JUNE 2004

$2 VOL. 1 ISSUE V METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY 

JUNE 2004 

The Chaldean News 

30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 102 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

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PLEASE DELIVER BY JUNE 1, 2004

CONTENTS 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 1 ISSUE V 

JUNE 2004 

cover 

18 REBUILDING A HOMELAND 

BY VANESSA DENHA AND OMAR BINNO 

What is the future of Chaldeans in Iraq? 

ON THE COVER: 

YONADAM KANNA, 

MEMBER - IRAQ GOVERNING 

COUNCIL, VISITS 

SOUTHFIELD MANOR 

PHOTO BY ALEX LUMELSKY 

departments 

4 FROM THE EDITOR 

5 YOUR LETTERS 

6 NOTEWORTHY 

8 HALHOLE 

10 CHAI TIME 

13 ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE 

HOTSPOT OPENS IN ROYAL OAK BY MERVIT BASHI 

Vinotecca offers three distinct experiences 

18 

14 RELIGION 

A list of churches with mass schedules 

features 

20 A DEMOCRATIC IRAQ? 

BY VANESSA DENHA 

The Iraqi Ambassador to the United 

States answers questions about Iraq 

22 ‘THE TIES THAT BIND’ 

BY JOVAN KASSAB 

Arabic, Chaldean and Jewish 

students participate in a high 

school diversity program 

24 CAREER PATHWAYS 

BY CRYSTAL C. KASSAB-JABIRO 

High schoolers look to the future 

26 CHALDEAN AMERICAN 

CHAMBER CELEBRATES 

FIRST YEAR 

BY JOYCE WISWELL 

Business organization 

develops strong voice 

27 A NEW GM FOR 

SHENANDOAH 

BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF 

Paul Rizza talks about running 

a top-notch club 

31 ELECTION ROUNDUP 

Local school board elections 

being held this month 

8 

17 

26 

20 

27 

14 OBITUARIES 

16 IRAQ TODAY/AROUND THE WORLD 

17 ONE-ON-ONE 

DAN SENOR: CHARTING IRAQ’S PROGRESS 

28 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 

SALAM KAKKA: NEW MUSIC 

FOR A NEW GENERATION BY OMAR BINNO 

Detroit resident adds techno and hip-hop to Arabic music 

30 FROM THE BENCH 

ALCOHOL AND TEENS BY HON. DIANE DICKOW D’AGOSTINI 

The legal consequences are real 

33 MA BASEEMA 

36 IN GOOD HEALTH 

UNDER PRESSURE BY JENNIFER KORAIL 

Stress can be especially hard on immigrants 

38 THE DOCTOR IS IN 

CHOLESTEROL AND YOUR HEALTH BY DR. LANORE P. NAJOR 

Know the good from the bad 

40 KIDS CORNER 

Flag Day 

41 QUESTION OF THE MONTH 

June: What was the best advice your dad ever gave you? 

42 EVENTS 

CALC Party Extravaganza 

JUNE 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

from the EDITOR 

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Can We Call 

Iraq Home? 

There is no doubt that I 

am proud to be 

Chaldean. However, I 

secretly envy other ethnic 

groups that have a country 

they can truly call home. 

Italian Americans can vacation 

in Italy, visiting the vineyards 

of their ancestors. The 

same goes for the Greeks 

who travel to Athens and 

view the Parthenon and the 

French who stand in front of the 

Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is their heritage. 

But do Chaldeans really have a 

homeland? That is the question we 

wanted answered in this issue of 

The Chaldean News. It was fortunate 

for us that as we approach the 

June 30 deadline of the U.S. transfer 

of power over to the Iraqis, two 

prominent leaders visited Michigan. 

We caught up with both the ambassador 

of Iraq, Rend Al-Rahim, and 

with Iraqi Government Council 

member Yonadam Kanna. 

Our cover piece reports on those 

visits and addresses the future fate 

of Chaldeans in Iraq. We were also 

able to tie this cover issue with our 

One-on-One feature. Over the 

phone from Baghdad we talked with 

Dan Senor, a senior advisor to 

Presidential Envoy L. Paul Bremer 

III, administrator of the Coalition 

Provisional Authority. 

Senor has been in Baghdad off 

and on for several months and has 

first-hand knowledge of what is 

going on in Iraq. We wanted to 

hear the news from him, and he 

delivered. 

Someone once said that home is 

where your heart is. My heart is in 

America but part of my soul is in 

Iraq, not because I was born there 

or have even visited, but because of 

the stories told to me by my parents, 

grandparents, aunts and uncles live 

within me. Their lives in Iraq have 

become a part of me. One day I 

hope to visit the homes where my 

parents grew up, the churches 

where they worshiped, the schools 

VANESSA 

DENHA 

EDITOR 

they attended, the mountains 

they climbed and the 

fields they plowed. The 

stories I have been told 

would then come alive. 

Our goal for this June 

issue was to heavily focus 

on Iraq and its people. 

That is why this month’s In 

Good Health highlights the 

struggles of being an immigrant. 

Contributing writer 

Jennifer Korail spoke to members 

of our community who were candid 

about the ups and downs of leaving 

their homeland and the stresses in 

adapting to a new country. 

This month we celebrate 

Father’s Day, so we would be foolish 

not to mention our dads. In the 

Question of the Month we asked, 

what was the best advice your dad 

ever gave you? Thanks to all who 

participated. 

My dad lived by philosophies 

that I try to emulate every day. At 

this uncertain time one of his 

favorites stands out above the rest. 

It is simply called the Serenity 

Prayer, and I can’t help but think 

about it when hearing reports about 

Iraq: “God grant me the serenity to 

accept the things I cannot change, 

the courage to change the things I 

can and the wisdom to know the 

difference.” 

Much is out of our hands at this 

time. We heed the advice of our 

dads and try to elevate ourselves to 

a higher level. We can only pray that 

the future is bright for all in Iraq. 

Alaha Imid Koullen 

(God Be With Us All) 

Vanessa Denha 

vdenha@chaldeannews.com 

Letters to the editor can be sent via 

email to vdenha@chaldeannews.com 

or to: The Chaldean News, Letters to 

the Editor, 30095 Northwestern Hwy., 

Ste 102, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

4 CHALDEAN NEWS JUNE 2004

your LETTERS 

Discourage or Encourage? 

Last month you had an article that 

was titled "From Dice to Demons" 

and this month you have an article 

on how Chaldeans are becoming 

great poker players. Just curious if 

the paper is going to take a stand 

and help Chaldeans with their gambling 

problems or encourage it. I 

am writing this e-mail as a concerned 

Chaldean not to knock your 

paper, because I truly think it is the 

best thing that has been published 

for our community ever. 

Rudy Patros 

Great Partners 

Congratulations on an exceptional 

publication! The Chaldean News is 

a great resource. I found it informative 

and attractive, and an asset to 

our community. The Detroit 

Regional Chamber is pleased to be 

in partnership with the Chaldean 

American Chamber of Commerce 

and we look forward to helping all of 

our members make money, save 

money and grow. 

Richard E. Blouse, Jr. 

President and CEO, 

Detroit Regional Chamber 

A Suggestion for a New Section 

Keep up the great work. It would be 

great to have a section every month 

on a specific tradition or culture 

trait. It could be an etiquette column 

like what do you do at a wedding, 

engagement, funeral, baptism especially 

since some of the younger 

generation are not familiar with our 

customs and traditions. You can call 

it “Customs and Traditions of the 

Chaldeans.” 

— Robert Khami 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS 

PUBLISHED BY 

The Chaldean News, LLC 

Tony Antone 

Vanessa Denha 

Martin Manna 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR IN CHIEF Vanessa Denha 

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Joyce Wiswell 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mervit Bashi 

Omar Binno 

Crystal C. Kassab-Jabiro 

Jovan Kassab 

Jennifer Korail 

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS 

ART & PRODUCTION 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

DESIGNER 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

OPERATIONS 

Interlink Media 

Hon. Diane Dickow D’Agostini 

Lanore Najor M.D. 

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

Zina Bahrou with SKY Creative 

Mae Bashi 

SALES DIRECTOR Sandra Jolagh 

SALES ASSOCIATES Interlink Media 

Angelo Binno 

Riva Kalasho 

Silvia Zoma 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS 

30095 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY • STE 102 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 

WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM 

PH: 248-932-3100 • FAX: 248-932-9161 

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NOTEworthy 

[Local] 

MAKING A PAC 

The Chaldean American Chamber of 

Commerce has created two new Political 

Action Committees: Chaldean American 

Political Action Committee for local and state 

affairs and the ChaldoAssyrian Political 

Action Committee for National Affairs 

(Federal PAC). 

TWO WELL-KNOWN BANDS 

BECOME ONE 

The former lead singer of the band Cheers, Thia 

Shina is now part of a duo band joining with 

Ameed Asmaro, lead singer of Al-shams band. 

Friends for more than 25 years, Asmaro and 

Shina are combing their musical talents playing all 

types of Middle Eastern music including Arabic 

and Chaldean. Their Sourath (Aramaic) songs 

include music with Alqosh and Telkaif styles. The 

Al-shams band has been performing since 1986. 

PHOTO BY WILSON SARKIS 

CHALDEAN 

ELECTED 

TO THE BOARD 

Charity Motors, Detroit, a 

nonprofit organization that 

donates proceeds from 

donated vehicles to charities, 

elected Norman 

Yatooma as chairman of 

the board. 

CALC HAS A 

NEW BOARD 

The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity 

(CALC) have appointed new officer positions 

for the 2004-2006 term. 

The current President is Clair Konja; 

Executive Vice President is Rosemary 

Antone; First Vice President is Bernadette 

Najor; Second Vice President is Marcine 

Karmo; Treasurer is Julie Garmo; Assistant 

Treasurer is Julia Hakim; Corresponding 

secretary is Lillian B. Shallal; Assistant 

Corresponding Secretary is Sally Najor; 

Recording Secretary Karen Denha; CALC 

Executive Director, Tammy Kory. 

RESERVES FOR 2004-2006 TERM: Dr. 

Marisa Abbo; Betty Babbie; Rosemary 

Bannon; Dr. Anita Bodiya; Margaret Butti; 

Souriya Denha; Vanessa Denha; Hon. 

Diane Dickow D'Agostini; Jennifer 

Dickow; Norma Hakim; Batool Jaboro; 

Jalila Kainaya; Rita Kainaya; Diane Karmo; 

Mary Kassa; Dr. Suha Kassab; Linda 

Kenaya; Milad Konja; Khalood Kouza; 

Carol Loussia; Hana Manna; Jennifer 

Najor; Nidhal Rassam; Venus Sadek; Hon. 

Nida Samona; Jane Shallal; Shamamta 

Shamoun; Nidhal Rassam; Maisoon Tato. 

DETROITER NAMED 

GOVERNOR OF 

NAJAF IN IRAQ 

He was once jailed and tortured under 

Saddam Hussein’s regime, now the Detroit 

man has become the governor of the Iraq 

province of Najaf. Adnan Alzurufi, a native 

of Najaf, was appointed by the Pentagon. 

The southern city of Najaf is considered 

holy by Shi’ite 

Muslims. 

In 1991, Alzurufi 

took part in an 

uprising against 

Hussein after the 

U.S. invasion of 

Iraq during the first 

Persian Gulf War. 

Alzurufi fled Iraq 

for Detroit in 1994, 

part of a large 

Adnan Alzurufi 

FIRST 

GRADUATING 

CLASS 

Here is a picture of the 

first Graduating Class 

in Iraq who studied all 

12 years speaking 

Aramaic. 

number of Iraqi Shi’ite Muslims who came 

to Michigan after Hussein crushed the 

uprising. In 1997, Alzurufi formed the Iraqi 

Uprising Committee to mobilize local 

Iraqis. In April 2003, he was one of a dozen 

exiles flown by the Pentagon to Iraq as part 

of the rebuilding efforts. 

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GOING TO 

THE OLYMPICS 

Iraq, a soccer-crazed 

country, is sending a team 

to the Olympics. When 

Iraq’s national soccer team 

qualified for the Athens 

Olympics with a victory 

over Saudi Arabia in 

Jordan, rifle shots and tracer 

bullets flew through the 

air all over Baghdad. The 

24-member soccer team 

will join six other athletes 

who will compete in swimming, 

weightlifting, track, 

wrestling, boxing and taekwondo. 

Only four athletes 

competed in the Sydney 

Olympics in 2000. The 

Iraqis will walk into the stadium 

under the old national 

red, white and black flag. 

