Zor & More - · Zor & More Issue # 3, 2010 5 of 16 They came from near, they came from far, Mumbai, Daytona, Orlando, Miami and Boca, children and all to the Muktaad. We also wish

Month: Ardibehesht (S), Year: YZ 1380 Zor & More Issue # 3, September-2010 A PUBLICATION OF THE ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA We really do believe that, if we work together as one, following the simple yet pricele

Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta, we can move mountains.

Zor & More Issue # 3, 2010 1 of 16

ss tenets of our faith-

!!Special Notes!!

ZAF is an exempt non-

profit organization

under the IRS code 501(c) (3)

Our tax ID number is

EIN 65-0786849

Donations are Tax-deductible

Pg. In this issue

from your Board 1. Message 4. Muktaad in South Florida 6. ZAF Celebrates Navroze – Saal Mubarak (1380), Happy New Year 8. Recognition of Ervad Dr. Soli P. Dastur & Jo Ann Dastur 9. ZAF Ghambaar 9. Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Election 9. Pakistan Flood Relief – Help!

9. ZAF Booth/Exhibit At A.I.A. Event 10. Z-Club Children’s Corner 11. Youth Corner 11. New Members & Directory Changes 11. ZAF Community News

Munshi Wedding Mehta Baby Shower Welcome, Arish Firdaus Dotiwala Happy B’Day to Anisha & Ariana Deboo ZAF Cookbook

13. ZATAMBAY & Orlando Community News Rustam Irani Dr. Shirin Desai Gibson Demehri Wedding Irani Navjotes Central Florida Group (Orlando) Navroze Celebration ZATAMBAY Navroze Celebration

16. Calendar of Events

ZAF is A member of

FEZANA (Federation of the

Zoroastrian Associations of North America)

Message from your Board

Dear ZAF: Thanks to your support, suggestions, generous donations and guidance, your Board has been able to accomplish several things in the last quarter, and we hope they meet with your expectations. Since the last newsletter, we have had a very successful and rewarding Muktaad and Navroze (Pateti) functions and the ZAF booth at the AIA fair. Our total paid membership stands at 59 households out of 78, and the total YTD donations are at $8,102 as of September 3, 2010. On a very special note, the Board has decided to limit the circulation of the hard copies of this newsletter to members only. The members and non-members will however, continue to receive the e-copy as usual. This decision is taken to lower the cost of printing and mailing which runs at about $3 to $4 per copy. We now look forward to a successful Ghambaar, the AGM, and election of the new Board on November 7th. Details are given in this issue. Serving on the ZAF Board, as you know, is a critical activity in the effective management and perpetuation of our association and we hope to have your full support and participation in the nomination and election process. You will be receiving the invitation for nominations and other details during September. We are very encouraged by your positive feedback on many of our initiatives and functions and, as always, we very much welcome your suggestions. Sincerely, at your service……...The ZAF Board

To our dear ZAF community

With compliments and best wishes

for a healthy, happy

and prosperous

New Year (YZ 1380)

from

Jessica, Shanaya

Anahita & Nash Patel


Auto Home Life Retirement

Auto Home Life Retirement

Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Safe Driving Bonus® won’t apply after an accident. In CA, you could still lose the 20% Good Driver Discount. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company

ZAF is soliciting your “ads” or personal messages in the newsletter for a small fee, to supplement the cost of printing and postage. It can be for:

Your business Professional practice A message, for example, if you wish to

publish a small note of congratulations or best wishes (birthday, wedding, graduation, etc.) to another member in the community.

Please send your “ad” to Jahanbux B. Daruwala ([email protected]) in Word format such that it can be cut and pasted in the newsletter. The rates are:

Full page: $75 (members), $80 (for all others)

Half page: $40 (members), $50 (for all others)

Quarter page or business card: $ 20 (members), $ 25 (for all others)

Note: The ZAF Board reserves the right to edit for contents, “fit”, format, and space.

Your help is sincerely appreciated.

