[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E494-E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO FLORA DUNAIANS, 29TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE 
                               YEAR--2005

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History 
Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and 
sacrifices made by our Nation's women during the month of March. It is 
an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference 
in my Congressional District.
  I would like to recognize an outstanding woman in my Congressional 
District, Ms. Flora Dunaians. For many years, Flora has brought an 
abounding spirit and energy to her service in the community. Those 
fortunate enough to meet and work with Flora instantly recognize her 
enthusiasm and passion for helping others, especially on behalf of the 
Armenian American community and the arts.
  Born and raised in Pasadena, Flora Jane Calusdian married George 
Dunaians in 1958 and they had 2 daughters, Gigi and Suzie. In 1968 the 
Dunaians formed their own business, Western Medical Supply, Inc., where 
Flora is currently the Vice President and Secretary.
  Flora is devoted to her church and community. For over 40 years, 
Flora has been active at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic 
Church, serving as Trustee and member

[[Page E495]]

of the St. Gregory Auxiliary. On the occasion of the visit of His 
Holiness Vasken I, Catholicos of All Armenians to the United States in 
1987, Flora and George donated to the new cathedral fund for the 
Diocese. In 1988 following the devastating earthquake in Armenia, the 
Dunaians arranged for donated emergency goods to be flown to Yerevan on 
Armand Hammer's private plane. She has been involved in many church-
related projects throughout the Diocese, such as the Operation Karabakh 
Fund, Operation Winter Rescue and Operation Fuel, and continues to 
support various projects throughout the Diocese and the Holy See of 
Etchmiadzin.
  Constantly finding ways to improve the social condition for children 
in Armenia, Flora co-founded Developmental Services for Armenia, a non-
profit organization that helps schools, orphanages and short term 
projects. She also established and continues to support a dental clinic 
at the Nork Military Academy in Yerevan.
  Flora and George are both founding members of the Consulate of the 
Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles. Flora is also a board member of the 
Armenian Assembly of America, the National Board of Team Armenia, and 
the Armenian Professional Society, where she and her husband have 
opened their home to raise funds for student scholarships for the last 
25 years.
  In addition to her extensive community service, Flora is a supporter 
of the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art, the Pasadena Playhouse, 
and the New York Foundation for the Arts.
  I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an outstanding woman 
of California's 29th Congressional District, Flora Dunaians. The entire 
community joins me in thanking Flora for her success and continued 
efforts toward making the 29th Congressional District a more enjoyable 
place in which to live and work.

                          ____________________