2021 Celebrations of the Center:

 

                              H A P P Y    N A V R A T R I   –    J A Y   A M B E

Dear Friends: 

 

The following are brief reports of the Zoom meetings held on Thursday, October 7 and Saturday, October 9, 2021. The meetings were anchored by Mr. Pankaj Parikh, VP, and hosted by Mr. Jagdish Patel, VP-PR and co-hosted by Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary. Proceedings of the meetings will be placed on YouTube. Thanks to all. 

Thanks to Bank of Baroda as a Grand Benefactor for Silver Jubilee Celebrations 2021-2022. Also thanks to our member Mr. Ashok Sheth for liaising with the Bank. 

 

1. THE OCTOBER 7TH MEETING:

 

The meeting started with a prayer by Mrs. Purnimaben Bhatt.

 

(i) Dr. Hasit Thakore’s Presentation:

 

President wished Happy Navratri and introduced Dr. Hasit Thakore, (profile attached), who had addressed on medical subjects to our seniors in the past and discussed today on Virus, Vaccines, Variants and the role of Boosters — the subject he discussed succinctly and in-depth. 

 

IASCCOFNY had organized several lectures on COVID-19 throughout the Pandemic period covering medical, psychological, economical and social issues. COVID-19 has been unique since it affected population universally compared to local diseases such as chiken guniya, dangue, ebola, flu, etc. 

 

Dr. Thakore explained that virus is not a living organism in contrast to bacteria and fungus. Virus cannot make protein, reproduce nor generate energy of its own. It’s a lump of small molecules which may emanate from sources such as birds, insects, water and its genetic breakup gives rise to virus. No consequences if virus can’t attach to something but it becomes effective once it attaches to a receptor in a body, makes more and more Rn proteins leading to the burst of cells producing thousands of virions which get into blood cycle whereby virus multiplies and body immune system – – while cells an T cells – – try to fight.

 

Dr. Thakore explained the difference between RNA virus which varies and found in flu, dangue, polio, measles, HIV, and the DNA virus which is stable and found in small pox, epstein barr and shingles.

 

Virus mutates and gives rise to a variant for which vaccine needs to be modified for a new strain. Variants emerged in South Africa, Brazil and India. Powerful Delta variant spread quickly and has been traced in all 50 states of the U.S. Original COVID-19 virus affected mostly seniors but variant reached to even younger population. Vaccinated people have less severe impact of variants. 

 

Dr. Thakore distinguished results from the rapid test (less reliable) and PCR test (more reliable). He described vaccines made by several pharmaceutical companies and their side effects. However, benefits of vaccines outpace minor side effects.  Variants could affect vaccinated people depending upon age and antibodies. He described the role of Boosters and categories of people who should take. Also discussed were antivirus drugs, Merck’s oral pill and long Covid which has effects such as fatigue, psychological fear, chronic headache and sleep disorder. 

 

Dr. Thakore narrated an interesting Boston research study of monkeys where infected monkeys’ antibodies were transferred to good monkeys who were then infected with COVID to determine how much antibodies needed to prevent COVID. 

 

The Q&A session was informative and interesting. 

 

Dr. Thakore’s research-based in-depth presentation was revved by doctor-viewers and non-medical audience alike. 

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

Famous and versatile singers Shrii Gautam (profile attached) and Girish Jogia of U.K. entertained viewers for an hour and a half with evergreen Bollywood songs and bhajans. 

 

The program was arranged through Mr. Bharatbhai Goradia, Cultural Ambassador between India and the U.S. This was his 24th program he brought to IASCCOFNY for the benefit of members during the pandemic period. Members are thankful to him for his selfless services and for his time for selecting best artists. Hope he continues his efforts and serve members to the best of his ability. 

 

The pair’s best selection included songs such as Yeh Sama Sama Hai Pyar Ka, Tune O Rangile Kaisa Jadu Kiya, Jo wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega, Babuji Dhire Chalna, Lag Ja Gale, Ajib Dastan Hai Yeh, Ye Raten Ye Mausam, Hay Ram Hay Ram, Ami Bhareli Najaru Raakho, Zindagi Ka Safar Hai Ye Kaisa, Kuchh Toh Log Kahenge, Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen, Mere Sapno Ki Raani, O Mere Dil Ke Chain, Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge, followed by Aarti. 

 

Viewers applauded the pair’s melodious voice. 

 

(iii) Parker Nursing Home:

 

Ms. Sujata Seth, Public Affairs Associate, invited members of IASCCOFNY to get Pfizer booster shots at Parker. If there is a good response, Parker will organize a special event to provide entertainment and light refreshments. Those who want to avail of the facility may please contact Ms. Seth at Parker at 718 289 2100 Ext. 2250. 

 

(iv) Announcements: 

 

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about joining WhatsApp group to get current information, a good response (500+) for Fafda/jalebi, Navratri, Diwali and Housie programs.   

