February 2009 | Online: www.myCrescent.com | Serving since 2006
“Allah will not deprive you of knowledge after he has given it to you, but it will be taken away through the death of the religious learned men with their knowledge. Then there will remain ignorant people who, when consulted, will give verdicts according to their opinions whereby they will mislead others and go astray.” -Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr
Dallas Hosts Annual National Youth Training Retreat By Salman Aziz
(COLLIN COUNTY, TX) On a cold night a group of Muslim youth huddled around a camp fire roasting marshmallows. Chanting and singing after a long day of activities and educational sessions, the youth seem happy and energetic. These are the boys and girls of the MYNA Leadership camp. The retreat was held at Collin County Adventure
Camp, north of Dallas, Texas in an environment of spirituality, excitement, and adventure. Collin County Adventure Camp is spread across 427 acres of scenic forest, lakes, trails, sports fields and much more. Participants took part in state-of-the-art leadership and skill-development workshops, sports, team-building activities, and great entertainment
programs, all led by nationally renowned scholars and highly successful Muslim activists and role-models. Aisha Noor, a senior member of Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) says the quality of the youth stands out, and trusts the youth will go back to their communities and grow MYNA. >> More on page 11
Tarbiyah Takes Center Stage At Islamic School Of Irving has made commendable progress in the last two years,” according to a review last year by AdvancED Worldwide which is a unified organization of North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Southern Association Of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE).
By Hazrat Amin
(IRVING, TX) Academic excellence and an Islamic atmosphere is not the only goal at Islamic School Of Irving (ISI). The administration is keen on proper tarbiyah of each student. At ISI we
“The school’s mission, process and goals are not only evident throughout the school, but understood and explained by all stakeholders, including students.” -AdvancED Review
are “weaving academic excellence with highest morals and characters,” says school board president Jaffer Edhi. Edhi recalls the planning Started as Kindergarten program in 1996, ISI has a history of phase where all stakeholders were successfully managing education. invited to participate in strategic “As a result of planning, the school goals so that the school >> story continues on page 09
“We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man” -President Barack Hussein Obama
Family, service and ibadah is the motto at Makkah Masjid in Garland.
This Month IN U.S. HISTORY
* 1732 - George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on February 22. * 1788 - Massachusetts was admitted as the 6th state. * 1790 - The US Supreme Court met for the first time * 1870 - 15th Amendment to the Constitution was passed. * 1899 - The Treaty of Paris was ratified to officially end the Spanish-American War. * 1913 - The 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified creating the income tax. * 1958 - The first US Satellite was launched. * 2003 - Space Shuttle Columbia exploded on reentry killing all seven astronauts.
P. 03
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
Family, Service & Ibadah Is The Goal At Makkah Masjid
Interfaith Prayers Held For Peace & Healing in The Middle East. By Mike Ghouse
(GARLAND, TX) Drive about four miles east of IANT on Buckingham Road and you will see sprawling grounds of Makkah Masjid. With 10,500 square feet of space for prayers and a parking lot that can accommodate over 200 cars, it is becoming an ideal place for Jumuah salah for residents of Richardson, NE Dallas and Garland. “Alhamdulillah, this is one of the Masajid that does not have a parking problem”, says Ghulam Jangda who serves on the voluntary board along with fellow members Abdul Hafeez Khan and Anis Gaziani. Makkah Masjid had its humble beginnings as a musallah in the early 80s. It aims to provide an Islamic atmosphere and culture for younger generation. “We are getting economic prosperity by living here (USA), but we do not want this at the cost of our children losing their religion”, said Abdul Hafeez Khan talking to The Lone Star Crescent. The official name of the organization is Islamic Directions and Enhancement Association also known as IDEA. For several years IDEA has been quietly serving
