October 2010 - Zoroastrian Association of California

Zoroastrian Association of California
October 2010
2010-2011 Executive Committee
President – Vira Santoke
Vice President – Tehmi Damania
Treasurer – Rooky Fitter
Joint Secretaries – Persis Choksy & Sheila Madon
Program Chair – Lily Mistry
Youth Coordinator – Mehernosh Gundevia
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM DASTURJI FIROZE KOTWAL
It is heartening to learn that the Zoroastrian Community of Southern
California inaugurated a grand new building for religious and social
purposes on July 18. May Ahura Mazda and His Fireshtes bless the
community in all its beneficent activities and keep it united and
thriving for all time to come. May you all be united in strength, in
righteousness (Hamaa Zor Hamaa Asho Bed).
Dasturji Firoze Kotwal
Mumbai, India
UPCOMING EVENTS:
(All our events will be held at our ZAC center, 1424 E. Walnut Ave,
Orange, CA 92867)
We will be having a Halloween party on Saturday, October 30th starting
at 6 pm (judging will start at 7 pm) and encourage everyone to attend.
Entrance will be $7 per person (free for 5 & under) and we will be
providing pizza, salad, bhel and drinks. Please contact Sheila: 858-6751017/[email protected] with number of people attending.
Categories for judging will be in different age groups for children
between 1 and 15 yrs of age.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL, YOUNG AND OLD, TO DRESS UP IN THEIR
FAVORITE COSTUMES!
Our Gahambar/General Body Meeting is scheduled for Saturday,
November 13th. Jashan will start at 3 pm, followed by chashni. The
meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. and Gahambar dinner will be served
after the meeting. Entrance will be $7 per person (free for children
under 5).
The agenda will include the following:
Reading and approval of the minutes of the June AGM, committee
report, treasurer’s report, center update, approval of the new donor
policy (see attached) and other business.
IF ANY MEMBER HAS ANYTHING RELEVANT TO BRING UP FOR
DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING, PLEASE SEND IT IN WRITING TO VIRA
SANTOKE BY OCT. 31, SO WE CAN ADD IT TO THE AGENDA.
Please contact Sheila: 858-675-1017/[email protected] with
number of people attending. As always, we need volunteers for Malido,
ravo, fruits/nuts as well as Dhansak dal, vagharela brown rice, kavabs
(turkey, chicken or veg) and kachubar.
PAST EVENTS:
We had a record turnout for the Pateti function (our first major
function at the new hall). The food provided by Mughal restaurant was
delicious and entertainment provided by our members was extremely
well received and enjoyed by all.
We have received numerous requests to continue having functions now
that we have our own place and in keeping with those requests, we
followed up with a whist drive on September 5th. Bhelpuri, chaat and tea
was enjoyed by all, while the crowd enjoyed playing panna and listening
to ‘oldies’ music.
Dasturji Kaikhushrow Meherjirana’s felicitation and talk saw a large
number of the ZAC community show up. Despite his age, Dasturji held
two lengthy sessions sharing his vast knowledge about religion and
science. ZAC felicitated the dasturji by presenting him with a shawl. We
thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to make his yearly
trip to Southern California. Thanks in large part goes out to Silloo Mehta
of Mazdayasnie Connection who along with ZAC, organized the function.
Ladies club was held on September 19th. Thanks go out to guest speaker
Dilzeen Engineer, who spoke at length about fashion and gave the
crowd invaluable tips on how to dress according to their body type.
Around 20 ladies showed up and a generous amount of money as well
as food items were collected for a needy family.
On Sept. 25th, some ZAC members enjoyed Dolla’s moonlight picnic in
Downey. It would not have been complete without Dolla’s famous dahi,
which was enjoyed by all. We also met some old friends after a long
time.
OOPS!
Mrs. Purin Boman’s donation was $150,000 not $100,000. We sincerely
regret the error and would like the community to know that it was her
donation that jumpstarted the hall search. Without her generosity and
largesse, we may still have been looking for a hall.
APPEAL FOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT HOUSTON CONGRESS
In order to make the Zarthusti Orchestra possible at the North American
Congress in Houston this December, the organizers need to raise more
funds. Please support our young musicians by making a generous
contribution. Call Vira: 714-963-1301 if you have questions. Please
make checks payable to ZAC (memo: Zarthusti Symphony Orchestra)
and mail to Rooky Fitter, 4611 Stellrecht, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.
CONDOLENCES:
Feroza Vimadalal passed away in Mexico. Feroza and her husband had
been long-time residents of southern California and had moved to
Mexico a few years ago.
Mrs. Dolly Limathwalla, mother of Kali (Benaifer) & Kersi (late Zarine)
of Mumbai passed away on September 12th.
Our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
SHOES FOR SOULS:
Got old shoes to donate? Bring them to the next function or drop them
off at the Santoke residence (19071 Bikini Lane, Huntington Beach, CA
92646). Tel: 714-963-1301. Ever since this appeal was printed in our
newsletter last February, ZAC members have donated over 200 pairs.
