After a relatively warm winter and a warm start to spring…we all need to refreshing change, isn’t it? It gives us  immense pleasure in announcing this year’s HVO’s Northeast Spring Picnic to the Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania on the 10^th of June 2012, from 10-4p.m.

Known as the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’ Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls that cascade gracefully deep in the wooded splendor of the Pocono Mountains. This is one of Pennsylvania’s most famous scenic attractions and a favorite destination for hiking, fishing, and family fun.

Key Features:

• Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit & Native American Exhibit, located at the entrance .
• Children’s Playground
• Test your putt-putt golfing skills at the Miniature Golf *
• Take a fun – ride around the Twin Lakes in a paddle boat *
• Mining for Gemstones – Be a gold-miner for a day! *
• Gift and souvenir shops, Fudge Kitchen, Snack Bar, Ice Cream Parlour*
• Located an easy drive from points in eastern Pennsylvania, the greater New York Metropolitan area, southern New York and all of New Jersey.

* Optional activities at an extra charge.

Hiking Trails:

Bushkill Falls provides families, friends, couples, and nature enthusiasts with an excellent opportunity to experience the splendor and beauty of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Bring some comfortable shoes for a walk over natural pathways. It’s only a short distance to view the Main Falls from the primary observation deck. Three additional hiking trails provide numerous viewing angles of all eight waterfalls. The trails are designed to appeal to varying ages and physical conditioning.

Green Trail – View the Main Falls from the green trail, which takes about 15 minutes to walk. No climbing is involved, however, there are steps.

Yellow Trail- View the Main Falls, as well as Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen and Upper Canyon, which takes 45 minutes to walk.

Blue Trail – View Pennell Falls from the blue trail, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk.

Red Trail – View Bridal Veil Falls from the Red trail. This trail is for the avid hiker in that it spans almost 2 miles, includes all eight falls, and takes over 2 hours to hike. (It may take longer if you are a photographer and want to stop by to take some pictures)

Don’t Forget to Carry:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Camera to capture the beauty of the falls
• Cap, Sun Glasses & Water Bottle
• A light jacket
• Personal Medications, if any

Charges:

• For Adults: $ 20 per person (Includes park entry charges, morning brunch, Snack To-Go, afternoon meal & $1 towards donation to Give India Charity)
• For Children:  $ 12 per child (age 4 – 10) (Includes park entry charges, morning brunch, Snack To-Go, and afternoon meal)

RSVP:

Please RSVP before 20^th May 2012, using this link to an online RSVP form. Please respond on time to help with our planning.  The online form will be closed on May 21, and there will be a late fee of $5 if you do not RSVP on time.   

Please arrive on time to find parking closer to the park.

Bushkill Falls Address:

Bushkill Falls Rd, Rte 209, Bushkill, 18324
(570) 588-6682  / 888-287-4545

Driving Directions (click this link for map and directions):

From New York City and Northern New Jersey:

Interstate 80 to Exit 309, Rt. 209 north.
Turn left onto Bushkill Falls Road at the blinking light in Bushkill, PA.

From Central New Jersey:

Interstate 78 into Rt. 33 north.

North on Rt. 33 to Interstate 80.
East on I-80 to Exit 309. Rt. 209 north.
Turn left onto Bushkill Falls Road at the blinking light in Bushkill, PA.

About Give India Charity:

http://www.giveindia.org/t-small-gifts-big-smiles.aspx

Question? Suggestions? Want to Help? Contact Persons: Bina Beed and Bhavna Shah.

]]> http://www.oshwal-usa.org/2012/04/hvo-northeast-picnic-bushkill-falls-pennsylvania-june-10/feed/ 0 http://www.oshwal-usa.org/2012/04/hvo-northeast-picnic-bushkill-falls-pennsylvania-june-10/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Oshwal-usa/~3/R4heENef3Lk/ http://www.oshwal-usa.org/2012/04/halari-visa-oshwals-i-am-proud-to-be-an-oshwal/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:42:19 +0000 Rati Dodhia http://www.oshwal-usa.org/?p=2199 Like many people of our community I knew practically nothing about our history when I was in school, college and immigrated to the United States.  When first time I read about history of Oshwal community which was in late 1970, I realized what I had missed. This not only reaffirmed the richness of our culture and traditions and but also made me more proud of being born in this noble community.  My search for more information about our origin and exemplary progress during the last 120 years resulted in my book titled: “Rise and Glory, History of Halari Visa Oshwals”.  The book is posted on our web site: www.oshwal-usa.org.

