OCTOBER 2018

VOL. 15 ISSUE IX 

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY OCTOBER 2018 

$ 

3 

www.chaldeannews.com 

A TAHINI TRADITION 

THE AYARS CONTINUE FIVE GENERATIONS 

OF A FAMILY BUSINESS 

INSIDE 

TIPS FROM AN ENTREPRENEUR 

A NEW AGENT IN CHARGE 

A VISIT FROM THE VP

2 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2018

PRESENTS 

INAUGURAL AWARDS DINNER 

THE PALAZZO GRANDE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018 

54660 VAN DYKE AVENUE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48316 

HONORING 

Philanthropist of the Year 

Award Recipient 

Jason Najor 

Community Service 

Award Recipient 

Marianna Kattula 

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 

Thanks to the generosity 

of W3R Consulting, 

the Chaldean Community 

Foundation will also award 

two recipients with a $5,000 

S.T.E.M. Scholarship. 

S.T.E.M. 

Michigan Based Students Only 

ATTENTION 

S.T.E.M. S.T.E.M. 

FOR TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION CALL MIRNA 586-722-7253 OR VISIT CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG 

S.T.E.M. 

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OCTOBER 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 3


CONTENTS OCTOBER 2018 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 15 ISSUE IX 

16 22 

departments 

6 FROM THE EDITOR 

BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO 

Business Minded 

8 IN MY VIEW 

BY MICHAEL SARAFA 

Clergy abuse should not 

be a political football 

9 WHERE DO YOU STAND? 

BY MICHAEL SARAFA 

Words matter 

10 NOTEWORTHY 

11 IRAQ TODAY 

BY MOHAMMED KADHIM ATTI 

Once Iraq’s Venice, Basra’s waters 

have now turned deadly 

12 CHAI TIME 

12 GUEST COLUMN 

BY ASHOURINA SLEWO 

Yella Bye! 

14 ECRC CORNER 

15 OBITUARIES 

30 ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE 

BY M. LAPHAM 

Ice cream to order 

32 CHALDEAN ON THE STREET 

BY HALIM SHEENA 

Favorite Halloween costume 

on the cover 

16 A TAHINI TRADITION 


The Ayars continue five generations of a family business 

features 

18 IN PRODUCTION 

BY LISA CIPRIANO 

Local woman makes her mark in community television 

20 NEW AGENT IN CHARGE 


The FBI is working to build relationships and recruit 

new agents to the bureau 

22 A VISIT FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT 


24 THE ART OF AN ENTREPRENEUR 


Ten tips to survive in a competitive world 

26 FROM YOUTUBE TO RADIO DISNEY 

BY M. LAPHAM 

28 FINDING THE SILVER LINING 

BY MONIQUE MANSOUR 

How a diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease has led 

to profound learning 

34 EVENTS 

38 KIDS CORNER 

Halloween fun 


from the EDITOR 

PUBLISHED BY 

The Chaldean News, LLC 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Vanessa Denha Garmo 

MANAGING EDITORS 

Denha Media Group Writers 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Lisa Cipriano 

Mohammed Kadhim Atti 

M. Lapham 

Monique Mansour 

Halim Sheena 

Ashourina Slewo 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Patrice Abona 

Alex Lumelsky 

David Reed 

ART & PRODUCTION 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

OPERATIONS 

Interlink Media 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 

Martin Manna 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Ashourina Slewo 

SALES 


SALES REPRESENTATIVES 


Sana Navarrette 

MANAGERS 

Vanessa Denha Garmo 

Martin Manna 

Michael Sarafa 

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 PER YEAR 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS 

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FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 

WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM 

PHONE: (248) 851-8600 

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published 

monthly; Issue Date: October 2018 Subscriptions: 

12 months, $25. Publication Address: 30095 

Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, 

MI 48334; Application to Mail at Periodicals 

Postage Rates is Pending at Farmington Hills Post 

Office Postmaster: Send address changes to 

“The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy., 

Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334” 

Business Minded 

It is one of my favorite breakfast meals: Tahin 

and Silan (sesame butter and date syrup) on 

whole grain bread. 

The Denha family was known in Iraq as makers 

of Tahin or as it is known in America as Tahini. 

I grew up with jars of it always in the house. It 

was my father, Sabri Denha’s, staple Lenten meal. 

This month, writer Ashourina Slewo writes the 

cover story on another family – a - five generation 

tahin making family. Their business and story take 

readers from Iraq to America and from America 

back to Iraq. She visited the plant in Madison 

Heights and saw the grinding up close. From the 

sesame fruit in the fields to sesame seeds in the factory, 

Ashourina shares the narrative of this family business. 

There really is an art to being an 

entrepreneur. I know it’s in our 

blood as Chaldeans but I would 

have benefited from a business 

degree now that I own a business. 

There really is an art to being an entrepreneur. I know 

it’s in our blood as Chaldeans but I would have benefited 

from a business degree now that I own a business and so 

does my husband. I remember when I decided to go back for 

my Master’s Degree, my then boss, Bob Ficano actually told 

me I should get an MBA instead of a MA in Communications. 

He said it would better serve me. Probably the best 

suggestion he ever made to me in the seven years I worked 

for Wayne County. I didn’t heed the advice, however. 

I earned a MA in Communications with a Christian 

perspective. I don’t regret it but I do believe a business 

background would have helped. Both hubby and I made 

mistakes along the way and learned things the hard way. 

Some business lessons I did learn was by having worked 

for very successful business people such as John Jonna. He 

will always be my favorite boss next to my dad but beating 

me out on the list as my own boss. He is not only very insightful 

but funny and armed with fun facts that he dishes 

VANESSA 

DENHA-GARMO 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

CO-PUBLISHER 

out regularly. I worked for John in the 90s while 

attending Wayne State University studying journalism. 

John co-owned the Merchant of Vino. 

The last conversation I had with him was 

last month for the article I penned for this issue 

and I, of course, laughed a few times and he said, 

“see Vanessa I made you laugh. I just added time 

to your life. Do you know every time a person 

laughs, it adds time to his life?” 

One Christmas I wrote John Jonna’s Top Ten 

Sayings and had it laminated and Framed. I wonder 

if he still has it. I should have asked. 

My mind is not naturally focused on business. 

I am very much media minded. I wrote a presentation 

on that subject and often consult clients on the 

industry but one thing I have not been in my career is business 

minded. Since venturing on my own, I have become 

an avid business reader. I read business books, articles and 

publications. The information has been helpful. I have 

consumed material on investments and business plans. I 

also talk to people who are business savvy. My sister-in-law 

Rita has served as a sounding board as she and her husband 

Mark have built a very successful and reputable landscaping 

and snow removal business called Outdoor Accents. 

I feel fortunate to have interviewed so many people 

who have created and operated successful businesses. I 

have learned a great deal from every story. We also started 

a yearly Entrepreneur Forum as part of our Chaldean News 

events and all the panelist have shared a wealth of information. 

We are excited to organize another panel this year. 

Our event is on November 13 at Shenandoah Country 

Club. You may be naturally business minded but we all can 

learn from each other. We hope you can join us. 

Alaha Imid Koullen 

(God Be With Us All) 

Vanessa Denha-Garmo 

vanessa@denhamedia.com 

Follow her on Twitter @vanessadenha 

Follow Chaldean News on Twitter @chaldeannews 

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM. 

The Chaldean News is looking for 

motivated candidates to fill full-time 

salaried sales positions. Qualified 

candidates should email a resume to 

info@chaldeannews.com. 


CHALDEAN COMMUNITY 

FOUNDATION 

Help Wanted! 

Please consider hiring one of 

our many new Americans. 

More than 30,000 Chaldean refugees have migrated to Michigan since 2007. Many 

possess the skills and determination to work hard for you and your organization. 

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has a bank of resumes 

of candidates qualified to do a variety of jobs. To inquire about hiring a 

New American, call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or 

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org. 

Chaldean Community Foundation 

Sterling Heights Office 

3601 15 Mile Road 

Sterling Heights, MI 48310 

586-722-7253 

www.chaldeanfoundation.org 


in my VIEW 

Clergy abuse should not be a political football 

Call me cynical but 

the timing of an 

announcement of 

an investigation into the 

seven Catholic Dioceses 

in Michigan is politically 

charged, coming just six 

weeks before election day. 

The State of Michigan 

is asking people to report 

abuse by priests or other 

religious figures between 

1950 and the present. Suddenly, 

it seems, it’s time to investigate 

the Catholic Church over a 

time period going back 70 years. 

I am not in this space suggesting 

that this should not be done or that 

Michigan was somehow immune to 

the international crisis in the Catholic 

Church that caused and continues 

to cause so much pain and suffering. 

But there are three things that happened 

that I believe cast a shadow on 

the intentions. 

MICHAEL G. 

SARAFA 

SPECIAL TO THE 

CHALDEAN NEWS 

First, as mentioned 

above, we are on the heels 

of a statewide election. 

Second, we have seen a 

penchant for going after 

figures and institutions 

with investigations of state 

and local officials related 

to the Flint water crisis 

and a whole series of political 

moves related to the 

Nasser scandal at Michigan 

State University. 

My stomach churned a little at 

the site of a TV commercial that 

touted handling of the Nasser case. 

The idea of exploiting this disgusting 

chapter in Michigan State history 

did not sit well with me. I believe 

that it will not sit well, either, with 

Michigan voters. Frankly, it casts a 

dark shadow on the capabilities and 

instincts of those political advisors 

that would create such an ad. 

Finally, the Attorney General of 

Pennsylvania released a devasting 

report on abuse at most of the state’s 

Dioceses that involved hundreds 

of priests and thousands of victims 

over seven decades. That Pennsylvania 

official gained instant fame on 

the national stage. No doubt people 

were watching. 

Clearly, the more light that is 

shone on these terrible events, the 

more victims have an opportunity 

to come forward, the more abusers 

that are outed, the better for all 

involved. Victims need justice and 

healing. Perpetrators need to pay 

their debt to their victims and to 

society. The Catholic Church needs 

to bring itself as an institution out of 

the dark ages. 

Thus, this type of investigation 

should be welcome. But the fact 

Victims need justice and healing. Perpetrators 

need to pay their debt to their victims and to 

society. The Catholic Church needs to bring 

itself as an institution out of the dark ages. 

that this issue is seemingly being 

exploited for political purposes diminishes 

it’s import and potentially 

insults the victims. Sexual abuse of 

minors and adults should never be 

politicized. 

Go ahead, call me a cynic. 

Like optimists love 

every day. 

