ZANT News - May 2010 1

www.zant.org May 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

• 5/1 Gahambar

• 5/9 Religious Class

• 5/9 Mother’s Day Luncheon

• 5/23 AGM

ZANT EZANT EZANT EZANT EVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTS

• 4/30 – 5/4 Maidyozarem Gh (F)

• 5/1-5/5 Maidyarem Gh (K)

• 5/26 Zarthost-no-Diso (S)

• 5/31-6/4 Maidyarem Gh (S)

ZZZZOROASTRIANOROASTRIANOROASTRIANOROASTRIAN CCCCALENDARALENDARALENDARALENDAR

Upcoming Activities 2-3

Kid’s Corner 4

ZANT Center 5

Community News 6&7

ZANT Center Wish List 8

Global Happenings 9

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

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

Policies and Processes versus Personalities at ZANT -When small communities organize to accomplish a mission, they naturally start with individuals who have strong convictions in the mission and display unlimited perseverance to achieve the organiza-tional goals. They become the leaders and the trend setters for the community. These individuals would usually have other qualities such as distinguished personalities, fore-sight and some even have charisma and motivational skills. These qualities are neces-sary ingredients to get an organization off the ground and help sustain it in the short run, and provide enough energy to launch it into the future. This however, will usually prove to be insufficient for the durability and the orderly growth of the organization in the long run. The natural growth of the community in addition to the relentless pace of social, economic, and cultural changes would certainly put structural pressures on the organization and push it to the brink of obsolesce and render it incapable of conducting its mission should the organization prove to be rigid and incapable of change - losing focus and popularity. ZANT did start with a solid foundation with a good set of by-laws two decades ago and it has had some needed revisions along the way and most argue that it has served the community well so far. It is however evident, that going forward, the proper implementation of policies and procedures in the face of ever in-creasing demand for services from the membership as well as the ever increasing physical assets would require substantially more volunteer human resources and fund-ing to support it. This in turn requires broad participation of the community in the pol-icy setting and implementation of it. The most important benefit of a broad participa-tion of the community members is the achievement of the rule of policies over per-

sonalities as we grow and prosper. Preventing any personalities to rule over policies requires that not only we share in the benefits of ZANT but also be ready to bear the burdens and actively participate in all facets of community life in order to sustain

ZANT as a democratic institution which can serve us all well into the future.

May Ahura Mazda bless our community

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

ZANT News - May 2010 2

PAST EVENTSPAST EVENTSPAST EVENTSPAST EVENTS

The fire-pit was made and the kitchen was stocked as ZANT began its annual camping

trip at Lake Hugo. There was quite a large attendance and everyone had a great time

throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, none of the boats were available for use but we

played different games to have fun – Cricket, Nargolio (Seven Tiles) and Mrs. Mary Ten-

gra organized a scavenger hunt for the kids in the dark with their flashlights. Campfire

activities – Ghost stories, jokes and songs were fun both nights as well. Sunday morning

the kids participated in an Easter egg hunt and collected some candy. Throughout the

weekend, the food prepared was delicious and plentiful, every night’s meal and the

s’mores around the campfire got everyone filled. This year’s campout was a great success

and we’re all looking forward to next year’s!

Thank you to guest journalist Farah Balsara for the above article.

UPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS

Maidyarem Gahambar (Kadmi)

Sponsored in loving memory of Dhun and Adi Irani (Parents of Adil Adi) Date: Saturday, May 1, 2010 Time: 6pm to 10pm Location: White Rock Lake – Winfrey Point 950 E. Lawther Drive Dallas, Texas 75218 (214) 670-8740

Mother’s Day Luncheon

It is that time of the year again when we all get the chance to make our mammas feel a little more special than they already are. Mother's Day is right around the corner and this year we invite families and their moms to join us at Shandiz Mediterranean Restaurant for a lunch buffet. Please plan on joining us promptly at 1:30 pm on Sunday,

May 9, 2010. Cost is $15.50 per adult and $9.00 for children 11 and under. This price is inclusive of tax and gratu-ity, but does not include tea or drinks.

Seating is limited and will be guaranteed only if an RSVP is received by May 2, 2010. Please RSVP Arbez.

