Zoroastrian Association of California December 2016

2016-2017 Executive Committee

President – Tehmi Damania Vice President – Perinne Medora Treasurer – Rooky Fitter

Joint Secretaries – Parvez Erani and Deelnavaz Tarapore Program Chair – Prochi Mistry

Youth Coordinator – Shirley Limath

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS: December 31, 2016 from 8:00 pm Once again join the ZAC Family to celebrate New Year’s Eve and raise a champagne toast with dinner

and dance at the ZAC Center on Saturday December 31, 2016 from 8:00 pm onwards. BYOB and your

appetites for Noorani’s delicious dinner and your dancing shoes to dance away the Big Night.

If you wish to share the sweetness with one dessert per family, please feel free to get one.

Cost: $20 per person. Children 12 years and under FREE.

RSVP by December 25, 2016 either by Credit Card Payment at ZACLA.Org or by Check to be

received at the Center by the cut off date.

“LET’S GET TOGETHER AND ENJOY AS ONE BIG FAMILY”

Maidyarem Ghambhar: January 1, 2017 at 11:00 am What could be better than starting the New Year with a Jashan.

Come one, come all and let's celebrate the New Year and the Ghambhar with a Jashan followed by

lunch!

Maidyarem Ghambhar will be held on Sunday January 1st, 2017 at 11:00 am.

If you would like to sponsor this Ghambhar please contact Mobed Zarrir Bhandara.

In order to get a proper head count for lunch please RSVP to Zarrir Bhandara by email -

zbhandara@gmail.com by December 27, 2016.

Navroze Function: Saturday March 18, 2017 Save the Date. More details to follow in the next newsletter.

PAST EVENTS

Halloween ZAC celebrated Halloween on October 30th with a lot of fun and participation from the tiny and not so

tiny tots.

About 14 children and some Adults dressed up in their Halloween finery and paraded on the stage for all

to clap and enjoy!

Special Congratulatory ZAC Certificates were awarded individually to all the young participants who

very proudly displayed them for photographs taken by their happy parents. Games and artwork were

enjoyed by all followed by a catered Chinese dinner.

INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE ATASH KADEH Six years after the ZAC center was opened, the dream of having a prayer hall was finally turned into

reality. On Sunday, November 13, 2016, Roj Mahrespand the beautiful edifice was opened for the use of

the community and their guests. The building was sanctified for 48 hours by prayers performed by

Mobed Zarrir and Zerkxis Bhandara.

The morning of the 13th witnessed the beautiful Atash Kadeh decorated inside and out with festive

torans and balloons with community members dressed in their finery of daglis and saris awaiting the

ribbon cutting ceremony. With a full throated rendition of “Chhaiye Hamey Zarthosti” the ribbon was

ceremoniously cut by 2 couples together – Arda-E-Viraf and Hootoxi Minocherhomjee and Sohrab and

Sharon Charna. The very first Boi ceremony was then performed by Mobed Zarrir Bhandara, followed

by a Machi and a Jashan which was performed by 12 mobeds of the community together. It was an

ethereal experience for all present. Since the hall could accommodate about100 guests, arrangements

were specially made to stream the entire proceedings live in the main Arjani Hall of the center. On

completion of the prayers, the people reverentially offered sandal wood and lighted tea lights with

glowing hearts. The atmosphere was charged with joy and a feeling of achievement for all. No prayers

are complete without a scrumptious chaasni generously brought by many which had delicacies such as

ravo, malido, sev, dahi, tarela kera, nuts, fruits and cookies that lasted the whole day with hot tea and

coffee for all.

The Felicitation ceremony took place in the Arjani Hall. Perinne Medora Vice President of ZAC

welcomed the audience of 268 present in the Hall and emceed the proceedings.

The event started with beautiful songs cutely sung by 13 Zarthushti tiny tots directed by Huty Contractor

which got a standing ovation from all present. They were Cyrus Anklesaria, Iyana and Arshan

Bodhanwalla, Zane and Zara Commissariat, Zubin Daruwalla, Kyan Lali, Nadia Mehta, Ryaan and Riaa

Morena, Ariana Raetz and Shahyan and Parzan Siganporia.

President of Fezana Homi Gandhi who now resides in California addressed the congregation and

congratulated ZAC on this great achievement. He mentioned that Fezana encourages all Zoroastrian

Associations worldwide to have a Prayer Hall constructed for the use of their members and to keep the

flame of our noble religion alive and well.

