Chaldean News - April 2005

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THE

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CHALDEANNEWS VOL. 2 ISSUE III

WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY APRIL 2005

HEALTH: THE

CHALDEAN CONNECTION CROHN'S AND COLITIS GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY INFERTILITY TEENS AND DRUGS

PERIODICAL

The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 PLEASE DELIVER BY APRIL 1, 2005

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F

E S T A T E

I N V E S T M E N T

P R O P E R T I E S

DA RI

R E A L

LO

GEORGE BROTHERS REALT Y

Hear it from those who know first-hand about the success of investing with George Brothers Realty JERRY GEORGE

MIKE ZEER

Going to the best

They are the right people to invest with in Florida.

They know the market very well.

to get the best is what George Brothers Realty is all about.

ALEX SHOUNEYIA Very exited about the opportunities that Patrick and David are offering in Florida and very happy to be a part of it.

MIKE PALMER

WALLY AMMORI

The sky is no limit when it comes to opportunities that the George Brothers create.

I think they’re taking reservations for estate-size lots on the moon.

I have had the privilege of working closely with Patrick and David by bringing in ground-floor opportunities to investors.

JEFFREY DENHA

CHRIS ABRO

This is not only a prosperous business opportunity but you are dealing with businessmen with a proven track record of being hard-working and honest.

Very organized, professional, trustworthy.

George Brothers Realty has been very honest and up-front –they know what they are talking about.

KEVIN DENHA I am very happy with the way they represent me.

They have been nothing but up-front and honest with me since day one, very happy with their performance.

JEFF JABIRO

SALIM GEORGE (JR)

Very professional and

Loyalty is something you

sincere, they really want to

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GEORGE BROTHERS REALTY 32600 TELEGRAPH ROAD • SUITE 100 • BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025

248-644-8771 LICENSED FLORIDA REAL-ESTATE BROKER Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. An offering statement has been filed with the department of state of the state of New York. A copy of the offering statement is available, upon request, from the subdivider. The filing of the verified statement and offering statement is statement with the department of state does not constitute approval of the sale or lease or offer for sale or lease by the department of state or; any officer thereof, or that the department of state has in any way passed upon the merits of such offering. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the Developer. For correct representations, make reference to the brochure and to the documents required by sections 718.503. Florida statutes, to be furnished by a Developer to a buyer or lessee. This is not an offering in states where prohibited by law. NJ Reg. No. 02/4-898. Prices, plans, artist's renderings, photos, land uses, dimensions, specifications, improvements, materials,amenities and availability are subject to change without notice. Developer does not guarantee the obligations of unaffiliated builders who may build and sell homes in the Development. Ownership of a residence at the Development does not grant the use of or access to any golf course or other recreational facilities. ("The Club") to be located at the Development. Use of amenities is subject to Membership requirements. This is not an offering of real property or condominium units, and offers may only be made at the discovery center for the Development. Ginn Real Estate Company, LLC, Licensed Real Estate Broker."

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CONTENTS

APRIL 2005

THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 2 ISSUE III

HEALTH GUIDE

features 24

BABY BLUES

BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO

With more couples waiting to have children, infertility is not uncommon

14

18

26

COPING WITH CROHN’S AND COLITIS

BY JOYCE WISWELL

Conditions common in Chaldean community

28

BYPASSING THE POUNDS AWAY

BY CHRISTINA GAPPY

Understanding gastric bypass surgery

32

PROSTATE CANCER

BY JOYCE WISWELL

What you need to know

34

GETTING PERSONAL

BY JOYCE WISWELL

Do you need a trainer?

39

28

CHALDEAN TEENS AND DRUGS

BY CRYSTAL JABIRO

The link between them, their parents and the community

40

‘WACKY IRAQI’ GETS LAUGHS

BY OMAR BINNO

Chaldean comic is gaining a following

42 24

40

MEAP REMAINS CONTROVERSIAL

BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL

Foreign-born students struggle with standardized test

departments 8

FROM THE EDITOR

20

HALHOLE!

9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

22

RELIGION

10

NOTEWORTHY

22

OBITUARIES

12

CHAI TIME

36

THE DOCTOR IS IN

14

IRAQ TODAY

16

CALC CORNER

17

BY DR. ALAA MANSOUR

Snuff the Smoke

38

BOUSHALA

What You Need to Know About Your Kids and Drugs

BY SAMIRA YAKO CHOLAGH

Kaak El Simsem: Sesame Cookies

18

44

ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE

BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL

ONE-ON-ONE Saul Anuzis: Michigan Republican Party’s New Chair

FROM THE BENCH

BY DIANE DICKOW D’AGOSTINI

A Chocolate Enterprise

46

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS

2 APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 7

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from the E D I T O R

Our secret health problems are nothing to be quiet about Chaldeans and talked to them miss my carefree days as a about Crohn’s and colitis. child, especially those warm Sometimes the perfect summer days when I spent remedy to our sickness is hours riding my bike, playing humor. In his piece “Laughter kickball and roller skating. My is Good Medicine,” writer mother had to yell out the front Omar Binno paints the picture door for my sisters and me to of a Chaldean comedian who come home and wash our VANESSA uses humor to heal the spirit. baries. I had no problem deciDENHAIn fact, research shows that phering her slight Chaldean GARMO laughter does offer some healaccent, but I did have to EDITOR ing power. explain to the neighborhood How about a piece of kids that bari was body and my chocolate to comfort you? Yes, mother wanted us to come research shows that there are health home and take a shower before bedbenefits to chocolate. Writer Jennifer time. That, among an occasional Korail talked with Stephanie Acho about scraped knee and stubbed toe, was my her chocolate shop in Northville and biggest health concern. what has contributed to this young Today, I worry about cancer, diawoman’s successful enterprise. betes and heart disease, just to name a few. Our environment seems like a breeding farm for all types of addictions Our environment and diseases. Every time I click on the television, read the paper or scan the seems like a Internet, there is a new disease killing us or another cause found for cancer. It breeding farm is as if we all should live in a bubble — never leave our homes and only eat for all types what we can grow and raise in our own backyards. Okay, I know this is not of addictions realistic. The truth is that knowledge is power. We hope to arm you with some and diseases. useful information this month.

In this issue we bring you just a few We appreciate those members of health stories that members of our comour community who shared their stomunity are facing. As we were ries. There are so many health issues researching our topics, we discovered we look forward to investigating in the how difficult it is for so many people to future. We hope we find more people be candid about their ailments. It is as if willing to tell their stories. We underit is taboo to admit you have a problem. stand that it is difficult to face an issue, I have struggled with a weight issue but hope at some point we will realize my entire adult life. Unlike other addicthere is no reason to keep a health tions such as alcoholism or drugs, I issue secret. cannot just sober up before a big We can all learn from each other. soirée and hide the fact that I have a Let’s not be quiet about our health problem. I wear my weight on the outproblems. side like a badge of honor. I cannot try to convince people that I am actually a thin person even though sometimes I Alaha Imid Koullen feel like an athletic woman trapped (God Be With Us All) inside an overweight body suit.

I have come to realize that there is no shame in admitting that you struggle with a problem. It does not mean you are a failure. Trying to cope, overcome and deal with a disease is what makes Vanessa Denha-Garmo you strong for life. vdenha@chaldeannews.com Therefore, April is a time we discuss obesity, infertility and drug addiction in these pages. In this month’s cover Letters to the editor can be sent via story, we delve deep into what has email to vdenha@chaldeannews.com plagued many members of the commuor to: The Chaldean News, Letters to nity — Irritable Bowel Diseases. Copy the Editor, 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Editor Joyce Wiswell sat down with Ste 102, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

I

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your L E T T E R S

Shlomo Chaldean brothers and sisters, I surfed and found your page on the links site from www.bethil.com.

I am an Assyrian-Syriac from Southeast Turkey (Tur-Abdin), but I’m born in Switzerland. It’s very interesting to hear that we have a big Chaldean community in Detroit. We here in Switzerland are a small AssyrianChaldean-Syriac community. We have about 10,000 people here in all of Switzerland in the heart of Europe.

For me we are all one — AssyrianSyriacs and Chaldeans — because we all are Christians and speak the same language: Aramaic (Syriac).

We in the young community here have our own soccer teams and we have our own clubs. What does your young community do in Detroit?

Martin Sarkis

Communion parties until the church took a very strong stance against it.

Lately I have attended several weddings and, just when dinner is served, a half-naked lady suddenly bursts into the hall, and, like a serpent, swivels in a zigzag fashion and makes her way around the tables. She then goes around the bride and groom — the same couple who just received Communion and finished one of the most holy and sacred sacraments in our Catholic faith. As I look at the flower girl, the candle boy and other children looking at this horrible scene, I begin to ponder on the example we are setting for our future generation.

Let us focus on fundamental things and have a respectable, humble and beautiful wedding that we can cherish and encourage the couple to build the new family on a good foundation filled with hope, faith and love.

Neil (Nahil) Jaddou

Wretched Excess As a single man who one day will have a Chaldean wedding, I read your bridal issue [February 2005] with great interest. I personally enjoy Chaldean weddings very much. It is so beautiful to see the community coming together dancing, laughing, singing, people meeting new friends, singles meeting a potential spouse, children playing, etc.

We are indeed fortunate to have this magnificent culture.

Recently, however, my excitement has dwindled. People are going way overboard on these weddings. For example, your article mentioned that wedding dresses in the neighborhood of $8,000 are not uncommon. I have seen some weddings have flowers on the table the size of a small tree. Also, the big screens in all four corners display their artificial, private, so-called “love story.” No wonder the wedding planner said, “Today you can’t do the same topof-the-line event for less than $85,000.”

Since the wedding day is a very special day in everyone’s life, it is therefore very important to have a nice, organized, beautiful and respectable wedding. However, many extravagant things couples are doing nowadays are not necessary. They can instead use this potentially wasted money to start a new family and do charity work.

Unfortunately, the article did not allude to the true meaning of the wedding day, its spiritual meaning. I am not surprised because it not uncommon to forget about it when we are overwhelmed with materialist things.

The most disgraceful, unnecessary thing in these weddings is having a belly dancer. In the past, people brought belly dancers to First

United We Stand I stand with the Chaldean American party store owners and the Chaldean American community in rejecting the efforts by Detroit’s mayor Kwame Kilpatrick with the aid of Detroit Police Department in its harassment of the Chaldean American party store owners.

I will not remain silent to these unwarranted and bias-driven attacks upon Chaldean American businesspeople. The Chaldean American community has made great contributions to the survival and growth of the city of Detroit. As a person of color I am offended by what is taking place and I will do whatever I can to defeat this harassment of Chaldean American party store owners.

I will not allow the misguided policies of the mayor to destroy the positive relationships, both business and personal, that have existed for decades between both communities. United we stand, divided we fall.

Greg Thrasher

rice, which we eat over and over. You always hear about Chaldean men dying of heart attacks or having closed arteries due to stress and eating badly.

Exercise is a very good stress reliever.

For example, maybe write an article on someone who has lost weight the old-fashioned way by eating right and exercising, which is basically the best way. Then compare it to some one who had bariatric surgery. My brother-in-law has lost 150 pounds in the past couple years and has managed to keep it off the old-fashioned way. My first cousin had the surgery done and had to go to a class before the operation for about six months. He too lost over 100 pounds.

Putting together a fitness class for the elderly Chaldeans or maybe putting together an issue dedicated to healthy living would be beneficial.

