ZANT News - June 2010 1

www.zant.org June 2010

A Publication of Zoroastrian Association of North Texas

ZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWS

We welcome and encourage feedback from our community. Please send comments or suggestions to president@zant.org or mail to ZANT, P.O. Box 271117, Flower Mound, TX 75027

• 7/4 Jashn-e Tirgan

• 8/9-8/18 Mukhtad

• August 2010 Shehenshai

�ew Year

ZANT EZANT EZANT EZANT EVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTS

• 5/31 – 6/4 Maidyarem Gh (S)

• 6/29 – 7/3 Maidyoshem Gh (F)

• 7/1 Jashn-e Tirgan (F)

ZZZZOROASTRIANOROASTRIANOROASTRIANOROASTRIAN CCCCALENDARALENDARALENDARALENDAR

Upcoming Activities 2

Kid’s Corner 4

ZANT Center 5

Community News 6&7

ZANT Center Wish List 8

Miscellaneous 9

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 271117 Flower Mound, TX 75027-1117

ZANT Center: 1605 Lopo Road Flower Mound, TX 75028-1306

ZANT successfully conducted its bi-annual elections over the past weekend. Five new and two existing individuals will serve on the new board for a regular term of two years (2010-2012). The continuity will be preserved by Khurshid Jamadar and Pearl Balsara serving the community with the new board, and the new elected members will be Zal Parakh, Saghar Behroozi, Afsaneh Samiya, Delnaaz Irani and last but not least Boman Godiwalla. We thank the departing board members for their volunteer community service and wish the incoming new members much suc-

cess.

Much has been accomplished in the last two years in the areas of religious and social events, edu-cational seminars, sporting events, charity fundraising and many other activities. Our membership took bold steps towards building our own DARB-E-MEHR and despite many challenges in every imaginable way, our community has come through and the dedicated building committee members have been able to meet all challenges so far. The adverse economic conditions have done a num-ber on many nonprofit organizations, and it did not spare us either; a highly expected pledge to-wards the building project has not been met as of the end of May and has been delayed into the future. Please refer to the “treasurer’s corner” for the details. The fundraising results for the ZANT Center project is none the less very impressive and we are confident that our generous com-munity members will cover this short fall in order to complete the project. Credit is due to Cyrus Rivetna and company for the architectural design and consulting as well as Maneck Bharucha of Technical advisers for mechanical, electrical and HVAC engineering work and inspections. Credit is also due to the fundraising committee chair Behram Irani and the building committee chair Jam-

shed Rivetna for their impressive accomplishments over the past several years.

Although much has been done in the way of community building, much still needs to be done in the future in many other areas, including helping Zartushti new comers to get established in the area, improving the electronic publishing and dissemination of information, youth educational, social and sporting activities, scholarship programs, religious, cultural and historical seminars,

promoting business and career opportunities, senior citizens activities and so forth.

In conclusion, we want to thank our many volunteers, who have always helped with every ZANT sponsored activity, as well as our generous community members who have strongly supported many valuable and worthy causes in the past and will continue to do so in the future. The commu-nity support and strong participation is the only way we can all grow, flourish, and prosper to-

gether—ZANT Board

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDMESSAGE FROM THE BOARDMESSAGE FROM THE BOARDMESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

IIIINSIDENSIDENSIDENSIDE THISTHISTHISTHIS IIIISSUESSUESSUESSUE

BBBBOARDOARDOARDOARD OFOFOFOF DDDD IRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Social Director Director Director

FEZANA Rep.

Kamran Behroozi (972) 355-6607 Farieda Irani Pearl P. Balsara Khurshid Jamadar Keshvar Buhariwalla Roya Bidanjiry Delna Godiwalla

Firdosh Mehta (817) 599-9609

ZANT News - June 2010 2

PAST EVENTSPAST EVENTSPAST EVENTSPAST EVENTS

Maidyarem Gahambar (Kadmi)

A big thank you to the Adi and Ghadially families and friends for a fantastic ghambar event. The location was beautifully sublime, the food was literally finger licking good, and the company filled with laughter and togeth-

erness.

Mother’s Day Luncheon

A big thank you to Arbez Patel for organizing the Mother’s Day luncheon. Quite a handful of ZANT fami-lies enjoyed the yummy buffet lunch at Shandiz. The place was busy, the tables cozy and the company friends worthy. It turned out be a special treat for all the moms

out there in our community.

UPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS

Jashn-e Tirgan Please join us for the Tirgan Celebration at Bob Woodruff Park in Plano on July 4, 2010. We look forward to a

great evening of food, fun, friends, and fireworks. This is a potluck event, so please bring your own food, drinks, and

water.

DATE: July 4, 2010

TIME: 5 pm—9 pm followed by fireworks

LOCATIO�: North Pavilion

Bob Woodruff Park

2601 San Gabriel Drive

Plano, Texas 75074

Mukhtad Prayers

ZANT community is looking for a host house for the Mukhtad prayers. If you are interested in opening up your

house for the 10 days of Mukhtad (August 9th—18th) and/or Mukhtad/Farvardegan Jashan please contact Boman

Godiwalla.

Shenshai �ew Year

Please stay tuned for details regarding the Shenshai New Year function during the weekend of August. 21-22.

ZANT BOZANT BOZANT BOZANT BOAAAARD 2010RD 2010RD 2010RD 2010----2012201220122012

The ZANT community would like to welcome its new board. The votes were finalized at the AGM on May 23,

2010.

President—Zal Parakh

Vice President—Saghar Behroozi

Secretary—Khurshid Jamadar

Treasurer—Pearl Balsara

Social Director—Delnaaz Irani

Director—Afsaneh Samiya

Director—Boman Godiwalla

ZANT News - June 2010 3

ZOROASTRIAN STUDIES AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Since 2005 a group of Zoroastrians (Farrokh Billimoria, Jamshid Varza, Erach Tarapore, Mehrbourzin Soroushian and Lovji Cama) created a partnership with Stanford University to initiate Zoroastrian Studies at Stanford. This led to a regular lecture series on Zoroastrianism by world scholars on Zoroastrianism at Stanford averaging one lecture each quarter. This was followed by an undergraduate course on Zoroastrianism given by Prof. Jenny Rose, as a visiting professor for the last three years (2007-2009). The cost of the program was split between Stanford University and the Zoroastrian community. Contributions were received from private donations made by interested parties, including

FEZANA.

In 2008 because of a re-organization of their South Asian Studies Programs, Stanford informed us that they would not continue until their strategy was figured out. With his help some concerned Zoroastrians Stanford was able to re-start the program of lecture series and undergraduate course. Stanford became interested in Dr. Yuhan Vevaina as a possible faculty member after his lecture and wants to hire him as a full time faculty member in their Religion Depart-ment. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a permanent Zoroastrian presence in the Religion Department at Stan-

ford. Yuhan has an impressive set of accomplishments and training.

If you wish to receive his CV to finalize your contribution, please contact Firdosh Mehta at fdjmehta@charter.net. This faculty position will only materialize if the Zoroastrian community will share in the cost of hiring him. The yearly cost is $60,000 salary. Another $20,000 in benefits is being taken care of by the University. Most of the fund-ing is in hand, but we are short $60,000 (i.e. $20,000 annually over next 3 years). FEZANA has pledged $5000 per year for the next 3 years. We need to generate $15000 a year for another 3 years. This requires funding from January 2011 to August 2013. After three years it is up to Yuhan and Stanford University to figure out a way to continue on

without the community involvement.

I am requesting your association to seriously consider this opportunity provided to our community and contribute to this cause. If you decide to contribute please send a check made out to Stanford University (memo saying “For Zo-

roastrian Studies”) and mail it to

Farrokh Billimoria

10 Woodleaf Avenue

Redwood City, CA 94061

Farrokh will hand deliver it to ensure that they do not get deposited in the General University Funds. Also let me

know by email so that I can keep track of your contributions. If you have any questions, please let me know,

With kind regards,

Lovji Cama PhD

Chair, FEZA�A Education, Scholarship and Conference Committee

201-569-7359

ldcama@gmail.com

ZANT News - June 2010 4

From our kids to ALL DADS…

Proud of YOU…

A Dad is a person who is loving and kind, And often he knows

what you have on your mind. He's someone who listens, suggests, and defends. A dad can be one

of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong, A dad can be patient and helpful and strong In all that you do,

a dad's love plays a part.

There's always a place for him

deep in your heart. And each year that passes, you're even more glad, More grateful and proud

just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad...

for listening and caring, for giving and sharing,

but, especially, for just being you!

Happy Father's Day!

(Source: Internet)

Religious Class:

At the April Religious Class our little children, en-

joyed playing the games about “Good Thoughts, Good

Words & Good Deeds”!