Mobed Zarrir Bhandara read out the congratulatory message received from Dasturjee Dr. Firoze Kotwal

and also talked about the importance of fire and prayers in the lives of Zarthushtis everywhere.

President Tehmi Manek Damania then came on stage to felicitate Mobed Zarrir Bhandara. She praised

him for his tireless and selfless services offered to the community 24/7 and presented him with a

memento on behalf of the community.

In her address Tehmi mentioned the events over the past months that led to the building of the Atash

Kadeh from a mere thought to the fulfillment of the dream. She mentioned the constant support of

Tehemtan Arjani who always encouraged the community to get together to collect funds for the Atash

Kadeh. Tehemtan was called upon the stage to receive his memento amid cheers from all present.

Humble as always, Tehemtan acknowledged with thanks but credited the effort to the whole community

stating “It was a community effort.”

Tehmi then continued the flow of events when Arda-e-Viraf Minocherhomjee stepped up with the first

generous pledge in memory of his parents Freny and Minocher Minocherhomjee. The community had

applauded him and had agreed to give the naming rights of the Atash Kadeh to him. Arda was felicitated

before the whole congregation.

Tehmi then invited the ex-president of NAMC Kobad Zarolia on stage and talked about his visit to ZAC

a few years ago when the thought of building the prayer hall was in motion. He had then cleared the

naming confusion that prevailed in the community at that time and advised the community at a meeting

that the correct name for the building would be Atash Kadeh which was then adopted by ZAC. Kobad

was also felicitated with a memento from the ZAC community.

The Atash Kadeh now needed the “Alaats” and the “Afarganyu” to be placed inside. And who should

come to our aid? It was none other than Firdosh Mehta who has made his life’s mission to help get

these special Zoroastrian items from non functioning Agiaries around the world. He has so far helped

setting up seven such prayer halls in different states and still counting. He does it all by himself and with

his time and money too! A true Zarthosti spirit in action. Tehmi presented him with an appreciation

memento.

It was now time to recognize the main architect of the whole project. Our very own Sohrab Charna who

did a marvelous job of creating an edifice which is unique and praiseworthy of all who laid eyes on it

that day. Amidst thunderous applause Sohrab was called on stage and presented with a plaque which

read “Presented to Sohrab Charna in appreciation for transforming our vision of the Atash Kadeh

building from a dream to reality. The ZAC community will forever be grateful” The audience gave

Sohrab a standing ovation.

Finally came the turn of the Contractor Feridon Ghostasbi. Tehmi informed the gathering that the

uniqueness of the construction of the Atash Kadeh was that the contractor and the construction crew

who worked on the building were all Zarthushtis. This project took longer than the expected date but the

final outcome was worth it all. Feridon then explained that the delay was more due to unexpected

peripheral surprises of pipelines and electrical diggings required to be done and the fact that Sohrab was

a stickler for perfection. Fred was presented with a memento for his services.

Tehmi thanked each and every one who was instrumental in any way for the completion of the project

and the inaugural ceremony - specially Katy Alamshaw & her team of volunteers, Vira Santoke, Mithra

Irani, Khushnam Crawford Gandhi, Xerxes Commissariat and Houtoxi Contractor for the delicious parsi

custard. Others who were acknowledged for their part in the day’s success were Khushru Dubash,

Firouz Felfeli, Noshir Irani and Shireen Irani. The ZAC committee was particularly grateful to Benaifer

and Bomi Patel for flying out to Southern California to spearhead the catering for the lunch along with

local volunteers Aban Kapadia, Jimmy Colabewala and Dilnavaz & Vistasp Shroff.

It was now the turn to felicitate a very important person who was closely connected with building of the

Atash Kadeh. Perinne Medora described her as the “backbone of the entire project” and called on stage

President of ZAC Tehmi Damania and her perfect partner Manek to be felicitated. She informed all

present of the dedication of this couple who put in their heart and soul for the success of this project

working 24/7, this was truly a classic case of commitment and selfless service. To them it was not a

mere project but a “labor of love” The entire ZAC Executive committee board members came on the

stage to present a plaque to them that read “ZAC gratefully acknowledges the unmeasured dedication

and selfless service given by Tehmi and Manek Damania for whom the project of building of the Atash

Kadeh was a true labor of love”. The audience gave a thunderous standing ovation to them.

