MAY 2007

VOL. 4 ISSUE IV
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY MAY 2007
$2
www.chaldeannews.com
INSIDE
MEXICAN DOCTOR
WEARS MANY HATS
JUST WHAT CAN –
AND CAN'T – YOUR
CELL PHONE DO?
ISMAT KARMO
REPORTS FROM IRAQ
CELEBRATING
THE CHALDEAN
ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR
A SILVER
ANNIVERSARY
Bishop Ibrahim’s
life in the church
The Chaldean News
26555 Evergreen Road, Suite 250
Southfield, MI 48076
PERIODICAL
PLEASE DELIVER BY MAY 1, 2007

MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

4 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

CONTENTS
THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 4 ISSUE IV
MAY 2007
on the cover
26 A SILVER ANNIVERSARY
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
Bishop Ibrahim’s life in the church
features
30 FROM DOWN UNDER TO DETROIT
BY JOYCE WISWELL
St. Joe’s new pastor settles in
29 A STUDENT OF HISTORY
BY KEN MARTEN
Mexican doctor wears many hats
33 MOBILE MYTHS
BY JEANINE MATLOW
Just what can – and can’t – your cell phone do?
26
34 HIGH HONORS
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
Chaldean Chamber fetes two
features
6 FROM THE EDITOR
14 30
7
34 39
7 GUEST EDITORIAL
BY ISMAT KARMO
The Last Stand for Our People
8 YOUR LETTERS
9 FROM THE FOUNDERS
10 NOTEWORTHY
11 NANA SAYS
12 CHAI TIME
14 MAKING A DIFFERENCE
BY ANN PETROUS
On a Mission: Young student takes on big projects
16 CALC CORNER
18 HALHOLE
24 RELIGION
24 OBITUARIES
36 EVENTS
Miss Chaldean
Chaldean Assyrian New Year
My Cuzin’s Comedy Show
40 CLASSIFIED LISTINGS
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 5

from the EDITOR
A Busy Month
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
What a month we had in April. I
am exhausted just reading
about all the events that happened
and luckily for you, our readers,
we captured it all on these pages.
First, the year-long celebration of
Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim’s 25th anniversary
continues here in Metro Detroit. I
sat down with the first Chaldean Bishop
in the United States at his Southfield
office. We talked about his life in Iraq, his
years as a priest, his concerns regarding
the community and his hopes for the
future. The community has evolved over
the two-plus decades but for the Bishop,
his daily duties are the same — unpredictable
with something new every day.
The celebrations for his anniversary
continue all year long. You can find out
more about the events being held in his
honor by calling Mother of God Church
in Southfield.
Thousands of community members
were seen all over Metro Detroit this
past month. Some made a stop in Royal
Oak for the first Miss Chaldean
contest. The beauty pageant
contestants took to the runway
with confidence and poise and
one lucky gal was crowned
Miss Chaldean.
If you traveled west just a
few days later, you would have
caught My Cuzin’s Comedy
Show in Novi at Second City,
where a seven-member cast
put on a funny show with a
sprinkle of Chaldean flavor. I
have to admit, I missed seeing
more of Paul Jonna dressed
as a khaltou (aunt) all in black.
Despite more mainstream flare
than jabs at Chaldean culture,
the show wasn’t devoid of
laughter. It continues to run
through May.
Shenandoah was the venue for a
presidential hopeful event garnering
attention from the mainstream media.
John McCain made a pit stop at the
Chaldean country club where some 500
people heard him speak about the state
of the country and the status of Iraq. The
event was covered by both broadcast
and print media. We cover this in our
Noteworthy section and you can see
more pictures of this event on our website
at www.chaldeannews.com.
A day later, more than 800 people
gathered at Shenandoah and heard from
long-time Senator Carl Levin, who was
honored as the Humanitarian of the Year
at the annual Chaldean American
Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.
He shared the stage with the Business
Person of the year, Eliya “Louie” Boji. I
had an opportunity to talk to both
awardees at the event. We profile both
men near our events pages. The
Chaldean News congratulates the two
on their contributions to the community.
We are also revamping our website.
We are focusing on updating you
weekly via the web. We want to hear
from our readers and we want to keep
an open dialogue. We will continue to
post photos from our events sections,
Senator Carl Levin
was honored as the
Humanitarian of the
Year at the annual
Chaldean American
Chamber of Commerce
Awards Dinner.
Editor Vanessa Denha-Garmo with Senator Carl
Levin at the Chaldean Chamber Awards Dinner.
archive articles and provide updates on
current events. We encourage you to
write to us and tell us what you want to
read — the stories you want covered.
Well, I am going to take a little rest
after this vigorous month but not for
long. By the time this issue ends up in
your mailbox, I will be engrossed in the
June issue. Until then, enjoy the read!
Alaha Imid Koullen
(God Be With Us All)
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
vdenha@chaldeannews.com
6 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

GUEST editorial
The Last Stand for Our People
BY ISMAT KARMO
Our Chaldean Syriac Assyrian
people call their Arab and
Kurdish neighbors “brother.”
Perhaps it would be more proper that
they be called “big brother.” They are
subjected to fear and intimidation and if
they should step outside certain boundaries,
they will be massacred. It is time
to work to break this mindset at the
national and international level to
restore the lost hope of our people and
to give them the most fundamental
right, the right to exist.
As a representative for the
Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce, March 10, 2007 began for
me a 10-day expedition into Iraq, the
homeland I left 30 years ago. The purpose
was to attend a conference that
would take on the increasingly bleak
future of Iraq’s ancient Christian population
(known through various names
as Chaldean, Syriac or Assyrian, but as
one Surayeh people) in the northern
Nineveh Valley (or Plain) region.
Since my previous visit shortly after
the fall of Saddam’s regime in
November 2003, it was evident that
Iraq would never be the way that I
remembered it. In northern Iraq,
Kurdistan has essentially become its
own country that maintains loose ties to
the central Iraqi government. It has its
own legislative government, constitution,
judicial system, army, economy,
flag, anthem and language (with
English, not Arabic, as the second language
after the native Kurdish tongue).
The Kurdish government has taken the
right steps to ensure that a secular government,
society and region be fostered
where radical Islam does not
have the opportunity to flourish.
This conference was intended to
help to ensure the future of the
Chaldean Syriac Assyrian and other
minority populations in the region by
making certain demands of the Kurdish
and Iraqi governments. In attendance
were some 1,300 Chaldeans Syriacs
Assyrians from around the world and
from the various provinces within Iraq.
Eventually, we voted upon a single
Declaration.
The Declaration’s agreements can
be summarized in four main points:
• A demand for a self-autonomous
area within the Nineveh Valley while
remaining part of a unified Iraq.
• A demand that Christian villages
and cities be returned to their original
people and that any attempt to forcibly
alter the landscape’s demographics be
immediately halted.
Ismat Karmo during his recent trip to Iraq
• An agreement that the ancient
Christian populations are all one people
while still using different names,
and that a compound name (Surayeh)
be used to encompass and refer to all
Chaldeans, Syriacs and Assyrians.
• That a 41-member council be
established to act as a parliament that
will represent all the Chaldean Syriac
Assyrian people from all over the world.
Detroit Surayeh will have one seat.
Establishing this Declaration was a
vital step in the right direction, yet
much work needs to follow. As a
Chaldean activist Robert DeKelaita
puts it, the Nineveh Plain solution is
“Our Last Stand.” At stake is whether
our people will be able to preserve
themselves as the indigenous people of
ancient Mesopotamia, or be set on the
path of extinction from their very homeland
within a few generations.
The Kurds asked, reasonably, for
the creation of their own representative
and legislative body. Why can’t the
people of Nineveh Valley ask for the
same? An autonomous Nineveh Valley
region in no way divides or harms
Iraq’s unity.
Since the rise of Islam in the region,
Iraq’s indigenous people have been
subject to the mercy of the volatile
moods of local rulers. What once was
a highly intellectual, culturally civilized
and magnificent Christian community
that dominated the region has been
slowly chiseled to a mere few hundred
thousand. They have been pushed to
the fringes of society, and because of
past memories of angering the Arab or
Kurdish Muslims, they fear even asking
for their own rights as human beings.
They have allowed themselves for too
long to be treated as second-class citizens
as they watch their once millionsstrong
community dwindle away.
Ismat Karmo is the chairman of the
Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce’s Iraq Task Force.
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 7

your LETTERS
Well Done
I just received my Chaldean News and
was pleased to read the article by Mike
Sarafa [“Anonymity: The Cloak of
Cowardice,” April 2007]. It was so
well written and expressed thoughts
that so many of us feel.
Lena (Foumia) Tauro
Birds of a Feather
I was one of your first readers and
have enjoyed reading the Chaldean
News since it was established; it is
indeed informative and thought provoking.
I had no idea the amount of activities
Chaldeans are evolving into, and
proud to now realize it through our own
magazine. I have always stood proud
of the accomplishments of our people
and happy to see a magazine now publicly
recognizing them. However, as I
was reading the March 2007 issue, I
read an article I found displeasing and
I would like to express my opinion with
regards to it.
I view The Chaldean News as a
magazine read by the general public;
more particular, I am proud we have a
magazine displaying our culture while
catching the attention of the “younger”
Chaldeans such as myself.
Furthermore, I feel it’s important to
state our opinion on some articles that
can be sensitive to our Chaldean youth.
My disturbance stems from the article
“Forbidden Fruits Explores
Interracial Relationships.” While I promote
progress we make as a community
I do not think it should be done in
this manner. I do not agree with the
principle issue of this movie, nor do I
agree with the promotion of it.
Many cultures and/or religions such
as Judeans, African-Americans,
Indians, Japanese, and several others
are very prominent and contribute
much to society. I currently befriend
people from the cultures mentioned as
well as several others. It is very interesting
to see how other cultures operate
and where their morals and beliefs
stand. Some I have agreed with and
some I have not, but nonetheless I
have and always respect them all.
However, when it comes to intimate
romantic relationships, sticking to
one’s own culture is what I believe to
be most suitable. Marriage and everything
that comes with it can already be
a very difficult transition. I promote
marriage to remain within one’s own
culture because an upbringing with
common morals, ethics and principle
makes for a more suitable and comfortable
transition and avoids a great
deal of potential turmoil. I assure you,
several if not most other people from
different cultures would agree.
Also, if intercultural relationships
are accepted or better yet promoted, I
ask you this, what will our culture mean
to our kids? How about our grandkids?
How about our great-grandkids?
And so forth. Our culture is what
makes us unique, and also reflects
what we have accomplished in our
past as an ancient culture. I would
never want to undermine any issue so
important to me and what should be so
important to all of us. Of all sources I
would not expect to read such an article
in our Chaldean News, where marriage
among Chaldeans should be
encouraged.
My last point I would like to make
are some critical remarks made by the
author in the article that I interpreted as
offensive. One remark in particular I
found most offensive in the article I will
state verbatim. It refers to a description
of the main characters’ struggles in
one of the subplots in the movie: “In
her storyline, secretive interludes, idealistic
dreams and tender moments are
shared until the two are violently separated
by Crystal’s irate brother and his
posse of angry thugs.”
Describing an intercultural relationship
with such harmony and bliss, then
to demean our people by referring them
as thugs is disgraceful. Forgive me if I
find this offensive but I have never read
a statement that classifies us in such a
negative manner, let alone one written
by a Chaldean author. In the end, of
course, this is merely my opinion but I
hope it may make a difference to some.
– Alexander Marouf
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, 26555 Evergreen,
Ste. 250, Southfield, MI 48076
8 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

from the FOUNDERS
Dear Readers,
The Chaldean News continues to
evolve and we are making various
changes. In order to bring you up
to date, we will give you some history.
This magazine launched in February
2004 after a two-year development
process. The original founders are Tony
Antone, Vanessa Denha-Garmo, Martin
Manna and Mike Sarafa. With the support
of our community and advertisers,
we have been blessed with a successful
publication.
After nearly three and half years,
one of our founders has decided to
move on. We want to thank Tony
Antone for the time and talent he contributed
to the Chaldean News. He
worked closely with both the sales team
and the editorial department. We appreciate
his efforts and we wish him well.
The three remaining founding partners
will continue to operate the magazine.
Martin Manna is overseeing daily
operations under the Interlink Media
umbrella with Paul Alraihani as director
of operations. Vanessa Denha-Garmo
will continue to serve as editor in chief
directing the editorial department. Mike
Sarafa wears two hats, offering support
and direction to both the operations
and editorial departments.
We are moving the Chaldean News
forward. We promise to give our readers
the most up-to-date and newsworthy
stories every month as well as keep
you abreast of current events via our
website. We hope you continue to enjoy
your community newsmagazine. Join us
in wishing Tony the best in his future
endeavors.
PUBLISHED BY
The Chaldean News LLC
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
EDITORIAL
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
Joyce Wiswell
Ismat Karmo
Ken Marten
Jeanine Matlow
Ann Petrous
ART & PRODUCTION
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative
Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative
Joe Sesi
Nora Bahrou Downs
Ramiz Ramaya
David Reed
Brad Ziegler
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
CIRCULATION
CLASSIFIEDS
INTERNS
OPERATIONS
Interlink Media
Paul Alraihani
Paul Alraihani
Joyce Wiswell
Sonia Alton Hanakachel
Madana Hermiz
Ann Petrous
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
SALES
Sandra Denha Jolagh
Lisy Starr
FOUNDING MANAGERS
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
Martin Manna
Michael Sarafa
MICHIGAN SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20 PER YEAR • OUT-OF-STATE SUBSCRIPTIONS: $30 PER YEAR
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PUBLICATION: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published monthly; Issue Date: May, 2007 SUBSCRIPTIONS: 12 months, $20.
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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 9

NOTEworthy
Assyrian Church
Vandalized
If there was a silver lining in the vandalism
that struck the new St. Mary’s
Assyrian Church in Warren, it was the
outpouring from concerned community
members, said Det. John Barnes.
“People were horrified by it. We
had many, many people call and ask if
they could volunteer time and money
and help out,” Barnes said. “It was
pretty nice to see.”
Vandals struck the church with
apparently anti-Arab graffiti, which was
discovered on April 3. Among the messages
left in blue and black spray paint
were “1 God Jesus” and “Arabs Die.”
Most were left at the rear of the building.
The Rev. Benjamin Benjamin said
the vandals apparently did not understand
that Assyrians are Catholic.
Two 21-year-old men are in Macomb
County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 cash
assurity bond — Corey Main of Warren
and Johnanthan Prince of Sterling
Heights. They are each charged with
ethnic intimidation, a two-year felony;
and destruction of property between
$1,000 and $20,000, a five-year felony.
The City of Warren offered to sandblast
the building but its bricks require
a special chemical for cleaning, Barnes
said. The church has estimated the
damage at $1,800.
Barnes said the vandalism was an
isolated incident. “One of our biggest
concerns is that it was some sort of an
organized movement,” he said. “We
have ruled that out.”
The church is scheduled for its
grand opening on May 6.
Ryan, and the use of computers to
build a database of refugees attempting
to immigrate to the U.S.
Warren Consolidated Schools is in a
unique position to help newly arrived
children, said Associate Superintendent
David Walsh.
“If we need an intake arrangement
because all of a sudden we may gain
300 kids, we have the resources to
make that happen,” he said.
At some schools in the district, as
many as 46 percent of students speak
a second language at home, Walsh
said. In all, some 50 languages are
spoken in the district.
“We believe we have an excellent
system in place to address the needs of
the children though early entry into our
school all the way up to gradation,”
Walsh said. “We are parent- and userfriendly
for those struggling with the
English language and cultural changes.”
Walsh said a grant may help offset
the costs of the CFA office, but for now,
“we are doing this as in-kind support.”
CFA Gears Up
for Graduation
The 25th annual High School and
College Commencement Ceremony
takes place at 4 p.m. on June 14 at the
Millennium Center in Southfield.
The Chaldean Federation of
America presents the event to celebrate
scholastic achievement and
award scholarships. There will be a
gala party that evening at 7 p.m. at
Shenandoah Country Club.
This year, the ceremony is co-hosted
by the Chaldean American Student
Iced
In an exciting Chaldean Hockey
League playoff series with all five
teams competing for the Telga (Ice)
Cup, Team Black defeated Team
Gray in a two-game sweep on March
27 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Ice
Arena. More than 100 hockey fans
showed up for the event. Pictured are
the victors: John Esshaki (back left),
Laith Jonna, Dave Antwan, Derek
Curioca, Mark George, Jonathan
Kello, Gabe Esshaki, Brian Najor,
Remy Jonna, Wilson Kassab, Chris
Thomas, Jonathan Toma, Brandon
Shouneyia, Goalie Raad Kello (front
kneeling) Captain Robert Esshaki
and John Shouneyia. The league
will hold evaluation skates in
September; visit www.chaldeanhockey.com
for more information.
Association (CASA), which is also
committing scholarship funds.
Scholarships are awarded for academics,
newcomers (those who have
lived in the U.S. less than five years)
and essays. CASA will award scholarships
to selected students who attend
a CASA-affiliated college.
Scholarships are limited to those of
Chaldean heritage who are graduating
from high school or college in the
2006/2007 academic year.
Deadline to apply for scholarships
is May 11. Those students who simply
wish to attend the ceremony have until
May 25 to submit their application.
To register and/or apply for a scholarship,
visit www.chaldeanfederation.org,
then click on the graduation cap, or call
(248) 851-3023. Applications will also be
available at the area’s Chaldean churches.
Men Charged
as Hussein Spies
Two local men, including a Chaldean,
have been accused of spying for
Saddam Hussein. Najib Shemami, 58,
of Sterling Heights, and Ghazi al-
Awadi, 78, of Dearborn are charged
with conspiring to act as agents of a
foreign government without permission
of the attorney general and acting as
agents for a foreign government. Al-
Awadi is also charged with violating
the espionage act and making false
statements to the FBI. The Detroit
News reported that Shemami, according
to the indictment, allegedly began
working for the Iraqi government in
March 2002 and had the codename
“811.” He allegedly wrote reports
about U.S. and Turkish military activities
and identified Iraqis in the United
States who could be helpful to U.S.
troops in an invasion.
Both men pleaded innocent and are
free on bail.
Law Students
Awarded
Scholarships
Two Chaldeans were among the 2007
Scholarship Awardees of the Women
Lawyers Association of Michigan
(WLAM) Foundation.
Amanda Dallo, a WLAM Foundation
Scholar, attends the University of
Michigan Law School. While pursuing
an undergraduate degree at the George
Washington University, she worked at a
non-profit literacy organization and has
continued her work on behalf of women
and children by participating in the Child
Advocacy Law Clinic and the Pediatric
Advocacy Initiative here in
Michigan. Following her
graduation this month,
Dallo will clerk for Judge
Stephen Glickman on the
D.C. Court of Appeals.
Krystal Dickow, a
Dallo
General Motors Scholar,
attends the University of
Detroit Mercy School of
Law. She graduated
with a political science
degree from the
University of Michigan,
where she co-founded
Dickow
the first Chaldean American Student
Association. She is a member of the
Arab & Chaldean Law Student
Association, the Law Review and the
Moot Court Board of Advocate’s
National Team. Dickow is also a law
clerk with Secrest Wardle in
Farmington Hills.
Moms Club
Seeks Members
The West Bloomfield/Orchard Lake
Moms Club is seeking new members.
The non-profit Moms Club has a
variety of activities for mothers and
children, including a walking club, a
book club and helping out with charity
events. Once a month, the women
leave the little ones at home and gather
for Moms Night Out.
“Moms participate in adult conversations
as the children play with each
other and create friendships, and so
do their moms,” said Tanya Kuza. “We
Warren Schools,
CFA Pair Up
Warren Consolidated Schools has partnered
with the Chaldean Federation of
America (CFA) to help newly arrived
Iraqis adjust to life in America.
The school district is allowing CFA
to use office space at the Warner
Educational Center near 15 Mile and
PHOTO BY DAVID REED
McCain Makes a Visit
Arizona Senator John McCain tried to gain support for his presidential campaign by
making a stop at Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield last month. The 70-
year-old spoke to a crowd of 500 people at the Ronald Reagan Memorial Dinner.
McCain said that his fellow Republicans in Washington have let down the party’s base
by letting spending get out of control. “We have a lot of work to do to restore credibility
with our base,” he said. “We have to show the American people we’re careful
stewards of tax dollars.” See more pictures on our website, www.chaldeannews.com
10 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

NANA says
If you dream
something so bad
you can’t even
repeat it, just go
into the bathroom,
shut the door and
tell your bad dream
to God.
ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT MICK
Pregnant
women should eat
whatever they’re
craving or the baby
will end up with a
birthmark in the
shape of that food.
If you dream
about teeth it is not
good — but if you
dream about teeth
and there is blood
involved, this is
good.
Wash your feet
before you go to
bed or you’ll go
blind.
Share your Nana-isms at
info@chaldeannews.com,
or write to The Chaldean
News, 26555 Evergreen,
Suite 250, Southfield,
MI 48076.
12499 Evergreen Road
Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 366-3100
are very lucky to have a great group of
moms who are as diverse as they are
helpful to each other.”
Dues are $25 per year. Learn more by
calling Kuza at (248) 245-0582, or visit
www.geocities.com/momsclubwbolmi.
Dial 2-1-1- for Help
Renee Bellamy from the United Way
made a visit to the monthly meeting of
the Chaldean American Ladies of
Charity to introduce 2-1-1, a new
phone service.
Dialing 2-1-1 connects people with
community services and volunteer opportunities,
helping people with everything
from finding an after-school program to
securing adequate care for a child or an
aging parent. The implementation of 2-1-
1 is being spearheaded by United Ways
and comprehensive and specialized information
and referral agencies in states
and local communities.
Learn more at www.211.org.
California’s Arabo
Seeks Seat
Auday Arabo is seeking a
seat representing the 78th
District in the California
State Assembly.
Arabo is well known
to many Detroit-area
Chaldeans as the president/CEO
of the
Arabo
California Independent Grocers and
Convenience Stores. He has a law
degree and is chairman of the San
Diego Crime Commission and the San
Diego County Crime Stoppers
Marketing Committee. He also sits on
the Board of Directors of Crime
Stoppers and serves on a number of
boards including the National Latino
Peace Officer’s Association County
Chapter, Community Youth Athletic
Center, San Diego La Raza Lawyers
Association, the Chaldean American
Bar Association, Retailer Advisory
Board to the California State Lottery,
Voting Member of the San Diego
County Criminal Justice Council, San
Diego County Food Safety Advisory
Council, the Advisory Board of
Directors for the San Diego Police
Department Chief of Police,
Community Advisory Board of Directors
to San Diego County District Attorney’s
Office and St. Peter’s Chaldean
Catholic Cathedral Parish Council.
Learn more about his campaign at
http://www.audayarabo.com.
People
Dounia Senawi has joined
Peoples State Bank as the
managing director of
branch banking and sales.
Previously, she spent the
last six years at Comerica Senawi
Bank as a vice president in
the retail bank. Senawi is
also a board member at
Shenandoah Country Club.
Sal Yaldo, local agent
for Farm Bureau
Insurance in Bloomfield Yaldo
Hills, was honored for his
sales and service to
clients at the recent sales
convention held in
Traverse City. Yaldo
received the Executives
Danou
Club Award, which was
presented to Farm Bureau Insurance’s
top 25 agents in Michigan.
Sam Danou was among 29 businesspeople
named “American
Dreamers” by Crain’s Detroit Business.
Danou, a native of Iraq who immigrated
to the United States in 1965, owns and
directs Danou Enterprises and the
World Trade Center Detroit/Windsor.
He also offers translation services. His
businesses generate revenue of about
$9 million a year, Crain’s said.
Up to a $15,000
Enlistment
Bonus
For more information contact: Azziza at (248) 909-9928
254 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341
Hours: 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 11

CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT MAY-JUNE 2007
[Through May]
My Cuzin’s Comedy Show: Chaldeanflavored
show is performed Thursdays at
10:30 p.m. at Second City in Novi.
Tickets are $15. (248) 348-4448.
[Tuesday, May 1]
Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends
Patron Party: An evening of fashion and
beauty to benefit Henry Ford Health
System’s Breast Care and Wellness
Center. Guest speaker is Theresa
Selvaggio, vice president of Estee
Lauder. 5:30 p.m., Saks Fifth Avenue,
Somerset Collection South, Troy. Call for
details, (248) 661-7194.
[Thursday, May 3]
Women’s Golf: Meeting at 6 p.m. at the Mixed Grille
at Shenandoah Country Club to discuss the new season,
which plays on Thursdays at 9 a.m. Golf vendors
will be on hand with the latest accessories. Call Carol
Loussia, (248) 593-1090 or (248) 798-7774.
[Friday, May 11]
Family Fun Night: Bingo for the entire family at
Shenandoah Country Club from 6-9 p.m. $22 adults,
$15 kids 3 years and older. For credit card reservations,
call Rene at (248) 454-1932.
ECRC Praise and Worship Prayer Group: Kickoff of
this group, which meets the second Friday of each
month, begins at 7 p.m. ECRC Center, 4875 W.
Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. (248) 538-9903.
[Saturday, May 12]
Take Control of Asthma and Allergies: Free seminar
and asthma screenings take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
at Detroit Medical Center Harper University Hospital,
Hospitality Center, 3990 John R Street in Detroit. Free
valet parking. Register at (888) DMC-2500.
[Sunday, May 13]
Mother’s Day Brunch: Celebrate mom at
Shenandoah Country Club, with seatings from 11
a.m.-2:30 p.m. Members and their immediate families
only. $36 adults, $12 for kids ages 5-12. For credit
card reservations, call Rene at (248) 454-1932.
MommyHood: New show takes a look at the laughter,
tears and triumphs of motherhood. Noon and 5 p.m.,
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton
Township. (586) 286-2222.
[Saturday, May 19]
Metro Detroit Heart Walk: Three walks of different
lengths take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. to benefit
the American Heart Association. Community member
Jason Atcho is participating and seeking donations;
contact him at jasonatcho@yahoo.com or call (586)
201-8391. Southfield Municipal Complex, Civic
Center Drive and Evergreen Road.
[Wednesday, May 16]
Straight Answers about the Cervical Cancer
Vaccine: Brent Davidson, M.D., answers questions
about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccine
to protect young women and girls. Part of Henry Ford
West Bloomfield Hospital’s Hot Topics in Women’s
Health series. 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Henry Ford
Facility & Design Center, 2001 Dallavo Drive, Suite
102, Commerce Township. To register, call (800) 436-
7936 or visit www.henryford.com/hottopics.
[Tuesday, May 22]
What Every Woman Needs to Know about Back Pain:
Henry Ford neurosurgeon Mokbel (Mike) Chedid,
M.D., discusses women’s common back pain issues,
including prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Part of Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital’s Hot
Topics in Women’s Health series. 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the
Henry Ford Facility & Design Center, 2001 Dallavo
Drive, Suite 102, Commerce Township. To register, call
(800) 436-7936 or visit www.henryford.com/hottopics
[Thursday, May 24]
Blessing Ceremony: A ceremony for all those who
support the ECRC and what it stands for takes place
at 7:30 p.m. ECRC Center, 4875 W. Maple Road,
Bloomfield Township. (248) 538-9903.
[Wednesday, June 6]
Golf Outing: The Arab American and Chaldean
Council’s 5th Annual Golf Outing and Scholarship
Awards Dinner takes place at Shenandoah Country
Club in West Bloomfield. (248) 559-1990.
[Thursday, June 14]
Commencement: The Chaldean Federation of
America presents its 25th annual Chaldean High School
and College Scholarship and Award Commencement
Ceremony at the Millennium Center in Southfield. A
gala party takes place that evening at Shenandoah
Country Club. Visit www.chaldeanfederation.org or
call (248) 851-3023 to register and for ticket information.
(See page 10 for more information.)
[Friday, June 15]
Motown Pool Party: Four-piece band, dinner and
drinks poolside 7 p.m. at Shenandoah Country Club.
Members only ages 21 and older. $75. For credit
card reservations, call Rene at (248) 454-1932.
[Friday, June 15 – Sunday, June 17]
Summer Youth Conference Retreat: All high school
teens are welcome to attend the 2007 High School
Youth Conference at Franciscan University in
Steubenville, Ohio. Cost is $220, which includes transportation,
meals and conference fees. For more information
contact Veronica at veron686@msn.com.
[Thursday, June 21]
Golf Outing: Annual event at Shenandoah Country
Club benefits the Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce. (248) 538-3700.
Please let us know what is going on in the community. Send
your information to The Chaldean News, Editorial Department,
26555 Evergreen, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48076 or
info@chaldeannews.com
12 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 13

making a DIFFERENCE
On a Mission: Young student takes on big projects
BY ANN PETROUS
As a young girl, Amanda
Hammou watched her older sister,
Andrea, take part in various
activities with her high school. Seeing
the positive affects of Andrea’s
actions, Hammou aspired to follow in
her footsteps.
Today, 15-year-old Hammou is a
sophomore at Avondale High School in
Auburn Hills with remarkable activities
under her belt. She is class president,
a member of the Student Leadership
program, and a nurse’s aide volunteer
at Troy Beaumont Hospital, just to
name a few activities.
Hammou has also worked effortlessly
to raise money for charity. She
and her peers in Student Leadership
helped raise more than $50,000 for
“Advokate,” a charity benefiting 6-yearold
Katie Hrischuk, who was battling
brain cancer. The funds helped Katie’s
family with enormous expenses not
covered by insurance. Sadly, Katie has
since died.
Hammou said watching Amanda,
now 21, inspired her to become
involved. “I look up to my older sister a
lot and when I saw her as a very active
and involved student in high school
years before, I knew that it would be a
great way to have fun and enjoy high
school,” Hammou said. “I joined [the
leadership program] and became
addicted, but also very busy. It has
helped me mature and understand all
aspects of situations.”
Hammou also sees herself as an
advocate for the Chaldean community
and strives to bring awareness about
the Chaldean culture. “People don’t
really acknowledge the Chaldean culture,”
she said. “I really think that the
Chaldean community has so much
potential in everything. We have already
proved that we are street smart, now
Amanda Hammou
we really need to show what our culture
is all about” by getting Chaldeans
involved in a variety of activities.
“I have encouraged many people to
get involved and those people come
PHOTO BY NORA BAHROU DOWNS
out of their comfort zones and just
grow from there,” Hammou said. “They
learn to overcome their fears and it is
cool to see these people help me lead
at my school.”
Hammou’s family, including parents
Harith and Niran, show up at every
event, even during the preparation
stages. While they often worry that
their daughter is taking on a lot,
Hammou said this only makes her
stronger as a person. Her younger sister
Ashley, 14, a high school freshman,
helps out as well.
After graduation, Hammou plans to
attend a university where she will pursue
a career in the medical field. She
also plans to continue her charitable
work.
“I want to work with the Chaldean
leaders of my generation,” she said,
“because I know we can change so
much.”
14 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 15

CALC corner
NOTE from the
PRESIDENT
We hope everyone
had a blessed Easter.
We are beginning our
spring programs.
Again, we share with
you our Calendar of
Events on this page.
Clair Konja
Please make note of
our Anniversary Mass and 46th Annual
Meeting. Our Annual Anniversary
Mass will be celebrated by His
Excellency Mar Ibrahim Ibrahim at
Mother of God Cathedral in Southfield
on May 17 at 6 p.m. On May 24 at
6:30 we will have our 46th Annual
Meeting at Shenandoah Country Club.
We hope to see all of you there.
Easter Goodies
Thanks to the CALC Easter Food
Drive, many area families were able to
celebrate Easter with a nutritious meal.
Some 100 boxes of food and 100
turkeys were donated to needy families
in Detroit, Oak Park, Madison Heights
and Sterling Heights.
Many volunteers worked to make
this happen including:
Nada Abro, Lawrence Bahoora,
Stephanie Barash, Riva Gulli, Andre
Halabu, Chris Jamil, Crystal Kassa,
Karen Konja, Amanda Kesto, Maria
Kesto, Mark Marouki-Attiq, Wisam
Naom, Crystal Rabban, Janelle
Rabban, Jessica Rabban, Veronica
Shadhaya, Anthony Yasso, Shavon
Yasso, Marvin Yousif and Linda
Zetouna. Monatray and food donations
came from: Eddie Denha, Imad Denha,
John Denha, Terry Farida, Bobby
Hessano, Kenny Koza, John Loussia,
Wisam Paulus and Joe Zaytuna.
Easter Celebrations
On March 26, about 40 residents of the
Chaldean Manor rode the bus over to
St. Ephrem at the ECRC Center for a
Seniors Retreat and Easter Luncheon.
CALC rented the bus from the City of
Southfield for the day-long excursion.
The ladies enjoyed mass celebrated by
Fr. Jergis Ibrahim and Deacon Khairy
Foumia. The day also included a spiritual
talk about Lent and fasting given by
Aleza Najor. Lunch was donated by
Baoul and Sabah Jaboro. Afterwards,
all played bingo. “They really enjoyed it.
Clockwise
from left:
Among the
volunteers at the
St. Anthony’s
Easter celebration
were:
Margaret Butti
(left), Suham
Zona, Rosemary
Bannon, Nadria
Kannou, Norma
Hakim and
Jenfias Delly.
The “Easter Bus”
arrives at the
ECRC, where
inside ladies
enjoyed a special
day devoted
to the holiday.
They loved the center
and are very proud for us to have it,”
said CALC volunteer Sally Najor.
Thank you to all those who volunteered:
Rita Abbo, Betty Babbi, Iffat
Garmo, Norma Hakim, Mary Jabboro,
Neran Karmo, Soud Kiryakoza and
Sally Najor.
Elderly residents of St. Anthony’s
Nursing Home also had their own special
Easter celebration on March 31.
“We celebrated Easter early with
them,” said CALC volunteer Margaret
Butti. “They are always happy when we
go there for different activities.” A delicious
lunch was donated and prepared
by Salem and Suham Zoma.
Many thanks to the volunteers, who
included Rosemary Bannon, Margaret
Butti, Jenfias Delly, Norma Hakim,
Nadria Kannou, Leka Kakos, Rita
Kakos and Ban Mammou.
Besides Easter, Thanksgiving and
Christmas celebrations, CALC visits
St. Anthony’s throughout the year for
special activities.
“Women At Work”
Empower Youth
The CALC Empowered Voices program
was visited by a panel of four
Chaldean female guest speakers who
came to speak to the girls about career
options and goal setting. Chaldean
professionals Jennifer Lossia
McManus (attorney), Renee Antoon
(marketing executive); Crystal Kassab
Jabero (teacher) and Anita Bodiya
(doctor) spoke to the girls about how
they chose each of their careers, and
described personal and professional
challenges they faced. Two of the
speakers had children and provided
insight on how they handled the stresses
and challenges of having a full-time
job and children. The female presenters
gave our young Chaldean girls
great advice on what to do as they
head off to college and gave the girls a
good understanding of what it takes to
accomplish the goals they set for themselves.
The girls thoroughly enjoyed
the session and wished to hear from
more Chaldean women of varying professions
and backgrounds
Poster for Peace
CALC is having a “Peace Poster
Contest” for youth of all ages.
Please check our website for
more info on details and rules at
calconline.org.
MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
5 Book Drive ends
14 Senior Bingo Mother/Daughter
(Chaldean Manor)
17 Anniversary Mass
(Mother of God Cathedral)
18 Peace Poster Contest Ends
Saturday Dreams
Make Dreams
Come True
CALC’s Saturday Dreams
(“Discovering through Recreation,
Education, Adventure, and Mentoring
on Saturdays”) is a mentoring program
which provides positive role models
for at-risk youth giving them exposure
and greater access to resources
through field, trips, educational and
recreational activities one Saturday a
month. Directed by Project
Coordinator Karen Konja, the program
has attracted over 20 mentors to provide
mentoring services. The mentors
have expressed a great deal of satisfaction
in helping youth:
“My motivation for becoming
involved was to be able to give back.
So far everyone has been really cool
and we’ve had some good laughs even
though we haven’t worked together
that long. The experience is as humbling
as it is fulfilling.” — Yasir Kaskorkis
“Not only is this program helpful for
the kids but it is also a very rewarding
experience for us, the volunteers. I am
so thankful to be a part of Saturday
Dreams.” — Claudia Matti
“When I was asked to be involved
with the Saturday Dreams program I
jumped at the opportunity! I think that
this program is something worthwhile
because by spending time with the
kids and doing activities with them
we’re helping out and at the same
time, it’s fun for everyone involved.
The kids are able to learn something
about themselves and others and have
fun while doing it — what more could
we ask for?” —Valerie Michael
“Saturday Dreams is an awesome
program. As soon as I heard about it I
knew I had to be a part of it. Helping
people has always been something
that I truly love doing and I thank God
that I have the opportunity to do so.
This program gives children a chance
to get to know a mentor who is someone
they can look up to for anything
they need.” — Lisa Setto
“I enjoy being given the opportunity
to be there for a child who may not
have somebody to look up to, ask for
advice or even talk to. I feel blessed to
be a part of Saturday Dreams and look
forward to see what the future holds!”
— Crystal Shounia
19 Saturday Dreams (Detroit)
21 Clothing Drive (Oak Park) (Set up)
22-23 Clothing Drive
(Oak Park) (Pick up)
24 46th Annual Meeting
(Shenandoah)
16 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

