Editors letter

Dear friends,

Here we are in the month of February, that too a Leap February! What a month it has been so far! El Nino struck again bringing us spring like temperatures. Even storm system ‘Jonas’, which left most of the East Coast crippled & battered with record snowfall, showed us its merciful side. And of course, there are days like today to remind us that we do live in Ohio after all!

The last month has also left us mourning the deaths of some legends. There is the most unfortunate demise of actress & comedian Kalpana Ranjani. I’m sure most of us will remember her fondly through her film legacy. We also lost music great David Bowie who very aptly will be remembered through these famous lyrics, “We can be heroes, just for one day”.

On an exciting note, your 2016 COMA EC team has been working round the clock to bring you their first event Glitz & Glam Family Night on Saturday, April 2^nd, 2016! I’ve attempted to give you a sneak peak into some of the fun filled activities they’ve planned for you. Its sure to be a winner, so don’t miss out!

February also boasts one of my favorite holiday traditions, Valentines Day. To me, Valentines is much more than just a romantic day, its more a celebration of love at its best! We’d love to see pictures of your Valentines celebrations, so send them in and we will be happy to share them on the COMA website.

And finally, for the Christians among us, we wish you blessed Lenten season. A lovely quote that comes to mind is, “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” -Willa Sibert Cather

In this edition:

• Glitz & Glam Family Night
• A memory that will be remembered by Megha Rajesh
• Priya Kumar’s Graduation from Columbus State Community College
• New family in town
• Mrs & Mr Jacob Vengal (COMA Trustee) celebrate 25 years of marriage
• Malayalam story ‘Kallu Kudichaalulla Vina’ by Anjana S Nair
• Naadan Njandu Roast by Nancy Joseph
• Fashion featuring Vidya S Chandran
• COMA Annual Membership Renewal
• COMA Youth Wing
• Charity Talk

Thanks for reading! Until next issue…

Warm regards,

Anu Kurian

GLITZ & GLAM FAMILY NIGHT    

Your 2016 COMA EC team is pleased to announce a fabulous night of games, food, dance and fun for the whole family. So ‘Guyz n Galz’ of all ages, deck up in your glitzy party best and join us for the first social event of the year.

Date: 2^nd April 2016

Time: 6:00-10:00pm

Location: Ted Kaltenbach Community Center, 5985 Cara Road, Dublin 43016

Highlights of the evening include Dubsmash**, Hartaal (yes, Hartaal comes to Columbus!), Best Dressed Couple Award and tons of fun games planned for the kids by the COMA Youth Wing. An email with a link for preregistration will be sent out shortly. Be sure to book your tickets early!

**Please send your Dubsmash entries (preferably duo) early to coma_ohio@yahoo.com. Entries will be selected on a first come first served basis.

YOUTH ZONE

A Memory That Will be Remembered- By Megha Rajesh

Have you ever been to a place where you can stay there forever but it will never get old? Well, this winter break my family and I went to Disney world. We had a great time and it was magical!

Come to think of it, I felt like my parents were more excited about the trip than my brother. But when the journey to Florida began, my brother was definitely more excited than all of us. We were happy for the first 15 minutes without technology but it started to get boring. The first day of driving was so long but we got to see the large mountains in Virginia. The twists and turns in the road almost made me nauseous. It turned out to be a miracle that there was no snow, but I spoke too soon because the mist came out to play. We drove as if we were stuck in Sawmill traffic for two straight hours. Then we reached the beautiful city of Charlotte, where it definitely felt much warmer than Ohio. We passed North Carolina all the way to South Carolina where we stayed for a night.

The second day of the road trip began where we could travel during the day. Georgia wasn’t as barren as I expected. There were nice trees and small roadside rivers along the side. After a really good nap, we reached Florida where the palm trees across the dividers reminded me of Kerala’s coconut trees. We got to meet up with my childhood friend, Apoorva, and we had a great time at the crystal clear beach talking about old times. We also got to save a baby shark that was stuck at bay even though my dad wanted to fry it and eat it. We were so tired after the car ride that we immediately fell asleep.

In the morning, we all woke up to go Magic Kingdom. The earlier you go, the less crowded wait lines are. ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’ is an attraction that will amaze you as it takes you through a journey as if you were just like the three kids in Peter Pan going to Neverland. Another attraction I liked was ‘Big Thunder Railroad’ as it was a thrilling roller coaster around a spiraling mountain.  ‘A Pirate’s Adventure’ is a great ride also, where we travelled in the depths of the sea. My brother loved the ‘Buzz Lightyear’ ride which was a game in a ride. Surprising, right?