We love to help. 

How can we help you? Woodward north of 14 Mile 248.723.7200 boaa.com 

Member FDIC 


where do you STAND? 

Words matter 

I 

was reminded recently that words, 

in fact, do matter. They have the 

power to both heal and hurt; unite 

and divide; to build or destroy; and to 

be the difference between great success 

and mediocrity. This is important to 

remember in personal relationships, in 

business and even in world affairs. 

I often remind my kids to try to put 

themselves in other people’s shoes before 

they rush to judgement—understanding 

that one never really knows 

everything going on in someone else’s 

life. This is also true with speech. What 

I may view as a funny line, someone 

else may view as hurtful. Whether I 

intended to hurt the person or not, 

they might feel hurt. How they feel is 

mostly up to them, not to me. 

It has been said that the human 

tongue is a beast that few can master. 

It strains constantly to break out 

of its cage, and if it is not tamed, it 

will run wild and cause you grief. The 

poet Pearl Strachan Hurd once surmised 

that words should be handled 

carefully because they have more 

power than atom bombs 

Written words can be even more 

powerful. I remember my dad pushing 

me to read books and magazines, especially 

in the summer. I find myself doing 

the same thing to my kids. In the age 

of Google, this has proven difficult. But 

then I found this quote from Warren 

Buffet. In response to a question about 

how to prepare for a career, Buffet said, 

“Read 500 pages every day. That’s how 

knowledge works. It builds up, like compound 

interest. All of you can do it, but 

I guarantee not many of you will do it.” 

One kind word can change someone’s 

entire day; the ability to learn 

through written words is unlimited; 

ill begotten words, spoken or written, 

can cause pain for both the locutor 

and the listener. 

Words are powerful and do matter. 

Where do you stand? 

Michael Sarafa is Co-publisher of the 

Chaldean News. 

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noteworthy 

The New Consulate 

Both the incoming Iraqi Consulate Adnan Almaajoon and outgoing Consulate 

Dr. Mustafa met with Martin Manna and the Chaldean Foundation 

on many issues including deportations. “We want to welcome you here 

and continue a strong relationship with the consulate and office of foreign 

affairs,” said Manna to the new Consulate. 

Manna addressed the immigration and deportation issues including 

cases in Federal Court; there are about 130 people currently detained. 

However, there are 1400 people at risk of being deported. The Detroit 

Consulate office is most responsible for stopping deportations. “Our door 

is open, said Almaajoon. “We can work with you on many issues not just 

on deportations. We recognize your value and strength in the community.” 

DBusiness’ Most 

Powerful Leaders 

Saber Ammori, CEO of Wireless Vision 

has been named as one of DBusiness 

Magazine’s 500 Most Powerful 

Business Leader in Metro Detroit. 

ECRC’s Fall 

Programs 

A number of ECRC’s Fall programs 

have started! 

Bible Study with Bishop Francis 

is hosted at ECRC every Tuesday at 

7:00 p.m. 

Theology classes with Hubert 

Sanders are hosted at St. Joseph every 

Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. 

“Journey to Heaven” taught by 

Jeff Kassab is hosted at ECRC every 

Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. 

Endow Women’s Study Group is 

hosted at St. George every Wednesday 

at 7:30 p.m. For more information 

about each class, visit ecrc.us 

Transcending Anxiety 

Sabrina Jo Atto is releasing her debut 

book, Transcending Anxiety. 

The book is a “down to earth guide 

for transforming stress and worry 

through mind, body, and spirit.” 

A New Pita Way 

Entrepreneur Brandon Bahoura 

opened his eighth Pita Way. The 

newest Mediterranean grill will be 

taking residence in Livonia. 

Father Anthony 

Becomes a Captain 

Father Anthony became a Captain 

for the Selfridge International Air 

Base where he will be their chaplain 

once a month. 

Society of Women 

Engineers 

The Society of Women Engineers 

highlighted University of Kentucky 

graduate student Mujan Seif. A 

member of the Society of Women 

Engineers since her start at the University 

of Kentucky in the Fall of 

2012, Seif is studying Materials Science 

and engineering. 

The New Deputy 

Finance Director 

Derek Dickow, founder of Birmingham-based 

Steward Media, a PR and 

political relations firm, has been retained 

by the Michigan Republican 

Party as its Deputy Finance Director. 

Dickow, an established community 

and political activist, has raised financial 

support for Republican candidates 

and elected officials for several 

years. He is part of the team tasked 

with advancing the MRP strategy, 

facilitating high level introductions, 

and relationship building. He works 

directly with MRP Chairman, Ambassador 

Ron Weiser. Dickow was recently 

Finance Director for Lt. Governor 

Brian Calley, is an active board 

member of the Chaldean American 

Chamber of Commerce, and Chairs 

its Political Action Committee. 

Honorable Mention 

Tanya Robin of Superior Buick GMC was awarded an honorable mention 

at the New Americans Appreciation Gala last month. 


IRAQ today 

Once Iraq’s Venice, Basra’s waters 

have now turned deadly 

BY MOHAMMED KADHIM ATTI 

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) 

Once dubbed the “Venice of 

the Middle East” for its canals, 

Iraq’s crumbling port 

city of Basra is slowly dying of thirst. 

A woman gathers garbage near 

one of the rivers extending to Shatt 

al-Arab in Basra, Iraq September 

10, 2018. Basra residents say salt 

seeping into the water supply has 

made it undrinkable and sent hundreds 

to a hospital. 

Crisscrossed waterways that 

earned it comparisons with the Italian 

city are now filthy pools of stagnant 

water. 

Its vibrant freshwater lifeline, the 

Shatt-al-Arab river that runs through 

it, is now so polluted it threatens the 

lives of the more than 4 million inhabitants 

of Iraq’s second city. 

“It now causes death. It is highly 

polluted. Different pollutants can be 

found in the river, including germs, 

chemicals, toxic algae coupled with 

unprecedented concentrations of salt 

almost like that of seawater, rather, 

it is indeed seawater,” said Shukri al- 

Hassan, Marine Science lecturer at 

Basra University. 

According to Hassan, contamination 

levels of Shatt-al-Arab have 

increased four-fold over the past 10 

years and are increasing, putting 

more and more people at risk. 

Lethal Mix 

Daily life also features open sewers 

and streets filled with fetid piles of 

garbage. In response, furious residents 

recently staged some of the 

biggest protests in years. 

Many contrast their impoverishment 

with the oil wealth the province 

provides to the federal government’s 

coffers. 

State officials blame a public 

funding crisis wrought by years of low 

oil prices for the hardship in a city 

that was a magnet for Middle Eastern 

tourists until the early 1980s. 

Workers clean water from 

Herbs, at Al Bida water tanks project 

due to water pollution in Basra, 

Iraq September 12, 2018. Basra residents 

say salt seeping into the water 

supply has made it undrinkable 

REUTERS/ALAA AL-MARJANI 

Workers clean water from Herbs, at Al Bida water tanks project due to water pollution in Basra, Iraq September 12, 2018. Basra residents 

say salt seeping into the water supply has made it undrinkable and sent hundreds to a hospital. 

and sent hundreds to a hospital. 

Local resident Raad Shabout 

Dhahar said the water crisis is just 

one of many problems that have left 

his 17-member family, including two 

wives, his mother and 14 daughters, 

in despair. 

“It has become even harder because 

if one used to earn 10,000 Iraqi 

dinars ($8.43) a day, one can spend 

five thousand on food and save the 

other five, while now, we really started 

to feel the pinch,” he said. 

“Before a quantity of 500 liters of 

water was enough for us as we used 

it for drinking only. We did not use 

it for washing our faces and clothes 

and we did not use it for bathing. But 

now, the 500 liters are used also to 

wash our faces and bodies, too.” 

Cesspools 

Located where the Euphrates and 

Tigris rivers merge near the Gulf at 

Iraq’s marshy southern tip, Basra is 

one of the few cities in the Middle 

East without an effective water 

treatment system. 

It had an advanced sanitary infrastructure 

in the 1960s but that broke 

down decades ago, turning waterways 

into cesspools whose stench is compounded 

by the hot desert climate. 

Residents said the water crisis has 

added to misery caused by shattered 

infrastructure because of years of 

under-investment, first under Sunni 

leader Saddam Hussein and then 

successive Shi’ite-led governments. 

Much of Iraq suffered destruction 

in a string of ruinous wars since the 

1980s. But Basra was especially hard 

hit as a city on the front line of the 

war with Iran, only a few dozen kilometers 

across the Shatt-al-Arab delta 

to the east. 

The city has yet to recover. 

Basra residents say salt seeping into 

the water supply has made it undrinkable 

and sent hundreds to hospital. 

Some 90,000 people have been 

admitted to hospital, according to 

the head of Basra’s health department, 

Riyadh Abdull Amir, with as 

many as 4,000 a day seeking treating 

this month. 

Resident Aqeel Shakir Abdul 

Majeed had little hope for the future 

as he waited to pay for fresh water. 

“How can poor people afford it? 

How can those who do not have 

money afford it,” he said. “Will they 

steal to get money? I do not know 

what to do.” 

To improve water supply, the 

central government is building a 

major water treatment plant and a 

desalination complex thanks to a 

Japanese loan. 

The project was expected to be 

completed by the end of the year, but 

the departure of Japanese experts due 

to threats during protests has delayed 

the process. 

– Article from Reuters 


CHAI time 

CHALDEANS CONNECTING 

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT OCTOBER 2018 

Thursday, October 4 

Wine and Dine: Wine and Dine in the D will be hosted at 

the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit on Thursday, October 

4 at 5:30 p.m. “Wine & Dine in the D is a strolling dining experience 

featuring cuisine from 23 of metro Detroit’s finest 

restaurants; wines, craft beer, and spirits from Michigan 

and around the world; and live entertainment by the Ursula 

Walker/Buddy Budson Quintet.” Proceeds from this event 

will go to Cure Multiple Myeloma Corp. to assist Michigan 

myeloma patients, and to the Multiple Myeloma Research 

Foundation, which funds research for a cure. Tickets are 

priced at $175. For more information, visit www.curemultiplemyeloma.org 

or call 248-449-6663. 