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HALHOLE!
[Births]
Christian Louis
God has blessed us again. Big
sister Bridgette, 2, is happy to
announce the birth of her baby
brother, Christian Louis Denha.
Christian was born on June 27,
2006 weighing in at 7 lbs., 5
oz. and measuring 21 inches
long. Proud parents are Kelly
and Inam Denha. Christian is
the 13th grandchild for Intisar
& the beloved Louis Denha
and the 21st for Jamila & the
late beloved Gorgis Samona.
Godfather is his uncle Clifton
Denha.
Christian Louis
Grant Salim
Emilene Foumia is thrilled to
announce the arrival of her
new baby brother, Grant.
Grant Salim Foumia came into
our lives on December 12,
2006, at 2:34 p.m. He
weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz. and was
21 inches long. Proud parents
are Rony and Mervet
Foumia. He is the 13th
grandchild for Suad Foumia &
the late Salim Foumia and the
second for Munim & Sudad
Yono. Grant is lucky to have
his uncle and aunt, Marvin &
Sommer Yono, as his godparents.
Grant Salim
George L. Blum, M.D.
Robert M. Blum, D.O.
Marshall Blondy, M.D.
Carrie Busch, M.D.
Katherine Erlich, M.D.
Ehud Kapen, M.D.
Sandhya Patel, M.D.
Mara Rubenstein, M.D.
Jennifer Supol, D.O.
Stacy Zide, M.D.
CHALDEAN SPEAKING STAFF
SOUTHFIELD
PEDIATRIC
PHYSICIANS
Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
Evening and weekend appointments available
SAME DAY
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
We participate with the Vaccine for Children Program
Southfield Pediatrics West
7416 Haggerty Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
(248) 661-9100
Southfield Pediatric Physicians, P.C.
31500 Telegraph Rd. Suite 105
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
(248) 540-8700
Ryan Paul
Ryan Paul Lucia was born on
June 28, 2006 at 10:07 a.m.
He weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. and
was 21 inches tall. Proud
parents are Scott and Eva
Lucia and big sister is Ashley
Hana. Ryan is the eighth
grandchild for Georgette
Lucia & the late Hani Lucia
and the second for Kamal &
Basima Anton.
are Ken Lucia and Nicole
Denha.
Godparents
Ryan Paul
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
26555 Evergreen, Ste 250
Southfield, MI 48076
Hard copies of photos can be picked
up after the 15th of the month.
Photos are not mailed back.
18 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 19

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20 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

Alana Grace and
Amelia Rose
Lilyana Isho is proud to
announce the birth of her
identical twin sisters. Alana
Grace and Amelia Rose were
born on November 22, 2006
weighing 4 lbs., 6 oz. and 4
lbs., 9 oz. Blessed parents are
Daniel and Markell Isho. The
girls are the second and third
grandchildren for Mikhail &
Anwar Bahoura and Derey &
Sana Isho.
Chloe Sarah
Taylor and Luke welcome with
love their new baby sister,
Chloe Sarah, born on January
15, 2007, weighing 8.3 lbs.
and measuring 18 inches
long. Proud parents are
Soamer and Sahara Jamil.
Chloe is the fifth grandchild
for Najib & Laila Jamil and the
11th for Farid & Azhar Jabiro.
Sophia Inez
Devil’s Night will never be the
same since this little angel
came into our world. Sophia
Inez Hamama was born on
October 30, 2006, sharing a
birthday with her angel and
great-grandfather, the late
Frank Buniak. She weighed 8
lbs., 5 oz. and measured 21
inches long. Proud first-time
parents are Jason and Maria
Hamama. Loving grandparents
are Sabah & Samira Hamama
and Gene & Valerie Belloli.
Adoring grandparents are her
uncle, Gene Belloli, Jr. and her
aunt, Jennifer Hamama.
Alana Grace and Amelia Rose
Chloe Sarah
[Engagements]
Kevin and Lyndsey
Faris & Vivian Nalu are happy to
announce the engagement of
their son, Kevin Nalu, to Lyndsey
Muhlada, daughter of Mark &
Gloria Muhlada. Kevin and
Lyndsey plan to wed in the summer
of 2008.
Sophia Inez
Kevin and Lyndsey
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 21

HALHOLE!
[Engagements]
Gaith and Anita
Sami & the late Regina Francis
are proud to announce the
engagement of their son, Gaith
Francis, to Anita Arafat, daughter
of Hani & Evleen Arafat.
The couple plans a September
2007 at St. Thomas Chaldean
Church, followed by a reception
at Shenandoah Country
Club. The best man will be
Steve Francis and the maid of
honor will be Sandra Hanna.
[Weddings]
Steve and Rachel
Dr. Steve Antone and Rachel
Madden were married on
October 6, 2006 at Orchard
Lake St. Mary’s Church with
the reception at Shenandoah
Country Club. Steve is the
youngest son of Zuhair &
Rosemary Antone of
Farmington Hills; Rachel is the
oldest daughter of Tom &
Linda Madden of Milford. The
couple enjoyed a fabulous
honeymoon in Maui.
Martin and Jennifer
Martin Khoshaba and Jennifer
Peera were married on April
14, 2007, at Mar Gewargis
Assyrian Church of the East in
Chicago. Martin’s parents are
Hermiz & Farida Khoshaba
and Jennifer is the daughter of
Najwa & Emil Joubran and
Jacob & Ator Peera. The
reception was held at Hanging
Gardens in River Grove, IL.
Norton and Nazek
Attorneys Norton Gappy and
Nazek Saffar were married on
March 3, 2007 at the Mother
of God Church. The beautiful
reception was held at the San
Marino Club. The best man
was the groom’s brother,
Rubin Gappy, and the maid of
honor was the bride’s sister,
Beth Saffar. The newlyweds
honeymooned in Tahiti, Bora
Bora and the rest of French
Polynesia.
Gaith and Anita
Steve and Rachel
Martin and Jennifer
MONIQUE LHUILLIER TRUNK SHOW
COUTURE BRIDAL
COLLECTION
MAY 10, 11, 12
IVONNE DE LA VEGA TRUNK SHOW
COUTURE EVENING WEAR
MOTHERS OF THE WEDDING
MAY 17, 18, 19
BY APPOINTMENT • 248-723-4300 • BIRMINGHAM • ROMASPOSA.COM
Norton and Nazek
22 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 23

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
25603 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48033, 248-351-0440
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: Mass Schedule: 11 a.m.
Sunday in Sourath
SACRED HEART CHALDEAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH
310 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI
48203, 313-368-6214
PASTOR: Rev. Jacob Yasso
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday — Saturday 5 p.m.
in Sourath, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in Arabic and
Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath
MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24010 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237,
248-547-4648
PASTOR: Rev. Stephen Kallabat
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Shlaman Denha
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday — Friday 10 a.m
in Sourath, Sunday 10 a.m. in Sourath and
Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath
ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH
PASTOR: Rev. Emanuel Shaleta
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: Msgr. Zouhair Toma
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Ayad Hanna
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)
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Jirgus Abrahim
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
Shimasha Yalda Murad Acho
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, loved one
Shimasha Yalda Murad Acho, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2007.
Born on December 23, 1923, Yalda Acho is survived by his wife
of 53 years, Nazhat Acho; his children, Richard Acho (Susan),
Kenneth Acho, Clark Acho (Linda) and Bernice Manni (Adil); and
his grandchildren, Matthew Manni, Scott Acho, Brittany Manni,
Kyle Acho, Zachary Manni and Jeremy Acho.
A devoted disciple of the Lord and of the Christian faith, Yalda embraced and
practiced the ways of our Lord daily throughout his blessed life. Despite his successes
in the material, his proudest of achievements were his family and the joy and
happiness he received from his participation at the Mother of God Chaldean
Church. Yalda was a saintly man, revered by many, who extended his gentle soul
and love to many in the communities in which he lived and served.
Peaceful was his demeanor and his love and laughter still shines in each of his
children and grandchildren who carry such light in each person they touch. Baab,
you will be sorely missed and forever loved. Rest peacefully.
Eileen Dawood Poota
Eileen Poota was born on July 1, 1957 in Telkaif, Iraq. She then
moved to Baghdad where she completed her college education. She
was a very smart and educated person. She came to the United States
in 2000 and lived in Farmington Hills. Eileen dedicated her life to serving
her family, especially taking care of her mother, and serving the Lord.
Eileen passed away on March 2, 2007. She was an angel here on
earth, and we all know that she is now an angel who is up in heaven.
Eileen is the daughter of the late Dawood Poota and Naima Delly Poota. She is
the sister of Salim Poota, Suhama Salha, Florensa Odish and the late Maryam
Ibrahim and Aziza Baka. She was the youngest of the family and the loved one.
24 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 25

