VOL. 16 ISSUE III
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ALL ABOUT THE RESURRECTION WHETHER CELEBRATED IN IRAQ OR AMERICA, EASTER IS THE HOLIEST DAY FOR CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE
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CHALDEAN NEWS 3
4
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APRIL 2019
CONTENTS THE CHALDEAN NEWS
18
32
34
36
33
37
departments
6
18 ALL ABOUT THE RESURRECTION
FROM THE EDITOR BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
A promise to God 8
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS BY MICHAEL SARAFA
APRIL 2019
VOLUME 16 ISSUE III
on the cover BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
Whether celebrated in Iraq or America, Easter is the Holiest day for Christians everywhere
Chaldean lawyers rise to the occasion 10
NOTEWORTHY
12
CHAI TIME
14
ECRC CORNER
15
OBITUARIES
23
CHALDEAN ON THE STREET BY HALIM SHEENA
Spring break 26
ONE ON ONE BY CHALDEAN NEWS
A conversation with Mark Hackel 28
DOCTOR IS IN BY DR. BRANDON SHOUKRI
When to see an orthodontist 32
features 20 BUILDING MIRACLES BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
Teen spearheads project to help families in Mexico
22 RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA: A BLURRED LINE BY BIANCA KASAWDISH
24 IMPASSIONED CREATORS BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
Women throughout the community turn their hobbies into businesses
EVENTS APRIL 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 5
from the EDITOR
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The Chaldean News, LLC
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A promise to God
O
ne of my first on-air reports for WJR It has been so freeing. I know we are not supposed was on Easter Sunday morning. I went to share with others what we give up or do during to mass at Shrine of the Little Flower. Lent. There is this belief by many that it should I had already attended mass the night before be between you and God. In fact, it is more than a to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ but this belief, it is scriptural. “Whenever you fast, do not Sunday morning was to report on the “Holiest put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they Day of the Year for Christians everywhere.” And neglect their appearance so that they will be nothat was a line I recited in my report. “Wearing ticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to their Sunday bests…” I said, “Catholics are atyou, they have their reward in full,” (Matt. 6:16). VANESSA tending Mass here at Shrine of the Little Flower However, I think sometimes it helps others DENHA-GARMO when you share what you are doing during Lent. in Royal Oak.” I remember it vividly. It was imprinted on my EDITOR IN CHIEF Others have inspired me over the years. We are CO-PUBLISHER mind mainly because I was a new reporter and living in a divisive world. We are facing spiritual new to the airwaves. Of course, my dad got such a warfare. We are witnessing people celebrate murkick out of hearing me on the radio. At the time, I had no der. We need prayer. We need fasting. We need almsgividea what I was really saying. I didn’t know what it meant ing. We need adoration. We need confession. We, the at the time that Easter was the Holiest day of the year for Christians and I certainly didn’t know why it was the HoliAs I get older and deeper into est day. I said it because it was a fact and that is all I knew. Our cover story – featuring interviews both with Fr. my faith, my understanding and Matthew Zetouna and Shamasha Khairy Foumia – remind us of the importance of this holiday for us Christians. appreciation for Lent grows As I get older and deeper into my faith, my understanddeeper … I often struggled ing and appreciation for Lent grows deeper. I always knew that people giving up sweets or carbs during Lent to lose sticking with my Lenten weight was so disingenuous. However, I often struggled sticking with my Lenten promises. As a kid, I remember promises. giving up sweets with my sister Stephanie. I was so proud of myself for lasting the entire Lenten Season. I didn’t eat one piece of candy or sweets the entire time including on world, need it all. Not just individually or collectively as Sundays. I didn’t tell my parents until that Easter morning a Chaldean community, we need it all as a human race. and I remember seeing the smile on my dad’s face as I told This Lenten commitment is very much a commitment him while ripping open my Easter basket. that leads us to spiritual growth. After all, what you promA couple of times, I gave up television which was harder ise during Lent, is not about a promise to yourself; it is a for me than sweets. In recent years, I began to understand promise to God. that this season is about bringing us closer to Christ. Karam Bahnam clearly reminded me of that in his ECRC Corner column this month. His piece is such an important message for all of us. Even if you haven’t decided to do anything for Lent or if you failed along the way this season, it is not Alaha Imid Koullen too late to do something. We are called to fast, pray and (God Be With Us All) participate in almsgiving. It is also a time to repent. If you Vanessa Denha-Garmo haven’t gone to confession, consider it. As Shamasha Fouvanessa@denhamedia.com mia explained, we are cleansing our souls. Follow her on Twitter @vanessadenha This year, I added adoration to my Lenten experience. Follow Chaldean News on Twitter @chaldeannews