Valerie Asker Brikho

Carey Denha of the Mega 80s

Mega Interest I was very intrigued by your article on Carey Denha (A Mega Hit, March 2005).

His dedication to music, business and family were very impressive. I have never been to the Magic Bag before, but I plan on going there Saturday night to see his show. I grew up with ’80s music so I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.

Out of curiosity, can you please tell us how we can e-mail him for tickets?

Ban Yaldo Editor’s note: Visit www.mega80s.com.

THE CHALDEAN NEWS PUBLISHED BY The Chaldean News, LLC Tony Antone Vanessa Denha-Garmo Martin Manna

EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Vanessa Denha-Garmo Joyce Wiswell Omar Binno Samira Cholagh Hon. Diane Dickow D’Agostini Christina Gappy Crystal Jabiro Jennifer Korail Alaa Mansour, M.D.

ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative Zina Bahrou with SKY Creative David Reed Brad Ziegler

OPERATIONS Interlink Media

Healthy Matters I just recently subscribed to your magazine, and I really enjoy reading it. It’s a cool gossip column for the Chaldeans but in a good way.

Maybe you can address Chaldeans on their eating habits. As you know, many don’t know how to diet and exercise; many just want to take the easy way out by having plastic surgery or popping diet pills.

Most of the foods that are prepared

by Chaldeans are very high in fat, like

SALES Interlink Media SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Sandra Jolagh SALES REPRESENTATIVES Nick Yeldo Silvia Zoma

MICHIGAN SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20 PER YEAR OUT-OF-STATE SUBSCRIPTIONS: $30 PER YEAR THE CHALDEAN NEWS 30095 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY • STE 102 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM PH: 248-932-3100 • FAX: 248-932-9161 PUBLICATION: The Chaldean News (P-6); Issue Date: April, 2005 STATEMENT OF FREQUENCY: Monthly; Volume 2, Issue III SUBSCRIPTIONS: 12 months, $20. Outside of Michigan, $30. PUBLCATION ADDRESS: 30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 102, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Farmington Hills Post Office" POSTMASTER: Send address changes to "The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy, Ste. 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48334"

APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 9

PHOTO BY DAVID REED

We Are the World

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N O T E worthy

BOOK DETAILS ANCIENT AKITO

[Local]

A historical play that details the true events of Akito — the Chaldean Babylonian new year some 3,000 years ago — will be celebrated at an April 5 book signing. Marshal Garmo wrote the play in Arabic; English translations are also available. The story showcases daily life of Babylonians during that time, and tells the true story of how Enlil, a gardener, became king in 1847 BC, a reign that lasted 24 years.

The party takes place at 8:30 p.m. at the Palace of Southfield. Admission is $30, which includes refreshments and a copy of the book in Arabic or English. Contact marshal@grace-title.com.

COLUMNIST BLASTS PARTY STORE RAIDS “Politicians should be smart enough to understand that repeated inspections of a certain kind of establishment — party stores owned predominantly by Chaldeans — invite charges of discrimination and harassment,” reads in part a column by Detroit News columnist Daniel Howes published February 25.

Howes described a recent raid on a Chaldean-owned party store, one of nearly 80 so far this year by Detroit police officers, on top of 314 raids last year. Police have issued 28 citations for selling alcohol to minors (compared to 128 last year) and 130 more tickets for ordinance violations, such as selling expired food or loose cigarettes, Howes said.

“Business owners who want to stay in business should be smart enough to know that flouting the law by peddling bad meat to grandmothers or selling booze to kids or turning a blind eye to drug trafficking invites trouble — crime, legal hassles and prosecution,” Howes wrote.

“For outsiders, the police actions and City Hall’s support of them reek of bigotry and a hostility to business. For Detroiters wearied by crime, the raids are evidence of misplaced priorities. It’s time for a rethink,” he concluded.

PEOPLE

Insam Susan Kattula

MEN’S RETREAT PLANNED A spiritual weekend retreat is scheduled for April 29-May 1 at the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills.

“The retreat provides an ideal setting for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal with a group of other committed seekers,” said participant Dave Nona. “If you are stressed out or feeling burdened with the problems of daily life, consider making the retreat.”

The retreat begins at 6 p.m. Friday, April 29 and concludes at noon on Sunday, May 1. Learn more by calling Nona at (248) 932-9333.

Insam Susan Kattula is running for a seat on the Board of Education for Warren Consolidated Schools. The election takes place May 3. Kattula is active in the Warren school district, serving on many committees and boards, and is president of the PTO at Hatherly Elementary School. If her bid is successful, she will be the first Chaldean-American woman to serve on the Warren School Board. To put up a sign at your home or business, call (586) 978-2141. For campaign contributions, send a check made out to Committee to Elect Insam Susan Kattula, 5310 Dickson, Sterling Heights, MI 48310....

Yasmine C. Isshak has been named assistant prosecuting attorney by Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith.

Isshak is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Law. She is currently assigned to District Court prosecutions.

Yasmine C. Isshak

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10 CHALDEAN NEWS

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Uncommon Wisdom

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DIA HOSTING CHALDEAN EVENT

PHOTO BY MATT CALLOW

Friday, April 29 is a special night for the community as the Detroit Institute of Arts hosts its first-ever Chaldean Friday at the DIA. The DIA is open from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Fridays. The museum is located at 5200 Woodward Avenue. Admission is by a suggested donation of $4 adults, $1 children. Visit www.dia.org.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES 6-8:30 p.m.

Student Lunchroom

Drop In Workshop: Mosaics Make pictures and designs from a variety of art materials and found objects.

6 & 7:30 p.m.

Tours meet in Great Hall, 2nd level

Greatest Hits Guided Tours Join a half-hour guided tour featuring “American and European Highlights and “Four Continents & the Ancient World.”

6 & 7:30 Rivera Court

Short Film: “Our Story: Chaldeans in Detroit” Chaldean families who found success in Detroit.

6:30 & 8 p.m.

Rivera Court

Performance: Rafid Sawa Happiness Band Enjoy a festive atmosphere with an exciting blend of Chaldean melodies and rhythm.

6-8:30 p.m.

Kresge Court

Artist’s Demonstration: Bas-relief Sculpting Masood Frances Thomas Yaldo demonstrates his techniques for sculpting in bas-relief, inspired by his Byzantine ancestors.

6 & 7:30pm Lecture Hall

Storytelling: May Denha A lively children’s program.

DONÕT MISS OUR ANNUAL BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW Meet the representatives and see a full line of beautiful diamond engagement rings from renowned designers A. JaȔ ee, Christopher Designs, Ritani and Tacori.

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APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 11

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C H A I time

CHALDEANS CONNECTING COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT APRIL 2005 [Friday, April 1] Chamber Dinner: The 2nd Annual Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Dinner at Shenandoah Country Club begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and a keynote address by Governor Jennifer Granholm.

(248) 538-3700.

Champions on Ice

[Friday, April 1 - Sunday, April 3] Backyard Pool & Spa Show: Novi Expo Center, (248) 348-5600 [Friday, April 8] Mega 80s: The band performs at 10:30 p.m. at The Magic Bag in Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.

[Friday, April 22-Sunday, April 24] Turtles Can Fly: Film that takes place in an Iraqi refuge camp airs at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Avenue. Showtimes are 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets are $7.50. (313) 833-3237.

[Saturday, April 9] Grand Opening: Kabobgy Restaurant, Lounge & Banquet Facility celebrates its new location with Majid Kakka & the Bells Band. 28565 Northwestern Highway, Southfield. (248) 827-0077 or (248) 827-0099.

[Thursday, April 28 - Sunday, May 1] International Women’s Show: Novi Expo Center, (248) 348-5600

[Friday, April 8 - Sunday, April 10] Spring Home & Garden Show: Novi Expo Center, (248) 348-5600 [Saturday, April 9] Grand Opening Party: Appetizers, desserts and raffle prizes from 7-9 p.m. to celebrate the opening of Budda Belly Maternity, 6718-B Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. (248) 855-2688.

Champions on Ice: 3 p.m., Joe Louis Arena.

[Tuesday, April 12 - Sunday, April 17] Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Evening and matinee performances, depending on the day, at the Fox Theatre.

[Friday, April 15] Poker Tournament: The 2nd Annual Charity Poker Tournament takes place at Shenandoah and benefits For Kids Sake. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m.; tournament begins at 7:30 p.m. Rescheduled from April 1. Call (248) 240-7651 or (248) 931-0633.

Novi Expo Center

Beauty & the Beast

[Friday, April 29] Chaldean Friday at the DIA: see page 11 for details.

Turtles Can Fly

[Saturday, April 16] Mega 80s: The band performs at 10:30 p.m. at The Magic Bag in Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.

[Tuesday, April 19 - Wednesday, April 20] Associated Food Dealers Trade Show: Qualified buyers from liquor stores, supermarkets, specialty stores, bars, restaurants and drugstores will connect with exhibitors offering new products, packaging and promotions. Show hours are 5-10 p.m. Tuesday and 4-9 p.m.

Wednesday at Burton Manor in Livonia. (248) 671-9600.

[Friday, April 22] Mega 80s: The band performs at 10:15 p.m. at The Beach Grill in St. Clair Shores. (586) 771-4455.

[Friday, April 29 - Saturday, April 30] Trunk Show: Award-winning Assyrian jewelry designer Doris Panos unveils her spring line at Tapper’s, 6337 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Store hours are 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. (248) 932-7700.

[Friday, April 29] Mega 80s: The band performs at 10:15 p.m. at The Beach Grill in St. Clair Shores. (586) 771-4455.

[Saturday, April 30] Mega 80s: The band performs at 10:30 p.m. at The Magic Bag in Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.

Please let us know what is going in the community.

Fax your information to The Chaldean News Editorial Department. Subject: Chai Time Fax: 248-932-9161

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248-932-3100 APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 13

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IRAQ today

PHOTO BY AP/SAMIR MIZBAN

Scenes from Iraq

PHOTO BY AP/MOHAMMED IBRAHIM

PHOTO BY AP/THE IDAHO STATESMAN, KIM HUGHES

Clockwise from top: An Iraqi girl lights a candle during Palm Sunday services at the al-Najat Syrian Orthodox Church in Baghdad on March 20.

Idaho National Guard Spc. Jared McKenzie, left, a medic from Boise, Idaho, helps an Iraqi man on March 20 who was injured in a car accident a few days earlier in Kirkuk.

Iraqis gather around a burning vehicle after an engagement involving a U.S. helicopter, in which one woman and two children were killed, and many others injured, according to witnesses in Mosul, Iraq on March 13.

Municipal workers tend to a beautification project near the Tigris River in Baghdad on March 23.

PERSONALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING Do you suffer from •Weight Problems •Diabetes •Hypoglycemia •High Cholesterol •High Blood Pressure

•Food Allergies •Ulcerative Colitis •Crohns Disease •Irritable Bowel Syndrome •Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Nutrition Counseling can help with these and other Chronic Illnesses

PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE! Call (248) 908-3472 for more information and to schedule your appointment

14 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

PAMELA THOMAS HADDAD, R.D., M.S. Registered Dietitian Health Educator

Pamela provides Nutrition Counseling designed for the specific health goals of each client.

