Chaldean News - March 2007

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VOL. 4 ISSUE II

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY MARCH 2007

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INSIDE: EARLY IMMIGRANTS SHARE THEIR STORIES ‘PALACE’ COMING TO THE EASTSIDE

P U G N I P P STE irst f s t i t e en g r r a W l l yor?

Wi a M n a Chalde

PLUS: SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN: MEET FIVE CHALDEAN CHEFS

The Chaldean News 26555 Evergreen Road, Suite 250 Southfield, MI 48076 PLEASE DELIVER BY MARCH 1, 2007

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CONTENTS

MARCH 2007

THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 4 ISSUE II

on the cover 25

STEPPING UP

BY JOYCE WISWELL

Will Warren get its first Chaldean mayor?

features 27

SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN

BY KEN MARTEN

Shenandoah’s Lee Sharkas one of many Chaldean chefs

30

PIONEERING WOMEN

BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL

Remembering the early days of immigration

25

32

BUILDING A CHALDEAN ‘PALACE’

BY KEN MARTEN

Facility will be ‘Shenandoah of the East’

35

FORBIDDEN FRUITS

BY MICHELLE LUTFY

Film explores interracial relationships

30

27

32

35

39

departments 6

FROM THE EDITOR

16

HALHOLE

7

YOUR LETTERS

20

RELIGION

8

NOTEWORTHY

20

OBITUARIES

10

NANA SAYS

22

ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE

12

CHAI TIME

14

CALC CORNER

36

‘Mixing’ It Up: New play addresses race and diversity

38

EVENTS • Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers’ Dinner • Shenandoah Shindigs

BY STEVE STEIN

Man at Work: Website helps job seekers

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

BY JEREMY HULL

40

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS

MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 5

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from the E D I T O R

Fabulous food and entertainment for all! ore than two years into my marriage, I finally learned how to cook dolma (stuffed grape leaves). I have seen my mother make the famous Middle Eastern dish dozens of times in my life and on occasion, I have helped roll the leaves and stuff the filling inside tomatoes, squash and zucchini.

But for the first time, I made a pot by myself for my husband — my personal guinea pig — and then a second a week later. A week after that, I dared to make a pot for nearly 20 people. I prayed the entire time that it would not be too spicy or not spicy enough or too tart or not tart enough. Samira Yako Cholagh walked me through the recipe via her cookbook, which I have sitting atop my kitchen counter.

My mother was shocked, my sisters thought I was crazy to make something so time consuming with my hectic schedule, and some friends were impressed. It was hit — so they tell me.

Even my Aunt Hanna — a veteran cook and taster of my dish — was proud.

There is nothing like a delicious Chaldean meal. If you want a tasty dish from a renowned chef, head to Shenandoah. We feature Chef Lee, who is just settling into his new job at the Chaldean country club in West Bloomfield. Writer Ken Marten also interviewed several other Chaldean chefs working at well-known restaurants in the area.

Eastsiders will soon be able to enjoy a club of their own to call a second home. Currently dubbed the East Side Palace and also known as “Shenandoah of the East,” the upcoming club will offer activities for members and of course serve traditional Chaldean food. Yum! Today, many people from various ethnic backgrounds are familiar with Middle Eastern food. In fact, there are hundreds of restaurants around Metro Detroit with hummus, tabouli and kabob on their menu.

That was not always the case.

If you ask any of our grandmothers who came to the United States more than 50 years ago, they would certainly tell you that finding bulgur or sumac at the nearest grocery store was a challenge.

Writer Jennifer Korail took a trip down memory lane with some of our community’s local pioneers, some of whom traveled to the United States by ship and ended up on Ellis Island. Life in some ways was simpler back then and in other ways, more difficult. This was a life without cell phones and com-

M

6 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

From left: Jane Shallal and editor Vanessa Denha-Garmo at the annual AFPD dinner.

puters but it was also a time where most families lived on one income.

Drugs were not prevalent in schools and kids fought with words, not guns.

We were also e-mailed information about “Mixed,” a new play written by Chaldean Jennifer George that is being performed at the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit. Heeding suggestions from our readers, Jeremy Hall writes about the play in this issue.

Speaking of plays, a few issues ago we featured Heather Raffo’s “Nine Parts of Desire,” which has been performed in Washington, D.C. and in New York. The play was recently performed in Dearborn by Chaldean actress Sarab Kamoo, who gave a phenomenal performance transforming into several women from Iraq. We hope to bring this play to a venue that will attract a Chaldean audience. It is a production that should not be missed. Stay tuned.

Members of the Chaldean News staff are all over town at various events.

This past month I caught up with Jane Shallal, president of the Associated Food Petroleum Dealers (AFPD), at their annual dinner at Penna’s of Sterling Heights.

We also caught up with Richard Sulaka, our cover story subject this month, as he ventures into the race for mayor of Warren. Joyce Wiswell tells our readers about the issues at the forefront of his campaign.

Enjoy the tastes of Chaldean cuisine and all the various entertainment in the area. We will continue to keep you abreast of all the happenings around town.

Alaha Imid Koullen (God Be With Us All)

Vanessa Denha-Garmo vdenha@chaldeannews.com

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your L E T T E R S

Hands Off Your February cover with the “bleeding hand� was very disturbing (“After Saddam: Community has mixed reaction to the dictator’s demise�). I keep my Chaldean News on the kitchen counter and anyone who saw it found it offensive. Although I understand the significance of it, it could have been done in a more tasteful manner.

Also, I wish you’d revisit the issue of placing casino ads in your paper. I am sure you can do without the revenue from casinos, especially given the negative impact gambling has had and continues to have on our community.

May the Chaldean News enjoy continued success as it helps to bind our community with valuable news and information. – Theresa Sitto

the new and exciting things going on in our community.

I do however have a concern about the February issue that I have just received. As soon as I looked through the mail I was completely shocked at what I saw. I feel the cover picture on the issue was way too graphic. I am 19 years old and I was completely disgusted, so I was not surprised to see my 3-year-old cousin upset when she got a hold of the paper.

I believe one of our great privileges as Chaldean-Americans is that we are able to protect our children from being exposed to the gory violence seen in other places. My only request is that future issues will be edited with a family-oriented mindset. – Andrea Konja

View from the West Cover Blown I would like to start off by saying how much I look forward to reading the Chaldean News. I love hearing about

It was with interest that I read “Debating Saddam’s Demise.� When I saw the headline, I though I would read differing views of his years in power. Instead, I read the comments of a lynch mob.

I live in the midst of about 30,000 Chaldeans in Southern California.

Their attitudes were diverse on the merits of Saddam Hussein. Some admired the man while others despised him. Over the years, he was the subject of many rumors within the Chaldean community: “Saddam had a heart attackâ€? ‌ “Saddam’s daughters committed suicideâ€? ‌ “Saddam is a CIA agent,â€? etc. All one had to do was enter a liquor store (96 percent of all liquor stores in San Diego County are owned by Chaldeans) to listen to the “rumor du jour.â€?

As with San Diego, I am sure that Saddam Hussein had some supporters in the Michigan Chaldean community, yet you chose only those people who spewed hatred against him to interview. A real journalist would have found a few Saddam supporters to interview. That would have been a more probing report.

In El Cajon, California, is a large Chaldean church named St. Peter’s. In 1980, construction began on the building because of a quarter-million dollar donation by, guess who, Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi government.

Lastly, please consult a grammar and usage book on the English language. In the subhead of your article, you wrote, “The former dictator, 69, was hung at dawn ‌.â€? The past participle of the verb “hangâ€? is “hanged.â€? – Jeff Archer

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

Correction Spencer Sitto’s name was left out of a list of students who participated in a January 15 event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with Governor Jennifer Granholm (“Students Remember King,� February 2007).

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CHALDEAN NEWS 7

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NOTEworthy

Cultural Center Seeks Artifacts Passports, old letters, photographs and vintage items made in Iraq are being sought by the Chaldean Cultural Center for its “Journey to America” exhibit.

The CCC is currently being constructed inside Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield. It will include five galleries covering more than 5,000 years of Chaldean history. Journey to America will tell about Chaldean families who left the homeland for a new start in Detroit and will include an early Chaldean-owned grocery store.

To donate items or learn more about the CCC, call (248) 681-5050.

Health Fair Saves Lives During this year’s recent annual health fair at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield, three serious health conditions were diagnosed, perhaps saving lives.

One man was sent to the emergency room after complaining to doctors of shortness of breath and chest pains. One physician stated “he was actively in unstable angina.” A woman learned her blood glucose level was 323, and was told to immediately administer her insulin. She previously wasn’t compliant with monitoring, but was told to check at least before meals and at bedtime. She was also

On Top of the World Paul Shaya of Bloomfield Hills reached Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest point, called the Roof of Africa, on February 3 – where the temperature was a balmy 18 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit and oxygen levels were 50 percent.