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CHALDEAN NEWS 7
the LITTLE THINGS
Chaldean lawyers rise to the occasion
A
s I listened to fa, Frank Yono he listed Chaldean Comoff the top of his head. munity FoundaLargely unknown is that tion CEO Martin Manna the first woman Chaldean lay out the various needs of attorney was Mary Ann Chaldean refugees, my eyes Binno (not my wife) who circled the room filled with battled blindness onset Chaldean American attorby diabetes but nonetheneys. I tried to recall how less went on to work for MICHAEL G. many attorneys were in the the Securities Exchange SARAFA community when I graduCommission after graduatSPECIAL TO THE ated from Wayne State ing from Wayne State Law CHALDEAN NEWS Law School in 1997. Not school in 1978. Jane Shalvery many. I began to think about the lal, who was sworn into the State relatively brief but beautiful history of Bar after Binno, told me Binno was our attorney community. an inspiration for her bravery and On one book-end is Jewel Haji, a third year Detroit Mercy law student and Editor and Chief of the Law Review who has already secured a job at the prestigious Detroit law firm, Honigman Law. At the other end is the late Salman Sesi who initially could not practice after law school in 1954 because he was not a citizen. Ultimately, he was sworn into the state bar in 1966 and became the first Chaldean lawyer in the United States. In between are three generations of Chaldean lawyers— represented by Mr. Sesi’s grandson, Julian and Julian’s father, Ramy— the only family in the community with lawyers from three generations. accomplishment of being the first On Friday, March 22, a gathering Chaldean female attorney. of about 40 of the best and brightest Among the first generation of in the community, Including Haji, attorneys are several from my own came together for a luncheon meetfamily including Melinda Sarafa ing at the Chaldean Community who practiced white collar crimiFoundation to learn more about the nal defense in New York and is now legal needs of Chaldean refugees General Counsel to a private equity and indigent. The gathering includfirm and at least six other Sarafa’s ed at least three lawyer-employees including my late uncle and my late of the Foundation led by Foundacousin, Derek Sarafa. There must tion COO, Paul Jonna. But it also be dozens of other Chaldean attorincluded Foundation immigration neys in California and Chicago and attorneys Athir Maroki and Carleen at least one in Texas that we know Jarbo, both more recent Detroit about (Steve Kherker). In Boston, Mercy law graduates. On the other Remi Kathawa works for a silkend of the spectrum were more sestocking law firm. nior attorneys including Shamel Also present at the luncheon Halibu and Burt Kassab, who began was Justin Hanna, an attorney at their legal profession in the 1980s. Jaffe Law whose spouse is also an Over lunch, I asked Attorney attorney. At Justin’s wedding to Halibu how many Chaldean atNora Youkhanna last year, Bishop torneys existed when he graduated Ibrahim who was presiding over a from law school. It was such a short rare attorney to attorney wedding list, he began to name them. (Note: told the newlyweds that they had a I’m sure this list is not exhaustive, special obligation to work for justice and I apologize to those I may miss). and to serve the community. Salmon Sesi, Jalal Arabo, Pete This was consistent with the Abbo, Paul Vincent, Karim Saramessage to the attorneys that af8
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
ternoon delivered first by veteran Judge, Diane Dickow D’Agostini who reminded the mostly under 40-year-old crowd of lawyers that pro bono work was not only a moral imperative but encouraged within the rules of the State Bar. This theme was reinforced by Oakland Circuit Court Judge Hala Jarbou who reminded lawyers that the significance of the hurdles they overcame to become lawyers was even more reason to give back. Also attending were Oakland Circuit Court Judge, Lisa Gorcyka and Supreme Court Justice David
schools around the country. Kassab told me that the growth of the legal profession in the community is remarkable for its speed and depth with lawyers specializing in almost every possible area of law. In a collective and moving gesture, each lawyer present agreed to handle at least one pro bono case per year referred to them by the Chaldean Community Foundation. These cases typically involve landlord-tenant issues, family law matters, traffic misdemeanors and motions to set aside judgements. Judge Jarbou reminded those
Viviano. Justice Viviano, who is married to a Chaldean and had his toddler daughter in tow, put forth a path for pro bono work based on his significant experience doing pro bono work when he was in private practice. Attorney Burt Kassab, whose daughter is also an attorney, estimates that there are 300-400 attorneys from the community—with over 80% graduating after the turn of the century-- and 30 or 40 more graduating each year from Michigan based law schools and other law
present that the disposition of these kinds of matters for the people that otherwise would not be well represented could be life changing events for them. The volunteer gesture is big, but just a handful of hours is a little thing. Yet to the beneficiaries of those donated hours, it could mean the world. We’ve come a long way and because of that, many people who need legal help are going to get it. Michael Sarafa is Co-publisher of the Chaldean News.