So much negative commentary 

greeted the recent 

debut of a new blue, yellow 

and white banner meant to 

symbolize the new Iraq that 

it is still being debated. 

Please fax over any press 

releases or news items to 

the Editorial Department at 

248-932-9161 

Iraq's Ahmad Alwan 

has the inside track 

toward the ball ahead 

of Saudi Arabia's 

Walid Jahdali during 

a May 12 game 

in Jordan. 

PHOTO BY HUSSEIN MALLA/AP 

THE NEW 

IRAQI FLAG 

The flag was designed by 

Rifaat Shadershi, a 

London-based artist who is 

the brother of Governing 

Council member Nassir Al 

Shadershi. It is made up 

of two blue stripes representing 

the Tigris and 

Euphrates rivers separated 

by a yellow stripe symbolizing 

Iraq’s Kurdish minority. 

The stripes are topped by a 

white space featuring an 

Islamic crescent in the middle. 

Officials have yet to 

decide whether the crescent 

should be red or golden. 

The Governing Council 

voted 24 to 1 to approve. 

The one vote against was 

Yonadam Kanna. The flag 

represents Islam and 

Kurds and does not represent 

Iraq’s history of the 

Chaldeans and Assyrians. 

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HALHOLE! 

[Births] 

Grace Suzanne 

Jeff and Nikki (Hesano) Antone are proud to announce the birth of their second 

child, Grace Suzanne. Grace was born on April 17, 2004 at 1:39 p.m. 

She weighed 7 lb, 3 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Grace has a 

22-month-old big brother named Joey who loves her very much. Her grandparents 

are Zuhair and Rosemary Antone and Sharkey and Sue Hesano. 

Jake Matthew 

John and Alison Hesano announce the birth of their first child, Jake 

Matthew. Jake was born on April 13, 2004, weighing 7 lbs 3 oz and measuring 

21 inches long. John, Alison and Jake live in New York but visit 

Michigan often. Jake’s proud grandparents are Sharkey and Sue Hesano 

and Alan and Phyllis Schacher. 

Matthew William 

Nicole and Roger DiVito would like to announce the birth of their third child, 

Matthew William. Matthew was born on April 30, 2004 and weighed 7 1/2 

lbs. Matthew’s big brothers are Ben and Christopher. Proud grandparents 

are Harry and Laila (Atchu) Croon. 

Aiden Joseph and Brendan Kenneth 

Tony and Amani Badillo celebrated the christening of their twin boys, Aiden 

Joseph and Brendan Kenneth, on Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004. The boys 

were born Dec. 24, 2003, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Aiden 

weighed in at 6 lbs, 3 ounces, and Brendan was 5 lbs, 2 oz. Proud grandparents 

are Basim and Hayfaa Bahoora. 

Grace Suzanne 

Matthew William 

Jake Matthew 

Aiden Joseph and Brendan Kenneth 

6750 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD 

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[Engagements] 

Lydia and Firas 

Lydia Boji, daughter of Basil and Nancy Boji, happily received the proposal 

of marriage from Firas Shaia, son of Adel and Majida Shaia, in November 

2003. The two will exchange vows at Mother of God Church in September 

2004. Family and friends will celebrate with them at Penna’s of Sterling 

Heights. Lydia is a hair stylist at Bellissima Salon in West Bloomfield, while 

Firas is an entrepreneur and owner of two businesses in Detroit. 

Sommer and Marvin 

Marvin Yono, son of Munim and Sudad, proposed to Sommer Kassab, 

daughter of Salman and Yazdan, on January 31, 2004. The two plan to be 

married in June, 2005 at Shenandoah. The ceremony will take place at 

St. Thomas Church. An engagement party is planned for June, 2004. 

Janice and Chris 

Chris Shamoun, an engineer, son of Steve and Cathy Shamoun, got 

engaged to Janice Najor, daughter of the late George Najar and the daughter 

of Nadia Najor. The two had met through mutual friends and both plan 

on walking down the aisle in November, 2004 at Penna’s of Sterling 

Heights. Family and friends wish the both of them nothing but the best. 

Firas and Lydia 

Sommer and Marvin 

Janice and Chris 

SHARE YOUR 

JOY 

WITH 

THE 

COMMUNITY! 

Please email or mail announcements 

with a photo to the Chaldean News at: 

vdenha@chaldeannews.com 

Chaldean News; c/o Editor 

Subject: Announcements 

30095 NW Hwy, Ste 102 


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CHAI time 

CHALDEANS CONNECTING 

EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT JUNE 2004 

[June 5-13] 

The Pearl Fishers George Bizet’s tale of friendship, 

loyalty and forbidden love is presented at 

the Detroit Opera House. Call (313) 961-3500. 

[Sunday, June 6] 

The Music of Dido The British singer/songwriter 

performs a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox 

Theatre in Detroit. Call (313) 471-6616. 

[Wednesday, June 9-Friday, June 11] 

Clothing Drive The Chaldean American Ladies 

of Charity (CALC) are having a Clothing Drive at 

the Oak Park Mar Addai Church, 24010 

Coolidge Highway. We need a lot of volunteers 

to help with set up. If you can spare a couple of 

hours or more, it would be greatly appreciated. 

Set up date is Wednesday, June 9, 10 a.m.-4 

p.m. We also need volunteers who can spare two 

hours or more for the Clothing Drive, which will 

be held Thursday, June 10 and Friday, June 11, 

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call the office at (248) 352-5018 or 

email Tammy Kory at TammyCALC@aol.com. It is 

important that we all work together and assist 

one another with helping those in need. 

[Friday, June 11-Sunday, June 13] 

Detroit Festival of the Arts Visual and performing 

artists from around the world strut their stuff 

in a 20-block area of Midtown Detroit’s University 

Cultural District. Includes a fine arts and crafts 

market and a great mix of music, dance, theater 

and public art. Visit detroitfestival.com for details. 

[Tuesday, June 15] 

Graduation Day The 22nd Annual College and 

High School Chaldean Federation of America 

Commencement takes place at 1:45 p.m. at the 

Millennium Center in Southfield. A reception starts 

that evening at 8 p.m. at Penna’s of Sterling 

Heights. This year is especially momentous as they 

also congratulate the first graduating class of Nisbin 

High School in Northern Iraq. The CFA is raising 

funds to help those students continue their education 

and reach new heights. To contribute, visit 

www.chaldeanfederation.org/graduates/firstclass.pdf. 

[Wednesday, June 16] 

Networking Meeting Join members of the 

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce at 

their quarterly meeting at the Southfield Manor 

from 7-9 p.m. Special guest is George Jackson, 

president of the Detroit Economic Growth 

Corporation. This is a great opportunity to network 

and promote your business to fellow chamber 

members. To RSVP or for more information 

on joining the chamber, call (248) 538-3700. 

[Friday, June 18-Sunday, June 20] 

JAMbalaya Street Festival The annual event 

includes music, food, an art show, carnival, 

parade and all sorts of family fun. Downtown 

Pontiac on Saginaw Street. Call (248) 334-4600 

or visit pontiacfestivals.com. 

[Saturday, June 19-Sunday, June 20] 

Clay and Glass Art Show More than 120 

artists will display their work among demonstrations, 

food booths and live music. Downtown 

Royal Oak on Washington Street. Call (734) 

216-3958 or visit clayandglass.com. 

Rock City Festival 30 garage rock bands perform 

on two stages and numerous local artists 

display their wares at this all-ages event that 

takes place behind the Majestic Theatre complex. 

Visit rockcityfestival.com. 

[Thursday, June 24] 

Tea Time CIAAM’s Women’s Committee presents 

this event for ladies from 4-6 p.m. in the 

west room of the Southfield Manor. For more 

information call Dr. Salma Ajo at 248-855-0203. 

Chaldean Women’s Business Expo Takes 

place from 6-8 p.m. at the Southfield Manor. 

Presented by CIAAM’s Women’s Committee. 

For more information call Dr. Salma Ajo at 

248-855-0203. 

[Friday, July 9] 

A Generation Apart! The CIAAM youth committee 

presents “Closing the Gap” to help kids and parents 

learn about getting a better understanding of 

each other. Contact Tania at (248) 798-8224. 

[Sunday, July 11] 

Reunion The 2nd Annual Garmo/Karmo Family 

Reunion takes place 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at 

Kensington Park at Picnic Area A (the East Boat 

Launching near the entrance of the park right off 

of Kent Road). Admission is $10 adults and $5 

children. All Garmos/Karmos by birth or marriage 

are welcome, along with your children. 

There will be many fun activities planned for 

young and old. Contact Lena Garmo at (248) 

626-0050 or email lena@garmo.com. We hope 

to see you all there! 

[Friday, August 20] 

Play ball! Celebrate Arab and Chaldean Night at 

Comerica Park as the Tigers take on the 

Mariners. The fun begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are 

$20. Call (248) 932-9160 for more information. 

[Friday, August 27] 

The Battle of Bands! From 9 p.m.-1 a.m., the 

event will promote our talented musicians as 

well as local boutiques. While the bands play 

their own songs, a fashion, hair and makeup 

show will rock to their beats on the runway. A 

cash prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the best 

band. All who would like to participate, such as 

bands, models and boutiques, contact Tania 

Kasgorgis, chairperson of NGC, at 

ttk7479@sbcglobal.net or call (248) 798-8224. 

Please let us know what is going in the community. 

Fax your information to The Chaldean News Editorial 

Department. Subject: Chai Time Fax: 248-932-9161 

JOHN KHAMI 

ONE NORTHWESTERN PLAZA 

SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034 

DIRECT: 248-827-6698 

OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL SPACE 

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a member of 

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MIDDLEBELT 

ECONOMICS and ENTERPRISE 

Hotspot Opens In Royal Oak 

Vinotecca offers three distinct experiences 

For all those who have longed 

for a place to learn about wine 

and taste it before buying, 

Vinotecca opens its doors in downtown 

Royal Oak this month. 

The venture is headed up by 

Kristin Jonna, whose family has long 

been known for their expertise in the 

wine business. For 35 years, Kristin’s 

father, John Jonna, has brought an 

abundant selection of wine to customers 

in Metro Detroit. He currently 

owns and operates Merchant’s Fine 

Wine in Dearborn and Royal Oak, 

with his partner, John Lossia. 

Kristin shares her father’s passion 

for wine. Her vision for 

Vinotecca was to create a space 

that ties in everything that has to do 

with wine and how it is made. “The 

idea was to create a place where 

people can come to celebrate and 

learn about wine,” she said. This is 

reflected throughout the décor — 

from cork wall coverings to soil 

boxes representing vineyards where 

the grapes are grown. 

Vinotecca is just the beginning of 

Kristin’s dream coming to fruition. 

The Jonna family is already in the 

process of constructing a second 

wine bar/restaurant in Ann Arbor 

called Vinology, and would like to 

add locations in other areas such as 

Detroit and elsewhere in Oakland 

County. The venues will all be education 

driven, but each uniquely different 

from the rest. Each will 

BY MERVIT BASHI 

include a retail section so tasters 

can purchase the wines of their 

choice. 

At Vinotecca, the wine bar is part 

of three establishments housed in a 

beautifully restored historic space 

at the corner of Fifth and Main. The 

three areas are all separate, but 

each can be entered from within. 

This unique set-up will allow 

patrons to enjoy several kinds of 

experiences in one place on the 

same night. 

Facing Fifth Street is Café 

Habana, an artfully designed spot 

specializing in Cuban breakfast 

foods. (Lunch and dinner will be 

served as well.) Want a change from 

your everyday cup of joe? Cuban 

coffee is sure to be an eye-opener. 

The largest part of the space is 

occupied by Bastone, a Belgian 

restaurant and brewery serving lunch 

and dinner. Entrees include items 

such as Lobster Bolonaise and 

Espresso Duck Breast, in addition to 

simpler choices such as steak and 

fries. House beers will be brewed 

on-site, and the restaurant will also 

offer a selection of French wines. 

Finally, the hip lounge below, 

called Cinq, provides a place to follow 

dinner with drinks. Vinotecca will 

feature “small plates” rather than a 

traditional dinner menu. This popular 

dining trend features an appetizer 

menu of small portions that emphasize 

the use of fresh, flavorful ingredients 

to complement the various 

wines. Themed nights will tie the 

wine, cuisine and music together. 

“The American public, including 

Chaldeans, want to learn more 

about wine,” said Jonna. “This provides 

the venue to do so.” 