The 37-year-old said that three people died on the mountain that week. It took Shaya seven days to reach the 19,455-foot summit. educated about the consequences of improper diabetes management.

Another woman, who attended the fair out of pure curiosity, was discovered to have a blood pressure reading of 210/98.

Dr. Adil Arabbo donated flu vaccines to the health fair. Other participating physicians included: Iyad J. Alosachi, Mazin P. Yonana, Musib S. Gappy and Silvana P. Younana.

Medical assistants included Sara Hedow, Nariman Gumma and Christine Gumma. Clair Konja helped organize this year’s event, and Vanessa Kallabat helped arrange bone mineral testing with her employer, Advance Mobile Services. The $20 fee was donated back to St. Thomas.

TIMZ Catches On The Chaldean rapper known as TIMZ (aka Tommy Hanna) has captured a fair amount of media coverage with this new video, “Iraq,” which decries the war. He appeared on Fox News’ Hannity & Colmes on January 26 and on Mancow’s syndicated radio show on February 12. He has also fielded inquiries from Howard Stern and TV Russia.

TIMZ was nominated for Best HipHop Album at the 2006 San Diego Music Awards and is receiving much airplay on college stations.

The San Diego-based rapper is scheduled to appear in the Detroit area in April.

“Iraq” has received more than 36,000 hits on YouTube. View it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= DRiy4yfh-IM or visit www.timzonline.com.

8 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

New Number for Abuse Reports A toll-free telephone number dedicated to handing reports of abuse has been established by the Michigan Department of Human Services in Oakland County.

The number – (866) 975-5010 – is for reporting suspected adult or child abuse and neglect in Oakland County. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dhs.

New Iraq Refugee Group Established Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has announced the establishment of the Iraq Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Task Force. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky will lead this effort, building on support already provided, to coordinate refugee and IDP assistance to the region and refugee resettlement. The task force will also draw on the Department of State’s multidisciplinary expertise to devise strategies for Iraqis at risk because of their work with the U.S. Government.

The task force will focus the State Department’s coordination with other government agencies, the United Nations and other stakeholders.

Refugee Students Turned Away Refugees who have fled Iraq face a growing problem: getting their children educated in their new country.

Three-quarters of a million Iraqi

refugees now live in Jordan, mostly in Amman. But the Jordanian government has decreed that Iraqi children can only attend public school if their families have official residency in Jordan – something the vast majority of refugees lack. Most refugee families are too poor to send their children to private school.

According to the Chaldean Federation of America, the same problem is occurring in Syria and Turkey. “These children will be adults in the near future and will have lost the most basic knowledge,” said Steven Garmo, chair of CFA’s Immigration/Refugee Committee.

Grand opening ceremonies for the Clark Park Outdoor Ice Skating Arena

Chaldean-Designed Ice Arena Opens Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, along with lots of area children, were on hand for the grand opening of the Clark Park Outdoor Ice Skating Arena. Located at the Clark Park Recreational Center at 1130 Clark Street in Detroit, the $1-million arena was designed by Tucker, Young, Jackson, Tull, Inc., whose president is Chaldean George Karmo.

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MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 9

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NANA says

U.S. agrees to host more Iraqi refugees The Bush administration plans to allow about 7,000 Iraqi refugees to settle in the United States over the next year, a huge expansion at a time of mounting international pressure to help those who have fled in the nearly four-year-old war.

The United States has allowed only 463 Iraq refugees into the country since the war began, even though some 3.8 million have left. The administration has also pledged $18 million for a worldwide resettlement and relief program. The United Nations has asked for $60 million from nations around the world.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met on February 14 with U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres to outline the expanded U.S. program. The 7,000 would be resettled from nations outside Iraq where they have fled. The U.S. proposal also includes plans to offer special treatment for Iraqis still

Washington Cultural Event Includes Chaldeans

sionals, patients and community residents weigh in on the design.

“We are very focused on wellness and not just illness,” said Gerard van Grinsven, president and chief executive officer.

“This is not the elite for a few; we will honor all insurance policies.”

Lavon Ammori, Amer Fatuhi, Ala Bashir, Dhia Alazzawi, Ali Talib and Leila Kubba were among the Chaldean artists who participated in Iraqi Heritage Music Night at Washington, D.C.’s This poster featuring American University in Josephine Sarafa January. is currently adorning More than 300 people the walls of the West Bloomfield attended the event, which Township Public featured Babylonian music Some 350 people gathLibrary. Sarafa is the using the maqam and an ered at Vision in Pontiac executive director oud solo. Also featured on January 26 for a of the Chaldean Cultural Center. were 81 works of art, half fundraiser for Joey of which came from the Yasso. As reported in Mesopotamia Gallery in the January issue, Yasso Ferndale. has been hospitalized since last October The event was sponsored by the with a host of medical problems relating Cultural Office of the Embassy of to Crohn’s disease. The evening raised the Republic of Iraq in Washington. $10,414 towards his medical bills.

Poster Child

Event Raises Thousands for Yasso

ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT MICK

NOTEworthy

Many old wives tales float around the Chaldean community and we thought we’d share some of our favorites with you in this new section. Nana is, of course, everyone’s grandma who shares her advice, funny stories and words of wisdom – whether or not we want to hear them.

• Don’t kiss the bottom of a baby’s foot — they won’t walk early.

• For a stomachache, eat a hard-boiled egg.

• If you dream someone has died, don’t be sad — this means they will live a long life.

Share you own gems from Nana by emailing info@chaldeannews.com, or writing to the Chaldean News, 26555 Evergreen Road, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48076.

Left: Henry Ford executives Christine Zambricki and Gerard van Grinsven show off a prototype patient room.

Above: Dominic Bakal and Joe Kasis have fun at the Yasso party.

in the country whose cooperation with the U.S. government puts them at risk from sectarian reprisal.

Most refugees have fled to Syria and Jordan, both of which have recently tried to restrict the influx. The U.N. estimates that 40,000 to 50,000 people flee Iraq each month and have dwindling options of where to go.

The U.N. and allies have suggested the previous U.S. policy was stingy considering the U.S. role in starting the war. After the Associated Press reported the plan to allow far greater numbers to come to the United States, Jordan’s chief government spokesman did not sound impressed.

Nasser Judeh said 7,000 is still a small number compared to the 700,000 Iraqi refugees Jordan has had to accommodate.

“7,000 Iraqi refugees is just 1 percent of the number we have,” Judeh said.

10 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

Hospital Offers Hotel-Like Amenities Stained glass accents, flat-screen televisions and in-roof mini-refrigerators are among the upscale amenities included at the new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, which opens in 2008.

All rooms at the 300-bed hospital will be private, have pleasant views and are designed in accordance of the Chinese discipline feng shui, which strives to achieve harmony with the environment.

Constructed of stone, wood and other natural materials, the hospital is designed to give an “Up North” feel.

Henry Ford executives recently took members of the media on a tour of prototype hospital rooms at a warehouse in Commerce Township. The idea of the facility is to evolve as healthcare profes-

A number of organizations came together to produce the fundraiser, including Hotspot Entertainment, Limelight Entertainment, Afterlife Entertainment, Desert Rose Productions and Jado Productions.

Yasso, 29, was unable to attend the event due to a fever. He remains in Troy Beaumont Hospital. Donations can be made on Yasso’s MySpace account at http://www.myspace.com/donate4joey.

People Nabby Yono has been named Vice President of Community Relations at the Arab Chaldean Council (ACC). He has Nabby Yono been a member of the ACC Board of Directors for the past 16 years and is also a member of the Chaldean

Archdiocese of America. He also served as Chairman of the Associated Food Dealers of Michigan from 1994-1995.

Melinda Sarafa has opened a private practice, Sarafa Law LLC, in New York City. Sarafa defends individuals and businesses in all stages of criminal proceedings Melinda and related civil litiga- Sarafa tion. She was formerly a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP. Visit www.sarafalaw.com.

Faisal Arabo has been named Agent of the Year in the Greater Detroit General Office of Faisal Arabo New York Life Insurance.

A New York Life agent for 39 years, Arabo received the award in recognition of outstanding sales achievement and exemplary client service and professionalism.

Scott Salim Yaldo and Sal Yaldo have formed Bloomfield Title Agency at 2550 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills. Scott Yaldo is also an attorney in Bingham Farms and Sal Yaldo is an insurance agent for Farm Bureau Insurance in Bloomfield Hills.

