Performers/ Artists / program/ Charshanbehsuri 2019

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Charshanbeh-Suri-Celebration 2019:

RESERVATION:  https://www.tikkl.com/payvand/c/charshanbeh-suri_19

DONATION: https://www.tikkl.com/payvand/c/donation-2019

The program:

5:30 pm.- Welcoming

6:00 pm. – Live Musical entertainment
6:30 pm. – Opening
6:45 pm. – Musical Storytelling, dance performances and music
8:00 pm. – Jumping over fire
8:45 pm. – DJ and Dance
10:00 pm.- Adjourned

Children Corner: Musical and magical Story telling about Simourgh at “Charshanbehsuri” in Persian and English 

Special jumping over fire ceremony

Persian Food: GRAB & GO KABOB & AGHA’S GYRO EXPRESS

 

Santa clara County Board of Supervisor District 3

Dave Cortese

Prior to joining the Board, where he served four years, three of them consecutively, as President, Dave Cortese served eight years on the San Jose City Council, including two years as Vice Mayor. He grew up in San Jose as part of a family that has been active in civic, cultural and business activities for generations. He is married to Pattie, and has four children. His strong local roots and love for this county fuel his passion for public service.

Dave was educated at Bellarmine College Prep and UC Davis where he earned a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctorate at Lincoln University Law School in San Jose.

Growing up in Santa Clara Valley during a period of great growth and expansion, Dave understands the issues facing our County today. While our exact impact on the environment is a topic of continuous debate, once thing is for certain, as a leader in the community, the County must strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Dave has proposed that the County receive 100% of its electrical needs from renewable resources and ensure that all of its buildings are LEED certified.

After years of running his own businesses, Dave has seen the trials and tribulations of the business environment both from the perspective of small business owners and the recent immigrants who are striving for the American Dream. In these tough economic times, he is looking to find ways for the county to become leaner and more efficient without cutting jobs.

As Chair of the Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee, Dave champions the spread of more effective transportation modes that will ease traffic while at the same time improve the current state of our roads. As Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Dave will continue to fight hard to bring federal stimulus funds to the South Bay to rehabilitate our aging roads and ease congestion. As a past member of the Valley Transportation Authority, he pushed to ensure that BART will continue its expansion into Santa Clara County and is continuing to look for inventive ways to increase the use of mass transit for the ease of those who cannot afford a car and to ease the burden on our public thoroughfares.

With his first hand experience gained as a Trustee for the East Side Union High School District including two years as the President, Dave fully understands the need to give students the opportunity to succeed. Seeing the fast growing student population, particularly in the Evergreen area of San Jose, Dave jump-started dormant plans to build a new high school in Evergreen and co-chaired the $80 million bond campaign that led to Silicon Valley’s first new high school in 25 years.

In addition to providing places to learn, Dave believes that all students have the potential to succeed, even if it takes a helping hand. He was a major architect of a continuation program at Foothill High School, which gathered services from the County of Santa Clara and other local governments onto one campus so that students would not have to leave campus in order to interact with Social Services, Probation, etc. Furthermore, he helped expand and fund the City of San Jose’s “homework center” program at the East Side Union High School District.

With the knowledge that children who are touched by the social service system often face increasing hardships in school and life, Dave, as the Vice Chair of the County’s Children, Seniors and Families Committee, has focused his efforts on reducing the rolls of the child welfare system and on decreasing the overrepresentation of minority youth in juvenile dependency, juvenile delinquency and other safety net services.

He has also had the opportunity to work with his father, former Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese over a political career that commenced in 1968. Over that time, Dave has seen the rewards and hard work as well as the trials and tribulations of public service.

FARIBA DADFARMAY NEJAT

ARTIST & ORGANIZER

Fariba Nejat is a leading Iranian-American community organizer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, teacher, engineer and portrait painter. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the Shahid Beheshti University (formerly Meli University) in Iran, a B.S. in Computer Science, and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the National University in San Jose, California. Before assuming leadership roles with various not-for-profit organizations and in the community, she worked as a technology leader in Silicon Valley, California. She also volunteered with Santa Clara Valley charities.