a silver anniversary
Bishop Ibrahim’s life in the church
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
PHOTOS BY RAMIZ RAMAYA
Today, most 14-year-old boys are thinking
about college and their biggest decision at
any given moment is what movie to see or
if they want to go to a Red Wings game. At 14,
the young Ibrahim N. Ibrahim made the decision
to enter the priesthood. Decades later, the community
celebrates his 25-year anniversary as its
spiritual leader.
Sitting inside his Southfield office drinking chai
on a cold and rainy spring day, Bishop Ibrahim reminisced
about his childhood and life as a religious
leader.
On the first day of October 1937, a fourth baby
boy was born to Namo Mansour Ibrahim and
Rammou Hermiz Yono. As a young boy, Ibrahim
enjoyed attending mass with his parents at the
church in the village of Telkappe (Telkaif.) At 14,
he was approached by two seminarians who asked if
he wanted to join the church. His family neither
objected nor gave him full support; after a week, he
said yes and in September 1951 he headed to Mosul
to attend the Patriarchal Seminary.
In the seminary, he enjoyed learning about the
Chaldean liturgy and language as well as Chaldean
and Assyrian history and heritage. He also wrote his
own manuscripts about Chaldeans and Assyrians.
Fr. Ibrahim spent several years traveling and
studying. During the 1957-1958 school year, the
seminary sent him to the prominent St. Solpice
Seminary in Paris, where he studied philosophy and
theology. While there in 1961, he was ordained a
deacon by then Bishop Raphael I Bidawid, the late
Patriarch of Babylon. In 1962, Fr. Ibrahim decided
to return to Iraq and accept the priesthood ordination
according to the Chaldean Church Rite of
Ordinations. On December 30, 1962, he was
ordained by the late Patriarch Paulus II Cheikho,
who had also previously appointed him as a teacher
26 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

of Theology of Dogma in the Patriarchal Seminary.
Fr. Ibrahim continued his responsibilities as a
teacher and spiritual director to the seminarians
until 1964. At that time he was appointed rector
of the seminary, his biggest responsibility to date.
Between 1964 and 1968, 17 young men graduated
and were ordained priests from the seminary.
In 1970, Fr. Ibrahim was assigned to open a minor
seminary in his native town for the northern
region of Iraq. In 1972, he was
sent to Rome to continue his
studies at the Angelicum
University where he obtained his
doctorate of theology.
When Father Ibrahim returned
to Iraq, he was appointed to serve
as a priest at St. Joseph Chaldean
Church. In 1978, he was transferred
to San Diego to assist the
late Father Petrus Kattoula. In less
than one year, he was asked
to establish a new parish for
the Assyrian Chaldean
Catholics in Los Angeles.
On January 26, 1982, Fr.
Ibrahim was named the first
Bishop of the Chaldean
Catholic Diocese of the
United States. His ordination
as bishop took place in
Our Lady of Sorrows in
Baghdad by the late
Patriarch Paulus II Cheikho.
It was the same church in
which he was ordained a
priest nearly 20 years earlier.
Top: Fr. Manuel Boji
Above: Mar Emmanuel III Delly
Both men spoke at the special
mass for Bishop Ibrahim
A QUARTER CENTURY AS BISHOP
On any given day, Bishop Ibrahim can receive visits
and phone calls from people in the community
with a plethora of concerns. He is asked to help
with marital problems, family troubles and issues
with Chaldean seniors.
“Anything could happen on any day,” he said. “I
hear about problems between the young generation
and old generation. I even get phone calls from people
wanting my opinion on how to handle certain situations
in their business. It is all part of my daily life.”
Bishop Ibrahim often attends weddings, baptisms
and funerals at all the churches in his diocese.
He also serves as a mediator and spokesperson
for the Chaldean community and with other ethnic
groups in the area.
The job has always been challenging even as the
community evolves. In the 1980s, it was a demanding
task to oversee the entire Chaldean Diocese in
the United States. “Back then it was very hard,”
said the Bishop. “I traveled all the time. I visited
every congregation and it meant that I had to travel
to California at least seven times a year.”
The community exploded over the past 25
years, a growth Bishop Ibrahim never predicted
and a reality that made his job even more demanding.
“We keep growing because of the political circumstance
of Iraq and I think we will grow even
more because of it,” he said.
He is worried about the future of Chaldeans in
their war-torn homeland. “Iraq without Christians
is empty,” he said. “We hope there will always be a
Christian presence in Iraq.”
Preserving the Chaldean
culture is vital, he said. By
carrying on Chaldean language,
traditions and faith in
the United States, the
Chaldean culture will persevere.
“However, the birthplace
of that heritage is in
Iraq,” Bishop Ibrahim noted.
With the Christian exodus in
that country, the Chaldean
culture could disappear.
When he first became
Bishop, the main issues he
faced were the relationship
between the Chaldean community
and the politics of
Iraq. “It is not the same
today,” he said. “We are concerned
about the political situation
in Iraq but it is not the
same occupation as it was in
1982. The Iraqi authority at
that time was looking for
agents [who might supply
information] here in the
United States. I told our people
that all contact with the Iraqi Embassy should
be with the Chancellery office.”
There was also concern to keep the entire community
united but he is confident that the
Chaldean community is much more together today
then ever before. That doesn’t mean there are not
issues top of mind.
The Bishop is faced with thousands of displaced
Christian refugees trying to enter the United
States seeking asylum. “I am focused on how to
serve all the people coming to the United States,”
he said. “I want to assure their future, make certain
they have a place to worship, to live and to have
people to help them.”
He is also worried about youth born in the U.S.
With the inception of masses in English at all the
churches, the younger generations are becoming
more involved, Bishop Ibrahim said. “Our churches
do attract our Chaldean youth,” he said. “Priests
like Fr. Frank [Kalabat] who are ordained here help
attract these youth to our churches. The existence
of six seminarians at Sacred Heart Seminarian in
ANNIVERSARY
Continued on page 28
VOICE OF
THE PEOPLE
I join with the auxiliary bishops,
priests, deacons, religious
and lay faithful of the
Archdiocese of Detroit in congratulating
Bishop Ibrahim N.
Ibrahim as he marks 25 years
of his priestly ordination.
Bishop Ibrahim has been a
faithful shepherd modeling his
service after Christ the Good
Shepherd. I have been personally
blessed through our
fraternal collaboration for the
good of God’s people.
— Cardinal Adam Maida,
Archbishop of Detroit
I have been fortunate to work
with Bishop Ibrahim for the
past four years at St. Thomas
Church and through the
Chaldean American Ladies of
Charity. I am honored to be
able to personally thank him
for the foundations he has
helped build that have helped
structure our own lives. May
we continue to grow as one
strong family through his
guidance.
— Clair Konja,
President, Chaldean
American Ladies of Charity
To my belief, because of the
importance of the church in the
life of the Chaldean community,
the Bishop, as the head spiritual
leader of the community, has
really had a great role in keeping
the community working
together as one.
— Rev. Manuel Boji,
Rector, Mother of God
Chaldean Catholic Church
The Bishop has progressed
dramatically since he came to
the Detroit parish. He is a significant
factor in the progression
of the Chaldean community
and a true leader of the
community.
— Michael George, Chairman,
Chaldean Federation of America
The last 25 years in the life of
Chaldeans in Michigan, the
USA and Iraq, have witnessed
significant turmoil and growth.
Through it all, we have been
blessed to have a leader like
Bishop Ibrahim who has guided
the community and the church
with wisdom and Christian
charity, even with the occasional
lack of consensus on some
issues.
— Dave Nona,
Chairman, Chaldean American
Chamber of Commerce
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 27

ANNIVERSARY
Continued from page 26
“I hope there will be more understanding between parents and kids…
I want all of us to stay together, to be united and to teach the children our
faith. It has to be appreciated by the entire family, the old and the young.”
Detroit is also a factor to bring the youth into the
Chaldean church.”
The moral responsibility to educate people about
the culture of life lies in the hands of the church,
said Bishop Ibrahim. “We have to give hope to the
people and to the youth that Christ will be their
savior and they can find answers to their problems
in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church has to
continue that teaching not only in our words but in
our deeds. We need to set examples.”
Bishop Ibrahim has worked diligently to serve
his people and to strengthen the solid foundation
of the Diocese. He was successful in bringing 15
priests to work in the already existing parishes, as
well as the new parishes he helped establish – six
between the years 1982-2002.
During the past 20 years, Bishop Ibrahim has
been a very active member of the Chaldean Synod.
He has also been a member of the Durant Synod
since 1987. In 1996, he was appointed as the
Patriarchal Visitor to the Chaldean communities in
European countries. He has compiled and written a
comprehensive report on the
situation of these communities
according to the various
aspects of their lives.
In July 2002 the Diocese
was split into Eastern and
Western States. The Eastern
– BISHOP IBRAHIM IBRAHIM
Diocese consists of the six
churches in Metro Detroit
and two in Chicago. In January 2006 Bishop
Ibrahim was appointed the Apostolic Visitor for
the Chaldean faithful in Canada by Pope
Benedict the XVI.
Scenes from a special mass and reception for Bishop Ibrahim on March 7 at Mother of God.
FUTURE OF OUR PEOPLE
True to his faith, Bishop Ibrahim is praying the
future will only get better. “Our hope is our clergy,
he said. “Over the next five or six years these men
will be placed all over the Chaldean community. I
hope whomever succeeds me will continue teaching
the community about faith and keep all of us united.
In addition, I hope the next Bishop preserves
the heritage, culture and morals of this community.”
Bishop Ibrahim knows that the future of the
community is dependent on the next generation.
He encourages parents to build better relationships
with their children.
“I hope there will be more understanding
between parents and kids,” he said. “I want parents
to sit and listen to their kids and to be patient with
them. We still have problems in the community
when parents don’t approve the person their child
wants to marry. We need parents to talk to their
kids more. I want all of us to stay together, to be
united and to teach the children our faith. It has to
be appreciated by the entire family, the old and the
young.”
28 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