the religious and educational needs of the community. Apart from daily and Jumuah prayers, Makkah Masjid continues to offer a place for social and religious gatherings such Eid prayers, Quran learning, weekly lectures and programs for the youth. The Masjid now has Mohammed Masood Barakat as its fulltime imam. Responding to the question of performing most services in Urdu, Mr. Jangda said that “it really hurts us too” when someone comes here and does not understand the lectures or programs. In the beginning attendees were limited to people of Indian / Pakistani origin, he noted. “Now we are in a bigger place – more ethnicities and nationalities are coming in”. He said that IDEA has started efforts to incorporate everyone’s needs InshaAllah soon. “Our imam is taking courses at Richland Community College”, to learn English. The Masjid has also started children’s programs in English and plans to start making announcements in English. As the number of people attending grows, Makkah Masjid is taking necessary steps to accommodate and welcome every-
one. “This is the house of Allah and it is open for everyone”, says Mr. Jangda. IDEA is efficiently managing its expenses by utilizing volunteers for cleaning and maintenance. Mr. Jangda emphasized the need to attend prayers and visit the Masjid so they can share in the blessings. “We have about 400 – 500 families that live around the Masjid. If they come here, it will help them – help their children. Because once the children get into good habits, they become better parents too.” (Video interview at www.myCrescent.com)
(DALLAS, TX. JANUARY 06, 2009) The Dallas Peace Center and The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the members of faiths based communities to an interfaith prayer service at the Northhaven United Methodist Church in Dallas. The calling was on clergy of all faiths to invoke the teachings of their sacred scriptures as they join their voices together in a unison call for peace. It was a prayer and healing event and our intention was to recognize, mourn and honor those who have been injured or lost, and to help end the conflict between Israel and Gaza. An appeal was made to all parties to cease fire and start a dialogue to resolve the conflict. Both the Torah and the Qur’aan remind us that saving a life is like saving the whole of humanity. In that spirit, we asked our attendees to take your place among the peacemakers today, who joined and prayed with us. (More pictures and details online at www.myCrescent.com)
P. 04
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
7-Spices Serves Natural & Authentic Desi Flavor
(PLANO, TX) The year 2009 brings growth for the small 7-Spices Restaurant in west Plano. “Thanks to Allah (SWT), we are growing slowly”, said Mujeeb Qureshi who owns the restaurant. “There are four reasons,” he says, “quantity, taste, quality and reasonable prices.” Qureshi told The Lone Star Crescent that his clientele now includes people living as far as El Paso and Oklahoma. “At this time we are doing carry out and catering, but InshaAllah we will start delivery also.” 7-Spices is conveniently located at the Northwest corner of Alma and W. Spring Creek in Plano, just few minutes from 75, 121 and Plano Masjid. The food is authentically “desi” at 7-Spices. It is neither blended nor overly spicy. Qureshi said that his goal is to enhance the flavor of the food and use minimum amount of spices. He aims to keep the
food healthy. “I use only natural and homemade spices and herbs”, he explained. “We don’t use any chemicals – no preservatives, no Shan or packaged masalas.” He said that chemicals and preservatives may also have a negative impact on health. “All those chemicals and preservatives – are cause of health and digestive issues and problems.” Customers appreciate the taste. “They tell me it’s just like homemade food,” he added. “Soon we are starting Lahori Chargha.” There are many options of Zabiha halal food at 7-Spices. Qureshi said that “we also serve gyros, bun-kabobs and items for children.” Menu items include traditional South Asian and fast food items such as Korma, Biryani, Seekh Kebob, Burgers, Wraps, Fries, Falafel, Boti Kebob, Tandoori Chicken, Naan and Samosa. There are new items daily from Monday through Friday.