She became a certified high school teacher in Iran and taught Physics and Math until 1983. Her passion of creating a teaching technique through science and art helped her to create a system to teach Iranian Americans how to read and write Persian. She became a mentor to many youths in the Silicon Valley.

She was featured as “one of the six women who changed the face of Silicon Valley” by the San Jose Mercury News in 2004. She has also produced several award-winning artistic paintings and sculptures. For example, one of her paintings, “Beaded Veils from the Gulf,” was prominently displayed in the Capitol Building in Sacramento as a representative of district 13 of California. Her artwork has culminated in a manifestation titled “Faces in the Crowd” which displays her love for art and people. Her most notable achievement regarding her artwork is the portrait painting of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, which included a message of peace by one of the greatest Iranian poets, Sa’di.

 

 HOMA FARAVASHI

 POET & HISTORIAN & AUTHOR & TEACHER

Homa is a well-educated woman who has focused her efforts to educate young people about Arabic and Persian language arts. She is an Arabic instructor that can teach Grammar, Reading comprehension, Interpretation of Philosophy, and History. She taught Arabic and Persian to 12th grade students at Bu Ali Senior High School in Tehran. The curriculum included Modern Philosophy course work that covered post Hegel theories spanning 19th through 20th centuries and the History courses covered Iranian historical occurrences spanning over the last 300 years.

Homa received her B.A in Persian Literature. Her thesis was written on the role of women in Divaan-e Nezaami, under Dr. Zabihollah Safa’s supervision. She went on to receive her M.A. in Educational Psychology from Tehran University. Her thesis focused on Persian grammar and the role of mozaaf and mozafon elayh مضاف و مضافٌ علیه. She worked under the supervision of Dr. Qharib at Tehran University. Homa has also served as a lecturer of Persian literature to undergraduate students that were pursuing their Bachelor of Arts degrees. The course work was comprised of teaching the works of various Persian poets/philosophers such as Rumi, Saadi and Khayam.

Moein

MOEIN VAHDAT

VOCAL & LIVE MUSIC & DJ

Moein Vahdat is a musician who has been playing piano over 18 years. He has been playing keyboard for the famous Iranian singers in their concerts.
Moein also hosting and directing public and private events. He is familiar with both western as well as Middle Eastern style music.
He can play other instruments like guitar and keyboard and has been tutoring over 10 years.
Moein is a talented musician and singer who can perform on his own or with a band for all occasions.
He is interested in psychology and law.

 

SABIBA

DANCE & NUTRITIONAL SERVICES

Sabiba is an accomplished choreographer and featured performer in Greek and Middle Eastern dance venues. She was introduced to theatre and dance at a very young age. Her mother was a National Champion skater and she had several artists in her family. That familial influence led to her Majoring in Theatre Arts and Dance at San Francisco State. There she was introduced to various genres of dance including Flamenco and Middle Eastern dance. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and teaching others to dance.

Sabiba returned to college to earn a bachelor’s degree of science from San Jose State University. She became a Registered Dietitian specializing in Diabetes Care. She is the Director of Nutritional Services for six out-patient clinics within the Gardner Family Health Network. Although caring for her patients is challenging and gratifying work, dance is still a major influence in her life.

Having a connection to many people in the Persian community, she has come to love the elegance, emotion, and complexity of Persian music and dance. Sabiba is humbled and delighted to find that her interpretation of dance is welcomed by the Persian community. On March 12, 2012, she will share the joy of Persian dance in the celebration of The Persian Festival of “Charshanbeh Suri.”

MICHAEL STROUD – Magician 

PERSIAN STORY TELLER

Surprises are around every corner!

Michael Stroud, is a 12-time award-winning magician, consultant, inventor, author and lecturer in the art of magic.

His performances range from strolling close-up sleight-of-hand or “street style” magic, to grand stage illusions with a live band and a cast of circus performers. He has appeared on radio and television across the US, Japan, Europe, and India. He has also been featured on a Bill Moyers PBS Special.