a student of history
Mexican doctor wears many hats
BY KEN MARTEN
Doctor, author, world traveler, college professor,
speaker of several languages, quiz
show contestant, chess aficionado. Dr.
Ulises Casab, 71, has accomplished more in his
lifetime than most dare to dream.
Casab grew up in Mexico, the son of a
Chaldean father and a Mexican mother. He and
his wife, Azucena, own a home in
West Bloomfield but still spend winters
in Mexico City. Since retiring
from medicine three years ago,
Casab now focuses his attention on
writing about history.
“My father always said it’s better
to have a profession instead of a
business,” Casab said. “He wanted a
doctor in the family, so I decided to
study medicine for him. At the same
time, I studied ancient history.” Ulises Casab
Casab’s most recent book,
“Lebanon ... Beginning with the Phoenicians,”
published last year, was presented to Lebanese
President Emil Lahoud. His past titles include
“The Pre-Columbian Ball Game,” “Anthem to
Ixtepec” and “Cadmus: The Origin of the
Alphabet.”
For Casab, writing about history is truly a
labor of love.
“It would be easy to write a love story and sell
it, but that’s not my goal,” Casab said.
“Everything I write, I do the publishing. I write
the books as gifts, as a spread of knowledge.”
Casab explores cultures – how they intersect
and intertwine. It’s an interest that literally stems
from birth; Casab’s father, Tobias, moved from Iraq
to Mexico and married his mother, Julia Rueda.
His parents returned to Telkaif, Iraq,
where Casab was born. The budding
family moved back to Oaxaca,
Mexico, where Tobias opened a fabric
store and Julia bore 11 more children.
“My father would speak Arabic
with Arabs, Sourath with his kin,
Zapotec [a dialect spoken in southern
Mexico] with my mother,” Casab said.
“My father and mother also spoke
Spanish.”
Casab studied medicine at the
University of Mexico City and later at
the University of Paris, where he earned a degree
in radiology. He’s given presentations in a variety
of topics – classic literature, medicine and chess –
at conferences held in world-class cities including
Baghdad, Beijing, Cannes, Madrid, Paris, Prague
and Tokyo.
Casab also won the top prize three times on a
popular Mexican game show, “The $64,000
Challenge,” in 1971, 1979 and 1986. He correctly
answered questions about classic Greek literature,
Greek mythology hero Cadmus, and the
pre-Columbian ball game.
Casab played a major role in establishing the
Mexican-Iraqi Cultural Society, which was established
in 1991. He’s still the president today.
“It was opened so that the people do not forget
their roots and so the descendants of the first
Iraqis have a place to get together,” Casab said.
“We want Chaldeans to still speak Chaldean and
teach it to their kids in any possible way, even if
they’ve forgotten a few words. Same with the
food and the customs.”
Casab and Azucena have four daughters.
Sophia lives in Mexico City. Azucena (named
after her mother), Djennin and Dilam live in
West Bloomfield.
Casab said there are approximately 1,000
Chaldeans living in Mexico. They’ve blended
with the local population, marrying Mexicans
and starting multicultural families.
“We are Chaldeans, but there is no Chaldean
church in Mexico,” he said. “We go to Mexican
Catholic churches. The masses are in Spanish,
but certain phrases are in Chaldean.”
Casab is currently working on his next book.
“I’ve finished a rough draft of a history of the
Chaldeans of Mexico,” Casab said. “This year, I’ll
publish it.”
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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 29

from down under
to detroit
St. Joe’s new pastor settles in
BY JOYCE WISWELL
www.chaldeannews.com
Listen closely enough, and it’s
possible to hear a bit of an
Australian accent when
Monsignor Zouhair Toma (Kejbou)
speaks. The pastor of St. Joseph
Chaldean Catholic Church in Troy
is settling into his new home after
spending 28 years Down Under.
Msgr. Toma was a pioneer in
Australia, arriving when there were
only about 200 Chaldean families in
the entire country. The population
surged in the early 1990s when the
country allowed as many as 16,000
Chaldeans to immigrate after the
Gulf War. Today,
Australia has more than
30,000 Chaldeans.
The early days were
lonely, Msgr. Toma
(Kejbou) said, as he tried
to adjust to life in
Australia and homesickness
for his home in
Telkaif, Iraq. “It took several
months to find the
Chaldeans,” he recalled.
“And it took about six
months for me to settle down and say
yes, I am staying.”
Just a year after his arrival, the
community opened its first church in
Sydney. Chaldean churches in
Melbourne and Auckland, complete
with rectories and meeting halls, followed.
In 1989, Msgr. Toma
(Kejbou) was named Monsignor,
Chaldean Patriarchal Vicar for
Australia and New Zealand. By the
time he left Australia, he was overseeing
six Chaldean priests.
Believing he had accomplished his
goals, Msgr. Toma (Kejbou) decided to
come to Michigan, where he has visited
often and where much of his family
lives.
“People thought I was having too
much of a good time there,” he said
with a smile.
Msgr. Toma (Kejbou) is not
entirely new to St. Joseph; he served
as the parish’s pastor for seven
months in 1990. While he admits to
missing Australia’s warm weather
and abundant natural charms, he’s
happy to be back among family.
“Despite its beauty, it was like living
in isolation,” he said of Australia.
Getting to know the parishioners
of St. Joseph is a major priority. “I see
myself not as administrator, but as a
real pastor, and I want to be involved
Monsignor Zouhair Toma (Kejbou)
with so many things and have a more
pastoral role,” he said. “The people
have been tremendously welcoming.”
Msgr. Toma (Kejbou) has managed
to visit Iraq three times since leaving,
the latest in 1990. He is deeply worried
about the country’s Christians, whom
he said are facing the biggest crisis in
their entire history.
“Persecutions and difficulties are
not any news to the Christian population,
and we have grown stronger,”
he said. “But now they are deprived
of the basic means of survival.
“This war has no purpose, especially
if we keep changing the objectives,”
he added. “It’s the saddest
thing to say that the previous regime
was something to yearn for.”
30 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

www.chaldeannews.com
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 31

32 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

mobile myths
Just what can – and can’t – your cell phone do?
BY JEANINE MATLOW
It may be hard to remember what
life was like before the invention
of the cell phone. But even
these tiny marvels have their limits.
While a current e-mail promises our
cell phones are capable of performing
a variety of tricks, it mostly
turns out to be too good to be true.
For example, the e-mail claims
that a specific worldwide number can
be dialed from a cell phone for emergencies.
But while the emergency
number for mobile users might be
112 in other parts of the world, the
same cannot be said for those of us in
Metro Detroit — or the entire
United States for that matter.
Nor can your cell phone save you
when you’ve locked the keys in your
car. The e-mail claims that if you call
someone at home who has a spare set of
keys, they can transmit the sound of the
remote key fob over the two cell phones
– unlocking your car in no time.
Sounds like a good plan, but according
to www.urbanlegends.com, the car key
remote operates on a radio frequency,
not by sound waves, so it’s not true.
Another false claim is that certain
phones have hidden battery power
that can be activated with a special
code that produces a reserve battery.
According to www.truthorfiction.com,
this has yet to be proven.
However, there does seem to be
some truth to the one tip in the e-
mail that says there is a way to disable
a stolen mobile phone. This is
accomplished by entering a series of
digits on your cell phone that in turn
should reveal your serial number.
When your service provider is given
this information, it may be able to
prevent the thief from using your
phone by blocking the handset. This
will not, however, help you to get
your phone back. Check with your
provider for more information.
One more rumor floating around has
two Russian journalists cooking an egg
by placing it between two cell phones.
While the thought of taking a break
from domestic chores can be appealing,
this also appears to be a hoax.
So, enough about what your cell
phone can’t accomplish. What about
the many benefits mobile phones do
offer that we may not know about or
rarely use? Todd Shaya, vice president
of marketing and strategic development
for Wireless Giant, said many
cell phones, especially newer models,
contain special features like a flashlight
or alarm clock. Mobile phones
not only allow you to share pictures
with family and friends, Shaya said,
the majority of newer models give you
the option of creating online photo
albums to share as well.
“Places like Japan are already seeing
advanced technology that is
headed our way in the next year or
so,” Shaya said. That may include
using the cell phone like a credit
card to pay for purchases
Joey Tominna, co-owner of
Simplicity Wireless in Farmington
Hills, pointed out that many companies
offer extras on a subscription basis.
“Most companies have services you can
subscribe to,“ he said, “so that you can
watch TV, listen to music and more, all
through the use of your cell phone.”
Believe it or not, your cell phone
may even be able to help your love
life. Tominna said cell phone dating
services allow the wireless customer to
type in a zip code in order to locate
potential suitors nearby. The two can
then text message each other and/or
talk over their cell phones before
meeting in person. Just what the world
has been hankering for — a whole
new system of blind dates.
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 33