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PUBLISHED BY The Chaldean News LLC

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CHALDEAN NEWS 11

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C H A I time

CHALDEANS CONNECTING

Tournament begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 for students and $40 for non-students. (248) 202-5462.

[Through Sunday, March 11] Mixed: A play by Jennifer George is performed at the Boll Family YMCA Theatre, 1401 Broadway, Detroit. It plays Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

(313) 309-9622. (Read more about ‘Mixed’ on page 36).

Skating: The Rink at Campus Martius Park is open seven days a week in the heart of downtown Detroit. (313) 963-9393 or http://www.campusmartiuspark.org/amen_icerink.htm.

[Saturday, March 3] Lenten Retreat: Madonna University hosts this event that includes lunch. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., University Center, 14221 Levan Road, Livonia. Cost is $22.

(734) 432-5524 or cmws@madonna.edu.

[Saturday, March 3 – Sunday, March 4] American Baby Faire: Expo for expectant and new families, with more than 100 exhibits. Admission is $8; kids under 12 and grandparents get in free. Rock Financial Showplace, Novi.

(248) 347-7720.

12 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT MARCH 2007

[Thursday, March 8] Sake Party: Members and guests are welcome at a Sake Party at Shenandoah Country Club beginning at 9 p.m. in the Mixed Grill. $30 includes appetizers. (248) 454-1932.

[Sunday, March 4] Health Fair: Faith-based organizations and individuals, Detroit Hope Hospital, Oak Park Medical Clinic and others, in collaboration with our Lady of Fatima Parish, offer consultations, medical education, treatment, testing and free vaccinations. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, 13500 Oak Park Boulevard (at Coolidge), Oak Park. (248) 546-9100.

[Thursday, March 8] Las Vegas Night: The Arab and Chaldean Student Law Association holds a fundraiser at the Community House in Birmingham. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; Texas Hold Em Poker

[Friday, March 9] Fashion Show: West Bloomfield High School presents its annual spring show, “Behind the Seams, The Making of a Fashion Show.” Tickets to the student-produced show are $6.

7 p.m., West Bloomfield High School Auditorium. (248) 865-6730.

[Saturday, March 10] Parenting Education Fair: Walled Lake Consolidated Schools presents its 15th annual event for parents and community members throughout Metro Detroit. Keynote Speaker Michael Gurian speaks on “The Minds of Boys and Girls: Helping Our Sons and Daughters Succeed in School and

Life.” Twenty breakout sessions on a variety of topics follow. Admission is $15 and childcare is available. To register or volunteer, call (248) 956-4200 or visit www.walledlake.k12.mi.us.

[Wednesday, March 14] Preschool: West Bloomfield School District Preschool Academy is taking registrations for the 2007-2008 school year. Children must be 3 or 4 by December. 4-6 p.m., Orchard Lake Middle School Cafeteria. There is a non-refundable registration fee; call (248) 865-6460 for details.

[Saturday, March 31] Miss Chaldean: First-time-ever beauty pageant is presented by Jado Productions. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. Royal Oak Music Theatre. (248) 284-5346 or tickets.com.

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

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MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 13

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CALC corner

2 0 0 7 :

G U I D I N G

O U R

dedication of the girls participating in the program. The outcome was an extraordinary magazine which was showcased at the Oakland County Health Division’s Prevention Directors Meeting. Anyone interested in a copy of the “We Are…” magazine can contact the CALC office at (248) 352-5018 or email us at info@calconline.org “We are all very hopeful that the Empowered Voices Program will continue for many years to come, as it plays a vital role in positively influencing and educating our young Chaldean women in the community,” stated Naoum. Empowered Voices is funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Oakland County Office of Substance Abuse Services.

SATURDAY DREAMS FULFILLED! CALC’s Girls Empowered: Kristen Sagmani works to empower girls

CALC EMPOWERS GIRLS The CALC “Empowered Voices” Program meets every Wednesday between 6- 8 p.m. at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church. The nine-month program is comprised of young Chaldean girls between the ages of 10 and 17. It is a drug prevention program that encourages young girls to make intelligent decisions in all areas of their lives. Session topics include: the negative effects of drugs and alcohol, choosing friends wisely, dating, self-esteem, education, cultural diversity and family relationships. Once a month, the girls’ mothers are invited to join in the session to encourage mother/daughter interactions, as well as to update the mothers on the progress in the program.

“Participation in the program has been very strong. To date, we have approximately 30 girls enrolled. Each week our young girls come to session eager to learn and participate,” stated Linda Naoum, Director of Empowered Voices. Some of the girls already know each other from school, but many of them met and made friends with other girls during the program, and have formed new friendships and bonding with each other.

This is the second year that the program has run in Oakland County. Last year’s program was successful as well, leading to the publication of “We Are…” magazine. The idea of this magazine was introduced to the group to allow them to have a voice within the community on what they feel are important issues that young Chaldean girls face.

Immediately, the girls loved the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with other Chaldean girls and families.

All of the articles and pictures came from the hard work and

February 18 kicked off CALC’s Saturday Dreams program.

Saturday “Dreams” (“Discovering through Recreation, Education, Adventure, and Mentoring on Saturdays”) is a year-long mentoring program which provides positive role models for at-risk Chaldean youth living in the Detroit and Oak Park Chaldean communities.

The program strives to give youth exposure and greater access to resources through field trips, educational and recreational activities one Saturday a month. More than 25 youth showed up to meet mentors. After some ice-breakers and various group activities, youth quickly bonded and became comfortable with our mentors. After providing them with snacks, youth took the snacks and ran to their favorite mentor. It was refreshing to see youth so open to meet new faces. CALC would like to thank our mentors for taking time out of their busy lives to guide our youth. Our Saturday Dreams Team Mentors are: Amal Kashat, Masar Kirma, Vanessa Kassab, Vanessa Konja, Jessica Rabban, Valerie Michael, Linda Zetouna, Vanessa Hajjar, Anita Shamoun, Sara Gebrail, Jennifer Tomina, Claudia Matti, Crystal Shounia, Lisa Sitto, Karen Konja, Mark Marouki, Johnathan Kenaya, Joseph Sesi, Carl Konja, Delon Hanni, Thomas Katou, Yasir Kaskorkis, Remon Jiddou, Mason Yono, Bryan Kassa, Trevor Babi and Brandon Sitto.

JOIN US FOR A RETREAT CALC holds its annual retreat on March 12 at St. Ephrem Center, home for the ECRC, in Bloomfield Township. The retreat will be given by Fr. Alex Kratz and the theme is “At the Foot of the Cross with Mary.”

The day-long event costs $30. Call the CALC office for details at (248) 352-5018.

C H I L D R E N

LIFE IS A GRAND ADVENTURE CALC is also in its second year of Project Venture — a prevention program for Chaldean middle- and high school-age youth in Oak Park and Detroit. The Oak Park program is held at Mar Addai Chaldean Church and the Detroit program is held at Sacred Heart Chaldean Church.

Project Venture focuses on strategies that include building self confidence, team work, cooperation, trust, service learning projects, outdoor adventure activities and a leadership camp. The program relies on Chaldean traditional values to help youth develop positive self-concept, effective social interaction skills and a community service ethic. The activities are aimed at improving decision-making skills, practicing effective communication and listening skills, strengthening self esteem, developing group process skills and increasing cultural sensitivity.

Project Venture utilizes an indirect approach to prevent substance use and related problems. CALC’s Project Venture staff has engaged youth in positive alternative activities such as walking, hiking, camping, sports and community service learning projects.

“Project Venture is marketed to youth as a fun, positive, challenging program without always a direct mention of substance abuse,” stated Dahlia Daood, Lead Facilitator for Project Venture.

“While these activities may appear to be recreational in nature, they are really challenging youth to develop positive problem-solving skills, a better self-concept and effective social interaction skills.

These types of skills will help in combating against future substance use.”

Youth in the program are always active, utilizing all of their senses while they are learning and experiencing.

They then share the results, reactions and observations in the group by processing the experience through discussion and reflection. An attempt is made to connect the completed activity to the real world in which they live.

Over the next few months, youth will be trained in the sport of baseball, and this summer will participate in a weekend adventure camp. Guest speakers are also expected to educate the youth in CPR, nutrition, drugs/violence and setting future goals. Project Venture is funded by Michigan’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

MARCH EVENTS MARCH 1

MARCH 3

MARCH 7

MARCH 16

MARCH 24

MARCH 30

Penny Drive Kickoff, Shenandoah Country Club

Read to Me, 1 p.m., Oak Park

Heart Smart, 7 p.m., Shenandoah Country Club

Learn to Dance, 7 p.m.

