Bonding in BC

"You are all invited to the ZSBC (Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia) annual general meeting to be held on June 21, 2009. It is important that you take the time to do so (even though there are no elections for officers this year)… give us your input. Remember that if you don’t (attend), you don’t really have a right to complain,” reminded president Kashmira Suraliwalla in her message carried in the summer newsletter.

Presently the seven directors serving a two-year term until June 2010 are Suraliwalla, honorary treasurer Farrokh Namdaran, secretary Jessi Partovi, sports and youth activities director Mehernosh Kasad, director of Dar-e-Mehr maintenance and seniors activities Faramarz Soroushi, education director Houman Abtin, and director of social events Farhad Roueintan.

"ZSBC is trying to take on several new projects while retaining the popular traditional ones,” conveyed Partovi when Parsiana sought a brief report on the priorities of the different directors. Suraliwalla’s job "is to be the liaison between ZSBC and other affiliated organizations, ensure that the board functions efficiently and with a whole host of community volunteer-members organize the prayers and lunch/dinner for the Gathas every year — a hugely popular event in British Columbia...

"A walking encyclopedia on ZSBC history,” Namdaran has "dedicated many years of service to the community and is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise so do not hesitate to approach him,” writes Partovi adding that he undertook "this most time consuming portfolio that covers the day-to-day operations of the Society.”

ZSBC directors (from left, sitting): Faramarz Soroushi, Kashmira Suraliwalla and Houman Abtin; (standing) Farhad Roueintan and Jessi Partovi; (inset) Mehernosh Kasad

Kasad who is serving ZSBC for a second term invited all Zoroastrians to play open volleyball with him at Richmond most Sundays. Soroushi believes in keeping the ZSBC facilities presentable and ready for use at all times. Abtin has reportedly "set high goals for himself” and hopes to attract members to the "many planned activities under his bailiwick. He has also over the past few years sponsored and organized open basketball on the north shore and it is encouraging to note that many of our youth have been participating in this activity,” mentions Partovi. Rouientan, serving his first term on the board aims to "bring the community closer together through various social functions. He also hopes to act as a liaison with the youth in the community.”