1
high
honors
Chaldean Chamber
fetes two
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
More than 800 attendees dined on filet
mignon with zip sauce and parda
plow at Shenandoah Country Club
on April 13 for the Chaldean Chamber’s annual
awards dinner.
For the second time, Ray Sayah of WXYZ
Channel 7 News served as the Master of
Ceremonies. Both Eliya “Louie” Boji and
Senator Carl Levin received awards that
evening.
2
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Eliya “Louie” Boji was named Business
Person of the Year.
Born in Telkaif, Iraq in 1940, Boji earned
a law degree from the University of Baghdad.
Because his degree was not recognized, he
was never able to practice law in the United
States when he emigrated in 1968. So, like
many Chaldeans with an entrepreneurial
mind, Boji went into business for himself.
“I knew that if I worked for someone else,
I would be limited,” he said.
Boji and his wife, Seham, soon had three
34 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

3 4
5
convenience stores with partners. After
three years living in San Diego, the Bojis
moved to Detroit where they ventured into
14 retail outlets.
In 1998, Boji acquired the former
Michigan National Tower in downtown
Lansing, which has since been expanded.
Two other major projects have been undertaken
in Lansing. In 2006, Boji and his partners
purchased 26 Quick Chek convenience
stores and gas stations in North Carolina.
Back in the Metro Detroit area, Boji
acquired a 165,000-square-foot shopping
center in Southfield that houses United
Wholesale. A state-of-the-art facility is currently
being built for the business.
The success he has today was not always
the reality of his life. “I went through hell
many times,” Boji said. “I used to go to bed
at night thinking that in the morning I
would claim bankruptcy.”
Today Louie and Seham’s three children
and their spouses are involved in various
ventures involving real estate, wholesale
and retail.
Not just business minded, Boji has been
aggressively involved in the community. He
has served on church council, on the board
of the Associated Food Dealers, and was
chairman of Shenandoah Country Club’s
Finance Committee. He has financially
sponsored and advised many community
members, and currently serves as treasurer of
the Arab American and Chaldean Council.
on issues of great importance to the Chaldean
community. Last year, during the Senate’s
debate on the immigration bill, he offered an
amendment to prevent the deportation of
Iraqi religious minorities who came to the U.S.
with valid claims of asylum. His amendment
would make these individuals eligible for legal
permanent residency status and would supersede
all previous judicial action on their cases.
The Senate accepted the amendment, but
House of Representatives and Senate conferees
have so far failed to agree on an immigration
bill. Levin is hopeful that the new
Congress will take up the immigration bill
again this year.
Michael George, chairman of the
Chaldean Federation of America (CFA), has
known Levin for more than 30 years. “There
has not been a time when we have called his
Detroit or Washington office and did not get
a response,” said George.
Speaking at the podium during the chamber
dinner, George broke the news that earlier
that day the first Chaldean refugee family
had arrived from Turkey. This was a direct
result of the CFA’s program Operation R Four.
“We believe he is a true friend,” said CFA
Executive Director Joe Kassab of Levin.
“Without him, I don’t think we could be so
successful in helping the refugees.”
Michael Sarafa, Vanessa Denha-Garmo and
Brenda Kuza contributed to this article.
1. Business Person of the
Year Eliya “Louie” Boji
2. Humanitarian of the Year
Senator Carl Levin and Board
Member Mike Koza
3. CACC Board Member
Rocky Husaynu and his wife, Janet
4. Mar Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch
of Babylon for the Chaldeans
5. Jimmy Raban and Mike Dickow
6. Sammi Naoum (left), Tommy
Jadan, Renee Jadan, Barb Matti
and Joey Matti
See more pictures on our website,
www.chaldeannews.com
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
There is probably no other elected official
who has done more for the estimated
600,000 Chaldean refugees than U.S.
Senator Carl Levin, who was named
Humanitarian of the Year.
Levin has been an advocate in Washington
6
MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 35

event
1
2 3
miss chaldean
PHOTOS BY BRAD ZIEGLER
It may look easy but
parading down a runway
with poise and confidence
is no simple task —
just ask the 13 contestants
of the first Miss Chaldean
Beauty Pageant held last
month at the Royal Oak
Music Theater.
And the winner was …
Chanell Hana, 18, a senior at
Stevenson High School. She
was captain of the JR Soccer
team, the Spanish Club and
the Spanish National Honor
Society.
First runner-up was
Montaha Polis, a pharmaceutical
representative for Merck
& Company and a Wayne
State University graduate.
The second runner-up was
Jewells Faranso, a stylist with
Vanity Hair in Birmingham.
Prizes for Miss Chaldean
included the sash and
crown, cash, gift certificates
for a tanning salon, laser hair
removal, cosmetics, a full
salon treatment and a manicure,
and a gift from Wireless
Toyz, said Jason Kado of Jado
Productions, which ran the
event.
All contestants received
gift bags that included certificates
to attend a day at the
spa, compliments of Jado
Productions, which will be
presented to them at a dinner
ceremony for the contestants
and the staff who helped
coordinate the production.
Hana will represent the
community as Miss Chaldean
4
at various events throughout
the year including charity
dinners, community
fundraisers, association
events and festivals.
“Miss Chaldean will be
present at these events to
champion her cause, which
is to promote the rich heritage
and unique culture of
our Chaldean people, and to
serve as a role model and
leader to our Chaldean
women,” said Kado.
1. Second runner-up
Jewells Faranso
2. Heather Karim
(left), Jonathan
Roumayah, Natasha
Robin, Lauren Bacall
and Stephanie Odish
3. Shay, Colleen,
Kamelia and
Contessa Khemmoro
4. Miss Chaldean
Chanell Hana
5. Rasha (left) and
Paul Kado and Liz
Kristen, along with
Andrew and
Emily Kado
See more pictures
on our website,
www.chaldeannews.com
5
36 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 37

event
1
happy new year!
PHOTOS BY RAMIZ ROMAYA
Chaldeans, Assyrians and Syriacs gathered at Bella Banquet Hall on March 31
to celebrate Kha-B-Nissan, the Chaldean Assyrian New Year 6757.
2 3
4
5
6 7
1. Dancing in the New Year
2. Mrs. A. Malaka, Andrawis Osachy, Daniel
Jiddo, Kais Younan and Abdulmaseeh Toma
3. Clockwise, left to right: George Brikho,
Bassima Brikho, Shimoon Brikho, Joann
Brikho, Ken Steil, Lorna Gappy, Genan
Brikho, Karim Brikho and Bernadette Brikho
4. Tagrid Ibrahim (left), Souad Mansour,
Steve Mansour, Lawrence Mansour, Jamil
Mansour and Rami Ibrahim
5. Pauline Estaphan and Kareem Disha
6. Ismat Karmo and Sami Youel
7. Reni Stephan, the artist who made this relief
See more pictures on our website,
www.chaldeannews.com
38 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007

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MAY 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 39

classified listings
BUSINESSES FOR SALE
BUSINESSES FOR SALE
MUST SELL!
Coney Island located in the
Advance Building. Great hours
from 8 am to 4 pm. Will Negotiate
Price. Please contact Suzanne
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HELP WANTED
HOUSE FOR SALE
CHILDREN’S BOOK
ILLUSTRATOR
12 pages of Middle Eastern scenes
and characters – must work quick
and creatively with min. direction.
Email bid and portfolio link to
tan2wil@msn.com
DELI WORKER NEEDED
Small Eastside neighborhood market.
Part/full time, experience and
references required. 586-772-5170.
ALL SPORTS CASS LAKEFRONT
Dollar Bay. WB Schls. custom blt
2002, 2200 sf, all granite tops,
hardwood, fireplace, garage, master
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$399,000!! Must see!! Must sell!!
248-640-2652
ROYAL OAK
BEER & WINE STORE
• Free Standing Store
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• Real Estate is Included in
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For More Information:
Please call Rob Hibbert
(248) 848-4133
34975 W Twelve Mile Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
www.friedmanrealestate.com
SERVICES OFFERED
EXPERIENCED, HARD-WORKING
CLEANING LADY
is looking for a job. Good references.
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SPRING AT LAST!
Time for a new coat of paint.
Professional painter available for all
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event
1. A packed house
2. Yvette Morales
and Peter Mansoor
3. Sande Kashat
4. Sean Zeer, Candice Zeer,
Riva Gulli and Ouse Gulli
5. Saurin Choksi
and Vivi Jona
6. Paul Jonna
7. Ashley Jolagh (left),
Paul Jonna, Candace
Dickow and Sam
Richardson
See more pictures
on our website,
www.chaldeannews.com
1
2
3 4
my cuzin’s
comedy show
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
It was an opening-night sellout for
My Cuzin’s Comedy Show on April 12.
The show, featuring a mostly Chaldean cast,
runs through May at Second City in Novi.
See more pictures on our website, www.chaldeannews.com
5 6 7
42 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2007