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RELIGION 

PLACES OF PRAYER 

CHALDEAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT 

THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES 

ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE 

Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim 

www.chaldeandiocese.org 

JUNE CALENDAR 

KEY OBSERVATION DATES 

S M T W T F S 

1 2 3 4 5 

MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; 248-356-0565 

RECTOR: Rev. Manuel Boji 

PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Wisam Matti 

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. 

in Sourath (Aramaic) and Arabic, Tuesday 5:50 p.m. in Sourath and 

Arabic, Saturday 5:30 p.m. in English, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in Arabic 

and Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath 

SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

310 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203, 313-368-6214 

PASTOR: Rev. Jacob Yasso 

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Saturday 5 p.m. in Sourath, Sunday 8:30 a.m. 

in Arabic and Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath 

MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

24010 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, 248-547-4648 

PASTOR: Rev. Stephen Kallabat 

PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Shlaman Denha 

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m in Sourath, Sunday 10 a.m. 

in Sourath and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath 

ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

2442 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48083, 248-528-3676 

PASTOR: Rev. Emanuel Shaleta 

PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Jirjis Abrahim 

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m in Sourath, Saturday 5 p.m. in 

Soureth, Sunday 8 a.m. in Soureth,10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. Soureth, 

2 p.m. in Soureth and Arabic 

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28 29 30 

JUNE 4 




obituaries 

Golden Friday (Remembrance of the Disciples’ first miracle) 

Holy Eucharist (Corpus Christi) 

Memorial of St. Ephrem 

Feast of the Sacred Heart 

Father’s Day 

Catherine Ibrahim 

Catherine Ibrahim Matti(Kattoo) died peacefully on May 

11, 2004, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was 90 

years old and lived at St. Elizabeth Briarbank Assisted 

Living for Women. She was born November 15, 1913, in 

Iraq and brought to the U.S. in 1934 by her husband, the 

late Tom (Tobia). The couple had three sons: the late 

George and Joseph (Caroline) and Gene (Catharine). 

Grandchildren are Thomas, Dawn, Stephanie (Michael 

Akkashian), Anthony, Caytie and Nicole Matti; and one 

great grandson, Julian Akkashian. Other survivors include 

her sister, Soshana Jarjosa, and several nieces and 

nephews. Her funeral mass was said May 14 at Mother of 

God Church by her nephew, Father Jirjis Abrahim. 

ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

(NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE) 

6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 248-788-2460 

PASTOR: Rev. Frank Kalabat 

Rev. Emanuel Rayes (retired) 

MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. in Sourath, Saturday 5 p.m. 

in English, Sunday 9 a.m. in Arabic/Sourath, 10:30 a.m. in English, 

12:30 p.m. in English 

ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH 

2560 Drake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335, 248-478-0835 

PASTOR: Rev. Toma Behnama 

MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday 12 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m. 

All masses are in Syriac, Arabic and English 

Roy (Marogi) Dickow 

Marogi died at the age of 93 on May 2. He was born in 

Telkaif, Iraq in 1910. At the age of 19 he immigrated to 

the United States and, with a handful of other Chaldeans 

in Detroit, helped set roots for the growth of the Chaldean 

community that we have now. He lived the last 42 years in 

Southfield, Michigan. He worked and owned grocery 

stores throughout his working years. He inherited the 

desire to come to the new world from his father, Toma, 

who went to Canada to work for ten years before returning 

to Iraq. Marogi was preceded in death by his beloved 

wife of 63 years, Shamamta (Mary). He is survived by his 

six children: Robert, Fred, Richard, Christine Dawson, 

Nadine Rabban and Randy, along with 11 grandchildren 

and 11 great grandchildren. 


FIRST COMMUNION 

Congratulations 

Michael Nadhir 

We are very proud of you as you 

make your first Holy Communion. 

May your future be filled with health, 

happiness and success. 

Love always, 

Mom and Dad 

(Nemir and Laura Nadhir) 

Christian and Maria 

❁ 

Dhia Arlene Kristin Janel Saad MaryAnne Raquel Grandma Michael Tasha Mikey Thaira 

❁ 

G R A D U A T I O N 

BeBe Samir Nadia Candice Justin Christina Nicholas Samira Nada Jason 

“What lies behind us and what 

lies before us are tiny matters 

compared to what lies within us.” 

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Chantel, 

We have watched you grow into a lovely 

young lady — full of confidence and ability. 

Always remember — don’t try to be as good 

as someone else or better than another, but 

“BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.” 

We love you and we are very proud of you, 

Mom, Dad, Jordan & Derrick 

Anthony Avis Jenny May Sabah Tamara Brian Patrick Balsam Robi Basil 

❁ 

Fada Fadi Shay Nadeem Pat Heather Nat Lauren Nicole Mat Ray Nidhal Renee Nora Patrick 

❁ 

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FIRST COMMUNIONS 

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Editorial Department 

Announcements 

30095 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 102 



IRAQ today / around the WORLD 

FUTURE OF THE 

IRAQI GOVERNMENT? 

BAGHDAD, Iraq/AP 

Just weeks from the Bush 

administration's deadline to 

hand power to a nominally sovereign 

Iraqi government, the shape 

of that government is far from clear, 

with bitter infighting over its membership 

and powers. 

Members of the U.S.-picked 

Iraqi Governing Council are clamoring 

to stay in power after their 

mandate expires. Other leaders are 

calling for a functioning parliament. 

Some want to quash influence of 

former members of Saddam 

Hussein's regime. Still others are 

calling for open discussions in a 

nationwide congress. 

Problem is that there is little time 

left to name a government and its 

leaders, said Yonadam Kanna, an 

Assyrian Christian member of the 

Governing Council member. 

“We have to be ready by June 1, 

so that on July 1 everybody can 

take his job,” Kanna said. 

As a United Nations team readies 

for Monday's start of negotiations 

with Iraq's Governing 

Council, there appears to be 

agreement on little more than the 

structure of the government's executive 

branch: A prime minister will 

be the chief executive, assisted by 

a president and two vice presidents. 

A list of candidates has 

emerged for those posts, which 

will oversee Iraq for a maximum of 

seven months, until elections slated 

for January. 

In the midst of the uncertainty, 

the head of the Iraqi Governing 

Council was killed in a suicide 

car bombing near a checkpoint 

outside the coalition headquarters 

in central Baghdad on 

Monday, May 17, dealing a blow 

to U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq 

Iraqi security forces take part 

in a funeral ceremony for Iraqi 

Governing Council Izzadine 

Saleem, seen in portrait, in 

Basra, southern Iraq on May 19. 

Saleem was killed in a suicide 

car bombing at a checkpoint 

near the coalition headquarters 

in Baghdad. 

ahead of a handover of sovereignty 

on June 30. 

Abdel-Zahraa Othman, commonly 

known as Izzadine Saleem, 

PHOTO BY NABIL AL-JURANI/AP 

was the second member of the 

U.S.-appointed council assassinated 

so far. He was among nine 

Iraqis, including the bomber, who 

were killed, Iraqi officials said. 

DEVICE FOUND IN 

IRAQ WITH SARIN GAS 

BAGHDAD, Iraq/CNN 

AU.S.-led coalition convoy in 

Iraq found sarin gas in an 

artillery round rigged as an 

improvised explosive device, Brig. 

Gen. Mark Kimmitt said. 

Sarin is a nerve agent used for 

chemical weapons. A doomsday 

cult in Japan used the gas in terrorist 

attacks in 1994 and 1995. 

The detonation of the device in 

Iraq resulted in a small dispersal of 

the nerve agent, Kimmitt said. Two 

members of an explosives ordnance 

team were treated for minor exposure, 

he added. 

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ONE-on-ONE 

Dan Senor: 

Charting Iraq’s Progress 

Dan Senor is a senior advisor to Presidential 

Envoy L. Paul Bremer III, administrator of 

the Coalition Provisional Authority. Last 

year, he traveled to Baghdad in one of the first 

civilian convoys to enter Iraq following the fall of 

the Saddam Hussein. Senor has been serving in 

Iraq since, advising Bremer on a variety of policy 

and communications issues. 

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Senor was 

based at Centcom Headquarters in Qatar, where 

he was director of the Coalition Information Center. 

Senor has also served as a legislative aide, press 

secretary and communications director for then- 

Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI). Senor earned 

his MBA from Harvard Business School. 

We caught up with Dan Senor via a phone conversation 

and talked one-on-one from Baghdad. 

Chaldean News (CN): Give us an overview of 

what the environment is like in Iraq today? 

Dan Senor (DS): Most of the country is 

returning to normalcy. Economic activity is 

vibrant; you travel streets in most cities and 

they’re bustling with traffic and street commerce. 

Satellite dishes, refrigerators and appliances are 

on sale everywhere. Bazaars and markets are 

alive. Cell phone shops and restaurants are all 

over the place. There are select pockets that 

have been stung by some pretty fierce violence, 

such as the Fallaujah area and parts of the south. 

However, those areas represent about 5 percent 

of the country. Most of the country is returning to 

normal. You rarely see that on television, but that 

is the fact on the ground. 

CN: Has the climate worsened since the 

release of the videotapes depicting the abuse of 

Iraqi prisoners by members of the military? 

DS: Not to my knowledge. 

CN: Mainstream media has been reporting a 

country in total turmoil. Are the reports true or is 

just a small percent of the country on the wrong 

path? If so, how is that story not told? 

DS: We have successful landings every day but 

the media reports on the crashes. It is a similar 

dynamic. Bad news is easier to report than good 

news. You can talk about structural reasons that 

make that symptomatic in the press in general. The 

fact is that the press focuses on the bad days more 

than the good days. For every bad day here there 

are many more good days. I hoped that there would 

be more balance in the coverage. If you told anybody 

in March of 2003 that Iraqi leaders from all ethnic 

backgrounds and from all regions of the country 

would be sitting around and drafting an interim constitution 

— that has a bill of rights that is more progressive 

than anything in this part of the world, that 

could be put up against any constitution in the western 

world, things like individual liberties, freedom of 

speech and freedom of religion — people wouldn’t 

have believed you. They would have laughed. Yet, 

here we are more than a year later and there is a 

document that will govern this country with individual 

rights. That has been unheard of in this part of the 

world. Look at the economic activity where unemployment 

is now a 

third of where it was 

when we arrived 

more than a year 

ago. Central services 

have returned to 

normalcy. Most of 

the country has 

returned to normalcy, 

but we do have 

real security problems 

on the ground. 

Dan Senor 

That is a fact. That is because terrorists have defined 

Iraq as a central front on the war in terrorism, but the 

country is coming back. 

CN: June 30 is the deadline when the U.S. 

hands over power to the Iraqis. What will that 

transition entail? 

DS: I call it a gradual transition. It is already 

underway. June 30 does not represent a flip of a 

switch, turning over the keys and saying, “you are 

now in charge.” This is part of a gradual process 

we started a while ago. We started handing the 

Iraqis governmental functions, including handing 

over ministries — about half of the 25 in Iraq. We 

will continue doing that, leading up to June 30 so 

by the time we get to June 30, many of the Iraqis 

will have been running their ministries for several 

months. That cuts across many areas. We are 

gradually empowering the Iraqis politically so the 

June 30 deadline is not this dramatic change. 

CN: We have been hearing unconfirmed 

reports of Chaldeans being kidnapped. How true 

is this and what is being done about it? 

DS: This is my first time hearing of it. 

CN: Chaldeans and Assyrians make up less than 

3 percent of Iraq; do they have a future in the country? 

DS: Sure. It is a diverse country. In fact, on the 

governing council, ethnic and religious groups — 

no matter what their size — are represented. We 

think that will continue. Each has enormous contributions 

to the country and some of the brightest 

leaders come from different communities. 

CN: What are your expectations over the few 

months post the handing over of power to the Iraqis? 

DS: June 30 we hand over sovereignty to an 

interim government. In January 2005, seven months 

after the handover, Iraq will have its first direct elections. 

You will see democracy at play. You will see 

elections. You will see campaigns. You will see free 

press flourishing. There are more than 200 papers 

in Iraq. They are tough newspapers. They hold the 

government accountable. They hold each other 

accountable. They will be part of the process as 

candidates and political parties flesh out ideas for 

the 2005 elections. That is where you will be six 

months from now. It won’t be Jeffersonian democracy 

but it will be Iraqi democracy. You will have a 

unique flavor and a unique culture. It will be something 

everybody can be proud of and I think you will 

see the economy gradually coming back to life. We 

continue to deploy the supplemental funding that 

congress and the President have designated. This 

is close to 20 billion dollars, which will be a 

PHOTO BY MUHAMMED MUHEISEN/AP 

huge stimulus to the economy. However, you 

will still see a significant terrorist threat 

because as there is more progress on the political 

and economic front, the terrorists are 

going to try to turn the clock back. They don’t 

want success here. Unfortunately, there will 

likely still be some violence. You will see Iraqi 

security forces taking more and more of a role 

here in defending against that violence. 

CN: Our sources tell us that you have a 

very intimate knowledge of the Chaldean 

Community in the Metro Detroit area. In fact, you 

have dined at the Southfield Manor. How has the 

knowledge of the community affected the work 

you are doing in Iraq? 

DS: I have a special place in my heart for the 

Chaldean community, especially in the Detroit 

area. When I arrived here (Iraq) and began working 

here in Iraq with the culture, I would be reminded 

of the downtime I spent with various friends in 

the Detroit area, at Southfield Manor, at other community 

hangouts, at family functions, weddings — 

I recall the rich culture and warm feeling I received 

from the Chaldean community in the Detroit area. 

Coming to their country and helping in the reconstruction 

of Iraq reminds me of how fond I have 

become of the Iraqis — the ones I have come to 

know and who have become close friends of mine. 

And, I want to add one more thing regarding 

that question. 

I have been struck by the sense in which the 

Iraqis are proud people, despite of all they have 

been through — 35 years of repression and they 

are a very proud people. They are a very patriotic 

people. They take the country, the business of 

the country and its future very seriously. I was 

first struck by this. How can a country that has 

been through three decades of hell under 

Saddam have a sense of pride? I thought of my 

interactions with Iraqis and Chaldeans in Detroit 

and I am not surprised. They are proud and patriotic 

towards both the U.S. and Iraq. They have 

always had an eye on Iraq and its well-being. It 

was often a subject of conversation when I was 

DAN SENOR continued on page 40 


ebuilding a 

homeland 

What is the future of Chaldeans in Iraq? 

BY OMAR BINNO AND VANESSA DENHA 

JUNE 

30 IS THE DEADLINE. That is the day the United States government 

turns over power to the Iraqis. The fate of the country is unknown. 

A land that dates back centuries before the birth of Christ is home to more 

than one million Chaldeans. Over time, the population has decreased and fewer 

people call Iraq home. With Chaldeans and Assyrians making up less than 3 percent 

of the population in Iraq, the future of Chaldeans in the country seems questionable, 

especially now in Iraq’s tumultuous state. 

Abdel-Zahraa Othman, the head of the Iraqi Governing Council, was killed in a 

suicide car bombing near a checkpoint outside the coalition headquarters in central 

Baghdad last month, just weeks before Iraq takes over governing its own country. 

His death, no doubt, creates added fear and stress for Chaldeans. 

In Iraq today, Chaldeans live in several cities and villages including Telkaif, 

Alqosh, Mosul and Baghdad. But in the past 50 years or more, many Chaldeans 

have fled their homeland for the United States and countries all over the world. 

In the U.S., most have settled in Michigan, California and Arizona. 


“Iraq is our homeland. It always was our homeland, 

and nobody can take that away from us.” – YONADAM KANNA 

A Place To Call Home 

In her recent visit to Michigan, the newly appointed Iraqi Ambassador 

to the United States, Rend Al-Rahim stated confidently that Chaldeans 

— like all minorities in Iraq — will always have a place in the country 

to call home. “Iraqi law will not discriminate against ethnicity, race, gender 

or religion,” she said. “The TAL (Transitional Administrative Law) 

states that minorities in Iraq will be protected and able to practice 

their own religion, whether it be Christianity or Muslim.” 

At a time when many people fear traveling to Iraq, Al-Rahim 

couldn’t wait to get back. “I feel very safe in Baghdad,” she said. 

“It is wonderful there. I think the reports of violence are highly 

exaggerated. Of course, I wouldn’t go into Fallujah.” 

Not only does the ambassador believe that Iraq is a homeland 

for Chaldeans, she is hopeful that the country will become a popular 

tourist attraction, but not until the infrastructure is in place. 

“People need to be able to book a hotel room and flight on the 

Internet,” said Al-Rahim. “We are not there yet.” 

Yonadam Kanna, a member of the newly designated governing 

council of Iraq, is also optimistic about Iraq’s future and the fate 

of its Chaldo-Assyrian minorities. 

Chaldeans are slowly creating their own voice in Iraq, Kanna 

recently told a group of Chaldeans in Michigan. In fact, for the first 

time in decades the Aramaic language is being taught in Iraq. “It’s officially 

in the Fundamental Law, Article number 9,” said Kanna. “The 

right of educating by our mother language is guaranteed in article number 

9, not only in elementary and high schools, but in universities as 

well. We were not authorized to teach it during Saddam’s time. At that 

time it was limited to churches, and sometimes not even accepted there. 

Today it’s officially in public schools.” 

Iraq’s future is much brighter than the media has led us to believe, 

Kanna said at the May 6 press conference at the Southfield Manor. 

A Voice for Democracy 

Kanna, who was born August 1, 1951, has become a national political 

figurehead for all Iraqis. A graduate of the University of Slaimania, he 

has adamantly supported and fought for democracy in Iraq. On April 

12, 1979, Kanna co-founded the Assyrian Democratic movement 

known as Zowaa. He was constantly harassed by authorities from the 

Iraqi Regime, and ultimately sentenced to death upon capture by 

Saddam Hussein for his fight to spread democracy throughout the 

northern villages of Iraq. 

Kanna participated in the uprising in the north of Iraq in March 

1991. He is minister of Public Works and Housing, and of Industry and 

Energy, in Northern Iraq. He is also the secretary of state for Zowaa, and 

most recently was elected as a member of the new Iraqi Governing 

Council, acting as a representative for the country’s Chaldo-Assyrian 

people. Kanna is optimistic about the outcome of the war between the 

U.S. and Iraq, and firmly asserts that things are improving every day. 

“I would like to express the Iraqi people’s gratitude for the great job 

done by President Bush and the United States troops and coalition forces 

in Iraq,” Kanna said. “They have liberated us from the most brutal dictatorship 

— Saddam Hussein and his regime. 

I also want the American public to know 

that a lot of the negative things they are 

seeing and hearing about are not right, and 

a lot of it is put out by the Islamic-controlled 

media. The public is only seeing a 

small picture of what is really going on, and 

the 95 percent of positive things we are 

accomplishing are not talked about.” 

Hussein destroyed the entire infrastructure 

of the country during his rule, Kanna 

said. Now people have begun to resume a 

Ambassador Rend Al-Rahim (right) 

with Joann Dickow. Opposite page: normal life after his overthrow. “All the 

Yonadam Kanna visits the community. public services — schools, hospitals and 

businesses — are in good condition,” he 

said. “All these things and our Iraqi assets were destroyed during 

Saddam’s time, and now, the situation generally is under control.” 

Media Bias? 

Kanna insists that the incidents involving American soldiers torturing Iraqi 

prisoners have been exaggerated by the media, including the American 

media. He denies the intensity and frequency of these incidents, even after 

reports by the Pentagon and the American Red Cross indicated that the 

problem of soldiers torturing prisoners is more widespread than first expected. 

Although President Bush acknowledged the matter on Arabic networks, 

Kanna still maintains that 95 percent of the Iraqi people are happy with the 

turn of events, and that these negative situations are minor occurrences. 

“We have a witness from the Iraqi Islamic Party who visited all the 

people in custody, and his witnessing was very positive,” Kanna said. 

“I am sorry to say that even the American media is trying to abuse the 

pictures and documents, and they are destroying America’s good image 

in this war.” 

Kanna expressed enthusiasm and confidence that the rebuilding of 

Iraq is a major turning point for its Chaldo-Assyrian citizens. 

With the incorporation of the Syriak language into the Iraqi 

Constitution, a new door is opening for Iraq’s Chaldo-Assyrian citizens. 

A homeland of segregation may some day become a homeland of 

expressive freedom for these minorities. 

“Iraq is our homeland,” Kanna said. “It always was our homeland, and 

nobody can take that away from us.” 


a democratic 

iraq? 

The Iraqi Ambassador to the United States 

answers questions about Iraq 


Ever since the fall of Saddam Hussein, 

Iraqis all over the world are asking 

the same question — what is going 

on with the country? 

That is why more than 40 people 

recently gathered at the Westin Hotel in 

Southfield with Iraqi Ambassador to the 

United States Rend Al-Rahim. The 

Network of the Iraqi American 

Organization (NIAO) organized the private 

meeting with Iraqis from various 

backgrounds — Chaldeans, Assyrians, 

Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis. 

“It is the first time in 40 years that there 

has been this kind of open communications 

between the United States and Iraq,” said 

Nabil Roumayah, NIAO coordinator. 

This was Al-Rahim’s first official visit 

to Michigan. The ambassador, who was 

appointed by the government council, 

addressed many concerns but the issues at 

the forefront were whether Iraqis will be 

given dual citizenships and be able to vote 

in Iraq. These would be Iraqis living all 

over the world who would have a citizenship 

in Iraq and one in whatever country 

they are currently living in. The informal 

question-and-answer session conducted in 

Arabic lasted about an hour, with much of 

the focus on voting rights. 

“I told the group that there is no word used 

more in Iraq today than the word ‘democracy,’” 

said Al-Rahim. “There are different understandings 

of that word and what democracy means.” 

She explained that in order to have a true 

democracy there must be representation of all 

groups in the government. The government must 

be responsive to the people, there must be tolerance 

and acceptance of all religions, and the country 

must allow freedom of expression, she said. 

The government council is working towards 

determining how democracy in Iraq will be 

implemented. Will Iraq have a government similar 

to the United States, with a House and 

Senate and direct presidential elections, or one 

that is more reflective of Britain with a 

Parliament and prime minister? 

Al-Rahim told the group that the interim 

council is working on the structure of the government 

and the election process as the scheduled 

January 2005 election approaches. She said 

she hopes that as time goes by many fears of the 

Iraqis are diminished. “In the past the Embassy 

was filled with people who spied on Iraqis,” said 

the ambassador. “I want the community in the 

U.S. to feel comfortable with the embassy and 

trust us.” 

Al-Rahim wants the embassy to be interactive 

with community members and, she stressed 

to the group at the Westin Hotel, to be proactive 

and take initiative. She said the community cannot 

depend on the embassy to do all the work, 

but instead should view it as a support system. 

Al-Rahim is now hoping to find someone 

Clockwise from top left: Ambassador meets guests; seated at the table are Besma Fakri, Joann Dickow and 

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter. Haitham Sitto and Nabil Roumayah. Members of the Iraqi community 

listen to the ambassador speak. Nazhat Sitto, Eve Sitto Putrus (evening’s emcee), Terri Boji enjoy the event. 

to create a computer database that would 

match skilled Iraqi workers around the world 

with needed projects in Iraq. The database 

would download resumes so administrators 

can find needed companies or employees to 

help rebuild the country. 


FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS 

There are certain beliefs that we hold 

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Statistics show us that over 50% of marriages 

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then we encourage you to take a proactive role 

in examining all options. 

If, however, the marital relationship is beyond 

repair, then you owe it to yourself to learn 

about the legal process, what to expect, and 

how to prepare for divorce. First, know that 

you are not alone. We expect that you have 

questions, and we have answers. At the Law 

Office of Annette Benson & Associates, P.C., we 

believe that knowledge is power. 

Standing: Shoshana Byck, Judi Demopolis, Annette Benson and Elizabeth Stoler 

Sitting: Teisha Tann and Veronica Leonard 

Without a firm understanding of your rights in a divorce and the knowledge of the Court 

process, you can become the victim of manipulation and confusion and lose your ability to 

make rational decisions. Rational decisions are not made from fear, threat or intimidation. 

Rational decisions that affect your future come from knowledge, confidence, and power. 

When dealing with the court system, the key to success is being prepared. At the Law Office 

of Annette J. Benson & Associates, P.C. we develop an aggressive strategy to protect you and 

your interests before we take action. We offer an aggressive, thorough, caring and compassionate 

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estate planning. 

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‘the ties that bind’ 

Arabic, Chaldean and Jewish students participate in a high school diversity program 

BY JOVAN KASSAB 

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, 

“We must learn to live together 

as brothers or perish together as 

fools.” Thanks to a recent Cultural Sharing 

and Immersion Project sponsored by the Arab 

American, Chaldean and Jewish Friends 

(AACJF), local high school students have 

learned a lot about living together. 

The goal of the annual Ties that Bind contest 

it to give junior and senior students of 

Arabic, Chaldean and Jewish descent the 

opportunity to dialogue, interact and learn 

about each other’s cultures. 

Students participated last winter in cultural 

sharing sessions hosted by each of the three 

communities, giving them the opportunity to 

not only learn about individual and cultural 

differences, but to understand and celebrate 

their commonalities. They were placed on 

intercultural teams and expected to spend 

additional time getting to know one another 

and exploring their respective values, beliefs 

and traditions. The students then worked 

together to write an essay about their experiences 

— how they are different and the ties 

that bind them as people. 

Trish Hubbel, AACJF program coordinator, 

thinks time constraints, busy schedules 

and geographic distance made it difficult for 

the students on some teams to get together 

and share more informal experiences. But 

despite those difficulties, Danny Ashkar, 

Danny Devries and Hassan Fawaz’s essay said 

spending time with kids from other cultures 

was very interesting and enlightening. “We 

learned a lot from these individuals, and 

every single one of us walked away with a new 

perspective,” they wrote in their essay. 

The students noted a large amount of the 

world consists of Jews, Arabs and Chaldeans. 

Although the three groups have much in 

common, hatred still exists between them. 

“This is occurring because of lack of education 

and dialogue,” the students wrote. “To 

prevent this from happening, we need volunteers 

to set up organizations to educate, promote 

dialogue, and organize community 

events for people of all cultures and religions.” 

Essay winners received scholarship awards 

of $250 to $1,200 at a recognition event on 

May 11. In one of the winning essays, students 

summed up their experience by saying, 

“We have discovered that there are many 

bridges that bind us, and waters that separate 

us. We, as a group, realize the importance to 

educate ourselves about the world around us, 

because we find that it is the only way to keep 

the world moving forward.” 

Seniors Hinid Elomari, Jessica Haddad and 

Chanel Shaba won a $1,000 scholarship for 

their essay that said, “Through the Cultural 

Sharing and Immersion days and the time 

spent with each other, we learned more about 

culture, religion, and family than in our entire 

four years spent at high school. Harry 

Weinstein, a Holocaust survivor (speaker at 

the Holocaust Memorial Center) stated, ‘If 

we do not learn from one another today, we 

will have a sad tomorrow.’” 

Proceeds from the AACJF Awards and 

Benefit event will support the Ties that Bind 

Cultural Sharing and Immersion Project. 

Sponsors included: Neiman Marcus, Al Long 

Ford, the Neilson Companies, Detroit 

Newspaper Agency’s Communities Fund and 

Gannett, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of 

“Through dialogue and the sharing 

of personal stories, people begin 

to understand each other.” – TRISH HUBBEL 

Michigan, the University of Michigan- 

Dearborn and La Pita Restaurant. 

As a program of the National Conference 

for Community and Justice, the AACJF 

strives to build a more inclusive community 

by bringing people together in friendship to 

dialogue and build relationships through 

social, cultural education and service opportunities. 

“People need to have opportunities and 

reasons to come together and learn about 

each other,” said Hubbel of the Ties that Bind 

program. “Through dialogue and the sharing 

of personal stories, people begin to understand 

each other.” 


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career pathways 

High schoolers look to the future 

While some high school students 

are “hardly working,” others are 

working hard for their futures. 

Students are no longer waiting until college to 

get started on their careers. High schools are 

helping by offering classes like automotive 

design, fashion merchandising and jewelry crafting, 

as well as career-planning programs. 

West Bloomfield High School’s Career 

Center is one place where teens can get an idea 

about their future. Valerie Trivax, the career 

counseling specialist, has helped many students 

hone in on their talents. 

“They take an interest survey and then see 

what kind of jobs they would be good at,” said 

Trivax. “If someone is fascinated with science 

and likes to draw, he or she might be interested 

in illustrating science textbooks, for example.” 

Thinking Ahead 

Senior Chris Phomia recently visited the Career 

Center while he was planning next year’s schedule 

at Oakland Community College. Because he 

is undecided about his career, a counselor suggested 

a career exploration class. Instead of paying 

for it at OCC, he took advantage of the 

Career Center right at his school. After taking 

an interest survey to ascertain his skills, Phomia 

is now looking at agricultural science as an 

option. He was relieved when Trivax told him 

he doesn’t have to declare a major until his junior 

year of college. 

Another senior, Claudia Faranso, visited the 

Career Center for help with her college applications. 

This fall she will study marketing at 

Oakland University. She is involved in DECA, 

an association of high school marketing students 

and attributes her “people personality” to her 

BY CRYSTAL C. KASSAB-JABIRO 

fondness for the subject. Staff at the Career 

Center helped Faranso look for college programs 

and scholarships geared toward her interests. 

Getting An Early Start 

It is not only seniors who are planning their 

futures. Tenth-grader Johnny Mammo is getting 

a head start on his career as a mechanic. 

Last semester he took welding and is now concentrating 

on his math class — an important 

subject in the automotive industry, especially 

when it comes to measurements. 

As a child, Mammo liked to disassemble 

objects like clocks and VCRs to see how they 

worked. Then he would put them back together 

before anyone found out. “I don’t like to just 

sit and listen to a lecture,” he said. “I like 

hands-on activities. Just show me once how to 

do something and I can do it.” 

Now 16, Mammo is tackling bigger and 

more complex projects such as cars. He occasionally 

works with his father, Waleed, and 

older brother, Steven, in the two family-owned 

automotive collision shops in Detroit. He 

assists the mechanics and learns something 

new every time — how to change oil, change a 

tire and mix car paints, for instance, putting 

him far ahead of his peers. 

While his near future centers on mechanics, 

Mammo hopes to get special certifications in his 

field. Eventually, he will learn the business and 

financial aspects of the industry. He knows that 

it is a lucrative business that will always be in 

demand. Luckily, he already has his foot in the 

door because of the family business. His father 

and brother have encouraged Mammo to concentrate 

on school to make sure that a career in 

the mechanical field is what he wants. 

Pheape Matti, also a tenth grader, is preparing 

for her future in the fashion industry. She 

became interested back in middle school when 

her older sister, Claudia, took fashion merchandising 

at the high school. The sisters 

spent countless hours making jewelry and purses, 

and other arts and crafts. Now that Matti is 

in high school, she is in fashion merchandising 

classes and also learning the business aspects of 

fashion. 

“It is not just what you design,” said the 16- 

year-old, “but how you market your products.” 

Like many girls her age, Matti likes to shop 

and create ensembles that are interesting and 

different. She thinks fashion should be considered 

an art. But fashion is not her only talent; 

she also loves to draw. Matti received an honorary 

award from the Scholastic Art Contest 

for her drawing of Aaliyah, the 22-year-old 

singer/actress who died in a plane crash in 

August 2001. 

By putting her creative talents to good use, 

Matti knows that her future includes an artistic 

career path. Although she said moving to 

Paris or New York is unlikely, she will be happy 

as a buyer for a major department store or possibly 

even designing her own label. 

Students can get a jump-start on the road 

ahead by visiting career centers at their schools 

or consulting with their counselors as early as 

ninth grade. While some futures are uncertain 

like Phomia’s or already chosen like Mammo’s, 

one thing is for sure: A good job is hard to 

come by without an education. 



chaldean american chamber 

celebrates first year 

Business organization develops strong voice 

BY JOYCE WISWELL 

In just its first year, the Chaldean 

American Chamber of Commerce has 

become a powerful voice in the local 

business community. 

“We’ve gotten off to a great start,” said 

Najib Atisha, Executive Vice Chairman. 

“Membership has gone way beyond our expectations, 

and we anticipate having 500 members 

by the end of this year.” 

The Chaldean American Chamber lists a 

number of accomplishments in the past 12 

months: 

• The establishment of the Chaldean 

Foundation, which helps with economic 

development in local areas of large Chaldean 

populations, supports worthy causes and helps 

preserve Chaldean culture. 

• The institution of a political action committee 

to support individuals and issues important 

to the Chaldean community, and to advocate 

policy favorable to Chaldean business 

owners. 

• The development of a committee on Iraqi 

reconstruction and humanitarian needs. “That 

has allowed our members to gain access to 

many different decision makers who are 

involved in the reconstruction process,” 

Atisha said. “We have attended and scheduled 

events with many large multinational corporations 

and governments pertaining to Iraq’s 

future.” 

• Attended meetings with local Congressional 

leaders to discuss the future of Iraq’s Aramaicspeaking 

community. 

• Seen the appointment of developer and 

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick recently addressed the members of the Chaldean American Chamber 

of Commerce. 

chamber member Najib Atisha to the Wayne 

County Board of Economic Development, as well 

as four upcoming appointments of Chaldeans to 

the Oakland County Business Round Table. 

• Hosted a luncheon featuring Yonadam 

Kanna, a member of the newly designated 

Governing Council of Iraq, who discussed the 

future of Iraq’s estimated 1.7 million Chaldo- 

Assyrians. (Read more on that on page 18.) 

Upcoming chamber events include a 

Quarterly Networking Meeting at the 

Southfield Manor on June 16 with special 

guest George Jackson, president of the Detroit 

Economic Growth Corporation. On Aug. 27, 

the chamber holds its first golf outing at 

Shenandoah to benefit the Chaldean 

Foundation. 

The Chaldean American Chamber partners 

with the Detroit Regional Chamber, which 

this month holds its annual meeting on 

Mackinac Island. 

“The Chaldean community has really started 

to mature and get better organized,” said 

Atisha. “In just one year, the chamber has 

become quite a voice in the Chaldean- 

American business community.” 

Learn more about the chamber by visiting 

its website at www.chaldeanchamber.com. 


a new general manager 

for shenandoah 

Paul Rizza talks about running a top-notch club 


When Shenandoah officially 

opens its doors in West 

Bloomfield at the end of this 

year, there will be a new face at the facility. 

Paul Rizza (rhymes with pizza) has been hired 

as General Manager/Chief Operating Officer. 

Born in Scotland to Italian-born parents, 

Rizza immigrated to the United States in 1978 

and is the oldest of six children. He may not 

speak Aramaic or have been born in Iraq, but 

his background enables him to understand 

Chaldean culture and traditions. In fact, he 

has two Chaldean brothers-in-law and another 

sister is engaged to a Chaldean. One might say 

that Rizza is a surrogate of the community and 

now as Shenandoah’s GM/COO will become 

part of the Chaldean Iraqi America 

Association of Michigan (CIAAM) family. 

“I know Chaldeans are hard-working, industrial 

people with an entrepreneurial spirit,” 

said Rizza. “Traditional family values play a big 

part in their lives — respect for parents and 

grandparents and their influence on children, 

which is very similar to the Italian culture.” 

The similarities between the typical 

Chaldean businessman and Rizza are abundant. 

His parents and grandparents were self 

employed and owned their own businesses. 

Rizza has spent the last 26 years in the hospitality 

business in many capacities. 

Not only did he hang around the family’s fast 

food restaurants, he worked in upscale eateries 

mostly located in fine hotels, including the Ritz 

Carlton Dearborn, where he served as Banquet 

Director. He then transitioned to country 

clubs, working at 

Great Oaks in 

Rochester, 

Lochmoor in Grosse 

Pointe and, for the 

past nine years, at 

Dearborn Country 

Club as general 

manager. 

Shenandoah is a 

90,000-square-foot 

facility with not 

only a restaurant 

but also a banquet 

facility, gymnasium, 

Olympic-size pool 

and golf course. As GM/COO, Rizza’s responsibilities 

are cumbersome but he is ready for 

the task. “The size and scope of the project will 

make it challenging,” he said, “as well as the 

fact that it’s new, upscale and first class in 

every respect.” 

To find Shenandoah’s GM/COO, the 

CIAAM Board hired the firm of Sibbald & 

Associates, which canvassed a vast national 

database of club managers. Out of an initial list 

of two dozen highly regarded individuals, 11 

leading prospects were selected. Five candidates 

were closely interviewed and two made 

the final cut to be given a second interview. 

“The CIAAM Board realizes that a state-ofthe-art 

facility cannot run itself, and that finding 

someone to oversee every aspect of it is 

paramount to the association’s ultimate success,” 

said CIAAM President Dr. Adhid Miri. 

Paul Rizza at Shenandoah Country Club 

Rizza was not only 

attracted by the location 

of Shenandoah — a growing, 

affluent area where 

the potential and opportunities 

seem endless for this 

type of facility — but he 

also was enticed by the 

fact that Shenandoah is a 

for-profit organization. 

“I will not be restricted 

by some of the tax laws 

that governed the business 

practices of the not-forprofit 

clubs I previously 

managed,” he said. 

“Getting in on the ground floor and growing 

with the club also is exciting.” 

Rizza will serve Shenandoah as a true chief 

operating officer with full operational responsibility 

covering all aspects of the club’s operations. 

He will develop annual budgets, coordinate 

the management team and market and 

promote the clubhouse and banquet facilities. 

Managing a Chaldean facility should not prove 

to be much different from managing any other 

facility; the management skills he brings are 

universal and transcend cultures. “Paul has a 

golden opportunity to make his mark on a historic 

project that will reflect the new and 

deserved future for our Chaldean community,” 

said Dr. Miri. 

“You have one chance, and one chance 

only,” said Rizza, “to make your mark when you 

open a facility of this magnitude.” 


ARTS & entertainent 

Former Bells Band member Salam 

Kakka is poised to become a musical 

superstar not only in the United 

States, but the Middle East as well. 

His first CD, “Salam Kakka 2004,” 

includes many current Arabic hits reproduced 

with the latest styles in hip-hop and 

house dance music, as well as several 

Turkish pop songs to which Salam added 

his own lyrics in Sourath. The CD was just 

released on April 20. 

“I love music from different cultures and different 

parts of the world,” Salam said. “We can 

learn a lot by listening to other forms of music 

and using samples of that music in our own.” 

Family Affair 

Salam was born on Feb. 28, 1964 in Baghdad, 

joining four brothers and two sisters. He 

began playing the guitar at age 8, and at 9, 

started singing with his older brothers Zuhair 

and Majid. In 1974, Zuhair and Majid founded 

the internationally renowned Bells Band, 

and Salam, the youngest brother in the band, 

sang with them as they performed across Iraq 

for the next six years. 

“Salam was a smart kid,” Majid said. “He was 

always a good singer and picked up quick on 

whatever we taught him.” In 1980, Salam left 

Iraq. After living for a month and a half in 

Turkey and a year in Greece, he arrived in 

Detroit on May 24, 1981 to rejoin the rest of his 

family, which had immigrated to America the 

year before. Shortly thereafter, the Bells Band 

re-formed and rose to become the most recognized 

band in the local Middle Eastern market. 

“When I came to Detroit, I started playing 

the bass guitar with the band and singing all the 

Chaldean songs,” Salam said. “My brother 

Zuhair left the band, and I was learning techniques 

on how to play the bass guitar from him.” 

Throughout the mid-1980s and ‘90s, Majid, 

who was now the leader and driving force of 

the band, began reproducing both popular 

classic and modern hits with an American flavor. 

As music technology developed and new 

methods for capturing sounds of live instruments 

emerged, Majid used his musical talent 

salam 

kakka: 

new music 

for a new 

generation 

Detroit resident 

adds techno and hip-hop 

to Arabic music 

BY OMAR BINNO 

to recreate Chaldean and Arabic songs. He 

combined Middle Eastern beats with 

American hip-hop beats, and used an assortment 

of Middle Eastern instrument sounds in 

the music. 

In 1989, Majid released “Bells Band Volume 

III: La Ya Gumur,” which contained two original 

songs and set a new precedence of Middle 

Eastern music with an American pop style. 

Majid also composed and released a song in 

1992, “Tair A-Saad,” which became a smash 

hit in Iraq. In 1994, he wrote and released 

another hit, “Ya Iraq,” a nostalgic song that 

reminisces about his homeland during its 

fairer days. The international popularity of 

these songs established the Bells Band with 

the distinction of being the first and only 

Chaldean musicians out of Detroit to successfully 

enter the market in their native 

homeland. 

On His Own 

Majid’s accomplishments would later open 

the door for his brother to pursue avenues of 

music of his own. “I always looked up to 

Majid,” Salam said. “I learned a lot from him, 

especially in recording music with computers 

and ideas on playing different instruments.” 

In 1990, Salam made the transition from 

bass guitar to percussion, and in 1997, he 

began playing the violin and the tamboura as 

well. In 2002, Salam became heavily 

involved with recording music via linking 

keyboards to computers. He finally went solo 

in 2003. With Majid’s help, he produced and 

recorded the live CD, a phenomenal piece of 

production that, because of its integration of 

techno and hip-hop into our music, appeals 

to the younger generation 

Also in 2003, Salam began performing at 

weddings and other festivities apart from 

Majid and the Bells Band. Salam merged 

with Angelo Boji, who had played the dumbuk 

with the Bells Band from 1985-1991, 

and Al-Nijoom, a new band in the market. 

Salam plans to continue pursuing his 

musical aspirations by eventually producing 

original music, which he is confident will 

succeed not only here in the States, but in 

the Middle East as well. “My next CD will be 

another live one,” he said. “The third one will 

be all new and original material.” 

“Salam is a great singer with a lot of talent, 

and he has a lot of potential,” Majid said. “I see 

Salam becoming a musical superstar out of 

Detroit in the next few years.” 

“Salam Kakka 2004” can be found in Oak Park at 

Spring Night Records and Crystal Records, as 

well as most Chaldean food stores. 


Patrick Devine 

FOR 48TH DISTRICT JUDGE 

EXPERIENCE 

Attorney – 26 years 

District Court Mediator – 

Oakland County 

State of Michigan 

Certified Adoption Attorney 

President of Trial Lawyers of 

Wayne County Juvenile Court 

Speaker for attorney training 

seminars for Juvenile Court Practice 

ENDORSED BY 

Ronald G. Acho 

Howard and Rita Denha 

Veno Hesano 

Frank Jonna 

* Paid for by the F. Patrick Devine for Judge Committee 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

Past President of Our Lady 

of Refuge Men’s Club 

C.Y.O. Coach for Holy Name and 

Our Lady of Refuge Parishes 

Knights of Columbus – Member 

St. Vincent De Paul Society – Member 

Catholic Central High School 

Alumni Glee Club 

Dave Nona 

Faik Seman 

Faiz Seman 

Sam Sitto 

Nabeel and Hana Yousif 

www.devineforjudge.com 

Traveling? 

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Nina (Arabo) Gallozi, 

formerly of Ray’s Travel 

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in the travel industry 

for over 15 years. 

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and just about anywhere 

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Interested in travel, call me at: 

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I’d love to hear from my 

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TRAVEL CONSULTANT 

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FEBRUARY 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 29

from the BENCH 

Alcohol And Teens 

The legal consequences are real 

Alcohol and teenagers. It’s a topic 

that needs frequent discussion, 

especially now as prom and 

graduation season is upon us. As I frequent 

local schools to speak to youth on 

the issue, some students are candid 

about frequently being exposed to 

underage drinking. It is apparent from 

the cases that come to court that many 

of our teens still believe underage drinking 

is acceptable and will not affect their 

future. This reasoning is wrong. 

Studies show that teens are starting 

to drink alcohol as early as 13 or 14 

years old. People who start drinking so young are 

four times more likely to become an alcoholic. 

This statistic proves itself true several times a 

week as I question defendants on what age they 

started drinking. Some are alcoholics by the age 

of 19. Of further concern is binge drinking, which 

means five or more drinks in one sitting. 

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy, 

consume or possess alcohol, including 

unopened alcohol in a car. It is also illegal to 

provide alcohol to anyone under 21. Those 

under 21 caught drinking or possessing 

alcohol may be charged as a Minor in 

Possession. This is a misdemeanor punishable 

by fines, probation, alcohol treatment, 45 

days of community service and a license suspension 

on a second offense. A conviction can affect 

college admission and work applications. 

If teens under 21 are drinking at a party, the 

host can be charged with Open House Party, a 

misdemeanor punishable by 90 days in jail, fines 

and costs, community service and a permanent 

record. If the parents are home, they too can be 

charged with Open House Party or Contributing 

HONORABLE 

DIANE DICKOW 

D’AGOSTINI 

COLUMNIST 

to the Delinquency of a Minor. 

Certainly, there could also be potential 

civil liability if there are any injuries or 

accidents as a result of the drinking. 

For example, if someone was drinking 

at your house and then gets in an accident 

while driving home, there are 

numerous consequences for all 

involved. 

Those under 21 who drive while 

having consumed alcohol may be 

charged with Zero Tolerance. This 

means that if they have .02-.07 amount 

of alcohol in their body, they could be 

charged with a misdemeanor punishable with 

fines, costs, probation, alcohol screening, 60 

days of community service and a restricted 

license. If they have more than a level of .07, they 

could be charged with Operating While 

Intoxicated — essentially drunk driving. 

If teens under 21 are 

drinking at a party, the 

host can be charged.… 

Perhaps this seems like common sense, but 

the volume of cases in court reveal that many 

teens do not adhere to the law and are actually 

surprised when they are arrested. Please speak 

to your teens about this serious issue. In future 

columns, I hope to address the drinking and driving 

laws as they pertain to adults. 

Diane is a judge with the 48th District Court and 

is a regular columnist for The Chaldean News. 

HOSTING A 

TEEN PARTY? 

Follow these tips, courtesy of the 

What’s Driving You? website 

(www.whatsdrivingyou.org): 

1. Ask your child to share the guest list 

and party plans with you. Agree on a 

maximum number of guests. 

2. Suggest changes to the guest list and 

party plans if necessary, but be tactful. A 

confrontational approach may lead your 

child to do things behind your back. 

3. Set a specific time frame for the party. 

Stick to those hours. 

4. Absolutely NO alcohol or drugs. 

Remember, it is illegal to serve alcohol or 

other drugs to minors, even in a private 

home, and you, the parents, are legally 

responsible for any illegal alcohol or drug 

consumption that occurs in your home. 

5. Many of the new “club drugs” are 

easily concealed, so be mindful of 

strange behavior of any guests. 

6. No smoking. 

7. Leave the lights on. 

8. Do not allow guests to leave the party 

and return later. 

9. Do not allow guests to use rooms in your 

home that have been declared off limits. 

10. Consider daytime parties as alternatives 

to nighttime parties. 

11. Set ground rules that are clearly 

understood by both you and your child 

in advance. 

12. Be clear that you expect your child to 

set the example for the guests to follow. 

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Y OU NEED THE RIGHT ATTORNEY 

Over 23 years of knowledge & experience handling 

medical malpractice, serious injury and death claims. 


School Board Elections Are Coming 

A number of districts in the Metro area 

have school board elections on Tuesday, 

June 14. Here’s a brief look at the 

issues in some key communities. 

Bloomfield Twp: The school board 

is asking voters to approve a 1.5- 

mill sinking fund, which would generate 

about $5 million a year for 

school repairs. 

Also, four candidates are vying for 

two four-year terms and three people 

are running for a one-year term. 

Incumbents Martha Raphelson and 

Winnie Rockentine are running for the 

four-year terms, as are Michael 

Scadron and Carol Stencel. Seeking 

the one-year term are Creighton 

Forester and Jenny Greenwell, as well 

as write-in candidate Todd Sinclair. 

Farmington: Voters will be asked to 

fill two four-year term positions on 

the board of education. Priscilla 

Brouillette and Gary Sharp currently 

serve in these positions and are running 

for re-election. Also vying for 

those seats are Michael Sullivan, 

John Goshorn and Cheryl Swaim. 

Voters will also be asked to fill one 

two-year term position. He is running 

for the spot against Eric Rosenberg. 

Oak Park: Voters will be asked to 

approve a 1.5 mill operating millage 

that would allow the district to levy 

up to the statutory millage rate of 18 

mills. Only non-homestead properties 

would be required to pay the tax. 

Southfield: Voters will be asked to 

approve an operating millage rate of 

19.6345 mills for five years. School 

district officials say if the measure 

fails, the district will be forced to 

make $65 million worth of cuts. 

Voters will also choose two candidates 

for four-year terms to the board 

of education. Running are newcomers: 

Allan E. Clements, Connie Gant, 

Warren E. Goodell, Rudolph Hobbs, 

Jr. and Connie R. Williams. 

Troy: Voters will be asked to 

approve a $119 million bond issue 

that will make improvements at each 

of the district’s 23 facilities. It will 

cost homeowners approximately 

$100 per year on a house with a 

market value of $200,000. 

Utica: The Utica Community Schools 

Board of Education — which covers 

Utica, the northern two-thirds of 

Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and 

parts of Ray, Washington and Macomb 

Townships — is seeking approval of an 

18-mill property tax renewal on nonhomestead 

property. Voters will also 

fill two open four-year terms on the 

board: Carol Ann Klenow (incumbent), 

Robert A. Ross, Kent V. 

Flowers and Kenneth Beaudin 

Walled Lake: Voters are being asked 

to approve a $27.9 million bond to 

renovate Clifford Smart Middle 

School, Western High School, the 

Outdoor Education Center and to 

make improvements around the district. 