 

Thanks to Jitubhai Zaveri, Jt. Secretary, and his wife Ritaben for their efficient handling of the requests from hundreds of members for Fafda/Jalebi.

 

Niranjanbhai Patel, Secretary, informed about future programs. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Mukesh Kapadia, Toronto, Canada.

 

 

2. THE OCTOBER 9TH MEETING:

 

The meeting started with a prayer by Paragbhai & Taraben Patel. 

 

(i) Garba Ramzat:

 

President welcomed viewers wishing them Happy Navratri assuring them that we all will have a blast today of Garba Ramzat. 

 

Navratri’s Garba Ramzat by Bhavya Vora’s orchestra from India made our seniors dancing on a grand scale. Pankajbhai Parikh, VP., introduced Mr. Vora and his group. Timely availability of a ready-made Mataji’s Garbi at Mrs. Revaben Patel’s home was an icing on the cake. Our thanks to her, Rakeshbhai and her family to accommodate our members to have Garba. A team comprising of Chandrakantbhai & Renukben Shah, Prabhakar & Ashaben Dharawat, Mayur & Rekhaben Trivedi, Parag & Taraben Patel, Bhartiben Desai, Ashok & Kusumben  Gandhi, Jitubhai & Ritaben Zaveri, and Rakesh Patel enjoyed Garba around Mataji’s Garbi. Thanks to Adhytmic Vikas Kendra (AVK) for coordinating the program with the help of Parag Patel for technical assistance. 

Mukund Mehta briefed viewers about the activities of AVK, important role played for several years by Mr. Dahyabhai Patel, Past President, and efficient functioning of AVK by Parag Patel, President, and his team. 

Bhavya Vora’s orchestra kicked off with Teen Tali, followed by Be Tali and concluded with Raas Ramzat, a string of Garba Geets and Aarti.

Groups led by Shobhanaben Shah, Bhartiben Desai, Rekhaben Trivedi, and Padmaben Mehta performed coordinated Raas Garba. 

 

Viewers enjoyed today’s musical orchestra. 

(ii) Building Project:

Mukund Mehta briefly summarized the current thinking of members on the issue of whether IASCCOFNY should own a building. The opinion at the July 1, 2021 Zoom meeting was a mixed one of renting v. owning. At the behest of the EC decision, an email was sent to experienced and respectable members who have been supporters, sponsors or well wishers of IASCCOFNY to update thinking on the subject. Accordingly, the email was sent and all of them responded, for various practical reasons, not to buy a building; instead, to rent meeting places as and when required for physical meetings. 

 

Responses were received from members which included:

 

1. Dr. Saroj Shah 

2. Dilip Tolat 

3. Dr. Dilip Doctor.

4. Rekhaben Tolat

5. Dr. Indravadan Shah

6. Dr. Narendra Bhalodkar 

7. Dr. Nalini Juthani

8. Harshad Patel (Pakaji)

9. Dr. Madhubhai Parikh of Parikh Geetmala

10. Dr. Virendra Juthani

11. Ashok Sheth

12. Govind Akruwala 

13. Arvind Dharia

14. Dr. Lila Shah

15. Dr. Shyam Rao

16. Dr. Hasit Thakore

17. Dr. Hiralal Patel

18. Rajesh Dharia

 

(iii) Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar:

 

Ms. Vaidehi Jokhakar, LMSW, MPH, Founder & CEO of Mind the Gap Initiative  (MGI), a section 501(c)(3) organization, advises that MGI is organizing its first fund raising event. MGI aims to equalize access to mental health support and education through virtual and community based programs. All proceeds will directly go to creating programs to promote mental health education and support. Details are attached. 

 

(iv) Mr. Vivek Shah:

 

Mr. Vivek Shah, a medical student, the son of Mrs. Kavita Shah, Creative Aging Director at India Home, advises that The South Asian Senior Pandemic Needs Assessment Survey is conducting a one time 20-25 minute telephone survey to determine how the pandemic has affected South Asian population. Participants will be compensated for their time with a $15 Amazon Gift Card. Details are in the attachment. 

 

(v) Parker Nursing Home:

 

Ms. Sujata Seth, Public Affairs Associate at Parker, reminded about the availability of Pfizer booster shot and invited members of IASCCOFNY to get it. If there is a good response, Parker will organize a special event to provide entertainment and light refreshments. Those who want to avail of the facility may please contact Ms. Seth at Parker at 718 289 2100 Ext. 2250. 

 

(vi) Announcements: 

 

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, briefed about fafda/jalebi requests from 500+ members and contributions received so far to meet 50% cost, membership benefits, and the Housie game on 10/24th. 

 

Thanks to Jitubhai Zaveri, Jt. Secretary and his wife Ritaben for efficiently handling requests from hundreds of members for fafda/jalebi. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mukund Mehta (in lieu of Mr. Parag Patel). 

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting 10/10/2021 at 1:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485?pwd=YjVOSGMxTHNHb3NDcEpMdXUyc1hVZz09

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 772836

 

3. The Arts Class: