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 203 North Howell St.
 St. Paul, MN 55104
 Tel: (651) 603-1940
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  updated
  May 5, 2008  

Home > ACOM

Armenian Cultural Organization Of Minnesota

203 North Howell Street
St. Paul, MN 55104

Tel: (651) 639-9346


ACOM Logo
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2008
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ACOM Book Presentation
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2006
2005
Click here to see the ACOM Newsletters

The Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota was founded in 1980 to perpetuate Armenian culture, language, history, religion, and heritage in the Upper Midwest.  To that end, it has provided various cultural events, such as the annual holiday parties (barahantess), church services, guest speakers, classical concerts by Henry Gregorian, Beatrice Ohanessian, Seda Bagdasarova, and other performers, art shows, summer picnics, holiday craft sales, and numerous other social and cultural activities.  The most significant undertaking for ACOM has been the annual Festival of Nations, the second largest attraction in Minnesota.  ACOM has always participated in the Café, Exhibit and Program areas.  This event has helped keep Minnesota Armenians in the public's eye, and in recent years, through the efforts of some of the members, ACOM has managed to spread awareness of its value and impact on society across the U.S.

Since its beginning, all activities were held at private homes or leased space, its records and everything that made up those 25 years, scattered throughout the Twin Cities, again, in private homes.  For the past six years, all that is ACOM has been gratefully housed in the St. Sahag building.  It not only maintains the tangible, but provides a place where just about any activity can be held.  At long last, this area is home to its community in every sense of the word.

ACOM Celebrated Silver Anniversary, Unveiled New Logo

ACOM New Logo

The year 2005 marked  a quarter-century of existence for the  independent Armenian Cultural Organization of Minnesota . Founded in February 1980, ACOM is  Minnesota's oldest and largest community organization for all who appreciate Armenian culture, history, and heritage. The winning logo was designed by Satenig El-Rawi of Minneapolis, who was awarded $50 at the Gaghant party in January. Satenig's design, featuring Armenian dancers forming the numeral 25.  Arax El-Rawi of Minneapolis , Christine Mann of North Oaks, and Mitchell Erickson of Roseville were also congratulated on their carefully crafted entries in the logo contest.

2008 ACOM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

   
President: Cynthia Erickson cynthia.erickson@minnmicro.com
Vice President: Steve Merjanian datamerj@aol.com
Secretary: Kristi Rendahl kristi_rendahl@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Nairy Digris hyebar@qwest.net
Social Director: Mariam Kocharian mariam.kocharian@gmail.com
External Affairs & Cultural Director: Lou Ann Matossian
Past President: Lynne Gildensoph lhgildensoph@stkate.edu
Newsletter Editor: Peggy Merjanian datamerj@aol.com

ACOM 2008 Calendar of Events - Download Download the calendar in MS Word File

       
 Month
Date
Event
Time
 
 
 January

10

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Echo Ridge Presbyterian

7:00 pm

 

17

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Ritz Theater RENOVATE audition

11:15 am

 

19

Gaghant - Barahantess

5:00 pm

     
 February

1

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

 

5

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Sholom Home

7:00 pm

 

23

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Bite of Burnsville

7:00 pm

 

26

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Edinborough Park

7:00 pm

 

27

Armenian Dance Ensemble –
Volunteers of America

1:00 pm

     
 March

9

Armenian Dance Ensemble – preview for Festival of Nations

1:00 pm

 

9

Silk Painting and Printing workshop - St. Sahag

1:30 pm

 

17

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

 

30

ACOM Silk Painting Workshop

1:00 pm

       
 April

Armenian Dance Ensemble –
Maplewood Care Center Volunteers of America

6:00 pm

 

20

The Armenia Tree Project

12:30 pm

 

21

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

 

26

Genocide Memorial Event and reception

7-8 pm

     
 May

1-4

Festival of Nations

All day

 

18

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Cerenity Care, St. Paul

3:00 pm

 

19

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

     
 June

3

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Sholom Home East

7:00 pm

16

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

     
 July

13

Armenian Dance Ensemble – The Wellington

2:00 pm

 

20

Picnic

12 noon

21

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

     
 August

5

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Sholom Home East

7:00 pm

 

18

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

     
 September

14

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Echo Ridge Presbyterian

4:00 pm

 

