Zoroastrian Association of California August 2018

1424 E. Walnut Avenue

Orange, CA 92867

www.zacla.org

2018-2019 Executive Committee

President – Houtoxi Contractor

Vice President – Nauzer Commissariat

Treasurer – Hilla Machhi

Jt Secretaries – Sheila Madon & Manek Dustoor

Program Chair – Zubin Taraporevala

Youth Coordinator – Roxanne Unwalla

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our AGM was held on June 23, 2018. There were 155 registrants of which

130 were voting members. Lacking a 40% quorum (our current voting

membership is 401) the start of the meeting was delayed till 6:30pm. After

approval of the past AGM’s minutes and the Financial Statement for 2017, a

vote of thanks was given to Phiroz Tarapore for serving as the auditor; with

some vocal coaxing from the assembly he generously agreed to serve for

another two years. Hilla Machhi gave a summary of our financial status for

the current year. Thanks were also extended to our donors who were

recognized by name in a slide presentation.

Message from the President

Friends, we have had an eventful two months since my last

message to you. We held our first AGM where we passed a

resolution to invest funds currently being held in a bank account.

We are grateful for the confidence you place in our stewardship

and look forward to increased participation by our members. This

is evident in the sub-committees that include the one on Helping

Hands, the ZAC Center Expansion including the Children’s Play

Area, Website Redesign, and more. We will provide updates in

the coming months and will share our thoughts on these

initiatives.

Looking forward with confidence, through your support, to a

bright future for our community.

Navroze Mubarak to all!

Houtoxi Contractor

“Who hears the Truth (Asha) and lives it in his life, soul-healing Lord of Wisdom he becomes.”

Yasna 31.19

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Houtoxi Contractor presented her report of recent activities. We are honored to have five ZAC

members on the board of FEZANA – Rooky Fitter, Homi Gandhi, Manek Bhujwala, Arzan Lali, and

Houtoxi Contractor. ZAC was also well represented by five of our members at the recent Zoroastrian

World Congress held at Perth.

The Program Chair, Zubin Taraporevala, gave a spirited appeal for members to get involved with

suggestions for events including helping out at soup kitchens for the needy. Roxanne Unwalla, our

Youth Coordinator, reviewed past activities and some future events in the planning stage. Mention

was made of our website that was undergoing a complete revamp; a subcommittee was also

reviewing our constitution to ensure legal compliance and incorporate relevant suggestions under

separate Bylaws. Cataloging of our library was continuing under Meher Irani, Roda Mistry and Ron &

Sherry Merchant. A request was made that our members should refrain from “dumping” unwanted

stuff from their homes; ZAC should not be considered the last resort before the dumpster!

Subcommittees were also working on options to upgrade and expand our facilities – details wIll be

shared at the next general body meeting. Several volunteers were thanked for their help with

preparing the dinner for the AGM.

Finally, the Investment Proposal that had been circulated through the June Newsletter was read and

followed by a spirited discussion amongst our membership for the pros and cons of different

investing options. Ruzbeh Daruwalla represented the Finance Committee and explained the essential

differences between our existing Endowment Investment Policy and the new ZAC Investment Policy

that would govern the additional $100,000 being set aside for investment using an experienced

investment professional. The resolution finally passed with an overwhelming majority.

The AGM adjourned at 8:15pm and members transitioned to the best part – dinner!

GATHA TALK

On July 15, 2018, eminent speaker, Mobed

Fariborz Shahzadi gave his first talk in a series on

the Gathas using a slide show and an engaging

interactive style. The talk was instructive,

illuminating, and educational. Members who

missed this first talk need not worry as Mobed

Fariborz has kindly agreed to continue his talks in

the future on various religious topics of interest to

the young and not-so-young members.

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MOVIE NITE

A Dinner & Movie Nite was held on July 21st in the Hong Kong Room. It was attended by over 40 of

our members who enjoyed an inexpensive dinner as well as watching “Chennai Express”. Our thanks

go to Yasmin and Phiroze Gundevia for arranging the event.

YOUTH EVENTS

The 2018 FEZANA Zoroastrian Games were held at California State University, Dominguez Hills, from

July 3-8. There were participants from 12 states and 5 countries: USA, Canada, India, Pakistan, Iran.

Team ZUNITED won basketball gold.