The next day we went to Epcot where we went to ‘Soarin First’ which was the most beautiful ride ever. I wish I could be on that ride forever. The most thrilling ride in my opinion was Mission to Mars where we were taken on a virtually ride to Mars and it wasn’t as smooth as expected. My dad thought that Ellen’s ride was much more interesting. No one should forget the big globe that everyone loves. Epcot was amazing but there was still more fun in store.

The next morning, we went to Hollywood studios to explore the life of movies. I was so excited to see how cars stunts were made in movies. My brother, Pranav, liked the Star Wars virtual ride where we tried to escape from Darth Vader’s clutches in a 3D ride. We spent half a day there to enjoy the multiple stunt shows such as Indiana Jones and car stunt.

The last day, we went to Animal Kingdom, the land of animals.  Dinoland was the best part.  We went on a ride to discover a new dinosaur despite the odds of escaping. We luckily made it out in time but I don’t know about the others behind us. The next best ride was Kali river where we drifted through the treacherous river. It was so fun but we were a little tired so we headed back home.

Out of the whole trip, I learned that technology can never beat time spent with family and friends. We finally drove home and just in time to spend New Year’s with friends.

Megha is a 9^th grader whose hobbies include music, dance and tennis. She lives with her parents Mini M Premachandran & Rajesh Ramachandran and brother Pranav in Powell, OH. She aspires to become an IT Professional.

 SPOTLIGHT – Priya Kumar

Priya Kumar recently graduated from Columbus State Community College with an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. Acknowledging her exemplary work, she was also awarded the Evelyn Hall Memorial Scholarship from CSCC.

She quotes, “As a life science professional, I wanted to work in an area where research is being conducted to prevent disease and promote health, as I believe these are the urgent need of this century.

After being at home for 5 years, it was never easy for me to get back to school with exams and assignments and juggle with family life. Also, I had sacrifice valuable time from family to volunteer as a mentor for my fellow graduates and to involve in fund raising activities for my department.

I am therefore excited to apply my microbiology and laboratory skills & expertise in my new job as Molecular Pathology Tech at OSU’s James Cancer Hospital. I am elated to be a part of their mission which is, ‘to improve people’s lives through innovation in research, education and patient care; to create a healthier world.”

We wish Priya the very best in her new job and future research endeavors!

Priya has a Bachelor’s in Industrial Microbiology and a Master’s in Applied Microbiology. Her goal is to continue PhD research in her areas of expertise. Originally from Trivandrum, Priya moved to Columbus in 2012 from St. Louis, MO. She lives with her husband Praveen and daughter Gowri. 

 COMA BUZZ

Pudhiya Mukham

We extend a warm welcome to Suju Eapen Mathew and Seethal Babu, IT professionals who moved to Columbus last August. Suju is from Vennikulam (near Thiruvalla) and Seethal from Kottayam. Suju works as a consultant for OCLC. They have made Dublin, OH their home. Please take a moment to greet our new COMA friends at the next get together!

 

 

 

 

Silver Wedding Anniversary of Mr & Mrs Vengal

Our beloved and long-standing trustee Mr Jacob Vengal and wife Mrs Meenu Vengal recently celebrated their 25^th Wedding Anniversary. We shower our choicest blessings upon them and wish them many more years of love, togetherness and blissful family life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORU KATHA- By Anjana S Nair

കള്ളു കുടിച്ചാലുള്ള വിന

നാട്ടിന്‍ പുറങ്ങളില്‍ മിക്കവാറും ഒരു കള്ളു ഷാപ്പെങ്കിലും കണാതിരിക്കില്ല.അന്തിയാവുമ്പോ‍ള്‍ കുറച്ചു കള്ളു മോന്തി വീട്ടിലെത്തിയലേ ചിലര്‍ക്കക്കൊക്കെ തൃപ്തിയാവൂ.അക്കൂട്ടരില്‍ ഒരു പ്രധാനിയും കാണും-നാട്ടിലെ പേരെടുത്ത ഒരു കുടിയന്‍.ഞങ്ങളുടെ നാട്ടിലും ഉണ്ട് അങ്ങനെ ഒരാള്‍.പേര് ഇട്ടി.