7-Spices specializes in catering for 10 to over 1,000 people at a time. “We are serving hotels, motels and banquet halls and promise unbeatable prices to our partons”. Qureshi encourages people to try “To Go Boxes” for lunch and dinner for only $3.99 + tax. He assures the customers that they will be satisfied with the quantity and quality of the food. Qureshi pointed out that “we don’t cook food at our home. This is the
guarantee of our food – we eat the same food which I serve to you.” 7-Spices is designed as a takeout place, but offers a family friendly atmosphere. “This business is our family business”, he said. “Even my workers are working as family members”. Qureshi asks Plano and other Dallas area residents to come and try the food at 7-Spices. “I guarantee quality, quantity and taste.” He said that the food he serves is “never short.” Compare to other places that serve 10 – 12 oz per serving, 7-Spices offers a minimum of 16 oz. “And prices are very reasonable.” MORE PHOTOS & VIDEO OF 7-SPICES RESTAURANT ONLINE AT WWW.MYCRESCENT.COM
P. 05
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
MESSAGE FOR THE NEW PRESIDENT
Martin Luther King Day Parade In Pictures VIDEOS ONLINE AT WWW.MYCRESCENT.COM
The new President should pave a new path for America. We wish for him to not rely on what has been done and create new ways of doing things which is work with the people. Make sure that the interest of the people comes first and not the interest of the lobbyist and other interest groups and packs. -Ugass Jillaow
First of all, I would like him to restore respect that we ones had around the world. One time, I believed that America had respect around the world and we’ve lost that in the last eight years. I know it’s going to be very difficult, but we can be fair and just, especially to the problems that exist in the Middle East. -Imam Khalid Shaheed
This is very good coz it’s gonna be a change – a change in policy for international affairs hopefully and just the change in everything. Change our diplomatic relations with Israel and give peace to Gaza, first of all. -Atira Albana
We really have high hopes for the new administration to live to what it has ran for – on the platform of change. And on the platform they believe that ‘yes we can’ and we believe that yes he can deliver on his promises. We are looking forward, happy and energetic to join forces and join the work that – that changed that he has promised us to do. -Raed Sbeit VIDEO COMMENTS ONLINE AT WWW. MYCRESCENT.COM
P. 06
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
P. 07
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
U.S. Muslims Come Together To Help Innocent Victims In Gaza
Gaza and its residents are completely devastated after Israeli attacks and invasion. U.N. Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon said “he was ‘appalled’ by the destruction in Gaza and again called for a full investigation into the conflict, which claimed the lives of 1,300 Palestinians and injured more than 5,000”, reports The Financial Times. “It is desperate and an outrage at the same time, says Ms. Dalell Mohamed of Dallas-based Kinder USA. “Every morning I speak with our partners in Gaza and every day the risks are greater as are the number of people they are serving,” she told The Lone Star Crescent. “People are terrified,” describes Ms. Fatima Mohammdi of Chicago-based Zakat Foundation. “Many have nothing to eat; all but the most severely injured are turned away from the overcrowded hospitals, which means many of the injured are being cared for by their family and friends.” “It was already a bad humanitarian situation that has now become desperate. Gaza was facing the worst crisis in 30 years, but now that situation has deteriorated further with the rising humanitarian needs,” says Mr. Mostafa Mehboob of Islamic Relief. Muslim charities, with help from the community, immediately started the process of providing humanitarian assistance on the ground under dire circumstances. “Islamic Relief already had an office and staff present in Gaza for the last 10 years. Prior to the conflict we had about 80 staff, but with the bad security situation, not all of them can leave home to distribute aid,” Mehboob said. Mohammadi said that Zakat Foundation works with partners on the ground. “Around 20 individuals working daily to distribute aid, though there are many more behind the scene making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.” One of the ways Kinder USA serves the area is by providing employment to local through its bakeries. “The bakery originally, before the start of the current violence consisted of a staff of 15 but now the sense of humanitarianism has taken hold on the population and it seems there is a continuing flow of volunteers who operate at extreme risk,” says Mohamed. A major challenge for the charities is get the aid delivered. “For Kinder USA specifically, all of our work consists of items already in Gaza so it is not as problematic for us. We did purchase blankets and medicines which are being brought in on UN trucks from the West Bank, but the bakery operates strictly from locally purchased goods. There is no cash in Gaza right now so the money sits in the banks in Ramallah leaving the vendors to deal in credit with full knowledge of fund availability once cash is allowed in,” explained Mohamed. Zakat Foundation was able to manage entrance into Gaza during the bombings. “Zakat Foundation representatives and partner organizations are entering through the Raffah and Al-Arish borders,” says Mohammadi. “Again, though the procedure has been slowed significantly, because proper approval is granted, we have been able to enter into Gaza with convoys of food, medicine and
medical/surgical equipment. We have also purchased a much-needed ambulance to help transport the severely injured to safety and to medical facilities.” In a statement, Islamic Relief said that due to their “strong presence on the ground in Gaza” they have been able to distribute aid. The Israeli government has designated the UN to coordinate shipments into Gaza on behalf of other relief agencies. Muslims in the Metroplex and across the country have responded generously to assist the innocent victims in Gaza.