Many people will wonder why I am writing these articles about our community. The reason is I want everyone, young and old, boy or girl and man and woman out there to be proud of being born in this community as much as I am or even more.

Let me start with asking you all: Are you all proud of being an American? I am sure the answer is going to be yes and rightfully so. But have you ever asked yourself why you are proud to be an American. Again I am sure the answer is going to be because America is the richest, most powerful country with vast resources and ample opportunities for everyone to pursue ones desire to improve the quality of life.  This is very true, but what has that to do with us. What have we done to make this country being rich or powerful? Most of us have done very little or nothing but we are still part of this great country.

So just as we are proud to be an American, why not to be proud of being an Oshwal? I have come to know that many people do not care and have an attitude of, “so what is so great about being an Oshwal. What has that community done for us?”

This community has origin that goes back to Lord Mahavira’s time. It has a rich heritage. It practices one of the oldest religions of the world. It is one of the richest communities in India; it is one of the most honest communities in the world.

In the articles which will follow, I intend to write about our origin, our religion, our ancestry and our heroes of past and present to make each one of us feel proud of being an Oshwal.

Before I end this article, I have couple of questions for all.

1. Do you know the history of your own family?

2. Our community is made up of many sub-groups. These sub-groups are our last names or surnames. Do you know your surname? Do you know the origin of your surname?

If you do know the answer to these two questions will you please briefly write to me at this e-mail address: history@oshwal-usa.org

Mrs Gomiben was mother of Hasu , Prafula (Bena) Manjula & Niru and Shailesh and mother in law of Hitesh, Vipul Malde, Mahesh Shah, Manu & Alpa.

Gomiben was grandmother of Raju and Meena and great grandmother of Jainam & Devika.

Mrs Gomiben resided in Ilford, Essex, UK and previously in Fortall, Kenya.

Saadri has been arranged for today ( Monday April 9th, 2012) at Oshwal Centre between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm.

We all pray to Lord Mahavir to rest Gomiben’s soul in eternal peace and grant the family the strength needed to overcome this sad and deep loss.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti

Hiking Trip to:

The Niagara of Pennsylvania

The Iguazu of Poconos!!!

Bushkill Falls

June 10, 2012

Look in your mailbox for an invitation with more details in a few weeks.

SAVE THE DATE! 

HVO SPRING PICNIC IS HERE!!!

Question? Suggestions? Want to Help?

Contact Person: Beena Beed and Bhavna Shah

For more information on the location: www.visitbushkillfalls.com

A Newsletter by Halari Visa Oshwals of America, Winter 2012.

Oshwal Report – Winter 2012 (PDF)

Inside…

• Message from President of HVOA
• Message from Treasurer of HVOA
• Message from Vice President of HVOA
• Message from Ex-President of HVOA
• Birth Announcements
• From the Medical Desk of Alpa Shah, MD (Plano, TX)
• Stuffed Mushroom Recipe by Bijal Jhankhariya
• Oshwal-USA.org Website Summary by Ketan Dodhia

Hope to get together again soon.

Khimji Narshi Bid

(July 7, 1936-March 9,2011)

In remembrance of our father Khimji Narshi Bid, please join us for his Memorial Service on Sunday March 27, 2011 at,

Jain Center of NJ
233 Runnymede Road
Essex Fells, NJ 07021
Bhakti/Prarthna – 4:00–5:00p.m.
Sadharmik Vatsalya(Dinner) 5:00-6:30p.m.
Aarti/Mangal Divo – 6:45p.m.

He spent his life with an ever-smiling face, being always content and helping others.  He placed other’s comfort and convenience first. His departure was sudden but peaceful. We will miss him in everything we do. After he partially retired from business, he had developed a routine of his own and was very disciplined. He will stay in our memories and close to our heart with his inspirational life.

