On Sunday, April 15, Programs Division organized a brunch at Vazgen & Marina Mazmanian's residence in honor of the Ararat Scholarship Recipients for the Class of 2011.

The recipients were:Edwin Manouchehri; Brian Moosaian and Sevana Baghdasarian. This year, because there were many qualified applicants, the committee decided to have Honorary Mentions and they were for: Tamara Talverdian, Vivian Anouchian, Deena Hovsepian, Ani Pogarian and Tennie Khanlian. Each recipient gave a short speech about their plans for the future. We congratulate all our participants on their achievements and wish them great success in their studies and the accomplishment of their every goals.

On May 06, 2012 Ararat Chapter held another USATT Sanctioned Table Tennis Tournament at Ararat North Campus.

Ararat was represented by 12 players and we were very pleased to have over 50 participants from many different clubs and sports complexes to join us for these exciting games. This was the fifth tournament held under "U.S. Table Tennis Association" in which all participants competed in sanctioned games and obtained new ratings for their play.

Ararat Open Table Tennis Games are another way of reaching to the community by way of sports.

Last year was very successful in that Glendale saw a 7% drop in violent crimes, keeping Glendale in the top 10 "Safest Cities" in California with a population of 100,000 or more. Progress in technologies like the new Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory and information led policing has promoted proactive enforcement methods, saving both time and money.

GPD's development of Area Command policing has led to increased officer awareness of issues facing their residents and a larger push by the community to get involved. This interest has started more Neighborhood Watch groups and greater attendance at Town Hall meetings. The partnership the Police Department enjoys with Glendale residents has led to more accessible modes of communication and a safer City.

In 2012 GPD has begun to face the major repercussions related to prison reform. The estimated monthly release of an average 1,000 parolees back into the LA County area communities will be challenging. These career criminals pose a huge threat to Glendale which is why continued development of community partners is essential for our City's safety.

The Glendale Police Department has also made continued efforts for a greater diversification of the Department to more closely mirror the community and thus better serving their needs. Last year GPD swore in 17 new officers, ten of whom listed an ethnic background of Armenian, Hispanic or Korean.

Please, see the video presenting Glendale Police Chief De Pompa's brief overview of the Glendale Police Department's public safety achievements in 2011, along with his expectations for the rest of 2012, by visiting:  http://youtu.be/neBQNsqYWv4.