ZANT News - Feb 2010 1 www.zant.org February 2010 A Publication of Zoroastrian Association of North Texas ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS ZANT NEWS We welcome and encourage feedback from our community. Please send comments or suggestions to [email protected]or mail to ZANT, P.O. Box 271117, Flower Mound, TX 75027 • 1/31 ZANT Annual General Body Meeting • 2/06 Zoroastrian Documentary Screening • 2/14 Children’s Religious Class • 3/21 Norouz Function • 4/2-4/3 ZANT Camping Trip ZANT E ZANT E ZANT E ZANT E VENTS VENTS VENTS VENTS • 1/16 Jashn-e Bahmangan (F) • 1/30 Jashn-e Sadeh • 2/10-11 Ayathrema Gh (K) • 2/10-14 Paitishem Gh (S) • 2/24 Avan Yazad Jashan (K) Z OROASTRIAN OROASTRIAN OROASTRIAN OROASTRIAN C ALENDAR ALENDAR ALENDAR ALENDAR Upcoming Activities 2&3 Kid’s Corner 4&5 ZANT Center Update 6 Membership 2009-2010 6&9 ZANT Center Wish List 7&8 Miscellaneous 8 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 271117 Flower Mound, TX 75027-1117 ZANT Center: 1605 Lopo Road Flower Mound, TX 75028-1306 Are you wondering what major Zartushti events you and your children might be able attend in the next twelve months for religious, educational, sporting or fun events and get to know other Zartushtis and make a wider network of new friends? We can name two highly im- portant events outside of North Texas - one will be held in Los Angeles, California in July of 2010 and the other in Houston, Texas in December of 2010. The 12 th Zoroastrian games in Los Angeles promises to be a fun event for anyone who at- tends the individual and team competitions and will have an opportunity to meet other Zar- tushtis from Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. Mark your calendar for July 1-5 and expect to have an eventful journey to Southern California. The event will be held at the California State University in Long Beach and the registration will start in February. If history is our guide, this event will be well attended by hundreds of young men and women for competition and their immediate families to cheer them on. It promises to be the largest gathering of Zoroastrians anywhere in the world outside of Iran and India. The accommo- dations will be provided at the University and the tournaments will include swimming, track and field, volleyball, basketball, tennis, ping pong and so on. There will also be op- tional sightseeing trips to many point of interest in the Southern California and evening programs to celebrate the games. This event is planned, organized and implemented by the sports committee of FEZANA. For more details please refer their website at www.zathletics.com . The 15 th North American Zoroastrian Congress promises to be vibrant and interesting with many events organized by FEZANA and hosted by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. The events will include many interactive and educational sessions encompassing segments related to youth, seniors, religious, cultural and business issues. There will also be Natak, dance and music performances and New Year’s Eve Gala Banquet, as well as merchandise booths and a grand “Jashan”. Please see details at www.zah.org and click on North Ameri- can Zoroastrian Congress tab. May you all have a great year with Ahura Mazda’s blessings. MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD I NSIDE NSIDE NSIDE NSIDE THIS THIS THIS THIS I SSUE SSUE SSUE SSUE B OARD OARD OARD OARD OF OF OF OF D IRECTORS IRECTORS IRECTORS IRECTORS 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
Transcript
ZANT News - Feb 2010 1
www.zant.org February 2010
A Publication of Zoroastrian Association of North Texas
We welcome and encourage feedback from our community. Please send comments or suggestions to [email protected] or mail to ZANT, P.O. Box 271117, Flower Mound, TX 75027
• 1/31 ZANT Annual General Body Meeting
• 2/06 Zoroastrian Documentary Screening
• 2/14 Children’s Religious Class • 3/21 Norouz Function • 4/2-4/3 ZANT Camping Trip
Are you wondering what major Zartushti events you and your children might be able attend in the next twelve months for religious, educational, sporting or fun events and get to know other Zartushtis and make a wider network of new friends? We can name two highly im-portant events outside of North Texas - one will be held in Los Angeles, California in July
of 2010 and the other in Houston, Texas in December of 2010.
The 12th Zoroastrian games in Los Angeles promises to be a fun event for anyone who at-tends the individual and team competitions and will have an opportunity to meet other Zar-tushtis from Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. Mark your calendar for July 1-5 and expect to have an eventful journey to Southern California. The event will be held at the California State University in Long Beach and the registration will start in February. If history is our guide, this event will be well attended by hundreds of young men and women for competition and their immediate families to cheer them on. It promises to be the largest gathering of Zoroastrians anywhere in the world outside of Iran and India. The accommo-dations will be provided at the University and the tournaments will include swimming, track and field, volleyball, basketball, tennis, ping pong and so on. There will also be op-tional sightseeing trips to many point of interest in the Southern California and evening programs to celebrate the games. This event is planned, organized and implemented by the sports committee of FEZANA. For more details please refer their website at
www.zathletics.com.
