Calendar of Events
November 2008
The Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on November 9, 2008.
Subjects discussed were:
1. IWS members agreed to donate $1,000 from the budget to Iranian refugees located
in Turkey. Mrs. Goli Ataii offered to send the money to the responsible party in Turkey.
Mrs. Parry Sabahat suggested that donation boxes might be placed at Iranian grocery
stores in the area to collect more funds for the refugees as well.
2. Health for Humanity is looking for doctors to donate their time to aid the poor in
various parts of the world. IWS would like to add the Iranian refugees in Turkey to
the list of areas requiring aid.
3. It was suggested that the subject of doctors donating their time be brought up at
the Academy of Persian Doctors meeting which is to be held on November 14, 2008.
Mrs. Goli Ataii volunteered to speak at that meeting regarding donation of time.
4. IWS members suggested hosting a Green Day party for young, unmarried adults
to raise funds. Since Earth Day is April 22, 2009, that was the day suggested to hold
the event. Mrs. Hayda Lotfi volunteered to look for an appropriate place to hold the
event and report back to the other members. Mrs. Farnaz Ehtessabian will report
back to the other members on more suggestions for the event.
5. The next meeting of the IWS will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 4:00 P.M.
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September 2008
The Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on September 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
Discussed topiecs were as follows:
Turkish Refugee Camp: Mrs. Goli Ataii is trying to find a means by which IWS can directly
contribute to this cause. She is positive and believes we can get to a source, possibly with
the help of Health for Humanity/Bonyadeh Norrooz. The Turkish government may be able
to provide a space for physicians to make a trip and provide needed assistance for the
refugees.
Elderly Housing proposal: The need for insurance and the financial burden of such an under-
taking is great. At this time the committee feels that we are not equipped to follow through
with this idea, but will keep it in mind for the future.
Personal financial aid through IWS: Need for members. Mrs. Parry Sabahat has researched
on how to find financial support and sponsorship. Community search for interested individuals
must be a priority for the committee and nominations for members in this category are to be
discussed in the following months.
Persian Poetry and Music Night: Shabeh Sher
October 18, 2008
Norman Murray Auditorium, 24932 Veteran's Way, Mission Viejo
7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35
For more information, please call Mrs. Goli Ataii.
The next meeting of the IWS will be held on November 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. ___________________________________________________________________________
August 2008
The Board of Directors of the Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on August 14, 2008 for
their monthly meeting. During this meeting, a vote was taken and a majority of half of the
members plus one voted to make some changes in member's responsibilities. The results
of the vote are as shown below:
Pari Farmanish President
Parry Sabahat Vice-President
Heideh Lotfi Treasurer (continuing)
Farnaz Ehtessabian Secretary (continuing)
Goli Ataii and Pouran Ahmadi - Public Relations
The Board members further voted to change the date of their monthly meeting to the last
Sunday in the month starting at 11:00 A.M. The next meeting will be held on September
28, 2008.
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July 2008
On July 10, 2008, the Board members of the Iranian Women's Society (IWS) and
their guests met for their monthly meeting. Mr. Jamshid and Ms. Maryam , representing
the Omid House, attended the meeting and addressed the members regarding their
home for rehabilitating drug addicted young Iranians. The cost per month for each
patient is $2,500 and eligible patients are accepted even if they do not have the funds.
Mr. Jamshid stated that he did not require donations but that he could use help in the
managment of the home. Unfortunately, since the home is located in the Valley, it is
not possible for the IWS to provide that type of assistance. Mrs. Fariba Boghraty
stated that she and two other members of the IWS would visit the facility during the
coming week.
Mrs. Goli Ataii also spoke to the group regarding the Iranian refugees living in Turkey
in desperate conditions. The IWS members voted to donate goods and clothing to the
refugees and asked Mrs. Ataii to investigate and determine where and how the goods
could be distributed. She accepted and said she would report her findings at the
August meeting.
The next meeting of the IWS is to be held on August 14th.
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May 2008
Board members of the Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on May 22, 2008.
Topics that were discussed:
a. IWS goals for 2008-2009 are to address Poverty, Hunger and Ignorance.
b. A reliable source and contact is needed for the Iranian refugee camp situation
in Turkey.
c. IWS to donate funds to buy Christmas gifts for needy children.
d. A fundraiser to be held on June 16th for Drug addiction centers, House of
Hope and Camden House.
e. IWS to sponsor Shakespeare's Pericles, Fringe Festival pre-tour fundraiser
event to be held on
June 27th at 8:00 pm at the Norris Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates, Ca.