Shandiz is located at 4013 W. Parker Rd. #230, Plano, TX 75093 at the NW corner of Parker and Coit.

ZANT News - May 2010 3

ZANT ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETINGZANT ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETINGZANT ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETINGZANT ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING

DATE: May 23, 2010

TIME: 1 pm– 5 pm

LOCATIO0: Chris Parr Library

AGE0DA:

1. Short prayer

2. Approval of last AGM minutes

3. Announcement of the board candidates received by the deadline

4. Introduction by the candidates, and a few statements about their goals and agenda

5. Questions by the public to the candidates

6. Balloting

7. Explanation of the proposed new “Operations & Maintenance Fund” by the board

8. Questions and answers about the new fund *****

9. Voting on the establishment of the new fund

10. Voting on the proposal that funds from all fundraisers after June 1, 2010 be deposited in the General Fund account

11. Final statements from the outgoing board members

12. Announcement of the vote count for the incoming board members

*****Proposed “Operations and Maintenance Fund”

ZANT, in exercise of its religious purposes, recommends establishment of the “Operations & Maintenance Fund” to provide for the monthly utilities, minor repairs and maintenance (as and when required) and any other expenses that may be necessary for the operation and upkeep of the ZANT Center (Building). In case of the relevant expenses exceeding the contributions to this Fund, the funds in the General Fund will be utilized. ZANT welcomes contribu-

tions to this Fund.

The administration of this Fund, including all disbursements, is subject to the discretion and control of the sub-committee that may be setup for this purpose and the ZANT Board. The aforementioned sub-committee and the Board will endeavor in good faith to honor the requests of the donors to this Fund. This will be an ongoing Fund and should at any time in the future ZANT vote to close this Fund, all money in the Fund at that time will be moved to the ZANT General Fund to be used for the general purposes of ZANT. If the need for a separate bank account for this

purpose arises in future, the ZANT Board will setup a separate bank account for the same.

6200 Windhaven Parkway

Plano, TX 75093

972.769.4300

ZANT News - May 2010 4

From our kids to ALL MOMS…

Proud of YOU…

Mom you are a Shining Star

though the world doesn't know your name.

You have no fancy title like Baroness or Dame.

Mom you really are a Star,

my mother, mentor and friend.

A Nobel Prize for motherhood is what I'd recommend.

And if I won the lottery I'd share my win with you

I'd take you Mom on a spending spree each day the whole

year through!

You may not be famous, as your face is known to few.

But Mom I think you are wonderful

and I'm so proud of you! (Source: Internet)

Religious Class:

At the April Religious Class for our

little children, the focus was on the

meanings of the two basic prayers:

Ashem Vohu and Yatha Ahu Vairyo.

The children learned not only the mean-

ings of these prayers, but also how to

incorporate them in our daily lives.

They know that to be happy we must try

to do everything the right way. We must

always seek Ahura Mazda's help to do

the right thing and to help all those around us.

Our middle-age group continued their virtual tour of

Iran…We learnt more about our 3rd destination - “Persepolis”- Ceremonial Capital of Persia, founded by King Darius by watching the DVD “PERSEPOLIS – Rediscovering the lost capital of the

Persian Empire”

Sizdah Bedar Festival at Persepolis Gate of All Nations The Palace of Darius The Bisitun Relief The Apadana

For our teen group, Firdosh Uncle continued his three part lesson on "Gatha's 4 Teens". The children reviewed the attributes of the seven Amesha Spen-tas. For example, Asha Vahishta - truth, righteous-ness and orderliness. They were then given a home-work assignment to pick their favorite Amesha Spenta and write why those attributes are important to them. The children will make their presentations

at the next class in May.

KID’S CORNERKID’S CORNERKID’S CORNERKID’S CORNER

Joke Time (Laugh – it increases your face value)

Over the centuries mothers have given their children plenty of

good advice; here are some amusing examples:

MICHELA0GELO'S MOTHER: Mike, can't you paint on

walls like other children? Do you have any idea how hard

it is to get that stuff off the ceiling?