The 15th North American Zoroastrian Congress promises to be vibrant and interesting with many events organized by FEZANA and hosted by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. The events will include many interactive and educational sessions encompassing segments related to youth, seniors, religious, cultural and business issues. There will also be Natak, dance and music performances and New Year’s Eve Gala Banquet, as well as merchandise booths and a grand “Jashan”. Please see details at www.zah.org and click on North Ameri-
can Zoroastrian Congress tab.
May you all have a great year with Ahura Mazda’s blessings.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDMESSAGE FROM THE BOARDMESSAGE FROM THE BOARDMESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Yes, this year ZANT is doing something a bit different, we are having our Noruz celebration on a Sunday after-noon. We are planning a wonderful afternoon at the Mediterranean Villa, in Arlington, complete with kids’ entertainment, a delicious menu, and dancing! Our cost will be $35 for members, $50 for non-members and $15 for children 4 - 10. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon at a beautiful venue. Please look for flyer and details in next month’s
newsletter.
This year Norouz will be on Saturday, March 20, at
12:32 p.m.
ZANT News - Feb 2010 3
United Nations: An Invitation to Participate
Zarathushtis worldwide interested in participating in activities at the United ations, internationally, region-
ally, or locally are requested to contact Co-Chairs of FEZA A's U - GO committee: Afreed Mistry, Toronto, Canada [email protected], Homi Gandhi, Metropolitan ew York, [email protected],
..... with a copy of their curriculum vitae and a letter of intent stating how they see themselves promoting the
mission and vision of the United ations in civil society. Upcoming events include:
• the 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (see online opportunities below)
• the Annual DPI/ GO conference which will be held in Melbourne, Australia 30th to 1st September 2010
On global health U ESCO: Online discussion on Gender equality, Education and Training - 10 January to 7 February 2010 As part of the debates and events commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the United Nations’ Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE) is organizing a series of online discussions dedicated to specific critical areas of action related to gender equality. These discussions will contribute to the 15-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action at the 54th session of the Commis-sion on the Status of Women from 1-12 March, 2010. The online discussions are designed to catalyze debate, to analyze progress and to provide an important interactive forum where perspectives, successful initiatives and infor-mation can be shared. UNESCO will be hosting the online discussion focusing on the theme of Gender equality, Education and Training from 10 January to 7 February. During these four weeks, discussions will be organized around a framework of the-matic questions in order to stimulate debate between participants. (...) http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=47037&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
GLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGS
ZANT is once again planning an Easter Camping trip. With a year off from camping, the ZANT community is 'itching' to get back to nature. We have two possible locations, Lake Hugo State Park in Oklahoma and Little Rocky Lodge in West Forth Worth. We need firm RSVP's from families interested to go ahead and reserve either location with a deposit. If your family is interested in joining in the ZANT Camping trip on Friday, April 2nd and Saturday April 3rd, please contact Keshvar Buhariwalla. The Easter weekend is a very popular camping weekend and we must make our reservations soon if we want to accommodate all our interested families. The esti-mated cost for cabin rental will be $150 per night for a two bedroom cabin. If you are willing to share a cabin with an-other family, that will reduce the overall cost. More details to follow regarding all the fun we will have - boat rentals, games played with rocks and balls, and the great menu always
planned for these events!
Last month we enjoyed the special shortbread
cookies made for us by Dinaz Contractor. Thank
you very much Dinaz for squeezing in the extra
time for ZANT in spite of your many other pro-
jects! We also want to thank all the people who
support this project by purchasing the goodies
which is a win-win for everyone. For February,
Anahita Sidhwa will have batasas, $10 per bag,
available on the second weekend of the
month. Please call in your orders to Anahita.
ZANT News - Feb 2010 4
A Valentine Poem to parents on behalf of our kids:
Today I realized how selfish I was Hard to accept? Oh, yes it was' I expect a thank you for the little things I do,
And yet I have never said a single word…
for the big things you do I then grumble of the sacrifices I made, when you did something that can never be paid! I am so embarrassed, I don't know what to say. I can't believe I'm making the same mistakes. The amazing thing is after all this time you still love me for being your child. (Ever-Lasting Love by Jion K. Paine @FamilyFriendPoems ) Source: Everlasting Love, Parent Po-ems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?
poem=1837#ixzz0dIst5EKO
Religious Class:
At our January Religious Class, our little ones first recapped a little on the significance of the Yalda cele-
bration. The kids learned to create simple poems about nature. We then went on to learn about the significance of Jashne Sadeh - the celebration that marks the 100 day countdown to Nouruz and the discovery of fire. We read a story on Jashn-e Sadeh and the kids re-ceived a brochure telling them all about the celebra-
tion.