“Kinder USA has donors all over the US and other parts of the world with many consistent supporters here in the DFW area,” describes Mohamed. “The overall response has been quite humbling,” she added. Mehboob at Islamic Relief told The Lone Star Crescent that “the support from the Dallas community and others across the United States has been strong.” Agencies have requested people to continue with their donations and support. “I think of primary importance is to give to the organization of your choice, an organization you know is doing the work, says Dalell Mohamed. She urged people to contact their elected representatives and “express your concerns regarding the assault on the civilian population.” Zakat Foundation is asking people to work in local communities to raise funds. “Obviously, people must eat on a daily basis, especially children, the elderly, the injured and ill, so food packages are of crucial importance,” Fatima Mohammadi explained. “The second most needed supply is the medical packages.” Mostafa Mehboob agrees. “The needs on the ground are mainly for medical supplies, food, and safe water and sanitation.” Kinder USA which focuses on serving the needs of children will face another challenge now that the Israeli army has left.
“The psychosocial trauma to children is going to be the hardest to address,” said Mohamed. “The primary mental health facility, Gaza Community Mental Health Center which was the premier facility was bombed. They have nothing left with all the staff working from their homes. How we address the children who survived is going to be critical for any future of peace in the region or the world over.” .......................................................................
Links to some of the charities providing assistance in Gaza below: KINDER USA -DALLAS, TX
www.KinderUSA.org ISLAMIC RELIEF -PLANO, TX
www.irw.org THE ZAKAT FOUNDATION -CHICAGO, IL
www.TheZakat.org OXFAM INTL. -BOSTON, MA www.oxfam.org MERCYCORPS -PORTLAND, OR www.MercyCorps.org
P. 08
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY REPORT
HUJJAJ WELCOMED BY IANT & ISI PTO
Islamic Association of North TX (IANT) and Islamic School of Irving’s PTO (ISIPTO) organized Hujjaj welcom gatherings in Richardson and Irving respectively. Following are some photos their program. Photos by Salman Aziz.
P. 09
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
TARBIYAH TAKES CENTERSTAGE AT ISI
PUBLISHER Melanz Publishing P.O. Box 851764 Richardson, TX 75085 T: (214) 306-7920 F: (214) 461-0474
ADVISORS: David Lee Hall, Annie Ghazi, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Lena Dirbashi. The Lone Star Crescent is published monthly by Melanz Publishing. Since 2006, the paper is serving the local Muslim community in the Metroplex. We welcome and encourage readers’ feedback and opinions. All materials, articles, photos, comments or samples submitted to the The Lone Star Crescent will become property of the publisher and may be printed at our discretion. The publisher / paper takes no responsibility of claims made by advertisers, financial, legal, family and/or educational advise in its content. Readers must check and inquire themselves. Online at www.myCrescent.com
EDITORIAL: COMMENTS / INQUIRIES / JOBS Email: info@myCrescent.com DFW REGIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER Salman Aziz T: (920) 277-9513 E: salman@myCrescent.com
From Page 01>> “can achieve the mission with everybody’s help.” AdvanceED’s review acknowledges this effort by saying that “the school’s mission, process and goals are not only evident throughout the school, but understood and explained by all stakeholders, including students.”
“All our school board members are required to take training.” After receiving accreditation last year, ISI is aiming to boost quality at all levels; from administration and faculty to parents and students. Jaffer Edhi says that school can only advance if the management continuously improves itself. He acknowledges that most Islamic schools are run by professionals from IT, healthcare or business backgrounds due to lack of Muslim educators. “However, that should not be the excuse for not running a good school,” he told The Lone Star Crescent. ISI requires every board member to take appropriate training. He said that coaching for governing body have made them a “high impact” board. ISI regularly works with educational experts such Dr. Naqwa Asgur, Dr. Hamid Ghazali and Dr. Usman Ghani to educate stakeholders on running the school in a professional manner. “When we started we were an operational board, trying to do everything. Now we have become a high impact board and we continuously learn and improve ourselves.” Assistant Principal Shahnaz Choudhury led the faculty for about two years perfecting the curriculum and academic standards that resulted in accreditation last year. ISI enjoys highest attainable “Exemplary” status in Irving ISD. School’s new principal Khalid Kebbati joined the faculty to maintain these academic standards and help fulfill the mission of incorporating strong moral character among students.