Saturday Dreams, Detroit and Oak Park

Easter Basket Drive for Needy Families

14 CHALDEAN NEWS

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Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan Salutes the

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to feed our hungry neighbors.

Too many of our neighbors are hungry.

Too many of our neighbors often must choose between paying for food or utilities or between food and medicine.

Too many parents may be choosing not to eat so their children can have a meal instead.

One million people in Michigan will need emergency food this year, and the members of the Chaldean American Chamber are aiming for a goal of 400,000 meals to feed their hungry neighbors.

Thank you.

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MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 15

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HALHOLE!

[Births]

Alexander Firas God’s most beautiful thoughts bloom into children and He has blessed us with great joy by giving us a baby boy!

Alexander Firas Shaia was born on July 29, 2006 at 1:21 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz. and measured 20 inches.

His joyful first-time parents are Firas and Lydia Shaia.

Alexander is the first grandchild for Adel & Majida Shaia and the second grandchild for Basil & Nancy Boji. Proud godparents are Alexander’s uncle and aunt, Fabian & Vanessa Boji.

Alexander Firas

Marcella Georgette Marino Seman is proud to announce the birth of his new baby sister, Marcella Georgette. She was born on January 4, 2007, weighing 5 lbs., 15 oz. Proud parents are Mark and Nicole Seman.

Marcella is the third grandchild to Bassim Seman and Sally Seman and the second for Marino & Yvonne Riccardi.

Marcella Georgette

Angelo Michael

SOUTHFIELD PEDIATRIC PHYSICIANS George L. Blum, M.D. Robert M. Blum, D.O. Marshall Blondy, M.D.

Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Evening and weekend appointments available

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Carrie Busch, M.D. We participate with the Vaccine for Children Program

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16 CHALDEAN NEWS

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Angelo Michael Boji Jr. was born on November 7, 2006.

He weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz. and was 19 inches long. Proud parents are Angelo and Raghad Boji. Angelo Jr. is the fourth grandchild for Basil & Nancy Boji and the eighth for Layla & the late Sabah Shaba.

[Births]

Ava Quinn From God’s hands to ours …

He has truly blessed us a second time! Zayda Lynn is extremely excited to announce the arrival of her new baby sister and BFFL, Ava Quinn.

Ava graced us with her presence on September 17, 2006 at 9:46 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs., 5 oz. and measured 19 inches. Ava’s proud parents are Fabian and Vanessa Boji.

Ava is the third grandchild for Basil & Nancy Boji, and the second for Basem (Joe) & Donna Simaan. Proud godparents are Ava’s aunts, Allison and Carly Simaan.

Angelo Michael

Ava Quinn

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[Engagements]

Rita and Robert After being best friends for 13 years Robert Jundy and Rita Francis are taking the next step to become husband and wife.

Robert is son of Safa & Fawda Jundy and Rita is the daughter of Intisar Najor. May their love be modern enough to survive the times and old fashioned to last forever.

Jeffery and Krystal George and Nadia Hermiz are proud to announce the engagement of their son, Jeffery Hermiz, to Krystal Dickow, daughter of Gene and Therese Dickow. The couple plans a May 2008 wedding at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church, followed by a reception at Shenandoah Country Club.

The best man will be Jason Hermiz and the maid of honor will be Candace Dickow.

Christopher and Madonna Christopher Arabo and Madonna Awdish are engaged and plan an April 2008 wedding. Christopher’s parents are Salah & Samira Arabo, and Madonna’s parents are Mike & Raidah Awdish. The wedding will take place at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church with a reception following at Penna’s of Sterling Heights.

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Christopher and Jennifer Christopher Karim and Jennifer Konja were married on September 30, 2006 at Mother of God Church followed by a reception at Shenandoah Country Club.

Christopher is the son of Mamoon & Maysoon Karim and Jennifer is the daughter of Salman & Rejina Konja. The brother of the groom, Derrick Karim, was the best man; Jennifer’s best friend, Reem Mansoor, was the maid of honor. The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii.

Christopher and Madonna

Jennifer and Christopher MARCH 2007

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HALHOLE!

[Weddings]

Miaad and Julie Miaad Manna & Julie Marougi Kattula were married on October 29, 2006 at St. Thomas Catholic Church.

The reception was held at Shenandoah Country Club.

Miaad is the son of Abed & Nasra Manna and Julie is the daughter of Salwa Marougi Kattula & the late Karim Marougi Kattula. The best man was Robert Manna, first cousin of the groom, and Julie’s best friend, Gehan Khoshi, was maid of honor.

The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in the Caribbean.

Miaad and Julie

Samantha and Vincent Vincent Sitto and Samantha Hakim were married on September 24, 2006. Vincent is the son of Farid & Rafida Sitto, and Samantha’s parents are Zuhair & Amira Hakim.

The couple honeymooned in Hawaii.

Samantha and Vincent

Zahi and Lisa Zahi Kassab and Lisa Shayota were married on September 3, 2006 at Mother of God Church. The ceremony was followed by a joyous reception at Bella Banquet Hall.

Zahi, a Novi firefighter, is the son of Amir & Khalida Kassab.

Lisa, an early childhood teacher, is the daughter of Wisam & Ibtisam Shayota.

Zahi’s cousin, Kevin Matti, was the best man. Martha Shayota, Lisa’s aunt, was the maid of honor. The couple enjoyed a relaxing Hawaiian honeymoon.

SHARE YOUR WITH THE

Lisa and Zahi

JOY

COMMUNITY!

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.

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RELIGION

PLACES OF PRAYER THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE

CHALDEAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. Emanuel Shaleta

25603 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48033, 248-351-0440 Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim www.chaldeandiocese.org

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

MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; 248-356-0565 RECTOR: Rev. Manuel Boji PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Wisam Matti MASS SCHEDULE: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. in Sourath (Aramaic) and Arabic, Tuesday 5:50 p.m. in Sourath and Arabic, Saturday 5:30 p.m. in English, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in Arabic and Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath

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

45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI; (586) 254-7221 MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday: 10 a.m. in Sourath, 12 p.m. in English and Sourath,

ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 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

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

MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 24010 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, 248-547-4648

ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH

PASTOR: Rev. Stephen Kallabat

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

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

obituaries

Naim Haisha Naim Haisha passed to eternal life on January 9, 2007 at the age of 84.

Believing that you should never let a happy moment pass you by, Naim lived life to the fullest. He was a carpenter — a master of his trade — and made a name for himself in furniture making.

His family was his greatest pride, and everything he did was to bring joy to all those around him. He used to say, “I don’t want the money of the world, my children are my treasures.” He had a pure love; it was never selfish, always humble and constantly giving. To Naim, there was never a problem with no solution, there was never a moment that was not worth celebrating, and there was never a topic closed for discussion. He truly was a man who exhibited great wisdom and was an inspiration in the way he treated other people. His favorite pastimes were traveling with his wife, camping with 20 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

his grandchildren and going to the coffee shop with his friends.

Naim suffered from a stroke for the last seven years, and his family was truly blessed to have had him in their presence for so long. He is survived by his beloved wife Widad; his children, Janan and her husband Sabah Senawi, Vivian and her husband Samir Shabilla, Faris I and his wife Janine, Steve and his wife Ban; and his dearest grandchildren, Dounia, David, Dionne, Melody, Nahrain, Adday, Marri, Contessa, Faris II, Norman, Angelina, and Michael.

Mary Hakim Najor In loving memory of Mary Hakim Najor, wife of the late John J. Najor, also known as Meme to her grandchildren. She was born on February 27, 1927, and left us on January 23, 2007. She loved her children dearly and equally, George (Eman) Roumaya, Bernadate (Amir) Benny,

John J. Najor Jr., Patrick M. Najor and Andrew J. Najor. She loved all nine of her grandchildren whom she helped raise, and her two great-grandchildren.

Mary was one of a kind. She was a loving and generous woman who lived a simple life.

Whatever life threw at her she did her best to deal with the situation. When anyone stopped by to visit her, she always had coffee, tea and food ready. She loved talking about her husband’s family and relatives both here and back home in Iraq. She loved attending relatives’ weddings, dancing, socializing and having fun. You would always find her in the traditional line dance the moment it began. She loved helping people who were in need and always attended mass services. She spoke her mind about things dear to her heart. She will always be with us in our hearts and minds.

You brought us so much joy and laughter we haven’t felt in a very long time. We weren’t there when you passed away to spend the final moments by your side. We would be blind not to see and appreciate how you touched all our hearts and helped us through all the changes in our lives, even through the worst of times that we thought would never end. We will see you again in heaven.

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ECONOMICS & enterprise

PHOTO BY DAVID REED

Man at Work: Website helps job seekers

BY STEVE STEIN

ooking to make money doing a side job?

