternoon.  more...

Classic Armenian couples show lots of class

Jan 28, 2010: What does it take to form a successful relationship?  more...

Merry Christmas, Armenia

Dec 08, 2009: Tom Vartabedian sends a loving Christmas card to Armenia – a land of wondrous dreams and poignant realities.  more...

Ovian brothers unfold sibling rivalry on stage

Dec 02, 2009: Forget the pillow fights or the petty grievances at home. This one had curtain call written all over. Tom Vartabedian reports.  more...

Prelacy honors Dagdigians at St. Gregory Church anniversary

Nov 17, 2009: Modest as they are, John and Violet Dagdigian would have preferred choice seats to a Red Sox game as opposed to a hotter seat during a 39th anniversary celebration of St. Gregory Church. Both were presented with distinguished service awards by the Armenian Prelacy for their tireless efforts over the past four decades, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

“Hello Ellis Island” celebrates 20th anniversary

Nov 17, 2009: Hourig Papazian-Sahagian is like the Energizer Bunny. She just keeps going and going, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

Golden anniversary couples shine

Nov 17, 2009: In a day when golden anniversary couples are becoming as extinct as dinosaurs, the Der Apkarians and Kachanians not only fit the nuptial mold– they break it, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

Merrimack Valley Knights of Vartan sponsor Armenian cultural night

Nov 03, 2009: What started out as a simple film depicting Armenia's beauty turned into a full-fledged Armenian cultural evening that included the donation of several books to Andover Memorial Hall Library, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

Cape Cod Armenian parishioners persevere

Oct 27, 2009: A small coterie of dedicated Armenians on Cape Cod have been trying desperately to establish their own church since the 1980s. There's still no church, but there is a warm and dedicated circle of parishioners, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

A woman crusades against breast cancer

Oct 13, 2009: Susan Kulungian smiles coyly when people call her "the mad hatter." One day, she comes dressed as a pirate with a patch over her eye and the next day, a chef with an armful of groceries. Tom Vartabedian tells the story.  more...

Remembering Der Torkom Hagopian

Sep 17, 2009: "I remember a priest standing on the steps of St. Stephen's Church with his arms folded and a disgruntled look on his face, glancing at his watch as I hustled about with my camera in hand." Tom Vartabedian remembers Archpriest Torkom Hagopian.  more...

Personal tour of Armenia Tree Project lifts spirits

Jul 10, 2009: Essayist Tom Vartabedian spent a day with the Armenia Tree Project during a recent trip to Armenia. He came away deeply impressed.  more...

Late pastor's spirit hovers over Armenian School hantess

Jun 10, 2009: The spirit of Rev. Vartan Kassabian proved a guiding light in an Armenian School hantess dedicated to his memory at St. Gregory Church of North Andover, Mass., last month.  more...

New York Yankees taking firm grip upon Armenia

Jun 05, 2009: Columnist Tom Vartabedian was surprised to see New York Yankees caps in Yerevan, Goris, and Stepanakert. No other teams were represented.  more...

One in a million on April 24 in Armenia

May 28, 2009: While touring Armenia in April, I was “one in a million,” essayist Tom Vartabedian writes. On April 24th, the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I joined a crowd estimated at 1 million making its annual pilgrimage to the memorial on the outskirts of Yerevan.  more...

Jack Papazian remembered as Philly catalyst

May 28, 2009: Every community needs a Jack Papazian – someone to shepherd the youth, motivate the adults, collaborate with legislators, keep the church front vital, and spread the good name of Armenia at every interval, Tom Vartabedian writes in a tribute to the late Philadelphia-Armenian.  more...

Armenia revisited: A second look at a country’s heritage

May 22, 2009: Essayist Tom Vartabedian visited Armenia for a second time. He offers the highlights of his three-week trip in words and images.  more...

“Baron Pete” answers last call at Camp Haiastan

May 20, 2009: After 33 years and many diverse roles, Pete Jelalian is calling it quits at Camp Haiastan, a place he affectionately calls “his second home.” Tom Vartabedian has a profile.  more...

The other church

Apr 23, 2009: Columnist Tom Vartabedian decided to attend services at the other Armenian church one week. Heads turned. He recommends it.  more...

Merrimack Valley Armenians to observe 94th anniversary of Genocide

Apr 16, 2009: The theme of the Merrimack Valley observance of the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will be "A Musical Tribute to the Martyrs" and will feature a trio of Armenian-born artists called Ar-Li-Na making its professional debut in the valley, Tom Vartabedian reports.  more...

Remembering Rev. Vartan Kassabian: a moment frozen in time

Mar 25, 2009: Rev. Vartan Kassabian, who died earlier this month, regularly brought blessings and good cheer to the last Armenian Genocide survivor in Haverhill, Mass., and the three other Armenian residents of the Hannah Duston Nursing Home, Tom Vartabedian reports.  more...

Thousands mourn passing of beloved pastor Vartan Kassabian

Mar 25, 2009: Condolences poured into New England from across the country and abroad for a beloved pastor who served his church for 17 years before climbing a stairway to paradise, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

Wilmington students study Armenian Genocide

Mar 05, 2009: Efforts to introduce an Armenian Genocide curriculum throughout high schools north of Boston are gaining impetus, Tom Vardabedian reports.  more...

Ojen Fantazian: a survivor and an inspiration

Feb 26, 2009: Ojen Fantazian, an Armenian Genocide survivor, continues to live a brisk independent life inside her modest home just outside Arlington, Mass. Tom Vartabedian has a profile.  more...

Dora Tevan presented Martin Luther King Award

Feb 19, 2009: Dora (Kalajian) Tevan received the Martin Luther King Award from the Somerville Human Rights Commission. Ms. Tevan founded the Ethnic Arts Center in Somerville nearly three decades ago and has been helping Somerville integrate all that time. Tom Vartabedian has a profile.  more...

Paul Varadian promotes Armenia in the Olympic Games

Jan 08, 2009: Tom Vardabedian profiles Providence native Paul Varadian, who in his capacity as Armenia’s head of delegation to the Olympics, lately dined in Istanbul with Turkey’s President Abdullah Gül.  more...

Leon Tokatlian sits on top of his world

Dec 12, 2008: For Leon Tokatlian, there’s no better feeling on this planet than to sit quietly in solitude at 20,000 feet with nothing between him and God except the clouds, Tom Vartabedian writes.  more...

Tufts gives final salute to John K. Baronian

Nov 08, 2008: Six months after his death, John K. Baronian is still being remembered on the campus of Tufts University.  more...

ARS Mediterranean Cruise was a memorable experience

Sep 20, 2008: Whether it's the "wave" of the future or not, the ARS Mediterranean Cruise provided a delightful experience in more ways than one Aug. 15-27.  more...