Tehemtan and Dogdo Arjani then felicitated Arda-E-Viraf Minocherhomjee, Sohrab Charna, Mobed

Zarrir Bhandara and Tehmi and Manek Damania by honoring them with shawls from the Arjani Family.

The program ended with a Big Thank You to all and a short prayer by Perinne:

“Dear Ahura Mazda

May our Atash Kadeh be a place where friends meet and pray

Family gathers and love grows.

May we always pray to have Eyes that see the best in people

A Heart that forgives the worst

And a Soul that never loses faith in GOD…. AMEN!!”

Everyone then dispersed for a delicious Parsi Bhonu of Dhan Daar, Kolmino Patiyo, Sali-Murgi, with

Palak Paneer and naan and rounding off with super lagan nu custard made by volunteers with the

famous recipe shared by Katy Alamshaw with them.

IT WAS ALL IN ALL A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE FOR THE BODY AND THE SOUL

General Body Meeting Held on November 20, 2016 was attended by 54 members. As there was no quorum the meeting

was adjourned for one hour and then reconvened at 5:09 pm. The meeting started with a

humbundagi by Mobed Zarrir Bhandara followed by a moment of silence for the members of our

community who passed away this year. Tehmi Damania presented her Executive Committee

Report in which she let the members present know that if anyone had any doubts about ZAC

being a religious organization then we have indeed proved them wrong. This year we have

celebrated four ghambhars and our Atash Kadeh building is another testament to our

community’s commitment to prayer and the Zoroastrian religion. She apologized for the

inconvenience that the members had to go through but all that was now over and even the

parking lot has been completed. Many members have a lot of questions about printing a new

directory. She let the members know that the committee planned to release a new directory next

year and that details would be going out in the newsletter along with the form. She thanked all

the members of the different committees and all the volunteers. The Treasurer, Rooky Fitter,

gave her financial report which was duly approved. Rooky Fitter then acknowledged the help

given by Khushroo Dubash, Firouz Felfeli, & Noshir Irani for their hands-on assistance with the

Atash Kadeh project. The members were also informed that ZAC had been approved for the

welfare exemption from the State Board of equalization and will be calling for an EGM with a

formalized proposal in due course to discuss and vote for the project.

The meeting was adjourned with a big Thank you to all present.

Tirangan Jashan The community celebrated the Tir Mahina nu Parabh with a jashan on November 27th. It was so

close to thanksgiving and it had been a very busy social weekend the attendance was a little low

compared to all our other Ghambars and Parabhs. However the jashan was held in the new Atash

Kadeh and members who had not come for the opening were happy to attend the jashan and the

boi ceremony after lunch performed by Mobed Zarrir Bhandara. This parabh was sponsored by

an anonymous donor.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations Congratulations to Zane and Zara Commissariat on their Navjote Ceremony on November 26th, 2016.

Parents, Diana and Xerxes Commissariat, and grandparents Aban and Nauzer Commissariat and Shireen and

Dinyar Irani who celebrated the event with family and friends in Laguna Woods, California.

Condolences Minoo Dorabji Jijina (age 79) passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2016; son of the late Darabji and

Dina Jijina, husband of Aloo, father of Vistasp, Selena and Aspandyar, grandfather of Farhad, Delnavaz,

Deryus, Neville and Tehmas; brother to Homi and Dhun and brother to late Noshir, Jiji, Rusi, Nari and

Nergish.

Our sincere condolences to the =family.

Cyrus R. Fatakia Scholarship Recipients

We are happy to announce the following recipients of the Cyrus R Fatakia Scholarship for the year

2016-2017.

Darius Bhadha:

Darius Bhadha will be a junior at the University of Southern California. His major field of study

is Human Biology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. He is a Lifeguard at the YMCA in La

Canada and has worked as a Lab Technician at the Camm Lab in Los Angeles, CA. Darius has

also volunteered for our own ZAC community for several years. He is one of our young

practicing Mobeds and is always mentoring and teaching the younger generation of Zoroastrian

Youth whenever possible. We are very happy to award our Scholarship to this very enthusiastic,

outgoing and ambitious young man. Congratulations, Darius!