Vira will deliver them to Sole Sisters who put shoes on the feet of those
who are living without, mostly in third world countries.
COME ONE COME ALL
To quench Your Spiritual/religious thirst
Learn more about our religion, culture and spirituality
Through Zarathustra's words of Wisdom from Gathas and our history. Pre and
post Navjote and Navar classes, ages 2-5, 6-12 and Adults. Conducted by Zarrir
Bhandara, Jehangir Dastur and Shazneen Gandhi, Classes are held on
Sundays between 2 to 5pm at California Zoroastrian Center, Westminster,
CA 92683. For questions Contact: [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected].
CONGRATULATIONS
Zara Commissariat, a daughter to Diana and Xerxes Commissariat,
sister to Zane, granddaughter to Shireen & Dinyar Irani and Aban &
Nauzer Commissariat was born on August 2nd, 2010.
Samanaz Kapadia received her Masters of Business Administration in
Leadership and Organizational Change from Pepperdine University.
Adil Minocherhomji graduated with a Masters degree in Information
Systems from Indiana University in Bloomington - Kelley School of
Business and is now working at Accenture as a consultant.
North American Zarthusti Congress - Houston (Dec 29 to 31, 2010) The
theme of the congress is PRESERVE, PROTECT, PERFECT. There is
something for everyone : dynamic speakers, Zarathushti Symphony
Orchestra conducted by Farobag Cooper, musical evening with Adi
Tamboli, natak by Nozer Buchia, New Year’s eve gala, and a lot more.
Don’t miss out on all the excitement – this Congress has something for
everyone. Visit http://www.zah.org/nazc-10/registration_form.htm
DONOR RECOGNITION POLICY
To acknowledge the donors and/or honor and remember their
parents/loved ones in a permanent way when they donate to the ZAC
building fund, the following donor policy has been adopted.
The Center will have plaques enabling such acknowledgements and these
will be graded as follows:
$1000 to $2499
$25,000 to $49,999
$2500 to $9999
$50,000 to $99,999
$10,000 to $24,999
$100,000 and over
Those who donate $50,000 and over will have a premium parking space
reserved for them. Those who donate $250,000 and over will have
naming rights to a room in the Center. There will be a leather-bound book
kept at the Center, which will acknowledge donations under $1000. As
donors make additional specific gifts for the building fund they will have
their names placed in a higher appropriate grade.
The Donor Recognition Policy which needs to be approved by the
General Body reflects the basic scheme recommended by the
subcommittee of Mr. Noshir Jesung, Dr. Firdaus Udwadia and Mr. Hector
Mehta which was approved by the General Body in 2003. We once again
appreciate and thank them for their efforts.
JASHANS ON EVERY FARVARDIN, BEHRAM AND RAM ROJ
Mobed Zarrir Bhandara has volunteered to perform jashans, along with a
Humbundagi, and explain the significance of the Jashan performed, on a
regular basis for the benefit of our community:
1. A Hama asho Farohar jashan on Farvardin roj for all our dear departed
community members' family and friends
2. A Khushalinu Jashan on Bahram roj for success and victory of our
community member in all their endeavors.
3. A Khushalinu jashan on Ram roj for peace and harmony amongst our
community members.
Please contact Zarrir Bhandara for venue and timing if interested in
attending.
Thank you for your generous donations!
CENTER DONATION LIST
ALAMSHAW Barjor & Dhun Alamshaw $100 for 2 tables, $100 for chairs
ARESH Godi & Tahamtan: large metal Farohar
ARJANI Dogdoe & Tehemtan: Electric stove/grill, metal “toran.”
BHADA Cusrow & Gulshan: 4 chafing dishes, tandoor, Playstation,
amplifier, prayer caps, CD/DVD player, tennis balls, beverage glasses,
large prep trays
BHOT Aban & Manek: Fridge, 2 prayer books, 2 pictures, fans, 4 clocks
CONTRACTOR: Rusi & Rita: Rajasthani furniture, fridge, use of van.
DASTUR Shireen & Jamshed: $200 for table
DUBASH Gulu: fridge, 2 partitions, filing cabinet
FELFELI Firouz: Office furniture, coffee, TV & side tables, lights, book
shelf, metal shelf, cooler box.
IRANI Banoo & Sohrab: Framed Zarathushtra Portrait
IRANI Noshir & Mitra: 8 folding tables, 2 bulletin boards
JESUNG Gool & Noshir: portable gas camp stove
KAR Ava & Ashok: Wii game console, computer, wall clock.
LAKDAWALLA Rhoda & Noshir: Table tennis table and accessories
MADON Sheila & Sharook: Freezer
MALVA Dolly: 2 Zarathushtra frames, diva glasses, 100 tea lights
MEDORA Perinne: Framed Farohar carpet
MEHTA Silloo: 3 cooking pots/lids, box of serving spoons, set of glasses
MISTRY Prochi & Jamshed: Music system & floor speakers
MOTIWALLA Roshan: 2 Zarathushtra frames
PATEL Cawas & Pervize: Large framed picture of Zarathustra
PITHAWALLA Mehernosh & Yasmin: 65” TV
WHEELER Prochee: Prayer scarves
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF ZAC!