ഇട്ടിയുടെ കൈയ്യില്‍ ബാഗും സഞ്ചിയും ഒന്നും ഇല്ല.കൈയ്യില്‍ കിട്ടുന്നതെല്ലാം മടിശ്ശീലയിലാണ് സൂക്ഷിക്കുക.അതില്‍ ഇല്ലാത്ത സധനങ്ങള്‍ ഉണ്ടാവില്ല.മുറുക്കാനും,കാശും,കുട്ടികള്‍ക്കുള്ള പലഹാരവും ഒക്കെ ഉണ്ടാവും അതില്‍.സന്ധ്യയ്ക് പണിയൊക്കെ കഴിഞ്ഞ് കള്ളുഷാപ്പില്‍ കേറി ഹാജര്‍ വച്ച്,കിട്ടുന്നതില്‍ പകുതി അവിടെ ചിലവാക്കണം ഇട്ടിക്ക്.അങ്ങനെ ചെറുതായിട്ടൊന്നു ‘മിനുങ്ങി’യാണു വീട്ടിലേയ്ക്ക്ക്കുള്ള മടക്കം.ചുരുക്കി പറഞ്ഞാല്‍ നാലു കാലില്‍.താന്‍ ഈ വഴിയിലൂടെ പൊകുന്നുണ്ടെന്നു നാട്ടുകാരെ മുഴുവന്‍ അറിയിച്ചുകൊണ്ടാണ് പോക്ക്.ഒന്നുകില്‍ ഒരു പാട്ട്, അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ പ്രസംഗം.അതാണു ഇട്ടിയുടെ രീതി.പോകുന്ന വഴിക്കു ചിലപ്പോള്‍ നാല് കാലുകളില്‍ ഒന്നിനു ക്ഷീണം തോന്നിയാല്‍ അവിടെ വീഴും.

ഒരു ദിവസം സന്ധ്യയ്ക്ക് പാട്ടും പാടി അങ്ങനെ പോകുകയാണ് കക്ഷി.(അന്നു എന്നത്തേക്കാള്‍ കുറച്ചു കൂടി പൂസായ മട്ടാണ്).നല്ല നല്ല പാട്ടുകളും പ്രസംഗങ്ങളും അനര്‍ഗ്ഗനിര്‍ഗ്ഗളം പ്രവഹിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.ഒരു പകുതി വഴി ആയിക്കാണും.ദേ കിടക്കുന്നു ഇട്ടി പോസ്റ്റിന്റെ ചുവട്ടില്‍.നാവു കുഴയുന്നുണ്ടെങ്കിലും കുറച്ചു ദേഷ്യത്തോടെ തന്നെ ഇട്ടി ചോദിച്ചു-”ആഴാടാ എന്നെ തള്ളിയിട്ടത്”?പിന്നെ എന്തൊക്കെയോ പിറുപിറുത്തുകൊണ്ട് അങ്ങനെ കിടന്നു.കുറച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞപ്പോള്‍ ഒരു വഴിപോക്കന്‍ പട്ടി അതിലേ ഓടി വന്നു.പട്ടിക്കു പെട്ടെന്നൊരു മൂത്രശങ്ക.അത് മാറ്റാനായി അവന്‍ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തതു നമ്മുടെ ഇട്ടി കിടക്കുന്ന പോസ്റ്റിന്റെ ചുവടു തന്നെ.അങ്ങനെ അവന്‍ കുറച്ചു മൂത്രം ഇട്ടിയുടെ മുഖത്തേക്കും ഒഴിച്ചു കൊടുത്തു.പെട്ടെന്ന് പൂസായി കിടന്ന ഇട്ടി ഒരു മുദ്രാവാക്യം വിളിക്കുന്ന സ്റ്റൈലില്‍ ചടുലതയോടെ ഇങ്ങനെ പാടി: “പെയ്യട്ടങ്ങനെ പെയ്യട്ടെ ഇടിയും വെട്ടി പെയ്യട്ടെ”

Anjana is the Vice President of the 2016 COMA EC team. An IT professional, her hobbies include creative writing, dance, cooking and cultural programs. Anjana lives with her husband Hari and son Rohan in Dublin OH.