“What we’ve asked teachers to do – is incorporate Islamic values in teaching,” explains Kebbati. He said that the faculty focuses on educating Islamic manners throughout the day. “Our morning assembly is very critical. I think we overlook its importance.” The morning assembly at ISI reserves 7 – 10 minutes for dua after recitation from the Quran. “What it does to the students is to remind them to start his morning or her morning by praising Allah (SWT).” Kebbati believes that small exercises such as this have a lasting impression on children. “What we are doing also in terms of tarbiyah is helping the parents to learn more,” he informed about school’s endeavor to create a wholesome learning environment. Kebbati believes that most of community members in Irving “have sound” Is-
lamic knowledge. To help them further ISI has acquired the services of educational and parenting expert Dr. Hamid Ghazali to work on a monthly basis. Dr. Ghazali’s expertise is helping ISI integrate the work done at school “with Islam – with Prophet’s way of educating families.” The school gives equal importance to educating teachers. “We cannot just educate students,” says Kebbati. Monthly training seminars for teachers have been in place since last year. The wholesome tarbiya program is now showing results. “I find that students of ISI are very respectful of their elders and of
the school and in general – compare to other Islamic schools where I have worked. I see a very high level of discipline (at ISI),” Kebbati said talking about the positive impact of school’s character education philosophy. “This tells me that the parents are doing their part and it tells me that the teachers are achieving their objectives.”
“We are here to create a learning i that h others h ill take k us community will as an example” -Shahnaz Choudhury Unlike traditional subjects, measuring i character h t and d morall iimprovementt iis tough. “What we are trying to teach students is not just to memorize Islamic knowledge but also to implement what they are learning in their life and that’s where the challenge comes in – how you measure it?” explains Edhi. He said that the school has designed a procedure of surveys to measure student progress character related education. “We survey on a regular basis sending out questionnaires to the parents, and we ask questions such as Does your child pray without a reminder? Does he always pray sunnah? Does he make sure that he does not use foul language?” This system is helping the school learn about individual and overall behavior of students. Faculty and administration is driven to continue with improvements at all levels. “We are pursuing the IB (International Baccalaureate) Program,” says Shahnaz Choudhury. “This is a program where our Islamic studies and Arabic curriculum will also be brought down to scrutiny,” giving ISI an opportunity to measure progress of religious education. “We are here to create a learning community that others will take us as an example.” ....................................................................... RELATED VIDEOS ONLINE AT WWW. MYCRESCENT.COM
* Watch our exclusive interview with board President Jaffar Edhi. * Khalid Kebbati talks about choosing ISI, its accomplishments and challenges moving forward.
Send email to ads@myCrescent.com for general ad inquiries or sales jobs.
The talking point
SM
Openness and Transparency at Islamic Centers Islamic Center of Irving has challenged itself to be the most open and transparent Muslim community in the Metroplex. To achieve this goal they have formed a number of committees charged to establish the processes and appropriate documentation. The communication committee has been charged to fill or bridge the perception gap between how we as Muslim community view ourselves and how the society around us perceive us and to foster and better the communication within the community and the center says Bijith Moopen the chair of the External sub-committee and member of the shura council. The communication committee has three sub-committee. The purpose of the internal communication sub-committee is to enhance the communications within the community. This sub-committee defines processes in terms of how to do announcement, newsletter, and event calendar for all the centers activities. The external communication sub-committee is working on bridging the perception gap. We believe the Muslim community is a benefit and a blessing to the society but that is not the image out there. To bridge this gap we are working closely with the civic engagement committee on social projects. One of the social projects “food drive” also involves the school PTO and Irving Care. Food collected will be donated to Irving care for helping the needy in the Irving area. The next project is at Eid-ul-Adha a meat drive in partnership with MASS. The collection will benefit again the needy in the Irving community. To facilitate effective communications the public relation sub-committee focuses on engaging the media as partners and builds relationship with them. “We want our community to engage in the things which are a benefit to us and our neighbors and social services are close to our character as Muslims. So engaging with people improves relationships and makes us effective ambassadors of Islam.” Survey is used to measure the effectiveness of the centers activities e.g., a survey during the month of Ramadan asked people on the effectiveness of the centers communication with the community. The results were tabulated and the summary presented at a community gathering with enough time reserved for questions and answers. Feedback was used to improve the communication vehicles such as announcements, website, etc. Similarly the school does a survey after its town hall meetings to measure the effectiveness of its presentations. WATCH THE INTERVIEW ONLINE AT WWW.MYCRESCENT.COM
NEW & IMPROVED >>> To advertise or to feature your community, contact us at ads@myCrescent.com or call (214) 306-7920.