PRESENTS
CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Special Tribute Steve Kaplan Supervisor of West Bloomfield Township
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Small Business of the Year W3R Consulting has been named the 2018 Detroit Lions Comerica Bank Small Business of the Year. Chosen among the eight Michiganbased Comerica Bank Small Business of the Game winners announced for each Lions’ home game in 2018, the award-winning talent and IT provider earned the top award based on overall contributions in the small business community and efforts to showcase its position as a Small Business of the Game honoree. “For nearly 25 years, w3r Consulting has built a valuable service and produced robust partnerships across several industries through talent and data management solutions that generate success for its clients,” said Kim Kersten, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President of Business Banking. “Eric, Keith, Patrick and their entire team represent the true spirit of a small business built from the ground up, and it is a privilege for Comerica to serve businesses like w3r Consulting. This recognition is well deserved.” Chief Executive Officer Eric Hardy and Chief Financial Officer Patrick Tomina founded w3r Consulting in 1995 and then partnered with Executive Vice President Keith Echols two years later. Since the mid-1990s, w3r Consulting has delivered results by building trusted, strategic partnerships in data analytics, talent solutions and technology consulting services. They have expanded their diverse reach into numerous industries such as automotive, financial, government, health care, insurance and retail. “Being selected from among our 10
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
Michigan-based peers as the Comerica Bank Small Business of the Year is a genuine honor,” said Eric Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of w3r Consulting. “We pride ourselves for our integrity, accountability, innovation, and discipline and receiving recognition at this level from a long-standing partner indicates those values naturally radiate from our people.” “This award is especially meaningful because we have such a longrunning partnership with Comerica Bank,” said Keith Echols, Executive Vice President at w3r Consulting. “At the time, their organization was one of the first banks to provide our fledging business with a loan 24 years ago and we are committed to maintaining that relationship now and in the future.”
Fundraiser Benefitting Chaldean Community Foundation The University of Michigan’s Chaldean American Student Association has chosen the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) as this year’s charity to benefit from their annual Live from Babylon fundraiser. Honoring the foundation for the work they do throughout the Chaldean community, Live from Babylon bring CASA chapter from universities throughout Michigan together under a common cause. Raising $13,000, all proceeds will benefit the CCF. See more photos on events page 37.
Senior Living Apartments Unveiled The Chaldean Diocese celebrated the unveiling of the newest senior living apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony and mass on Tuesday, March 19. Taking residence next to Holy Martyrs Church in Sterling Heights, these apartments are the second senior living facility built by the Chaldean Diocese, with the first being Chaldean Manor. See more photos on events page 34.
Private Showing of Unplanned The Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization Center hosted a private showing of the newly released movie, Unplanned. Hosted at AMC Livonia, the showing was attended by members of the community who were eager to see this pro-life movie. Unplanned is the true story of Abby Johnson and her story of transformation. Involved in more than 22,000 abortions, Abby counseled countless women about their reproductive choices. Her passion surrounding a woman’s right to choose even led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed in. Until something happened that changed it all.
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Help Wanted! Please consider hiring one of our many new Americans. More than 30,000 Chaldean refugees have migrated to Michigan since 2007. Many possess the skills and determination to work hard for you and your organization. The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has a bank of resumes of candidates qualified to do a variety of jobs. To inquire about hiring a New American, call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org.
Chaldean Community Foundation Sterling Heights Office 3601 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-722-7253 www.chaldeanfoundation.org
APRIL 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 11
CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT APRIL 2019
Saturday, April 6 Philapalooza 2: The Escapades Continue with Philapalooza 2! The Philharmonic invites all to a big musical party highlighting local stars and music with an urban vibe on Saturday, April 6 at the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex. Several of the orchestra’s favorite guests return to celebrate great music, including saxophone virtuoso Zach Shemon, who’s fresh off his tour with the Prism Quartet, and Detroit’s own composer Rick Robinson. Joining the band will be the local community band and the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Band. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (734) 451-2112 or visit michiganphil.org.
vices has partnered with local restaurants and bars to leverage your dollars for Detroiters in need through the internationally acclaimed fundraiser, Dining Out for Life. Dining Out for Life is a delicious way to give back and help thousands of local children and families in need. Participating establishments have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds on Thursday, April 11, only. These funds will stay local and go toward services for educating children, supporting families, and rebuilding neighborhoods. To make an impact, simply dine out at one of the participating venues. For more information about participating restaurants, visit www. diningoutforlifedetroit.org.