Congratulations to our ZAC members who were

on the team: Hufrid Avari, Neil Spenta, and Farzin

Morena, the captain.

Congratulations also go out to 11 year old Zane

Commissariat in winning Gold in Swimming and Track

& Field. Zara Commissariat at 7 years was the

youngest female participant at the Z Games and won

Silver in Track & Field and Bronze in swimming. Their

dad, Xerxes Commissariat not to be outdone won

Bronze in

the Swimming Relay event.

Roxanne Unwalla, our Youth Coordinator, is working on

putting together an event for the youth for September and we

will let you know the particulars as they firm up. Also, note

that the new Softball Season begins August 23rd – all are

welcome! If you’d like to sign up kindly contact Roxanne at:

youth.zac@gmail.com.

CONGRATULATIONS

Several ZAC members attended the June 21st opening of Behram & Rena

Baxter’s new hotel in downtown San Diego – TownePlace Suites by

Marriott. It is a well-appointed extended-stay hotel located within two

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miles of San Diego Zoo, Little Italy, Star of India, Petco Park, Seaport Village and the San Diego

Convention Center. We wish them well!

Freddy Fitter achieved the highest rank, Eagle Scout, in his Boy Scouts Troop 568,

and was only the 99th scout to accomplish this in his troop. Congratulations!

ESSAY CONTEST

Artemis Javanshir, together with other fellow Zarathustis, has taken the initiative

to organize an essay contest for youth 14-17 years old. The topic “Is it Ever Okay

to Lie” is certainly thought-provoking; prizes are in the hundreds of dollars – see the attached flyer

for details. You can also contact Artemis directly at: artemisjavanshir@yahoo.com

MUKTAD

Muktad Prayers are being held at our Atash Kadeh from August

7-16 with daily prayers conducted at 5:30pm followed by

Chashni. Mobed Zarrir Bhandara is coordinating the event with

help from several of our community Mobeds. The photo shows

Ervads Jal Birdy, Zerkxis Bhandara and Zarrir Bhandara.

Special thanks go out

to volunteers who

helped clean up the

Atash Kadeh: Zubin & Ruzbeh Daruwalla, Zara-Zane-

Xerxes Commissariat, Daisy-Malcolm-Yasmin Pithawalla,

Behzad Modi, Eric-Jimmy Colabewala, Katy Alamshaw,

and Zerkxis Bhandara.

NOTE: Kindly note that the correct cell phone number for

Zarrir Bhandara is 562-331-9973.

RELIGIOUS FUND

An email was sent out on August 8th to our members regarding a new fund, the Religious Fund. This

was requested by several members in response to the escalating costs of maintaining our Atash

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Kadeh. The fund will also be used to assist our community members who need help with certain

ceremonies or handling the costs of a family member’s passage. We urge our members to donate

generously through our website (www.zacla.org) or by writing a check to ZAC with a memo subject

mentioning Religious Fund. Monies received in this fund will be separately accounted for.

DONORS

A list of donors for this year is provided in this newsletter. This was shared at our June 23rd, 2018

AGM and has been updated since.

OBITUARIES

Dolly Pithawalla moved on to her final journey on June 23, 2018. She will be sorely missed by her

husband Soli, son Barjor & daughter-in-law Silloo, son Mehernosh & daughter-in-law Yashmin,

grandchildren Bezan, Sharukh, Malcolm, Daisy, and her brother Pervez Gotla.

Goshtasb Meheraban Hamsayeh, born June 29, 1938, passed away in San Jose on June 28, 2018. He

is survived by his wife of 53 years, Parizad Ardeshiri, and three daughters, Niloufer Hamsayeh Collier,

Jennifer Hamsayeh and Mehernaz Hamsayeh Farsi. His two son-in-laws are Behrouz Farsi and David

Collier. He has three grandchildren, Kamron Bagherian, Asha Mehraban Farsi and Mitra Farsi.

Perinne Amaria passed away on July 4, 2018 at the age of 90. She was the wife of the late Keki

Amaria, an architect of the California Zoroastrian Center. She is survived by her daughter Yasmin, son

Marzban, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Ashley and Cyrus, and her brothers Keki, Adi and

Minoo Gandhi.

Rostam Sohrab Bastani, 72, passed away on July 15, 2018. He is survived by wife Delnavaz, son

Zubin, daughter Mondana Felfeli, son-in-law Rostam Felfeli, grandson Kaveh and granddaughter

Shirin.