The next meeting of the IWS Board members will be on July 10th, 2008. Mrs. Homa
Sarshar will be the guest and the topic will be "Drug Addiction Centers".
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April 2008
On April 24, 2008, the Board members of the Iranian Women's Society (IWS)
met for their monthly meeting. Representatives of the San Diego Charity,
"One Dollar a Month Fund" were invited to attend so that the two groups
could meet and discuss their various projects and determine how they could
work together on a project to be more successful.
Ms. Fariba Boghraty, the President of the IWS stated that the IWS was
focused mainly on assisting Iranian women and children who had been
relocated from their homes due to domestic abuse.
Ms. Mahsa Vahidi, representative of the charitable group "One Dollar a
Month Fund" reported on some of the projects that their group was involved in.
Ms. Goli Ataii reported that there was a group of Iranian refugees living in
Turkey who desperately needed assistance. She stated that the Turkish
government would not take any steps to help these refugees and she felt
that the Iranian community living abroad should do whatever they can to
be of assistance.
It was decided that further investigation would be required to determine
if there was something that could be done to assist the Iranian refugees in
Turkey.
Ms. Ataii also reported that an "Evening of Poetry " is being planned and
would be held on June 14, 2008.
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March 2008
On March 22, 2008, the Iranian Women's Society participated in the New Year's
celebration held at the Zorastrian Temple in Westminister, California
On March 30, 2008, the Iranian Women's Society participated in the Persian
New Year's Parade held in New York City.
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December 2007
Speaker of the month is Dr. Niloufar Tabatabai, Acupunture Specialist discussing
how to use your internal energy to save your health and beauty, and for Pain
Management, wrinkles and loose skin. December 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Laguna Hills Community Center, 2555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, Ca. 92653.
Also join us for an evening of poetry and inspiration - "Shabe Share.
Free Admission.
For more information, call (949) 584-2170 or (831) 905-4207
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November 2007
Speaker of the month is Marjan Jahanshahi, Social Security Services Specialist
discussing Rights, Benefits and Citizenship for the Disabled and the Elderly
November 7, 2007- 7:00 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center,
2555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, Ca. 92653
Free Admission
For more information, call (949) 584-2170 or (831) 905-4207
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October 3, 2007
The meeting began promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Speaker of the month was Mrs. Zohre Rahimi - Physical Therapist
speaking on Darman va Tavaan bakhshi
Refreshments were served.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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August 2007: The meeting began promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Present Officers: Mrs. Parivash Farmanesh, Founder, President
Mrs. Hayda Lotfi, Treasurer and Mrs. Farnaz Ehtessabian, Secretary
Mrs. Farmanesh began the meeting with a warm welcome and a brief overview of the goals of IWS. Mrs. Fariba Boghraty, candidate for President, was congratulated in her appointment as IWS President for the term 2007-2009 by Mrs. Farmanesh, Founder.
Introduction of new guests:
Speaker of the month: Mrs. Ataii; Domestic Violence
Very informative talk in regards to domestic violence. Spouse, child, old age, and parental abuse; statistics. Why this happens and what can be done about it. How we can help by identifying and recognizing cases.
Followed by speakers Mrs. Amani and Mrs. Ghajar, both of whom represent the Orange County shelters for abused women. The true story of "Sheri" and her fight with abuse as it was retold by hersolf. Sheri's amazingly strong will to share this horrifying experience with our members opened a window to the reality of this ever present problem in our community. A very special evening with a very special woman!!!
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Social time. Coffee, tea and dessert was served.
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December 2006
Parivaz Farmanesh, President
Shahla Pfeiffer, Vice-President
Heidi Lotfi, Treasurer
Farnaz Ehtessabian, Secretary
On December 17, 2006, the Iranian Women's Society presented a Christmas Fashion Show fund-raiser at the Lake Forest Community Banquet room. Entertainment was provided by Mrs. Ziba Shirazi and Mrs. Roya Parviz presented the fashion show, "Global Fusion". Mrs. Pfeiffer donated hand-made bird houses for the raffle. Food was provided by members of the IWS and a DJ provided music for the occasion. 184 tickets were sold and 200 people attended including members of IWS.