Office located in Farmington Hills 32841 Middlebelt Road

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Iraqi Christians exhorted to be ‘like leaven’ uprising by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. haldean Archbishop Gabriel Kassab of Basra Al-Sistani “gave Muslims all around the globe a good says that the Christians in Iraq must be “like leavexample how to follow peaceful ways to resolve complex en” in changing their society. social (and) political challenges that face them, condemnOn a visit to London, Archbishop Kassab, 65, ing terror and emphasizing ... rule of law,’’ the petition said. explained to the international charity Aid to the Church in ``We are forwarding the petition for the 2005 prize. If Need (ACN) that the help provided through the Church in they accept it for this year, it will be great, if not, we will Iraq was widely appreciated by various communities. still apply next year,’’ said Dr. Labib Sultan, one of the petiAs an example, the prelate reported that the Church in tion writers.

Basra now runs three kindergartens, where 90 percent of The Norwegian Nobel Committee makes its choice the pupils are Muslim. based on nominations submitted by Feb. 1 every year.

The archbishop added that although some Christian Because this petition was submitted in March, its status families fled during the insurgency, a number have since is unclear; it may be considered for next year instead. returned since the January elections. He estimated that The petition was initiated by members of the Chaldean there are now about 1,000 Christian families in his archcommunity in El Cajon City, California, near San Diego. diocese.

“We may represent only about 3.5 percent “We may represent only about 3.5 of the population, but percent of the population, but the the influence of educated Christians is widely influence of educated Christians is recognized and appreciwidely recognized and appreciated.” ated,” the Chaldean prelate said.

— CHALDEAN ARCHBISHOP GABRIEL KASSAB “With your help we can sustain the Christian presence here and become like yeast, or leaven, within a Shiites have been targets of dozens of mass suicide new society that must now grow up,” he told ACN. “With bombings and attacks blamed on Sunni insurgents that 14 projects in Basra — including providing food, mediare widely seen as efforts to spark a sectarian civil war. cines, kindergartens and pastoral help — we have found Al-Sistani is believed to be a major force preventing an allthat Christianity is known better through our actions.” out confrontation between the two sects, with his repeatReprinted courtesy of the Assyrian International News ed calls on Shiites to refrain from retaliating.

Agency (aina.org).

Shiites, who make up 60 percent of Iraq’s 26 million San Diego Chaldeans Nominate Shiite cleric for Nobel Prize people, are poised to take power for the first time after BAGHDAD, Iraq/Associated Press decades of Sunni domination.

A group of Chaldeans in the San Diego area has nomThe frail, white-bearded Al-Sistani has millions of folinated Iraq’s top Shiite Muslim cleric for the Nobel Peace lowers who decorate their homes, stores and offices with Prize, drawing more than 7,000 signatures from around his picture in a black robe and turban. He is seen as a the world on a petition. spiritual figure who guides Shiites from his home in the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, 75, is Iraq’s mostShiite holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad. revered Shiite cleric and a symbol of Shiite political power. The group said he has repeatedly opposed The petition can be viewed at anti-American violence, including a bloody summer http://www.petitiononline.com/ocsi2005/petition.html.

LONDON/ZENITH.ORG

C

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CHALDEAN NEWS 15

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CALC corner

ONE BEAD AT A TIME Some 30 seniors from Chaldean Manor gathered together on March 12 to make rosaries.

Materials were supplied by the ECRC’s Social Justice Committee from St. Thomas.

Thanks to volunteers Nada Jiddou, Remon Jiddou, Nadira Kannau, Bridget Yaldou and Christine Khami for a successful event!

A member of ECRC and a Chaldean senior at the rosary-making event

CHARITABLE GIVING

On regular basis, members of CALC assess Metro Detroit families in need. Last month CALC assessed and assisted a family following a fire. A single mother with six children lost their home and all their belongings in a fire — a house into which they had just moved. Among many things, the family desperately needed furniture, which CALC donated.

A HAPPY EASTER

NOTE from the PRESIDENT Spring is upon us and we have many bright things to look forward to in the upcoming months. We encourage all CALC memClair Konja bers, their families and friends to attend our programs throughout the year. We are fortunate to have many talented people in our community who can share their knowledge about so many issues. We hope everyone had a blessed Easter.

Please read more about what CALC has been doing this past month.

St. Anthony’s Nursing Home was the site of an Easter Dinner on March 19. About 20 residents enjoyed food supplied by the CALC. A big hit was the serving of special bread traditionally baked for Palm Sunday, which brought back a lot of memories for the seniors. CALC volunteers Margaret Butti, Clair Garmo and Regina Konja served a wonderful dinner to the residents.

SENIORS TAKE A FIELD TRIP CALC hosted 50 seniors on a field trip to the Fr. Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. They attended the healing mass held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. During mass, the priest recognized the Chaldean seniors for their attendance. Following mass, the seniors had a delicious lunch at Fuddruckers in Detroit. Owners of the restaurant, Tom and Sam Kyriakoza, were extremely hospitable to our seniors that day. CALC also thanks all the volunteers for helping escort the event.

APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHALDEAN AMERICAN LADIES OF CHARITY 44TH ANNUAL MEETING In Celebration of our 44th Anniversary We cordially invite you to pray with us at The Ascension Thursday Mass at Mother of God Church Southfield, MI Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.

Immediately following the Mass is the CALC 44th Annual Meeting at 11:00 a.m.

At the Mother of God - Upper Church Hall (Complimentary Breakfast) Please R.S.V.P. by calling (248) 352-5018 (Members Only)

STRENGTHENING CHALDEAN FAMILIES The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity is pleased to announce The Strengthening Our Chaldean Families Program.

This family program was developed to improve parent-child relationships and family communication for Chaldean families with children ages 10-15. Children and their parents meet once a week for 11 weeks. We encourage Chaldean families to attend this highly effective program. There is no charge for attendance.

Each session will address a different topic, including communication techniques, developing self esteem, knowing who your friends are, preventing substance abuse and teaching parents and children the importance of family values and culture. Sessions will include parent-youth discussions as well as family activities, refreshments and gifts. Tutoring will also be offered to the families who participate in the program.

Day care is available for younger siblings. Please contact Jane Shallal at (248) 223-9830 for further information. The SCF Program is provided at two locations: SOUTHFIELD AREA:

Every Monday from 5:45p.m.-7:45p.m.

Mother of God Church Hall-Upper Hall, Southfield

Stroke: Prevention is the Best Treatment April 11 at 7 p.m. (Dr. Marisa Abbo) Chaldean Manor Preventing Falls April 15 at 1 p.m.

(Suha Dayimiya — Guardian Angel Home Care); Chaldean Manor St. Anthony Nursing Home Movie Night April 16 at 6 p.m.

Event includes refreshments; Warren Teaching Everyday English (Helpful words for seniors) April 19 at noon; Chaldean Manor Creative Floral Design (Arts & Crafts) April 25 at 1 p.m.

(Lawrence Yaldo); Chaldean Manor 16 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

W. BLOOMFIELD, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, FARMINGTON & WALLED LAKE AREA:

Seniors enjoy Fr. Solanus Casey Center

Every Wednesday from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Orchard Lake Middle School (located between Maple Road and Walnut Lake Road), West Bloomfield

Contact and Join CALC! OUR MISSION We are Chaldean women energized by working together and with others to provide help and hope to those in need.

OUR VISION The CALC will strengthen and preserve the Chaldean family by ensuring that all generations have access to necessary resources and services.

Please join the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC) and be part of a group of hard working and dedicated women.

It is just $25.00 a year Call Today: 248-352-5018 or send in your membership to: 21711 W. Ten Mile Rd., Ste. 238 Southfield, MI 48075 www.calconline.com

ADVERTORIAL

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION NAME:

_______________________________________

ADDRESS:

_______________________________________ _______________________________________

DAY PHONE:

______________________________________

EVENING PHONE:

_________________________________

EMAIL: ____________________________________________

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boushala

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE

chaldean community THE

CHALDEAN NEWS Kaak El Simsem SESAME

COOKIES

BY SAMIRA YAKO CHOLAGH INGREDIENTS 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons milk Sesame seeds From Samira Yako Cholagh’s book, Treasured Middle Eastern Cookbook.

1. Mix flour, baking powder and ground cardamom in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Place oil and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Beat until light. Add eggs and beat well.

3. Add flour mixture gradually. Beat to make smooth dough. If dough is sticky, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.

4. Cut a small piece of dough the size of a walnut and form between palms into a smooth ball. Roll out into a rope 4-5 inches long. Pinch the ends together to form a ring. Dig in the egg mixture and coat with sesame seeds. Place on a greased baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart.

5. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a rack and serve. Makes 30-40 cookies.

Please mail the subscription form, along with a check made payable to: The Chaldean News Attn: Subscriptions 30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 www.chaldeannews.com Phone: 248-932-3100 or FAX: 248-932-9161

SUBSCRIPTIONS 12-Month subscription

DUES $20 (MICHIGAN) $30 (OUT OF STATE)

I wish to subscribe to the Chaldean News for 12 issues Please fill in your name and address below: Name _________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________ State _____ Zip _____________________ Phone ______________________________ E-mail ________________________________

APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 17

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ONE-on-ONE

Saul Anuzis: Michigan Republican party’s new Chair aul Anuzis, a Lansing business executive, is the new chair of the Republican Party in Michigan.

The chairman and co-founder of Quick Connect USA, he has more than 11 years experience in the telecommunications field.

Anuzis has served on the board of Phone Bank Systems Inc., is a gubernatorial board appointee to the Michigan Jobs Commission and Michigan Export Development Authority, and works with other community and charitable organizations. He studied economics at the University of Michigan in Dearborn, and is married and the father of four children.

He recently talked to the Chaldean News on a variety of subjects.

S

Chaldean News (CN): What are some of the initiatives coming out of the Michigan Republican Party?

Saul Anuzis (SA): One of my first goals will be to improve and expand communications with grassroots activists. Specifically, we are going to set up a monthly meeting with our GOP County Chairs to allow greater input from the local level. Each Vice Chair will be asked to coordinate several Task Forces that will be set up to attract new voters, address specific pro-

grams and involve activists statewide.

CN: Michigan always seems to be near the bottom of the list in the country when it comes to receiving federal dollars. Why? And what can you do to help change that?

SA: With a Republican-controlled Senate and Congress and a Republican in the White House, it only makes sense that from a purely partisan standpoint we consider having at least one U.S. senator who is a Republican.

Senator [Debbie] Stabenow has put politics ahead of serving her constituents. As an example, she has blocked the nomination of four judges to the federal bench. The only reason she has given is political. That is not good for Michigan or the country.

CN: What did the Michigan Republican Party do to assist with the recent Iraqi election process for IraqiAmericans?

SA: I watched with great excitement and pride as Iraqi participated in this historic effort. I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to travel to Lithuania while it was regaining its independence back in 19992000.

The Michigan Republican Party participates and

LASH orthodontics

Dr. Steven Lash

sends volunteers through the International Republican Institute (IRI) all over the world to help democracy spread. I am not sure if anyone from our Michigan party actually was involved in Iraq, but I am sure the IRI was deeply involved.

CN: There was a very low voter turnout in the United States for the Iraqi elections. What could Republicans have done to increase turnout?

SA: I’m not sure it is the role of the Michigan Republicans to directly get involved in the elections of any foreign country. However, we could and can provide all kinds of educational training for local activists.

I’m a perfect example. My involvement in Republican politics in Michigan helped me help others in Lithuania and Lithuanian-Americans get involved in the electoral process in Lithuania. I was able to set up training and seminars for political leaders, campaign workers and future legislative and government leaders through my contact. Any one of the Chaldean activists in the process could have done the same.

CN: It is being reported that Michigan currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. What have the State of Michigan and the Republican Party done to attract jobs?