PACHAKAM

Naadan Njandu Roast- by Nancy Joseph

Ingredients

1. Crab- 250 gms (I usually buy from Saraga)
2. Red Onion, sliced- 2 medium
3. Green chillies- slit (4-5 nos)
4. Curry leaves- 2 sprigs
5. Tomato, chopped- 1 medium
6. Thick coconut milk- 1/4 cup
7. Water-as required
8. Salt- to taste
9. Oil- as required

For masala paste

1. Ginger- 1/2 ” piece
2. Garlic- 2 cloves
3. Shallots- 4 to 5 nos
4. Chilli powder- 3/4 to 1 tbsp
5. Coriander powder-1.5 tsp
6. Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
7. Black pepper powder-1/4 to 1/2 tsp
8. Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp
9. Water-as required

Directions:

• Grind together all the ingredients listed under ‘For masala paste’ to form a thick paste. Keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and add onion, green chilies and curry leaves. Sauté until it turns golden brown on a medium low flame.
• Add the masala paste and sauté over a medium to low flame for 4 to 5 minutes until oil separates. This step is very important for the flavors to develop.
• Add chopped tomato and cook until it turns soft and oil separates. Add salt to taste.
• Add crab, 1/2 cup water (or more if required) and mix well. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, then remove lid and cook until gravy turns thick.
• Add coconut milk and mix well. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the gravy coats the crab pieces.
• Garnish with more curry leaves & fresh cilantro.
• Serve with rice or Kerala Porotta.

Nancy is an IT professional and lives with her husband Joseph and kids; Joshua and Rachael in Lewis Center.

FASHION- Featuring Vidya S. Chandran

Fashion with regards to Indian ethnic wear keeps changing and sometimes I find it hard to keep up! The ‘Anarkali’, which has gained popularity owing to its dreamy, flowy and very flattering style has seen much evolution. First there was the knee length (called the Masakalli), then calf length, progressing to the 3 inch above shoe length and now the ‘Ball Gown’ anarkali!

Gorgeous Vidya here is sporting a beautiful tomato red floor length anarkali embellished with shimmering black sequin detail. The beauty of this style is that it can double up as Indian or even western partywear. Vidya has paired this exciting look with cascading curls loosely tied up in a side pony decorated with snowflake hairpins. The ‘Elsa braid’ would also be a fitting hair do for this outfit. She has accessorized the ensemble with striking diamond studded earrings and matching bracelet. Congratulations Vidya for putting together this head turner of an attire!

Vidya is an ex 2015 COMA committee member. Both Vidya and husband Shibu are very dynamic COMA patrons. They live with their 2 sons in Dublin OH. 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Your annual COMA membership fee is due for renewal. The fee is $15 for family and $10 for student. Membership is valid from Jan 1^st 2016 to Dec 31^st 2016. Registration is required to avail of discounted pricing for the upcoming event, so kindly register at the earliest.

You can renew your membership through the following options below:

PayPal  : https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SWLKQ9KDMMU96

Or

Check payments:

Treasurer COMA,

PO Box 4141

Dublin

OH 43016

Membership renewal can also be done on our website – http://www.comaohio.org

COMA YOUTH WING

COMA Youth wing has been an integral part of COMA and we want to encourage and provide opportunities for all COMA youth to be active in COMA and community activities. To facilitate this we will be implementing the following programs.

•  COMA Youth Committee

We will formalize the 2016 COMA youth wing with the following official committee – President, Vice- President and three Program Directors. The COMA Youth wing will work under the guidance of COMA EC 2016.  2016 COMA EC team in consultation with the COMA trustees will select the committee members for the 2016 COMA Youth Committee. Together, we will organize special youth oriented programs.

• COMA Youth Volunteer Program

Throughout the year COMA will seek volunteers for all COMA organized events. 2016 COMA Youth Committee along with 2016 EC team will keep track of the volunteer hours of each participant and will issue certificates for all 2016 COMA Youth volunteers.

If you are interested in being part of the COMA Youth Committee or the COMA Youth Volunteer program please let us know your interest by Feb 28, 2016 to coma.officials@gmail.com

 CHARITY TALK

This year Ajoy and team will continue to support and be involved with the following organizations:

• YWCA
• Meals on Wheels

In addition, the EC team is working on other causes that COMA can support really get involved with. Volunteering opportunities will be announced once plans are firmed up.

LET’S CONNECT

Special thanks to all the contributors of this months issue. I hope to see many more of you actively participating in COMA. Lets do this together!

COMA Official Email: coma.officials@gmail.com

Ajoy: 614 556 6588

Simple: 614 743 7888

Newsletter contributions: coma_ohio@yahoo.com