0APOLEO0'S MOTHER: All right, Napoleon. If you aren't

hiding your report card inside your jacket, then take your

hand out of there and prove it.

GOLDILOCKS'S MOTHER: I've got a bill here for a bro-

ken chair from the Bear family. Do you know anything

about this Goldie?

ALBERT EI0STEI0'S MOTHER: But, Albert, it's your

senior picture. Can't you do something about your hair?

Styling gel, mousse, something...?

THOMAS EDISO0'S MOTHER: Of course

I'm proud that you invented the electric light

bulb, Thomas. Now turn off that light and get to

bed!

HUMPTY DUMPTY'S MOTHER: Humpty,

if I've told you once, I've told you a hundred

times not to sit on that wall. But would you lis-

ten to me? No!

Thoughts for the Month:

All Mothers are Working Mothers

-Author Unknown

MOTHER – That was the Bank where we deposited

all our hurts & worries!

-T DeWitt Talmage

Children’s Religious Class:

Our next religious class will be held on Sunday, May 9th,

2010 at 11:30 am, at the Balsara Residence.

We’ll head to Shandiz for Mother’s Day Lunch after the class.

For further details about the Religious Classes, please contact

Pearl Balsara.

Pearl P. Balsara

(Kid’s Corner logo courtesy of Zoroastrian Studies, India)

ZANT News - May 2010 5

In April we encountered some minor snags that delayed our construction progress a bit. A few minor city inspec-tion comments, while not significant in nature, were time-consuming to address. Until addressed, our drywall in-stallation could not be started. In late April, we finally got the go-ahead from the city for the drywall and the con-tractor began working soon after. Inside the building now, the drywall is 50% complete and moving quickly. Our next steps inside include trim work and detailed carpentry, painting, door installation, and installation of various plumbing and electric fixtures. On the exterior, if you drive by the center, you will see the brickwork nearing com-pletion on the front of the building. Our next steps on the exterior include completion of the stucco and stone walls, painting the exterior trim, and various landscaping activities. If all goes well, our building should be sub-

stantially completed by mid June.

On the financial side, several unexpected cost overruns have crept into our budget over the last three months caus-ing an increase in our expected project cost. The cost is now expected at very close to (or slightly above) our avail-able funds. Details of these additional costs will be presented at the general body meeting in May. Given that we are in the final stages of construction, our best option is to continue as planned, while paying close attention to our available cash. We will not commit to any contractor activity which we do not have the available cash to cover. Rest assured, we are still doing everything possible to keep our expenses as low as possible. With our planned sequence of remaining activities and the related costs, our current cash on hand is sufficient to cover costs until sometime in June during our final finish-out and landscaping stage. The remaining required funds are ex-

pected to come from our uncollected pledges and ongoing fundraising activities.

For any questions regarding the ZANT Center 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 at to volunteer. Please contact Sherazade by June 30th so that she can coordinate and

plan the program with particular volunteers in mind. Minimal practices starting in August will be required.

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. These pictures can be either personal ones or those related to ZANT activities over the years. Please call her or email the pictures to by June 30th in order to be

included in this CD full of memories.

ZANT wishes to thank Vispi and Ruth Dinaz Sarkari and Cyrus Jilla and Natasha Mehdiabadi for their donations.

These 2 families join the 11 other families who have donated towards the Opening Ceremonies. ZANT is extremely

appreciative of your generosity.

ZANT News - May 2010 6

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTMEMBER SPOTLIGHTMEMBER SPOTLIGHTMEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Soonu Godiwalla, owner of the North Point Fresh Market Deli, was honored on March 5, 2010 by the City of Dal-

las Restaurant and Bar Inspection Division at the Dallas City Hall.

The Deli, was recognized for its outstanding achievement in the year 2008-2009 for excellent Food Safety and Sanitation practices. It is a family operated food service business since 1992 and boasts a very satisfied and loyal

customer base over these years. Congratulations Soonu!