Movie Premiere: Grace Centers of Hope will be hosting 

a red carpet for the public premiere of the documentary 

film, Thirteen One at the Landmark Main Art 

Theatre in Royal Oak, located on Main Street. The 

film follows the lives of six men and women who were 

in recovery from heroin addiction when they decided 

to train for the 2017 Brooksie Way Half Marathon in 

Rochester, MI. Directed by award-winning Detroit filmmaker 

Kyle Couch, the opening of Thirteen One will 

include viewings at 7:00 and 8:15 p.m. Tickets for this 

are priced at $20 – all proceeds will benefit the Grace 

Centers of Hope. For more information, visit www. 

landmarktheatres.com/detroit/main-art-theatre 

Friday, October 5 

Wine Tasting: The 14th Annual Detroit Uncorked premier 

wine tasting is returning to Detroit on Friday, October 5 

from 6:00 to 9:00pm to benefit the Gleaners Community 

Food Bank. Detroit Uncorked is presented by the Detroit 

Wine Organization and Kroger. Detroit Uncorked is one 

of Southeast Michigan’s largest wine tasting events, featuring 

an array of world-class wines. Proceeds from this 

event will benefit the Gleaners Community Food Bank. 

“For every dollar raised Gleaners feeds 3 of our neighbors 

suffering from food insecurity.” Tickets are priced at 

$100. For more information about this annual event, visit 

www.DetroitWine.org or call 248-867-9307 

Sunday, October 6 

Charity: Beaumont is hosting their 13th Annual Red 

Tie Ball, which will raise funds to support the Center 

for Exceptional Families as well as its autism center 

expansion of Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn. The Red 

Tie Ball will be hosted at Motor City Casino in Detroit 

on Sunday, October 6 from 6:00 to 12:00 p.m. The 

evening’s theme is “Picture Yourself Here.” Guests are 

encouraged to “dress in their finest” and a red tie. The 

evening will feature Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent 

and live auctions, dinner, and entertainment by the Fifty 

Amp Fuse. RSVPs and sponsorship packages start at 

$275. For more information or to reserve your spot, 

visit www.beaumont.org/red-tie 

Wednesday, October 10 

Happy Hour: Join Blessings in a Backpack Royal Oak 

on Wednesday, October 10 for happy hour at the Morrie 

in Royal Oak. Sponsored by Blessings in a Backpack 

Royal Oak, the event will run from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. 

Tickets are priced at $40. Each ticket includes the following: 

heavy appetizers, 1 drink ticket, and a cash bar. 

Space for this event is limited – guests should reserve 

their spots ahead of time. All proceeds from this event 

will benefit Blessings in a Backpack Royal Oak. For 

more information or to reserve your spot, visit https:// 

blessingsinabackpackhappyhour.eventbrite.com 


Fashion: All are invited to spend the day with the fashion 

community and learn about the business of fashion at 

FashionSpeak. Hosted at One Woodward, FashionSpeak 

will from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11. 

Heading the lineup at the sixth annual FashionSpeak will 

be Phoenix Mellow, costume designer for Detroiters, Mad 

Men, Black Panther, and Stranger Things. “Presented by 

Taubman and created by Detroit Garment Group, FashionSpeak 

brings together nationally recognized experts in 

fields crucial to the success of the fashion industry, conducting 

interactive workshops with plenty of Q&A.” Tickets 

are available at www.fashionspeak2018.eventbrite.com 

For more information about the event or the Detroit Garment 

Group, visit www.detroitgarmentgroup.org 

Saturday, October 13 

Bras for a Cause: Chief Financial Credit Union presents 

Bras for a Cause! Join Chief Financial Credit Union as 

they celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bras for a Cause. 

Cancer survivors, art bras, and so much more will be 

showcased. The annual event will be hosted at the Royal 

Oak Music Theatre on Saturday, October 13. The event 

will feature live and silent auctions, food from some of the 

finest local restaurants, live music, and an inspiring breast 

cancer survivor runway show. For more information about 

the Bras for a Cause 10th anniversary celebration or to 

purchase tickets, visit www.brasforacausemichigan.org 

Sunday, October 21 

Charity: Join the Daughters of Penelope Thamyris 

Chapter No. 272 of Grosse Pointe and St. Clair 

Shores — in partnership with St. John Providence 

Hospital and the Grosse Pointe War Memorial — for 

the 16th Festival of Tables. The Festival of Tables 

will be hosted on Sunday, October 21 at the Grosse 

Pointe War Memorial. Proceeds will benefit the St. 

John Providence Health System Breast Care Program 

and a number of other local charities. There will be a 

variety of table viewing experiences available – guests 

must purchase tickets for each. For more information 

about the Festival of Tables or to purchase tickets, visit 

www.dopfestivaloftables.com 

GUEST column 

Yella, bye! 

Silly Superstitions 


“ 

I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” 

– Michael Scott, The Office 

The notion that black cats and 

broken mirrors bring bad luck are 

some of the most common superstitions. 

Our community has its fair share 

of superstitious beliefs. You’ll find, however, 

that like most things in our community, 

these superstitions are a bit exaggerated 

and at times, laughable. 

Even as laughable as these superstitions 

can be, many of us still find ourselves 

playing into and believing them. 

As a kid, nothing got me more excited 

than when my right hand would start itching. 

The belief was that if your right hand 

was itching – you would receive money. 

It was never a coincidence that shortly 

after, my favorite non-grandpa grandpa 

would show up with ten dollars just for me. 

It was also never a coincidence that 

my left hand would start itching right after 

I got the money. The left hand itching 

signified the loss of money. 

What can I say? A girl needs her ice 

cream. 

Another superstition that still gets me 

to this day is the upside-down shoe. Some 

of my more eccentric elders were always 

yelling at me to never leave a shoe flipped 

upside down – it was disrespectful to God. 

This is a tough one. My rational mind 

tells me that this is just another silly superstition, 

but the khaltoo in my head is 

screaming otherwise. So, I flip any upsidedown 

shoe I see, just in case. 

By far, though, the weirdest superstition 

has got to be getting pinched on the 

butt when certain people would compliment 

me. Another one of my eccentric 

elders would pinch my butt when certain 

friends or family members would pay me 

a compliment to “ward off the evil eye.” 

I’m still not sure what this means or 

why it was necessary to pinch me so hard 

I’d bruise. 

Another popular superstition, one I still 

find myself doing sometimes, is knocking 

on wood for good luck. I have a sneaking 

suspicion that no one really knows why we 

do this or how it started and is done more 

out of habit than anything else. 

I’m sure I could go on and on about 

dozens of other over-the-top superstitions, 

but they’ll only get weirder and I’ll 

just get more confused. 

What are some funny superstitions 

you can think of? 


CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

13th Annual Business Luncheon 

F RIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018 

Join us for an informative and interactive discussion with gubernatorial candidates former Senator Gretchen Whitmer and 

Attorney General Bill Schuette, (appearing separately) moderated by Charlie Langton, Legal Analyst for FOX 2 News. 

Gretchen Whitmer 

Former Senator 

11:00 a.m. 

Noon - 1:00 p.m. 

Check-in & Networking 

Lunch & Discussion 

Cost: Gold Sponsor: $10,000 

Includes branding, exhibit space, twenty tickets with premium seating, mention in the Chamber 

newsletter and Chamber website and opportunity to speak at the event and provide attendees 

with promotional item(s) 

Silver Sponsor: $5,000 

Includes branding, exhibit space, ten tickets with premium seating, mention in the Chamber newsletter 

and Chamber website and opportunity to provide attendees with promotional item(s) 

Bronze Sponsor: $1,500 

Includes branding, exhibit space, ten tickets with premium seating, mention in Chamber 

newsletter and Chamber website 

Bill Schuette 

Attorney General 

Charlie Langton 

Legal Analyst, FOX 2 News 

Location: 

Reservations: 

Individual Tickets 

Members: 

Non-Members: 

$60 each or $600 for table of ten 

$75 each or $750 for table of ten 

Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel 

2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48323 

To reserve your seat or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Sarah Kittle 

at 248-851-1200 or skittle@chaldeanchamber.com 

Sponsored by: 


ECRC corner 

Faith and Reason: Encounter the 

creator through mind and soul 

Throughout our daily life, we encounter 

many people; we treat these people 

based on a certain perception we have 

developed for each one of them. These perceptions 

are built upon some common conceptions 

or misconceptions. For example, when 

we encounter a rich person, we commonly 

think of a proud person; when we encounter 

an educated person, we commonly think of a 

sophisticated person; and when we encounter 

a religious person, we commonly think of a 

naïve person. Even though all of these perceptions 

are built upon misconceptions, in my 

article today I would like to focus on the last 

one. Is it true that every religious person is naive? Can 

someone be religious and intellectual at the same time? 

Can a religious person have reason? Common belief says 

No. However, I will try to prove otherwise in this article. 

We will consider the topic of faith and reason from three 

different perspectives. 

First is the human perspective: Humanity understanding 

of faith and reason has evolved over time. Traditionally, 

faith meant trusting in someone or something 

even if I don’t experience it tangibly. Faith was always 

understood as a gift given by God. Today, faith to most 

people means giving in to some superstitions, Karl Marx 

says “Religion is the opium of the people.” Reasons understanding 

is no exception to this evolution. Reason 

traditionally meant having the willingness to consider 

any reality whether it is tangible or not. Today, reason 

has limited itself only to what can only be proven scientifically. 

The common saying goes like that “If you can’t 

prove it to me scientifically then I can’t believe in it.” 

The question how? How did this shift in the understanding 

of faith and reason occur? And more importantly 

why? 

The shift occurred due to some philosophies or 

schools of thought that moved man’s understanding 

of reality from one belief system to another searching 

for meaning and answers. Before the coming of 

Christ, humanity believed in many gods “Polytheism” 

but, when Christ manifested the one true God in 

His person” Monotheism “man’s hunger for the truth 

was satisfied. With time and due to the ignorance of 

many including some clergy members irrational acts 

and practices infiltrated religion and people started 

looking for answers elsewhere. The compromise was 

in taking God out our everyday life “Deism” which 

made God impersonal, similar to a watchmaker who 

made the watch but has nothing to do with it after. 

This understanding paved the way to a complete rejecting 

of the super natural God and moved man to a 

purely Natural understanding of reality” Naturalism.” 

Naturalism, promised to give an answer to every question 

through natural sciences. This period of history 

is called Modernity. Even though Modernity ended 

in the eighteenth century but its marks remain with 

us to this day. Modernity which presented the truth 

through science only has no room for a supernatural 

God. Why? Because science deals with matter and 

KARAM 

BAHNAM 

SPECIAL TO THE 

CHALDEAN NEWS 

God is beyond matter. So, the logical conclusion 

is God and science are at odds and since 

science became the new name for reason, 

therefore faith and reason are at odds with 

each other as well. That’s where the common 

misconception of the incompatibility between 

a religious person and reason are developed. 