SA: The Republican Senate and House leaders in our legislature have been leading the fight to lower the cost of doing business in Michigan. We are a highcost state with layers of regulations and paperwork that makes it hard to start a business, let alone expand and keep jobs in Michigan.

With a 7.3 percent rate of unemployment and now being one of only three states in the country that still has a budget deficit, Governor Granholm owes the people an explanation. We need new leadership with new ideas.

CN: Have we done everything possible to bring jobs to the state?

SA: No, we have plants and companies leaving Michigan all the time. We are no longer only compet-

when it comes to business,

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Page 19

ing with other states, but the world. We need to be flexible, agile and aggressive.

CN: What is the local Republican Party doing to get involved in the rebuilding efforts of Iraq, if anything?

SA: Republicans are very involved. Obviously, with a Republican administration leading the rebuilding effort, many Republicans, specifically from Michigan, have been tapped to go over to Iraq and offer their expertise and advice.

Local parties can get involved as well. I encourage expatriates from Iraq who are involved in any civic or political organization to organize specific, localized assistance.

I hate to use Lithuania as an example, but in Michigan our expatriates support specific schools, Girl and Boy Scout troops, an orphanage and many other specific programs and projects.

CN: How can Chaldean Americans become more involved in doing business with various levels of government?

SA: There are a variety of very specific programs that help individuals and businesses get involved in doing business with the government. The key is just to start — start small, go for a specific goal or project.

Local units of government seem to be the best place to start and easiest to work with. They are more responsive and interested in cost savings and quality service, so a smaller company has a better chance of selling their advantages.

CN: What type of outreach has the Michigan Republican Party done with the Chaldean community?

SA: There are lots of good Republican activists from the Chaldean community involved. Nothing beats having one of your own as the party’s ambassador to the community. So first, we have to encourage and expand our base of Chaldean activists at every level of the party.

Second, I personally have been very committed to

PHOTO BY AL GOLDIS/AP

cn0405p0144 copy

Saulius "Saul" Anuzis, 45, poses on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Lansing.

getting all the ethnic communities more involved in the Republican Party. I will set up a system to make a long-term commitment to opening up dialogue and keeping communications going with activists and community leaders within the Chaldean community on a bipartisan basis.

CN: Various elected officials in both the Democratic and Republican parties have appointed Chaldeans to their administrations. Yet many other administrations have no representatives from our community. How can we remedy that?

SA: Get involved. Nobody is “automatically” going to appoint unless they feel a need. I would argue that as your activists become more significant players in the

broader community, your representation with increase.

CN: Many Chaldean Americans often feel overlooked by elected officials or lumped into another group. Do state officials really understand our community?

SA: All of us who are part of this great melting pot called America have to make an effort to educate about who we are, where we came from and how we are and will continue to be an important part of this adopted country of ours.

The Chaldean community has a long and proud history. It’s your job to promote it locally as well as nationally. Nothing will do this more than having folks from your community succeed in their business, professional, political and academic careers.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 19

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HALHOLE!

[Births]

Ashley Hana

James David

Ashley Hana Lucia was born December 18, 2004, at 5:28 p.m. at Huron Valley Hospital. She weighed 6 lbs, 9 oz and was 19 inches long. She is the first child of Scott and Eva Lucia. Grandparents are Georgette and the late Hani Lucia and Kamal and Basima Anton.

David and Mae Kouza are proud to announce the birth of their first son, James David. James was born on October 28, 2004 at 2:06 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs, 5 oz and was 21 inches long. James is the first grandchild for Fatin and the late Jamal Kouza and Hikmat and Nadira Yaldoo. Godparents Jimmy Yaldoo and Aunt Heather Yaldoo are very proud, and first-time Uncle Robert and Aunt Natalie are very excited!

Kyle Hani Kyle Hani Lucia was born on November 23, 2004 at 1:29 p.m. at William Beaumont Hospital. He weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz and was 20 inches long. Proud parents are Ken and Karen Lucia and big sister is Olivia Hope. Kyle is the fifth grandchild to Georgette and the late Hani Lucia and the 12th grandchild to Amira and the late Albert Semaan. Godfather is Robert Tom Semaan and godmother is Jennifer Lossia McManus.

Ashley Hana

James David

Kyle Hani

Olivia Elizabeth

Olivia Elizabeth Kevin and Nora Romaya proudly announce the birth of their second daughter, Olivia Elizabeth. She was born on October 17, 2004 weighing 6 lbs, 6 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long. Older sister Savanna is very happy.

Olivia is the seventh grandchild of Faraj and Lamia Romaya and the fourth grandchild of Madiha and the late Salem Kanna.

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20 CHALDEAN NEWS

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248-855-2688

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JOY

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WITH THE COMMUNITY!

Birth, engagements and wedding announcements are printed free of charge for subscribers to The Chaldean News.

Please email or mail announcements with a photo to the Chaldean News at: jwiswell@chaldeannews.com Chaldean News; c/o Editor; Subject: Announcements 30095 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 102; Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (hard copy of photos can be picked up after the first of the month)

Julian Jarjees

Christine Marah

Julian Jarjees Zora was born February, 22 2005, She weighed 6 lbs, 9 oz and was 20 inches long. Proud parents are Wamidh and Ban Zora and big brother is Luke Emmanuel.

Grandparents are Jarjees and Salima Zora and Adnan and Suham Rassam.

Iven Sharrek II is pleased to announce the birth of his baby sister, Christine Marah, daughter of Iven and Marah Sharrak.

Christine was born on December 26, 2004, at 11:08 a.m. She weighed 8 lbs, 9 oz and measured 21 inches long. She is the granddaughter of the late Fuad and Suham Sharrak and Najib and Amira Karana.

Colin Michael Mazin and Tanya Kattula are proud to announce the birth of their second child, Colin Michael. Born December 21, 2004 at 10:51 a.m. weighing 8 lbs, 9 oz measuring 21 inches long. Colin has a 2 year old sister, Madison. He is the 21st grandchild for Karima and the late Mekhael Kattula, and the second grandchild for Jalal and Samira Arafat.

Alexandra Bella Alexandra Bella Chewning Pauls was born on June 19, 2004 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She weighed 8 lbs, 1 oz and was 20 inches long. Parents are Marisa Chewning and Manel Pauls. Grandparents are Ron Chewning and Frank Pauls.

Julian Jarjees

Christine Marah

Colin Michael

Alexandra Bella

[Engagement]

Nicole and Michael Nicole Marie Zoma and Michael Hani Delly became engaged on January 29, 2005.

Michael is the son of Hani and Fakhria Delly and Nicole’s parents are Nadeem and Patricia Zoma. Michael is an entrepreneur and Nicole is the marketing coordinator at Wireless Toyz. The wedding will be held at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in August 2005 with a reception following at Pennas of Sterling Heights.

Nicole and Michael

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APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 21

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RELIGION

PLACES OF PRAYER

THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim www.chaldeandiocese.org MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; 248-356-0565 RECTOR: Rev. Manuel Boji PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Wisam Matti MASS SCHEDULE: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. in Sourath (Aramaic) and Arabic, Tuesday 5:50 p.m. in Sourath and Arabic, Saturday 5:30 p.m. in English, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in Arabic and Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

310 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203, 313-368-6214 PASTOR: Rev. Jacob Yasso MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Saturday 5 p.m. in Sourath, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in Arabic and Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 24010 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, 248-547-4648 PASTOR: Rev. Stephen Kallabat PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Shlaman Denha MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m in Sourath, Sunday 10 a.m. in Sourath and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2442 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48083, 248-528-3676 PASTOR: Rev. Emanuel Shaleta PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Jirjis Abrahim MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m in Sourath, Saturday 5 p.m. in Soureth, Sunday 8 a.m. in Soureth,10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. Soureth, 2 p.m. in Soureth and Arabic ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE)

6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 248-788-2460 PASTOR: Rev. Frank Kalabat Rev. Emanuel Rayes (retired) MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. in Sourath, Saturday 5 p.m. in English, Sunday 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH 2560 Drake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335, 248-478-0835 PASTOR: Rev. Toma Behnama MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday 12 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m.

All masses are in Syriac, Arabic and English

22 CHALDEAN NEWS

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CHALDEAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT

APRIL CALENDAR

KEY OBSERVATION DATES

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Feast of All Martyrs New Sunday/Festival of Mar Auraha Memorial of Rabban Hormizd the Martyr

24 24

Memorial of Mar Addai, Apostle of the East St. George the Martyr

obituaries Angel Bahry Angel Bahry was born on August 16, 1930 in Iraq. She immigrated to the U.S. with her children and husband (Shamasha) Manuel Bahry, who died in April 2004. They were both very religious and very active members of Mar Addai Church in Oak Park. Angel passed away on February 21, 2005 from a sudden heart attack while in the hospital, with her family present. Angel is survived by her four children, Maysoon, Mazin, Maha (Jaberu), and Manhal and their families; and her sister Mary Dabool and brother living in California Yousif Mansoor, and their families. She moved to Farmington Hills in April 2001 and lived with her daughter Maysoon and granddaughter Shahnaz. Angel was an extraordinary and beautiful woman who was the perfect mother, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as a sister and aunt. She will be truly missed. She was born an “Angel” and died an “Angel.” May she rest in peace.

Waad Murad Waad Murad, 38, was shot as he left his business, Motor Car Company in Detroit, on March 15, 2005. He died the next day.

Waad was born June 22, 1966. He was a founding member of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. He lived in West Bloomfield.

Waad’s smile brought happiness to many. His charm will be missed and his legacy will always be cherished and carried on through those he touched. Those who knew him always viewed him as a giving and considerate person. While his generosity was greatly appreciated, nothing can compare the ultimate gift that he was able to provide as he left us — “the gift of life”; as an organ donor, Waad was able to save two lives.

Waad is survived by his wife Huda; his children Brandon, Brittany and Kevu (that is what his dad called him, short for Kevin); his father Salem and stepmother Najat; his brothers Bassam, Norman, and Joey; his sister Brenda; his stepsisters and their husbands Howada and Awney Jajawie and Hilda and Faiz Kas-Mikha; his sisters-inlaw Rasha, Lana and Nita; his grandmother Hayata Najor; his uncle and aunt Ameer and Hana Najor; his aunt Nadia Najor; his nephews and nieces Ashley, Antonio, Alexa, Gevino, Gabrianna and Kayla; his cousins Jason and Renee Najor, Christopher and Janice Shamoun, Jennifer Jeffrey, Heather, Vanessa, Amanda, Alexander Najor and Sebastian Sharrak. Waad will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you. God bless and rest in peace

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APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 23

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baby blues With more couples waiting to have children, infertility is not uncommon

BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO

W

hen Najat (Roumayah) LaFave looks into her daughter Emma’s eyes, she knows she is looking at nothing short of a miracle. The 41-year-old and her husband, Mark, 45, tried to have a child for four years before conceiving.

After seeking the help of a fertility specialist, LaFave was prescribed Clomid, a drug used to help increase egg production and induce ovulation. It did not work and LaFave ended up having a laparoscopy to find out why she was not getting pregnant. She discovered she had endometriosis.

“The most frustrating part for me was that with just about every procedure done, there was a wait period,” recalled LaFave. “I felt that time was not on my side given my age. There were times when it seemed like forever before we could try again and this was very frustrating.”

RUDE AWAKENING Even though LaFave married in her mid 30s, she

24 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

never thought that getting pregnant would be difficult. She was focused on finishing her degree as a dental hygienist and did not think waiting a couple years would affect her chances of pregnancy.