He has performed as headline entertainment in 12 countries, as well as several hotels in Las Vegas, and at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. As an author, his best-selling “Book of Magic”, published by Klutz Press, has sold over 2 million copies. He has been published multiple times and has contributed to 9 titles that are currently available at your local bookstore.

He blends comedy, audience participation, circus skills and many surprises with special effects in his performances. Each show is carefully customized for maximum impact and he performs many classic magic feats with inventions of his own that you will see no-one else perform. His repertoire includes magic from around the world, including esoteric art forms that many audiences will never get a chance to see live, in person.

For his close-up magic, he causes borrowed objects to float in the air, coins turn invisible and reappear right in your own hand, amazing acts of esp., mind-reading, and dexterous abilities with a pack of cards that take years of diligent practice. Your guests will be spellbound. Bursts of laughter will be heard rippling through the room, in between rounds of applause, for an experience you will not forget, by this master of the craft of magical entertainment.

AGHA’S GYRO EXPRESS

Food Truck

Agha’s Gyro express is a food truck located at 300 S 2nd street in downtown San Jose. The food truck serves delicious Gyros (pronounced YEE-ros) with a multiple options including Lamb and Chicken. If you aren’t craving a Gyro, Agha’s Gyro Express also has options for Chicken and Lamb over rice. The best thing about Agha’s Gyro Express is the affordability of all the meals, which are all $10 or less.

GHZAL TORUN

Children Corner & Real Estate

Ghazal Torun was born and raised in Iran, and moved along with her family to the United States when she was 17 years old. 

While her and her family opened a rug store shortly after moving, she also began attending De Anza College, then transferred to San Jose State University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in biological sciences, along with a minor in chemistry. 

Realizing her passion for sales and impacting people’s lives for the better, she took her career aspirations towards real estate, which was her dream job. She purchased her first house before having her first child, and continued rising up the ladder by purchasing and selling two more houses. Her passion for helping other people achieve their dreams of being homeowners drives her to be the real estate agent she is. 

She is also a wife, mother of two boys, and an entrepreneur.

ROBERTA NAVARO
Dottie the Clown aka Roberta Navarro

Website: www.getdottie.com

Services Offered: Puppet Show, Magic, Face Painting, Balloon Twistingand Children’s Arts & Crafts

 Email: dottietheclown@sbcglobal.net

Clowning since: 1995

After a successful, but uninspiring career with the City of San Jose, Dottie decided to follow her dream of bringing happiness to the world around her. Dottie realized that happiness through entertaining children and adults. Dottie prepared for her new clowning career by taking child development and clown classes, had her husband build a puppet theater and joined both the Silicon Valley Clowns Around and the national World Clown Association.

Dottie ran into a fellow clown in 1996 who was relocating to Texas at a San Jose yard sale. Dottie took over that clown’s Yellow Pages clown ad, and, as they say in show business, the rest was history.

While the clown ad provided her badly needed exposure, it was Dottie’s love of clowning, her desire to bring happiness and her proliferating positive Yelp reviews that made Dottie the successful clown she is today.

“I am often asked if I like being a clown. I answer that I cannot imagine NOT being a clown! I tell kids that it is important to know what they want in life, BELIEVE in themselves and do what they love! I tell them that it’s important to go to college to get ahead in life, just as it is important for clowns to go to Clown College to learn to become better clowns.”

Dottie inspires kids to believe in the magic inside of them, since magic happens when they believe in themselves. Oh, and to eat their fruits and vegetables!

SARVENAZ SHARIFI

ARTIST & DESIGNER

Sarvenaz Sharifi (Tehran, Iran) is a creative, multi-task designer, who has worked in marketing and advertising entities for several years. Design painting has always been her true passion, and a combination of both advertising and industrial designs has enabled her to bring solutions to her clients to improve their creative vision. Sarvenaz work is best described as integrating old cultural elements into today’s modern lifestyle. Sarvenaz’s art also serves as a unique form of storytelling.