This is the historical and erroneous process 

that made the shift in the human understanding 

of faith and reason and left them at odds with 

each other. This is the human understanding; 

does God understand it the same way? Let’s consider 

God’s perspective. 

Theological perspective: To understand 

God’s point of view regarding any topic we need to consider 

His word in sacred scripture. Let’s start by asking 

ourselves a question. Does God want us to use reason? 

Does He want us to be intellectual? The answer is YES. 

St Peter in his first letter writes “Always be ready to give 

an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for 

your hope” (1 Pet. 3:15). The word Hope here refers to 

our Christian faith so, God is demanding from us the use 

of our intellect so we can explain our faith to others. On 

the other hand, God demands faith from us as well. In 

the letter to the Hebrews the author writes “But without 

faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches 

God must believe that he exists and that he 

rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). By examining 

these two simple verses we come to the conclusion that 

God demands faith and reason from us. The mere fact 

that he demands them means that they don’t contradict 

each other for God is the creator of both. God is the 

creator of all that is true and if we as human beings are 

finding them not compatible then we need to reconsider 

our position and that’s what we will deal with in our 

final section of this article. 

Practical perspective: A great saint by the name of 

Anselm has given us the solution to this problem. St 

Anselm who was a philosopher himself urged all Christians 

to live their lives following the model of “Faith 

seeking understanding.” For Anselm to be a balanced 

human person you would need to have both. It is very 

true because if we divorce reason from faith, it becomes 

blind and God doesn’t want us to have blind faith. The 

prophet Hosea writes “My people are ruined for lack of 

knowledge” (Hos. 4:6). On the other hand having reason 

alone without faith leads a human person to disparity 

since no human mind can comprehend the reality of 

God’s creation. Many of the philosophies we mentioned 

above tried this route but the end results were failures. 

St John Paul 2nd started his letter on faith and reason 

by saying “Faith and reason are like two wings on which 

the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” 

Let us all start with this little faith and open ourselves 

to understand it so we can truly encounter the creator 

through mind and soul. 

Karam Bahnam has a BA in Philosophy and is currently 

working on his MA in Theology; he is a co-founder of the 

Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization Center (ECRC) 

Criticism 

is the act 

of judging 

unfavorably or 

faultfinding. 

Jesus’ criticisms 

were always 

truthful and, 

ultimately, loving. 

The best Christian 

rule of thumb 

is to go into the 

conversation 

with the intent to 

help and not hurt 

someone. 

However, it can be appropriate 

to judge a person, 

thing, or action unfavorably. 

In fact, a true friend will 

speak the truth even when it’s 

hard to hear: “Faithful are the 

wounds of a friend, but deceitful 

are the kisses of an enemy” 

(Proverbs 27:6). 

Jesus was quite critical of the 

Pharisees’ hypocrisy, and He expressed 

His disapproval forcibly 

on several occasions just read 

the Gospel of Matthew. However, 

Jesus’ criticisms were always 

truthful and, ultimately, loving. 

Our speech should be edifying. 

First Thessalonians 5:11 

says, “Therefore encourage one 

another and build up one another.” 

Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let 

us consider how to stimulate one 

another to love and good deeds.” 

And Galatians 6:1 gives the 

primary motivation for criticizing—with 

a warning: 

So, the best Christian rule of 

thumb is to go into the conversation 

with the intent to help 

and not hurt someone. 

Vanessa Denha Garmo’s Christ 

Centered Communications 

Messages are heard on Ave Maria 

Radio and seen on Catholic 

Television Network of Detroit 

(CTND) and found on Mar 

Toma Productions YouTube 

Channel. 


obituaries 

RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS 

Jamila 

Kashat Atty 

July 01, 1926 - 

Sept. 17, 2018 

Eddie (Emad) 

Thomas Kato 

Dec. 19, 1960 - 


Khaled Shamon 

Kassab 

June 01, 1949 - 


Alham Salim 

Kelano 

Nov. 24, 1941 - 


Ahmad Khedher 

Tella 

Oct. 15, 1948 - 


Faik Esshaki 

Feb.12, 1931 - 


Adel Marrogi 

Kinaya Al Saeegh 

March 04, 1936 - 


Gorguis Elias 

Senawi 

Oct. 04, 1942 - 


Sabah Putrus 

Abro 

Jan. 01, 1945 - 

Aug. 29, 2018 

Michael 

Mansour Konja 

April 12, 1934 - 

Aug. 28, 2018 

Subscribe 

today! 

ELECT RYAN BERMAN 

39 th district state representative 

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ELECT 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE 

/ ELECTRYANBERMAN / ELECTRYANBERMAN @ELECTRYANBERMAN 

to learn more visit: ELECTRYANBERMAN.CoM 

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A Tahini Tradition 

The Ayars continue five generations of a family business 


When Ronny Ayar’s great 

great grandfather, Yousif, 

went to work in a tahini 

factory in Iraq, a love and passion for 

tahini that would span five generations 

was sparked. Working in this 

tahini factory, Ronny’s great great 

grandfather learned the ins and outs 

of the business, from producing to 

packaging – giving him the knowledge 

he needed to open his own tahini 

factory. 

Eventually, Yousif brought his 

son, Khemerko, on board, equipping 

him with everything he would need 

to take on the business. The line of 

succession continued to Khemerko’s 

son, Yousif who would then hand operations 

over to his son Masood. 

With Masood and Ronny heading 

the family business, the family 

business would eventually find itself 

in the United States. 

At one point, the Ayar family 

had three tahini factories – with one 

right next to their home in Iraq. Today, 

the family has one factory left in 

Talkaif. The factory continues to be 

fully operational. 

Tahini is a paste or sauce made 

from ground sesame seeds. It is versatile 

in that it can be eaten on its own, 

used as a marinade or spread, and is 

the main ingredient in dishes such as 

hummus. 

“Tahini is a specialty item. It’s not 

the type of item that you buy and just 

store it on a shelf,” explained Ronny. 

“You use it often, if not every day. It’s 

a very unique item – it’s more an ingredient.” 

A rich source of various vitamins 

and minerals, and proteins, tahini 

has several nutritional benefits. 

“People do not realize how good 

tahini is for them – it has omega-3, 

protein, and fiber,” Ronny said. 

In 1990, the Ayar brothers – of 

which there are six – made their way 

to the U.S. About three years later, 

the rest of the Ayar family followed 

them to the U.S. as well. Focused 

on making a living in a new country, 

they worked in liquor stores. 

It was not too long after that they 

bought their own liquor store, which 

flourished; their entrepreneurial drive 

grew – the family decided the next, 

most logical venture would be to 

break into the supermarket business. 

“We wanted to take it one step 

higher,” Ronny said. 

Their businesses continued to 

thrive and expand – today the family 

has two liquor stores, two supermarkets, 

and several gas station and cell phone 

store properties that they rent out. 

Even as their family found great 

success in industries other than tahini 

production, Masood Ayar, the 

Ayar family patriarch yearned for a 

tahini factory in his new home. 

“My dad goes back to Iraq often 

because of his tahini factory in 

Iraq,” explained Ayar. “He has always 

wanted a tahini factory here in 

America, too.” 

Masood was relentless in his pursuit 

to open a factory in the U.S. 

where he would be able to continue 

his craft and someday, pass it on to 

his grandchildren as he had with his 

children. 

“My father always dreamed of 

having a factory here in the U.S.,” 

said Ronny. “I’m the oldest son and 

he would always fight with me about 

opening a factory here. He would say, 

‘when are you going to open a factory?’” 

Finally, in 2017, Masood was 

given the opportunity to purchase an 

established tahini factory in Madison 

Heights. This would be the start of 

Royal Tahini. 

“When a factory went up for sale, 

he didn’t even negotiate the price – 

he just bought it. That’s how much 

he wanted it,” said Ronny. 

His father’s dream had come to be 

a reality. 


“When I came to America, it was 

my dream to open a factory here and 

pass it on to my kids and their kids. 

This is our craft, it’s what we do. This 

is my career, this is what I live for,” 

Masood said. 

Previously, Royal Tahini was 

owned by a family from Alqosh. “So, 

they were in business for five years and 

they did not take [the business] to another 

level, they just dealt with restaurant 

depot and that’s it,” said Ronny. 

Wanting more for his family’s legacy 

on American soil, Ronny hit the 

ground running and expanded the 

business substantially over the course 

of one year. 

“When I took over, I expanded 

from 12 to 13 stores to about 50 

stores. My goal is to be national; 

I want to be all over the United 

States,” he explained. “I’m working 

with Walmart, I’m working with 

Kroger, and even Whole Foods to try 

and get my product in their stores.” 

Ronny’s expansion was made possible 

as he moved to get his product 

in as many local stores and markets 

as possible. 

“Most of my customers are Mediterranean 

or Arabic markets and restaurants, 

and some of the hummus 

factories,” he said. “I want to take the 

business to another level.” 

Currently, the roster of products 

includes two primary tahinis, Royal 

Tahini and Village Rashi, and one 

seasonal tahini, which includes walnut. 

Production of their seasonal 

tahini begins in November. Royal 

Tahini is primarily used in making 

hummus. Village Rashi however, is 

what can be eaten on its own 

or with date syrup. 

“Our community is more 

familiar with Village Rashi. 

It is the tahini they can eat 

whenever – it’s not just an ingredient,” 

said Ronny. “It’s especially 

popular during Lent.” 

The process of making tahini 

starts with the soaking and 

peeling of sesame seeds. From 

there, the sesame seeds are 

roasted in an effort to kill any 

and all bacteria that may have 

lingered, effectively preparing 

them to be grinded. 

Today, both in Iraq and the U.S., 

the process has been simplified because 

of technology. Masood, however, 

recalls when it took him nearly 

24 hours to produce 10-12 44-pound 

buckets of tahini. In comparison, it 

now only takes about an hour to produce 

that much tahini. 

Through their many years of making 

tahini, they have seen the paste 

go from an acquired taste to a popular 

food across several communities. 

“Now, it is getting more popular; 

there are tahini chips for example. 

Companies will buy my tahini to 

make tahini chips,” said Ayar. “Or 

companies in Chicago will buy my 

tahini to make tahini cookies – I provide 

them with the tahini they need 

to make their products.” 

For Ronny, making tahini is about 

a lot more than just making a living 

and providing for his family. Tahini is 

in his blood and being able to provide 

a quality tahini for members of his 

community and beyond brings him 

joy. A sense of pride wells within him 

when he sees his tahini on shelves 

throughout his community. 