P. 10
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENTS
Math Master TUTORING SERVICE Need help teaching math to your kids? We are in NE Dallas just a minute from Richardson and Garland. MENTION THIS AD FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNT. Felxible schedule. For more information contact Ms. Farida at msfarida@ymail.com or give us a call >>>
BUSINESS MANAGER WANTED 469.878.5185
ISLAMIC CENTER OF IRVING, TX One of the largest most active Islamic Centers in the US seeks a:
Dynamic Business Manager with: • Strong Leadership and Management Skill • Excellent Communication Skills • Outstanding Organizational Skills • Proven track record of working with diverse ethnic backgrounds • A minimum of Bachelors Degree (Preferably in Business Administration) • Managerial Experience • A passion to serve the Muslim Community
Islamic Center of Irving (ICI) is one of the biggest and fastest growing Islamic Centers in the USA. ICI boasts: • Outreach and Dawah Program • Full time Islamic School • Youth Program • Community Development Program
Areas of Responsibilities: • Facilities Management • Human Resources Management • Customer Service • IT • Finance • General Administration
Email your resume along with references and salary requirements to mfegal@msn.com. Visit us at www.irvingmasjid.org
ADVERTISING SALES REP NEEDED The Lone Star Crescent is looking for independent advertising sales representative in Greater Dallas area. Candidate must be a local resident and aware of the market and community. Previous print advertising sales experience is a big plus. Should possess professional sales and excellent communication skills. Computer saavy a must. Compensation includes commissions + performance bonuses and opportunity to work on your own pace. For consideration email to ads@ myCrescent.com. No calls please!
P. 11
The Lone Star Crescent
She explains MYNA strives to provide youth with the platform to express their thoughts and beliefs, to showcase their talents and skills, and to lead our community today, not be relegated to the afterthoughts of tomorrow. MYNA’s unique camps, diverse pro-
grams, and exciting activities are inspired, planned, and organized wholly by youth, with the support and guidance of select, experienced advisors. She would like to see the registration process be less rigorous but still remain selective. “We had great speakers who understand how youth work. They don’t lecture you about brotherhood, humility, teamwork you live it.” Youth came from Canada, the UK and 40 US cities. For Kamela from Phoenix Arizona, this camp helped her in rejuvenating Islam. She felt at home and made lasting friends. She enjoyed the lectures and recreational activities. After listening and observing others
February 2009
MYNA LEADERSHIP CAMP IN DALLAS (From Page 01)
she was moved to observe the daily prayers and felt this has become an important part of her. “I have been to other youth conferences where they say they have come to rejuvenate the youth, but I never felt like I learned much. I came with similar thoughts here but after the first lecture I was struck by the phrase that Islam is guidance and remembrance. I have learned a lot from here and would recommend this camp to other youths.” Sarah Rostom from Mississauga, Canada is the sister Representative from MYNA Toronto. She thoroughly enjoyed the camp and says she will ever remember the friendly rivalry which developed between her and the local sisters. “One suggestion I would have is that they spoke a lot about how to be a leader, but I thought they forgot about remembering yourself in that process. Although leadership is a constant progression, because of that you need to always remember yourself in that equation. Your own likes, your hobbies, your family making time for all these things. I don’t feel it was stressed to remember yourself, it was stressed to do but there is a certain point where someone breaks, and I feel that they did not establish that breaking point. There is a point where you need to stop what you are doing in order to the best of your ability, e.g. if you are the president of 20 clubs in your school it is
very unlikely that you will be able to dedicate yourself 150% to each of these clubs. I feel they should emphasize that whatever
you take up you should occupy your time in the best way possible but you should be able
to give a 150% to each and every activity as apposed to having 100 activities you have five but those five are very very strong.” “I will take back to my youth group in the UK how to work as a team, improve public speaking and how to listen properly” says Zeshan from the UK. “We are bringing together a group of people who can relate to each other on a religious standpoint, yet they are highly cre-
ative intelligent individuals so that makes them uniquely qualified especially that they are coming from different areas of the country” says Rehan from Waukesha Wisconsin, a youth organizer of the program. ISNA’s Director for Youth Programs, Mr. Iyad says that the camp provides youth with tools to help them take leadership position in their communities. Motivational speakers and workshop address issues facing youth growing up in America. We also provide recreational activity including archery and rock climbing. Most youth told us they felt very much at home and seems like they have known each other as friends for a long time. The camp encourages purposeful interaction between the opposite sexes and provides Islamic manners and tools to help them in their normal interactions. Separate quarters are
provided for the two genders. “The camp teaches you how to interact with the other gender normally and consistently and present Islam as a whole. A suggestion to the parents is provide the youth a safe place to articulate their concerns without fearing our anger.”