With best wishes

to the

ZAF Community

from

Jahanbux & Nancy Daruwala


mailto:[email protected]

Muktaad in South Florida

For the second consecutive year, the South Florida community (ZAF, ZATAMBAY and Orlando) held a very successful joint event of Muktaad prayers, Satum Prayers, Jashans and Hum Bundagee on each of the five Gatha days (August 14th through the 18th), followed by a Jashan, Hum Bundagee and benediction for the New Year (YZ 1380). The extent of participation is a reflection of the community’s dedication. Twenty eight families submitted names and, in total, 78 names were submitted for prayers. The participants included persons of all ages. It was particularly rewarding to see so many members of our youngsters and children of all ages. The Muktaad venue was made possible by the generosity of Burjis and Hovi Shroff and family, who opened their hearts and home for a week to host the event. Ervad Dr. Soli P. Dastur, with the full support of our ever-present dear Jo Ann, performed all the prayers/Jashans in the name of the dear departed ones, conducted Satum prayers three times a day, and provided eloquent explanations of the significance of the rituals and led the congregation in Hum Bundagees. Hovi Shroff has written an account of the very personal and spiritual nature of the experience, which is presented below:

MUKTAAD PRAYERS- 2010

As the Parsi-Zoroastrian calendar drew to a close, leading to the Parsi New Year that we all celebrated on August 19, 2010, the final days of remembering of our departed loved ones, popularly called Muktaad, ended. I am going to give you a layperson’s description of what this is all about and what exactly happened this year as our entire ZAF community prayed for their dearly departed family members. Neither I am a priest nor do I possess any exceptional knowledge of our wonderful Zoroastrian religion; therefore I cannot give you an ultimate guide to what the Muktaad prayers are all about. But nonetheless, this is an honest account based upon my observation on what took place at my home this past week. Growing up in India in an extremely ‘Bhun-naar Gun-naar’ (religious) family, I was well aware of the gargantuan venture our family had undertaken, when we agreed to play hosts for this event. I remember that this week in a priest’s life are the toughest of days. They start at the crack of dawn and go on through the night. As a child I can vividly recall waking up extremely early, I remember helping my mum with lighting the divas, I remember changing the water for the flowers, I remember the sweet perfume of sandalwood mixed with the fragrance of lilies wafting through my house, and I remember how tired and yet elated my mum was when it was all over. What transpired this past week at my home in Boca Raton, Florida was similar and yet unique to anything I had witnessed in the motherland. On the Friday before the start of the Gathas several association members and their spouses, led by our association President Jahan Daruwala and his wife Nancy started off the opening ceremonies by meticulously washing, cleaning and arranging fresh roses, carnations and ferns in silver or crystal vases. These vases were beautifully placed with their respective family name tags on marble topped tables provided by a generous donor Mr. Dinyar Mehta of Orlando Group. Ervad Soli Dastur and his wife Jo Ann officiated and choreographed the Muktaad prayers for our association this year as they have in the past. The very next morning Soli Uncle and Jo Ann Aunty woke up ever so early. They made fresh rotlis for the Satum Prayers that were conducted three times a day along with a daily Jashan every evening. Jo Ann Aunty meticulously

Goraani Jo Ann and Mobed Soli preparing Rotlis and morning Satum dishes and Mobed Dastur praying Satum Prayer.


prepared a shopping list every morning, went to the market, bought fresh fruits, vegetables and all the ingredients needed to prepare home-cooked meals three times a day to be offered to the Fravashis (angels). Every evening we had anywhere from 15- 45 guests attending the prayer ceremonies.

Young Sara helping out with vases and all helpers who created the final Muktaad Serene Tables and the chow line.