In the last 15 minutes of class, the kids got a chance to play a new game called "A Day at The Zoo" - a game that helps them to choose a deed from a set of 'deed cards' and then decide whether that deed was a good one or not. If it was a good deed, they get to move around in the zoo; if it was not, they had to stay on one spot. They are looking forward to enjoying the com-
plete game at the next class.
KIDS’ CORNERKIDS’ CORNERKIDS’ CORNERKIDS’ CORNER
Our middle-age group continued their virtual tour of Iran
Our 2nd destination was “Pasargadae”- Capital of Persia
founded by Cyrus the Great (Kourosh – in Persian)!
We learnt about ….
• Pasargadae was Cyrus’ Capital
• Cyrus’ tomb
• Cyrus’ private palace
• Apadana (Audience Hall)
• The bridge across the Pulvar River
• Entrance Hall
• The Stone Tower
• The Platform
• The Fire Altars
Our older children helped with the little ones’ class
On a lighter note…(Laugh – it increases your face value)
☺
What did one pickle say to the other? – You mean a great
“dill” to me !
What did the bat say to his girlfriend? – You’re fun to hang
around with !
What did the elephant say to his girlfriend? – I love you a
ton!
(Source: Internet)
(Kid’s Corner logo courtesy of Zoroastrian Studies, India)
ZANT News - Feb 2010 5
Thoughts for the Month:
“Where there is love, there is life”
-Mahatma Gandhi
“Fortune & love favor the brave”
-Ovid
“Love, like a river, will cut a new path whenever it
meets an obstacle”
-Crystal Middlemas
orouz 2010 - ZA T Children’s Program:
The program is set & practices have begun!
Children’s Religious Class:
Our next religious class will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at
11:30 am, at the Balsara Residence.
For further details about the Religious Classes, please
contact Pearl Balsara.
(Kid’s Corner logo courtesy of Zoroastrian Studies, India)
KIDS’ CORNERKIDS’ CORNERKIDS’ CORNERKIDS’ CORNER
ZANT News - Feb 2010 6
In late January, we finally completed all rough air conditioning, electric, and plumbing work in the building. This cleared the way for a milestone inspection by the city for these items. A setback occurred in late November when our plumbing contractor, due to health problems, was no longer able to continue working. In January, we finally found another plumber and got things moving again. Now that we are past this stage of construction, we can com-mence with our finishes and covering. In mid-February, the building exterior will be started with our brick, stone, and stucco work. This work will continue through March. While the exterior is being covered, we will begin the
interior finish-out with drywall and floor coverings.
Over the past few months we have done much research on the interior details and have the necessary contractors in place. Once the drywall is completed in the building, the remaining work should progress smoothly and quickly to
completion of the project.
If you have questions, please contact Jamshed Rivetna.
ZANT CENTER UPDATEZANT CENTER UPDATEZANT CENTER UPDATEZANT CENTER UPDATE
As we start our new Accounting Year 2009-2010, please note that your Annual ZANT membership is due for re-newal & if you are not a member already, this is the time to join in! There are lots of benefits of becoming a mem-
ber, such as….
• Belonging to an organization that is promoting Zoroastrian religious beliefs, community & cultural heritage
• A platform for “Community Service”
• Sharing “Camaraderie” (Comradeship among fellow Zoroastrians)
• Religious Classes (for children & adults)
• Religious and Non-religious Speakers
• Opportunities to influence the next generation of Zoroastrians (by setting an example)
• Instilling sense of “belonging” and “pride” in Zoroastrian Heritage, among our kids, teens and young adults
• Monthly newsletter - that keeps you informed of the happenings/ issues around the world related to Zoroastrian-
ism and opportunity to ask/receive help from fellow Zoroastrians.
• Career Development and Business Opportunity through ZANT sponsored WZCC meetings.
• Reduced rates for functions and other activities
• Special privileges for members re: ZANT Center
Your current membership is effective until Oct 31, 2009. Attached is the new Membership form (p. 11) Please sign
up to become a Proud Member of ZANT for the Year commencing November 1, 2009.