Check out Jobberz.com, a free online classified advertising service started by Chaldean Shawn Hanaee.

“That’s my side job,” said Hanaee, 31, who is employed full-time by Sprint Nextel. He’s been an account executive based at the company’s corporate office in Farmington Hills for seven years and he’s been in the wireless industry for 13 years.

The Sterling Heights resident’s oneyear-old website is called Jobberz.com (www.Jobberz.com). About 1,600 advertisers from across the United States are registered, most from Michigan. Some are from the state’s Chaldean community. There also are numerous advertisers from California, New York, Illinois and Georgia.

Hanaee came up with the idea for the website in February 2004 when he decided to renovate his home without using a contractor. “I asked friends and family if they could recommend people who do certain home improvements,” he said. “I soon began to realize that it seems like everyone has connections to competent people who do side jobs.”

Most of the workers Hanaee hired to work on his home were employed full-time in another industry. For example, there was the carpenter who also was a car salesman and the electrician

L

Shawn Hanaee founded Jobberz.com a year ago.

who also was an eighth-grade teacher.

After the renovation was complete, Hanaee figured he spent about onesixth the cost of hiring professionals.

When Hanaee did some home repair work last summer, it cost him just $200 to have his air conditioner fixed, and two toilets were repaired for $50 – all thanks to finding workers on Jobberz.com.

It took several months for Hanaee to teach himself how to design and monitor his website before he got it up and running. He checks it daily for shady advertisers and he’s had to give a few the boot.

Jim Bartlett of Troy was one of the first advertisers to sign up with Jobberz.com, and he’s one of its

biggest fans. “I was starting a computer service and repair business about a year ago, and I wanted to advertise online without spending tons of money,” Bartlett said. “Shawn’s website obviously is a good deal because it’s free, and I don’t need to pay for worldwide exposure. I only travel to do work in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula and northern Ohio.”

Bartlett said he’s been getting four or five jobs a month from his Jobberz.com ad.

Hanaee said his biggest challenge is getting prospective advertisers to trust Jobberz.com because so many Internet businesses have come and gone. Once advertisers are on board, Hanaee feels it’s important to

1152950

22 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

not intrude on their time.

“I don’t send out bulletins or newsletters,” Hanaee said. “My advertisers only hear from me when I send wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas or Happy New Year.”

Hanaee doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be able to offer his jobs service for free. He’s trying to be patient even though his Internet hosting costs have risen from $9.95 to $130 per month. He’s hoping to get enough people registered at Jobberz.com to attract the attention of a big Internet company like Google or Yahoo!

A 1994 Oak Park High School graduate, Hanaee is married to Marine.

They have two children, Helena, 5, and Anthony, 3.

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We also host and sponsor dozens of fundraising events for local and national charities each year.

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stepping up Will Warren get its first Chaldean mayor?

BY JOYCE WISWELL

W

Steenbergh’s characterization of Warren as a “fortress.” “We are not an island,” he said. “I would meet with other communities – Detroit, Oak Park, Ferndale. We all have a lot of same issues.”

Warren is divided by I-696, a “DMZ” (demilitarized zone) mentality Sulaka pledges to change.

“We need to be sure that landlords are keeping up their properties. When you look at 14 Mile and Schoenherr and 8 Mile and Dequindre, it sometimes looks like two different communities.”

Developing a downtown area, which Warren presently lacks, is a key issue. “I’d love to get a PHOTO BY DAVID REED

arren mayoral candidate Richard Sulaka remembers going door to door for votes more than 10 years ago when he ran for City Council. Not realizing his ethnicity, one woman mentioned that the city’s woes were the fault of the “damn Chaldeans.” After Sulaka spent time talking with her, she ended up putting his lawn sign in front of her house.

Now that he’s running for mayor, Sulaka is braced for more anti-Chaldean sentiments. “Warren has a reputation for rough-and-tumble politics,” he said.

“I’ve heard that my opponents will use my ethnic background against me. They’ll put me on a camel with a turban and a machine gun and paint me as a terrorist. Most residents are probably not aware of the difference between Arabs and Chaldeans.”

Sulaka, a Democrat, said he does not plan to base his campaign on the fact that he is Chaldean. “I happen to be Chaldean, which I’m very proud of, but I want to talk about issues and my vision for the city of Warren.”

That vision includes conducting an audit of city finances; eliminating the position of deputy mayor; ending the practice of political consultants working out of City Hall; and returning the city’s cable TV station to the citizens instead of political interests.

Sulaka hopes to raise $250,000 for the primary election on August 7. He raised nearly half that in just two weeks in February with two fundraisers.

“The Chaldean community understands that I am proud of my ethnic heritage and that I appreciate their support,” Sulaka said.

Sulaka, 51, has lived in Warren for 40 years. A firstgeneration Chaldean, he has been involved in city politics for 17 years, serving on the Planning Commission and being elected to the City Council. He has been City Clerk, an elected position, since 1999. He and his Italian-American wife, Giovanna, have three children, two of whom are active in the Chaldean American Student Association at the University of Michigan.

The family belongs to Shenandoah Country Club.

Warren, Michigan’s third-largest city, is ethnically diverse with a population that includes Chaldeans, Arabs, Italians, Poles, African-Americans, Asians and Ukraines. Sulaka estimates that 5 percent of the city’s population is comprised of Chaldeans and Arabs.

The current administration, led by term-limited Mark Steenbergh, “has operated by threats and intimidation,” Sulaka charged. He takes issue with

Barnes & Noble, a Champps restaurant, and make a downtown that is a gathering place,” Sulaka said.

Also key to Sulaka’s campaign is the promise not to pick residents’ pockets.

“I will never raise taxes unless it’s from a vote of the people,” he said. “And you can quote me on that.”

Sulaka declined to say if his political ambitions go further than Warren. “Right now I just want to be mayor,” he said. “But you never say never in politics.”

Learn more about Sulaka’s campaign at www.SulakaForMayor.com.

“The Chaldean community understands that I am proud of my ethnic heritage and that I appreciate their support.”

– RICHARD SULAKA

The candidate mixes with Fran Denardis and Emily Dettloff at a recent fundraiser.

MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 25

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Line cook Raid Polis assists Chef Lee at his Shenandoah debut.

someone’s in the kitchen Shenandoah’s Lee Sharkas one of many Chaldean chefs

D

iscerning diners at the Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield may have tasted a hint of “home cooking” in their meals lately. In January, Lee Sharkas grabbed hold of the reins in the country club’s kitchen, becoming the first Chaldean to assume the title of executive chef at Shenandoah.

“He’s an excellent chef and has a very strong background — the total package,” said Shenandoah General Manager Kamel Kassem. “He has an excellent reputation in the city, working at Andiamo for so many years, which is one of the premier restaurants in Michigan. He brings experience and innovation to the kitchen.”

Lee, a one-time college student who was studying to become an accountant, worked for the Andiamo restaurant group, which owns 10 Italian restaurants in Metro Detroit. After 14 years, he left in November for a stint at Commerce Grille in Commerce Township,

where he was executive chef.

Lee plans to enhance the Shenandoah menu. “We’re going to keep our traditional Mediterranean cuisine, but we’re also going to add to the menu,” said Lee, 38. “Since I’m trained in Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine, they now get both sides of the fence. Our banquet food is going to change. It’s going to be very competitive in quality and pricing. I want more people to have their weddings here — our members and the general public.”

GROWING INFLUENCE Sharkas isn’t the only Chaldean working in the kitchens of Metro Detroit. Culinary arts may not be the first career field many Chaldean parents have in mind for their children, but Lee and at least four others — including his older brothers Louai and Sam — have broken the mold.

“The culinary trade was kind of out of the question.” said Louai Sharkas, who started working in restaurant kitchens as a teenager. “It

PHOTO BY DAVID REED

BY KEN MARTEN

NAME

AGE

Lee Sharkas, chef at Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield 38

FAMILY

Wife Marci, daughter Alexia, son Andrew

CITY

Commerce Township

SIGNATURE DISHES

Filleto de Monzo a la Fungi; Filleto de Monzo a la Tartufo; organic chicken breast

wasn’t considered a professional career. My parents found out about it and made me quit. One of the chefs talked to my father and asked him if I could work at least a couple days a week.”

Louai, 43, worked at Jacque’s Le Petite Jardin, Bijou and Douglass Douglass — all French restaurants in Southfield — training under the disciplined eyes of European chefs while earning a degree in accounting at Walsh College. Louai was the executive chef at Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel before taking the same position at Zinc Brasserie Wine Bar in West Bloomfield five years ago.

Zinc’s menu reflects Louai’s training, offering an array of French and Mediterranean entrees.