P. 12
The Lone Star Crescent
February 2009
REAL ESTATE
Essentials For Building a New Home By Kathleen Whitlow
Building a new home can be a big step for everyone. A new house is something that is a milestone in ones life. Besides keeping up with the house plans, the location, the material, etc., there are other things, besides the construction of the house that a new homeowner has to remember, consider and implement. When building the new home the new homeowners to-be have to keep in mind what they want their new house to look like. A home should reflect the personality of the people that are going to be living in it. Many home building companies and new home contractors have an array of choices of house plans that customers can choose from. Each home design that you may have to choose from may be in a different price range, have a range of features and have totally different exterior looks. The whole point of having all of these choices is to let the homeowner have, in a sense, the home of their dreams. Without having these essential choices, or only have a
few home designs to work with, can make your newly built house turn into something that you aren’t in love with. With your new abode you should feel fulfilled, not like you settled for something that was mediocre. When choosing where your residence will be built you have another important decision on your hands. The location of your new house is essential to offsetting its appearance and being conducive to your lifestyle. The location of your home should be chosen using a few different criterions. New homeowners should check into the school districts surrounding the dwelling so that when it comes time for the children to go to school, they will be attending one that will give them the proper education. Other aspects to consider when choosing a location is proximity to work, neighbors and neighborhoods, local activities and much more. Kathleen Whitlow is a copywriter and marketing agent of Centennial Homes (www. CentennialHomesVa.com). The new home contractor provides new home building throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their New Homes Richmond Virginia please visit their website.
Practical Considerations When Building a House By Daniel Collins Of course, a lot of people dream about building their own home. And while you may not design the actual layout yourself, you can certainly give the architect ideas about what you want the finished design to look like. But more than often people do not think practically when they are in the process of designing and building a new house. Indeed, it is quite natural to think about how the finished result will look, rather than what it might cost you in ongoing bills; but if you don’t look beneath the surface in this way, you might end up paying dearly for it in the future. For example, you will need to spend some time thinking about what type of energy you are going to use in your home. Do you want to use gas right through the property? Would you prefer electricity? Or perhaps a combination of the two might suit you best? And if you have always moved into an existing property in the past, this might seem like a strange consideration; after all, you normally just move in and get used to whatever is already there. However, this is your house - that means you get to decide what services you do and don’t want, right from the start; which of course, can prove extremely beneficial. And while personal preference does come into it, you should also think about how much each service is likely to cost you. Of course, the price of electricity can vary greatly over time, as can the price of gas; what you start paying when you move into your property will very likely change before too long. It will also pay you to build a home
that is as carbon neutral as possible, since it can result in bills being even lower. Therefore, if you can consider this in the planning stages you might just be rewarded with lower bills. You can also save money by getting both utilities - if you are going to have both - from the same provider, and there are usually reasonable discounts given for this. You will also save more by paying via direct debit and when you add these together, you can normally save quite a bit over the course of the year. In short, compare gas and electricity (www.lloydstsbCompare.com/gas_lloyds. axp) carefully before you decide which one is right for you, or whether you need them both. However, there is no simple answer to which one is best - it all depends on you, and which companies are offering the best deal right now. Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.