She ended up having what is becoming a common procedure among couples having trouble conceiving — in vitro fertilization (IVF). The procedure was successful and Emma was born in March 2004.

“My mother never had problems,” said LaFave.

“My sister has five children; obviously she didn’t have a hard time so I thought that when the time was right we would try, get pregnant, and have a child.”

As frustrating as it was trying to conceive, the LaFaves never gave up. “Mark and I knew we were going to have a family, either our own or through adoption,” she said.

The LaFaves are not alone. Many couples these days seek the help of fertility experts.

Statistics show that more than six million couples in the United States struggle with infertility,

which affects about 10 percent of all people of reproductive age. Doctors will suggest that if you are younger than 35, see a fertility specialist if you have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for a year.

However, those older than 35 should only wait six months, since their chances of conceiving after that age diminish greatly. Your ob-gyn may be able to field some general questions, but it is a good idea to go to a reproductive endocrinologist, who has more expertise with infertility.

COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY There are many possible causes of infertility.

About a third of cases can be attributed to male factors, another third to female factors, and a final third to a combination of both partners. Or sometimes, the reason is simply inexplicable.

One common cause is an ovulatory disorder, a condition in which the egg is not properly released, or not released at all, from the ovaries.

Blocked fallopian tubes are another cause. This is when the fallopian tubes may be either totally or partially blocked, slowing or completely preventing the flow of sperm to the egg. It is usually diagnosed with X-rays and treated with surgery to remove the obstruction or IVF. IVF involves removing eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring them into the uterus a few days later.

Men can have sperm disorders. The sperm can be abnormally shaped, unable to move properly or

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too few in number. Infectious diseases, such as mumps, or an inadequate production of certain sex hormones can lead to a low sperm count. If this is the case, a couple can often conceive through artificial insemination, which involves injecting sperm through a narrow catheter into the woman’s reproductive tract.

Endometriosis is another possible cause. It is a condition in which the lining in the uterus, which usually sheds during menstruation, grows outside the uterus. Endometrial lesions can block the fallopian tubes or impair ovulatory function.

Laparoscopy can remove endometrial tissue and blockages from the body.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES Infertility can also be caused by poor sexual or lifestyle habits that are easily remedied. These include: heavy use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs; starvation diets or anorexia in the woman; tight underwear or pants in the man, which raises the crotch temperature and reduces sperm count; and stress. In a woman, this may cause her periods to be irregular.

In a man, stress may reduce his sperm count.

Changing the timing of sex and the couple’s sexual techniques may also increase the chance of pregnancy. Sometimes, for instance, semen fails to reach the cervix. Placing a pillow under the woman’s hips after intercourse may help prevent spillage.

In order to find out from where the problem stems, a couple must seek help. “If you’re older than

Emma and Najat LaFave

35 and have been trying to get pregnant, don’t wait too long to seek the advice of your physician,” said LaFave. “There are different tests which could be performed to ensure that there is no underlying cause for possible infertility. I would also advise anyone being treated for infertility to stay positive and believe in your faith. Don’t give up.”

Not giving up is the mantra of Connie ShallalJohnston and her husband, Todd Johnston. The couple has been trying to have a baby for six years.

Connie has repeatedly conceived with the help of artificial insemination and in vitro, but has suffered numerous miscarriages — the latest one when she was six months along with twins.

“I feel that God has some kind of plan for me and I am supposed to go through all this for some

reason,” she said. “I never want to give up and my husband supports me 100 percent.”

Shallal-Johnston is now mulling using a surrogate, though she is still hopeful she can have a successful pregnancy.

“My advice to women in my situation,” she said, “is to try everything before giving up. There is so much medical technology and also there are also some holistic views such as acupuncture mixed with fertility meds. When all my options are up then I may consider adoption, but I still have a little hope that I can have one of my own.”

The LaFaves have entertained the thought of having another child. “We put it in God’s hands,” said Najot LaFave. “Right now we are loving the joy of parenthood with our one little miracle.”

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CHALDEAN NEWS 25

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coping with

crohn’s and colitis Conditions common in Chaldean community

BY JOYCE WISWELL

A

fter 109 hospital visits in the last 12 years, Deanne (Kirma) Toma knows an awful lot about Crohn’s disease and colitis.

She’s had her colon removed, her rectum reconstructed, and been hooked up to an ostomy bag twice. Today at age 34, she’s relatively healthy — but knows she’ll spend the rest of her life battling these insidious diseases.

“I want people to be knowledgeable about this, not to be ashamed of what their body is going through,” said Toma of her decision to go public with what can be an especially embarrassing condition.

ALL TOO COMMON Many Chaldeans are all too familiar with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). “The incidence of Crohn’s and colitis is very high in the Chaldean population,” said Jason Bodzin, a physician who specializes in IBD at Beaumont Hospital. Bodzin’s practice alone includes 115 Chaldean patients.

A recent University of Chicago study in which Bodzin participated found that a defect in chromosome 1 gives Chaldeans IBD. Jewish people have the same defect, but in chromosome 16.

“Chaldeans and Jews are from the same area of the world, so it’s interesting that it’s a defect in different chromosomes,” Bodzin said.

Also contributing to a high rate of IBD among Chaldean Americans is their migration to the United States, Bodzin said.

Iraqis have parasites in their system that can protect against such diseases. By the time an immigrant family hits its third generation in the U.S., those parasites are completely gone from the system.

While the concept of harboring parasites is certainly unappealing, they can actually help keep balance in the digestive system.

IBD includes Crohn’s — which involves all layers of the intestine and can occur in the both the small intestine and colon — and ulcerative colitis, which involves the inner lining of the colon.

Symptoms of both include persistent diarrhea; abdominal pain or cramps; blood passing through the rectum; fever; weight loss, joint, skin or eye irritations; and delayed growth and retarded sexual maturation in children.

Both diseases are unpredictable; some patients recover after a single attack or are in remission for years. Others, like Toma, require frequent hospitalizations and surgery. Coloctomy (surgical removal of the colon) cures colitis, but there is no cure for Crohn’s disease.

According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, up

26 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

to 1 million Americans suffer from IBD, with approximately 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Anyone can get IBD, but it’s most common in people between the ages of 15 and 35.

MYTH BUSTERS Despite popular opinion, there is actually no link between stress or diet and IBD. However, dietary modifications, especially during severe flare-ups, can help reduce symptoms and replace lost nutrients.

“The most important thing for people to understand is that diet doesn’t cause it and diet doesn’t cure it,” said Pam Thomas Haddad, 41, a registered dietician who was diagnosed with colitis at the age of 16. “However, nutrition does play a very big role. If you’re not well-nourished, your body can’t heal well.”

While diet doesn’t cure IBD, it can help make the symptoms more manageable. Digesting fiber is often a big issue, so Haddad offers suggestions such as peeling and thoroughly cooking — perhaps even pureeing — fruits and vegetables. Better yet, she advises, eat canned fruits and vegetables rather the fresh, chew your food extremely well and eat small, frequent meals. Fried and spicy foods, nuts and seeds, popcorn, non-tender meats, bran and whole grain breads and cereals can sometimes cause problems with IBD. But the

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time to trick Haddad said, is to take each case individually.

“You can’t automatically assume that you can’t eat tomato sauce because the person next to you can’t,” she said. “Don’t unnecessarily avoid specific foods unless you know they’re a problem.”

Some IBD medications can cause nutritional deficiencies. Also troublesome is the fact that, because digestion can cause pain, some patients try to avoid eating as much as possible. Haddad suggests IBD sufferers consult with a dietician if they are losing a lot of weight or are anemic, weak and/or tired.

Everyone associated with IBD agrees that you can run, but you can’t hide from these conditions.

“When you start to get a lot of diarrhea, get to the doctor as soon as possible,” said Bodzin. “It only gets worse if left untreated.”

Toma learned that fact the hard way.

“I waited too long to go to the doctor. People have to realize that the doctor is there for a reason, not just to give a flu shot,” she said.

To compound her problems, when Toma finally did consult a physician, she said he mishandled her medications.

“I bled for three months from the rectum, which caused me to become anemic,” she said. “If you don’t feel good about the doctor you’re with, do more research and switch. That’s what I did, and within a week the bleeding was controlled.”

Haddad urges patients to keep in touch with their physician, even when they are symptom-free.

“I have learned that good health is not the absence of disease.

The model of good health is doing what you can to build up your resistance,” she said. “Take charge when you learn you have one of these diseases. Then build up your resistance as much as possible with diet, exercise and stress management, so when you do have a flare-up, hopefully you’ll do better.”

Finally, Toma wants people to remember that there is still an individual under all those medical problems.

“I want to tell friends and family to give them all the space they need. And don’t focus on the fact that they are sick — they know they are, and they don’t need a constant reminder,” she said. “Don’t call and ask how they are, call and ask them out to lunch or a movie.”

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APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 27

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bypassing the pounds away Understanding gastric bypass surgery

BY CHRISTINA GAPPY

W

eatherman Al Roker from “The Today Show,” comedian Roseanne Barr and “The View’s” Star Jones are only a few of the famous people who have chosen life-changing gastric bypass surgery as a last resort to lose weight. A number of members from the Chaldean community have undergone the surgery as well, and many others are debating the potential dangers and benefits involved.

A WEIGHTY ISSUE Obesity is a serious, chronic disease in the United States. According to the American Obesity Association, 65 percent of the population is overweight, and 30 percent is obese. Obesity-related health conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression and sleep apnea, and life expectancy can even be shortened. The deterioration of health, lack of employment, decrease in confidence level and even verbal abuse some obese people experience all, in some ways, are

physically and psychologically disabling. Thus, many patients choose the weight loss surgery in order to live a longer and better life.

Most doctors agree that people should first try alternatives to surgery such as dieting or exercising. “Patients must try the non-surgical options before deciding to have the weight loss surgery,” said Dr. Musib Gappy, an internal medicine specialist and gastroenterologist. “These procedures are not for everyone.”

Dr. Mustafa Hares, a bariatric surgeon at the Center for Comprehensive Weight Loss of St. John’s Health, concurs. He said that although there is a 90 percent failure rate for these alternatives, the obesity problem should be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid future health deterioration.

There are three different types of surgical procedures for weight loss. The “lap band procedure” is when a band is put around the stomach in order to create two separate pouches of an adjustable size. The “Roux-en-Y gastric bypass” creates a

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smaller pouch of the stomach by stapling it shut.

The outlet of the smaller pouch is lead directly to the intestines. In addition to restricting how much food can be eaten, the procedure limits how much food can be absorbed by the body. Thus, average weight loss is higher through this procedure than with the lap band. Finally, the “duodenal switch,” the most complex procedure, is used on those who Hares calls “super-super morbidly obese.” In this procedure, 75 to 85 percent of the stomach is removed to form the design of a gastric tube that is connected directly to the intestines.

The patient must understand the risks that accompany the surgery — bleeding, infection and, in less than 1 percent of cases, death. For many patients, scar tissue after surgery could cause a bowel blockage, which may result in other surgeries. Also after surgery, many people may need to take vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B-12, for the rest of their life. The body will need to adjust to the surgery performed on the stomach, and this requires

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patience and time from the patient. Another setback is that the weight may be gained back after the surgery if proper care is not taken.

VOICES OF EXPERIENCE “I have been almost 100 pounds overweight my whole life. It was finally the time to do something about it,” is how Marcine Karmo, 38, explains why she chose gastric bypass surgery eight years ago when she weighted more than 300 pounds. Karmo tried many different alternatives to losing weight, such as dieting, counseling, aerobics and even Weight Watchers during her early childhood. None of these made a great difference. It was at that time that Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski, then of St. Joseph’s Hospital, performed the duodenal switch surgery. Karmo had to prepare three to four months in advance of the surgery in order to lose some weight, and underwent psychological tests and cardiology evaluations to make sure she was capable of handling the surgery.

Karmo’s surgery lasted eight hours, and she stayed about five days in the hospital.

Afterwards, she was on a strict diet for a month, eating only soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, oatmeal and soups. It took seven weeks before Karmo could return to work.

She did not face any major complications, but her stomach did need to adapt to its new structure.

Karmo said she was at “a point that if I didn’t do something about it, I would either become severely sick from certain health problems or even

Tim and Marcine Karmo, before and after

eventually die.” She said her confidence level has “boosted 100 percent” since the surgery, which helped her shed more than 180 pounds.

Not all surgeries go as smoothly as Karmo’s. Her brother, Tim, also chose duodenal switch surgery. His highest weight reached 840 pounds. Because of this, he was told that he might not GASTRIC BYPASS continued on page 30

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continued from page 29 make it through the surgery alive. But he took the chance nine years ago at the age of 38.

Tim Karmo experienced major complications from the surgery. After being home for five days, he collapsed from being dehydrated. The doctors also found a skin infection caused by a staple, which lead to an infection within his abdomen.

Karmo was kept in the hospital with his abdomen open for three weeks in order to monitor and clear his body of the infection. One month later, he was diagnosed with a kidney infection and had surgery to remove that organ. After seven months, a blood 30 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

vessel ruptured in his abdomen, which caused him to be in intensive care for a week.

Along with these near-death complications, Karmo also had more than 80 pounds of excess skin removed. He is now in perfect health at 188 pounds and has more energy than ever. He can sit in restaurant booths, fit in the seats at movie theaters and drive in any given car. He said he would never reconsider his choice to have the surgery, despite the numerous major complications.

Weight loss is not the only reason for having gastric bypass surgery. Jeff George, 46, chose it to improve his health conditions, which included diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

When it got to the point that he could barely walk, George decided to have the surgery to save his legs from being amputated. Now he is no longer dependent on insulin, and his health problems have improved tremendously. Prior to his duodenal switch surgery, George weighed 265 pounds; now he’s lost about 30 percent of that weight. “The Today Show’s� Al Roker puts the surgery in good perspective. “Anybody who thinks that this is a magic bullet — you do this and it’s done — you’re making a mistake. It’s not,� he said.

Therefore, it is crucial that those considering the surgery do a lot of research and understand the possible dangers before undergoing the knife.

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APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 31

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prostate cancer What you need to know

BY JOYCE WISWELL

T

he older a man gets, the higher his chances of developing prostate cancer.

On the brighter side, the more time marches on, the more advances that are being made in treating this common disease.

Researchers estimate that 50 percent of men older than 50 and 70 percent of men older than 70 have some form of prostate cancer. In 2003, in the U.S. alone doctors diagnosed about 220,000 cases, and nearly 30,000 men die from prostate cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among men.

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, more than 70 percent of all prostate cancer occurs in men 65 years or older.

African-American men and individuals who have

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fathers or brothers with prostate cancer appear to be more likely to get the disease.

Often, men with prostate cancer are advised to just do “watchful waiting,” which means no treatment at all. But some fear such a conservative approach will allow the cancer to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Some relatively new therapies are being touted as a good alternative to radical surgery because they are minimally invasive.

Cryotherapy aims to eradicate cancer by freezing the prostate cells. The latest generation of cryotherapy uses ultra-thin needles to produce iceballs of extreme sub-zero temperatures. The doctor uses ultrasound to precisely guide insertion of the needles and monitor the freezing. Freezing destroys the entire prostate, including cancerous tissue.

The main risk associated with prostate cryotherapy is impotence, since nerve bundles associated with erection may be affected.

However, these nerves can regenerate and depending on potency prior to cryotherapy, it may return over a period of time.

Cryotherapy can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, but sometimes an overnight stay is required.

Another new procedure is brachytherapy, in which radioactive “seeds” are implanted via needle into the prostate where they irradiate prostate cancer tissue.

In most cases, cryotherapy and brachytherapy take less than two hours. There is minimal pain and discomfort. Patients generally are mobile the same day and resume a normal routine within a few days.

In other news, a new therapeutic cancer vaccine, called APC8015 (Provenge), is likely to become a new standard of care for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. A recent study found that it increases survival by nearly 18 percent in men with advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy.

Doctors check for prostate cancer with a digital rectum exam and/or a Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. While new and improved therapies are being developed, there is no substitute for early detection.

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K

now you need to get in shape but lack the willpower? A few sessions with a personal trainer could be just the ticket.

A good personal trainer will help you not only with exercise tips, but your eating habits and daily activities as well, said Will Dabish, who founded Powerhouse Gym with his brother, Norman, in 1976. Today, there are more than 300 Powerhouses around the world, including Europe, China, South America and, soon, India.

“The trainer needs to be someone you can relate to,” Dabish said. “Getting in shape is a 24hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week process.”

At the same time, Dabish warned, don’t use your trainer as a personal psychologist — an alltoo-frequent pitfall. “They should talk to you

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before you start exercising and when you’re done, but in between you should be breathing heavily and getting your butt kicked. A lot of people use personal trainers for babysitters for themselves — they really don’t want to work hard, but go through the motions.”

Anyone can call themselves a personal trainer; there is no government oversight on the title, Dabish said. So it’s important to select one carefully. At Powerhouse, for example, personal trainers work as independent contractors, but only after being vetted by the gym’s owners and managers.

Dabish recommends interviewing two to three trainers before hiring one.

“You need to see who you get good vibes from and are comfortable with,” he said. “You’re going

to be spending a lot of time with this person.”

But a limited time as well, Dabish said. Most people will only need a few hours with a trainer to learn the correct way to exercise and use gym equipment.

“It’s not complicated — it’s hard,” Dabish said of the workout process. “Having someone showing you how to run five miles is a lot easier than actually doing it.”

Expect to pay about $30 to $50 per hour for a trainer’s services. But don’t feel it’s mandatory to hire one in the first place.

“A trainer is good to add motivation to someone who is unmotivated,” said Dabish, “or for someone who is already motivated, but embarrassed because they don’t know what to do.”

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the D O C T O R i s i n

Snuff the smoke ual reduction may be used successfully in pring is the perfect time to shed some group programs as a prelude to cesbad habits. If you’re a cigarette sation, it is often associated with sympsmoker, you already know that you toms of nicotine withdrawal. Abrupt cessaneed to quit. tion, particularly on a defined “quit day,” is Cigarette smoking was responsible for the currently preferred strategy. nearly 5 million premature deaths worldHypnosis and acupuncture are the basis wide in 2000. In the United States, cigaof many commercially available stop smokrette smoking is the major preventable ing programs, but studies have found no cause of disease and is estimated to result differences in outcome at any point in time. in more than 400,000 deaths each year.

DR. ALAA Nicotine replacement therapy: Designed Smoking (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) is MANSOUR a known risk factor for coronary artery dis- CONTRIBUTING to help alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms while you deal with the behavioral aspect of ease, chronic pulmonary lung diseases, COLUMNIST smoking cessation. Smoking while using cancer, peptic ulcer disease and complicanicotine replacement is not recommended. tions of pregnancy including spontaneous The combination of intensive behavioral programs abortion, ectopic pregnancy as well as premature and nicotine patches has produced favorable results. menopause, infertility and bone loss. Smoking is also Treatment with nicotine patches is generally recomfound to be associated with a twofold increase risk of mended at “full” dose for four to six weeks; some developing type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. brands of patches also include a tapering period for Tobacco smoke contains all sorts of toxic comseveral additional weeks. pounds, including nicotine, tars and carbon monoxide.

Bupropion (also known as Zyban) has been Both behavioral and pharmacologic approaches available for use as an antidepressant in the U.S. can be used to help you quit. since 1990. A sustain release formulation of the Tapering versus quitting “cold turkey”: While grad-

S

drug is licensed as an aid to quitting smoking.

Weight gain is very commonly associated with cessation. The benefit of quitting smoking clearly exceeds the negative aspects of weight gain in the range that generally occurs.

The process of smoking cessation begins by setting a “quit day” within a two- to three-week period.

You should stop smoking completely on your quit day and be prepared for a tobacco withdrawal period.

Even with nicotine replacement or Bupropion, you may experience withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, frustration, depression and often an intense craving for cigarettes.

Withdrawal symptoms often become very manageable within a few weeks. Some ways to cope with the early days of quitting include chewing gum, having increased activity and avoiding high-risk situations for smoking.

All nicotine replacement therapies (gum, patch, inhaler, nasal spray and sublingual tablets) double your chances for success by reducing symptoms of withdrawal. Combination forms of nicotine replacement do not offer an advantage. Patches are preferred for easier use and compliance.

The excess risk of death from coronary artery disease caused by smoking drops by 50 percent in the first year of abstinence from cigarettes and continues to decline. Similarly, the excess risk of lung cancer decreases steadily to a risk of 30 percent to 50 percent of that of continued smokers after 10 years.

Smoking cessation reduces the death from other disease such as stroke, obstructive lung disease, peripheral vascular disease and stomach ulcers.

Be sure to follow up with your health care provider during the process of smoking cessation.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 37

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from the B E N C H

Herfuture futuredepends dependsononyours yours– Her What you need to know about your kids and drugs ndoubtedly, drugs are Club Drugs a subject not often disThese are a variety of drugs cussed in our commuthat have received the name nity for a variety of reasons. “club drugs” because of Some feel it is taboo to talk their prevalence at all-night about drug use, others say dance parties, nightclubs their kids would never get and concerts. These drugs involved in drugs, and even are called Ecstasy, GHB, others believe that the peoRoofies, Rohypnol, etc. ple their teens befriend Drugs such as GHB and HON. DIANE would never use drugs or Rohypnol are sedatives that DICKOW influence their child. There can make you unconscious D’AGOSTINI are many wise, responsible and immobilize you and are teenagers making great deci- CONTRIBUTING sometimes used in sexual COLUMNIST sions to ignore the drug and assaults. Ecstasy is a stimualcohol scene, and they deserve our lant that increases your heart rate and praise. However, there are others makblood pressure. ing different decisions.

Please talk to your kids about this subCocaine ject instead of merely assuming that they This drug is snorted or injected and is would never get involved. Perhaps many very addicting and powerful. Its effects parents are missing out on having an honinclude paranoia, seizures, severe est and necessary conversation with our depression, elevated blood pressure kids, especially our teenagers. There are and heart rate, heart attack, insomnia a variety of drugs on the market and our and death from overdose. kids have access to them if they choose to There are many reasons why our beome involved. Based upon the cases youth are using drugs. Peer pressure that I observe coming through our court, it is a significant factor. Most times when is clear that drug use is prevalent within I ask defendants why they were using our community. The following is a drugs they describe being with friends description of the most common drugs who convinced them to use. This is the and the effects that they have on the body. most common answer I hear in court.