You have made the use of our new center possible in so short a time.
Thank you all!!
MAINTENANCE CREW: They are there at the center on a regular basis,
rain or shine!
Maneck Bhot, Tehmi & Manek Damania, Khushru Dubash, Firouz Felfeli,
Rooky Fitter, Noshir Irani, Burjor Santoke.
MISCELLANEOUS REPAIRS:
Mehernosh Choksy, Behram Deboo, Phiroze Gundevia, Mehernosh
Gundevia, Rayomand Gundevia, Darayus Mistry, Cawas Patel, and all on
the maintenance team.
PAINTING:
Manek & Tehmi Damania, Shahnaz Fitter, Roxanne Fitter, Rooky Fitter,
Jennifer Jones
TRANSPORTATION:
Zarrir Bhandara, Zerkxis Bhandara, Manek & Tehmi Damania, Sohrab Irani,
Noshir Irani, Darayus Mistry
REMODEL AND DESIGN:
Sohrab Charna
MOBEDS:
Darius Bhadha, Farhad Bhadha, Zarrir Bhandara, Zerkxis Bhandara, Manek
Bhujwala, Jehangir Dastur, Yazad Dastur, Fali Kanga
PARKING LOT CLEANING AND STRIPPING:
Farhad Choksy, Tehmi & Manek Damania, Khushru Dubash, Rooky Fitter,
Mehernosh Gundevia, Rayomand Gundevia, Noshir Irani, Mahfrin Santoke,
Vira Santoke
CENTER CLEAN-UP CREW: They came with mops and brushes and
made the place sparkling clean!
Arnavaz Aga, Persis Choksy, Farhad Choksy, Tehmi & Manek Damania,
Ruzbeh Daruwalla, Khushru Dubash, Firouz Felfeli, Freddy Fitter, Shahnaz
Fitter, Roxanne Fitter, Rooky Fitter, Cyrus Gayo Irani, Mitra & Noshir Irani,
Aban Kapadia, Ferez Khavarian, Kanesh Lakdawala, Ria Madon, Rohan
Madon, Armaiti May, Dhun May, Lily Mistry, Jasmine Mistry, Porus
Mistry, Homa & Rohinton Mondegarian, Hanoz Santoke, Vira & Burjor
Santoke, Farhad Sidhwa, Anahita Sidhwa and Kayan Sidhwa.
FOOD: Who not only help with the cooking but also make sure meals are
hot & ready on time!
Persis & Mehernosh Choksy, Khushru Dubash, Dinshaw Fanibanda, Sheila
& Sharook Madon, Darayus & Lily Mistry
Also, many thanks to all our volunteers who have helped prepare the
delicious dishes:
Dogdoe Arjani, Gulshan Bhadha, Mahrukh Bhujwala, Pervin Chichgar,
Chisti Dadachanji, Tehmi Damania, Meher Dustoor, Dilzeen Engineer,
Rooky Fitter, Yasmin Gundevia, Mitra Irani, Shireen Irani, Aban Kapadia,
Firuza Karwa, Farida Lakdawalla, Rhoda Lakdawalla, Benaifer Limath,
Hilla Machhi, Dolly Malva, Silloo Mehta, Yasmin Mirza, Hilla Munshi,
Arnavaz Poorvafadari, Tanaz Ragaby, Sanobar Raghina, Reshma Rustomi,
Persis Rustomji, Vira Santoke, Dilnavaz Shroff, Ferhiz Sidhwa, Daisy
Siganporia, Zarine Sonchhatra, Perviz Tarapore.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Prochi Mistry
DJ at Pateti function:
Zubin Chichgar
CURTAIN SEWING:
Arnavaz Aga, Tehmi & Manek Damania, Rooky Fitter, Armaity Irani, Gool
& Noshir Jesung, Vira Santoke
It is our goal to recognize all volunteers and donors. If we have
inadvertently omitted your name from the list please let us know and we
will be happy to recognize your efforts in the next issue.
18721-145 Caminito Pasadero
San Diego, CA 92128
UPCOMING
THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER
If you have any announcements such as weddings, navjotes, births, deaths,
graduations, etc, please let Sheila know. We will be once again honoring
all high school and college grads who could not make it to the Pateti
function and those who graduated in fall, at our GBM in November. Please
email the necessary information to Sheila: [email protected].
On most weekends we try and do something at the center. Call any
committee member to find out what’s happening. We let the community
know via email broadcasts so if you are not on the ZAC broadcast list and
would like to receive intimation about our events, or wish to unsubscribe,
please inform Vira at [email protected]. Make sure your Spam blocker
“allows” ZAC emails. We would also like all our youth to fill the form on
the website and enroll so you get to hear about the latest activities from
Mehernosh, our youth coordinator.
visit us at www.zacla.org
OCTOBER 2010