Jo Ann Aunty asked me on the last Gatha how I felt about the goings on thus far. My answer was very simple. The ambiance in my home felt like an Agiary. The flowers were vibrant, colorful and beautiful, the fragrance of sandalwood burning continuously was almost hypnotic and yet peaceful. Somehow the only memory that came and hit me was Jo Ann Aunty and Soli Uncle toiling and smiling throughout. Whether they were working from dawn till dusk, whether it be reciting the prayers to perfection, making rotlis, cooking all day long or washing dishes they both smiled, encouraged, guided and praised. Soli Uncle commented on how wonderful his ‘Goraani’ (Mobed’s wife) was and I have to add that she was near Spectacular. The week went by in a flash but boy what a flash it was! It was a week filled with knowledge, it was a week filled with patient explaining, it was a week filled with coming together as one happy ZAF family, it was a week filled with memories, it was a week filled with the forming of new friendships and it was a week filled with inspiration and motivation. Someone once said, “If your actions inspire others to be more, to become more, to learn more and to do more, you are a true motivator.” Soli Uncle and Jo Ann Aunty have both been an inspiration to us all and we hope that they will continue to motivate us all always. In gratitude, Hama Zor, Hama Asho Bade (Let us be united in righteousness)! Hovi Shroff

Loban ceremony by our Z Club and Dinyar, the marble tables’ donor. And the Z Club with their Professor and Dasturji.

Darabshah & Nellie, Behli Antia, Mehar & Daisy, and Shireen & Jehangir, all participated in the Prayers and Chaashni!


They came from near, they came from far, Mumbai, Daytona, Orlando, Miami and Boca, children and all to the Muktaad.

We also wish to thank Dinyar and Nahida Mehta of Orlando for fabricating and transporting several beautiful marble tables for the occasion. This was beyond the call of duty and their dedication is sincerely appreciated. Many other volunteers are also responsible to make the event so successful. The prayers and the arrangements would not be possible without the invaluable help of many volunteers for food supply, rides to senior citizens, and clean-up. They are, in random order: Gulshan & Mina Dubash, Kersi & Dolly Munshi, Shireen Shroff, Nina Deboo, Casey Raja, Sheroo Vazir, Nash & Anahita Patel, Daisy Patel, Nellie & Darab Unwalla, and Homzee Shroff. The list of our generous donors for Muktaad includes: Pauli & Kashmira Bhadha, Ervad Soli & Jo Ann Dastur, Jahan & Nancy Daruwala, Khushroo & Minoo Daruwalla, Jimmy & Freny Deboo, Gustad & Arnavaz Irani, Casey Raja, Burjis & Hovi Shroff, Dinyar & Nahida Mehta, Behram & Iwona Tavadia, Pheroza Sethna, Feroze & Mahrukh Motafram, Sarosh & Kim Mistry, Noshir & Goolu Baria, Dady & Homai Mistry, Perzid & Urvazi Ichhaporia, Zersis & Anahita Minocher, Claude & Roshan Moraes. Our sincere thanks to all of you.

ZAF Celebrates Navroze, Saal Mubarak (1380)–Happy New Year On August 21st, a total of about 110 persons from the ZAF and Tampa Bay areas, celebrated the advent of the New Year YZ 1380 at the Quality Inn hall in Plantation. It was a festive event that began with a Deevo lighting by Alexis Bhadha, guided by Ervad Soli Dastur; followed by a Hum Bundagee by the Z Club children led by Aban Kavasmaneck. The dynamic duo of Kevyn and Burjis Shroff hosted the evening as MC’s.

Alexis Bhadha, guided by Ervad Soli Dastur, lights the Deevo and Z-Club leading the Hum Bandagi Prayer! Jahan Daruwala, ZAF President, then welcomed the audience and asked Dr. Burjis & Hovi Shroff to rise to be recognized for offering their home to graciously host the Muktaad prayers.