“My style is very Mediterranean.

It’s close to my own culture’s cuisine,” Louai said. “Any chef’s training starts with classical French cuisine. You learn the French mother sauces, then you can learn any other sauces in the world. Then you develop your own palate and learn other cuisines.”

BAND OF BROTHERS Louai was the family’s trailblazer.

Brother Sam, 39, started working at Andiamo Italia in Warren in 1990, leaving twice over the years to start his own restaurants but ultimately returning to Andiamo.

“I brought Lee to Andiamo; he came in two or three years after I did,” Sam said. “When it comes to food, we’re very competitive.”

Sam left Andiamo for the third time in December and is now manager-in-training at Charlie’s Crab in Troy.

“I love seafood, and that’s one of the things that attracted me to Charlie’s Crab,” Sam said. “I love all types of food, and I’ll only go to specific places to eat certain dishes. I’m very picky. There’s only one place in the area where I’ll actually eat pizza, KITCHEN

Continued on page 28 MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 27

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KITCHEN

Continued from page 27 and only two places in Dearborn where I’ll eat Arabic food.”

Like his brothers, Sam was attending school when he found his true calling.

“I was actually taking accounting classes at Oakland Community College, but I was fascinated by all the smells and the food that the students were preparing in the culinary arts program,” Sam said. “I followed my real interest.”

Sam’s approach to preparing food is built upon the advice of an old friend who told him that simplicity is the key.

“Food has to stay simple,” Sam said. “When you add this and you add that, you’re drowning the food.

Don’t make it too complex and use the freshest ingredients. Stay away from frozen fish and frozen meats.”

Lee echoes the importance of freshness while emphasizing the intermingling of different foods.

“When I sit down to have a meal,

The sous-chef is subordinate to the head chef. Attisha likened it an internship. In this case, the intern learns how to balance and blend the flavors and textures that are the hallmark of any great meal. He also learns how to nurture his own palate and create signature dishes.

“Most of it starts with inspiration from ideas you’ve seen maybe on TV or in a magazine, then you put your own ideas into it,” said Attisha, 26. “You’re always learning. You can never learn enough. I want the food to be as extravagant as it can be.”

Attisha’s next step is to become a head chef, but his dream is to own a restaurant. Chaldean chef Carl Hakim had a similar dream, and it became reality seven years ago when he opened Market Basket of Franklin with partners Robert Esshaki and Chris Thomas, Hakim’s cousin. Initially an old country market, the partners transformed it into a New York-style deli.

“We had architects go to New

PHOTOS BY DAVID REED

CN_0307_0144

NAME

AGE

Carl Hakim, co-owner of Market Basket of Franklin 46

FAMILY

Wife Azucena, daughters Carly and Kaitlyn

CITY

West Bloomfield

SIGNATURE DISHES

Baked poached salmon with mustard dill sauce; three-day marinated tenderloin; white macaroni and cheese with lobster

NAME

AGE FAMILY

CITY SIGNATURE DISHES

Louai Sharkas, chef at Zinc Brasserie Wine Bar in West Bloomfield 43 Wife Likaa, daughter Lorna, son Christian Troy Kafta kebabs, white rice and vegetable stew; bouillabaisse

“A lot of cooking is in the blood. I learned it from my mom, making people happy and fulfilling them with a good meal. I’m the youngest of eight kids, and I’ve always been around food.”

I look for different flavors and textures that work together, that create a harmony,” Lee said. “Italians, for example, are masters of combining melon and prosciutto. The melon is soft and has a sweet taste. The prosciutto is salty and has a chewy texture. The combination has a wellbalanced flavor and texture.”

Lee left an impression on budding Chaldean chef Martin Attisha, sous-chef at Andiamo Riverfront in Detroit, who worked under Lee for nearly six years.

“He’s a great chef,” Attisha said of Lee. “I learned a lot from him — certain methods and procedures on how to cook certain things. Lee’s very creative and he took me to the next level.”

The teacher was equally complimentary of his former student.

“He’s going to be a star some day,” Lee said. “He’s a talented, hardworking guy, and he’s a good listener.”

28 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

York and visit delis like Balducci, Dean & DeLuca and Garden of Eden,” Hakim said. “Our store is modeled after them. People from Manhattan come in and say they feel like they’re home.”

The key to Market Basket’s success is variety. It prepares meals for takeout and delivery, handles catering and sells fresh produce, meat, seafood and baked goods. The patio is open to diners in warmer months, and Hakim’s sister, Joanne, runs a gift basket business in the basement.

Hakim, 46, got his start working “for many years” the kitchens of the Market Square restaurant franchise.

“A lot of cooking is in the blood,” Hakim said. “I learned it from my mom, making people happy and fulfilling them with a good meal. I’m the youngest of eight kids, and I’ve always been around food.”

Hakim’s mother, Norma, continues to wield her influence. She’s one of Market Basket’s 20 employees.

NAME

AGE

Bassam “Sam” Sharkas, manager-in-training at Charlie’s Crab in Troy 39 NAME

FAMILY

CITY SIGNATURE DISHES

– CARL HAKIM

Wife Hala, son Peter, daughter Natalie West Bloomfield Tutto Di Mari (“all of the sea”); Osso Buco (braised veal shank)

AGE FAMILY

CITY SIGNATURE DISHES

Martin Attisha, souschef at Andiamo Riverfront in Detroit 26 Single Warren Blackened halibut, onion breaded salmon

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PHOTO BY ALEX LUMELSKY

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Norma Hakim reminisces with an old family photo.

pioneering women Remembering the early days of immigration

BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL

M

etro Detroit is highly concentrated with Chaldeans, but it wasn’t always this way.

In the 1930s, the early days of immigration, things were very different for the first Chaldeans who settled in America.

Norma Hakim, the mother of eight from Beverly Hills, is among some of the first settlers in the United States. She was only 11 1/2 years old when she left her village of Telkaif. She did not travel alone, being accompanied by her 23-yearold husband, Karim, whom she had recently married in her homeland.

It took more than 30 days for the newlyweds to arrive to America by ship. “It was a beautiful boat, the SS Escambia,” Hakim recalled. “We dressed up every night, and we even stopped in Paris.”

30 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

Despite the thrilling experience, it was still a difficult trip for Hakim. She was lonesome for her family and unfamiliar with Western culture, particularly the food. “I remember that all I ate were hardboiled eggs and potatoes,” Hakim said with a chuckle. “I was not used to the American food.”

When the newlyweds arrived in New York in 1937, Hakim was detained overnight on Ellis Island because immigration officials did not believe that she was married at such a young age.

“Things were very different in our culture in those days,” Hakim said. “It was very normal for girls to marry at a young age.”

Jamila Thomas of Southfield was also detained on Ellis Island when she reached America in 1936, because she had glaucoma. Just 12 years old,

Thomas was traveling with her new husband, Alexander, on the Queen Mary. She had to be separated from her husband for six months.

“I stayed in a hostel on Ellis Island,” Thomas recalled. “That’s where I learned English.”

Thomas was eventually reunited with her husband, who had threatened to return to Iraq unless officials allowed her to complete her travel to Michigan.

Hakim and Thomas left practically their entire families behind when they immigrated to the U.S. They found that very little was familiar to them in Michigan; there were barely 10 Chaldean families living in the area. “I did not know anyone,” Thomas said. “But everyone was so friendly to me.”

PHOTO BY ALEX LUMELSKY

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HAPPY TOGETHER Hania Abbo, a longtime resident of Southfield, shared similar feelings. She also traveled on the Queen Mary, but was accompanied by her extended family. At 18, she found it difficult to be in a country with so few people she knew and could identify with, but she quickly found her place in the community.

“I was glad to leave Telkaif, to find opportunities and work in America,” said Abbo. “But first of all, I missed my family. I had never left Telkaif. I did not know anyone at first. There weren’t so many people here then. But we were all together all of the time.

We were like a family. We were all like cousins.”

Abbo took as active a role as she possibly could in the small yet growing Chaldean community, participating in church activities and clubs. “I was one of the first ladies to drive, and was the first Chaldean to be honored as Mother of the Year,” Abbo said. “The mayor of Detroit gave me a key to the city, and I also received a beautiful purse.”

While most of the early Chaldean settlers were not related, they came to grow as strong as any family. “We were all very happy together back then,” Victoria Kattula recalled fondly.

“Even though we didn’t know each other at first, we got used to each other.”

Kattula, who lives in Commerce Township, emigrated from Baghdad in 1936 on the Queen Mary. At 17, she had never left home before. “I was seasick, lonesome for my family. It was very hard for me to separate from them,” she said. “When I came to Michigan, all of the Chaldeans were from Telkaif. They would tease me about my accent. But we all loved each other.”