Sunday, April 7 Bookstock: Metro Detroit’s largest used book and media sale, Bookstock, is coming to Livonia’s Laurel Park Place from Sunday, April 7 through Sunday, April 14. Bookstock has more than 300,000 used books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and records for sale at bargain prices. PreSale runs from 8:15 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 7. There is a $20 admission charge for the Pre-Sale only. Bookstock runs Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Join Bookstock for Monday Madness giveaways, Teacher Appreciation Day discounts on Tuesday and Wednesday, Bookbuster specials Thursday and Friday, and Cookstock featuring prizes and half-off cookbooks on Saturday. All books are half-price on April 14. All proceeds from Bookstock benefit literacy and education projects throughout metro Detroit. For more information, call 248-645-7840 ext. 365 or visit bookstockmi.org.
Thursday, April 11 Read to a Child: Join us Read to a Child Detroit’s annual gala from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at Valentine Vodka in Ferndale on Vester Ave. Individual tickets can be purchased for $45, and proceeds will support spreading the joy of reading to underserved elementary aged students in metro Detroit. Founded on the belief that every child deserves to be read to regularly by a caring adult, Read to a Child fulfills its mission through its flagship Lunchtime Reading Program at public elementary schools across the country. The program matches volunteers with students to read aloud oneon-one during lunchtime on a weekly basis throughout the schoolyear.
Thursday, April 11 Dining out for Life: Dine out and give back through this annual fundraiser benefiting Matrix Human Services on Thursday, April 11. Matrix Human Ser-
Wednesday, April 17 Roadmap to Resilience: The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition is hosting the Roadmap to Resilience on Wednesday, April 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Hosted at the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital’s demonstration kitchen, this event is all about balancing life and coping skills. A number of guest speakers will be present to talk about various topics, including the
benefits of therapy, developmental assets for a child’s success, and providing unconditional love. Saturday, April 27 Luncheon and Fashion Show: Join the Grace Centers of Hope for their 21st Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. This event raises funds for the women’s programs for those that have been victims of homelessness, abuse, and addiction. This year’s event will feature spring trends from The Somerset Collection and will also include looks with fascinators and hats from Simply Marcella. The fundraising goal of $175,000 will allow the organization to continue its mission of transforming the lives of women who are addicted and hurting by providing life-saving services for them and their children. For more information, contact Olivia Jones at 1-855-HELP-GCH or ojones@gracecentersofhope.org. Saturday, April 27 Spring Charity Open House: The Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton will host an open house to benefit The American Cancer Society from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Guests will enjoy viewing this collection of over 180 vehicles that make up one of the greatest car collections in the world. The American Cancer Society funds and conducts research, shares expert information, assists patients, and spreads the word about cancer prevention. Guests attending the event support the organization by making a monetary donation at the door. Several activities are scheduled throughout the 40,000-square-foot showroom, including: limited-edition event poster signing by Ken Lingenfelter; startup of the Enzo Ferrari; door prizes; and refreshments and food from vendors including Tony’s Dog. All event proceeds will be donated to The American Cancer Society.
JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM. The Chaldean News is looking for motivated candidates to fill full-time salaried sales positions. Qualified candidates should email a resume to info@chaldeannews.com. 12
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Tuesday, April 30 Care for a Taste: The 3rd Annual CARE for a Taste will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights. The GM Heritage Center is an exclusive venue that can only be visited through attendance at an event. In addition to participating in this exclusive event, spend the evening sharing the tastiest bites with distinguished community partners and leaders and hear powerful CARE stories of success and impact. Enjoy samples from over 25 of Michigan’s greatest restaurants and view the 165 historic GM vehicles that call the GM Heritage Center home. All proceeds raised will go toward CARE programs and services, which help to strengthen and educate communities and individuals in living healthy, substance-free lives. To purchase a ticket today, visit www.careofsem.com Thursday, June 6 Min Sharetha: The Right to Life of Michigan is hosting their 5th annual Min Sharetha Benefit Dinner at the Shenandoah Country Club. A part of the Right to Life of Michigan’s educational profile outreach within the Chaldean Community, this year’s Master of Ceremonies will once again be Fr. Bryan Kassa and the event’s special guest speaker is Tim Tebow’s mom, Pam Tebow. Her notoriety increased when her youngest son Tim, quarterback for the Florida Gators, became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. During the nationally televised Heisman broadcast, ESPN aired a portion of an interview that focused on her refusal to abort Timmy when she was advised to do so. Reservations for Min Sharetha are as follows: $50 per individual; $450 per table of 10. To purchase a reservation or sponsorship, visit https://donationsef.rtl. org/min-sharetha-benefit-dinner/
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CHALDEAN NEWS 13
ECRC corner
Lent: How to see the big picture
B
y the time you read ality that we may not want this article, the Lentto admit. The reality is that en season may be at we do not understand the its midpoint and many of true meaning of Lent. us have forgotten, neglectLet us first start with the ed, or given up most of our basics. Lent is a special seaLenten promises. Here we son on the church’s calendar should be asking ourselves that intends to prepare the an important question: faithful for the great feast why? Is it because we always of Easter. Traditionally, the KARAM overpromise and underdeChurch has focused on three BAHNAM liver? Is it because of our SPECIAL TO THE main elements, rooted in hectic lifestyles that make CHALDEAN NEWS sacred scripture, that would it impossible to keep a comhelp us live this season propmitment? Or is it because of a situaerly: prayers, fasting, and almsgiving. tion unique to each of us? I personThe Gospel according to Matally think the problem is not due to thew (Mt 6:1-18) highlights these a circumstance or a lifestyle as much three practices and offers us small as it is with our inability to see the tips as to how we should carry them bigger picture. on in our daily lives. When it comes Lent for many of us is a time of to almsgiving, the Bible encourages the year when we give up certain us to be humble and not to blow a types of foods or habits to please God trumpet before every act of giving. and continue a tradition we inheritJesus says, “When you give alms, do ed from our parents. We start off the not let your left hand know what season with some enthusiasm but as your right hand is doing.” (Mt 6:3). time goes on, our commitment level Regarding prayers, scripture enweakens and we start looking for courages us not to be hypocrites, loopholes around the system. Chewmeaning to be genuine in our intening sugarless gum for those who give tions and conversations with God. up sweets, eating Masgoof for those Good prayers are not conditioned by who give up meats, and shopping length or place. Jesus says, “When online instead of going to the mall you pray, go to your inner room, close are some examples of this weakened the door, and pray to your Father in commitment. These examples may secret. And your Father who sees in seem funny and innocent, which secret will repay you.” (Mt 6:6). they are, but they reflect a somber reFinally, regarding fasting, the Bi14
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
ble encourages us not to look gloomy. This means not to use this practice as a means to show the entire world a willingness to be depressed for the sake of God. Jesus on the contrary says, “When you fast anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden, and your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (Mt 6:6). These three practices are foundational to
Lent is a special season on the church’s calendar that intends to prepare the faithful for the great feast of Easter. the season of Lent, and yet they are still considered to be the small picture of what Lent encompasses. The bigger picture requires an understanding of Lent as a special time where we grow in our love with God through a sacrificial life. The concept of sacrifice is foundational in Christianity. God chose to show his love for us through sacrificing Himself on the cross to pay the price for our sins.
Though this sacrifice is sufficient, God gives us the opportunity to show our love to Him through sacrifices as well. In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothermen, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1). Love and sacrifice are two sides to one coin. There is no true love without sacrifices. The season of Lent help us assess our true love to God and grow it. Lent is a time when we take inventory of our spiritual lives. The sacrifices of almsgiving and fasting help us to detach ourselves from all that is hindering our relationship with God. It is a process of emptying oneself from the “I” and filling it with God through prayers. In summary, we can say that Lent is not a period of time when Christians have to deprive themselves of all their desires as much as it is a time of reconsidering our relationships with God, making decisions to enhance it, and vowing to live the remaining time of the year according to that promise. I, myself, have experienced that firsthand. Most of my daily religious habits such as Scripture readings, daily mass, rosary and other started on a Lenten journey some year in the past. Today, I can’t imagine my life without these daily religious routines. Karam Bahnam has a BA in Philosophy and is currently working on his MA in Theology; he is a co-founder of the Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization Center (ECRC).