Our middle-age group , considering it was “Mother’s Day”, had discussion on the 3 Famous Persian Moth-

ers, according to Shahnameh!

Faranak – Feraydun’s mom

Rudabeh – Rostam’s mom

Tahmineh – Sohrab’s mom

KID’KID’KID’KID’ S S S S CORNERCORNERCORNERCORNER

We revisited the Shahnameh stories about each of

them!

For our teen group, Firdosh Uncle completed his three part series, "Gathas 4 Teens". The children finished off the class by presenting their written assignment on what Amesha Spenta and its attributes most affect and inspire them. After this, each teen was presented the book, Understanding the

Gathas: The Hymns of Zarathushtra by Dinshaw J. Irani.

ZA�T Center Opening Ceremony Celebration:

If your kids/teens are interested in taking part in the ZANT

Opening Ceremony Entertainment Program, please e-mail or

call Sherazade Mehta

Joke Time (Laugh – it increases your face value)

A Few Things you will never hear a Dad say:

Well, what do you know? I'm lost. We'll have to stop and get

some directions.

Here are the keys to my new car. Oh, take my credit card, too.

Have fun!

No, I don't actually know what is wrong with your car.

Son, let's go to the mall.

You don't need a job! I have plenty of money for you to spend.

Father's Day? Don't worry about that. It's no big deal!

Thoughts for the Month:

“Small boys become big men through the influence of big men

who care about small boys!

-Author Unknown

"The most important thing a father can do

for his children, is to love their mother."

-Author Unknown

Children’s Religious Class:

Our next religious class will be held on Sunday, August 8th,

2010 at 11:30 am, at the Balsara Residence or ZA�T Cen-

ter. For further details about the Religious Classes, please con-

tact Pearl Balsara.

ZANT News - June 2010 5

Plesase stay tuned in next month’s newsletter for a building update. For any questions or concerns, please contact

Jamshed Rivetna.

ZANT CENTER UPDATEZANT CENTER UPDATEZANT CENTER UPDATEZANT CENTER UPDATE

ZANT CENTER OPENING CEREMONYZANT CENTER OPENING CEREMONYZANT CENTER OPENING CEREMONYZANT CENTER OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremonies Committee (OCC) is planning on an entertainment show for the Opening Ceremonies representing a wide spectrum of age groups within ZANT. We are asking for volunteers to come forward and be a part of this show. Participants in every age group --- children, teenagers, young adults, adults and seniors are invited to contact Sherazade Mehta or email her to volunteer. Please contact Sherazade by June 30th so that she can coor-dinate and plan the program with particular volunteers in mind. Minimal practices starting in August will be re-

quired.

The OCC is also planning a Commemorative CD celebrating 20 years of ZANT. We would like members of ZANT to come forward and send 2 pictures per family to Anahita Sidhwa. You are encouraged to send in pictures com-memorating family milestones such as Navjotes, Anniversaries etc. They can also be related to ZANT activities over the years. Please call her or email the pictures to Anahita June 30th in order to be included in this CD full of

memories.

ZANT wishes to thank Farahnez & Shahnaz Mehdiabadi for their donations. They join the 13 other families who

have donated towards the Opening Ceremonies. ZANT is extremely appreciative of your generosity.

ZANT News - June 2010 6

CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS GRADS!GRADS!GRADS!GRADS!

JASMI�E DILUCCI

After the 14 year journey that was required to graduate from The Hockaday School, Jasmine has decided to attend Claremont-McKenna college in California. There she plans to major in Economics-Accounting. Upon completion of her degree, she intends to take the CPA exam and then move on to law school. Thank you for all your hard work! KAIOMARZ E�GI�EER

Kaoimarz graduated from University of Texas-Dallas with my Masters of science in Computer Science. He is cur-

rently working for a Software Company 'T3 Technologies'. During his schooling, he worked under Dr. B. Pra-

bakaran on a research project for UT-Brain Health Center, and presently plans to assist him in writing a research

paper, but it’s in its initial stage. In future, after getting enough technical exposure, Kaiomarz wants to pursue MBA

in Finance/IT from a renowned University.

�ATASHA IRA�I

Natasha Irani graduated from Edmond Memorial High School, Edmond, Oklahoma. She is the recipient of the Michigan Tradition Scholarship and has decided to pursue her Undergraduate studies at University of Michigan.