We are grateful for the generosity of our kind donors. Jahan especially acknowledged with thanks the generosity of an anonymous family who sponsored the evening’s buffet dinner. The congregation was extremely humbled and grateful. Our thanks and gratitude also go to other kind donors for the evening: They are, in random order: Dinshaw & Hooty Hansotia, Burjis & Hovi Shroff, Nash & Anahita Patel, Soli & Jeroo Irani, Homzee Shroff, Bob Tavadia, Claude & Roshan Moraes, Darab & Nellie Unwalla, Mehar & Daisy Mehta, Mina & Gulshan Dubash, Soli & Jo Ann Dastur, Noshir & Goolu Baria, Rita Engineer & Jaloo Captain, Casey Raja, Danny & Goher Mobed. This expression of thanks was followed by a joyous rendition of the song Khushee-Khushaali, by the ZAF Singers (Soli Dastur, Gulshan Dubash, Jaloo Captain, Freni Deboo, Daisy Patel, Hovi Shroff and Dolly Munshi). The dance duo of Cyra Mobed and Oscar Duran, back by popular demand, then delighted the audience with a feisty Mambo, followed by the dizzying-paced Rueda. Not to be left behind, the audience also joined the dance fever – by taking Salsa lessons from Oscar. Delightful Latin & English music throughout the evening was provided by the live band of Grisel Y Acosta.

World Famous ZAF Singers, Cyra & Oscar with their Dance Troupe & ZAF Members learning Salas! Jahan introduced the new arrivals and members in the area (Kairus Pir and Behli & Zenobia Hansotia). In keeping with the philosophy of ZAF to recognize the persons achieving major milestones in education, the following four “graduates” were awarded a congratulatory note and cash from the association:

Dinah Baria (Ph.D.), Nina Deboo (Masters), Dustyn Shroff (Bachelors), Hovi Shroff (Masters).

President Jahan and Graduates: Hovi, Nina, Dinah & Justyn. And some ZAF Navroze Function attendees.

Our young crowd, our senior citizens and our pizza crowd on floor!


A very special moment arrived during the evening when Ervad Soli Dastur and Jo Ann Dastur were presented with a surprise gift and a plaque for their untiring and selfless efforts and dedication to the service of Zarathushtis in South Florida. (Please see the article below). Our hearty thanks to the superb team of dedicated volunteers who made the evening an absolute success. They are, in random order: Jimmy & Freni Deboo, Kersi & Dolly Munshi, Nina Deboo, Soli & Jo Ann Dastur, Nellie Unwalla, Kernaz Engineer, Mina & Gulshan Dubash, and Nancy Daruwala. The evening ended with a delicious full-fledged Parsee style buffet (a first for a ZAF New-year’s function) of Dhaan-Daar, Shrimp Paatio, Sali Boti, Chicken Faarcha, Vegetable Stew and Kulfi-Falooda.

Recognition of Ervad Dr. Soli P. Dastur & Jo Ann Dastur At the last ZAF Navroze (New Year) celebration held on August 21, the congregation recognized the years of wholehearted and dedicated services of Ervad Dr. Soli P. Dastur and his dear wife Jo Ann Dastur, to the community. In the midst of a standing ovation, a gift and a plaque were presented. It reads as follows:

Presented to Ervad SOLI P. DASTUR, Ph.D.

In sincere appreciation of your dedicated service,

inspiration and spiritual guidance

to the community in preserving and enhancing

the understanding and practice of our Zarathusti faith

and its tenets of

Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni

(Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds)

Your ZAF Community (2010; Y.Z. 1380)

Garlanded Soli & Jo Ann receiving the Recognition Plaque from ZAF President Jahan!


ZAF Ghambaar We are very happy and proud to inform you that the next traditional ZAF Ghambaar will be sponsored by our dear members Khushnam & Furrokh Irani. It will be held on Sunday, November 7th, from 12:30 to 4 pm, at the Palace Restaurant, in Davie FL. More details will be announced in due course. Please reserve the date and we look forward to seeing you there.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Election

We are approaching December 31, 2010, when the current two-year term (2009-2010) of the entire ZAF Board expires. The community must elect a maximum of nine Board members to serve for the two-year term of 2011-2012. We are currently working on the process of nominations and final voting of the new Board at the AGM, to be held following the Ghambaar on November 7th. This, as you know, is a critical activity in the effective management and perpetuation of our association and we hope to have your full support and participation in the process. You will be hearing about the invitation for nominations and other details during September.