Please know your children’s friends Marijuana well. Know their parents also. If you A plant that contains the chemical THC, a do, you will be in a much better position mind-altering substance, marijuana is the to recognize whether a problem exists. most common illegal drug used in the You must know them because they are United States. Marijuana is smoked or likely influencing them more than anycan be baked in foods and eaten. It is conone else during this time in their lives. sidered a “gateway drug” because it often Other factors contributing to drug leads to the use of other drugs. Some of use are boredom and a lack of parental the physical symptoms of using marijuana supervision. The financial cost of many include red eyes, dry mouth, hunger, drugs can be high and often users will reduced concentration and coordination. steal from family members to support Short-term memory and judgment are also their drug habit. There have been cases impaired. The drug is stored in the body where parents have asked me to keep for up to 30 days after it is smoked. their teens in jail because they felt they were safer there than at home using Inhalants drugs. The anguish, frustration and devThese are chemicals that are abused by astation on their faces are something I inhaling and include many aerosol sprays think of often. It is proof of the need to that may be in your home. People experimake an impact on your child before ence a high when they inhale the vapors someone who doesn’t love or care from products such as spray paint, cooking about him or her does. Once the addicoil spray and hair spray. Other inhalants tion of these drugs sets in, the struggle include gasoline, transmission fluid, nail to stop using can be a daily obstacle. polish remover, paint thinners and more.

Talk to your children at an early age.

These inhalants depress the central nervThe legal penalty for using or selling ous system and affect a person’s breathing any of these drugs is severe in addition by slowing it down. The user may become to the life-threatening effects already dizzy and lose muscle coordination having discussed. Please make this discusslowed reflexes, slurred speech and lightsion a priority in your lives. headedness. Sudden death can result in several ways. It is certainly frightening that Diane Dickow D’Agostini is a judge with this drug is found in the home and is easy the 48th District Court and a frequent to obtain at relatively low cost. contributor to The Chaldean News.

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chaldean teens and drugs The link between them, their parents and the community

BY CRYSTAL JABIRO

T

here are no statistics that target Chaldeans as a specific group, but law enforcement officials in Oakland and Macomb counties say they see a steady rate of Chaldean American teens who abuse drugs.

They also see the stigma attached to drugs in the community, which in turn hinders addicts from getting help. Experts say this problem begins with the parents.

Officials say that boys experiment with drugs more frequently than girls. In the Chaldean community, boys are commonly more active than girls.

They tend to work more and go out more, and are not as controlled by their parents. Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to have their time accounted for by family members, and often hear the phrase, “I trust you, I just don’t trust other people.” Girls have been known to dabble in drugs, but boys are the ones who usually get caught, said officials.

Some local high school administrators say most parents are regretful for their children’s behavior and supportive of police action. But there are always those few parents who remain in denial, even after seeing physical proof and hearing their children’s confessions.

LIVING IN DENIAL Of course, all parents want to protect their children when they are in trouble. But, experts say, the

real danger in the close-knit Chaldean community lays deeper. Parents fear a diminishing family reputation as pride and honor is of the utmost importance. Some families refuse to send their children for help unless it is required by the family court system. Others turn a blind eye; they like being in the dark because it means they do not have to face these issues. Their reputations mean more to them than helping their children.

All kids are susceptible to drugs. Some Chaldean teens, like other teens, lack direction, which begins at home. The most important things parents can do are to lend their emotional support and set boundaries. Children need realistic limits and consequences for their actions.

Sometimes, parents can be naïve. With Chaldeans there is not just a generation gap, but also a disparity between two cultures. Parents need to recognize that life is different in America, and different now than it was 30 or even five years ago. The “culture clash” syndrome affects the whole community.

Experts say that parents need to talk to their children about drugs. The best place for them to hear about it is at home, because drugs are definitely around them at school. There are many resources parents can take advantage of to heighten their awareness, including workshops at local churches and libraries, and on Internet sites such as www.theantidrug.com.

THE POVERTY PROBLEM Iklas Bashi, a clinical therapist with the ArabAmerican and Chaldean Council (ACC) in Detroit, said that poverty contributes to the drug epidemic in Wayne County. She sees people of all cultures and races struggle with this issue in more ways than simply using and selling.

The majority of Chaldeans living in Detroit are refugees who fled Iraq for a better life.

Already with little to start with, they face issues bigger than the language barrier and lack of education. They live among multiple dilapidated homes that are centers for drugs as well as prostitution, Bashi said. Some kids are approached by drug dealers while they walk home from school.

The residents see these actions take place right on their streets, but fear voicing their opinions.

Many feel a general paranoia that haunts them from being active about the situation. However, there are no hard numbers to back up this claim.

“We need statistics on our culture,” said Bashi.

“We need stronger leadership in the community to initiate funding and research by the government.”

Bashi believes there could be Chaldean youths in Detroit who sell drugs out of desperation to move out of the city. Their limited English, lack of education and deficient financial resources place them at a high risk for drugs, whether it is selling or using. The ACC’s newly built Youth Center in Detroit has the goal of keeping kids off the streets and away from those dangers.

The Chaldean American perspective is well understood by Bashi, who deals with this on a daily basis. She questions what is more important — feeling shame or getting help. She believes the community needs to face reality and realize they are not alone.

“The biggest threat is the stigma attached to drugs and other issues that nobody wants to talk about,” said Bashi. “People continue to be in denial. We are doing a great disservice to the whole community by not talking about it.

“As long as we remain in denial as a people,” she added, “we can not heal as a people.”

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itive impact on a person’s overall health. It lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones and raises the level of the immune system by producing infection-fighting cells, as well as disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also releases endorphins, which are the body’s naturally produced painkillers.

ARTS & entertainment

‘wacky iraqi’ gets laughs

GAINING STEAM Kasmikah now performs five days a week, and has a show called “Mediterranean Night” at the Ha Ha Café in Hollywood, where all sorts of Middle Eastern people gather to mingle and watch him perform. His long-term goals include writing screenBY OMAR BINNO plays and eventually directing them. He is currently working on one that he hopes will be produced within the next two years.

“I try and network as much as I don’t want to bomb.” These were the first “I had can,” Kasmikah said. “I’ve come words nervously spoken by a Chaldeanpeople close to having Disney look at my American comedian in a heavy Middle work, but somebody at the top didEastern accent before a sold-out crowd of more laughing. n’t like Middle Eastern families.” than 300 people just one week after the September Kasmikah seeks to reach out to 11 terrorist attacks. It was the first major performI could see the Chaldean community through ance for Nibras Joseph Abboud/Kasmikah — aka his writing.

Joey Nibras, The Wacky Iraqi — at the Improv it in their “I’m working on a story now Auditorium in Orange County, California. eyes; it was that depicts the dark side of the Kasmikah was born in Detroit on January 1, Chaldean community,” he said.

1972. “I was made in Baghdad and born in actually a “It’s aimed for the screen right Detroit,” he remarked. “My mother was actually now, but it’s turning into somepregnant with me as my family was immigrating.” healing thing so deep that it may end up as Kasmikah first began his career in comedy in experience a book first.

1998. He performed at small events in the Metro “I want to educate our younger Detroit area, and in 1999, moved to Glendale, for them.” generation about the dangers of California. Then he jumped around all over the state, until recently settling in Hollywood.

— NIBRAS some of the things they are getting Kasmikah said he invented the stage name “The KASMIKAH involved in, like drugs and other underground activities,” he added.

Wacky Iraqi” with the intent to educate the rest of “I had people laughing,” he said. “I could see it “A lot of times, parents become so involved with the public about Middle Eastern culture, especially in their eyes; it was actually a healing experience their businesses that they overlook spending the Chaldeans, through his comical creativity. for them. This made me feel great, especially conproper time to educate their kids. I know, because “I wasn’t sure how well my name and fake sidering the fact that I was extremely nervous.”

I’ve been there and done that. I was involved in accent would go over with people,” Kasmikah said. some negative things myself back in the day, and I “It was real touchy, especially when I was about to GO ON, IT’S HEALTHY don’t want to see these kids grow up in that type of imitate an Iraqi one week after the September 11 According to a study conducted by Dr. Lee Berk environment.” tragedy.” and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma However, Kasmikah said his Middle Eastern Check out clips of The Wacky Iraqi in action at: Linda University in California, laughter has a poshttp://www.thinkofnibras.com. skits went over quite well with the audience.

Chaldean comic is gaining a following

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MEAP

remains controversial Foreign-born students struggle with standardized test

BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL

N

ot too long ago teachers across Michigan were preparing their students for the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) examinations.

Schools are required to test at least 95 percent of their student bodies each year. But some parents and educators show concern for bilingual students taking the exam.

The MEAP is designed to evaluate students’ learning progression. In theory, the MEAP also evaluates the learning merit of each school. If students do well on the exams, their achievements are reflected in the school’s composite scores.

Ideally, the MEAP should measure steady improvement among students year to year. This would demonstrate that schools are maintaining adequate learning environments. Similar to most standardized examinations, however, the MEAP continues to be controversial.

In the Warren district, much of that controversy

lies with foreign-born and first-generation students.

Students in the Warren Consolidated School District speak more than 20 different native languages combined. Many are bilingual or just beginning to learn English. MEAP exams include significant reading and writing sections, which can be difficult and even tricky for students who speak more than one language. And while these students might be excelling in and out of the classroom, there is always a chance that their true learning achievements are not accurately reflected in their exam scores.

Language and social barriers are among the most prominent factors that can affect a child’s performance on the exams. It can take an individual five to seven years to gain proficiency in a foreign language. Metro Detroit is a growing melting pot of different ethnicities and backgrounds. More and more students come from bilingual homes where English may not be their first language.

Some are immigrant and refugee children who

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mother of five children, Kattula has been involved with Warren schools for years and speaks highly of them. She has spent more than three years as Parent Teacher Organization president of Hatherly Elementary School. Kattula understands the difficulties of balancing heritage and tradition with nationality.

“It is difficult for the children because they have to adapt academically, mentally and socially,” said Kattula. “Many times they are the ones helping their parents learn as well. Then when they take exams, these students are trying to read the words in the questions and understand what they are saying. It can be very stressful for them.”

Hatherly Elementary Principal Dianne Marcy shares her thoughts as well. “Every year the students have to meet higher marks on the MEAP exams,” she said. “Though setting high standards is positive for learning, continuing to meet the goals is always a concern. We work very hard to prepare the students with every action we can take.”

School administrations are concerned about failing to meet the higher standards because, as a result of poor test scores, the state has the right to deem schools unfit. The repercussions of this are significant as the schools’ policies and programs would then have to undergo drastic changes. Although award-winning schools, Hatherly Elementary and Flynn Middle could still receive a failing grade from the state based on their MEAP scores alone.

their reading and writing skills.

While it would be impossible to should take into eliminate a standardized exam such as the MEAP, there might be some consideration possible ways of improving the way the fact that exams are administered to foreignborn and bilingual students. students have Kattula stressed that the examinations are important, but do not specific individual offer a complete display of school needs and and student merit. Perhaps scores for bilingual subgroups should not TOO MUCH EMPHASIS? situations, be counted against schools until Kattula emphasizes the imporcritics say. the students pass at least five years tance of having a well-roundof English proficiency. The MEAP ed school. “The MEAP exams should take into consideration the are important, but we should fact that students have specific individual needs and not focus on the scores alone,” she said. “When situations that might affect the way they interpret the students can show that they can understand questions on exams, critics say. their lessons and the concepts they are learning Different exams and testing environments for to their parents and teachers, that is more imporchildren with specific needs might be too costly tant to me than their scores in the MEAP.” for schools to implement. The most logical soluConcern about the MEAP exams is a growing tion, many say, may be to simply take a combinaissue. Inner-city districts, schools with special tion of factors into consideration when judging education students and institutions that cater to schools instead of limiting the schools to exam children undergoing psychological and emotionscores. For example, each school in a given disal difficulties are questioning the MEAP. Next trict could be evaluated through a combination of year, the program will expand to require thirdgraders take the exams. This means that as secits test scores, teacher evaluations, surprise school ond-graders, students will have to prepare for the visits, administrative reports and MEAP while they are barely beginning to hone parental/guardian satisfaction.

