MAY 2006

$2 

THE 

CHALDEANNEWS 

WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM 

VOL. 3 ISSUE IV 

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY MAY 2006 

INSIDE 

CHALDEANS KILLED IN 

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE 

SINGLE WOMEN 

ENJOY INDEPENDENCE 

CELEBRATING 

MOTHERHOOD 

TEACHER MAKES 

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How We Mourn 

PERIODICAL 

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CONTENTS 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 3 ISSUE IV 

MAY 2006 

on the cover 

31 STREAMLINED FUNERALS 

BY LINDA JABORO 

New guidelines have supporters and detractors 

31 

features 

32 COMING TOGETHER 

BY LYNN DEGRANDE 

Panel discussion offers insight on religious diversity 

34 LEST WE FORGET 

BY KEN MARTEN 

Chaldeans also victimized in Armenian Genocide 

12 34 

36 ON THEIR OWN 

BY JOYCE WISWELL 

Single women enjoy their independence 

38 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO 

Motherhood: A love story 

26 40 

46 HUNDREDS ATTEND 

CHAMBER DINNER 

BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO 

Community members honored, Iraq situation updated 

42 

sports 

42 CATCHING FIRE AT BROTHER RICE 

BY STEVE STEIN 

Vinnie Sarafa puts injury behind him 

departments 

8 FROM THE EDITOR 

10 YOUR LETTERS 

12 NOTEWORTHY 

14 CHAI TIME 

16 CALC CORNER 

17 BOUSHALA 

BY CARL HAKIM 

Eggplant Montinello 

18 HALHOLE! 

24 RELIGION 

24 OBITUARIES 

25 ECONOMICS AND ENTREPRISE 

La Kabbr: Winning team presents 

tasty treats 

26 IRAQ TODAY 

28 THE DOCTOR IS IN 

BY ELLIOTT ATTISHA, D.O. 

Are your kids getting 

enough sleep? 

44 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 

BY CHRISTINA GAPPY 

Hip Hop and R&B with a 

Middle Eastern flair 

40 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 


Doctor Literacy 

48 EVENT 

St. George Fundraiser 

54 CLASSIFIED LISTINGS 


from the EDITOR 

A Time for Everything 

Under the Heavens 

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It is written in the Bible in the 

book of Ecclesiastes that, 

“there is an appointed time 

for everything, and a time for 

every affair under the heavens 

— a time to be born, and a 

time to die; a time to plant, and 

a time to uproot the plant — a 

time to kill, and a time to heal; 

a time to tear down, and a time 

to build — a time to weep, and 

a time to laugh; a time to 

mourn and a time to dance.” 

This month, it is time for us to tackle 

a sensitive, yet timely issue — how 

we mourn our dead within the 

Chaldean community. Some believe 

that the ways in which we handle funerals 

and wakes — traditions that can be 

traced back to the villages of Iraq — 

are viewed as centuries too old and 

now is the time for change. Linda 

Jaboro informs us of the new rules that 

have been implemented for Chaldean 

funeral practices. Common with human 

nature, some community members 

challenge the modifications. 

Some people find comfort in tradition. 

However, as time goes by and 

Chaldeans become more acclimated, 

the younger generation finds the need 

to break away from customs; the struggle 

between the generations may 

become more evident as these new 

funeral practices are implemented. I 

found this true at my father’s funeral. I 

felt like I was in some kind of time warp 

— living in 2002 but trapped in a time 

long before I was born — with the 

chanting, the loud outbursts of crying 

and the streams of black clothing. I 

learned to appreciate the need for one 

person to mourn one way while another 

finds comfort in silence. This month 

it was time to look into the way we bury 

the dead and honor life as Chaldeans 

now living in the U.S. 

Just like there comes a time for a 

bird to leave its mother’s nest, there 

comes a time for some single women to 

move out from beneath her parents’ 

wings. Although not socially acceptable 

in some families, there are Chaldean 

women in our community solely supporting 

themselves. It is believed in our 

culture that women go from their 

father’s home to their husband’s home. 

However, times have changed. Joyce 

Wiswell chatted with some of those 

women who are now on their own. 

As some young women embark on 

solo living, some people say it’s time 

we all get along. Some community 

members thought it was time to talk 

VANESSA 

DENHA- 

GARMO 

EDITOR 

about diversity in Michigan. 

Primarily in Oakland County, 

Chaldeans interact with many 

other ethnic and racial groups. 

Writer Lynn DeGrande writes 

her debut article for the 

Chaldean News on a recent 

diversity session in West 

Bloomfield. 

For Crystal Kassab Jabiro, it 

is time to celebrate motherhood 

for the first time. She writes a 

poignant essay followed by 

quotes from various women in our community 

about the joys of motherhood as 

we celebrate Mother’s Day in May. 

While life without a child quickly 

becomes a faint memory for Crystal, 

a group of Chaldeans are saying it is 

about time that we remember what 

has been called “the forgotten genocide.” 

Although several states recognize 

the Armenian Genocide’s place 

in history, it is still not acknowledged 

on the federal level. Ken Marten gives 

us the history of the event — which 

includes the often-omitted fact that 

thousands of Chaldeans and 

Assyrians were killed as well. 

The book of Ecclesiastes continues 

to say there is, “a time to scatter 

stones, a time to be far from embraces. 

A time to seek and a time to lose; a 

time to keep and a time to cast away; a 

time to rend and a time to sew; a time 

to be silent and a time to speak; a time 

to love, and a time to hate; a time of 

war and a time of peace.” 

With that said, I say we must all 

pray that when we are faced with any 

one of those life experiences we find 

the time to accept it, appreciate it 

and learn from it. 

Alaha Imid Koullen 

(God Be With Us All) 

Vanessa Denha-Garmo 

vdenha@chaldeannews.com 

Letters to the editor are welcome. 

Please keep your letter to less than 

500 words and include your city. 

The Chaldean News reserves the 

right to edit letters for clarity and 

length. Submit your letter via email to 

info@chaldeannews.com or mail to: 

The Chaldean News, Letters to the 

Editor, 30095 Northwestern Hwy., 

Ste. 102, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 


THE CHALDEAN NEWS 

PUBLISHED BY 

The Chaldean News, LLC 

Tony Antone 


Martin Manna 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

COPY EDITOR 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

EDITORIAL 

ART & PRODUCTION 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

OPERATIONS 

Interlink Media 

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CLASSIFIEDS 

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE 

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Joyce Wiswell 

Elliott Attisha, D.O. 

Lynne DeGrande 

Mariam Fam 

Christina Gappy 

Carl Hakim 

Linda Jaboro 

Crystal Kassab Jabiro 

Ken Marten 

Dan Shriner 

Steve Stein 

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

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Tammy Jonna 

Tammy Jonna 

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Tammy Jonna 

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your LETTERS 

Quotable 

I would like to say bravo to you. I am 

very proud of you, you are an inspiration 

to our Chaldean community. I love 

the Chaldean News and it is the only 

paper I read. It’s very informative, fun 

and well presented. 

I am 40 years young, married with 

three kids. We own a liquor store. I live 

in Troy, I have a son who goes to Wayne 

State and my other two kids attend Troy 

Schools. My wife is very religious, which 

I am very proud to say, and I am too. 

God is all in the feeling that we create 

and draw to ourselves. He is the 

image that is portrayed through our 

ancestors, that God is power, wisdom, 

love and caring, and we give Him glory 

every day through our life. 

My reason for saying all this is, me 

and my wife preach God mercy to 

people and I preach patience, wisdom 

and making the right decisions in life. 

Also I write quotes, which is something 

I really enjoy. Here is one: Earth is your 

stage, life is your script, live with confidence, 

and let God be your director. 

One more: If your life is with God you 

will not be forgotten. 

May God bless you and inspire 

you to always write and give you drive 

to influence people in the right direction 

in their life. 

Art Seba, Troy 

More on Yonadam Kanna 

Regarding “Kanna Dodges Tough 

Issues During Detroit Visit” (March 

2006): It shocks me how a professional 

newsmagazine can lead the readers 

into a path far from reality. 

The correct slate name of Yonadam 

Kanna is Alrafidayen and not Beth 

Nahrain, whom is associated with 

another Assyrian political party known 

to be anti-Chaldean. I expect the 

Chaldean News to remain more neutral 

and to research the subject more thoroughly. 

I see this as a cheap tactic in 

order to confuse readers. Furthermore, 

the article failed to say that Mr. Kanna 

had an honorary dinner with President 

Bush and heads of the Senate. 

The second paragraph is misleading 

also; Mr. Kanna does not represent the 

Iraqi Christians, he represents the 

ChaldoAssyriansSyraics specifically and 

the Iraqi people in general, and 83 percent 

of the ChaldeanAssyriansSyraic 

voters around the world elected Mr. 

Kanna. The Chaldean News should 

know that it is politically incorrect to identify 

Slate 740 with being a religious voice 

in politics. The Chaldean News claims 

that Mr. Kanna has stumbled a bit, but 

fails to tell its readers how. 

You talk about the crisis facing the 

Iraqi Christians, and how the Christian 

churches are a target for terrorists. The 

Chaldean News is trying to tell its readers 

that we are being killed because of 

our religion, but just like Mr. Kanna said, 

mosques have been a crucial target as 

well for the insurgents and so have 

police stations, grocery stores, and 

every place in Iraq. Mr. Kanna never flat 

out denied that churches were threatened; 

in one day the insurgents attacked 

five churches, but in one day the insurgents 

attacked 27 mosques and recently 

bombed one of the biggest mosques 

in Samara. This leads to the conclusion 

the bombings are indiscriminate, which 

Mr. Kanna has numerously tried to 

explain to the people of our community. 

It seems to me that you are hiding 

the fact that Mr. Kanna was greeted at 

Shenandoah Country Club by the 

Chaldean Chamber of Commerce’s 

Saad Hajjar, and by Shenandoah 

President Mike Sarafa. During the 

meeting, Mr. Hajjar acknowledged Mr. 

Kanna’s hard work and dedication to 

our cause in Iraq. You then continue to 

say that Mr. Kanna brushed off the 

notion that there is no future for 

Christians in Iraq, but state that Mr. 

Kanna did not give an explanation. It is 

obvious that The Chaldean News fails 

to see that Mr. Kanna is a Christian and 

has a strong voice in the Iraqi 

Parliament. You need to understand that 

he is trying his best to unify and protect 

our community in Iraq. He was the first 

member of Parliament that brought forth 

the united ChaldoAssyrianSyriac name 

in the Parliament. 

The Chaldean News has tried to 

attack Mr. Kanna by stating that he has 

a nationalistic point of view in Iraqi politics. 

Mr. Kanna is not only in the 

Parliament to represent our people, but 

is in the parliament to represent Iraqis. 

The reason why Mr. Kanna was unenthusiastic 

about the Assyrian Academic 

Society’s Nineveh Plains Project was 

because it contained some false information 

towards other ethnic groups in the 

Nineveh Plains. Mr. Kanna’s dream is to 

one day have a self-governing city in the 

Nineveh Plains where our people can live 

peacefully with their language, religion 

and culture side by side with their Iraqi 

brothers. Mr. Kanna is in no way against 

humanitarian projects to assist the 

Nineveh Plains people. 

The Chaldean News needs to stop 

trying to separate our beloved nation 

by adding slashes and commas 

between the AssyrianChaldeanSyraic, 

they should know that we are all one 

people who share the same goals, and 

the same home. 

Finally I have the utmost respect for 

the Chaldean News for its role in promoting 

our ChaldoAssyrian culture, but why 

are you attacking a man that has devoted 

all his life for the unity and the survival of 

our nation? And why we have not seen 

any attacks on other Iraqi leaders? 

Alaa Mansour 

Assyrian Democratic Movement 

Michigan Chapter 



NOTEworthy 

IRAQ GETTING MASTERCARD 

Security Financial Services (SFS), a Chaldeanowned 

company, has been licensed through the 

central bank of Iraq to offer MasterCard services 

and pre-paid Internet access Aman cards. 

SFS plans to install more than 500 point-ofsale 

stations in shops, hotels and other businesses 

in Baghdad, with the goal of having 2,500 

installed by year’s end. ATM machines will also be 

installed throughout the country. 

“With the availability of the electronic 

debit/credit system, the average Iraqi citizen need 

no longer be bothered by the inconvenience 

involved in constantly carrying sufficient amounts 

of cash to purchase the goods and services they 

need to survive, nor do they need to worry about 

the safety risks involved in carrying cash while 

walking the streets,” said the company in a statement. 

The development is also touted as providing 

an attractive incentive to international companies 

to enter the Iraqi market, which would increase 

competition and availability of goods and services. 

SFS, whose president is Kenny Zair, opened 

an office in Baghdad in September 2003 for the 

project, which the company calls “a labor of love.” 

IRAQ MURDER HITS 

CLOSE TO HOME 

Tragedy stuck the family of Fr. Wisam Matti of 

Mother of God Church on April 6 when his sister, 

Wasan Matti, was killed by Islamic terrorists in 

Doura, Baghdad. 

Wasan was killed by gunshot from members of 

an Islamic group, Fr. Wisam said. She was in a 

car returning from a doctor visit with her husband 

and 2-year-old daughter. Wasan was six months 

pregnant and would have celebrated her 30th 

birthday on April 18. 

“She was happy in her life, and at the same 

time she put her life in God’s hands,” said Fr. 

Wisam. “When I called her, always she was telling 

me, ‘don’t worry about me Brother, God is always 

with me and I put myself in God’s hands. He will 

take care of me. 

“She was,” he added, “a very humble and satisfied 

person.” 

BOOKS FOCUS ON 

CHRISTIANITY 

Author, speaker and teacher Cheryl 

Dickow has published a new book for 

women, Reclaiming Your Christian 

Self in a Secular World. The book 

seeks to inspire women to renew their 

commitment to their Christian identity 

by giving examples of women in 

Scripture and ways to incorporate 

their traits into daily life. 

Dickow is also the author of 

Raising Christian Children in a Secular 

World, which uses Bible passages to 

illustrate life qualities that parents 

should instill. 

Both books are available through 

the website AskKnockSee.com. 

HOTELIER WILL RUN 

HENRY FORD WEST 

BLOOMFIELD 

Gerard van Grinsven will become the new 

president and chief executive officer of the 

new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital 

in June. Van Grinsven is currently the vice 

president and area general manager for the 

Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn. 

The 300-bed, $310-million Henry Ford 

will open in West Bloomfield, which is 20 

percent Chaldean, in July 2008. “The commitment 

to making Henry Ford The Ritz- 

Carlton of health care is truly there, and I am 

eager to begin contributing to the team’s 

goals,” Van Grinsven said in a statement. 

POLICE MAKE ARREST 

IN STORE SHOOTING 

Farmington Hills Police have arrested 

Herman Lewis Cheese for the shooting and 

attempted armed robbery at the Orchard 

Market Place on February 22. A Chaldean 

man, Jeffrey Ammouri, was shot in the incident 

but is expected to fully recover. 

Cheese, 26, has been charged with 

assault with intent to murder, possession of 

a firearm in the commission of a felony, 

assault with intent to rob while armed, and 

three counts of firearms possession. 

A $10,000 reward was posted in connection 

with this case for information leading 

to the conviction of the assailant(s). 

Farmington Hills Police put up $5,000 from 

its Narcotics Forfeiture Fund, and the 

Chaldean American Chamber of 

Commerce matched the amount. Police 

Chief William Dwyer declined to comment 

on the status of the reward, but said, “We 

definitely had help from the public because 

of the media attention.” 

Cheese is being held in Oakland County 

Jail. His bond has been set at $1 million 

cash. A second suspect remains at large. 

STUDENT WINS 

ESSAY CONTEST 

Jeniece Faranso, 18, a full-time college student, won 

an essay contest at Oakland Community College, 

enabling her to participate in a week-long trip abroad 

to get a better glimpse into global affairs. She will 

tour Austria among nine other students. 

Faranso wrote on her views regarding globalization 

and how she expects it to play out in the future. 

On June 8, she will extend her knowledge about global 

affairs by touring Austria with nine other students 

from OCC, along with many students from community 

colleges across the nation. 

PEOPLE 

Randall A. Denha has returned to Cox 

Hodgman & Giarmarco PC as a partner 

specializing is estate planning, 

business planning and asset protection 

planning. He also serves as chief 

general counsel for Wireless Toyz. 

Theresa Abbo has joined 

Shenandoah Country Club as catering 

and sales director. She was most recently 

the banquet manager at the Hyatt 

Regency Dearborn, and has been in the 

hospitality industry for 13 years. 

The Beale Group has made two 

new hires: Mark Bacall and Harry 

Barash. Bacall has five years of development 

experience with Bacall 

Development. Barash brings nine 

years of commercial real estate experience 

and was most recently with 

Landmark Commercial Real Estate. 

Sister Helen Essa has celebrated 

her 50th anniversary as a Dominican 

nun. Sister Helen entered the convent 

at age 20 as a teacher, and retired from 

Guardian Angels Catholic Church in 

Clawson in 2005. A mass and dinner 

were held in her honor. 

Denha 

Abbo 

Essa 


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Bridal Collections 

Indo/Western Fashions 

Menswear 

Jewelry 

(semi-precious, costume) 

Accessories 

Shoes 


CHAI time 

May 6: Rida el Abdallah performs 

at Hope: A Concert for Iraq 

May 16: Brigadier General 

Mark T Kimmitt 

May 28: Mega 80s perform at the 

St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair 

May 21: Celebrate Birmingham comes 

to Old Woodward 

CHALDEANS CONNECTING 

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT MAY 2006 

[Wednesday, May 3] 

CIAAM: General membership meeting at 

Shenandoah Country Club. 

[Thursday, May 4- Sunday, May 7] 

Michigan International Women’s Show: Annual 

event takes place at Rock Financial Showplace in 

Novi. $8. www.internationalwomenshow.com. 

[Sunday, May 6] 

Hope: A Concert for Iraq: Rida el Abdallah, Sawsan 

Kizy and Miami DJ perform in a benefit show sponsored 

by the National Arab American Medical 

Association’s Michigan Chapter and Nidhal’s 

Pharmacy. Tickets are $50-$100 and include dinner. 

Proceeds will buy medical emergency supplies in 

Iraq. Bella Banquet Hall, Warren. Tickets on sale at 

Nidhal’s Pharmacy (248) 477-2131, Saraha 

Restaurant (586) 264-0400 and various other outlets. 

[Wednesday, May 10] 

Quarterly Networking Meeting: Chaldean American 

Chamber of Commerce event gives the chance to 

meet and greet with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 6 

p.m., World of Erhard, 38700 Grand River in 

Farmington Hills. RSVP by May 8 to (248) 538-3700 

or lkalou@chaldeanchamber.com. 

[Saturday, May 13 - Sunday, May 14] 

Birmingham Fine Art Festival: Artists, entertainment 

and family activities at Shain Park, downtown 

Birmingham. (248) 644-1700 or www.bbcc.com. 

[Tuesday, May 16] 

A conversation with Brigadier General Mark T 

Kimmitt: The Chaldean American Chamber of 

Commerce hosts this discussion on the Iraq war 

and the future of the country’s minorities. 7 p.m., 

Shenandoah Country Club. RSVP to (248) 538- 

3700 or lkalou@chaldeanchamber.com. 

[Friday, May 19] 

Infertility: RESOLVE of Michigan’s 6th Annual Ask 

the Expert Dinner Program with keynote speaker John 

S. Hesla, MD, nationally recognized reproductive 

endocrinologist from the Portland Center for 

Reproductive Medicine. 5 p.m., the Auditorium in 

Beaumont Hospital’s Administration Building, Royal 

Oak. $33 per person/$65 per couple for non-members. 

(248) 975-8866 or www.resolveofmichigan.org. 

[Friday, May 19 - Saturday, May 21] 

Detroit Hoedown: 24th annual country music 

festival takes over Detroit’s Hart Plaza. 

http://www.wattsupinc.com/current_events/hoedown. 

[Sunday, May 21] 

Celebrate Birmingham: Parade along Old 

Woodward Avenue and party at Shain Park with 

games, food and entertainment. (248) 644-1800 

or www.enjoybirmingham.com. 

[Thursday, May 25] 

Chaldean American Ladies of Charity: CALC 

holds its 45th Annual Meeting and Elections. Guest 

speaker is Ava Maria radio host Teresa Tomeo. 6:30 

p.m., Shenandoah Country Club. (248) 352-5018. 

[Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29] 

St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair: 34th annual event 

includes food, rides, Vegas tent and more. Hours: 

Friday, 5-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 

p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Vegas tent stays open 

later all days). 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake. 

(248) 706-6775. 

Please let us know what is going on in the community. 

Fax your information to The Chaldean 

News Editorial Department. Subject: Chai Time 

Fax: 248-932-9161 

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CALC corner 

NOTE from the 

PRESIDENT 

We hope everyone had a Happy Easter. We know spring 

is upon us and much is to be done for 2006. First, I 

want to share with you the importance of being a member 

of the CALC and why your support is vital to keep 

this organization going. Our yearly dues are a mere $35 

and with that money and commitment, we are able to 

make difference in the lives of so many people. I hope 

you renew your membership and continue to support the 

CALC. Don’t forget about our elections coming up on 

Thursday, May 25. The event will feature a special 

guest speaker, Teresa Tomeo, talk show host from 

WDEO Ave Maria Radio and professional speaker. 

— Clair Konja, President 

SAVE THE DATE JUNE 17 

CALC WALKATHON 

Please join us for our CALC 3K-5k Walkathon 

on Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m. at Drake Park 

in West Bloomfield. $10 admission fee. 

Proceeds benefit Gleaners Food Bank. 

SERVICE WITH SMILES 

The CALC served a lunch meal to more than 

70 of the Chaldean Manor senior citizens on 

Monday, April 10. The meal, provided by 

Sabah and Batool Jabrou, included beef kabob 

sandwiches, tabbouli, and a dessert. The seniors 

came early to play bingo and socialize 

before enjoying lunch. Volunteer members of 

the CALC dished out and served the meal. 

Thank you to those who provided helping 

hands and a warm smile. 

ACTS OF KINDNESS 

In a compassionate service to others, CALC 

volunteers Margaret Butti, Maureen Bacall and 

Nithal Rassam brought joy, delicious Chaldean 

food and friendly conversation to Chaldean 

patients at St. Anthony’s Nursing Home in 

Warren on April 7. Our gratitude goes out to 

those CALC women who gave of their time and 

heart. What a wonderful way to serve others. 

EASTER FOOD DRIVE 

With the help of dozens of volunteers, more than 100 

Chaldean needy families were supplied boxes of food 

for Easter. The effort was led by the CALC and a 

group of dedicated young members of the community. 

The food drive was held on Thursday, April 6 

through Saturday, April 8. When the call went out for 

help, the CALC was overwhelmed with the generosity 

of community volunteers willing to donate Easter 

baskets and food. Numerous local stores and grocers 

kindly donated food and candy to make Easter a 

special day for these families. The CALC sincerely 

thanks those who donated food, candy and other 

supplies. They include: 

Food Giant / Sam Denha, 8 Mile Foodland / Mike 

and John Denha, Family Foods Marketplace / Wally 

and Frank Hakim, Family Foods Superstore / Chris 

Denha, Bill Cholagh, Family Foods Market / Sam 

Hamama, Pontiac Iga / Mike Salmo, Harper Food 

Center / Ronnie Ayar, Food Town Supermarket / 

Raad Ayar, Bill Arabo, Vons Supermarket / Sam and 

Anthony Ayar, 7 Foodland / Chuck Watha, Trepco 

Wholesale / Wesam Paulis, Martin and Snyder / 

George Daiza, Capital Wholesale / Sam Haddad, 

Value Wholesale / John Loussia, Liberty Wholesale / 

Mike Dickow, Crown Supermarket / Mike Sheena, 

Mazen Foods / Salam Jiddou, Eddie’s Produce / 

Imad Denha, Serra Produce / Anthony Serra, 

Tradewell Wholesale / Sahir Gappy, Mikes Fresh 

Market / Carlo Kouza, Delone Arabo, Sav-A-Lot 

Pontiac / Eddie Bahoora, Ryan Foods / Raad 

Kathawa, Value Center Market / Terry Farida, 

Shoppers Market / Emmet Denha, Bobby Dawood, 

K&G Food Mart / Mark Kassa, Saturn Foods / Chris 

Kassa, United Wholesale / Hani Mio, Z & A Produce 

/ Kevin Ayar, University Foods / Norman Yaldo, Save- 

A-Lot / Dave Kalasho, Bob and Sons Produce / Kevin 

and Mark Hanna, Michigan Wholesale Mart / Eddie 

Denha, D&B Grocers / Bobby Hesano. 

Numerous others generously gave of their time to 

package food and supplies and drive it to various 

homes. Their efforts are much appreciated. We sincerely 

thank the following people for their time and 

help on this project: 

Paul Shallal, Rita Shallal, Anthony Yasso, Shavon 

Yasso, Mark Marouki, Anees Katou, Flora Kuza, 

Farah Shammami, Christopher Denha II, Claudine 

Denha, Valerie Denha, Vera Denha, Linda Zetouna, 

Julian Katty, Jeremy Katty, Nolan Katty, Anne Seba, 

Matthew Seba, Stefan Kalabat, Anthony Kalabat, 

Janie Arafat, Maureen Bacall, Nidhal Rassam, Janeen 

Fakhouri, Corbin Yaldoo, Melody Mio, Lawrence Mio, 

Tallia Mio, Crystal Rabban, Riad Katrib, Joanna 

Karcho, Rawaa Yaldo, Fallon Jamil, Nancy Toma, 

Tilden Hermiz, Amanda Jamil, Andrea Jamil, 

Alexandria Black, Chris Jamil, Andrew Jamil, John 

David, Kevin Hana, Olivia Bock, Josh Bock, Kristen 

Sagmani, Mark Pattros, Chris Attisha, Amanda 

Alkaeib, Vanessa Konja, Rita Abbo, Matthew Abbo, 

Mark Abbo, Salwa Arabo, Sammantha Arabo, Evan 

Kajy, Avis Kajy, Brandon Ayar, Ryan Yono, Karen 

Konja, Julie Garmo, Tasia Yaldo, Candace Garmo, 

Claire Konja, Darrin Sitto, Shelby Sagmani, Gina 

Kalabat, Zena Kasgorgis, Valerie Kasgorgis, Randa 

Khami, Rita Kajy, Tarvis Kajy, Jessica Kashat. 

A special thanks to Fadia Nissan at the CALC 

office and Shavon Yasso, who called the needy families, 

coordinated the effort and helped put together 

the Easter Baskets. Samira Jabero from Greenfield 

Union helped organize the list of needy families. More 

than 215 Easter baskets were delivered to needy children 

in the Detroit metro community. An additional 50 

baskets went to children at a homeless shelter in 

Macomb County. 

We are immensely grateful to Chris Denha who 

facilitated and solicited all the food, which included 

turkeys for each family from Chaldean-owned supermarkets 

and wholesalers. Chris spent so much of his 

week traveling from store to store to pick up food and 

turkeys and driving it to Mother of God Church Hall, 

where the groceries were unloaded and then packaged 

for delivery. He was assisted in this strenuous 

effort by Eddie Denha, who donated a large amount of 

produce, and then also volunteered his time and truck 

to help pick up food and take it to the church hall. 

An Oakland Technical Center student, Krystal 

Yaldo, gave 20 Easter baskets to the Children of the 

Grace of Hope in Pontiac (underprivileged children). 

Krystal said when the children received the baskets, 

it made her feel like she was on the Oprah Show’s 

favorite things giveaway, that’s how excited the children 

were. 

The CALC thanks Father Manuel Boji for welcoming 

us at the Church Hall to package all the boxes for 

delivery and Father Jacob Yasso for his assistance 

with the families and the use of Sacred Heart Church. 

16 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2006 

ADVERTORIAL

oushala 

Banjani Imsoufte 

Banjani Imsoufte 

EGGPLANT MONTINELLO 

BY CARL HAKIM 

INGREDIENTS 

1 large eggplant 

3 vine tomatoes 

3 large round balls 

fresh mozzarella cheese 

15 large basil leaves 

5 large eggs 

1/2 cup flour 

3 tablespoons 

grated parmesan cheese 

1 tablespoon parsley 

2 cups oil 

Pinch salt and pepper 

Balsamic glaze 

(reduce balsamic vinegar 

or buy the glaze at a 

gourmet store) 

Flour 

DIRECTIONS: 

Peel eggplant. Slice in half-inch rounds. Beat eggs and combine 

grated parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Dip 

eggplant in flour then dip in egg batter. Fry eggplant in oil. 

Let eggplant cool on paper towel to absorb oil. 

Slice tomato and mozzarella each about a quarter-inch thick. 

To assemble, take one piece of eggplant, layer with slice of 

mozzarella, tomato, basil leaf, then repeat. Add chopped 

tomatoes and basil on top. Top with balsamic glaze. 

Serve cold, or bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes 

(add the chopped tomatoes and basil after baking). 

Carl Hakim is chef and co-owner, Market Basket of Franklin 


HALHOLE! 

[Births] 

Sydney Ann 

Tommy & Renee Jadan were blessed with the birth of their 

first child, Sydney Ann, on January 19, 2006 at 4:15 p.m. 

She weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz. and measured 20 inches. Proud 

grandparents are Talal & Widad Jadan and Naim & Jolet 

Matti. Sydney’s godparents are Amy Bakko and Joey Matti. 

Alexander Joseph 

Andrew is proud to announce the arrival of his baby brother, 

Alexander Joseph, born on October 8, 2005 at 2:46 a.m. 

He weighed 5 lbs., 15 oz. and was 20 inches long. Proud 

parents are Joe & Arlene Mazo. Alexander is the seventh 

grandchild for Kadri & Nadira Mazo and the fourth for Sabih 

& Bushra Nakara. 

Sean Joseph 

Joe & Areej Alnaraie are proud to announce the birth of their 

third child, Sean Joseph. He was born on March 11, 2006 

at 2:02 a.m. He weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz. and was 18.5 inches 

long. Melanie and Patrick, his older siblings, love and 

adore him very much! Sean is the third grandchild for 

Akram & the late Balkees Alnaraie and the fifth for Sabih & 

Bushra Nakara. 

Sydney Ann 

Alexander Joseph 

Sean Joseph 

Wishing all our 

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[Births] 

Alexa Grace 

Alexa Grace was born on November 28, 2005 to Layth & 

Noreen Barash. She weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz. and was 21 

inches long. Big sisters are Gabriella (10), Alannah (9) and 

Lia (4). Alexa is the fourth grandchild for Victoria & the late 

Daniel Daiza, and the ninth for Wadie & Nazhat Barash. 

Godparents are Harry Barash and Chanel Putrus. 

Jacob Samie 

Salwan & Reem Sawa are proud to announce the birth of their 

first child, Jacob Samie. Jacob was born at Mt. Clements 

General Hospital on January 18, 2006 at 10:27 a.m. weighing 

7 lbs., 6 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. Jacob is the ninth 

grandchild for Samie & Josepha Sawa, and the first for Sabah 

& Amal Souka. Godparents are Sahrab & Mayada Dado. 

[Engagements] 

Rachel and Steve 

Rachel Madden and Steve Antone became engaged on April 1, 

2006. Rachel is the oldest daughter of Tom & Linda Madden 

of Milford; Steve is the youngest son of Zuhair & Rosemary 

Antone of Farmington Hills. The wedding will take place in 

October 2006 at Orchard Lake St. Mary's with the reception 

at the Shenandoah Country Club. Rachel works at Tapper's 

Diamonds & Fine Jewelry in West Bloomfield; Steve is a pediatrician 

at Northeast Pediatrics in Rochester Hills. 

Lina and Carlo 

Carlo Tato and Lina Kasyouhanan celebrated their engagement 

on April 19, 2006. Carlo is the son of Kamal & Maisoon 

Tato and Lina is the daughter of Ablhad & Amira Kasyouhanan. 

Carlo is president of Traveling Teams and Lina is an operations 

manager at NSF International. The wedding will take place in 

November 2006 at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church 

with a reception at Shenandoah Country Club. 

Alexa Grace 

Rachel and Steve 

Jacob Samie 

Lina and Carlo 

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HALHOLE! 

[Engagements] 

Dawood and Tara 

Tara Noocha and Dawood Dawood celebrated their 

engagement on April 8, 2006. Tara is the daughter of Najla 

& the late Ronnie Noocha. Dawood’s parents are Ishkahn & 

Najma Dawood. The couple plans to wed in April 2007 at 

St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church. 

Mark and Avita 

Amer & Klara Kuza are pleased to announce the engagement 

of their daughter, Avita Kuza, to Mark Bacall, son of 

Jacob & Anne Bacall. Mark proposed to Avita on August 

21, 2005. The couple plan a September 2006 wedding at 

St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church with the reception 

at Shenandoah Country Club. They plan to honeymoon in 

the South Pacific Islands of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Avita 

is completing her masters degree in Art History at Wayne 

State University and also working at D’alleva’s Salon. Mark 

is actively working in commercial real estate development. 

[Weddings] 

Krystle and Kelly 

On January 12, 2006, Kelly Kal Dabish, son of Khaled & 

Najat Dabish, waited at the altar for his bride-to-be, Krystle 

Rita Karoumy, daughter of Amer & Dawlat Karoumy, at St. 

Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church. The Best Man and Maid 

of Honor were Danny Dabish and Fallon Karoumy. The 

reception was held at Penna’s of Sterling Heights. The 

couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Honolulu and Las Vegas. 

Dawood and Tara 

Krystle and Kelly 

Mark and Avita 

A beautiful reception... 

A stunning dress... 

Close friends and family anticipating the big day... 

It all starts with the invitation 

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Maria’s 

Save the Dates 

Upcoming 

TRUNK SHOWS 

-Cymbeline Paris ........January 20th & 21st 

-Yolanda Couture .......February 17th & 18th 

-Couture Bridals 

by Elma Reis .........February 24th & 25th 

-Ysa Makino ......................March 3rd & 4th 

-Eve of Milady ...............March 10th & 11th 

-Stephen Yearick ..................April 7th & 8th 

-Watters Brides .................April 27th to 29th 

Appointments Required 

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HALHOLE! 

[Weddings] 

Jeffrey and Sandy 

Jeffery Farida and Sandy Toma were pronounced husband 

and wife on February 25, 2006 at St. Thomas Chaldean 

Catholic Church. The Best Man was Jeff Gappy, first 

cousin of the groom, and the Maid of Honor was Kate 

Toma, sister of the bride. Jeffery is the son of Hamid & 

Enaam Farida and Sandy is the daughter of Sahira & the 

late Thomas Toma. Family and friends celebrated at 

Shenandoah Country Club after the ceremony. The couple 

honeymooned in Costa Rica. 

Crystal and Dani 

Crystal Hanna and Dani Sitto were married on September 

4, 2005 at Mother of God Church, with a reception following 

at Penna’s of Sterling Heights. Dani is the son of Azez 

& Faiza Sitto, and Crystal’s parents are Jackline & the late 

Samir Hanna. The Best Man was Fadi Sitto and the Maid of 

Honor was Melanie Nafsu. The couple honeymooned in 

Hawaii, visiting Oahu and Maui. 

George Jr. and Rhana 

George Jr. Dabish and Rhana Dalal were married on April 

14, 2005 at St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church, with a 

reception following at Penna’s of Sterling Heights. George 

is the son of George & Carmela Dabish, and Rhana is the 

daughter of Raja Dalal. The Best Man was David Dabish 

and Maid of Honor was Zena Dalal. The couple honeymooned 

in Hawaii. 

Jeffrey and Sandy 

George Jr. and Rhan 

Crystal and Dani 

SHARE YOUR 

JOY 

COMMUNITY! 

WITH 

THE 

Announcements are offered free of 

charge to paid subscribers. 

Please email or mail announcements 

with a photo to the Chaldean News at: 

vdenha@chaldeannews.com 

Chaldean News; c/o Editor 

Subject: Announcements 

30095 Northwestern Hwy., Ste 102 


Hard copies of photos can be picked 

up after the 15th of the month. 

Photos are not mailed back. 

Join us for an afternoon tea party 

at Tapper’s cafe 

Saturday, May 6th 

1pm - 4pm 

Like a lighthouse, she is the beacon 

to remind you where you came from. 

This Mother’s Day, show the 

most important woman in your life 

how much you appreciate her 

with a special gift from Tapper’s. 

To celebrate this very special event in honor of Mother’s Day, 

award-winning jewelry designer Charles Krypell will be in the store 

for a Spring trunk show and personal appearance. 

ORCHARD MALL WEST BLOOMFIELD 248.932.7700 WWW.TAPPERS.COM 


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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 

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 

MAY CALENDAR 

KEY OBSERVATION DATES 

S M T W T F S 

1 2 3 4 5 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 31 

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 

1 Rabban Hormizd the Martyr 

2 Mart Shmoni 

14 Mar Addai 

Mother’s Day 

15 Our Lady of the Fields 

22 St. Rita 

25 Ascension 

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. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI; (586) 254-7221 

MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday: 10 a.m. in Sourath, 12 p.m. in English and Sourath, 

2 p.m. in Sourath and Arabic; Baptisms: 3:30 p.m. Sundays 

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, Rev. Andrew Younan 

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 

ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

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 English, 10:30 a.m. in 

English, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath 

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 

obituaries 

Athir Hamama 

Athir Hamama was born on April 23, 1963 in Baghdad, Iraq. 

After courageously battling cancer for almost two years, he died 

on April 10, 2006 at the age of 42. He passed away peacefully 

with all of his family by his side just as he wished. 

Athir was a compassionate, thoughtful, warm, caring human 

being. He was a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend ... our 

hero. He was a fighter. It took everything out of him to stay alive. 

But the cancer never changed Athir, never broke his spirit. He 

defied all odds with his positive attitude. We will all miss him 

and we will be forever grateful for all the wonderful memories we 

shared with him. And though he may not be with us physically, 

his spirit always will. 

Athir Hamama is survived by his parents, Yousif and Ester; 

his siblings, Salwan (Nahed) Hamama, Haifa (Ryath) Lousia, 

Sawsan (Mike) Bahri, Firas (Venis) Hamama, and Danny 

Hamama; and his nieces and nephews, Raymond, Shawn, 

Devon, Farrah, Travis, Tiffany, Joey, Amber, Matthew and Skylar. 

The family would like to thank everyone for all of the support 

and prayers received from family and friends. May he rest in 

peace with our Lord. 

Victoria Yono 

Victoria Yono passed away on March 23, 2006. She was 79 

years old. She was the beloved wife of the late Jamil Yono. She 

was mother of Nizar (Raja), Nabby (Mary Ann), Nameer 

(Nedhal) Yono, Nasreen (Ameer) Yaldo, Nedal, Basil Sulaka and 

Nuhooth (Talal) Oraha. Mrs. Yono is also survived by her sister, 

Gladys (Francis) Loussia; 12 grandchildren and two great 

grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph 

(Nahida) Hailo. 


ECONOMICS and enterprise 

The people behind 

La Kabbr: Rwaida 

Korkis (left), Janna 

Mansoor and 

Farouk Mansoor. 

La Kabbr: Winning team presents tasty treats 

BY DAN SHRINER 

Rwaida Korkis is the first to admit that 

she knew little about running a restaurant. 

But by teaming with friends 

Farouk Alfalah Mansoor and his wife, Janna, 

they found a winning partnership that has led 

to a four-star dining gem. 

La Kabbr restaurant in Sterling Heights 

brings a blend of Mediterranean-style food 

along with a touch of American influences and 

a few other inspirations that all seem to complement 

one another. 

Korkis’ primary business focus is in wireless 

telephone service but several months ago 

she and the Mansoors decided to venture into 

the restaurant business by relying on Farouk’s 

skills as a chef and building on each person’s 

strengths. It has been a successful and tasty 

partnership thus far. 

“I always loved his food and they always 

wanted to open their own restaurant, so this 

has been a very good match,” Korkis said. 

“We all have our own departments.” 

Korkis participated in the decoration of the 

beautiful restaurant while the Mansours handle 

the cooking and day-to-day management. 

The dining room blends beautiful colors, brass 

lamps, paintings and other artwork, with background 

music from Iraq. An outside area 

offers quiet dining. 

Surprisingly, the restaurant’s prices are 

extremely reasonable. Soups and salads range 

from $3.25 to $7.25. Sandwiches are $3.25 to 

$3.95. Main dishes, which include soup or 

salad, are $10.95 to $22.95. Meals are served 

with torshi and fresh bread made by Farouk. 

La Kabbr’s kabobs and kaftas, lamb and 

other meats are char-grilled and Farouk said 

he has many other culinary secrets that he 

plans to keep for the enjoyment of his patrons. 

Try the quzi or the tashreeb, lamb chops that 

are French cut, marinated and char-grilled. 

Farouk is a trained chef both in the United 

States and in Iraq and had specialized in Italian 

and American cuisine. He worked previously at 

Alafindi in West Bloomfield. He said he has 

blended his formal training, self-training and 

love of cooking into a mix of styles that remind 

diners of food from Iraq, Greece, Italy, Turkey, 

India and other Middle Eastern locales. 

La Kabbr is located at 43734 Schoenherr. It is 

open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through 

Friday and from noon to midnight on Saturday and 

Sunday. Call (586) 532-9340. 


IRAQ today 

PHOTO BY SAMIR MIZBAN/AP 

Iraqis turn to blogging 

BY MARIAM FAM ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER 

BAGHDAD, Iraq/AP 

Zeyad is a 27-year-old dentist. He 

works for a government clinic 

with broken dental chairs and no 

anesthetics. At home, when gunfire 

rattles his neighborhood, Zeyad’s family 

cowers in one room murmuring 

prayers while he types away on his 

computer. 

Zeyad is a blogger. 

Unheard of in Saddam Hussein’s 

Iraq, blogging is providing ordinary 

Iraqis with a voice — a chance to vent 

and reflect on the changes reshaping 

their country. For the outside world, the 

generally anonymous Internet postings 

offer raw insider views and insights in 

which sorrow and joy, hope and 

despair, fear and defiance coexist as 

the violence of the insurgency and now 

sectarian divisions swirl around Iraqis. 

“The West should listen to the opinions 

of the simple Iraqi people. They 

only hear from analysts and politicians,” 

said Zeyad, who agreed to discuss his 

blogging only if his family name wasn’t 

revealed for security reasons. “This is a 

good window into the world.” 

Zeyad penned his first entry in his 

Healing Iraq blog in October 2003 

about Iraq’s new currency, calling it 

“wonderful and so symbolic” that the 

distribution of the new dinar coincided 

with the anniversary of a referendum 

that re-elected Saddam. He has gone 

on to chronicle his thoughts on all 

aspects of life in the new Iraq. 

A self-described agnostic born into 

a Sunni Muslim family, Zeyad has 

seethed at the growing influence of 

Muslim clerics, saying it made him fear 

for the future of freedom in Iraq. “I want 

to be able to buy my vodka without having 

to look left and right. I want to be 

able to walk with my girlfriend in the 

street while holding hands together 

without people glaring at me. Is this 

TOO MUCH to ask?” he wrote. “Do I 

have to immigrate and leave my country 

for wanting to do all that?” 

But there were moments of pride 

and exhilaration, too. One came when 

Iraqis voted for an interim legislature in 

January 2005, their first democratic 

election in decades. “Hold your head 

up high. Remember that you are Iraqi,” 

Zeyad wrote that day. “Iraqis had voted 

for peace and for a better future, 

despite the surrounding madness. I sincerely 

hope this small step would be 

the start of much bolder ones.” 

More recently, his blog has tackled 

grimmer subjects: explosions, 

assassinations, street fighting — 

An unidentified Iraqi man makes use of one of the many Internet cafes in Baghdad. 

common themes in many Iraqi blogs. 

“Please don’t ask me whether I 

believe Iraq is on the verge of civil war 

yet or not,” Zeyad wrote. “All I see is 

that both sides are engaged in tit-for-tat 

lynchings and summary executions.” 

Zeyad said Health Ministry officials 

deem the trip to his clinic on the outskirts 

of Baghdad too risky. That is why 

the chairs have not been fixed and the 

anesthetics were not provided. “We 

don’t work,” he said. 

Still, Zeyad knows that under 

Saddam’s regime, he could not have 

dreamed of having a blog, let alone 

publicly criticizing the government. 

Like Zeyad, who moved with his 

family to Britain when he was 1 and 

returned to Iraq at 7, most Iraqi bloggers 

seem relatively young and welleducated 

— and they write in English. 

While they often mull over the same 

events, their opinions vary, often along 

sectarian lines. 

Take a March 26 raid by U.S. and 

special Iraqi forces on a mosque compound 

in northern Baghdad during 

which at least 16 people were killed. 

Zeyad wrote simply that American soldiers 

clashed with Shiite Muslim militiamen 

who resisted the search, but 

another blogger who uses the pen 

name Hammorabi took a sharply different 

view: “The killing of the worshippers 

in al-Moustafa mosque by the American 

forces should be investigated and 

those who are responsible for it should 

be punished.” 

The third anniversary of the invasion 

of Iraq also evoked divergent emotions 

among bloggers. While lamenting the 

violence in Iraq, a blogger who uses the 

pseudonym The Mesopotamian praised 

the war that ousted Saddam. 

“The blood and sacrifices by the 

American soldiers and people will never 

be forgotten,” The Mesopotamian 

wrote. “It was right, it was just and it 

was ordained by God that a murderer 

and tyrant should be overthrown.” 

Not really, argued a woman blogger 

who calls herself Riverbend. Writing in 

her Baghdad Burning blog, she said 

the war “marked the end of Iraq’s independence.” 

“I don’t think anyone imagined three 

years ago that things could be quite this 

bad today,” Riverbend wrote. 

Her writings brought international 

attention to Iraqi blogging. Some of her 

blog entries were published in a book 

that is available in the United States and 

Britain and that won her a Lettre 

Ulysses Award for the Art of 

Reportage. 

Her Web musings, often critical but 

also sprinkled with humor, have drawn 

mixed reviews, with some readers 

questioning whether she really is an 

Iraqi woman. She has not been 

deterred, offering up her dismay at the 

hardships of daily life. 

“The thing most worrisome about the 

situation now is that discrimination based 

on sect has become so commonplace,” 

Riverbend wrote. “The typical Iraqi 

dream has become to find some safe 

haven abroad.” 


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Please mail the form, with a 

check made payable to: 

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the DOCTOR is in 

Are Your Kids Getting Enough Sleep? 

Is your child tired, cranky, aggressive, 

hyperactive or easily distractible? If so, the 

most likely culprit is poor sleep. The 

symptoms of poor sleep are many, and the 

consequences can range from a mild disruption 

of behavior to serious school and 

home problems. Starting from infancy, it is 

important to establish healthy sleep habits 

for your child. With the help of the age-specific 

guidelines below, your child — and you 

— will be on the way to a good night’s sleep. 

Newborns sleep 10.5 to 18 hours a day. 

They should always be placed to sleep on 

their backs at the first sign of drowsiness. Holding 

or rocking the baby to sleep is not recommended 

since it teaches the infant to depend on you to initiate 

sleep. For babies having difficulty falling asleep, 

consider playing music that simulates womb sounds. 

Choose a firm, tight-fitting mattress and remove pillows, 

quilts, stuffed toys and other soft products 

from the crib. 

Infants should sleep for a 6-8 hour stretch at 

night; by 6 months of age, this should increase to 10- 

12 hours. Keep stimulation to a minimum when feeding 

and changing them during the night. At 4-6 

months of age, begin delaying your reaction to fussiness. 

If the infant continues to cry, check on him or 

her; however, avoid turning on the light, picking them 

up or rocking them. Response time should increase 

each time to give the child an opportunity to fall 

asleep. By 6 months, nighttime feedings are unnecessary 

and most infants should sleep through the 

night. 

Toddlers need about 12-14 hours of sleep a day. 

Many toddlers experience sleep problems including 

resisting going to bed and nighttime awakenings. 

Encourage the use of a safe security object such as 

a blanket or stuffed animal to help the child fall 

asleep, especially if he or she wakes up in the middle 

of night. Some children may benefit from a nightlight 

or from leaving the door slightly open. 

By 18 months, naptimes decrease to one per day 

for 1-3 hours. The best nap times are midmorning 

(9-11) and early afternoon (12-2:30). Naps taken 

late in the day will interfere with bedtime and should 

be avoided. Studies show that children who nap are 

ELLIOTT 

ATTISHA, 

D.O. 

COLUMNIST 

more flexible and adaptable, have longer 

attention spans, and are less fussy than 

those who don’t nap. 

Preschoolers sleep 11-13 hours each 

night. As with toddlers, difficulty falling 

asleep and waking up during the night are 

common. With further development of imagination, 

preschoolers commonly experience 

nighttime fears and nightmares. Consider 

an easily accessible “nighttime kit” that 

includes activities (flashlight, book, CD) to 

help relax your child during nighttime awakenings. 

School-age children still need somewhere 

between 9 and 12 hours of sleep at night. At this 

age, kids tend to become more sleep deprived 

because of an increasing demand on their time from 

school, sports and other extracurricular activities. In 

addition, TV, Internet and video games, as well as 

caffeine products, lead to difficulty falling asleep, 

nightmares and sleep disruptions. It is important to 

realize the importance of adequate sleep and to protect 

the child’s sleep time. Inadequate sleep can 

lead to mood swings, hyperactivity and cognitive 

problems that can impact a child’s ability to learn. 

Adolescents need about 8-9.5 hours of sleep per 

night. At this age, schedules are even more demanding 

— leaving the typical teenager chronically 

sleep deprived. Lost sleep adds up over time; 

an hour lost per night is equivalent to a full night 

without sleep by the end of the week. Sleep 

deprivation can lead to decreased attentiveness, 

decreased short-term 

memory, inconsistent 

performance 

and delayed response time. Poor consequences 

include bad tempers, school problems, stimulant use 

and driving accidents (more than half of asleep-at-thewheel 

car accidents are caused by teens). 

Sleep is an essential component to a child’s 

health — just like immunizations, growth and development. 

Bedtime should be an enjoyable part of the 

day. For children of all ages, consider a simple bedtime 

routine such as reading, singing or a warm bath. 

Never use sending your child to bed as a threat. If 

the feeling around bedtime is a good feeling, your 

child will fall asleep easier. 

It is important to know that most children have the 

ability to sleep well. If you have any concerns about 

your child’s sleep behavior, be sure to discuss it with 

your pediatrician. 

Elliott Attisha, D.O., is a pediatrician at Providence Park 

in Novi. For more information visit the American Academy 

of Pediatrics at www.aap.org and the National Sleep 

Foundation at www.sleepfoundation.org. 

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streamlined funerals 

New guidelines have supporters – and detractors 

Traditions have been part of the Chaldean culture for 

centuries. Without them, one might say, there is no 

culture. But as times have progressed, many old traditions, 

particularly the rituals that accompany funerals, are 

now seen as archaic. 

From the wearing of black for many days to the mourner’s 

“hibernation,” funerals have become more than just burying 

the deceased, evolving into an intense ritual that, according 

to some community leaders, is well overdue for change. And 

change is exactly what has come in the form of new rules and 

guidelines drawn up by Chaldean clergy and community leaders. 

“There are many old ideas and thoughts in our Chaldean 

community that should be changed to the better,” said Father 

Wisam Matti of Mother of God Church in Southfield. 

Jerry Yono, owner of the Southfield Funeral Home, is one 

of many who support the changes. “I am a servant 

of the people and I am a servant of the 

church. I try to do whatever I can to make it 

easy for the families and for the clergy,” he said. 

“I want our people to know that these changes 

were not done by me; it was by the Chaldean 

Archdiocese. 

“I just want our people to understand that 

there does need to be some change and more 

understanding,” Yono continued. “I am hoping 

for positive feedback from our community and hopefully we 

will see some understanding and respect for these changes.” 

RESISTING CHANGE 

Thus far though, reaction has been mixed. “People don’t 

like change. Our community wants these changes, but no 

one wants to be the first to do it,” said Michael George, who 

helped come up with the new guidelines. “I have already had 

encounters with people from the community asking me why 

we are changing our traditions.” 

Maher Dabish, an entrepreneur who lost two of his 

uncles — Adil and Alos Dabish — this past July, believes 

others should not have input on how he mourns. “Basically 

what they are saying is forget the dead and just hurry up and 

forget your loved one,” he said of the changes. “‘Life goes on 

and we don’t care and let’s take what we have been doing for 

many years and forget it.’” 

Passionate about the subject, Dabish continued, “I feel like 

they are saying, ‘who cares that this deceased person came to 

church and was loved and respected by many.’ And the feeling 

I am getting is some people, such as the church and the 

funeral home, are tired of doing the same thing day in and day 

out. It seems that some people are too busy working and have 

no time to see the deceased, so this is why they want change. 

Getting rid of our old-fashioned ways is like saying, ‘stop 

speaking Chaldean.’ We have been like this for many years.” 

BY LINDA JABORO 

Others, however, hope the new rules will allow them more 

time to mourn for their loved ones. Gloria Jarbow, a mother of 

three who recently buried her father, Korgias Zetouna Karroma, 

said she didn’t really have much time to mourn her loss. 

“I was so busy with worrying about pleasing everyone during 

my father’s funeral that I didn’t even get a chance to say a real 

goodbye,” Jarbow said. “I had to leave the burial services early 

because I wanted to make sure I could be home in time to have 

everything ready for all the people who were coming by to pay 

their respects. I’m thankful for all the people who paid their 

respects, but wished that I had more time. I’m hoping with these 

new guidelines, funerals can become more about the deceased 

and less about catering to the people who come to pay their 

respects. I understand that we need to make sure that everyone 

is appreciated, but it just gets to be too much sometimes.” 

“I am hoping for positive 

feedback from our community 

and hopefully we will see 

some understanding and 

respect for these changes.” 

– JERRY YONO 

MAKING A CONNECTION 

Fr. Wisam believes the new rules will only make the community 

stronger. “As a Chaldean priest, I see these arrangements as good 

steps to make every Chaldean believer belong to the large family 

that is the church,” he said. “The point here is to make this 

a real connection between every believer and the church, and 

at the same time make this connection with other believers.” 

The community can be missing the most important value 

of the funeral itself and concentrating on other less important 

things, Fr. Wisam said. “In practice of funeral arrangements, 

there are two sides. The first is the spirit of occasion, which is 

the inner life of that celebration of entering the kingdom of 

heaven. The second are the forms or manifestation. So, what 

we need really today is to discover the big mistake — that is, 

we care about these forms and we forget the core of the occasion. 

The heart of the funeral is to share with others the lost 

dear person and give to them hope in resurrection.” 

Fr. Wisam said the changes have another benefit. “The 

Chaldean priests now are more able to serve our community 

by summarizing their time,” he said. 

Along with the clergy, Yono hopes the new guidelines 

will eventually be embraced. “I don’t think that some things 

will change for a long time because we still have many older 

generations that still believe in it,” the funeral director said. 

“Hopefully in the future the younger generation will 

encourage these new modifications.” 

THE NEW RULES 

Funeral masses will be held 

at the parishioner’s church as 

a result of the elimination of 

the funeral procession. 

The funeral procession has 

been eliminated in its entirety. 

Local government, police 

departments and churches 

do not condone funeral processions 

because of safety 

concerns. 

Only the immediate family 

should proceed to the cemetery 

on their own after the 

mass to meet the funeral 

director and witness the burial. 

Immediately following the 

funeral mass, family members 

wishing to attend the burial 

services should meet inside 

of the cemetery gate and wait 

for the funeral director to proceed 

to the gravesite or 

chapel for the committal service. 

That service will no 

longer be held at the church. 

THE PROPOSED 

GUIDELINES 

Visitation at the funeral home 

is recommended to be limited 

to one day. 

Because of the large crowds, 

people paying their respects 

to the family should limit their 

length of visitation. This will 

relieve congestion in the 

funeral home and parking lot 

and discourage socializing. 

Those paying their respects 

(such as shaking hands) at the 

funeral home do not need to do 

so a second time upon leaving. 

Extended family should refrain 

from going to the deceased’s 

home after visitation at the 

funeral home, and after the 

burial in the evening. 

Luncheons after the funeral 

mass should be eliminated. 

If a funeral luncheon is 

desired, it should be at the 

deceased’s home with only 

the immediate family. If the 

family is too large, then it can 

be at a catering hall (but not 

recommended). 

The Sunday after the funeral 

(seventh day optional by family) 

should be a memorial mass 

with only the immediate family. 

No one should wear black 

except the very immediate family. 

Friends who come to the 

funeral homes and burial masses 

are shocked at the mass of 

black, are intimidated and feel 

they are disrespectful because 

they do not wear black. Black 

ties should be worn only by the 

very immediate male family 

with any color suit. 


coming together 

Panel discussion offers insight on religious diversity 

BY LYNN DEGRANDE 

Though they may worship very differently, 

the Chaldean, Jewish and Muslim panelists 

found much common ground at a Lakes 

Area Community Diversity Council panel discussion 

held March 21 at Shenandoah Country Club. 

Fr. Manuel Boji of Mother of God Chaldean 

Catholic Church, Rabbi Joshua Bennett of Temple 

Israel, and Imam Mohamed El-Sayed of the 

Islamic Unity Center were panelists. Council cochair 

Marc Siegler moderated the discussion. 

Through questions presented by the Council and 

the audience, the religious leaders provided information 

on religion and diversity on both local and 

international levels. 

The men offered advice for practice of religious 

beliefs in everyday life. Imam El-Sayed recommended 

prayer and connection with the Creator. 

Fr. Boji emphasized, “The main thing in 

Christianity is this brotherhood, this loving God 

through others.” 

All panelists said they would like educators to 

grant consideration to religious holidays of all 

faiths. “Every Jew in your classroom may observe 

holidays differently,” noted Rabbi Bennett. Thus, 

educators understanding holidays will aid students 

with their days of observance, he said. 

THROUGH THE GENERATIONS 

The panelists agreed each faith experiences generational 

differences. “I think every faith goes through 

this kind of moderation of faith from generation to 

generation. That doesn’t mean the faith itself is 

changing,” said Fr. Boji. Both Rabbi Bennett and 

Imam El-Sayed noted children question and learn, 

leading to an understanding of religious tradition. 

Interfaith marriages pose challenges for all religions. 

Among the Jewish community, division 

exists regarding officiating at these marriages, 

while the Muslim community experiences many 

such unions. “I have made the decision to fall on 

the side of interfaith marriages because I really 

believe this is an opportunity to reach out and to 

create a Jewish community that is vibrant and 

growing,” Rabbi Bennett said. All agreed communication 

is essential to the success of the marriage. 

In response to an audience question on religious 

conversion, the panelists advised each is 

open to faith changes, and all offer classes. In the 

Muslim tradition, converts must also perform the 

pilgrimage to Mecca. Rabbi Bennett noted 

though traditionally not a proselytizing religion, 

Judaism is open to people finding the faith and 

making it their own. Fr. Boji said, “God’s house 

and doors are open to everybody.” 

The panelists felt today’s press portrays cultures 

and religions unfairly, and that the media focus on 

negative elements. “We are allowing the extreme of 

all the religions to paint the color of the religions,” 

said Imam El-Sayed. Rabbi Bennett commented 

that failure to report good events is a problem. 

Imam El-Sayed responded to the question of 

interfaith conferences. He indicated the mission 

of the Unity Center is to share with the community. 

“Not one month goes by without interfaith 

meetings,” he said. 

STRESSING EDUCATION 

Fr. Boji addressed the view of the Chaldean family 

toward education. “Today, parents work harder so 

boys and girls can pursue higher education,” he 

said, noting the importance of education as the 

main weapon of the minority in Iraq. 

Imam El-Sayed expressed the animosity 

between the Sunni and Shiite develops much like 

all conflict. “Humans each believe they are right 

and focus on what makes each different, and that 

just grows to obliterate equality,” he said. 

The question of whether offspring of a woman 

convert to Judaism are considered Jewish fell to 

Rabbi Bennett. He explained children born after 

conversion are deemed Jewish, but those children 

born prior to conversion, as well as adopted children, 

must convert individually. 

Fr. Boji remarked upon differences between the 

Chaldean and the Roman Catholic Church. He 

said this mainly involves rituals, citing baptism, 

marriage and fasting observations as examples. He 

said, “Diversity is shrinking toward Romanizing in 

America,” though the Chaldean community 

strives to retain their rites for continued diversity. 

Another question on conversion was directed 

to Imam El-Sayed. He advised an individual is 

free to enter or leave the faith. He said should an 

individual decide to leave on his own, “That is his 

relationship between him and his God.” 

In conclusion, Siegler shared an experience while 

observing second- and third-grade students. He said 

a child used a box of crayons of different shapes, sizes 

and colors to define diversity, explaining, “My grandmother 

says this box is diversity because we can take 

it and blend it together into whatever we want.” 

The Lakes Area Community Diversity Council 

was created in the early 1990s. Co-chair Cathy 

Ferguson said the Council exists to provide programs 

to educate residents on a variety of diversity 

topics. 

Rabbi Joshua Bennett (left) Marc Siegler, Imam Mohamed El-Sayed, Fr. Manuel Boji and Walled Lakes Schools’ Cathy 

Ferguson take a moment together after the panel discussion. 


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PHOTO BY HERBERT BAGDASARYAN/HO/AP 

lest we forget 

Chaldeans also victimized in Armenian Genocide 

An ABC World News feature in 1999 called 

it “the forgotten genocide” — the 

Ottoman Empire’s early 20th-century 

slaughter of approximately 1.5 million Christian 

Armenians living within the borders of presentday 

Turkey. 

When it is remembered, it’s called the 

Armenian Genocide. But even that somber title, 

say a growing knot of historians and activists, 

omits large numbers of the genocide’s Christian 

victims — the ChaldoAssyrians and Pontic 

Greeks — who had lived for centuries in the 

Muslim-dominated empire. 

“The genocide was prosecuted against the 

Christian people living in the Ottoman Empire,” 

said activist Jacklin Bejan of San Jose, California. 

“To be fair, it was a Christian slaughter. It was a 

Jihad.” 

According to Bejan, the number of 

ChaldoAssyrians who died during the genocide is 

estimated between 600,000 and 750,000. The estimated 

number of Pontic Greeks — so named after 

their Greek dialect — is 250,000 to 300,000. 

“The three communities we’re all integrated, so 

the best reference is Christian,” Bejan said. “This is a 

BY KEN MARTEN 

forgotten history that needs to be brought forward.” 

The genocide began in 1915 during World War 

I (1914-1918), after the Ottoman Empire allied 

with Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire 

against Great Britain, France and czarist Russia. It 

lasted until the early 1920s. According to historians, 

the Ottoman Empire disarmed Armenian 

civilians, fearing they were sympathetic to 

Christian Russia. Approximately 40,000 

Armenians in the Ottoman army were reassigned 

to slave labor battalions. 

ARMENIAN HISTORY 

In A.D. 301, the ancient kingdom 

of Armenia in the 

Caucasus between the Black 

and Caspian seas was the first 

to adopt Christianity. A series 

of invasions through the centuries 

incorporated the kingdom 

into other empires, including 

the Roman, Persian, 

Byzantine and Ottoman Turks, 

and scattered Armenians 

throughout Eurasia. 

The Ottoman Empire ceded 

Armenia to czarist Russia in 

1823. Armenia became part of 

the Soviet Union in 1922 and 

A DAY IN APRIL 

The genocide began in earnest on April 24, 1915, 

when 300 Armenian political and intellectual leaders 

in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) were 

arrested and then hanged or shot. Another 5,000 

Armenian civilians in Constantinople were killed 

in the streets. Today, April 24 is commemorated 

around the world as Armenian Remembrance Day. 

In the following years, the Ottoman Empire’s 

Christians were killed, starved or forced to move 

while their villages were destroyed or re-occupied. 

According to the Armenian Research Center at 

the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the 

Ottoman Empire’s actions were condemned by 

government representatives of both its wartime 

enemies and allies — Austrian, German, British, 

French, Russian and American. 

Less is known about how atrocities against 

ChaldoAssyrians began, and their subsequent suffering. 

Bejan, who is part Armenian and part 

Assyrian, hopes to correct that. In 2000 and 2001, 

she organized historical conferences to draw attention 

to the genocide’s ChaldoAssyrian victims. 

Several obstacles block the path to greater 

understanding of the genocide. 

“Our community is less active,” Bejan said of 

the ChaldoAssyrian community. “We cannot 

declared its independence on 

September 23, 1991 amidst the 

Soviet breakup. Several elections, 

although flawed, have 

been held. 

In 1992, fighting between 

Armenia and mostly Muslim 

Azerbaijan - also a former Soviet 


compare to the activism of 

Armenians. They have whole 

libraries committed to recording 

the genocide. They’ve been 

working for 80 years to record 

the history.” 

Moreover, the Turkish government 

has downplayed the 

genocide, refraining from characterizing 

it as such and counting 

the number of Armenian 

deaths at far lower than the estimated 1.5 million. 

STALLED RESOLUTION 

Bejan said Turkish organizations have lobbied the 

U.S. government to not pass House Resolution 

956, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. 

Co-sponsored by 140 members of Congress, the 

resolution was on the House schedule for passage in 

2000. But President Bill Clinton requested that 

Republican congressional leaders withdraw the resolution, 

citing concerns that American interests in 

the Middle East could be threatened if it were passed. 

They agreed and yanked it from the schedule. 

Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield 

Hills) is a co-chair of the Congressional 

Armenian Caucus. While he isn’t Armenian, his 

district includes one of the United States’ largest 

concentrations of Armenian-Americans (as well 

as Chaldean Americans). 

“The Genocide happened,” Knollenberg wrote 

in an e-mailed statement. “It’s time the United 

States admitted this fact. The only way to prevent 

future atrocities is to affirm the ones of the past and 

take a united vow that they never happen again. 

We can’t afford to be apathetic or unsure. The 

United States has a responsibility to lead the world 

and admit the truth of the Armenian Genocide. 

This legislation will show the world that America 

is not going to forget this horrible crime.” 

The Armenian Genocide Resolution doesn’t 

contain any reference to ChaldoAssyrians or 

Pontic Greeks. 

“For the U.S. Congress to pass a resolution 

without including the other two ethnic groups 

would be a shame,” Bejan said. “It’s a dark page of 

history, this rap sheet of genocide. We want equal 

recognition for us.” 

This feature is the first in a series of stories on 

the Armenian Genocide 

PHOTO COURTESY WWW.IMIA.CC.DUTH.GR/TURKEY 

GENOCIDE 

BY DEFINITION 

The term “genocide” 

(literally “murder of a 

race”) was coined by 

Professor Raphael 

Lemkin (1900-1959) in 

1944 and refers to the 

intentional destruction 

or attempted destruction 

of a national, ethnic, 

racial, or religious 

group, whether in 

wartime or peacetime. 

Genocide is defined as 

killing members of the 

group, causing serious 

bodily harm to members 

of the group, or otherwise 

attempting to bring 

about its destruction, 

including preventing 

births or transferring 

children away from the 

group. Although the 

legal definition of genocide 

does not extend to 

political groups, the 

term is often used colloquially 

to refer to largescale 

political violence. 

SOURCE: THE WORLD ALMANAC 

AND BOOK OF FACTS 2006 

Above: 

Turkish executioners pose 

in front of their victims in 

early 1900s. 

Opposite page: 

A boy pauses in front of a 

wall-sized poster depicting 

the faces of 90 survivors 

of the mass killings of 

Armenians in the 

Ottoman Empire, 

in Yerevan, Armenia. 

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on their own 

Single women enjoy their independence 

When Renee Antoon first moved into 

her new condo, she spent a good 

amount of time in awe and wonder. “I 

would touch the sink, the counter, the bathtub, 

saying ‘it’s all mine,’” she recalled with a laugh. 

What made Antoon’s rite of passage all the 

more notable is how hard it can be for women in 

the Chaldean community to set up housekeeping 

on their own. Many eyebrows were raised when 

Antoon moved out of her parents’ house and purchased 

her Royal Oak condominium seven years 

ago, at the age of 23. 

“What kind of mother lets her daughter move 

out?” was a typical response, said 

Antoon, a marketing professional. 

“People thought my parents kicked me 

out or that I was not close to my family.” 

Marcine Karmo, who rented an apartment 

with a Chaldean friend at age 26, 

can relate. “Even though my parents are 

very Americanized, they didn’t really 

approve of it,” she said. “It’s not like they 

disapproved, but they didn’t like the idea 

of it. But I knew it was time for me to go.” 

Now 39, Karmo still enjoys living independently. 

Six years ago, she bought a 

condo in Southfield and said she has no 

regrets — “although I could have saved a 

lot of money if I’d stayed with my parents.” 

When Julie Garmo’s parents sold their 

house last year, she knew it was time to 

try living on her own. “I’d been thinking about it 

for a while, and it presented the opportunity,” she 

said. “But it’s a hard thing to do in our community.” 

Garmo, a travel consultant, said she’s glad she 

went ahead. 

“It’s not like I couldn’t come and go as I please 

with my parents, but now no one has to worry 

about me if I’m out later,” she said. “And knowing 

I’m going to leave a clean house and come back to 

a clean house is what I like the most.” 

Thirty-seven-year-old Mary Kalou decided it 

was time to leave her parents’ home nine years 

ago. “To me it was a natural progression,” she said. 

“It’s not a normal part of our culture but I felt like 

it was something I really needed to do. I was so 

lucky that my parents didn’t necessarily agree, but 

they were still very supportive.” 

A few years later, Kalou made an even bigger 

BY JOYCE WISWELL 

leap, relocating to Atlanta to pursue her career in 

the technology industry. 

“I thought I would come down and try it for a 

while, and that while has turned into three and a 

half years,” she said. 

Though she has bought a house in Atlanta, 

Kalou hopes to return to Metro Detroit one day to 

be closer to family. 

DOUBLE STANDARD? 

Some women say a double standard exists in the 

community, in which young men are encouraged 

to buy their own homes but women are expected 

Clockwise 

from top left: 

“Knowing I’m going to leave a 

clean house and come back 

to a clean house is what I like 

the most,” said Julie Garmo. 

Independent living suits 

Marcine Karmo. 

Renee Antoon at a quiet 

moment at home. 

to live with their parents until marriage. 

“I was ostracized like I had a disease,” said 

Antoon. “My mom said, ‘everyone will be talking 

about you,’ and she was right.” 

But Kalou said it is actually hard for all 

Chaldeans to move out. “You’re expected to grow 

up, get married and have a family, and until you do 

that, you remain with your family,” Kalou said. “Our 

parents don’t want their kids to be by themselves.” 

Karmo said young Chaldean men didn’t know 

how to react to the news that she had her own place. 

“They thought maybe I got into trouble and 

was outcast from my family,” she said. “On the 

other hand, some guys really liked the idea because 

they thought I was this wild girl.” 

Indeed, the perception of hot and cold running 

men and all-night parties still tends to follow these 

women. “They think we’re having these wild parties,” 

Garmo laughed. 

“I’m working and going to sleep when I get 

home!” Karmo said. “Having my own place means 

I’m not going out as much.” 

LESSONS LEARNED 

Whether or not they one day become wives and 

mothers, all say they would not trade the valuable 

lessons they have learned by being independent. 

“I know some women in their 30s who have not 

moved out and I don’t think they have learned a lot of 

responsibility,” Karmo said. “Paying a cell phone and 

credit card bill is not the same as paying a mortgage.” 

“Chaldean girls are so sheltered and our parents 

give us everything,” said Antoon. “We’re not 

taught to be independent. So many girls think the 

only way out of the house is to get married.” 

Karmo sees things changing as time moves forward. 

“A lot more girls are getting the courage to 

move out of their house at a younger age. And 

hopefully it will only get better,” she said. “Women 

need to gain a lot more responsibility and independence 

and learn these things before they get 

married.” 

PHOTOS BY LENA HANNA 


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In preparing for her first Mother’s Day, 

Crystal Kassab Jabiro asked other 

moms to share their joys of motherhood: 

“As unprepared as I was for motherhood, 

it just came natural to me. I wasn’t as 

scared as I thought I would be, and I 

wouldn’t change it for the world.” 

— Sahrob Jabero, Sophia’s mom 

“Being a mother is a lifetime commitment, 

and the best commitment I ever 

made.” 

— Malamih Samona, mom to 

Miranda, Pierre and Malerie 

Words cannot truly describe 

how I feel about being a 

mother ever since my life 

changed on February 16. That Thursday 

night I fell in love with the most beautiful 

person in the whole world, my daughter 

Hannah Jamila. 

Right when she born I felt so different, 

as if I suddenly matured and grew 

older, wiser, motherly. I was overwhelmed 

with emotions. I thought to 

myself, look at what I have been missing 

all these years. I forgot about how I 

went from size 6 to I don’t know what, 

and how I would fall over when I put 

socks on, and how my students would 

tell me to move over because I blocked 

the chalkboard. Instead I remembered 

the joy in my husband Mark’s voice 

when I called him at work and told him 

we were expecting. When I held 

Crystal Kassab 

Jabiro and her 

new love, 

Hannah. 

happy 

mother’s day 

Motherhood: A love story 

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO 

Hannah for the first time, I realized that 

for 27 years I had only existed and now 

I could finally live. 

I know Hannah is a gift from God, 

but if I can just borrow her for 100 

years, I’ll be happy because now I know 

what love is. Love is this special bond 

between us. It’s in the way she grasps 

my finger with her tiny hand. It’s in the 

warmth of her little body against mine 

when I rock her to sleep. It’s in our eyes 

all day long, even when we’re both full 

of tears. Love is in our hearts, and it is 

truly a remarkable love story no one, 

not even Mark, will ever be able to read 

and understand. 

My grandmother, Jamila Shamouni 

Kassab, once told me a Chaldean saying 

that a woman can literally be poor, but 

her children will make her rich in spirit. 

Me? I feel like a million bucks. 

“Being able to do whatever it takes to 

teach, nurture and provide for your child 

is the most precious gift anyone can 

have.” 

— Susan Marrogy, Kaydence’s mom 

“It really makes me happy to help my kids 

be successful in school, whether it’s with 

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— Janan Zaia; mom of Alex and Alexia 

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I appreciated it.” 

— Kamelia Matti, mom to Bridgette, Brian and Kevin 

“I know my mother will never make history 

and I know that she is a not a public 

figure — but this I know, my mom is what 

being a mother is all about — love.” 

— Mariam Dabish, daughter of Jamila 


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making a DIFFERENCE 

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doctor literacy 

Kindergarten teacher helps children grasp reading 

Opening a book with your child opens up a 

whole new world for them,” maintains Dr. 

Zena Najor, Ph.D., who has created a program 

that allows children to develop reading skills at 

a very young age. 

Najor’s reading program is for children ages 3 to 

6. “Since reading is commonly understood as developmental, 

people shy away from teaching at such a 

young age,” she said. “As long as the child becomes 

interested in reading, the child will be eager to continue 

to learn how to read.” 

The first and most important technique to teach 

children how to read, said Najor, is finding a fascinating 

book that grabs their interest. She allows the 

children to become familiar with the language arts 


and forms of writing. Then she 

works on consonants, vowels 

and the blending of letters. 

Najor is a kindergarten 

teacher at Echo Park School in 

Farmington Hills. Last summer, 

she formed a program to bring 

her reading strategies of teaching 

for those parents who want 

their children to get a head start 

in reading, as well as students 

Dr. Zena Najor with 5-year-old James of 

Birmingham, who said, “I’m proud of how 

good I read!” 

who may have developmental issues or are having a 

difficult time learning how to read. “The pressure is 

on the students to succeed in reading,” says Najor. “If 

these students do not have teachers who are motivated 

to help their students to the best of their ability, 

then the students will become frustrated. So, as a 

result, the pressure is put on teachers to teach our 

students to read to the best of our ability.” 

Najor received her bachelor’s degree at the 

University of Michigan in early childhood education 

and in elementary education. She then attended 

Marygrove College in Detroit and earned a master’s 

degree in teaching, then went to Rhodes, 

England, where she attended Shaftsbury College 

and earned her Ph. D in educational psychology, also 

known as general education. 

Najor plans to continue 

with her teaching technique 

but believes the program has to 

be constantly modified to better 

address the students’ needs. She 

is also planning on creating a 

center for young children to 

read in the Franklin area. She 

hopes parents will encourage 

their children to get away from 

the television and computer 

and pick up a book to read. 

Najor’s students are proof 

that children can enjoy books. 

“I’m finally reading better!” said 6-year-old Brian 

of Birmingham. Sarah, a 5-year-old from Franklin, 

is also excited. “I started reading when I was 4. 

Now I am 5!” 

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Vinnie Sarafa puts injury behind him 

BY STEVE STEIN 

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base-runners fear is being reloaded. 

After undergoing surgery in November to 

repair a torn labium in his right shoulder, 

Birmingham Brother Rice High School senior catcher 

Vinnie Sarafa feels he’s making steady progress. 

“I have my good days and my bad days,” said 

Sarafa, who was injured diving for a ball in the 

outfield while playing summer baseball last year. 

He fought through pain all summer until a doctor 

discovered the tear. 

Brother Rice baseball coach Bob Riker is seeing 

more good than bad from Sarafa. “Vinnie has 

bounced back from his surgery a lot quicker than I 

thought he would,” Riker said. 

Sarafa threw out 14 of 17 base-stealers last season, 

his first as Brother Rice’s starting catcher. He 

tossed out six of nine potential stealers through 16 

games this spring. After Sarafa graduates from 

Brother Rice, he’ll continue his baseball career at 

the University of Michigan. The 6-foot, 215- 

pounder will join the U-M team as a “preferred 

walk-on.” If he progresses, he could eventually 

earn a scholarship. A 4.1 grade-point average student, 

Sarafa turned down a scholarship offer from 

Kalamazoo College even though it’ll be tougher 

earning playing time at U-M. 

“You can’t go wrong going to Michigan,” said 

the 18-year-old Farmington Hills resident. “I know 

I’ll be comfortable there. A couple of my former 

Brother Rice teammates are playing for Michigan 

and they really like it. I’m going to keep playing 

baseball until someone says I can’t.” 

Sarafa has been a starter at Brother Rice for four 

seasons, the first two as designated hitter and the 

last two as catcher. “It’s amazing that Vinnie was 

able to crack our lineup when he was a freshman 

and sophomore,” Riker said. “Those were the best 

teams I’ve had at Brother Rice since I became coach 

in 1998. Nine guys from those teams are playing 

college baseball, most at Division I schools.” 

Brother Rice went 36-4 in Sarafa’s freshman year. 

It lost 5-2 to Holland West Ottawa in the Division 

1 state championship game. The Warriors were 29-6 

when Sarafa was a sophomore. They fell 2-0 to the 

eventual state champion, Ann Arbor Pioneer in the 

state semifinals. Brother Rice was 20-13 last season 

and the Warriors started 11-5 this spring. 

Sarafa’s high school career batting average 

through 102 games was .338. He had 90 hits, three 

homers, 29 doubles, three triples and 76 RBI. He’s 

earned All-Catholic League honors for his success 

on the diamond and in the classroom. 

Sarafa has been playing summer travel baseball 

for the North Farmington-West Bloomfield 

Cobras since he was 10. He’s been a pitcher, outfielder 

and back-up catcher. In 385 games over 

eight seasons with the Cobras, Sarafa is batting 

.412 with 377 hits, 18 homers, 80 doubles, 12 

triples and 332 RBI. The Cobras have gone 334- 

84-9 since Sarafa joined the team. 

When he was 12, Sarafa helped the Cobras hit 

five consecutive home runs during a game at the 

Cooperstown (N.Y.) Dreams Park near the 

Baseball Hall of Fame. That’s a Dreams Park 

record that still stands. 

“Vinnie has been a respectful, stellar kid since 

day one,” said Cobras manager Alan Borsen. 

Sarafa will be the 17th member of his family to 

graduate from Brother Rice. Haithem Sarafa (his 

father) and Karim Sarafa (his grandfather) graduated 

from U-M. 


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ARTS & entertainment 

ethnic mix 

Peter Zora produces hip hop and R&B 

with a Middle Eastern flair 


Becoming a doctor, lawyer or engineer is what 

many Chaldean parents urge their children 

to do. Peter Zora was no exception. But he 

followed his heart instead, and has found success in 

the music business. 

In high school, Zora was focused and studious at 

the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He 

played on the football team, but surprisingly was 

never involved in any of the school’s music groups. 

After graduating in 2000, Zora attended 

the University of Michigan — on a full 

ride through various scholarships. He 

studied there for almost two years until he 

decided to leave and pursue music. 

This, Zora said, was not an easy move 

to make. “It was a decision that many 

people in my family and community discouraged 

me from making,” he said. “But I 

knew that I needed to try something different 

to be as successful as I wanted to 

become, and I didn’t want any opportunities 

to pass while I was in school.” 

Zora began networking in business 

and entertainment circles and gained the 

nickname “Petey Franchise” from others 

who had seen the success and knowledge 

that Chaldeans demonstrate in the business 

and retail world. At first his nickname 

was a joke, but now people call him 

that more often and even some of his music is 

credited to “Petey Franchise.” 

Zora started by working closely with Mike 

Winans as an engineer in a local recording studio 

and soon began to produce and write songs. One 

of the first relationships the two established was 

with Shannon “Slam” Lawrence, a major record 

label executive who works directly under rap 

mogul P. Diddy at Bad Boy Entertainment. This 

was only the beginning of Zora’s encounters with 

big-name musical producers and celebrities. 

“Slam” connected Zora and Winans to the 

people producing Chris Brown’s debut album at 

Jive Records. They submitted some songs for the 

project and were able to sell “Just Fine” on 

Brown’s debut album, which has sold more than 

one million copies worldwide. 

“The success of Chris’ album opened many 

doors for me,” Zora said. “I have sat through 

meetings and made business contacts with many 

A&Rs [professionals responsible for the creative 

aspect of music] and vice presidents from many of 

the major record labels including SonyBMG, 

Universal, Jive and Atlantic Records, while 

meeting with others who have offered me publishing 

deals through huge entertainment conglomerates.” 

Zora is currently working on several projects, 

including opening a local recording studio on the 

Southfield/Oak Park border. “Anyone who is 

interested in learning about music production or of 

the equipment can come by,” he said. He is also 

working on songs being submitted for singer 

Omarian’s new album, as well as for the girls from 

the hit MTV television series “Making the Band 

3.” 

Zora hopes to become a well-known name in 

the music production business where “people will 

go out and search for me rather than me trying to 

seek out the music buyer.” He also wants to see 

more Chaldeans flourish in the business because 

he believes the Chaldean culture has much to 

offer. Zora recently has worked on projects with 

other Chaldean musicians such as Adad Raikany, 

with whom he has become a production partner, 

and he plans to collaborate with other talents such 

“I knew that I 

needed to try 

something 

different to be 

as successful 

as I wanted to 

become, and I 

didn’t want any 

opportunities to 

pass while I was 

in school.” 

– PETER ZORA 

as Omar Binno. 

“Many producers have used Middle Easterninfluenced 

music in hip hop and R&B so it’s obvious 

that our culture has a place in mainstream 

American music,” Zora said. “Who better to bring 

it to the masses than us?” 

Zora knows it is going to take years of hard work 

and dedication to fully realize his dreams, which 

include developing his own music publishing company 

and one day possibly running a joint venture 

with other major companies to release his own 

artists. His eyes are firmly on the prize. “Every day I 

wake up,” Zora said, “I think to myself what I have 

to do today that will let me reach my goals.” 


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event 

James 

Jonna, 

Business 

Person of 

the Year 

hundreds attend 

chamber dinner 

Community members honored, Iraq situation updated 

STORY BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO 

PHOTOS BY WILSON SARKIS 

Speaking briefly in Arabic, one of the four languages in 

which he is fluent, Ambassador Christopher W.S. Ross 

talked about passion, compassion and hope at the third 

annual Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) 

Awards Dinner held April 7 at Shenandoah Country Club. 

Continuing in English, Ross acknowledged the many 

Chaldeans deeply concerned about the plight of Christians in 

Iraq. In his keynote address to the nearly 900 attendees at the 

event, which included several dignitaries, Ross provided the 

community with the latest information regarding many issues 

Iraqi Christians currently face. Ross participated in the process 

of forming the Interim Iraqi Government and drafting the new 

constitution, and assisted in developing a program to support 

the emergence of a moderate political center in preparation for 

elections. 

Ross explained that in order to form a democracy in Iraq, 

the rights and prosperity of the minorities and the larger community 

must be obtained — that the language in the constitution 

must include those rights. 

Chaldean Chamber members have inquired about how to 

participate in the rebuilding of Iraq. That night, Ross noted the 

CACC’s Chaldean Chamber Foundation is working with 

USAID on the possibilities of a project in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains 

area, where many Christians live. 

AWARDS TIME 

The evening’s agenda did not completely focus on Iraq. The 

event was primarily centered around the chamber’s annual 

awards. Congressman Joe Knollenberg of the Ninth 

Congressional District received a special tribute for the work he 

has done for and with the Chaldean community, including 

securing federal funds for the Chaldean Community Cultural 

Center. He also offered assistance in the chamber’s Rebuilding 

Iraq Program and has helped in immigrant issues. He is current- 


1 2 

3 

4 

5 

6 7 

8 

ly working on getting the Armenian Genocide, in which thousands 

of Chaldeans were killed, recognized on the federal level. 

“I am very humbled by this honor,” said Knollenberg. “I just 

did what I believed was the right thing to do.” 

The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity was honored 

with the Humanitarians of the Year Award for its service to the 

Chaldean community as well as the community at large. In 

existence since 1961, the women run a tight ship; more than 98 

percent of donations go directly to helping the needy. This year 

they celebrate their 45-year anniversary at Shenandoah 

Country Club on September 16. 

“We thank the chamber for recognizing the hard work of the 

Chaldean American Ladies of Charity,” said Clair Konja, president. 

“This organization and these ladies remain strong 

because of the continuous effort of our volunteers, board members 

and sponsors.” 

James Jonna, Business Person of the Year, founded Jonna 

Construction Company in 1965. More than 45 years and 600 

buildings later, Jimmy still hammers on as the 81-year-old 

chairman of the board. Speaking in Sourath (Aramaic), Jonna 

wished the audience and their families God’s blessing of good 

health and hope. “I am proud to be an American,” said Jonna. 

“This country has given us great opportunity. I’m also proud to 

be recognized tonight.” 

Broadcaster Murray Feldman served as master of ceremonies. 

Co-chairs of the event were Amal Berry Brown, vice 

president of business development with Comerica Bank, and 

Frank Jonna, CEO of Jonna Companies. 

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is a partnership 

of Chaldaen businesses and professionals working 

together to strengthen members’ business, increase job opportunities, 

encourage expansion and promote Chaldean business and 

culture. Chairman Saad Hajjar said membership has increased by 

150 members since last year, and now surpasses 650. 

1. Congressman Joe 

Knollenberg, who received 

a special tribute, and 

Frank Jonna 

2. Wendy Acho (left), Sonya 

Kory-Haio and Michael Martin 

3. Jim Grant of Deans 

Foods/Country Fresh and 

Master of Ceremonies 

Murray Feldman of Fox News 

4. Keynote speaker 

Ambassador Christopher 

W.S. Ross 

5. Murray Feldman and Clair 

Konja of the Chaldean 

American Ladies of Charity, 

Humanitarians of the Year 

6. Ed Babbie (left), Sammi 

Naoum, Linda Naoum and 

John Kapousis 

7. Gladice Kuza (left), 

Sue Boji, Seima Jonna, 

Margarite Esshaki 

and Gourgia Jonna 

8. Fr. Manuel Boji 


event 

1 2 

st. george 

fundraiser 

PHOTOS BY BRAD ZIEGLER 

3 

Some 1,000 people gathered for a 

fundraiser for St. George 

Chaldean Catholic Church on 

April 19. After mass at the new church, 

a gala dinner was held at Penna’s of 

Sterling Heights with Bishop Ibrahim 

Ibrahim as keynote speaker. The event 

raised about $270,000 for the new 

church. At least two similar events are 

planned each year until St. George’s 

$5.2 million debt is paid off. 

1. Guests enjoy the event. 

2. Fr. Manuel Boji (left), Salman Konja and Fr. Shlaman Denha 

3. Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim 

4. Kamal Kakos (left), Mahir Dosha, Ghassan Kanno, Talal Kakos and Basem Naem 

5. Janafer Shaba (left), Tamra Dabish, Jessica Kakoz and Dena Kamil. 

Standing behind them is Ahlam al-Makeh. 

6. Nick Najjar (left), Saad Hajjar, Richard Sulaka, Najib Atisha and Carl Dallo 

4 

5 

6 


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ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE 

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service or product 

in the real estate 

industry? 

ADVERTISE IN THE CHALDEAN NEWS 

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CHALDEAN NEWS 

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FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 



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To place your ad, contact us today! 

THE 

CHALDEAN NEWS 

PHONE: 248-932-3100 OR FAX: 248-932-9161 

30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 


31800 Northwestern Hwy., #140 


Phone: (248) 855-8575 

Fax: (248) 855-6985 

Complete Landscape Maintenance 

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PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS 

chaldean news

classified listings 

HELP WANTED 

DENTAL ASSISTANT NEEDED 

at Southfield office. No experience 

required. Willing to train. Full time 

or Part Time. Please call Zina at 

248-356-8567 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE 

BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP 

3.7 Acres on a signalized hard corner. 

Site plan approved for a shopping 

center, great location for liquor 

store. Booming Area! Call Kevin 

248-224-1300. Serious inquiries only. 

BUSINESS FOR SALE 

GROCERY STORE 

IN OAKLAND COUNTY 

Beer, Wine, Lotto, Deli. Great business 

opportunity with a lot of 

potential. Low rent with option to 

buy building. Serious inquiries, call 

248-941-7877. 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 

Welding Business with 3500 sq. 

ft. house Emmett MI. 

Bars/Restaurants, Chesterfield, St 

Clair, Free Standing money makers. 

Commercial Vacant Land 2.5 

acres on Gratiot near 25 Mile. 

Landscaping Company 

25yrs. In business. 

Fish & Poultry Store Open 5 days 

Week Money maker. 

Vacant property 21 mile & I-94. 

Call Tony Drewek at C-21 

Market Tech 586-322-1163. 

CENTURY 21 HARTFORD 

HOMES FOR SALE 

NORTH FARMINGTON HILLS 

4 bdrm home has “Family” appeal. 

Updated kitchen, windows, siding 

etc. Farm. schools. $289,900. Call 

Bonnie or Diane @ 248-487-6000 

LOWER STRAITS LAKEFRONT 

Gorgeous home (3600 SF) offers 

3 f.p., home theatre and fabulous 

master suite. Includes dock and 

lifts. 100’ of sandy beach. Call 

Bonnie or Diane @ 248-478-6000 

GORGEOUS 

BUILDERS OWN HOME 

This home is immaculate and sits 

on a 1.3 acre lot in Farmington Hills. 

4 bdrms, 3 1/2 bathrooms built 

in 2002. First class; hdwd floors, 

finished bsmt, 3 plus car garage, 

granite kitchen. Media room etc. 

Knockout!! $609,000 Call Diane 

or Bonnie @ 248-478-6000 

CLASSIFIED ORDER FORM 

Four ways to 

place your ad! 

1. Online at www.chaldeannews.com 

2. Fax (248) 932-9161 

3. Phone (248) 932-3100 

4. Send it to: The Chaldean News, 

30095 NW. Hwy., Ste. 102 

Farm. Hills, MI 48334 

CATEGORY (CHECK ONLY ONE): 

House for Sale 

House for Rent 

Condo for Sale 

Condo/Apartment for Rent 

Vacation Property for Sale 

Vacation Rentals 

Office Space to Share 

Lost and Found 

Merchandise for Sale 

Automobiles for Sale 

RATES: $6 PER LINE; 5-LINE MINIMUM. 

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PRINT THE EXACT TEXT OF YOUR AD (ATTACH A SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY): 

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Rates are subject to change without notice. The Chaldean News reserves the right to reject, edit or revise any advertisement, and is not liable 

for failure to insert an advertisement. If an error is made in an ad published by The Chaldean News, notice must be made by the advertiser in 

writing no more than five business days after publication. All advertising positions are at the publisher’s discretion and in no event will refunds, 

adjustments or reinstatements be made based on position. The Chaldean News has the right to recover unpaid advertising amounts, including 

reasonable costs of collection, attorney’s fees, litigation costs and interest on the unpaid balance. 

I agree to these terms. 

SIGNATURE ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

PRINTED NAME ______________________________________________________________ DATE _________________________ 

All classifieds must be pre-paid. Call (248) 932-3100 for more information. Deadline: 20th of each month for the next 

month’s issue. 

CONDO FOR SALE 

CONDO FOR SALE IN BIRMINGHAM 

1,100+ Sq. Ft. + finished basement. 

Excellent location. Walking 

distance from downtown 

Birmingham. $285,000. 

Call 248-593-9919 

HOUSE FOR SALE/RENT 

EAST LANSING 

2 BLOCKS FROM MSU 

Lic. for 2 or family. Newly renv. 

Appliances inc. Washer/Dry 

Lg, Yard/Garage. Rent $800 or 

Buy $99,000. 248-755-6464 

HOUSES FOR SALE 

LAKEFRONT CUSTOM BUILT 

Home in 2005 on Cass Lake. 5 

bedrooms, 8 bath. Walkout finished 

basement w/kitchen. $2,787,000. 

Call 248-225-7711 Niran Bahoora 

BEAUTIFUL OVER 3,000 SF 

Custom Colonial on top of a hill 

(2.5 Acre of land). Walkout basem. 

Priced at $494,000. (Priced Well 

Under Market Value) Call: Maria 

Molnar 248-990-3210 or go to 

mariamolnarsellshomes.com 

WEST BLOOMFIELD - STUNNING! 

Home has everything - 4 bdrms, 3 

car garage. Gourmet kitchen w/granite 

island, huge master suite w/sitting 

area and many extras. Beautiful lot 

backing to commons. $619,000 Call 

Cathy @248-478-6000 

CHARMING 4-BEDROOM COLONIAL 

in West Bloomfield. Newer ceramic 

tile and updated carpet, new garage 

door, large family room and living 

room. Award-winning West 

Bloomfield Schools. $289,900. Call 

Brian Loussia, Keller Williams Realty, 

(248) 735-9139 or (248) 252-1179. 

CASS LAKE WATERFRONT 

1,800 sg. ft. 3 BR, 2 baths. Finished 

walkout basement. New bathrooms 

with granite countertops, Jacuzzi in 

master bath. $595,000. Call for an 

appointment, 248-202-8044. 

FARMINGTON HILLS 

3 BR, 2.1 Bath Ultra contemporary 

with a very open floor plan. Many 

designer touches. $305,000. Keller 

Williams Realty, 22260 Haggerty, 

Northville. Call 248-470-5952. 

THE 

CHALDEAN NEWS 

celebrate your community. 

subscribe today. 

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THE WORK OF A NATION. THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.

MAY 2006

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