ROXA��E IRA�I

Roxanne Irani graduated from Emory University, Atlanta with a degree in Psychology / Finance and is headed to New York City to work at Macy's Corporate Offices in the Executive Trainee Program.

RHODA JAMADAR

Rhoda Jamadar graduated from University of Illinois, Chicago, with a degree in Neuroscience and minor in Nutri-

tion. Starting June she will be working in the research labratory at UIC studying the relationship between hormones

and memory.

JE��IFER JESSAWALA

Jennifer Jassawala will be graduating from Plano West Senior High School. She will be attending the University of Texas, Austin to gain a bachelor’s degree in Business. Her final goal is to find a career path in International Busi-ness. Jennifer’s family is very proud of all her achievements in the face of various obstacles and wishes her all the best for the future. A�AHITA KALIA�IVALA

On May 8, Anahita Kalianivala, daughter of Nina and Zarir, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Christian

University. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in writing. Please wish her

well as she embarks on the next phase of her academics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where

she will pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

�AMAA� KARBHARI

Naaman graduated last year. Naaman is good at Basketball and he played Central High School Basketball Varsity team. After graduating from high school he was not sure where and how to move for his college career. So he joined TCC for the first six months and than he realize that his friends are in UNT, so he joined UNT. He com-pleted his first year in college now. For second year his goal is to join UNT basketball team. He wants to get his Masters in business management. Hopefully every thing work out for him.

RUSTOM KHARAS Rustom Kharas, son of Yazdi and Charlotte Kharas, is graduating from Plano Senior High School, Class of 2010. He will be attending University of North Texas this Fall. Rustom plans to get a degree in Computer Science with an M.B.A. in Finance, to follow.

ZANT News - June 2010 7

ZOROASTRIAN CENTER OF NORTH TEXAS TIME CAPSULE PROJECTZOROASTRIAN CENTER OF NORTH TEXAS TIME CAPSULE PROJECTZOROASTRIAN CENTER OF NORTH TEXAS TIME CAPSULE PROJECTZOROASTRIAN CENTER OF NORTH TEXAS TIME CAPSULE PROJECT

We are pleased to announce a project to inter a TIME CAPSULE at the new Zoroastrian Center of North Texas as a

LEGACY Project during the opening ceremony of the Center.

The Time Capsule will be placed inside a cement concrete cavity designed to hold a 14” diameter by 18” high Stainless Steel container. See attached photos. It will be covered with an engraved tile to indicate its location. The recom-

mended opening of the TIME CAPSULE will be 25 years or thereafter.

We are herewith requesting all members of the ZANT Community to donate any artifacts and memorabilia that you might wish to, however, they need to be relatively non-perishable. The focus will be on articles that indicate ZANT’s past history, its development, the center etc. and some other educational and religious material to show what existed in

today’s time with ZANT.

• �o food or plant or flammable materials or perishable items will be acceptable or used.

• CDs, books, periodicals, posters, photos will be good.

• Metallic objects such as mini-sais, artifacts, coins, commemorative medallions, etc. are most welcome.

• Engraved or sculpted wood or glass items also welcome.

We will laminate or vacuum pack all items, and the Capsule will be nitrogen purged just prior to sealing, to create a non-oxidized container. All items should be sent with donors name, address and phone number. The ZANT Board re-serves the right to approve the final contents of the Time Capsule. Please donate your items on or before 15 August

2010. Items not used will be returned to its owner.

If you have any questions regarding an item being suitable to include or any other questions, please call Firdosh Mehta

or email.

Please send all items to:

Mr. Firdosh Mehta

313 Charlie Way

WEATHERFORD, TX, 76087-2122.

Thank you for your support. Your generosity is highly appreciated.

-ZA�T EXECUTIVE BOARD 2009-2010

ZANT News - June 2010 8

ZANT CENTER WISH LIST UPDATE...ZANT CENTER WISH LIST UPDATE...ZANT CENTER WISH LIST UPDATE...ZANT CENTER WISH LIST UPDATE...