Ronny credits his dad for much 

of what he has learned – from everything 

that goes into making tahini 

to the integrity it takes to provide 

a product that is nothing short of 

amazing to his customers. 

“I have learned everything I 

know from my dad. He taught me 

how to make a quality product. 

We only make quality tahini,” 

he said. 

Their product is one of a 

kind for this reason. “Royal 

Tahini and Village Rashi are 

made with 100 percent pure 

sesame. There are no colors, 

preservatives, oil, or salt added,” 

explained Ronny. 

He explains that some 

brands tend to use salt to 

hide the bitter taste of cheap 

sesame or add extra oil when 

using low quality seeds resulting 

in an overall oily tahini. Some 

will even add sunflower seeds to their 

tahini in an effort to make it more 

profitable. 

These “cheap tricks” have never 

been a choice when making Royal 

Tahini or Village Rashi. 

“We have succeeded in our lives 

because we work honestly, we don’t try 

to cheat,” said Masood. “If I cheat my 

customers, I am cheating myself.” 


In production 

Local woman makes her mark in community television 

LISA CIPRIANO 

Working hard is a strong Chaldean trait 

and Dana Denha does just that. 

She’s a wife and mother in addition 

to being a talk show host, producer, script writer, 

editor, audio technician and camera operator at 

Community Television Network in Ann Arbor. 

The 35-year-old Denha learned that strong 

work ethic from her father while growing up in 

Sterling Heights. 

“My father is an independent business owner 

in Southeast Michigan. As a child he built his 

business, Eddie’s Produce, from the ground up. He 

worked long hours and still does to this day to support 

his family,” explained Denha. 

Denha hit the ground running by entering the 

workforce early and never let the moss grow under 

her feet. 

“I started working at the age of 14 and have not 

stopped since. As an immigrant from Baghdad, Iraq 

my dad showed me how important a strong work 

ethic is to thrive in this country and how to sacrifice 

your own self so your family does not go wanting. 

At times, I felt as if he expected more from me 

when it came to work and I attribute my successes 

to having a strong Chaldean role model to look up 

to. I’m proud to say I am Eddie Denha’s daughter 

and I would not be the woman I am today without 

my father,” Denha added. 

Denha attended Wayne State University and 

graduated with not one, but two Bachelor’s Degrees: 

one in fine arts/ photography and another 

in communication and media studies. She quickly 

landed a coveted internship at WDIV-TV in Detroit. 

That led her to City of Dearborn Television 

and eventually to her now 11 year home at CTN 

Ann Arbor. 

Denha packed-up and moved to Ann Arbor to be 

closer to her job when she realized that she had found 

a place where she could spread her wings and fly. 

Along with being a full-time producer at the 

network, Denha is the host of multiple shows including 

a weekly news magazine program called 

FYI which she has expanded for over a decade. 

“I get complete freedom. I’m picking the stories. 

I’m picking the content and doing the things 

that I love to do,” said Denha. 

Denha has chosen to use her platform on FYI 

to provide viewers with important community information, 

promote the arts, including authors and 

plays as well as giving voice to all too often marginalized 

groups. 

“For instance, I recently did a show about transgender 

issues. That’s a big issue how that’s evolving. 

You never really used to hear about transgender 

people and the obstacles that they face. It used 

to be a big secret and now people are out in the 

open about sexual orientation,” Denha explained. 


A Strong Voice for 

Small Business 

A Strong Voice for 

the Unborn 

A Strong Voice 

for our Families 

From left Joey Al-Azzawi, Auday Putrus, & Mike Akrawi 

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is What We Do… 

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In fact, Denha not only found her creative 

freedom at CTN Ann Arbor, but she also a 

found the love of her life in a fellow producer 

at the station. She and her husband, Robert, are 

now the proud parents of a 2-year-old daughter 

named Keaton. 

Motherhood has led Denha to wearing yet 

another hat at CTN Ann Arbor as co-host of 

show called Adventures in Parenthood. As all 

parents know, parenthood is indeed an adventure 

and there is no handbook on doing it right. But, 

Denha and her co-host Melissa Bondy try to help 

by tackling a range of topics that moms and dads 

might face. 

“It fills a niche that we didn’t have here at 

CTN. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with parenting 

a 2-year-old. It’s about parenting in general. 

As a first time parent, I had no idea what I was getting 

into,” said Denha. 

Denha’s other baby, FYI, recently was honored 

with a first-place award out of more than a hundred 

submissions from three states at the annual Philo 

Festival of Media Arts Video Competition at their 

annual conference in October in Alliance, Ohio. 

“FYI is very special to me and I am always 

striving to keep the show new and exciting and 

evolve with the ever-changing digital world. In my 

decade of producing FYI, it has won 5 first place 

Philo Awards as well as a national Hometown 

Video Award. Knowing how successful it has been 

just makes me want to aim higher. I can’t wait to 

see what the future holds!” 

With all of that creative freedom at her fingertips, 

there’s no telling what impact this hardworking 

daughter of an immigrant will continue 

to make in the future. 

You don’t have to be in Ann Arbor to enjoy 

Denha’s shows. You can watch online by going 

to: www.a2gov.org/watchctn or at www.youtube. 

com/ctnannarbor. She’s also open to hearing about 

what is important to viewers. You can email her 

with subject matter suggestions at: ddenha@a2gov. 

org/ctn. 


New agent in charge 

The FBI is working to build relationships and recruit new agents to the bureau 

VANESSA DENHA GARMO 

There is a new agent in town 

and he is in charge of the 

FBI – Detroit Bureau. Special 

Agent in Charge (SAC) Tim Slater 

moved back home to Michigan after 

his last stint in Washington DC and 

has been meeting groups across the 

region. He and his team met with 

Martin Manna and Chaldean Community 

Foundation members last 

month at the foundation offices in 

Sterling Heights. 

Also present was Sterling Heights 

Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski. The 

police department has an officer assigned 

to the FBI and in certain cases 

the FBI will be brought into to assist 

in cases including an unsolved murder 

case. 

Manna delivered details about 

the community including that Chaldeans 

are like the American Indians 

of Iraq and that Metro Detroit has 

largest Chaldean community outside 

of Iraq. In referencing Chaldeans, 

the term includes Syriacs and Assyrians. 

Since 2003, the community in 

Iraq has been desolated. “Everything 

we do is tied to preserving the culture,” 

said Manna. “Our struggles 

internationally and nationally continue.” 

He also reiterated the genocide. 

“Why is this important? Because, we 

still have hundreds of thousands of 

people displaced,” Manna said. 

Manna also explained the business 

background of the Chaldeans in 

Michigan and in the United States. 

However, the focus was on how the 

Chaldean Community could help 

the FBI and how the two could work 

better together. 

After Manna gave the agents an 

overview of the Chaldean community 

and the work of both the Chaldean 

American Chamber and Foundation, 

Slater and team engaged in 

a question and answer exchange for 

about 45 minutes. 

They discussed career services 

and career fairs. “We think the more 

inclusive the government is, the better 

it is for all communities,” said 

Manna. “We also can be very helpful 

to you on international issues in the 

Middle East.” 

Slater started at the Detroit Bureau 

more than six months ago. It 

was a lateral move from DC to Michigan. 

“Michigan is home and not 

very often in our agency do we get to 

come home,” he said. “I pleaded with 

the Director and Attorney General 

to come to Michigan and I am happy 

to be here.” 

Slater spent most of his time during 

the first three to four months on 

building relationships within communities 

and with the media. “My 

message to the media is fairness,” said 

Slater. “We are open as to what we 

do and as open as we can be but we 

want to make sure the stories are not 

sensationalized. We want to create 

narratives that are accurate.” 

Detroit is the top 10 largest FBI 

bureaus in the country and according 

to the Slater, there are a lot of 

threats in our state across all FBI 

programs meaning there are terrorist 

threats, white collar crimes, drug 

crimes and gang crimes to name a 

few. Most Bureaus across the country 

have more narrow scopes while the 

FBI in Michigan focus on a variety 

of threats. 

In addition to dealing with a large 

bureau, the FBI is focused on diversifying 

within. “We have not done a 

good job in the agency representing 

the community that we are called to 

serve,” said Slater. “We are always 

recruiting. We are always looking for 

new employees on the professional 

staff and on the agent side.” 

On the professional careers side 

of the Bureau, the agency is looking 

for individuals who play an integral 

part in the country’s security. These 

careers are across a variety of specialties 

including Intelligence analysts, 

linguists, IT specialists, scientists, 

administrative assistance, accountants, 

electricians, engineers, human 

resources, security officers, electronic 

and tradesman. 

On the Special Agent side, there 

is also a variety of areas they need 

filled including in engineering, accounting 

law and IT. They are looking 

for people versed in other cultures 

and who speak various languages. 

Each area has specific qualifications 

that are listed on the FBI website. 

For those not interested in a job 

but still have a fascination with the 

FBI, there is the FBI Citizens Academy. 

This eight-week (10 sessions) 

program gives business, religious, 

civic and community leaders an inside 

look at the FBI. You can find out 

more by going to www.fbi.org 

The FBI also created a Child ID 

App for families. It’s the first mobile 

application created by the FBI that 

provides a convenient place to electronically 

store photos and other vital 

information about children. 

The City of Sterling Heights is 

also hosting a citizen’s academy. You 

can find out more by going to www. 

sterling-heights.net 


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A visit from the Vice President 


High security surrounded 

Shenandoah Country Club 

in West Bloomfield last 

month for a visit from Vice President 

Mike Pence who was in town to campaign 

for U.S. Senate candidate John 

James. Nearly 200 people attended 

the fundraiser and about 12 people 

attended a private meeting prior to 

the luncheon. 

The event was organized by Tony 

Antone. Bishop Francis and Martin 

Manna from Chaldean Chamber 

of Commerce and Chaldean Community 

Foundation were among the 

select group. “We are deeply grateful 

for Vice President Pence’s efforts to 

aid the persecuted minorities in the 

Nineveh Plains area of Iraq,” said 

Manna. “Specifically providing direct 

aid to help rebuild and restore 

our villages post ISIS. The Vice President 

has met with our Bishop Leaders 

from Iraq, including Archbishop 

Bashar Warda from Erbil. We are 

hopeful aid will arrive soon.” 

Manna, through the Chaldean 

Community Foundation, followed 

up with the Vice President by sharing 

data, statistic and other information 

about the Chaldean Community 

in Iraq as well as in the 

United States. This included the 

status of refugees coming in following 

the ISIS invasion. 