15

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

   
 October

20

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

 7:00 pm

 

25

Voski Ashoun – Entertainment and Refreshments

6:00 pm

     
 November

17

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

     
 December

2

Armenian Dance Ensemble – Sholom Home East

7:00 pm

15

ACOM Executive Committee meeting

7:00 pm

     
 JANUARY 2009
17
GAGHANT - BARAHANTESS
5:00 PM

ARMENIAN DANCE ENSEMBLE OF MINNESOTA

In 1990, under the auspices of ACOM, the Armenian Dance Ensemble of Minnesota (ADE) was formed. This group has evolved into a strong, self-sufficient and organized entity over the years.  As a non-profit, inter-generational performing group, the mission of the ADE is to preserve the traditional folk dances as they were done in various regions of historic Armenia, thereby enhancing community awareness of the Armenian heritage, culture and history.  Weekly rehearsals are held in a specially designed room at St. Sahag.  An invitation is extended to anyone who is interested in this aspect of the Armenian culture.  Armenians and "odars" are welcome to participate.  If you have questions, contact Naïry at e-mail: hyebar@qwest.net

Members of Armenian Dance Ensamble (ADE) in alphabetical order:

Christina Babadjanian
Laura Costello
Kathleen Daniels
Nairy Digris
Bradley Erickson
Cynthia Erickson
Mitchell Erickson
Lynne Gildensoph
Katia Grigoriants
Alarica Hassett
Brandon Jordan
Natela Jordan
Ed Kvarnes
Lynn Paulin
Francie Pedersen
Terry McGibbon
Theresa Mish
If you are interested in joining the group, you must be ready to commit to regular Sunday afternoon rehearsals. Two-hour rehearsals are held each Sunday from now until the Festival:  4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
After the Festival, we usually take a short break and then start all over.  Dances are taught to all newcomers and costumes are provided. If interested, please e-mail: hyebar@qwest.net

new FESTIVAL OF NATIONS 2008 - May 1, 2, 3, 4
ST. PAUL - RIVERCENTRE


ACOM has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the annual Festival of Nations and once again, it's that time. For those members of our community who are new and not familiar with this event, here it is in a nutshell. Under the auspices of the International Institute of Minnesota, a gathering of some 100 ethnic groups come together under one roof to present their respective cultures. The Armenians have always done our people proud.

We participate in three of the four venues.

PROGRAM, under the able direction and management of Naïry Digris, consists of our own Armenian Dance Ensemble who perform traditional, authentic dances in costume, on stage, at assigned times throughout the weekend. This group practices every Sunday during the year. If you have an interest in dance, contact Naïry Digris now. It's not too late!

EXHIBIT/CULTURAL area presents cultural traditions according to a theme determined by the International Institute. The Armenians have an unsurpassed record of success in this juried competition. The 2008 theme for the Festival is Ethnic Markets. Please contact Exhibit Chair Janet Rith-Najarian and she will let you know where your assistance is most needed.

Community members have always come forth to help and this year is no different. There are so many different things to be done; you just need to contact the Chairperson of the area that interests you. Anyone who agrees to work a shift during the weekend, gets free admission to the Festival for each day worked. Please start now - just send an e-mail and inquire as to how you can help.

General Chair: Naïry Digris hyebar@qwest.net
Program Chair: Terry McGibbon hyebar@qwest.net
Demo Co-Chair: Janet Rith-Najarian jrith@paulbunyan.net
Demo Co-Chair: Lynne Gildensoph lhgildensoph@stkate.edu
   

To download Download the form in MS Word Format please click here.
ACOM MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL FORM:    January 1 - December 31, 2008


ACOM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Gifts to ACOM are tax deductible in the extent permitted by law.

Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________

Street:     ______________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: (_____) - ________ - _____________

E-Mail Address: ______________________________

Contributing Membership: $100
Household Membership (including all members of one household), Minnesota Residents: $30
Out-of-State (ACOM Newsletter "MinneHyelites" only) : $15


Please make your check payable to ACOM and send to:
Nairy Digris
ACOM Treasurer
1703 Skillman Avenue West
Roseville, MN 55113


email: hyebar@qwest.net

©2008 Saint Sahag Armenian Church. All Rights Reserved.