Pakistan Flood Relief – Help! Editorial: There are two Zarathushti organizations that have undertaken the initiatives to help with the tragic events in Pakistan. The North American FEZANA initiative focuses on Shelter Box, which supplies portable residence for families whereas the London based WZO (World Zoroastrian Organization) focuses on medical needs. You in ZAF have a choice as to how you wish to help. You also have a third alternative if you wish to help through ZAF. (See Option # 3 below).

(1) Through FEZANA: The Welfare commitee of FEZANA has recognized The Shelter Box which supplies portable residence for families and is equipped with all basic necessities to support a family for months. Details about the organization may be found on their web site, www.Shelterboxusa.org Please make your check payable to FEZANA, with a foot note: Pak. Flood and mail to: Ratan Mistry, 1258 Water Lily Way, San Jose, CA 95129. Thank you for your support. FEZANA Welfare Committee at www.FEZANA.org.

(2) Through WZO: The WZO has decided to assist SIUT Trust, a recognized and respected organisation, whose primary care in normal times is in the department of Urology & Transplantation. See www.siut.org for reference. SIUT has set up camps in all four provinces of Pakistan as of 5th August, having their medical teams dealing with the treatment of gastro-enteritis, skin diseases, malaria, and pneumonia in children. Snake and scorpion bites, and heat stroke were other medical problems attended to. It is a matter of time before cholera becomes another issue. Edhi Foundation has generously donated ambulances in the camps and PIA has given free logistics of goods for medical relief camps. Over 35,000 have been assisted as of 22nd August.

The WZO is of the opinion that, in this disaster, medical attention is of paramount importance, if one has the luxury of choice! The rain has far from abated, or the torrent of the rivers, and no doubt, worse is still to come.

Please make your check payable to ‘WZO US Region’ and mail to: The President, WZO US Region, 493 Woodlawn Avenue, Glencoe, Illinois IL 60022.

(3) Through ZAF: Please make your check payable to ZAF Inc. and be sure to note “Pak-Relief”’ on the footnote. Please mail to Jahanbux Daruwala, 21050-Point Place, Apt # 1205, Aventura, FL 33180. ZAF will collect, divide and forward the proceeds equally to the FEZANA and the WZO.

ZAF Booth/Exhibit at A.I.A. Event (Association of Indians in America)

ZAF was invited to participate and set up a booth at the AIA ( Association of Indians in America) India’s Independence Day cultural event. Our booth was in quite a central location. The ever-present ZAF banner and the fantastic panel of Parsee Zoroastrian history, culture and prominent people, so painstakingly prepared by the ever caring Freny Deboo, were prominently displayed right behind and above our exhibit table. Nancy and Jahan Daruwala represented the community with

http://www.shelterboxusa.org/

http://www.fezana.org/

http://www.siut.org/

traditional Parsi attire - she, in a beautiful red gaaraa and Jahan in white dagli, pants and feto. We answered a lot of queries from the attendees about our religion and culture. We displayed and handed out quite a few pamphlets summarizing our history, basics of the religion and culture (one published by FEZANA and another by ZAF). Our lovely member Sharon Dubash was the official greeter for the booth. We thank dear friends Mina & Gulshan Dubash and Kersi & Dolly Munshi for all their help in so creatively decorating the booth. Our thanks also to aapraa members Hovi Shroff and Dustyn Shroff to help behind the scenes in representing ZAF in the formalities of making the arrangements.

Sharon with flower greeting tray, our President and Nancy in Parsi dress & Burjis with Sharon and Jahan at the ZAF Booth!