Sarvenaz Sharifi earned her Bachelor’s degree in industrial art design, also known as textile design, from The University of Science And Culture University in Tehran (2007-2011).

Currently, Sarvenaz works in multiple fields such as textile design, graphic design and advertising.

 

NEDA ABOOTORABI

DANCE

Neda graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Biology and Public Health Science. After graduating, she first worked at a private pain management clinic and later transitioned to Stanford Hospital’s oncology center as a clinical medical assistant. After gaining exposure to the many different areas of healthcare that exist, Neda decided to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a holistic healthcare professional that helps her patients with physical or cognitive impairments. She strives to help them achieve independence and participation in their daily activities and works to helping them live a more meaningful life. Neda was attracted to Occupational Therapy because she sees it has a combination of arts and science.

Although Neda has dedicated a significant portion of her life to working in the medical field, she believes that a successful life is a balanced one; one in which you explore your passions alongside your studies and/or career. As an Iranian-American who was born and raised in California, it has always been important for Neda to keep her Iranian culture alive within herself. For almost two decades, Neda has been actively involved in traditional and modern Iranian dance classes, choreographies, and performances throughout the Bay Area. In the process, she has learned the art of embodying the passion of Iranian music with grace, elegance, and confidence. She strives to teach these skills to others. She is particularly interested in being a voice of inspiration and advocacy for the younger Iranian-American generation, who may feel confused about their own identity. Neda understands the challenges that come from trying to bridge two cultures as one. Her goal is to guide Iranian-Americans by helping them to connect and learn about their Iranian roots.

 

FARZANEH RIAZIAT-SHARIFI

Liaison between physicians & Community

Farzaneh Riaziat-Sharifi was born in Iran and after the 1979 revolution moved to London. She got her high school diploma in London and then moved to the United States. She studied medical assisting and became certified in the field. She worked as a medical assistant and then an office manager at a pediatric office, while she went back to school and got a degree in Business Management.

Recently, she started working with Neurogenx as a liaison between physicians and the community, helping seniors with diabetes become more aware of therapeutic footwear and balance solutions. Farzaneh believes this is important because many seniors with diabetes have complications with their feet and balance, which result in falls and many other life threatening problems.

 

NEEKA MIRPOUR

YOUTH SECTION COORDINATOR

Neeka Mirpour is a teen commissioner at Payvand. She was born in Mountain View, California. She is attending Saratoga High School.  She has a unique yet educated perspective of the needs of both the youth and the general community around her. She has effectively used her skills to volunteer and closely work with non-profit organizations like the YMCA, and other centers such as retirement homes, tutoring centers, and soup kitchens. She is motivated by her immigrant parent’s struggles to initially assimilate into American culture. She wishes to one day mimic their success and drive.

Attending Farsi/Persian school during her childhood, she eventually attained the skills to fluently speak, read, and write Farsi/Persian. As an Iranian-American fully immersed into both cultures, she is impassioned to help other Iranian-Americans keep in touch with their ethnic roots, while simultaneously participating in American culture. She hopes to motivate other youths to bring mainstream awareness to the Persian culture.

Her passion for writing has been recognized by her teachers and schools. She has won awards for her achievements. Her other passions also include reading and art. She wishes to one day pursue a career in political science with a background in international affairs.

 

BARDIA M.ZADEH

Persian Club De Anza College

Bardia M. Zadeh is a 21 year old student at De Anza College studying international economics. He plans on transferring to a prestigious university for Fall of 19. He would then wants to continue his studies in economics and potentially get a minor in criminal psychology. He also plans to go to law school for his postgraduate studies. He moved to the States when He was 16 years old, as a high school student. Therefore, he is well aware of the overwhelming feelings of an immigrant upon arrival. Over the past two years as the Co-President of ISA, his main goal was/is to make ISA inclusive to everyone regardless of their background. His team focuses on academic prosperity and cultural values. Therefore, they provide different tours for Universities around them so their members can expand their horizons and see which campus grasps their attention. Aside from Academia, they focus on our beautiful culture and have many cultural events such as Shabe Yalda, poetry night, Charshanbe Souri, Nowruz and etc. Bardia values a balanced life and his efforts have always been focused on bringing balance to their member’s lives. Balance includes academics, culture, music, sports and other essentials.