Velji, Champa, Jayesh, Bina, Poorni, Jay, Seena, & Shaam

It was fun filled evening with excellent food. Several fund raising items were discussed, including the computer/higher education fund for Boarding and Kanya Chhatralaya in Jamnagar and Bangalore Mahajan wadi. Everyone agreed to close both of these items as we have fundraising for them going on for few years. There were additional fund raising items: Avash Yojana for needy Oshwals in Bhiwandee for Rs. 1000,000; and Oshwal College in Bhiwandee for Rs. 500,000. Both of these are takti program, and additional information can be obtained from the board.

We also had board election/selection. We had multiple nominations for several positions; however members chose for an alternate position or withdrew their name hence there was no need to hold an election. The new board from Jan 1, 2012 to Dec 31, 2013, will be as follow:
President: Bina Jayesh Beed, NJ.
Vice President: Smita Deepak Shah, IL.
Secretary: Mitesh Jayantilal Shah, NJ.
Joint Secretary: Alpa Kiran Shah, TX.
Treasurer: Jayantilal Zaverchand Galaiya, NJ

She was wife of Ratilal Mulji Patani, daughter of Valiben & Bhagwanji Sura Chandaria, mother to Hitesh & Ninna, mother-in-law to Pratula & Mukesh, grandmother to: Harshnira, Hemalvi, Darshni & Priyen, and sister to Keshubhai( K B Chandaria, Kantaben, late Chunilal, Joyti & Kailash.

Kindly note that Mrs Savitaben Ratilal Patani’s sadadi will be held from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm on Friday, 29th July 2011 at:

Zaverchand Virpar Memorial Hall (Z V Hall)
Above Motor Parts Direct
Kingsbury Works Estate
Kingsbury Road
Kingsbury
London
NW9 8UP

The entrance to the hall is between the buildings of Theoco and Videk after Church Lane.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

On July 1st, there was a reunion planned for Oshwal Families. Satish and Surya Shah Plano, TX, Rajesh, Shilpa, Rakhi, Sona, and Roshan Shah of Plano, TX, Anuj, Nutan, Roshni and Ronak of Greer, South Carolina and Navinchand and Runka of Elizabethtown, Kentucky attended the reunion. Many other Oshwal families attended JAINA. These were Punita and Misty Shah of Binghampton, NY; Avnish, Sangeeta and Khiloni Shah of Grapevine, TX; Bharatidevi Shah of Plano, TX, Jayaben Shah of Plano, TX; Kiran, Alpa, Amy, Sonya Shah and Ankita Vora of Plano, TX; and Kantilal and Hemlata Vora of Mumbai, India.

Rakhi and Amy Shah also performed a beautiful dance on Navkar Mantra song. Misty Shah also sang melodious Jain stavans. All Oshwal members participated in spiritual and cultural programs with great enthusiasm.

The convention was a big success. We hope more Oshwal members reunite in next JAINA.

If so, here is the invitation to attend a FREE workshop on Samarpan Meditation on

Date: Saturday, 25 June 2011

Location:  Siddhachalam  65 Mud Pond Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825. (Telephone at Siddhachalam: 908-362-9793.)

Time:  5.30 pm to 8.30 pm

How to register:
By writing to samarpancanada@gmail.com or

By telephoning:
Jayanti Galaiya: 908 684 3443.
Champaben: 973 641 8702.
Chandu bhai: 973 376 2651.

Why meditate?

• At Mental Level:  Meditation leads to freedom from mental problems like stress, fears, worries, feelings of guilt and depression. You are free from thoughts of tragic incidents of the past and future worries. You can lead a happy and peaceful life by living in the present.
• At Physical Level : As your level of meditation improves you are completely freed from diseases and the level of immunity increases in your healthy body.
• At Social Level : You gain satisfaction, peace and joy in your life and can work in a fully balanced state and be successful. You enjoy stability and feel a sense of completeness within yourself.
• At Spiritual Level : Through meditation you achieve a state of thoughtlessness, experience the vibrations of your soul and gradually start getting spiritual experiences leading to self-realization through the grace of the Divine.

