OCTOBER 2006

CALC corner
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
NOTE from the
PRESIDENT
45 Years
of Making
a Difference
Clair Konja
Wow! It’s the only word to
truly describe last month’s red carpet gala. The
CALC celebrated its 45th anniversary September 16 at the
Shenandoah Country Club. The Oscar-like event came
complete with CALC celebrities.
More than 600 guests walked through the red-draped
entrance and proceeded onto the red carpet decorated in gold
stars to commemorate the CALC presidents. The community
was invited to join in celebrating the many accomplishments
of 45 years of building a strong community and charitable
organization. Our guests, dressed in their beautiful formal
gowns, exited their cars and were greeted by paparazzi
who snapped their pictures as they walked the red carpet.
Honored that evening were two long-time members:
Rosemary Antone and J. Julia Hakim. The CALC also
recognized Jonn Shamoun of New Century for his creative
and artistic contribution to the CALC.
The audience was entertained by hosts John Jonna and
Diane Dickow D’Agostini, who served as the evening’s
Master and Mistress of Ceremonies. Highlights included
entertainment by the comedic tunes of Steve Acho, which
was later followed by the Broadway styles of Nicole Hakim
Yohn and her husband, Chris Yohn. CALC executive board
member Bernadette Najor’s son, Nawras, served as the
evening’s DJ. During the cocktail reception, singer and keyboardist
Joseph Arabbo played traditional Middle Eastern
tunes. It was definitely a Night to Remember.
I personally want to thank so many people, including
Jane Shallal, Vanessa Denha-Garmo and LeeAnn Kirma
for all their work in putting the program together. Many
thanks to our members and friends who supported us and
worked on the event, including: Faye Gappy with Idol
Vodka, Haitham Asmar with Elegante Sweets, Shenandoah
Country Club, National Wine and Spirits, Diageo,
General Wine and Liquor Company, the Chaldean News,
Wally Jadan of MBN America, Ralph Dallo of Art One
Signs, Renee Antoon of Mainly Marketing, Lawrence
Yaldoo and Andrew Keina of Top That Table, Paul Jonna
of Spotlite Entertainment, Heather Jonna for her photography,
and Ivan Yousif of Futurewave Images. We also want
to thank Spartan Stores, the Michael J. George Charity,
Pepsi, the Boji Group, Dean Foods/Country Fresh,
Kojaian, Atwell Hicks, Peoples State Bank, Codespear,
Children’s Hospital, Fifth Third Bank, LaSalle Bank,
Honigman Miller, Henry Ford Health System, National
City and Wolverine Packing Co. for sponsoring this event.
Clockwise from top: J. Julia Hakim (right) receives her award. Jonn Shamoun was recognized for his
creative and artistic contributions to CALC. Rosemary Antone was also honored for years of dedicated service.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
EXTRAVAGANZA
It’s the perfect time and place to get
your holiday shopping done. Gifts
for friends and family will be on display
on the annual CALC shopping
extravaganza. Get that stocking
stuffer for him or her on Thursday,
November 2, at Shenandoah
Country Club. The event is from 6-
10 pm. Admission price is $25.00.
We have a variety of vendors: accessories,
handbags, belts, clothing,
jewelry, beauty and pamper products,
gourmet specialty items — just
to name a few. New and unique vendors
are still welcome; please contact
Karen Denha at (248) 642-0601
for more information.
WOMEN’S RETREAT
MONDAY, OCT. 30
Guest Speaker Fr. Bass. This will
held at Manresa, which is located
on 16 Mile in Bloomfield Hills. The
cost is $35. Reservations can be
made by calling the CALC office
at (248) 352-5018.
CHRISTMAS ADOPT
A FAMILY PROGRAM
The CALC’s Christmas Adopt-a-
Family program provides gifts of
new clothes, toys, food and other
items to many needy families.
Share in the holiday spirit by sponsoring
or adopting a needy family.
If you’d like to get involved in our
upcoming holiday program as a
sponsor or volunteer, or would like
further information, please give us
at (248) 352-5018 or e-mail us at
info@calconline.org.
14 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006
ADVERTORIAL