 

ROUZHEN PANAHI

Persian Club De Anza College

Rhozhen Panahi is an Iranian-American who lives in San Jose, CA. She is Biology Major at De Anza College with plans on transferring to a UC school. She plans on becoming a doctor after finishing my undergrad.

SARINA ZADEH

Persian Club De Anza College

Sarina Zadeh was born and raised in Tehran-Iran . She went to Kherad School and Rabbani High school and recently graduated from Foothill high school in Pleasanton , California at age of 16. Her passion in art , robotic and science strives her to aim high and always want more. She was in her school’s robotic team and created a technology for brail language. Sarina and her team also attended the international competition and won the first place. she was also in the women’s basketball team and won a lot of their matches. Coming to US in the first year and graduating at the age of 16 with high grade point average showed excelling beyond self / pose limitations. This showed that she has the ability to manage others more effectively. Sarina has attended  De Anza college. she wants to study in medical fields such as pharmacy, health care , psychology , etc. and she also wants to get an MBA in one the above fields . For the past 5 months she became one of the Payvand’s intern to evaluate the english skills of the Iranian-American new comers and help them with their english test taking skills. She also tutored math in her high school. Sarina used to play the piano for almost 6 years . She also came from a very well known family who were involved with art, this shows that she respects art and she can help Payvand. She’s looking forward to teach her own first language to people whom Farsi is their second language in Payvand . Sarina hopes to build a community that is close to her culture.

 

MARJAN SHAHRIAREE HOURIAN
GALLERY OWNER- ART COLLECTOR

Marjan has grown up on art and museums, she loves to spend hours in museums and examine each masterpiece with inquisitiveness and admiration. She learned art and museums from her parents at very early age through visiting and spending log hours at Louvre, going to ballet and listening to classical music in Paris/France. Marjan is a graduate of Brook College in fashion merchandising and design. She had a stint at a fine jewelry department selling and learning about precious gems.

Marjan was married to Mohammad Hourian who was also in love with classical arts and was a very famous Artist. He was a great teacher and his knowledge of art history was phenomenal. He was able to point out art details that may have gone unnoticed. Marjan and Mohammad owned the Hourian Art Gallery in San Francisco.

COMRON HOURIAN

ARTIST and ART COLLECTOR

Comron was born in San Francisco, California, to an artistic family originally from Iran.

From the time of a very young age, he was exposed to all kinds of art, from Traditional Persian miniatures to Modern art. It was at this time when he was inspired to work on his own art and do the many whimsical patterns he was so influenced by.

His father, Mohammad Hourian, is a renowned Persian miniaturist. He is well known within the Iranian community in the USA, for his gallery, the Hourian Art Gallery on Union Street. Mohammed took Comron to museums like, the MOMA, The Legion of Honor, The DeYoung and Asian Art Museum, where he was inspired by the pieces that were there.

At his Father’s gallery, there were many artists who had many shows. Comron was inspired by beauty in the eclectic art that was displayed. This inspired him to be an artist.

Another art gallery owner noticed Comron’s talent. He facilitated two shows for Comron to present his latest work to the public.

One important step in being a good artist is to learn the technique, he is currently studying art at Los Mendanos College. He hopes to continue his study of Art and Art history at the Academy of Art of San Francisco.

SAHAND RANJBARI

GRAB & GO KABOB FOOD TRUCK

Grab & Go Kabob is proud to deliver the exotic taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East to the Bay area. Specializing in delicious, authentic Persian cuisine, this truck will have you hungry for more. Savory specialties include rack of lamb, chicken, ground beef and tri-tip kabob.