ZANT News - Feb 2010 7
ZANT CENTER WISH LISTZANT CENTER WISH LISTZANT CENTER WISH LISTZANT CENTER WISH LIST
Twenty years after the inception of ZANT, the Zoroastrian community of North Texas is entering a new phase with the completion of the ZANT Center. With the help of countless dedicated volunteers, donors, supporters and well wishers our ZANT Center is now becoming a reality. We are fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity of creat-ing a lasting legacy in our area for our community. Our ZANT Center is in its final stages of completion and the ZANT board, fundraising committee; building committee would like to extend you an invitation to become a found-ing member of our ZANT Center by joining families and individuals who have donated generously for the creation of our ZANT Center. Our ZANT Center phase 1 capital campaign will end on March 31, 2010. All donations made
on or before this date will be recognized as per our ZANT Center Donor Recognition Policy.
The ZANT Board would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to partake in the tradition of giving to the community. Accordingly, we will publish in our newsletter, a list of furnishings and items selected by The ZANT Board and building committee, required for the center. We would like to invite you to sponsor the purchase of the listed items and help make our ZANT Center a source of pride for everyone. ZANT will provide a tax deductable
receipt for all donations.
We would like to thank 4 ZANT families who have fulfilled some of our wishes. We have received money/commitments for the dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator, playground and one prayer room rug. With the continued
support of our community our ZANT Center will surely feel like a home sooner rather than later.
Based on the ZANT Center Donor Recognition Policy, donors will be acknowledged in 5 categories:
Donor Recognition:
$1,000 - $4,999 Name on donor plaque in lobby (single plaque with all names listed). $5,000 - $19,999 Name on donor plaque in lobby (single plaque with all names listed). $20,000 - $49,999 Name on donor plaque in lobby (single plaque with all names listed). $50,000 - $249,999 Name on individual donor plaque in lobby with personal message inscribed.
$250,000 and above Name on individual donor plaque in room of choice with personal message inscribed.
The ZANT Board has revised the ZANT Center Policy for donors in Category 4 to allow the individual donor
plaque in room of choice with personal message inscribed, except the prayer room.
ZANT WISH LIST Amount
UPGRADED KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Microwaves (2 needed) 350 each
Stand alone stove/oven (2 needed) 2525 each
PRAYER ROOM
Carpets Prayer Room (2 Needed) 1000 each
HALL
Chairs ( 120 needed) 25 each
Rectangular tables (8 needed) 109 each
Round Tables ( 10 needed) 145 each
Table Truck Stand (2 needed) 215 each
MISC
Partition for Main Room 3000
Basketball hoops (2 needed) 750 each
Table for nook in hallway 300
Vacuum Cleaner 450
ZANT News - Feb 2010 8
ZANT CENTER WISH LIST… (continued)ZANT CENTER WISH LIST… (continued)ZANT CENTER WISH LIST… (continued)ZANT CENTER WISH LIST… (continued)
Outlined below is a breakdown of the number of families who will be recognized as per our ZANT Center Donor
The 2009 Tax Receipts have been mailed out to all do-nors who contributed to ZANT - General and/or Building Fund. If you have made a contribution in 2009 to ZANT, but not received your Tax Receipt for the same, please contact Pearl P. Balsara.
ZOROASTRIAN STIMULUS PLANZOROASTRIAN STIMULUS PLANZOROASTRIAN STIMULUS PLANZOROASTRIAN STIMULUS PLAN
Help find jobs for 155 unemployed Zoroastrians! The Zarathusthi Stimulus Plan (www.zorostimulus.org) has 155 registered Zoroastrians who are un/under-employed and seeking a job. Please take a few minutes of your time to do your part in assisting fellow Zoroastrians find a job and support their families during these historically difficult economic times. Registrants are from all over the world, and several are in your local community. • Post a job opening. Is your company hiring? Know of a new job opening? Post the job information at www.zorostimulus.org.
• Reach out to those registered for the program. Take a few minutes to review the profiles of fellow Zoroastrians seeking job assistance at www.zorostimulus.org. If you have a network in an industry/geography and can be off assistance to a spe cific individual, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them. You can also register to be an official Mentor at the website.
If you are unemployed and would like to register for the Zoroastrian Stimulus Plan, visit www.zorostimulus.org
If you have any questions/concerns, feel free to email the Zoroastrian Stimulus Plan team at zorostimu-
As per the ZANT Bylaws, Regular & Life Membership is open to all Zarathushtis and their spouses over 18 years of age. Please complete this form and mail it with your check to ZANT, P.O. Box 271117, Flower Mound TX 75027
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.