Kashmin Dalal:

Kashmin Dalal will be a Sophomore at the Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She plans to

major in Child Psychology. Kashmin has been on the Academic Honor Roll for all 4 years of

High School and she graduated with highest Honors in 2015. Kashmin has been a member of a

volunteer-based organization, the Fairfield High School’s Interact Club. She has volunteered for

the “RASKALS” organization – “Random Acts of Simple Kindness Affecting Local Seniors” and

with an organization called “OMA” – “Opening Minds through Art”, which works with seniors

afflicted with dementia, through art and conversation. She has displayed excellence in academics,

music, service and leadership. She aspires to be a Child Psychologist and with her caring, giving,

nature, there is no doubt in our minds that she will make a difference in many children’s lives. We

heartily congratulate Kashmin and wish her much success in her college career!

Natashaa Dalal:

Natashaa Dalal is a very bright young lady graduating with a 5.1 GPA from the Vista Ridge High

School in Cedar Park, Texas. She plans to attend the University of Texas in Dallas, this fall of

2016 as a freshman, with hopes of graduating with a major in Psychology. Her goal is to

eventually become a Psychiatrist. Natashaa is an active member & Chapter President of the

FCCLA – Family, Community & Career Leaders of America. Her dedication and service to

FCCLA helped her win First Place in her competitive event across the State of Texas. This

summer, she will take her competition to the National Leadership Conference and compete with

others across the Nation! She is also a member of the Spanish National Honors Society which

recognizes achievement in Spanish and Portuguese and promotes interest in Luso-Brazilian

studies; She is part of the Varsity Women’s and the Varsity Mixed Choir groups & a Vista Ridge

High School Honors Awardee! To paraphrase her Physics teacher, Jane Mitsud: “Natashaa

impresses me in her ability to competently maintain intensive academic demands while displaying

an unwavering dedication to extra-curricular activities. This displays a personal maturity and a

sense of priorities well above her years!” We are indeed proud to present the Cyrus R Fatakia

Scholarship to Natashaa Dalal!

Sanaya Kateli:

Sanaya Kateli is from Monrovia, CA and will be a Sophomore at UCLA, CA this Fall Semester.

Her chosen field of study is Political Science and Film & Digital Media. Sanaya graduated

Freshman year at UCLA with a 3.89 GPA. Sanaya has won the Rotary Youth Leadership Award

and the Math & Science Academy Honorable Mention Award; she has been on the National

Society of Collegiate Scholars in 2016, the French Honor Society and was a Gold Seal Graduate in

2015. Sanaya has been the President of the Mock Trial and Debate Club 2013-2015, and has

attended Summer Law Programs at Stanford Law and UCLA Law. We wish Sanaya the very best

in pursuing her college education and future goals.

Malcolm Pithawalla:

Malcom Pithawalla graduated from Arcadia High School with a 3.7 GPA. He has applied as a

freshman at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN and his goal is get a BS degree in

Chemical Engineering. Malcolm was the President of the Chemistry Club (2015-2016); Treasurer

of the Young Republicans (2014-2016); Interclub Council Representative of the Young Democrats

(2014-2016); A Tai Kwan Do Trainer (2012 - 2016); A Soccer Referee (2012-2016); and last but

not least, the Social Media Leader of our own ZAC community for the last year, placing our ZAC

community Online for all of us! Congratulations, Malcolm!

Bezon Rustomi:

Bezon Rustomi will be a junior at the University of California in Riverside, and hopes to

eventually earn a Degree in Medicine; This Year, at UCR, Bezon will be working at the Loma

Linda Hospital as a part of the clinical research program in the Anesthesiology Department.

Bezon has also won the Chancellor’s Scholarship at UCR. Bezon competes in, and teaches

Taekwondo; He has shown leadership qualities in this field of Martial Arts and has earned his 4th

degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. He is a great Instructor, and a knowledgeable, responsible and

passionate human being with an impeccable character, who has earned the respect of his peers and

his fellow instructors. Bezon is also the Social Media Director of the Migraine Awareness Club at

UCR, organizing key events and contributing new and innovative ideas, and leading other board

members in their outreach programs. We are happy to acknowledge this fine young man and to

award him the Cyrus R Fatakia Scholarship.

Burzin Sagar:

Burzin Sagar has an AA and AS diploma from Chabot College in Hayward, CA. He had to take a

break away from his studies for a few years due to financial difficulties at home. He is a hard

working, persevering individual who worked as a Dialysis Technician at Davita Dialysis in Union

City, CA and at the El Camino Hospital in Mt. View, CA. But Burzin never gave up his dream to

get a Nursing degree and he has enrolled at the Chamberlin College of Nursing in Phoenix,

Arizona since the last 4 semesters and has maintained a 3.5 GPA there. He has a passion for

Nursing and would like to complete his RN degree by the end of 2017. We could think of no

other candidate who is as hard-working, diligent and deserving of our Scholarship as Burzin. We

congratulate Burzin and wish him continued success in his future endeavors!

