[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14989]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF SIRVART HOVNANIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2012

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sirvart Hovnanian 
for her dedication and commitment to furthering issues of importance to 
the local community. A dedicated and loving wife and mother, Sirvart 
Hovnanian truly exemplifies what it is to live the American dream.
  Sirvart Hovnanian was instrumental, along with her late husband, 
Kevork Hovnanian, in advocating for issues of importance to the 
Armenian community. Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of St. 
Stepanos Church in Elberon, New Jersey. Sirvart played a critical role 
in the conception and construction of St. Stepanos Church. In addition, 
she was also heavily involved in charitable causes, including founding 
and overseeing the Fund for Armenian relief, an organization dedicated 
to the advancement of a market economy and providing education and 
financial assistance for children in post-Soviet Armenia.
  Sirvart and her husband, Kevork, turned personal tragedy into hope 
and inspiration. Both Mrs. and Mr. Hovnanian were instrumental in the 
creation of the Alton A. Hovnanian Emergency Room at the Riverview 
Medical Center in Red Bank, New Jersey. Understanding the importance of 
giving back to the community, Sirvart was also heavily involved in the 
creation of the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at the Jersey Shore 
Medical Center, as well as funding the construction of the cardiac care 
wing of the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical 
Center. All of her charitable work and giving back to the community was 
done without sacrificing her obligations to her family. Sirvart 
Hovnanian is the proud mother of five children, grandmother of 
thirteen, and great-grandmother of four.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in leading this body in recognition of 
Sirvart Hovnanian. Her humble disposition and commitment to her family 
and community truly make her deserving of this body's recognition.

                          ____________________