Abbo, Hakim, Kattula and Thomas all remember their beginnings in Michigan warmly. While they might have had to adjust their lifestyles, they always had help from one another.

“We were really a family,” said Abbo. “The Chaldeans were all there for each other, to help each other. It was real love.”

Thomas agreed. “In the beginning, every family that would come to Michigan, we would visit,” she said. “We prayed together, went to church together and our children played together. We took care of each other.”

Hakim too remembers how close the first Chaldeans were. “I was lonesome for my family the first

year,” she said. “I was so lucky to have my loving husband and my in-laws, especially my two sister in-laws. They helped me learn and we were always there for each other. I thank God for that every day.”

The women were each very eager to learn, but recall that they were not able to take advantage of the same opportunities that young Chaldeans have today. “When I left Baghdad, the only English I knew was ‘How are you?’ and ‘Good morning,’” said Kattula. “But I learned from my Chaldean friends, my children, from the television, from shopping.”

She and Abbo were lucky to have tutors for a short while, and although all four women attended school for a few years and learned to read, write and speak excellent English, the responsibilities of marriage and family were soon upon them.

Thomas is proud of how Chaldeans have grown since the 1930s. “There is so much life to Chaldeans. They are very smart and educated,” she said. “Our husbands did not all have the chance to go to school and become educated because they had to work right away.”

“Most of us worked in the grocery store business,” Hakim said. “We came right after the Depression, so there were some hard times. But we still made the best of everything. We had company every night. Chaldeans would come over each other’s homes all of the time.”

As more and more Chaldeans continue to emigrate from Iraq and other countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to know each other these days.

“We just have to keep working hard with our families to keep our culture,” Hakim said. “We just have to keep going to church and spending time with each other.”

Top to bottom: Jamila Thomas with her husband, Murad, and first child, Frank, in 1939. At the time this photo was taken, Jamila was pregnant with her second child, Alex.

Norma Hakim (right) with her family in Iraq circa 1935: brothers Salman (left) and Lateef, and mother Norme Dalaly.

The Queen Mary, a ship many early Chaldean immigrants traveled on.

MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 31

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building a chaldean ‘palace’ Facility will be ‘Shenandoah of the East’

BY KEN MARTEN

C

haldeans living on Metro Detroit’s east side are enhancing their presence. The St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 9154, which boasts of membership of about 270, is building a new clubhouse that’ll also serve as a banquet hall.

Its official name, for now, is the East Side Palace. But council president Jamal Bakou, 50, said the name could change if someone submits an ear-catching suggestion.

“Already, they call it the ‘Shenandoah of the east side,’” Bakou said, referencing the Chaldeanowned Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield. “The outside is done. Now we’re working on the inside. I’m hoping that within three or four months, the work will be done.”

Despite the implication tied to the Palace’s unofficial nickname, Bakou rejects the sometimes popular belief that the east and westside Chaldeans compete against one another like sibling rivals.

“We are a very, very tight community, and I like to keep a bridge between the eastside and westside,” said Bakou, a Clinton Township resident. “There is no competition.”

said. “We also plan to rent it to the public for weddings, engagement parties and other activities.”

Bakou said total construction costs are between $1.5 and $2 million. It’s being financed by selling shares in the Palace at $2,000 a share.

“I want everyone to have a brick in there,” Bakou said. “What I need is for the whole Chaldean community to come forward and help with this. We’re okay with money for this, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little more.”

To help raise funds, the council is selling raffle tickets for a new Mercury Grand Marquis. The winner will be selected at the Palace grand opening.

The East Side Palace is on Mound Road in Sterling Heights between 16 Mile and 17 Mile roads, about a mile north of the council’s old building.

“That is actually the center of the Chaldean church communities,” Bakou said. “We’re right in the middle.”

St. Joseph Catholic Chaldean Parish, to which the council is affiliated, is to the west on Big Beaver Road in Troy. St. George Chaldean Catholic Church is to the north on Dequindre Road in Shelby Township.

Once the council settles into the East Side Palace, Bakou plans to grow its membership by focusing on the younger generation.

“My No. 1 concern next year will be youth,” he said. “We’re targeting the young kids to make them members and to teach them Bible study. My life is to serve the community and the church.”

The Knights of Columbus has councils across the country. Its national headquarters encourages charitable programs to begin at the grassroots level to meet local needs. Bakou said the main focus of the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 9154 is helping children with cognitive disabilities.

Bakou, who owns the Marysville Plaza with his four brothers and is also a sales representative for U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, has been a member of the council for 24 years and president for the last six.

He credits his predecessor, former council president Louis Essak, for realizing the Chaldean community’s needs and beginning the effort to build a new hall.

“There’s a demand,” Bakou said. “The Chaldean community on the eastside is growing.”

The council’s former facility on Mound, nearly 100 years old, is approximately 2,000 square feet and has the meager capacity of 150. It revealed its age via a litany of maintenance problems. Bakou said the new facility, built from the ground up on vacant land, is approximately 9,000 square feet and will accommodate about 500 guests.

“It’ll be open for everyday activities for our members,” Bakou

Jamal Bakou stands in front of the construction site.

WIN A NEW CAR! PHOTO BY NORA BAHROU DOWNS

32 CHALDEAN NEWS

MARCH 2007

Buy a raffle ticket to help finance the East Side Palace Knights of Columbus.

You could win a new Mercury Grand Marquis. Tickets are $25. Call Jamal Bakou at (586) 263-1974 or (586) 216-6583. Shares in the East Side Palace are also available.

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‘Forbidden Fruits’ explores interracial relationships

BY MICHELLE NAJOR LUTFY

emptation. A word that is as old as civilization itself. Human beings are drawn and enticed to many things thought to be taboo, off-limits, forbidden.

In a new DVD release of the independent film Forbidden Fruits, this topic of temptation is explored and chronicled through interracial and intercultural relationships. But perhaps most intriguing to local viewers is that this film spotlights Chaldeans and Arabs in intimate relationships with African Americans, and in the city of Detroit.

Almost as long as Chaldeans began to settle in as Detroit business owners, there have been racial tensions with the African-American community. However, many people continue to deny that racial tensions exist between these two cultures. The stories and characters portrayed in the film pointedly send a different message. In a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet, it probes into romantic relationships among three very diverse cultures: Muslim Arab-Americans, Christian African-Americans, and Catholic Chaldean-Americans. Deep

T

secrets of violence and even murder are implied to exist when these cultures intimately collide.

As difficult as some scenes are to watch, the main theme is poignant and strikingly haunting. It forces viewers to examine their own prejudices and fears.

However, highlighted amid the backdrop of this heavy subject matter is the city of Detroit in a pleasantly pleasing light. Marc Cayce, writer/director/producer and actor in the film, chose to portray his native Detroit city as clean, well-kept and vibrant.

At times, the premise of this film makes it very difficult to watch. One would like to believe that violence in the name of love does not exist. This film wants to make it perfectly clear that prejudice is alive and well, and retribution is fair game when it comes to inter-racial and inter-cultural relationships in our local communities.

The film demonstrates the dangers and difficulties that two couples endure when they try to carry out their unconventional affairs. One of the two “forbidden” relationships involves a Catholic Chaldean college student

who falls in love with the nephew of a prominent and wealthy AfricanAmerican preacher. The Chaldean actress is Royal Oak native Jamie Sousou, who plays Crystal in the film.

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.

The second storyline centers on a Christian African-American girl and her Muslim Arab-American boyfriend.

Their relationship ends with a more positive outcome, and is ultimately viewed with tolerance and semiacceptance from their families.

Carefully weaved throughout the film are the threads of racial tension, whispers and pressure that intercultural

affairs typically encounter. The viewer can’t help but consider that the majority of these liaisons eventually surrender to fear, intimidation and scrutiny.

Aside from the main premise of intercultural intolerance, other themes are made apparent through various subplots, including wealth, entitlement, greed, pride, cultural assimilation, religion and politics. In documentary-like fashion, Cayce goes to great lengths to educate the viewer who may not be familiar with these three cultures, and how they are so intertwined in cities like Detroit.

Just as Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden, the crux of this film illustrates that indeed yielding to the temptation of “forbidden fruits” can lead to an underground world of racism and violence.

However, Cayce ends the film with an inspiring scene that leaves the viewer with the impression that prejudice and intolerance within the parameters of love can indeed be overcome. Admitting that it may sound simplistic, in an audio voiceover at the end of the film he asks the viewer to remember the question of Rodney King, whose police beating led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots: “Why can’t we just all get along?” A tempting thought to reflect upon.