MAHROOZ & REZA

YES PHOTO VIDEO production

CULTURAL & COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHER & MEDIA

Photography is an important part of Mahrooz’s life. Mahrooz’s love and passion for photography began when she was little, and she has been interested in photography ever since she can remember. She continues to work hard to blend both traditional and digital technology to produce the perfect products. By specializing in contemporary, glamorous, yet natural images, the consumer will be presented with very stylish, and refreshingly spontaneous photos and videos. Mahrooz is very flexible with her photography and video taking, extending anywhere from advertisements, news, events, family, kids, industrial, and fashion photography as well. Web design is another talent Mahrooz has, which helps her capture the client’s vision, bring the design elements to life, and ultimately create a website that appeals to her consumers. Being in this business for over 20 years, she has made it her life rather than a business. She always looks forward to share her vision of the world with others, and try to bring something special to each and every image that she creates.

She has been working in graphic design since she was in high school, and she got her degree in Graphic Design. While working in the graphic design field, she married her husband, Reza, and became intrigued by photography and video recording. They became talented in both fields, and by combining their experiences in design industry and photography, they were able to be a studio designer, fashion designer, and makeup artist all at once. Their ability to interpret their clients’ needs, and to design products with high visual impact makes the outcome very unique. Their digital designing skills are not limited to their studio and the pictures they take, but they are also able to work on designing a variety of products, including websites, magazines, advertisements, flyers, product packages, and stands for exhibitions. Mahrooz and Reza make a great team in the photo-video industry due to their knowledge, talent, and an incredible work ethic. Currently, They are establishing their own collection of cameras from the last century, and moving forward with adding all of the new and most updated technology to their collection in order to take unique pictures, and record even higher quality videos.

They offer custom all-season photo shoot packages that include: photos, videos, and holiday cards designed just for you. They personalize their cards for each of their clients, so they are all unique and one-of-a -kind. Their modeling photography, wedding video clips, and Music videos are done in the most luxurious, and elegant ballrooms in town.

LA PATISSERIE BAKERY

PERSIAN SWEETS

Since 2007, La Patisserie Bakery has been owned by two successful women, Fariba Mirpour and Mojgan Damaghani. Their passion and creativity in the art of pastries has led them into running a business that has been a favorite “go to” bakery for many people in the Silicon Valley.  Mojgan and Fariba’s mission is to provide the finest desserts and pastries at reasonable prices. They take pride in their products. Their products are baked fresh daily and they use the finest ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavors.

They also believe in giving back to the community each month by donating baked goods to non-profit organizations.

www.lapatisserie.net

RAMYAR SIASI

ROSE EXPRESS FLORIST: http://www.rosexpressflorist.com

SHAYAN SHAFIKHANI

EDITOR & MARKETING

Shayan Shafikhani, born in 1999 in Cupertino, California, is a student at De Anza College who aspires to gain acceptance to a nursing program in California, and become a registered nurse in the future.
Shayan currently works a retail job while being a full time student. Aside from Shayan’s educational and career aspirations, he is a fan of sports including but not limited to football, rugby, and weightlifting.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, Shayan plans to apply for Grad school, and earn a master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization in anesthesiology.
Shayan feels like preserving Iranian culture is important because it will give future generations of Iranian children a sense of identity.

 

NEGAR AJAYEBI

Freelanced Journalist & Audio books producer

Freelanced Journalist, Podcast and audio books producer, Publishing Rights Manager of International Relations of Nardeban Books
Negar Ajayebi is a freelanced journalist and  the also the publishing rights manager of international relations for Nardeban Books, and a producer of Podcast and audiobooks.
Ajayebi was born in 1988, in Tehran, Iran, and Since 2005, she has translated over 50 English books for children and young adults. Since 2011 she has been a manager for the Nardeban Book departments, and she became the head of international relations for Nardeban Books.
Aside from her career with Nardeban Books, she has produced podcasts and audiobooks and has been an active freelance journalist since 2018.
Negar Ajayebi graduated from the University of Tehran earning her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and her Master’s degree in Media Management and later on in 2017, she received multiple media related certifications from Northwestern University.
One of her achievements is winning the prize for the best multimedia project at the 2008 Multimedia Journalism conference.
Negar is very passionate about producing sound based media, such as podcasts and audiobooks, and producing content for public news networks.

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