Administrations at the schools say they work diligently to receive recognition for their exemplary performance and curriculum. Only 39 schools in the state received Michigan Blue Ribbon awards this past year, and three of them came from Warren Consolidated Schools.

The MEAP

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APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 43

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ECONOMICS and ENTERPRISE

A Chocolate Enterprise ike many children, a younger Stephanie Acho entertained dreams of becoming Willy Wonka and having her very own chocolate factory. Acho has come a long way since her childhood fantasies. Today, she is the proud owner of Chocolates by Reneé in Northville, where she balances her love of family and chocolate with her passion for enterprise.

Taking a step into Chocolates by Reneé, one might assume it is a family-owned business passed down from one generation to another. Its welcoming atmosphere and handcrafted charm is indicative of Acho’s own sweet personality. However, she actually purchased the shop in February 1996. “It is quite an ironic story,” Acho recalled.

After earning her marketing degree at the University of Michigan in 1993, Acho started an import/export business called Global Gifts. In 1995, she decided to pur-

L

BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL

chase an art gallery. Thought this pursuit she found Chocolates by Reneé.

Early one afternoon, Acho waited for her appointment with an art gallery owner in downtown Northville.

Realizing she was a few minutes early, she walked across the street to browse at a candy store. After having a friendly conversation with the owner, Acho learned that she was looking to sell the store. “I immediately fell in love with the idea,” said Acho. “Within five days, I became the

owner of Chocolates by Reneé.”

Since that fateful day, Acho has dedicated herself to the shop and serving the downtown Northville area.

Though she dreamed of what she would sell in her own candy shop as a child, Acho never anticipated it for her future. “I love the corporate, professional side of business,” she said, “but in purchasing Chocolates by Reneé, I also learned — hands-on — the process of chocolate making by

studying under the previous owner as well as a culinary specialist. Falling into this was the perfect fit.” It was a perfect fit indeed, as the shop earned Business of the Month for downtown Northville last February.

Chocolates by Reneé offers a wide variety of goodies. The chocolates are all handmade from original recipes and can be molded into different shapes and sizes. For Easter, chocolate bunnies decorated the store, some standing as tall as four feet and all edible. If a bride wants a horse-drawn princess carriage for her cake, Acho can mold it exactly the way she describes. The shop also offers molded chocolate logos and signs for a unique way to advertise businesses or decorate a corporate event.

Chocolates by Reneé also hosts birth-

GOOD NEWS FOR CHOCOHOLICS Love the taste of chocolate but fear the calories? Research shows that chocolate eaten in small amounts can keep you on the right path to maintaining a healthy diet. Some chocolate, especially dark chocolates high in flavanol, can prevent blood clots and clogged arteries. Other studies say that chocolate can increase energy and reduce anxiety. Researchers argue over these potential benefits of eating chocolate. While the debate is ongoing, a small amount of chocolate each day — one or two small pieces — promotes a healthy lifestyle when balanced with nutritional food choices. So indulging yourself in a sweet treat now and then can be a guilt-free pleasure!

PHOTO BY BRAD ZIEGLER

Wabeek Country Club (est.1972) Rich in Tradition...Now Affordable to Join A prestigious 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pet Dye.

First Time Ever Lifetime Golf Membership for $5,000 Wabeek Country Club now offers • Lifetime Membership for $5,000 • Social Membership Available • Low Monthly Dues and Minimums • Zero Assessments • Full Country Club Amenities Wabeek Country Club LLC is a private, now-equity facility

44 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

Golf outing and banquet dates now available For more information or to arrange a personal tour please call 1-877-855-0701 or visit our web site at www.wabeekcc.org

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day parties where children can handdip different edibles. The friendly atmosphere and superior chocolates bring customers back time and again.

Stephanie Acho Acho finds inspiration for her success in many ways. The most prominent motivation in her life is family.

“The shop gives me the flexibility that I need in order to raise my family,” she said. “My father always inspired me to mold my children first and mold my chocolate later. Family is the foundation of this business.” Her advice to other young businesspeople involves the hard work and dedication her father instilled in her throughout her life.

“My father taught me the Chaldean work ethic. He always believed in the words, ‘Work as if everything depends on you, and pray as if everything depends on God,’” she said. “Pursuing your dreams is important, but doing your best with what you have and working hard at whatever life hands you is just as important.”

Chocolates by Reneé is located at 118 E. Main St. in Northville. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (248) 349-6362 or e-mail ChocolatesByRenee@yahoo.com.

PHOTO BY BRAD ZIEGLER

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A sweet day for kids at Chocolates by Reneé

Custom Design Drapery Fine Furnishing and Accessories Custom Upholstery Headboard Custom Benches and Chairs Designer Fabric Available Italian Imports Complete Renovations WENDY A RABO I NTERIOR D ESIGNER CONSULTATION B Y A PPOINTMENT

•

4080 Haggerty Road • Walled Lake, MI 48390 at the corner of Haggerty and Richardson

Wendy Arabo Interior Designs By Appointment

Phone: 248-363-9114 • Fax: 248-363-9120 APRIL 2005

CHALDEAN NEWS 45

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classified LISTINGS

HELP WANTED NECC TELECOM, INC. is in search for friendly full-time sales representatives who speak Arabic and Chaldean fluently to join our team in Troy.

Experience is not required.

Please contact Izabela, 248-680-8882, ext. 274. Visit www.necc.us.

HOUSES FOR SALE LIVE THE SHENANDOAH LIFE! Enjoy the beauty of the golf course from your own backyard!

Every window has a pictureperect view. 3 BR incl huge MST STE w/ 2 W/I clos and oversized Jacuzzi. Neut décor, newer roof, furnace, windows, etc. 2,800 sq. ft. $369,900.

248-891-8972

EXPERIENCED ADVERTISING SALESPERSON

BLOOMFIELD SOPHISTICATION Totally renovated quality-built home on the most beautiful cul-de-sac. Over 4,600 sq. ft.

Prof fin lower level. Custom crown mlds, custom wood & laquer cab. $1,249,000.

BOBBIE MILLER, Re/Max in the Hills, 248-646-8350.

Join our growing team at the Chaldean News! Salary, commission, benefits and an excellent work environment for the right salesperson with at least two years’ experience. Send resume and cover letter to Martin Manna, Chaldean News, 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills, MI 48334. No phone calls please. EOE.

WEST BLOOMFIELD Beautiful 4 BR, 2.5 bath.

Elegant living rm w/ custom fireplace, “cook’s kitchen” top of the line! Built-ins in family room, private library. Huge master suite. $489,900.

BOBBIE MILLER, Re/Max in the Hills, 248-646-8350.

ADVERTISE

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE PREMIER OFFICE SPACE available on Northwestern Highway.

Beautifully decorated, ready for move in. 1,000-8,000 s.f.

Competitive rates.

Call 248-538-5800.

FURNITURE FOR SALE Beautiful dining room set.

Contemporary, lacquer-like black w/champagne. 8 chairs, table, buffet server. Like new, originally $7,000. $2,000 or best offer.

248-788-5025

SERVICES OFFERED MAKE-UP ART BY RAHNDA I will enhance your beauty with techniques that will make you say “Wow!” $30 p/p. $50 for brides with a free trial.

Call Rahnda, 248-346-6611 ARCHITECT DESIGNER Specialize in residential & commercial architecture.

Affordable & creative.

Licensed builder. Call Zaid Arabo @ (248) 767-6928.

SERVICES OFFERED NEED COMPUTER HELP? Home or office. Call John Haddad for all of your installation, setup and repair needs.

Also providing individual and group training on IMB clone PC’s and Microsoft programs. Reasonable rates.

Professional and friendly service. Call 248-420-4947.

HEATING AND COOLING Is your home too dry? You may need your humidity levels checked.

Call Ron Garmo at Running Right Heating, Cooling and More...

“We’re working to keep your systems Running Right!”

248-884-1704

Did You Know?

Your classified ad also appears online at www.chaldeannews.com at

no extra cost!

SPRING IS HERE Time to spruce up your home. A new coat of paint works wonders!

Painting contractor with more than 25 years experience available for color consultation, drywall repairs, expert painting. Reasonable rates.

Call (248) 542-1033.

CLASSIFIED ORDER FORM IN

THE

CHALDEAN NEWS Advertise in a publication that is mailed directly to thousands of Chaldean Households.

Four ways to place your ad!

1. Online at www.chaldeannews.com 2. Fax (248) 932-9161 3. Phone (248) 932-3100 4. Send it to: The Chaldean News, 30095 NW. Hwy., Ste. 102, Farm. Hills, MI 48334 RATES: $6 PER LINE; 5-LINE MINIMUM. NAME _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS______________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY ________________________________________________________________ STATE ________ ZIP ____________________ PHONE ____________________________________________________________ E-MAIL _____________________________________________ AMOUNT ENCLOSED ________________________________

CATEGORY (CHECK ONLY ONE):

★ The Chaldeans in Michigan are a community of more than 120,000 people

★ Chaldeans own more than 6,000 businesses in Metro Detroit

★ The Chaldeans have one of the largest disposable incomes among all ethnic groups in Southeast Michigan THE

CHALDEAN NEWS 30095 Northwestern Highway, Ste 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 www.chaldeannews.com Call 248-932-3100 or Fax: 248-932-9161 46 CHALDEAN NEWS

APRIL 2005

House for Sale House for Rent Condo for Sale Condo/Apartment for Rent Vacation Property for Sale Vacation Rentals

Office Space to Share Lost and Found Merchandise for Sale Automobiles for Sale Boats for Sale Tickets for Sale

Cemetery Lots Wanted to Buy Pets Help Wanted Situations Wanted Other (Specify)

PRINT THE EXACT TEXT OF YOUR AD (ATTACH A SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rates are subject to change without notice. The Chaldean News reserves the right to reject, edit or revise any advertisement, and is not liable for failure to insert an advertisement. If an error is made in an ad published by The Chaldean News, notice must be made by the advertiser in writing no more than five business days after publication. All advertising positions are at the publisher’s discretion and in no event will refunds, adjustments or reinstatements be made based on position. The Chaldean News has the right to recover unpaid advertising amounts, including reasonable costs of collection, attorney’s fees, litigation costs and interest on the unpaid balance.

I agree to these terms.

SIGNATURE ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRINTED NAME ______________________________________________________________ DATE _________________________

All classifieds must be pre-paid. Call (248) 932-3100 for more information.

Deadline: 20th of each month for the next month’s issue.

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EMPIRE DOORS • WINDOWS • ACCESSORIES

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OR CALL EMPIRE TODAY

800-541-3667 At Empire We Do It All! We measure, we manufacture, we paint, we stain, we install. Custom crafted wood, fiberglass, steel, exterior and interior doors. Don’t be mislead by home centers. At Empire you get the best quality for the best price. All our installers are Empire employees. Visit one of our showrooms and see for yourself.

We manufacture our own beveled & stained glass

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