The bond also includes the purchase 

of 61 buses over four years. 

Voters can also decide on a 10- 

year, .50 mill Building & Site 

Improvement Fund, more commonly 

known as the Sinking Fund. 

Also, incumbents Alp Onder and 

Mary Ellen Trott and newcomer 

William Balestrinoare are vying for 

two four-year terms on the board. 

Warren: Two four-year terms on the 

board of education are open. Those 

seeking to fill it are: Incumbents Loretta 

Crow and John Green, and Chris 

Arnold, Claudia Farrugia, Susan Kattula 

and David Koury. (Susan Kattula is a 

member of the Chaldean community 

and was profiled in our May issue.) 

West Bloomfield: A $23 million bond 

issue to fund facility improvements is on 

the ballot for voter approval. 

Board members Avery Murav and 

Bruce Tobin are each running unopposed 

for two four-year terms. 


Supplying quality wholesale 

food products since 1994 

Bobby Hesano 

12190 Sears Dr. 

Livonia, MI 48150 

Phone: (734) 513-1715 

Fax: (734) 513-2431 

bhesano@dandbgrocers.com 


MA baseema 

Taboulee Salad 

BY VENUS SADEK 

Salad 

3 bunches parsley, finely chopped 

1 bunch mint, finely chopped 

2 large tomatoes, cut into small cubes 

1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 

1/3 cup fine cracked wheat (bulgar) 

Dressing 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/3 cup olive oil 

1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed to taste 

Dash of black pepper 

Dash of red hot pepper 

Dash of cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon sumac 

Mix all ingredients. Toss with dressing before serving. Serves 6-8. 

Note: Bulgar can be bought from bulk food or Mid-eastern food stores. 

Soak bulgar in water for 10 minutes, then drain by squeezing it from water 

completely before adding it to the greens mix. Sumak can be bought in Mideastern 

food stores. 

D O N ' T F O R G E T T O S E N D I N Y O U R F A V O R I T E C H A L D E A N R E C I P E 

Middle Eastern Cuisine with a “Chaldean Flair” 

CHALDEAN AMERICAN LADIES OF CHARITY 

Name (First)__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Last): _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Street Address:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

City: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State: _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip Code: _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Daytime Phone: ( ) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Evening Phone: ( ) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

E-mail Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

RECIPE NAME:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

PLEASE CHECK ONE RECIPE CATEGORY: 

DRIED FRUITS/JAMS/JELLIES _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

STEWS/SOUPS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

APPETIZERS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

SAUCES/SPICES/ACCOMPANIMENTS/RELISHES_ _ 

RICE/GRAINS/BEANS/BURGHUL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

BREADS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

SALADS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

BEVERAGES 

MEAT (LAMB/BEEF/VEAL/PORK) 

DAIRY/CHEESE 

FISH/SEAFOOD 

DESSERTS 

POULTRY 

PLEASE LIST INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR RECIPE BELOW IN ORDER OF USE: 

(by measuring cup, ounces or measuring spoons) 

1. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 13. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

2. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 14. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

3. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 9. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 15. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

4. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 10. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 16. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

5. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 11._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 17. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

6. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 12._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 18. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

PLEASE ENTER YOUR RECIPE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS BELOW (including 

cookware size, cooking time & temperature, and number of servings). Feel free to 

use another sheet of paper for additional recipe information. 

Preparation time:___________Cooking time:___________Number of Servings:_______ 

Recipe Instructions: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Optional: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Special Recipe Notes: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Variations or Substitutions: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ CHALDEAN AMERICAN LADIES OF CHARITY are hosting a Taste Testing of Chaldean recipes 

at the Chaldean Manor Housing for the Elderly. Please join them with your dish and bring along 

this form on Wed, June 16 @ 6:00pm. For more information please call 248-352-5018 


TWO GREAT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! 

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view specials at www.varsityautos.com 

Pick Up and Delivery 

A X Z Plan Headquarters 

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49251 Grand River Ave. 

Novi, MI 48376 

COMPLIMENTARY 

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for visiting Lincoln Merury Owners 

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Writing Instruments • Shaving Kits • Leather Goods • Backgammon & Chess Sets 

Mens Gift Accessories Poker & Gaming Accessories • Davidoff-Porshe-DuPont-Dunhill 

Lighters & Accessories • Elie Bleu & Manning Humidors • Lounge Room 

Cigar and Pipe Smokers Welcome • Cigar Tasting Events 

Wholesalers to Night Clubs, Restaurants, Lounges & Gentlemens Clubs. 

Please Call for Wholesale Prices & Discounts 

142 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham • (248) 647-4555 • www.churchillsltd.com 


May 10-Aug 1 

Sammi Toumas 

New Casino Host 

248-470-0454 

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Use your Players Club Card when you play craps from now until August 1st at 

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MGM Grand Detroit Casino reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion or sweepstakes at any time, for any reason without prior notice. 

Randa Fahmy Hudome, esq. 

Principal 

815 Connecticut Ave, NW 

Suite 1200 

Washington, DC 20006 

(202) 429 – 5566 P 

(202) 429 – 5577 F 

randa@fahmyhudome.com 

FRANKLIN 

INTERNATIONAL 

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YOUR GLOBAL PARTNER 

Marc Shulman, esq. 

Principal 

7457 Franklin Road 

Suite 302 

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 

(248) 538 – 0483 P 

(248) 538 – 7673 F 

franklingovcon@sbcglobal.net 

ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE 

645 E. Big Beaver • Troy 

248.680.0066 

✁ 

GREAT ITALIAN 

FOOD AND SERVICE 

Larco’s restaurants 

Family owned for over 50 years 

COME TASTE 

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SINCE 1920 THE TRADITION CONTINUES 

Banquet Rooms Available 

This certificate entitles bearer to: 

Redeemable at both Larco’s locations 

ITALIAN GRILL 

6480 Orchard Lake Rd. • West Bloomfield 

248.626.6969 

NW corner of Maple and Orchard Lake 

Reservations Always Welcome 

$ 

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$10 off with a minimum 

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(Excluding tax, tip & alcoholic beverages.) 

Maximum discount $10. Offer not valid holidays and subject to Rules of Use. Tipping should be 

15% to 20% of the total bill before discount. Valid anytime. 


in good HEALTH 

Under Pressure 

Stress can be especially hard on immigrants 

Stress: A small word that carries tremendous 

weight. It is a universal pressure felt 

by all individuals at one point or another. 

Stress can be characterized in many different 

ways, both physically and emotionally. But mainly, 

it is notoriously identified by the feelings of tension 

created by frustrations in daily life. 

It is not uncommon for people to experience 

some kind of stress in a typical day. Whether it is 

the rushed feeling when running late to work, the 

pressure felt the night before an important exam, 

or even the tightness in the stomach that accompanies 

meeting someone new, stress is a common 

sensation. 

But there are some kinds of stress that are not 

so common. They come from more extraordinary 

circumstances that are specific to each individual’s 

situation, such as having a life-altering experience. 

Many Chaldeans, for example, are well 

aware of the stress that comes with immigrating 

to America. 

A New Life 

Mike Daniel of Richmond, Virginia, understands 

that stress. He emigrated from Iraq with his parents 

and siblings in 1993. Their journey lasted 

more than three years and began with leaving 

Iraq for Turkey by foot. They then spent their time 

in the camps until finally having the opportunity to 

settle in Orange County, California. This might 

sound familiar to many Chaldean families. But 

Daniel’s experience did not stop there. In fact, it 

only seemed to be the beginning. 

Life can be extremely difficult for a newly 

immigrated individual. There is tremendous 

BY JENNIFER KORAIL 

stress in having to adjust to a new culture with an 

entire family, complete with parents, siblings and 

even nieces and nephews. Daniel had to get 

used to the culture shock he experienced in 

America, as well as bridge the language barrier 

that exists for so many immigrants. 

“When we first came to America, we had no one 

to help take care of us,” he said. “And the hardest 

thing was becoming comfortable enough with the 

language to be able to communicate with others.” 

While some aspects such as language 

became easier for Daniel, he faced more challenges 

such as finding work and helping support 

his family. “Even though I wanted to continue my 

education in America,” he said, “I had to put that 

aside to work, sometimes 14 hours a day so that 

we could make a living.” 

Chaldean adolescents who come to America 

with their families appear especially subject to 

stress because they usually have to endure the 

pressures of helping their parents and younger 

siblings start a new life. And for a recently immigrated 

family, America can seem like a new 

world. Among other things, individuals must find 

their own place in society and decide how they fit 

in with the culture. This can be difficult because 

they might feel the need to give to their family, but 

also make an independent life of their own. 

Mixing Old and New 

Psychology professor Edward Chang of the 

University of Michigan shared his own feelings on 

the subject. “Cultural differences are some of the 

major causes of frustration for immigrants,” he 

said. Chang, who is himself an immigrant, noted 

that it is difficult to adjust to the American lifestyle 

while at the same time maintaining close ties to 

one’s ethnic culture. 

Through his research on the subject, Chang 

has found that many Middle and Far Eastern 

immigrants have to juggle finding success in a 

new country with preserving their loyalties to family 

and tradition. For example, in America grown 

children are expected to move away from home 

and begin their own lives, but many immigrants 

place value in staying home and continuing close 

relationships with the family unit. This can mean 

living with parents and in-laws, and at times, even 

extended family. 

In American society, this might be a sign of 

dependency, while for Chaldeans it displays appreciation 

and the desire to give back to one’s roots. 

This conflict of values can be a cause for concern 

among immigrants. Added to the normal physical 

and mental stress experienced with daily routines, 

trying to sort out one’s personal values and priorities 

can cause much psychological strain. 

Daniel experienced this kind of stress after 

starting his own family. While he was happy to 

help support his parents, he also wanted to find 

individual success. After getting married, he 

decided to partner with relatives at a glass shop 

in Virginia. There he has been able to gain his 

own personal experience with ownership as well 

as save money. Even so, he and his wife Nataly 

have to deal with the stresses of missing their 

families, friends and things like attending church 

with the Chaldean community. 

But the Daniels still feel blessed with what they 

have been able to accomplish. Even though they 

have had to endure many obstacles, they have 

found success in what they have achieved so far. 

And they have been able to do so without compromising 

the value they place on their culture. 

While stress can come from many causes and 

take many forms, it is important to understand 

how to manage it well. One way to maintain a 

healthy balance of stress is to eat well and see a 

doctor regularly for checkups. 

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(At 11 Mile) 

Lathrup Village 

(248) 559-9099 

MID-EASTERN & 

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the DOCTOR is in 

Cholesterol and Your Health 

Know the good from the bad 

We’ve all heard a lot about cholesterol 

and its importance to 

good health. Read on to learn 

all about it — and why you should care. 

Cholesterol is a natural substance 

that is produced by the liver and also 

found in the foods we eat. It is an 

essential nutrient necessary for many 

functions, but when levels rise above 

normal, serious consequences such as 

heart disease or stroke may occur. 

Coronary artery disease, commonly 

known as heart disease, is the leading 

cause of death in the United States. 

Many of these deaths are attributable to unhealthy 

cholesterol and lipid levels, which lead to the 

buildup of a fatty substance called plaque on the 

walls of arterial blood vessels, eventually causing 

the arteries to become blocked. This endangers 

the heart, potentially leading to a heart attack. 

It is now routine for the cholesterol profile (or 

lipid profile) to be evaluated by your physician 

during periodic health examinations. The lipid 

profile consists of testing for total cholesterol, 

lipoproteins called LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, 

and triglycerides (fatty acid molecules). 

This test is performed by obtaining a blood sample 

that is sent to a lab for analysis. Ideally, the 

lipid profile is tested while you are fasting. 

The recent adult treatment panel of the 

National Cholesterol Education Program recommends 

that every person older than 20 be 

screened every five years, and at more frequent 

intervals depending on the results. 

Studies report a higher risk for death from 

heart disease with high total cholesterol levels. 

The higher the level, the greater the risk. Levels 

less than 200 mg/dL are desirable, between 200- 

DR. LANORE 

P. NAJOR 

CONTRIBUTING 

COLUMNIST 

239 are borderline and over 240 are 

considered very high. 

A profile gives details on your body’s 

cholesterol levels, including the following: 

Low Density Lipoproteins: LDL is 

referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. In 

a major study, the lowest incidence of 

heart disease was found among people 

with the lowest LDL levels. Lowering 

LDL is the primary goal of cholesterol 

drugs and lifestyle therapy. 