Z Club Children’s Corner (By Aban Kavasmaneck)

It is a joy to see our precious Z-Club children flourish and succeed, not only in their school studies, but also in the educational and practical application of their Zoroastrian faith in their daily lives. On Saturday, June 12th, our Z-Club kids learned the value and importance of community service by spending a whole afternoon helping the elderly at Memorial Manor Nursing Home in Hollywood. It was extremely gratifying to see our young children taking care of the old and lonely by helping them play games, keeping them company, pushing their wheelchairs, and making then smile. It was a tremendously rewarding experience for our Z Club kids, who are enthusiastic about a repeat engagement. Special thanks are due to Franah who obtained the necessary permission and made the entire project possible. On Sunday, July 18th the Z-Club met at Khush Daruwalla’s home and the children had a fascinating time listening to “The Game of Asha”, a story about Zarathustra and the Laws of the Universe. Over the holiday season, our children will once again collect donations and toys for needy children. Zane Todywala, Z Club’s Special Projects Director, will be contacting you.

Zane & ???? Todywala taking care of the elderly people and the whole Z-Club group at the Memorial Manor Nursing Home.

Our next Z-Club meeting will be at Sam and Lyla Todywala’s home on Sunday, September 19th at 3pm. As always, we are grateful to our ZAF community and the ZAF Board for your continued support of our pride and joy, our Z-Club children.


Youth Corner

Thank you to those that attended our first youth night at the Grand Lux Restaurant in July. We enjoyed the company, conversation and food! We look forward to another event in December when many of you will be back from college. We will be e-mailing you with details. - Nina Deboo, Dustyn Shroff

New Members & Directory Changes Behli & Zenobia Hansotia: We welcome our new ZAF members Behli & Zenobia who recently moved from

Virginia. Their address is: 4020 Galt Ocean Drive, #903, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Cell phones: (Behli) 703-327-0905, (Zenobia) 703-402-3491. e-mail: [email protected]

Kairus Pir: A warm welcome to Kairus who recently moved from Mumbai. He is a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at FIU. His address is: 1905 SW 107th Avenue, Apt. # 1208, Miami, FL 33165, Cell: 305-491-3326, e-mail: [email protected]

Burjor & Pervin Tata: Their New Address: 864 Spring Circle, Apt # 107, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Tel (same): 954-570-9622

Katya & Kaizad Hansotia: new e-mail address: [email protected]

ZAF Community News

Munshi/Kohl Wedding: Feroze Munshi, son of our own Kersi (also ZAF Secretary) and Dolly Munshi, and Stephanie Kohl, the lovely younger daughter of John and Jean Kohl of Yardley, PA, tied the proverbial knot in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, the 24th of July, 2010 in Catholic as well as Parsi ceremonies. The Catholic ceremony was held in St. Dominic’s church, and the Parsi ceremony in the James Leary Flood Mansion. The Parsi ceremony was conducted on that sunny, gusty yet crisp San Francisco afternoon by none other than our own Ervad Soli Dastur, so ably and lovingly assisted by our own Jo Ann Dastur. Over a hundred guests had a grand old time. We wish the happy couple a long, happy, and fruitful married life together.

Dolly doing Aachhoo Michhoo, Soli performing Aashirwaad Ceremony and the Happy Married Couple!

Mehta Baby Shower: On Saturday, August 28th, 2010, Daisy & Mehar Mehta held a baby shower for their daughter-in-law Jennifer at the Palace Restaurant in Davie, FL. Everybody had a very nice time.





Mehar, Zerxis, Jennifer and Daisy Mehta with the expectant couple at Jennifer’s Baby Shower.

Welcome, Arish Firdaus Dotiwala: Weighing in at 5 lbs. and 9 oz., and 18½” tall, baby Arish was born to

our own Azita and Firdaus Dotiwala at 3:09 pm on the 31st of August, 2010. Here is a photo of the handsome lad.

Baby Arish of Azita and Firdaus Dotiwala.

Happy B’Day to Anisha & Ariana Deboo: The twin sisters celebrated their 5th Birthday with family &

friends. Congratulations and many happy returns.

Anisha & Ariana with parents at their 5th Birthday with cake and friends!