There has been a dramatic decrease 

in the number of refugee visas 

being granted for the Chaldean, 

Syriac, and Assyrian people of Iraq, 

which were issued in far greater numbers 

prior to 2014. Through documentation, 

Manna was able to share 

compelling data and testimonials 

from witnesses and other experts that 

attest to a policy by the United Nations 

of open discrimination against 

religious and ethnic minorities in the 

Middle East in the refugee visa administrative 

process. 

“The disparity of refugee visas 

between various ethnic and religious 

groups and mainly minorities, is an 

inexplicable as it is an outrageous 

injustice and discriminatory,” said 

Manna. “While the previous administration 

has issued a genocide declaration 

for the atrocities ISIS committed 

against Christians, Yazidis, Shia 

and other ethno-religious minorities, 

the number of visas is not proportionate 

to the number of individuals 

and families who suffer or have been 

purged by ISIS.” 

President Trump did state the administration 

would prioritize Christians 

in 2017, but the item was later 

struck down. “The administration 

should request to prioritize ethnic 

and religious minorities that have 

been victims of genocide,” stated 

Manna in the documents to the Vice 

President. 

Currently there are many Christian 

Iraqis at risk of begin deported. 

On June 11, 2017, U.S. Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 

began arresting and detaining a 

large number of nationals – mostly 

Chaldeans – in preparation for deportation. 

In July of last year, the 

District Court of the Eastern District 

of Michigan issued a preliminary 

injunction barring the government 

from executing removal orders 

against petitioners. 

Manna also noted to the Vice 

President that during a visit to 

Michigan, President Donald Trump 

met with Congressional Member’s 

John Moolenar, Jack Bergman and 

Paul Mitchell and was briefed about 

Chaldeans at-risk of deportations. 

“President Trump stated his willingness 

to find a solution,” said Manna, 

“which can be confirmed by the 

Members of Congress.” 

The meeting and follow up 

documentations were designed to 

further educate this current administration 

on Chaldeans in America 

and around the globe. “We will 

continue with this dialogue,” said 

Manna. “It is important that all of 

our elected leaders from the President 

on down understand our community, 

our needs and how we have 

contributed to the fabric of this 

country.” 

Vice President Pence did acknowledge 

the issues and asked that 

his staff immediately follow-up on 

the issues. 


Please join us for our fourth annual 

ENTREPRENEUR 

FORUM 

Hear the stories and tips for success 

from four of our community’s brightest: 

ZEANA ATTISHA 

Sahara Restaurant & Grill 

Sahara Market & Bakery 

JOHN DENHA 

Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous 

Mac & Brews Restaurant; 

Little Caesar’s Pizza Franchisee 

JOHN JONNA & 

KRISTEN JONNA 

Vinotecca & Vinology Restaurants 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 

SHENANDOAH COUNTRY CLUB 

5600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 

PROGRAM: 6:15-7:15 P.M. 

Open Bar + Light Appetizers 

Admission is free, but you must RSVP: 

info@chaldeannews.com 

ZAID ELIA 

220 Merrill; Parc; Subway Restaurants; 

The Duke Cocktail Bar; Zalman’s Deli; Doubletree 

by Hilton in Bloomfield Hills; and Anchor Bar 

Moderated by 

VANESSA 

DENHA GARMO 

Co-Publisher & 

Editor-in-Chief, 

Chaldean News 

Founder, 

Denha Media 

Group 

SPONSORED BY: 

CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 

Chaldean News: The voice of the community since 2003 


The art of an entrepreneur 

Ten tips to survive in a competitive world 


John Jonna fell into the food and beverage 

industry because it was the only venture 

opened to the newly arriving Chaldean 

Immigrants to the United States. If you are 

truly to understand John Jonna, you will realize 

that he is an ardent entrepreneur and a 

well-versed passionate educator whose business 

classroom is in retail and restaurants. 

His business sense began to develop when 

the Jonna family opened their first store – an 

1,800 square-foot grocery store called Union 

Pacific Market located in the inner city of Detroit 

at the corner of Brush and Brewster. 

The philosophy was simple. “The customer 

is your friend, your supporter, and your 

source of income,” he noted. “If you treat every 

customer well and fairly, they will reward 

you with unending loyalty.” 

John is the 5th of 7 children born to George 

and Hanniya Jonna. Growing up in Detroit in 

a large and caring extended family was instrumental 

in his formative years. Living in poverty 

was not easy, but he never forgets the wise 

words of his beloved elder brother Jimmy: “As 

my very wise brother Jimmy said, ‘John, the 

world is 95 percent good. Every human being 

deserves respect and a little kindness.” 

In the 70’s, he joined his brother Eddie 

who created the Merchant of Vino, a visionary 

wine and gourmet food shoppe. Merchant of Vino 

was in operation for 20 years. John and two of his 

three children, Kristen and Vinny, ventured into 

the restaurant business. They own Vinology in 

Ann Arbor and Vinotecca Wine Bar in Birmingham, 

opened in the 90’s, and are part owners of 

Jolly Pumpkin in Royal Oak. 

“When transitioning from one business, of 

which you are familiar, to the next, of which you 

have less experience, be careful, do your homework, 

and be prepared for the long haul,” he said. 

Over the years, Jonna has dished out business 

advice to employees, his children and anyone who 

has ever asked for it. He has strong beliefs on how 

to grow and survive in this intensely competitive 

environment. Here are his top 10 tips. 

1. Learn the art of listening: How many 

times, in the middle of a testy conversation, have 

you heard the refrain “You’re not listening to me.” 

We are all afflicted with this simple lack of concentration. 

In building our gourmet business over the 

years, our customer was our best resource, because 

I, in particular, learned the art of patient listening. 

I learned quickly that empathy in conversation. I 

repeatedly used the phrase “I know how you feel.” 

Most people don’t want pity; they just want to you 

John Jonna 

to understand how they feel, whether it be joy, or 

sadness, or depression. Engagement is also very 

powerful - listen more and talk less. Whenever a 

client was looking for a new product, I always responded 

with “tell me more, tell why you like it, 

tell me how to use it.” That’s engagement. In dealing 

with special items, follow up was critical. If we 

did not find the product in two days, we called our 

client and told them we were on the hunt. Another 

call came in a week with success or failure, 

but always letting our client know we were trying. 

Finally, follow up: when the product arrived, a 

friendly reminder that it was ready for pickup. This 

system created an eternally grateful customer base, 

and lead us to many new items that would have 

taken years to discover. This “discovery” was also 

combined with my insatiable and endless reading 

and research on the world of gourmet food. 

2. Continually learn: Self education is imperative. 

In my youth at Visitation School, I got to 

play basketball with the first Chaldean basketball 

superstar, Jimmy Yono. He was everyone’s idol and 

played varsity ball. One day in the damp, dim, 

funky gym, I asked Jimmy if he would teach me 

how to shoot foul shots. He looked at me, smiled, 

and with that all knowing grin said “No, no one 

can teach how to shoot a foul shot. I can show you 

my technique, but you have to teach yourself.” 

Well, it’s pretty obvious, stop blaming your 

teacher, and start teaching yourself, endlessly, 

continuously and forever. Read, read, read, fall 

asleep and read more. 

3. Develop a sense of vision: Gaze intently 

into the future. When we started Merchant 

of Vino, no had ever imagined that customers 

would ever actually pay for bottled water. 

What? Water is free right. The world is changing 

so fast, that those who sit still will be like 

the house by the side of the road, rumbling 

and creaking as the speeding train goes by. Remember, 

my father and yours saw the first light 

bulb, first airplane, first television, first car. I 

will bet you a dollar the first liquor store on 

Mars will be owned by a Chaldean. 

4. Be a true entrepreneur: This definition 

was given to me by a 90-year-old Ph.D. professor 

in the Wharton School of Business: An 

entrepreneur is a motivated individual in the 

relentless pursuit of opportunity. Key words 

here are “motivated” and “relentless.” Don’t 

just profess it, live it. 

5. Follow the Japanese business philosophy 

of Kaizen: This is the combination of Zen 

philosophy and the teachings on quality circle 

by Dr. Edward Demming. It states that quality 

and success are based on the principle of 

extreme dedication to continuous improvement 

in everything. This takes a serious study, but well 

worth it, because quality is important. 

6. Never quit: Never stop moving forward, under 

any and all circumstances. Failure is just a small 

learning bump, albeit painful. 

7. Follow the angle: Every business opportunity 

has a hidden method of success, sometimes obvious, 

sometimes not, sometimes political, sometimes 

an unknown relationship, but always there. 

Read between the lines. 

8. Take the high road: Honesty is just that, 

and once you choose it, your reputation and respect 

will spread fast. My Father always said, “If you 

are honest, people will love you, but once a thief, 

always a thief.” 

9. Respect your elders: Please, please, once 

in a while take the advice of your elders. Parents, 

old crusty uncles and aunts, colorful cousins, good 

balding friends, shoe shine men. Old people are 

old, but they have been through a lot, and have 

much wisdom buried in their wizened skin. 

10. Stay healthy: Prevention is the key to getting 

sick. You will be shocked how a small amount 

of exercise, a tweak in diet and a bright optimistic 

outlook can improve health. Learn to live and tolerate 

your pain, and the pain of others. 


Michigan Interventional Pain Associates 

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Ascension care teams deliver compassionate, personalized care that 

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From YouTube to Radio Disney 

BY M. LAPHAM 

Sydney Alton started by recording YouTube 

videos. Now she was walked the red carpet at 

the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards at the 

company’s request. 

While she didn’t perform at the show, she does 

have a history with Radio Disney. Last spring, she 

became the first Chaldean to have a song to play 

on the station, with her song “Up for Air.” 

Her career’s early connection to Disney holds 

a special significance for Alton, in no small part 

because of her chance to reach kids. 

“I love working with the Disney family, because 

I get to inspire kids and being someone they can 

look up to is an honor I don’t take for granted,” 

says Alton. 

A native of Farmington Hills, she is not from 

a particularly musical family. However, when her 

family found her singing around the time she began 

to talk, they realized she had a special talent. 

Throughout Alton’s career her family has given her 

constant support, for which she is thankful. 

Her musical side continued to bloom. She 

wrote songs in elementary school, joined the choir, 

took piano lessons and performed as the Cheshire 

Cat in her middle school’s musical rendition of Alice 

in Wonderland. 

Then came the YouTube videos. 

Alton began to record and upload songs, mostly 

covers (a song previously written and recorded by 

someone else) at first. With that, her following began 

to grow and she was able to build a connection 

with her fan base early in her career. 