Whether your LDL is desirable 

depends on your risk factors for heart 

disease — a family history of early heart 

problems, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, 

being older and HDL levels below 35 mg/dL. 

Following are the guidelines that incorporate these 

risk factors in determining an appropriate LDL level: 

100 mg/dL or below: For people with existing 

heart disease, diabetes or many risk factors 

130 mg/dL or below: For people with two or 

more risk factors 160 mg/dL or below: For people 

with one or zero risk factors. 

HEART-HEALTHY GOALS 

Although there are many major 

dietary approaches for protecting 

health, experts generally 

agree on the following recommendations 

for heart protection: 

• Choose fiber-rich foods 

(whole grain, legumes, nuts) 

as the main source of carbohydrates, 

along with a high 

intake of fruits and vegetables. 

• Avoid saturated fats (found mainly 

in animal products) and trans 

fatty acids (found in fats, commercial 

products and fast foods). 

• Choose unsaturated fats, 

especially omega-3 fatty acids 

(found in vegetable and fish oils). 

• When selecting proteins, 

choose poultry, fish and soy 

over meat. 

• Weight control, quitting smoking 

and exercise are essential 

components of any diet program. 

Anything above 160 is high, with levels above 

190 being very high. 

High Density Lipoproteins: HDL is referred to 

as the “good” cholesterol. It benefits the body by 

removing cholesterol from the walls of the arteries 

and returning it to the liver. HDL helps to keep the 

arteries open and reduces the risk of heart attack. 

High levels of HDL above 60 mg/dL are optimal 

and may be as important for the heart as low 

levels of LDL. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL are 

considered harmful. 

Triglycerides: These fatty acid molecules are 

becoming increasingly recognized as causative in 

heart disease and other metabolic syndromes. 

Triglycerides levels below 150 mg/dL are normal. 

Blood levels are sensitive to increased consumption 

of simple sugars and alcohol, as well as contributed 

to by weight gain and inactivity. 

Numerous studies show that reducing LDL 

and total cholesterol and boosting HDL levels 

have improved survival and prevented heart 

attacks in people with or without heart disease. 

The two principal methods for treating elevated 

cholesterol are lifestyle changes and medication. 

Lifestyle changes are attempted generally for 

three to six months. If goals are not achieved, your 

physician may suggest medication. For high-risk 

patients however, medication is instituted at the 

same time as lifestyle changes. 

Once you begin a hearthealthy 

diet it generally takes 

an average of three to six 

months before a noticeable 

reduction in cholesterol levels 

occurs, at which time the lipid 

blood test is reevaluated. Make 

sure to have your lipid profile 

checked periodically so you 

can begin lifestyle changes, if 

necessary, to prevent heart disease 

and maintain health. 

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kids’ CORNER 

OUR FLAG THROUGH THE YEARS 

FLAG DAY! 

WE CELEBRATE OUR NATION’S FLAG ON JUNE 14 

“BENNINGTON” 

“BETSY ROSS” 

FLAG DAY IS A DAY FOR ALL AMERICANS TO CELEBRATE and 

show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative 

of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one 

nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. 

It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. 

“STAR SPANGLED BANNER” 

“OLD GLORY” 

HOW TO PROPERLY 

DISPLAY OUR FLAG! 

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The 

American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents 

our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country 

and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag: 

❖ The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. 

❖ In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. 

❖ Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously. 

❖ The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it. 

❖ The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather. 

❖ After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It’s 

called “half staff” on land, and “half mast” on a ship. 

❖ When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field, or “union”, 

is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house). 

❖ The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state 

flag and other flags fly below it. 

❖ The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and 

blue field are always on the left. 

❖ Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period. 

❖ Fold your flag when storing. Don’t just stuff it in a drawer or box. 

❖ When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. 

Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

T 

here is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning 

it. It is a ceremony everyone should see. Your local Boy Scout 

group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. 

If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony. 

WORD SEARCH 

CAN YOU FIND THESE WORDS? 

Flag 

Red 

Stars 

White 

Stripes 

Blue 

Pole 

Honor 

States 

SPESJFKTODLGFFLGORGIJ 

OZLEPFKUMERKLASRINGTI 

MEASDFBURIKMOTUIKSLGP 

LIFAGYELNHAMURABEFENO 

CGTKJGIFURGIKDEPOHGKL 

HAEASWHITEFLKRIHDHGSE 

WETHKRSHEDEMNRPTDICTL 

SKOLYJGDEPAOTLKEYPAAF 

FLAGTHOJNBHSGJDIDUFRX 

HCUWSTRPLKOTMESDSWNSJ 

DURITKFOTLGALYPHMDLXD 

GHHUEMLDSIFRRXUHEGYMQ 

JRAFDGSTATESEDBEVRSDG 

MDLXAIKJYGVLCSEOLSSWD 

HONORPELFKCMFEKRARSLF 

AOSICUNFMGLPRLSOWMCVO 

DAN SENOR 

Continued from page 17 

there (in Detroit). This was long 

before the liberation of Iraq was on 

the radar screen. They have always 

kept in touch with their home country 

in a way that was very inspiring. 

CN: In your assessment of this 

new government, will minorities like 

the Chaldeans be protected in Iraq? 

DS: Sure. There are minority 

rights. Great attention was given to 

minorities in the constitution. There 

are very strong protections for 

minority rights. 

CN: Will Chaldeans have a voice 

in the government? 

DS: It is a freely elected government. 

You’re better off asking the 

citizens of Iraq. They will choose 

their leaders. 

CN: On this day we are talking to 

you, the president of the Iraqi 

Governing Council was killed. 

Some people might ask, if you can’t 

protect the president of the Iraqi 

Governing Council, who can you 

protect? 

DS: You can say the same about 

the United States of America. We 

lost 3,000 people in one day, thanks 

to 20 people. It is the nature of the 

terrorist threat. It is inherently asymmetrical. 

They have to be successful 

once in a while to wreck havoc. We 

have to be successful all the time in 

order to defend against terrorism. 

We have to be successful 100 percent 

of the time. From time to time, 

they sneak through. From time to 

time there is going to be a successful 

terrorist. It is awful and it’s tragic. 

But, it is important to remember they 

don’t happen every day. 


QUESTION of the month 

JUNE QUESTION 

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOUR DAD EVER GAVE YOU? 

Welcome to the 

Question of the Month 

In every issue we ask our 

readers a question. We look 

forward to your answers. 

WHAT KIDS SAY 

The following came from 

ESL Social Studies and 

Language Arts classes at 

Orchard Lake Middle School: 

“The best advice my father gave 

me is never do something that 

you think is wrong but your 

friends think is right.” 

Scenar Haddad, 6th grade 

“The best advice my father ever 

gave me is not to give up.” 

Chihiro Sunohaa, 6th grade 

“The greatest advice that my 

father ever gave me was to 

respect people for who they are 

without looking at their skin and 

race. That is why I respect everyone 

for who they are. Thanks to 

my loving father.” 

Samantha Masongsong, 

8th grade 

“Not to listen to what your 

friends tell you.” 

Peter Isso, 6th grade 

“To go to school and to get 

straight As and have the best 

education in this whole world.” 

Rana Abdal, 7th grade 

“Never rely on others, always 

rely on yourself.” 

Mallory Manjo, 6th grade 

“My father’s best advice is never 

ever smoke or drink and drive.” 

Scott Yaldo, 6th grade 

“To stay in school, go to college 

and get a degree so that I can 

get a good job.” 

Ryan Yono, 6th grade 

“The best advice my dad ever 

gave me is never smoke and 

drink.” 

Gino Salaman, 7th grade 

The best advice my Dad ever gave 

us...Oh, and they were many... 

God rest his soul... My Mom, siblings 

and I miss him extremely with 

each passing day... One advice I 

always remember is when I’m reading 

alone or to my kids, I could hear 

him saying “Binty Azizty (my beloved 

daughter) read to educate your 

mind, heart and soul...See no one 

can take education away from 

you...” Another, is to stay close to 

your Church and Family...Neither will 

ever judge you nor stop loving you... 

Thanks a million times to my 

Mom and Dad for the loving caring 

hugs and sweet one on one valuable 

lessons on life, this is the best 

advice I could pass on to my kids... 

Atoor Jem Konja 

Sometimes we don’t ask for it and 

sometimes we find it hard to 

admit we actually take it to heart. But 

let’s face it, our dad’s advice really 

matters to us. “Do what’s right!” 

“Money doesn’t grow on trees!” 

“Check the oil in your car!” But my 

dad’s best advice? His best advice 

was never spoken; he lived it. He set 

a great example to my siblings and 

me by his actions; he never had to 

use many words. He works hard 

towards his goals and aspirations. 

He lives by the three R’s; respect 

yourself, respect others, and take 

responsibility for your actions. He 

always puts his family first, extended 

family, and the Chaldean community 

family as well. Most importantly he 

puts God and religion at the top of 

his list. He puts his wealth to good 

use by helping others who need it. 

He always says that it is wealth’s 

greatest satisfaction to do so. My 

dad lives a good, honorable life that 

when he grows older, he will look 

back and enjoy a second time. For 

me, experiencing the life he lives is 

the best advice I have taken in from 

my father. I’ll end it with this quote, 

“My father is someone I will look up 

to no matter how tall I get.” 

Jennifer Sue Samona 

Best Advice My Father Gave Me... 

Simple and Self Explanatory: 

A Prayer 

God 

Grant me 

Serenity to accept the things 

I cannot change 

Courage to change 

the things I can 

Wisdom to know the difference 

This prayer has been with me for 

many past years, it is with me now 

and will be with me for all of the 

years to come — as is my father’s 

memory and spirit with me. 

Inas Ayar 

Iwill never forget one evening at the 

dinner table many years ago. 

Somehow the subject of marriage 

was brought up. I remember my dad 

turned to me and said, “Mervt, do 

you see the way I treat Mom? I want 

you to marry someone who will treat 

you the way I treat your mother. If 

you want to be happy, don’t accept 

anything less.” Although I was just a 

teenager at the time and was not 

thinking of getting married anytime 

soon, those words stayed with me. 

All through my childhood and into 

adulthood, I’ve observed how my 

father has loved my mother, which is 

with kindness, respect and humor. 

They set a good example for me of 

what a happy marriage should be 

like. Last October, I followed my 

dad’s advice and fulfilled his wish 

when I married my husband Rony. I 

honestly could not have asked for a 

kinder person to spend my life with. 

Just as my dad has made my mom 

happy in their 29 years together, I 

know I will feel the same with my 

new husband in the years to come. 

Mervt Foumia 

My father, Peter Joseph Denja, 

embodied all that is admirable 

in human beings and the Chaldean 

culture. Without a day of formal 

education he could read and write in 

three languages and speak five. He 

JULY 

QUESTION 

OF THE 

MONTH 

HOW WOULD YOU 

PREDICT THE FUTURE 

OF IRAQ FOR 

CHALDEANS? 

was intelligent, courageous, confident, 

humble, overly generous, hospitable, 

tender, compassionate, 

faithful and manly. 

He left Telkef in the mid 1920s 

and went to Mexico. When he told 

them his name was Denha, it was 

spelled Denja as that is how the “H” 

sound is written in Spanish. We 

have kept that spelling ever since. 

We came to the U.S. in 1942 due to 

my father and mother’s love for their 

extended families. His very being 

and life was the best advice he ever 

gave me. More specifically, on the 

day before he died in 1963, he was 

telling the nurse what wonderful 

children he had. When she told him 

that he would have to get better for 

his wonderful children, he responded 

in broken English, “I’m believe in 

God. Anything happen to me is 

OK.” His faith has kept me afloat 

through many rough times. He truly 

gave me the experiential knowledge 

of Jesus’ words, “love one another 

as I have loved you.” 

Gloria Denja 

Please email or mail your answer to 

the editorial department. Please 

include your picture and keep your 

response to 75 words or less. 


C/o Editorial: Question of the month 

30095 NW Hwy, Ste 102 


Email to: vdenha@chaldeannews.com 


event 

bride-aid! 

A 

long with their annual elections, 

the Chaldean American 

Ladies of Charity, (CALC) hosted a 

Wedding and Party Planning Event 

at the Southfield Manor on Thursday, 

May 6. More than 200 hundred people 

attended the event. 

Clockwise from the top: 

Stephanie Acho tempts the crowd 

with Chocolates by Renee. 

Jenelle Faranso entertains with 

her wedding tunes. 

Yvonne Abbo helps attendees pick 

out invitations from her collection. 

Newly elected president Claire Konja 

with outgoing president Jane Shallal. 


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JUNE 2004

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