The ZAF Cook Book: “Food, Family and Friends�”. Only 11 copies left before going to second printing! Get yours NOW!!!

A Collection of 76 Parsee Zoroastrian Recipes from our ZAF Community and Friends. The book includes: Chicken Entrees, Meat Entrees, Vegetarian Entrees, Appetizers, as well as Desserts. Cost: $14.00 (for ZAF Members) & $19.00 (for all others) plus mailing ($2.50 per copy in the USA) Many thanks to all of you that submitted recipes. This project would not be possible without you! Please contact Nina Deboo ([email protected]) or Nancy Daruwala ([email protected]) to reserve your copy.




ZATAMBAY & Orlando Community News Rustam Irani, 35, of Tampa was recently honored as one of the “Top 40 under 40”

winners by the Business Review’s annual 40 Under 40 contest. The announcement says: “Gulf Coast’s future will be bright and varied and filled with optimists.” Our congratulations and best wishes to Rustam and family. We are very proud of you!!

Dr. Shirin Desai Gibson: We are very pleased to inform you that Shirin Desai Gibson, daughter of our dear Freni Desai and sister of Rashne Desai, recently completed her doctorate in education and was promoted to Principal of Tillman Elementary School in Bradenton, in Manatee County. After a tedious interview process that included a town hall of seventy parents, teachers and students, Shirin was selected over several experienced candidates. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shirin Desai Gibson, Ph.D. Our best wishes for your continued success in the future.

Demehri/Canoy Wedding: Dr. Farokh Demehri, son of our own Sarvar & Rustom Demehri, Orlando Group, and

Dr. Angela Canoy, the lovely daughter of Theresa and Chet Canoy of Port St. Lucie FL, tied the proverbial knot in Port St. Lucie, FL on Sunday, the 30th of May, 2010 in Catholic as well as Parsi ceremonies in the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. At first, the Parsi ceremony was conducted by our own Ervad Soli Dastur, so ably and lovingly assisted by our own Jo Ann Dastur. This was followed by the Catholic ceremony in the same place. Over three hundred guests had a grand old time at the reception and sit down dinner that followed. The newly wedded Doctors will be continuing their residencies in Surgery (Farokh) and Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. We wish the happy Doctors the best future in their respective fields together with a long, happy, and fruitful married life together.

Soli Uncle giving Irani Wedding advice, Father performing Catholic Wedding, and the Demehri family.


Zain & Riana Iranis’ Navjotes: It was a double Navjote of Zain and Riana Irani, children of Shiraz and Jal Irani of ZATAMBAY in their beautiful lake front home in Tampa North on Sunday August 8 2010. Our own Ervad Soli P. Dastur, with the ever willing and thorough help of our own Jo Ann, performed the both Navjotes one after another. The mom Shiraz really put a lot of work to prepare for the Navjotes. The home was decorated by Parsi Motif “Chalk” (Rangoli) with beautiful home made flower Torans at the front door. A large number of relatives on both sides, some from Pune, India, specifically came over to witness the Navjotes. The typical Parsi Ses for both children were decorated with hand made Bom orchids by a neighbor. The Navjote clothes for both children were hand sewn by Bapaiji Dolly Irani – sudrehs, lenghas, topis, shawls, etc. The children were helped in learning their Navjote prayers and their meanings by their parents and audio rendition by Soli uncle. At the Navjote ceremony itself, cousin Sanaya Tamboli and big sister Jasmyn Irani helped to recite the meaning of the prayers for all to know. The evening reception and dinner was held in their beautiful lake front Community hall which was all lit up by beautiful lights, flowers, table decorations and of course Parsi/Indian food catered by their Indian friends who owns an Indian Restaurant. Over 200 family and friends took part in the dinner with dancing and singing. The evening reception was a major hit! We had a jazz player to kick off the evening with his saxophone, greeting our many guests as they walked in!