Villu Godrej Motishaw, passed away in San Diego, July 19, 2018. She was the beloved mother of

Katy Hoshang Khambatta, loving grandmother of Godrej, Arnaz and Neville and great-grandmother

of Rohan and Riya. The Khambatta family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Mobeds

for their guidance and help, and all family and friends for the messages of condolences and

sympathy at this time of their grief.

AUGUST 2018 Newsletter 6

HELPING HANDS

This is a new initiative that calls on our members to help out those who need occasional assistance.

This can take many forms, such as, a hot meal for someone recovering from a medical procedure,

helping drive a person to a medical appointment, assisting in setting up a computer, or any of the

challenges one faces in normal life. A survey will be sent out requesting volunteers and the nature of

the assistance they can extend. The gratitude expressed by recipients to these volunteers is priceless;

after all, giving is central to our Zarathusti tenets.

EMERGENCY HELP

This has been initiated in response to the growing fire hazards that California faces which may

require emergency evacuation. We have started a list of volunteers who are able to offer a room in

their home or help out in various other ways. While Helping Hands will be on an ongoing basis, the

Emergency Help line is, as the name suggests, for Emergencies only. The individuals to contact in

such an instance are either Houtoxi Contractor (412-445-1533 huty.contractor@gmail.com) or

Nauzer Commissariat (949-612-5828 ncommissariat@hotmail.com). They will coordinate the help

based on the nature of the need, and adjacency of available helpers. If you would like to be listed as

one of those in a position to offer assistance then please contact either of the above individuals.

RECENT GRADUATES

Kindly submit the names of recent high school and college graduates so they can be recognized by

ZAC at our Navroze function on August 25th. Send an email to committee@zacla.org with the name

of the graduate, degree, and any relevant details such as career interests, etc.

In addition, the recipients of the Cyrus R. Fatakia Memorial Scholarship will be awarded their

scholarships at the Navroze function.

NAVROZE

The celebrations at ZAC are spread out over two separate occasions:

Friday August 17th (an eblast had been sent out earlier with details)

o Khushali-nu-Jashan at 7:00am; Atash Kadeh will remain open 5am-10am & 5pm-9pm

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o Pukka Parsi Bhonu at 6:30pm

Saturday August 25th (registration on www.zacla.org or using the attached form that has more details)

o Jashan starts at 5:00pm (volunteers needed for sev and ravo)

o Children’s Play

o Fatakia Scholarships awarded

o Recent Graduates recognized

o Dinner

o Dancing to DJ music

Note: The Jamva Chalo Ji event scheduled for October 13th has been postponed to the

summer of 2019. We wanted to make this event even more memorable and realized we

needed more time to make the necessary preparations. Apologies to those who cannot wait

for Lagan-nu-Bhonu, but the 2019 event will be that much more spectacular. We’ll keep you

posted.

UPCOMING EVENTS (subject to change)

Aug 17 Jashan at 7 am; Parsi Bhonu at 6:30pm.

Aug 22 Khordad Sal Jashan 11:00am; Lunch follows (contact Dolly Malva for

reservations at dolla222@yahoo.com )

Aug 25 Navroze function (see the attached form)

Sept 1 9th Annual Carrom & Table Tennis Tournament (see attached flyer)

Sept 9 Ladies Club pot luck at 12:30pm followed by a talk by Lindsey

Horvath on “Empowering Women”

Sept 21 Camping by the Beach (Doheny State Beach, Dana Point)

Sept 22 Picnic by the Beach (Doheny State Beach, Dana Point)

Oct 20 Dinner & Movie Nite

Oct 27 Halloween Party

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Last Name First Name Meal Preference V-Vegetarian

NV-Non-Vegetarian

Price

(see rates above)

TOTAL: $

Checks should be made out to ZAC with the memo item August 25 Navroze and mailed to:

Hilla Machhi – ZAC Treasurer, 2191 Avenida Toronja, Carlsbad CA 92009

AUGUST 2018 Newsletter 9

2018 YTD DONORS

VENDIDAD PRAYERS

AHU TRUST/TEHEMTAN ARJANI 1,500 JIJINA ALOO 1,300

AMROLI PERVIN 61 KAPADIA ABAN & HOSI 500

AMROLI MEHERNOSH & ANAHITA 51 KATRACK MINOO & PERVEEN 500

AVARI FIROZE & PARVIN 201 KHAMBATTA HOSHANG & KATY 100

BACHA FRENY 500 LAKDAWALLA FAMILY 601

CHICHGAR MANECK & PERVIN 101 LAKDAWALLA NOSHIR & RHODA 100

COMMISSARIAT ABAN & NAUZER 101 LIMATH KALI & BENAIFER 51

COMMISSARIAT XERXES & DIANA 101 MALVA DOLLY 501

CONTRACTOR DR. FARHAD & HOUTOXI 501 MEHTA KAEZAD & RUZBE 3,000

DASTUR DR. KHURSHED & MEHER 500 MINOCHERHOMJEE ARDARVIRAF & HOOTOXI 1,000

DEBOO FARROKH & GULESTAN 500 MISTRY RODA 500

IMO MR.& MRS K. MODY, MR & MRS.K KATRAK 500 MORENA FARZIN & CYRA 100

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY WIFE SOONU 501 PITHAWALLA MEHERNOSH & YASMIN 250

IRANI MEHER 500 SANTOKE BURJOR & VIRA 500

IRANI SHIREEN & DINYAR 500 SONCHHATRA ZARIN & JAYANT 500

IRANPUR GUL & BOMAN 100 TALATI DR. ROHIN & ARNAVAZ 301

ATASH KADEH (merged now with RELIGIOUS FUND)

BHOT ABAN & MANEK 334 BAXTER BEHRAM & RENA 1,000

BHANDARA ZARRIR & TINAAZ 300 FANIBANDA ROSHAN & NARIMAN 21

BISNEY- SHAH FEERUZA 501 CHICHGAR MANECK & PERVIN 101

BIRDY JAL 501 BHUJWALA SHEHNAZ 51

EDUCATION

BAXTER BEHRAM & RENA 1,000

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND

CONTRACTOR DR. FARHAD & HOUTOXI 15,000 TARAPOREVALA NAVAZ & ZUBIN 5,000

MALBARI BEJAN 10,001

AUGUST 2018 Newsletter 10

GENERAL FUND

AHU TRUST/TEHEMTAN ARJANI 35 MEHTA SILLOO 100

BACHA FRENY 200 MISTRY ARDESHIR 60

BEHZIZ HORMAZDIAR / MAHBANOO AMANAT 40 MISTRY BHKHTAVAR 60

BHANDARA ZARRIR & TINAAZ 1,250 KOOKA NERGES 301

BIRDY JAL 230 LAKDAWALLA NOSHIR & RHODA 100

CASH 910 MASTER HOSHANG & ZENOBIA 20

CHICHGAR MANECK & PERVIN 126 MODY NAWAZ & MARZBAN 101

COLABAVALA JIMMY & MEHER 75 PITHAWALLA BURJOR & SILLOO 250

DADACHANJI KAVASJI & CHISTI 300 PITHAWALLA MEHERNOSH & YASMIN 201

DAMANIA MANEK & TEHMI 200 RUSTOMJI DIANA 101

DUSTOOR MANEK & MEHER 500 RUSTOMJI PERCY 100

DASTUR JAMSHED & SHIREEN 250 RUSTOMJI PERVEZ & PERSIS 101

DASTUR KERSAS 500 SHROFF VISPI & RHODA 100

DEBOO BEHRAM & MANIJEH 60 SIGANPORIA DAISY 250

DUNGORE KERMAN & ARNAWAZ 101 TALATI DR. ROHIN & ARNAVAZ 200

EZZATI TAHMOORES/ MAVANDI SHAHNAZ 60 TARAPORE PERVIZ & PHIROZ 1,000

FANIBANDA ROSHAN 31 TARAPOREWALA RON & DIANA 101

GANDHI HOMAYAR & KHUSHNAM CRAWFORD 100 TAVARIA NAWZER & MEHER 115

HAMSAYEH GUS & PARIZAD ARDESHIRI 1,200 TEHERANI KAVEH 140

IN MEMORY OF SOONOO KANGA 30 WELLS FARGO COMMUNITY SUPPORT 25

IN MEMORY OF PERIN AMARIA 50 ANONYMOUS 57

IRANI MERWAN & ANITA IN MEMORY OF GUS

HAMSAYEH 75

ANONYMOUS 31

IYER HARI 101 ANONYMOUS 11

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