Forbidden Fruits can be purchased online at Blockbuster.com or Amazon.com.

MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 35

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ARTS & entertainment

‘mixing’ it up New play addresses race and diversity

BY JEREMY HULL

T

here’s a bully in the system in America, says Jennifer George. The Ferndale playwright believes the bully to be racism, and Caucasians the meek bystanders unwilling to help The cast of “Mixed”: Ann Ledbetter (left), Anton Berry, Kerry Banish, Yusef Thomas and Shaquanna Meeks. minorities victimized by the bully.

“White people are just happy they’re not being Within each act are ensembles that include as Knowing that she was half-Chaldean – but not hit with racism, but that doesn’t make it right,” said looking the part – served as the basis for an eye- many as 10 actors, which eventually lead into charGeorge. “It’s important for everyone to stand up. If opening encounter while working at a Wayne State acter monologues by a single actor on the stage. you don’t say anything, then it’s almost as if you’re University bookstore during the first Gulf War. The ensembles involve various issues of contempocollaborating with that racist mentality.”

After a customer mentioned that her son was in the rary society, including “It’s Time,” which calls for Spurred by this belief, George, 37, began several Marines, George replied that her boyfriend at the social advancement, and “Daddy,” which speaks to years ago writing “Mixed,” a play involving the the father crisis in America. time was also serving in the Marines. themes of bi-racial identity, discrimination and George believes that with its themes of discrim“The woman then said, ‘I just can’t stand all of the abandonment that culminated with a locally creatArabs on campus…I just want to spit on them when I ination, ignorance and reconciliation, “Mixed” will ed theatrical production at the Boll Family YMCA see them,’” recalled George. “I felt that if I looked more get people talking locally about topics normally Theatre in Detroit. George also received inspiration considered taboo.

Chaldean then she wouldn’t have said anything.” from candid discussions on race with AfricanAmerican friends, talking with her students at “I think the play’s going to drop a little bomb on the Detroit area, and Marygrove College and Oakland Community I think it’s going to serve as a springboard for discussion.” – JENNIFER GEORGE College and reading works by such anti-racism activists as Tim Wise.

“I think the play’s going to drop a little bomb on Looking different sits as the very core of Among the greatest inspiration for “Mixed” was “Mixed.” Presented in three acts, it tells the story of the Detroit area, and I think it’s going to serve as a George’s upbringing. Born in Granada, Spain, to a three generations of African-American women in springboard for discussion,” she said. “There are a lot Chaldean father and an American mother, her parthe post-Civil War South. The youngest, May, of wounds here, and I think people really need to start ents divorced when she was 3 years old. George begins asking her grandmother, Roberta, why she talking.” returned to the Metro Detroit area with her mothraised her and why she is a different color. er and brother, with her father following several “The granddaughter’s questions provide an impe- “Mixed” runs every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and years later. Growing up with ethnically diverse parSundays at 4 p.m. through March 11 at the Boll Family tus for them to touch on issues the family had never YMCA Theatre, 1401 Broadway in Detroit. Tickets are $25 ents, George said she always viewed herself as being really faced,” said George. “Those discussions help and $18 for senior citizens and students. For ticket informadifferent from other Caucasians, even though she tion, call (313) 309-9622 or visit www.ymcametrodetroit.org. them to close the circle and find a healing place.” didn’t look like relatives from her father’s family.

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Keeping the Books: It’s easy with professional help hristine Loussia loves a challenge. Give her box after box of old check stubs, bank statements, invoices from vendors and payroll receipts, and she’s off and running. Presto! Your jumbled financial information is transformed into an easyto-use system that enhances how you do business.

Loussia is the owner of Keeping the Books, which specializes in helping small companies manage their finances. Loussia, who has a bachelor’s of science degree in finance from Wayne State University, founded the business in August 2005 with her classmate Melanie Nafsu.

“I started business school in accounting but found I liked finance more,” Loussia said. “I like understanding how numbers work and how they affect a business.”

Before starting Keeping the Books Loussia, well, kept the books for an advertising agency and a wellknown restaurant chain. Like so many in the Chaldean community, her entrepreneurial spirit came calling.

“I wanted something a little more challenging than internal accounting,” she said. “I like the idea of working with different people and different businesses on a daily basis.”

Many small business owners regard bookkeeping as an afterthought rather than an effective tool. “They just let everything pile up and by the time they get to it, they get lazy and just try to skim by the information,” Loussia said of many entrepreneurs. “Before they know it, they don’t even know how much is available in their bank account.”

Keeping accurate books means more than just looking at the bottom line. Detailed financial reporting gives business owners an accurate picture of exactly what they are spending money on, how they are making a profit, and where funds are being lost. “With that information, you can analyze where you are at and what direction you want to go in to grow,” Loussia said.

QuickBooks is Keeping the Book’s software of choice due to its versatility and ease of use. “It’s a great program with many features, but you only get out of it what you put into it. To get the most out of the software you need a custom set-up and to understand how all the features work,” Loussia said. “I come in and learn exactly how a company operates, and then create a custom QuickBooks company file that best fits their business.”

With QuickBooks, a business owner can locate all financial information instantly – customer, vendor, employee, bank, inventory and payroll information.

“You enter your information and it provides you with the big picture,” Loussia said. “It is a great tool that helps organize all your information in one place and allows you to effectively manage your business.”

QuickBooks interacts with other programs such as Excel. Most banks also allow clients to download activity from their account right into QuickBooks, so information can be reconciled.

It’s easy to learn and use. Loussia likens her services to teaching a child to ride a bike. She may spend more time in the beginning setting up the proper QuickBooks templates and training clients to use it.

PHOTO BY DAVID REED

C

Christine Loussia helps client John Dangelo set up an accounting system.

TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR BOOKS Start managing your finances as soon as you start your business Set aside a certain time every week to catch up on the books Back up your data every week on a USB drive or CD-ROM Reconcile your bank statement each month in QuickBooks Use a certified public accountant at tax time; QuickBooks is not a tax program Most clients quickly catch on.

“You start out with training wheels and build them up to a point where they can do it on their own,” she said of her clients. “You don’t have to be a genius to use QuickBooks. If you know enough to start and operate a business, then you know enough to operate the program.”

Keeping the Books helps business owners save time on a daily basis so they can focus on the tasks that require their time and talent. “I make it so customized that all you do is fill in the blanks,” Loussia said. “You tell me exactly what you need and I set it up so you are not reentering the same information over ADVERTORIAL

and over again. For instance, a shopping center can invoice its tenants every month with just a few clicks.”

Sound financial practices are mandatory for any business. “Using Keeping the Books is a small investment,” Loussia pointed out. “This is a system you will use during all your years of business.”

Keeping the Books, Inc. 5759 Perrytown West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Phone: (248) 230-9537 Fax: (248) 683-2422 www.ktbconsultants.com MARCH 2007

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1. The AFPD’s Board of Directors

events

2. Raymond Antoon and Wally Ammori 3. Susan and Ron Kohler, owners of Oakridge Market 4. Audra Arndt and Derrick George 5. Faygo was honored for 100 years of business 6. Barb Rubel and Karen Gohsman 7. Fred Dally, Kristin Jonna and Mike Rosch 8. Lining up for hors d’oeuvres

1

AFPD

dinner

2

3

PHOTOS BY DAVID REED

M

embers of the Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers gathered on February 9 for the 91st Annual Trade Dinner & Ball. More than 1,000 people attended the gala event at Penna’s of Sterling Heights.

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6

7

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Visit our website to view more photos: www.chaldeannews.com

38 CHALDEAN NEWS

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2

1

shenandoah shindigs

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6

3

PHOTOS BY NORA BAHROU DOWNS

S

henandoah Country Club was hopping in February with a variety of special activities for members and guests. A Super Bowl Party on February 4 brought out football fans, while Family Fun Night on February 16 kept winterweary kids happy.

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View more pictures from these events on our website, www.chaldeannews.com FAMILY FUN NIGHT: 1. Ramzey Kizy II and III 2. Alexa Jonna and Isabelle Boji 3. Jordan (left), Julia and Zachary Hanna 4. John Paul Sheena 5. Selina George 6. Peter and Matthew Alkamano and Nick Lafave SUPER BOWL: 7. Stephen Kashat and Ammar Semma 8. Anthony Shayota (left), Steven Dally, Joey Becall and Jonathan Shayota 9. Jimmy Rabban and Kelly Kizi

MARCH 2007

CHALDEAN NEWS 39

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classified listings HELP WANTED BLUSH SALON Wanted: stylist with clientele. Experience and references required. Continuous education and other incentives available.

Call 248 960 7499 for details!

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MARCH 2007

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