Then later in the evening there was an entertainment of Hip Hop dancers with a slight twist of incorporating East meets West infusion, dancing to Indian/ Western music starting with the ‘Jai Ho’, the sound track from the movie Slum Dog Millionaire. The dancers then had some of the men in the audience and our Soli Uncle of course up there jai ho- ing the night away, with the audience singing along which was very entertaining. It was a memorable day in the young lives of Zain and Riana and all the family and friends which they will remember forever.

Soli Uncle performing the Kusti Ceremony for Zain and for Riana and the whole Irani family with the Navjotias! An interesting learning for Riana: One night, she pops up from her bed and says to Shiraz: “Mommy! I am not afraid of nights any more! When I am scared of the dark, I pray “Jasa Me Awanghe Mazda!” – “Ahura Mazda! Come to my help!” She sure practices what she learnt in her Navjote prayers!

Central Florida Group (Orlando) Navroze Celebration: The Orlando Group ushered in the Parsi Navroze on 22nd August at the Yasmin & Adi Irani’s beautiful lake-front home. As always, Yasmin and Adi outdid themselves with their delicious Parsi/Indian food spread which was very much appreciated by all the attendees! About 55 people attended the gala event. After a short Hum Bandagi, led by Ervad Soli Dastur, the group settled down to a sumptuous Parsi lunch. It was quite heartening to see so many youths in the crowd.

Central Florida Group celebrates Navroze with a Hum Bandagi!

ZATAMBAY Navroze Celebration: The ZATAMBAY Group celebrated the Parsi Navroze on 29th August at the Jennifer & Rustam Irani’s beautiful lake-front home. About 40 people attended the gala event. After a short Hum Bandagi, led by Ervad Soli Dastur, the group settled down to a varied pot luck Parsi lunch where all women master chefs show off their culinary expertise. It was quite heartening to see so many children in the crowd. The parents requested Soli uncle to hold monthly religious classes for the young ones. The first one will be at Jennifer and Rustam’s home on October 10th.


ZATAMBAY Children leading Hum Bandagi and the whole ZATAMBAY Group at the Iranis for the Navroze function!

A slow and important trend is taking place in ZATAMBAY over the last 17 years Jo Ann and I have been residing in University Park. More and more young families are moving into our area as well as more and more Snow Birds and Snow Flakes are either buying homes/condos or renting homes/condos in ZATAMBAY area. May be this is a good sign for our entire Zarathushti community in Florida!


Month: Ardibehesht (S), Year: YZ 1380 Zor & More Issue # 3, September-2010 A PUBLICATION OF THE ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA

Board of Directors

President Jahanbux Daruwala

V.P. Burjis Shroff

Secretary Kersi Munshi

Treasurer Mina Dubash

Members at Large Soli Dastur Nina Deboo Arnavaz Irani Jimmy Major Dustyn Shroff

Calendar of Events

Z-Club (Children’s program): Sam and Lyla Todywala’s home, Sunday September 19th at 3pm.

Ghambaar: Sunday, November 7th, Palace Restaurant, 12:30 to 4 pm

ZAF AGM: Sunday, November 7th, Palace Restaurant, After the Ghambaar

ZAF Youth Club: December: Date to be announced by Nina & Dustyn

15th North American Zoroastrian Congress (Houston): December 29, 2010 to January 1, 2011. Please see www.FEZANA.org for details.

AIA Fundraising Banquet: January 8th, 2011at the Deerfield Beach Hilton.

Details to be announced.

5th World Zoroastrian- Youth Congress: Vancouver, Canada, July 1 to July 4, 2011. Registration details at www.fezana.org (also, for more details, see http://www.zsbc.org/congress2011/). The theme this year is: United We StandBuilding Bridges Across Oceans

The Z.A.F. c/o Kersi Munshi, Secretary 9830 BayLeaf Ct Parkland, FL 33076-4445

Addresss




http://www.zsbc.org/congress2011/

Documents

Zor & More - · Zor & More Issue # 3, 2010 5 of 16 They came from near, they came from far, Mumbai, Daytona, Orlando, Miami and Boca, children and all to the Muktaad. We also wish