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, both Shayan and Ahneesh Mohanty were advancing to compete at The ExxonMobile Texas Science and Engineering Fair to be held on April 10th in San Antonio TX. Ahneesh placed 1st in Texas (Junior Division) in his category of Microbiology. Ahneesh also received a special award from the U.S. Air Force for Best Science Project. Shayan placed 4th in Texas (Senior Division) in his category of Electrical Engi-neering. Shayan’s project also went on to compete at the Texas Junior Science Academy held at Texas A & M where he made an oral presentation of his research paper and a defense of his paper in front of the faculty judges. He placed 2nd in the state in Electrical Engineering. Shayan was also selected as a finalist at the International Sustainable World Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP) held on April 14th-18th. This is an International competition for projects in Engineering, Energy and the Environment. Stu-dents were selected from 78 countries and throughout the U.S.A. Shayan was a Gold Medal Winner (1st place) in his category of Electrical Engineering (Senior Div.) and he received two special awards; the Brighten Technology Award (a lap top computer); and a scholarship from UT Austin.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTBIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTBIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTBIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Preethi and Boman Irani are proud to announce the birth of their baby boy Arya Irani on Friday April 9th. We would

like to congratulate the proud new parents and welcome little Arya to our ZANT family.

ZANT News - May 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.

• 0o 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 July

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.

Please send all items to:

Mr. Firdosh Mehta

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

-ZA0T EXECUTIVE BOARD 2009-2010

ZANT News - May 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. 8 addi-tional families have come forward this month and pledged/donated towards items on our wish list. We would like to thank Bidanjiri, Rostam and Roya; Irani, Shahryar and Darys; Jha, Prakash and Navaz; Kalianivala, Zarir and Nina; Kaviani, Bahman and Paricher; Mohanty Jayant and Shernaz; Parakh, Zal and Carole; and Vakharia, Adi and Arnavaz for coming forward to fulfilling our wishes. ZANT is also pleased to announce that we are adding a “GREEN INITIA-TIVE” to our wish list. We are looking for all those nature lovers to donate towards the inclusion of 77 trees which 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 July 15, 2010. All donations made on or before this date will be recognized as per our ZANT Center Donor Recognition Policy.

ZA0T WISH LIST

UPGRADED KITCHE0 APPLIA0CES Stand alone stove/oven (2 needed--- 1 donated) 2525 each Refrigerator --- Donated Freezer --- Donated Microwaves (2) --- Donated Dishwasher --- Donated HALL

Chairs (120 needed ---19 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 Table for nook in hallway 300 Vacuum Cleaner --- Donated Playground Equipment --- Donated Partition for Main Room --- Donated Basketball hoops (2 needed) 750 each

LA0DSCAPI0G

Trees (77 needed) --- 350.00 each

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 mentioned categories: 56 families 28 families 9 families 3 families + 1 association

ZANT News - May 2010 9

GLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGSGLOBAL HAPPENINGS

SEMI0AR FOR COLLEGE BOU0D STUDE0TS A0D THEIR PARE0TS

Farrokh Mistree, LA Comp Professor and Director of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, and a long time member of the ZAH community, has graciously offered to conduct a semi-nar for College Bound Students and their parents on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The last one held in 2008 was a huge success where both student and parents had a very informative and rewarding session.

Topics are designed to help students (primarily of grade 9 - 12) and their parents, answer some key questions like:

When will I need to apply for college?

What are the criteria for my choosing a college? What do I need to do to finance my education? How do I finance my education?

How many colleges should I apply to? How important are Advanced Placement courses in the admissions process? How do I pick a major – Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, Medicine?

What if I do not know what major I want to do? How important are extracurricular activities in a college application?

What should I be doing in the summer?

When should I take the SAT? How many times is enough?

Date: Saturday, May 8, 2010 Where: ZHCC

Duration: 4 hours (3 pm to 7 pm) Cost: $20 per family

To register please contact by May 1, 2010 Aban Rustomji or Behroze Daruwalla

5TH WORLD ZOROASTRIA0 YOUTH CO0GRESS

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

ZOROASTRIA0ISM 101 A0 D THE CO0FERE0CE OF THE SSZ

Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago proudly hosts 2010 Zoroastrianism-101 and the Conference

of the Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism (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 information contact Dr. Pallan Ichaporia or Rohinton Rivetna.

ZANT News - May 2010 10

www.zant.org May 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.

ZA0T

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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