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November 2006: The monthly meeting was cancelled. The Active and Board members are working on arranging a Fashion Show Fundraiser to be held December 17, 2006. Please check our Calendar of Events page for details. October 2006: There was no meeting, due to un-availability of space at the Community Center. September 14, 2006: IWS monthly meeting was held at the regular meeting room. Dr. Farnaz Rahimi was the speaker and the subject of her speech was Battered and Abused Women and Children, with many great suggestions for those who wanted to extend a helping hand in saving such families from abuse. The future activities were discussed. Plans for the November Fashion Show were reviewed. August 4, 2006: The meeting started by new members introducing themselves. Discussions were made regarding teaching Farsi and since there were a number of university instructors and teachers present, different techniques and ideas were exchanged. Mrs. Iran Manesh, volunteered to give a speech on Erfan (gnosticism) and Tassavvof (Sufism) in the near future. Mrs. Farmanesh continued her speech from last meeting. The upcoming Fashion Show was announced to the new members. The Shelter Project was discussed and as soon as the necessary information is obtained, volunteers will begin their mission in helping the families living in Shelters. There were three members' birthdays, and their cake was served with fruits, Chai and coffee.
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July 20, 2006: The regular monthly meeting was held. Mrs. Farmanesh started the meeting by introducing the new members. Upcoming events were discussed. The possibility of serving food to shelters on Thanksgiving was discussed. The volunteers will be arranging for the event. The Fashion show was postponed for November meeting. There was a suggestion to find a volunteer who could designate a space in her garage or warehouse, so the members could collect clothes etc. to donate to families who are in transition from shelters to their new homes. Dr. Rahimi, Psychologist, who will be our next month's speaker, also volunteered to help the women in shelters, who might need therapy before the transition to their new home. Mrs. Farmanesh was the speaker for this month's meeting. The topic was "How to Teach and How to Learn". Due to the shortage of time, the topic will be continued at our next meeting. _________________________________________________________________
June 14, 2006: IWS held their monthly meeting at the regular place. Mrs. Farmanesh gave a presentation for the meeting and announcement for our upcoming events were reported. A fashion show is being organized for after August. The date will be determined at our next meeting. A new member informed us of the need to help Iranian women and children at shelters in Orange County. Some members have volunteered to help. Arrangements will be made as soon as she collects the necessary information for participation. Mrs. Ehtessabian gave a speech and introduced our guest speaker. The subject of the speech was "Steps to Better Living" given by Mrs. Shala Nowrouzi. _________________________________________________________________
May 24, 2006: IWS held their regular monthly meeting at Alicia Parkway Community Center. Community news was presented by the members. One subject which caught the members' attention was regarding some Iranian families, who are living in Low Income locations, who are desperately in need of love and affection. Financially, they can manage somehow, but their families lack interaction and attention. It was also discussed that we will be having a surprise speaker for the next meeting, which could be of interest to a lot of families. Various other subjects were discussed and meeting was adjourned by serving tea, coffee and shirini.
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April 26, 2006: IWS meeting was held at our regular Community Enter Room. Discussions began with possibilities for committees and activities. Members volunteered for chairpersons of the committees. Possibilities of starting Farsi classes were discussed and as soon as a location is available, the classes will begin.
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March 16, 2006: IWS had a great No-Rooz dinner and dance party, held at the Alicia Parkway Community Center. A beautiful Haft Seen table, and Bazaar was arranged by the members.
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February 28, 2006: IWS monthly meeting and fund Raiser was held at 25555 Alicia Parkway. A Silent Auction was held by members donating items for auction. Also, there were various items for Haft Seen and No-Rooz celebration, which were brought in by the members for sale.
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January 29, 2006: IWS meeting for Board of Directors was held in Laguna Niguel at 2:30 P.M. On the agenda were nomination for Board of Directors, possibilities for expansion and the First Fund-raiser. The year's calendar was also reviewed for up-coming activities. The First event is a Fund-raiser to be held on February 28th.
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November 10, 2005: IWS held it's meeting at 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills Community Center. Over 50 members attended the meeting. Mrs. Farmanesh, President gave an introductory speech about our Goals, By-Laws, and future projects, followed by suggestions and discussions among the members. It was suggested by one of the members to arrange a picnic and sell food to raise funds for the Society. After the discussions and speech, refreshments were served and T-Shirts were sold . The meeting was adjourned at 9 P.M. You can view some pictures from the meeting by going to our Picture Page. __________________________________________________________________
October 1 & 2, 2005: Jashne Mehregan was celebrated at the Orange County Fairgrounds, and IWS had a booth there both days. The event was organized by NIPOC and Iranian Women's Society also had a booth. The event was a great success and thousands of visitors strolled around the bazaar, with hundreds stopping at IWS booth, showing interest in either joining or volunteering. Brochures about our Goals and Missions, and Farsi Classes were passed on to the visitors. Click here for Pictures. The most amazing highlight was the great interest we experienced with the children about learning Farsi and Iran. We also had Doctors, Teachers and other Professionals extending their interest in joining our Society.
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