The ZANT Center Wish List initiative was first started in January 2010. Since its inception we are happy to note that we have made steady progress of receiving donations that go towards reducing the number of items on our wish list. We would like to thank Feroze and Anahita Sidhwa and Rustam and Roya Bidanjiri for donating towards items on our wish list. ZANT is also pleased to announce that we are adding a “GREEN INITIATIVE” to our wish list. We are looking for all those nature lovers to donate towards the inclusion of 77 trees that we will be part of the landscaping around the ZANT Center. Our ZANT Center is in its final stages of completion. Since we anticipate the completion of the ZANT Center by late summer, we are extending our deadline for additional donations and pledges to August 15, 2010. All donations made on or before this date will be recognized as per our ZANT Center Donor Recognition Policy. UPGRADED KITCHE� APPLIA�CES Stand alone stove/oven --- Donated Refrigerator --- Donated Freezer --- Donated Microwaves (2) --- Donated Dishwasher --- Donated

HALL

Chairs (120 needed ---24 donated) 25 each Rectangular tables (8 needed) 110 each Round Tables (10 needed) 145 each Table Truck Stand (2 needed) 215 each

PRAYER ROOM Prayer Rugs (3) --- Donated MISC

Partition for Main Room --- Donated Basketball hoops (2 needed) 750 each Vacuum Cleaner --- Donated Playground Equipment --- Donated LA�DSCAPI�G

Trees (77 needed --- 6 donated) --- 350.00 each Many of you have come forward with a wish to donate trees towards our GREE" I"ITIATIVE. At the present time ZA"T can-

not accept donations of trees due to the restrictions on the type and size of the trees we plant at the Center put in place by the

City of Flower Mound. The size and type of the tree had to be approved by the City of Flower Mound before ZA"T could draw

up plans for landscaping. ZA"T is bound by these restrictions.

UPDATE:

In January of 2010 we had 83 families who were going to be recognized as per our donation policy. $1000-$4999 --- 45 families $5000-$19999--- 26 families $20000-$49999 ---9 families $49000-$250000 --- 2 families + 1 association To date we have 97 families that will be recognized as part of our donor recognition policy in the same above men-tioned categories: 56 families 28 families 9 families 5 families + 1 association

ZANT News - June 2010 9

GLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGS

ZOROASTRIA�ISM 101 A� D THE

CO�FERE�CE OF THE SSZ Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago proudly hosts 2010 Zoroastrianism-101 and the

Conference of the Society of Scholars of Zoroas-

trianism (SSZ) at the Arbab Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr, Burr Ridge, IL on June 25 – 27, 2010. All

community members, students and scholars are

invited and encouraged to participate, to support scholarship and religious education, at the academic as well as community level. We are grateful to WZO for their support of this Conference. Cost. $5 for Friday dinner and $12 per day for Saturday and Sunday (including Breakfast, Lunch and Tea) There is no charge for Monday. Please RSVP by June 15 to Dinaz Weber. For program informa-tion contact Dr. Pallan Ichaporia or Rohinton Rivetna.

MEMBER’S CONTRIBUTIONMEMBER’S CONTRIBUTIONMEMBER’S CONTRIBUTIONMEMBER’S CONTRIBUTION

Thank you to Nozer Dhalla for sharing some entertaining and wise thoughts with us; Source unknown

Health : 1.Drink plenty of water. 2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. 3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.. 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy 5. Make time to pray 6. Play more games 7. Read more books than you did in 2009 . 8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day 9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality : 11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 12. Don't have negative thoughts or worry over things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. 13. Don't over do. Keep your limits. 14. Don't take yourself so seriously.. No one else does 15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip. 16. Dream more while you are awake 17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.. 18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. 19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others. 20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. 21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. ……...

5TH WORLD ZOROASTRIA� YOUTH

CO�GRESS

When: June 30—July 1st

Where: University of British Columbia

Who: Youth ages 15—37 YEARS

Price: CAD $640 (all inclusive)

The price above includes Accommodation, Registration, Gala Dinners, Transportation, Recreation, and meals for all five days. For more information please visit www.zsbc.org or email at congress2011@shaw.ca Early bird price until January 15, 2011

ZANT News - June 2010 10

www.zant.org June 2010

A Publication of Zoroastrian Association of North Texas

ZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWSZANT NEWS

Keep this stub Please detach and return this side Accept my contribution of: for your records. with your contribution payable to: “ZANT" and mail to: ( ) $10 ( ) $20 ( ) $30 ( ) $40 ( ) $50 ( ) $_____ To: ZANT ZANT Treasurer P.O. Box 271117 For: Check # Flower Mound, Texas 75027

Date ( ) General Fund ( ) Building Fund

Amount $ ( ) Other ( ) Newsletter

FROM:____________________________________

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” Help us pass on the good religion to future generations.

ZA�T

P.O. Box 271117

Flower Mound, Texas 75027 ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS

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