While she usually sang the work of others in 

those early recordings, her current crop of music 

is all written by Alton, who says the songs come 

from authentic experiences and emotions. She will 

sometimes wait or work longer with some songs to 

maintain that personal connection with her music 

so she gives her fans the best music possible. 

That personal connection may end up having 

a flavor not often found in the world of pop music. 

Alton is interested in incorporating elements 

of Middle Eastern culture and influences into pop 

and R&B style in the future songs she writes. 

Her songs have shown up on Spotify, Apple 

Music, and iTunes. Her song “Soldier,” has done 

particularly well, having been streamed more than 

300,000 times. As of September 17, Alton has 

1,860 monthly listeners on Spotify. (Just to clarify 

that means 1,860 in one month, not an average.) 

She recently released the single “Quiet Girl” on 

the three platforms. The early fan response was 

very positive. It can be listened to at iTunes, Spotify, 

and Amazon 

Of course, it isn’t all recording for Alton. She 

has had live performances in Detroit’s New Year’s 

Eve Drop and at the Salvation Army Christmas 

Kettle. Those shows brought out loyal fans. 

“It was so special to me. It was an honor to be 

a part of such an amazing event,” Alton says of 

the Salvation Army experience. “The fact that we 

were raising money for families in the Christmas 

season made it all worthwhile.” 

She would like to do more live performances 

and hopes to go on tour in the near future, likely to 

coincide with a début EP, which is a recording that 

is more than a single, but less than an album, she 

is working on. 

Playing for a Salvation Army event may be only 

the beginning of Alton’s charitable work. She has 

been looking into other charities that could use her 

talent. UNICEF in particular has caught her eye 

because of its mission to put children all over the 

world first by providing health care and immunizations, 

safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, 

emergency relief and more. 

Alton is a young woman who wants to make 

difference – with her music, in her life and by inspire 

others. 

Wherever Alton’s trajectory takes her one 

thing is for sure, she launched from a sturdy place 

with deep roots. 

You can follow Alton on Twitter, Facebook, 

Instagram, Snapchat. All are @Sydneyalton. Her 

website is http://www.sydneyalton.com/. Her You- 

Tube page is youtube.com/sydxoxo22. 


Dear Family and Friends, 

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the 

tremendous support you have given me these 

past 18 years. Thank you for your steadfast 

support, your words of encouragement and 

your powerful prayers. It has been my honor 

to serve you. I come to you again seeking 

your support on Nov. 6. 

Diane Dickow D’Agostini 

Chief Judge-48th District Court 

www.votejudgediane.com 

Vote Judge Diane D’Agostini 

Paid for by the Citizens to Reelect Judge Diane D’Agostini, 

P.O. Box 7262, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 

CHALDEANNEWS.COM 

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Finding the silver lining 

How a diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease has led to profound learning 

BY MONIQUE MANSOUR 

Six hours after Camden 

Manning was born, her 

mother, Vanessa Yaldoo 

Manning of West Bloomfield, 

noticed something was 

awry. “Camden did not want 

to nurse, she vomited a green 

bile, and she did not pass her 

first stool.” 

Her medical team thought 

it was a meconium plug, so an 

emergency surgery was immediately 

scheduled after an x- 

ray revealed a blockage. But it 

soon became evident that the 

surgery didn’t solve the problem 

completely. 

“After three surgeries at 

only three days old, along with 

multiple biopsies, the doctors 

diagnosed Camden with total 

colonic Hirschsprung’s disease.” 

Camden was born with 

the disease, which affects the 

large intestine and sometimes 

the small intestine as well, 

as is the case for Camden. 

Hirschsprung’s causes problems 

with passing stool because of 

missing nerve cells in the intestines. 

“Hirschsprung’s disease occurs in 

one out of every 5,000 births, and 

more often effects males than females. 

There is no cure for this disease, 

but there are many options to 

correct the bowels so that a healthy 

life can be achieved. The most common 

option for treatment is called a 

pull through surgery, which we hope 

to have done for Camden soon,” 

said Manning. 

Manning isn’t exactly sure how 

Camden acquired the condition. 

“Hirschsprung’s can be genetic, but 

my husband, Andrew, and I have no 

family history of it on either side.” It 

is believed that a genetic mutation 

caused it in Camden’s case. “I have 

met one other Chaldean family with 

a daughter who has the same condition, 

so I don’t believe it is more or 

less common in families of Middle 

Eastern descent,” said Manning. 

Camden is the third child of 

Manning and her husband, Andrew. 

As a result, learning of Camden’s 

diagnosis was quite the shock, especially 

after having no medical complications 

with her older children. 

“You will always love your children 

no matter what. God has 

given Camden to us the way she 

is, because he knew we were strong 

enough to raise her as she is. The 

hardest two months we’ve ever 

faced was when Camden was born, 

but the doctors say the first five 

years will not be any easier.” 

Despite the difficulties and the 

hardships, Manning is incredibly 

grateful for the people that have been 

put into her life through Camden’s 

diagnosis. “The medical professionals 

we have interacted with have been 

nothing short of amazing. We have 

met other families like us through 

social media who have become lifelong 

friends. The Ronald McDonald 

Foundation has been such a gift to 

us and to others. They help families 

in need who have children receiving 

care in the hospital. After Camden 

turned one, I made sure to give back 

by bringing dinner for the families 

staying there.” 

Camden, now two years old, undergoes 

a specialized daily regimen 

as part of her medical treatment for 

Hirschsprung’s. “Each day Camden is 

hooked up to an IV nutrition feeding 

tube. It runs for more than ten hours 

while she sleeps. This past July, her 

surgeons added a G-tube in hopes to 

eliminate the need for IV nutrition 

feeding,” explained Manning. “In 

addition to her IV nutrition feeding, 

she is also receiving enteral feedings 

for more than ten hours while she 

sleeps. I change the dressing over her 

broviac, which must be performed 

in the most sterile conditions as 

possible once a week. Additionally, 

Camden has an ostomy bag, which 

we change every other day for her. 

Camden also takes several medications 

by mouth daily.” 

Despite the daily and consistent 

measures Camden has to undergo in 

order to live a healthy life, her spirits 

are bright. “Camden has always 

been a very happy child, extremely 

strong-willed and super sweet at the 

same time. You honestly would never 

know that she had this condition 

unless her clothes were off. She is so 

proud of who she is and is very smart 

about her condition,” said Manning. 

The journey Manning, Camden, 

and the family have had to undergo 

hasn’t always been easy, but the lessons 

learned along the way have 

been profound and long lasting. 

“Having a daughter with this illness 

has taught me that we are stronger 

than we know. You don’t realize 

what you can actually accomplish 

when you truly don’t have a choice. 

Life is precious and life is a gift from 

God. I wouldn’t change Camden in 

any way. She is very special and I 

know she will do great things in this 

world one day,” said Manning. “Our 

daughter is a miracle - we wouldn’t 

have it any other way, I just pray that 

she has a normal life one day with 

minimal complications.” 


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ECONOMICS & enterprise 

Ice Cream 

to Order 

BY M. LAPHAM 

Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or just a 

way to beat the heat, there is no doubt people 

love ice cream. It is so loved, they bring 

it home from the store and still have their favorite 

places to go and indulge. 

With all of that, how does someone even attempt 

to open a new store and hope to be successful? 

If that someone is Simon Gaggo, owner and 

founder of iFreeze Creamery, you find a less ordinary 

way to make your ice cream. You freeze it 

with liquid nitrogen, allowing fewer ice crystals 

and a creamier dessert 

Liquid nitrogen ice cream is not a new thing. 

Gaggo first discovered it while in another state. IFreeze 

Creamery is one of the few to use the process 

in Southeast Michigan. 

“(The) first summer we did amazing,” said Gaggo. 

“It was something new.” 

Using nitrogen to make the ice cream has been 

a successful choice. The original location at 43702 

Schoenherr Rd. in Sterling Heights opened just 

last year. Gaggo has already expanded to two locations, 

including another store in Sterling Heights 

at 3546 15 Mile Rd. and one in West Bloomfield at 

6331 Haggerty Rd. 

The idea for the ice cream parlor came to Gaggo 

when he was working in plumbing, of all things. 

They had been using liquid nitrogen at work. 

He took it home with him and started “playing 

around with it.” Remembering when he saw it before, 

he figured out how to use it to make ice cream. 

Six months later, he had a shop. 

Aside from the enhanced creaminess, using 

liquid nitrogen allows smaller batches and, with 

that, fresher ice cream. Whereas places like Basken 

Robins have tubs of ice cream sitting in a freezer, 

iFreeze makes it right in front of you in a matter of 

minutes. 

“All of our ice cream is made fresh to order,” 

said Gaggo. 

It’s an interesting combination of culinary and 

chemistry. 

First, you put the cream, and whatever flavor is 

wanted in a bowl, then you add the liquid nitrogen 

Liquid nitrogen is -321 degrees Fahrenheit. So, 

when the room temperature air, meet a cloud of fog 

forms when the water molecules condense. 

Then, once the fog of nitrogen is cleared away, 

it can be scooped, when the customer decides how 

soft it should be. 

Given the extreme temperature, it is a quick 

process. It also means it melts as soon as it hits 

your mouth. 

Gaggo says that show is part of the reason people 

come in to the store. 

That novelty may have been an important 

first step. However, Gaggo believes word of mouth 

made his business – both the old-fashioned way 

and with social media. Families told other family 

members about it, he said. 

Despite the two expansions, iFreeze Creamery 

is still a relatively personal store, with no more 

than two or three employees at each location. 

Gaggo is often hustling between the stores, taking 

care of the background business, but if you walk 

into the shop you’ll see it is a family affair. The 

folks behind could likely be his brother, fiancé or 

another family member. 

“We want to try and keep it in the family,” said 

Gaggo. When he expanded into West Bloomfield 

and needed a partner, while not family in the strict 

sense, he sought out a longtime friend. 

A small number of employees and those personal 

connections may be how iFreeze Creamery 

maintains the customer service that earned it 4.5/5 

stars on the notoriously fickle review website, Yelp. 

iFreeze Creamery is opened year-round, every 

day from 2-10 p.m. 

From Sterling Heights to West Bloomfield, 

and in the future maybe even beyond, it seems ice 

cream and liquid nitrogen is a cool combination 

that gets results. 


fall open house 

Sunday, November 4 

1-4 PM 

Students of all ages welcome! 

Impact. 