 
100 Reasons to Meditate 2011-06-25

We take immense pleasure to invite you on the auspicious occassion of Shri Halari Visa Oswal Samaj- Bangalore, Mahajanwadi’s Bhoomi Poojan, Khaat Muhurat & Shilanyas on Sunday 29.05.2011 at 9.31a.m onwards. (Bangalore mahajan wadi -Bhoomi Poojan (Purification of land), Khat Muhurt (Digging for foundation) and Silanyas (Laying the foundation stone). The details of the programmes are below.

PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY. 29.05.2011

The Distinguished persons performing Bhoomi Poojan & Shilaniayas along
with other Guests of Honour will be taken in Grand Procession at 8.30
a.m. from Jain Temple to Mahajanwadi

Bhoomi Poojan. Khaat Muhurat & Shilanyas

Time : 09.31 a.m.
Place : Oswal Convention Centre
2nd Main Road, (Near Fire Station)
Rajajinagar Industrial Town,
Bangalore – 560 044

Lunch

Time : 12.00 noon
Place : Ambel Bhavan
Sri Vimalnath Jain Derasar,
# 8, 4th Main Road, W.O.C. Road,
Rajajinagar Industrial Town
Bangalore – 44. Ph. : 080-32918255

Amantran 29-5-2011, Bangalore

She was 90 years old, born in Juni Haripar, Saurastra, Gujarat, India. She travelled to Kenya with her husband, Mr Khimji Devraj Shah after their marriage and started a family in Kenya. She developed a love for the nation, where she lived approxmately 35yrs. She was so proud of her heritage.

She lived in London,UK,for a few years and continued developing the friendships and relationships with fellow Oshwals as well as her neighbors.

After her husband Khimjibhai passed away in 1979, she moved to Chicago with her youngest son Dipak and his wife Smita Shah. She called Chicago “home” after living in India, Kenya, and London. In Chicago her heart and strength grew with friends and family that surrounded her with love. Her favorite things to do were to cook, read, and sew, but most importantly feed people with her homemade treats, especially all her 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and their friends for over 31 years.

She kept in touch with all her family and friends all over the world, always called and supported them in all times, that’s why everyone loved her smile and courage.

Fearless of her health issues, Lilaben’s spirit continued to grow stong despite her weakening kidneys and heart. She continued to receive medical treatments at home and loved her care givers.

On April 12th at 2.30am with her grandchildren and family members, she had her last breath, with a beautiful smile. We will always treasure her memories with a smile.

May God grant her eternal peace, she will be missed by all of us.

Om Shanti,Shanti,Shanti.

Memorial Service & Prayer Service was held on Thursday, April 14 2011,from 6-8pm at Modell Funeral Homes in Darien, Illinois. Funeral and Cremation Services were completed on Friday, April 15 at 11.00 am.

Prathna and Prayers to be held at Oshwal Center, Hook House, UK on monday April 25th 3-5 pm in L V Hall.

Our sincere thanks to everyone, for phone calls, emails, personal messages from all over the world:

Dipak & Smita Shah, Parin, Reena and Milan, Lemont, IL USA.
Babulal & Hansa Shah, Binit, Sulsa & Vihaan, Wembley ,UK
Manjula & Rasikant Dhanani, Samir, Amy -Bolingbrook, IL USA. daughters Nilam and Sunil Shah, New Jersey, Lynna & Ryan Connecticut USA.
Ranju & Rajnikant Shah, Shelan & Tripti, Avni, Prinal, Bolingbrook, IL USA
Kaylash & Narendra Shah, Priyan & Rozet, Khilan & Nina,Rishi Birmingham UK

via SiliconIndia News:

Established in 1997, the Soros awards are given to 30 students each year with a trust of $50 million. The motive behind the awards is to highlight the contributions of new immigrants to the country. The fellowships are given to students pursuing graduate degrees, irrespective of field or university. This year, 30 fellows were chosen from more than 1,000 applicants.
…
24 years old Deepa Galaiya has completed two years at Stanford Medical School and is currently on a Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellowship. At Stanford, in her research to date, Galaiya has constructed a lead biosensor and a transcription amplifier; designed a walker that minimizes the chances of patient falls, and worked on development and regeneration of inner ear hair cells in models of deafness. She will use her Soros Fellowship to support the remainder of her medical school education.

Her story is also featured in the April 1, 2011, edition of India Abroad (linked below).

	Look inside >
April 1, 2011