obituaries
LET US DESIGN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN Mansour Khemerku Ayar July 11,1928 - March 6, 2019
M
ansour lived to be 91, a complete life with no shortage of unique, tragic and beautiful experiences. A Chaldean born in Telkape to a poor family, he was forced to grow up after the early death of his father and struggled to pull himself and his family forward. His brother, Hanna, was wrongly and unjustly executed for a crime he never committed, something not uncommon at that time and place in history. Rightfully fearful of guilt by association, he fled his home, leaving behind his young wife and his brother’s widow. As the dust settled, despite not being formally educated, he became an ambassador of the community. He used his foreign influence and business reputation to build bridges with the regimes of Kurdistan and Northern Iraq. He eventually migrated to the U.S., bringing with him his family, focus, grit and intelligence and con-
tinued the hard work of making his family’s name an icon of the Chaldean community and a thriving part of American Society. Death and tragedy defined Mansour Ayar’s life. He lost his brother and partner at the age of 33, death took his daughter Maha at 18, his nephew and best friend Zuhair Ayar at 60 and his grandson Branden Dallo at 21 but he somehow transcended all of it and became a legend in his own right. Mansour was my Father-in-law, a good friend to my late father, the grandfather to my kids, my older brother and best friend. Farewell to a great man, we all have something to learn from you. – Mike Dallo
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obituaries
RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Elona Abdulahad Matti Feb. 21, 2011 March 21, 2019
Barbara Shabo Sept. 9, 1933 March 17, 2019
Elizabeth Dickow Kallabat Dec. 2, 1949 March 16, 2019
Maryam Kachocha July 1, 1922 March 15, 2019
Salah Ayoob Polus Aug. 10, 1952 March 14, 2019
Iklas N. Kato Nov. 20, 1954 - March 14, 2019
Ishaq Kauzal- Zaya July 1, 1931 March 13, 2019
Kamel (Abed) Rammo July 1, 1947March 12, 2019
Fuad Kako Dec. 8, 1959March 12, 2019
Shahla Mikhael Hami Dec. 8, 1971March 12, 2019
Sabah Kaji July 8, 1947March 10, 2019
Robert Hawel July 1, 1945March 9, 2019
Layla Thomas Abbo Nov. 25, 1938March 8, 2019
Iman Marrogy Aug. 2, 1971March 7, 2019
Nasir Yohana Jan. 1, 1965March 7, 2019
Sabah Nisan Yaldoo Oct. 14, 1935March 7, 2019
Ktrena Bahoura July 1, 1927March 6, 2019
Riyadh Roumaya March 8, 1949March 6, 2019
Mansour Khemerku Ayar July 11, 1928 March 6, 2019
Mary Yaldo July 1, 1927March 5, 2019
Yousif Qeta July 1, 1954March 5, 2019
Khairi Dawood June 5, 1943March 4, 2019
Evleen Kashat Dec. 25, 1924March 4, 2019
Hayat Hermiz Alosachi July 1, 1932March 4, 2019
George Taila Sept. 21, 1939March 1, 2019
Antiwan Mansour Lossia March 18, 1937March 1, 2019
Rejou Thomas July 5, 1935Feb. 27, 2019
Nabeel Koja Jan. 17, 1967Feb. 27, 2019
Mere Grigor Yono Feb. 22, 1923Feb. 27, 2019
Jamil Najor Nov. 15, 1939Feb. 26, 2019
Warde Shaboo April 19, 1927Feb. 26, 2019
Albert Aziz Abbo Jan. 8, 1932Feb. 25, 2019
Lisa Dalou Jan. 15, 1983Feb. 24, 2019
Faezah Khoshaba June 16, 1965Feb. 24, 2019
Shammama Ayar Kasmikha July 23, 1922Feb. 24, 2019
Warkaa Georgis Yono Oct. 12, 1973Feb. 24, 2019
Yousif Brikho July 1, 1939Feb. 22, 2019
Zarifa Kouza Saroki Nov. 1, 1921Feb. 22, 2019
Jamel Shathaya July 1, 1945Feb. 21, 2019
Shamamtah Al Sabagh Koki July 1, 1927Feb. 8, 2019
16
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CHALDEAN NEWS 17
All about the Resurrection Whether celebrated in Iraq or America, Easter is the Holiest day for Christians everywhere BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
W
hen Shamasha (Sub-Deacon) Khairy Foumia was a young boy, he and his friends and relatives used to keep kelacha (cookies) in their pockets on Easter Sunday morning so that as soon as Easter Mass finished and they ran outside, they would grab the cookies and eat them. “We couldn’t wait to eat the kelacha,” he said. Fasting from meat and dairy was very common in Iraq. “Prayers and fasting are both very significant in the Chaldean church,” said Shamasha Foumia. “Most of the words and prayers teach us fasting from some kind of food is not enough. That is only for the body. We also have to cleanse our souls. This is when we can become closer to God. It is spiritual. Typically, during Lent, we pray three times a day especially in the villages of Iraq. Those who lived in Baghdad and who worked, it was harder for them to pray.” They also colored eggs and played the egg cracking game. “I remember a story about a boy whose father was a carpenter. He carved an egg from wood and colored it. He played the egg cracking game with his friends and beat everybody and no one realized his egg was made of wood,” laughed Shamasha Foumia. Typically, in Telkeppe and other villages, prayers start around 2 a.m. for about three hours and then they would attend high mass in the morning for about two hours. “During the holiday season the high mass