When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others 

instead of yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn 

how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you go 

forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle challenges and 

make meaningful contributions. Like Michigan itself, your positive 

impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect. 

gvsu.edu 

1959-2019 

hello! 

Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, 

sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

For admission information, call (248) 644-1946. www.marian-hs.org 

7225 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 

Chaldean News August.indd 1 

7/18/2018 10:33:42 AM 


chaldean on the STREET 

Trick or Treat 

BY HALIM SHEENA 

With Halloween right around the corner, we asked members 

of the community about their favorite costumes. 

I absolutely love Halloween! Jeff and I usually go all 

out. I have a few favorites one year we did Lucy and 

Ricky from I love Lucy and another year we did Al and 

Peg Bundy from Married with Children. 

– Summer Nagarah, 34, Troy 

My favorite Halloween costume is Dayman. Charlie 

Kelly wrote a beautiful play dedicated to his overcoming 

of his childhood feat of Nightman who was 

conquered by DAYMAN, fighter of the night man… It 

sings itself. 

–Alan Alnajjar, 22, West Bloomfield 

My favorite Halloween costume was always dressing 

up as Mario. I always played Mario games on Nintendo 

and always used to say “imma Mario” out loud. I can’t 

wait to dress up my kids in Mario in the near future! 

– Fady Mansour, 24, Commerce Township 

My favorite Halloween costume would be a more traditional 

outfit that I wore one year as a kid. It’s my 

favorite because back then I always loved Halloween 

and fall. I didn’t have a choice in this costume, my 

parents dressed me like this. It’s hilarious to look back 

at and reminisce about old days. 

– Andrew Bashi, 23, West Bloomfield 

My favorite Halloween costume was a few years 

ago when my friend and I decided to go as Mermaid 

Man and Barnacle Boy. We made the costumes from 

scratch. That night we went out partying at MSU and 

everyone loved our costumes. We got compliments 

all night long. We even practiced their catch phrase 

“Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, Unite!” 

–Austin Kallabat, 24, West Bloomfield 

My favorite Halloween costume was Aladdin. This 

was my favorite costume because, growing up with 

Middle Eastern heritage, he was someone I could look 

up to. I watched all the cartoon shows about him and 

I had all the movies. 

– Niahl Sheena, 22, Keego Harbor 


Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. 

Attorneys and Counselors at Law 

Ronald G. Acho 

Norman E. Richards (Gene) 

ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW 

The Estate Planning and Elder Law Practice Group at CMDA 

offers a broad range of estate planning services. Each client is 

unique, and we take the time to understand their specific needs 

to create a plan that ensures assets accumulated during their 

lifetime are protected and distributed appropriately. 

• Wills and Trusts 

• Probate 

• Estate and Trusts 

Administration 

• Elder Law 

• Wealth Transfer Planning 

• Guardianships and 

Conservatorships 

• Succession Planning for 

Business Owners 

• Non-Profit and Tax-Exempt 

Organizations 

A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW 

(734) 261-2400 • www.cmda-law.com • racho@cmda-law.com 

Content Creators & Communication Strategists 

Our team will create your communication 

strategy; we will clearly and concisely pen 

your message for your various platforms. 

• Websites 

• Newsletters and Publications 

• Blogs 

• Op-eds 

• Press Releases and Advisories 

• Social Media Sites 

• Speeches, talking points or 

brief remarks for events 

• Presentations and reports for 

sales people, experts and CEOs 

• Brochures, programs, marketing 

and public relations material 

• Multi-media production such as 

marketing videos, commercial scripts, 

podcasts, on-hold messages and voice-overs 

As an award-winning 

journalist for both 

broadcast and print, 

founder of Denha Media 

Group, Vanessa Denha 

Garmo has an adaptable 

writing style and has 

trained members of her 

team on various writing 

techniques. 

“You have to know how 

to tell your story if you 

want others to care 

about your story and if 

you want the media to 

cover your story.” 

— Vanessa Denha Garmo 

FREE 30-MINUTE MEDIA MAKE-OVER 

Vanessa Denha-Garmo is offering a free 30-minute consultation for any subscriber to the 

Chaldean News. It’s a Media Make-over, customized to provide feedback on a wide-range 

of areas including your company’s website, blogs, newsletters, as well as how to get an 

interview and how to be interviewed. Denha Media Group specializes in content creation 

and content marketing. To set up a meeting, please contact Vanessa at 248-702-8687 or 

send an email to: vanessa@denhamedia.com 

info@denhamedia.com 248.702.8687 

It’s a great time 

to purchase 

or refi nance 

your home. 

INTEREST RATES ARE 

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Experience the difference with 

someone experienced. 

Always the lowest rates, 

best service and most trusted! 

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Mortgage Lender 

NMLS ID 140725 

Offi ce: 248 593-9900 Ext 222 

Cell: 248 752-1722 

Email: slafave@yorkloan.com 

Serving the Chaldean Community Since 1990 

CALL TODAY! 

248 593-9900 

Ext 222 


event 

Awake 

My Soul 

The Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center hosted yet another successful 

Awake My Soul. This year, ECRC’s annual spiritual festival 

boasted an English and Arabic program. The English program speakers 

included Fr. Dave Pivonka, Tim Glemkowski, and Fr. Bryan Kassa. 

The Arabic program featured speakers Fr. Fadi Matloob and Fr. Sameem 

Balius. Performing religious carols and hymns was Joumana Mdawar. This 

year’s event was especially successful, drawing in more attendees than ever. 


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Office Office Office (248) (248)737-6800 Office (248)737-6800 • Mobile • Mobile • (248)752-4010 

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www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com 

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Palladium 

Financial GrouP, llc 

MOrTGaGE brOKEr NMLS 128686 

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NMLS 128715 

30095 Northwestern Hwy, ste. 103 

Farmington Hills , Michigan 48334 

Office (248) 737-9500 

Direct (248) 939-1985 

Fax (248) 737-1868 

Email MortgageGabe@aol.com 

www.palladiumfinancialgroup.com 

CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 


FOUNDATION 

SANA NAVARRETTE 

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 

Lakes Area Montessori 

For Toddler, Pre-School, Kindergarten, 

Elementary, Before & After Care 

Call to Schedule a Tour! 

Walled Lake, MI 

248-360-0500 

www.lakesareamontessori.com 

Dr. Scott Samona, M.D. 

Hand, Wrist and Microvascular Surgeon 

Dearborn 

22731 Newman 

Street, Suite 100A 

313 561-4910 

www.msspc.org 

Brownstown 

19725 Allen Road 

Building 1 Suite A 

855-450-2020 

ELIAS KATTOULA 

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER 

HealtH Insurance 

& MedIcare specIalIst 

stephen M. George 

office 248-535-0444 

fax 248-633-2099 

stephengeorge1000@gmail.com 

Contact me for a free consultation 

on Health Care Reform, Medicare 

and Life Insurance 

CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 


FOUNDATION 

SANA NAVARRETTE 

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER 

30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

TEL (248) 851-1200 

FAX (248) 851-1348 

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com 

www.chaldeanchamber.com 


Twitter: @ChaldeanChamber 

Instagram: @ChaldeanAmericanChamber 

3601 15 Mile Road 


TEL: (586) 722-7253 

FAX: (586) 722-7257 

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org 


30850 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 200 

BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025 

TEL: (248) 996-8340 CELL: (248) 925-7773 

FAX: (248) 996-8342 

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com 

www.chaldeanchamber.com 


Twitter: @ChaldeanChamber 

Instagram: @ChaldeanAmericanChamber 

classified 

listing 

HELP WANTED 

We are seeking an Executive 

Head Housekeeper position 

Immediately in Wixom, MI 

248-735-2781. 

Ask for Patricia GM

event 

Stride for 

Seminarians 

The Fifth Annual Stride for Seminarians was 

hosted in loving memory of Alexander and 

Gabrielle Mansour. Like previous years, the 

event was once again hosted at the Detroit Zoo 

on Sunday, September 23. Several members 

of the community participated in the annual 

event. Following the walk around the zoo, 

Bishop Francis celebrated Mass. All proceeds 

from this event will benefit the Chaldean 

Seminarians fund. For more information, 

visit www.alexandgabby.com 



KIDS corner 

HALLOWEEN 

FUN 

MAKE IT 

SPOOKY! 

Get creative 

and draw a 

face on this 

jack o’ lantern! 

BATS 

BLACK 

BOO 

CANDY 

COSTUME 

WORD SEARCH 

GHOST 

HALLOWEEN 

MONSTER 

OCTOBER 

ORANGE 

PUMPKINS 

SKELETON 

SPIDER 

SPOOKY 

TREAT 

TRICK 

VAMPIRE 

WEREWOLF 

WITCH 

ZOMBIE 

C T S I J Q H R Q X J S C Y O R H X G H L W U S C 

F O R N M O N S T E R P A O L C E V P R T J Y Z Z 

L M S I I I I E E S X O U S T H T D P J H F G N P 

H F H T C K Y Q G I H O G I F G M M I B L A C K A 

H N O L U K P E O O J K W C C I C O T P N A L H U 

P O O J G M R M L K I Y X K S T B D O Z S N F A C 

Z H C I T P E I U J X R Z A Y R O I D B O F F L J 

T H D J P M O F Y P C F A M T E V W E I E U V L K 

D J T R H H N O T E L E K S E A C R N E Y W A O U 

T A X K M N B J R C C C Z R X T H H N V A P I W U 

S N E J H I I W Q X Q O I F W O V L A T K J P E I 

O Z W J G S E N I W M P R R Y C X C N K L Q X E I 

H L J P X R C S U B M U F C V G H Q A S C B N N B 

G X G L E R C O I A K O Y N E U G C H D B B F D K 

P H Z W T E F E V V M A D Y X U X U F M E F N E U 

L R O K F B C K K W L L I H Z X B W B D A M E M H 

U L W R D O I N E K J A Y Q L C U G D R Z D J W D 

F O M L W T J K T U C W T Z A F T T J N W L K A R 

L J Q P P C E G N A R O I N P H A W V H B S Q A R 

W S U Y S O F E B T L W D D D I I W X L A V B G X 

K E Q V W F I Q V J E Y H N O D E X S V R Q T G J 

K K O T N Q N Y Q C W H C V V A X J L T P A J M Z 

I Q P C T E O S X X Z V R U G L Q K Z U C O Z O X 

J J K S H Y X O R Y Q S O R K M K B W P M O L W F 

F F P Y H L Z S T A B X L A C I I J N Y X L D U O

OCTOBER 2018

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