Congratulations to all of our bright, young students! We wish you all the very best of luck and much

success in your future careers! The Cyrus R Fatakia Scholarship Committee

Loving Memory of our beloved Cyrus

It’s been 10 long years…….

You loved every sunrise, every sunset, every rainbow and every living thing;

We have to live our lives well, in order to honor yours;

And so we go on……

With love in our hearts, remembering and honoring you always;

Hoping that you are watching over us;

Hoping that you know how much we miss you, how much we love you and how much we care;

Hoping that you are soaring free and your mind is at Peace;

Hoping that we will see you again someday soon……

Cyrus, we love you – ever more each day!

Remembering You, Cyrus ~

At the rising of the sun and its going down, we remember you.

In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember you.

In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember you.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, we remember you.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember you.

As long as we live, you too, shall live, for you are always a part of us, as we remember you.

When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember you.

When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember you.

When we have joy we crave to share, we remember you.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make, we remember you.

When we have achievements that we want to share, we remember you.

As long as we live, you too shall live, for you are always a part of us, as we remember you.

Remembering you, Cyrus, with endless love,

Mom, Dad and Darius

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things;

Love never ends”

“What greater thing is there for human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life and beyond to be

with each other in silent, unspeakable memories?”

We Did It!

Zoroastrian Association of California

Membership Form

January to December, 2017

Quantity Please Select Type Membership(s):

( ) Life Husband/wife & children under 18 (DOB Req’d) $3000 **

( ( ) Family H Husband/wife & children under 18 (DOB Req’d) $125

( ) ( ) Individual Adult (over 18) $60

( ( ) Senior Over 65 Years of Age $40

( ) Student Full time Student (under 18) $40

** Effective immediately

All members MUST complete this form accurately.

TITLE ______ FIRST _______________________________________ LAST ___________________________________________

ADDRESS__________________________________________________ CITY__________________________ STATE____ ZIP____________

PHONE (_____) ______-_________ DOB _____/______/____ EMAIL __________________________________________

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL ______ MEMBERSHIP TYPE: ___ life ___ family ___ individual ___ senior ____ Student

TITLE ______ FIRST _______________________________________ LAST ___________________________________________

ADDRESS__________________________________________________ CITY__________________________ STATE____ ZIP____________

PHONE (_____) ______-_________ DOB _____/______/____ EMAIL __________________________________________

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL ______ MEMBERSHIP TYPE: ___ life ___ family ___ individual ___ senior ____ Student

TITLE ______ FIRST _______________________________________ LAST ___________________________________________

ADDRESS__________________________________________________ CITY__________________________ STATE____ ZIP____________

PHONE (_____) ______-_________ DOB _____/______/____ EMAIL __________________________________________

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL ______ MEMBERSHIP TYPE: ___ life ___ family ___ individual ___ senior ____ Student

TITLE ______ FIRST _______________________________________ LAST ___________________________________________

ADDRESS__________________________________________________ CITY__________________________ STATE____ ZIP____________

PHONE (_____) ______-_________ DOB _____/______/____ EMAIL __________________________________________

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL ______ MEMBERSHIP TYPE: ___ life ___ family ___ individual ___ senior ____ Student

DONATIONS are IMPORTANT

Maintenance ______ General ______ Youth ______ Education ______

Life Members please contribute towards the Center's maintenance. Why not donate at least $60 a year (only $5 per month) to ZAC? CHOOSE to help.

(If additional space is needed, please use another form)

Please mail this form along with your check payable to ZAC: Rooky Fitter, Treasurer

Zoroastrian Association of California, 1424 E. Walnut Ave, Orange, CA 92867

or complete this form online and pay with credit card at www.zacla.org

1424 E. Walnut Avenue Orange, CA 92867

To

ZAC Upcoming Events at a Glance All functions at the ZAC Center in Orange

New Year’s Eve Celebration: December 31, 2016 @ 8:00 pm Maidyarem Gahambar: January 1, 2017 @ 11:00 am

SAVE THE DATE Navroze Celebration: March 18, 2017

Wishing you

A Merry Christmas and

A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year