in Telkeppe is always the first mass of the Sunday,” said Shamasha Foumia. “But on the Sundays during the year, it was the third mass in Telkeppe.” Saturday was also a significant day of prayer. “We used to have a prayer in the afternoon on the Saturday before Easter and then a mass followed,” said Shamasha Foumia. “The mass started as soon as the sun would set. When the Shamasha celebrating mass says, “Bless Me Father,” and then the priest would come on the alter where the Shamasha was reading to announce Jesus has risen and the people would recite back. We don’t do this Saturday tradition in America. This mass is not typical in American. It is done in other masses in English.” After the Saturday prayers, one of the priests and a church board member would walk around the church and people would donate money to redeem the picture of Our Lady of Sorrows. “The priest used to actually announce how much each person donated,” he said. Chaldeans brought with them from Iraq their prayers written in Aramaic. “Years ago, Shamasha Sadik Barno translated readings from the 18
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Old Testament said on Sunday from written Aramaic to speaking Sourath for us,” said Shamasha Foumia. “It was at Mar Addai in Oak Park many years ago. He did a great job then.” Since then, Shamasha Foumia has updated those prayers in speaking Sourath. Today, they have translated everything to speaking Sourath. In around in 2004, Fr. Boji translated evening prayers and some of the Feast Day prayers for Sundays and major Feast Days. Since then, Shamasha Foumia with the help of Bishop Ibrahim, has translated all the prayers for the entire year per the request of Bishop Francis. Also, during the mass, a play about an angel and the thief is performed. “It used to be an after-midnight prayer but now it is a play during the mass before the Gospel,” said Shamasha Foumia. “We also recite another special prayer just before the Gospel.” This play is typically performed during the High Mass. Whether Chaldeans are celebrating Easter in America or Iraq, it is the holiest day for Christians everywhere. “The Resurrection is the center of our life,” said Shamasha Foumia. “It is the center of our faith. Jesus died for us. He rose from the dead. This is what our faith entails. Its everything.” Although things are slightly different in America than they are in Iraq, the liturgy is the same. There are no Easter bunnies or Easter egg hunts in Iraq, but prayers are still a focal point of Lent. Chaldeans start Lent on Monday and not Ash
Wednesday and they also abstain from Fasting on Sundays. “The tones of the prayers that we use for the first Sunday of Lent are the same tones we use for the joyous feasts of Christmas and the Epiphany,” said Fr. Matthew Zetouna, parochial vicar at St. George Church in Shelby Township. “We are joyful during this time. We are looking forward to the transformation that will occur at the end of Lent when the resurrection is our sign of victory. Instead of showing a public demeanor of fasting with ashes like the Latin Rite, the Chaldean Church is actually positive in our approach to Lent. We try to maintain positivity in the face of all of the persecution we’ve experienced because we are confident that Christ is already victorious.” Lent becomes a joyful time for Chaldean Catholics. “We have hope in our faith,” said Fr. Matthew. “This approach is consistent with who we are as hopeful Christians.” This same reason is why Chaldeans do not celebrate Ash Wednesday. “We should not get into the trap of comparing ourselves to the Latin Rite,” said Fr. Matthew. “We look at the Latin Rite as a standard because we live in the West but there are 22 other standards as well. Our Rite is also a standard. We have our own ancient and unchanged traditions.” There are liturgical differences between the rites, “but it goes deeper than that,” he noted. “How we praise God and pray is considered. We don’t want the Rites to be boxed in. We are all one diamond and each Rite is a different viewpoint to the center of the diamond. It is a different facet, but Christ is still at the center. We all can see the center. We all see Christ.” The Chaldean Church calendar is typically in a seven-week cycle for each liturgical season. Seven weeks of Lent, seven weeks of Easter, seven weeks of summer, seven weeks of Elijah, in addition to other seasons. “We begin the season of Lent in the interest of being consistent with the structure with our yearly calendar.” In addition to honoring both the Eastern Rite and Latin Rite traditions, individuals can start their own traditions, like watching Passion of the Christ on Good Friday or reading particular scripture verses daily. “I know some people visit many of our churches on Good Friday and recite a decade of the Rosary at each church,” said Fr. Matthew. “Some might recite a decade of Sorrowful mysteries or read the Passion Narrative of John. These are all good personal options to bring yourself closer to Christ.”
