Calendar of Events

December 2011
  - The Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met
on December 8, 2011.
Subjects discussed were:

1.    At the request of Mrs. Goli Ataii, one of the members
       researched the Organization of Faith and Love in
       Tehran, Iran to determine if the organization could be
       a possible receipant of donations from the IWS.  It was
       reported that the organization assists young women in
       Iran who may require assistance but may not necessarily
       require living arrangements.  Some brochures of the
       organization were shared with other members at the meeting.

2.    Mrs. Parry Sabahat turned over a $250 donation she had
       collected for earthquake victims in Turkey.

3.    The next meeting of the IWS was determined to be held
       on January 12, 2012 after the holidays.

November 2011- Meeting was held on November 10, 2011.
Subjects discussed were:

1.    Mrs. Pari Farmanesh reported that during the past two
       months, a donation was made to help defer the cost of a 
       funderal to assist an Iranian family who had lost their child.

2.    Also, the IWS assisted a family in becoming eligible for
       low-cost government housing.

3.    Members of the IWS suggested that earthquake victims in
       Turkey were in need of assistance and they should be the 
       next receipants of a donation.  Mrs. Pari Farmanesh suggested
       that each member reach out to their own family and friends
       to encourage donations for Turkey.  Mrs. Pouran Ahmadi
       offered to ask for donations as well at the upcoming meeting
       of the Iranian Culture Center of Orange County.

September 2011  - Meeting was held on September 8, 2011.

August 2011 - Meeting was held on August 11, 2011.
Discussion to consider choosing a permanent place to hold meetings and on how to encourage
growth for the organization.

July 2011 - No meeting during July 2011 due to summer vacations.

June 2011 - Meeting was held on June 2, 2011.  It was discussed to consider holding meetings
every three months instead of every month.

May 2011  - No meeting during May 2011.

April 2011  - Meeting was held on April 14, 2011.

March 2011  - No meeting during March 2011 due to Now Ruz activities.

February 2011 - Meeting was held on February 3, 2011

January 2011 -  Meeting was held on January 6, 2011.

December 2010  - No meeting during December 2010 due to Christmas activities.

November 2010  - The meeting was held on November 4, 2010.

October 2010  - No meeting during October 2010.
 
September 2010

The Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on September 16, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

Subjects discussed were:
1.    Mrs. Pari Farmanesh asked if IWS members accepted to donate $500 to the
Encyclopedia Iranica Foundation.  The IWS members present voted to do so.
Mrs. Pouran Amineenejad stated that the Iranian Culture Center of Orange County
would donate $500 as well.

2.    Mrs. Fariba Boghraty presented a thank-you letter from the Bureau of Census
for the cooperation that Boghraty Insurance Agency had made to the Bureau of
Census on behalf of the IWS.

3.    Mrs. Goli Ataii reported that while she was attending a conference of the
Association of the Friends of Persian Culture in Chicago, Illinois, she met with
some Iranian doctors who indicated that they would be willing to travel to Turkey
and donate some time to assisting the Iranian refugees located in Turkey.

4.    Mrs. Goli Ataii also reported that the Association of the Friends of Persian
Culture would be hosting an Evening of Music and Poetry on October 16, 2010
to be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center.  A portion of the proceeds of
that evening will be donated to assist the Iranian refugees located in Turkey.

The next meeting of the IWS will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

July 2010

On July 1, 2010 the Iranian Women's Society met for their General monthly meeting. 
During this meeting, it was voted on and agreed to donate $1,000 to the IRANICA
charity which is promoted by Mr. Ehsan Yarshater.

Since the majority of the group's members will not be available for the normally
scheduled monthly meeting in August and September 2010, it was decided to hold
the next meeting on Thursday, September 16, 2010.

If there is a change in the schedule for the next meeting, all members will be
advised by e-mail or telephone.

February 2010 and March 2010

The February 2010 meeting was held on February 4th and the March
meeting was held on March 4, 2010.  
 
Due to No Rooz activities, there will not be a meeting in April 2010.
The next meeting will be on May 6, 2010.

January 2010

The IWS did not hold a monthly meeting in January 2010.

November 2009 and December 2009

The regular monthly meeting was held on Thursday, November 5, 2009.  
In place of a December meeting, the Iranian Women's Societ y held a
Christmas Bazaar on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at the Laguna Hills
Community Center. 
 
IWS members voted to donate $500.00 to the Iranian refugees
inTurkey. 

September 2009 and October 2009

A meeting was not held in the month of September 2009.  The next
meeting will be held on October 1, 2009.

June 2009 and July 2009

Meetings were held on June 4, 2009 and July 2, 2009.  The next
meeting will be held on August 6, 2009 at the Iranian Community
Center at 6:00 P.M.
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February 2009.

The  Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on February 23, 2009.

Subjects discussed were:

1.    The classes being held at the Iranian Community Center (ICC) i.e. water
        color painting classes, adult Farsi reading and writing classes and youth
        Farsi reading and writing classes.  Mrs. Fariba Boghraty reported on
        donations that had been made to the Center by various groups and 
        individuals.

2.    Due to the present state of the economy and the short amount of time
        available, it was decided that IWS members would not hold a bazaar on
        April 25th and 26th at the ICC.  Members determined that more time
        was required in order to have a successful and professional fund-raiser.
        Next year for Mother's Day is being considered for holding the next
        fund-raiser.
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January 2009

The Iranian Women's Society (IWS) met on January 22, 2009.

Subjects discussed were:

1.    Mrs. Goli Ataii read a letter she received thanking the IWS for the $1,000
sent to aid the Iranian refugees located in Turkey.

2.    Due to the present state of the econmy, IWS members decided not to host
a fund raiser on Earth Day (April 22, 2009).

3.    Mrs. Fariba Boghraty announced that the Iranian Community Center (ICC)
in Lake Forest was available for classes and requested assistance in setting up
the Center and answering the telephone.  Some of the members offered assistance
with the telephone.

Mrs. Sabahat offered to teach water color painting classes on Wednesdays.  The
first painting class will meet at the Center on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
where Mrs. Sabahat will advise students what materials they will need to purchase
for the class.

Mrs. Pari Farmanish offered to teach adult Farsi reading and writing classes on
Tuesdays.  Mrs. Gold Ataii offered to teach youth Farsi reading and writing classes
on Thursdays.

Dr. Aminenejad offered to donate books for the library section of the Center.

4.    IWS members voted to hold a bazaar on April 25th and 26th 2009 at the Center.
Mrs. Fariba Bagharty offered to be the coordinator of the event.  Tables will be
offered to interested vendors at $100 each for the two days.  The Center will provide
the tables which will be either bought and stored for future events or rented.

5.    The next meeting of the IWS will be held at the Iranian Community Center
on February 23, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.  The location of the Center is 15540 Rockfield Blvd.,
Suite #D, Irvine, Ca.  Questioins regarding the Center can be directed to Mrs. Fariba
Bogharty at her office (949) 450-2300 or Mr. Bogharty's cell phone at (949) 547-1213.
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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.

___________________________________________________________________________

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.

___________________________________________________________________

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.
___________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________


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

_______________________________________________________________

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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