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CHALDEAN NEWS 19
Building miracles Teen spearheads project to help families in Mexico BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
I
“
have gotten the chance to really make changes in lives and I have never done anything where I feel like I am really doing something,” said Daniella Benitez, 14. “Getting to make long lasting relationships and see lives change are things I will always hold on to.” Working with the San Diego nonprofit Build a Miracle and a team of volunteers, Benitez has dedicated her summers to building homes for needy families in Mexico. This decision came after the high school freshman had the opportunity to build a home with a group of volunteers comprised of her peers from her middle school Notre Dame Academy. “I first heard abound Build A Miracle in seventh grade when my P.E. coach at Notre Dame Academy had told us about this nonprofit organization and had motivated us to work as a whole school to raise the money for an NDA sponsored house,” she explained. After working to build the home sponsored by her middle school, Benitez was inspired to continue working with Build a Miracle and, at just 13 years old, committed to building one home every year for families in Mexico. “I couldn’t believe what $16,000 could do in changing an entire family’s life,” said Benitez. “The reactions of the family that we built that house for were priceless and were the main cause of my motivation to keep building miracles.” Fueled by the work she had been 20
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a part of with her peers from school, Benitez wasted no time in creating a plan and assembling a team to get started on her second home. Proud and moved by her daughter’s dedication, GG Benitez encouraged her daughter to take on the task, with one condition – she would have to head the project without any help from her mother. As a wife, mother, and CEO of GG Benitez & Assoc. Public Relations, Inc., GG already had enough on her plate and she wanted to encourage her daughter to see the project through on her own abilities. “I got tears in my eyes and felt so proud that my daughter was so affected by what we had seen and had built, and that she had so much empathy for others at such a young age,” explained Benitez’s mother. “At the same time, I was skeptical that she would be able to see her desire through. She was always shy, and I didn’t know she had the ability to be such a strong leader. She clearly had found her passion.” Following through with her commitment, Benitez says the process was simple. She started by gathering a group of 15 other volunteers, each tasked with raising $1,000 during the summertime. With $16,000 collectively raised, Benitez went to the founders of Build a Miracle who found a family in need in Mexico. “Within two months, we went down to Mexico for the day to build. On our first trip down, we met our
new family, and together with my team and volunteers in Mexico, we mixed the cement and poured the pad,” she explained. “On our second trip down, we paint the inside and outside of the house, added furniture, and then surprised the family.” The family knew that Benitez and her team were in town to build them a home, but were unaware the home would also be fully furnished, surprising them during the reveal of the home. Heading the project, Benitez was given the opportunity to hone her leadership skills. “I had to make sure that I was constantly checking up on everyone and making sure they were doing well with raising their money and that they knew all of the details of when we are going to build and so on,” she said. Through working on this project with his sister, Benitez’s younger brother, Gabriel, was inspired to go on and head his own project. He also committed to building a home. “When he saw that it wasn’t so difficult for his older sister to build a team and raise the $16,000 needed for a home, he decided to challenge himself and do the same,” GG said. “He has just finished raising the money for his 2nd team home.” Empowered by her ability to bring people together and behind a goal, Benitez is committed to building one home every year. “I am intent on building at least one home a year. Last year, I actually
headed up the building of one; then, my little brother was inspired and headed up his own; and, then we had an anonymous donor match my brother and me for a third home last year,” she explained. “This year, we are also doing the same: three more homes.” While the project is headed by Benitez, it is through her ability to bring people together that she was able to see the project to fruition. “…my kids wouldn’t be able to do this without their fellow volunteers who dedicate their time and money to help completely change other people’s lives for the better,” said GG. “All of our lives have changed through this process for the better, and I hope we can motivate others to get involved.” Going beyond what she initially expected, GG is proud of the impact Build a Miracle has had in the lives of her children. “There is nothing in the entire world that could bring me more pride than having a child that feels empathy for others, and gives back like this,” she said. “It is important to me to raise children with big hearts; I’m thrilled that Daniella has found the answer to the question of how to find fulfillment in life by giving back, and is so impassioned to do so.” As far as the future, Benitez is not sure what it holds or what will happen next, “…but I do know that I will always work to provide to others,” she said. “I have such a strong passion for charity and I know that as I grow in age, my capabilities will only grow, as well.” Continuing in her commitment, Benitez continues to raise money to build homes. For those who would like to contribute to her project, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for donations. You can donate at BuildingWithDani.
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CHALDEAN NEWS 21
Recreational marijuana: A blurred line BY BIANCA KASAWDISH
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irst came medical marijuana licenses, and people were quickly desensitized to the idea of marijuana and the stigma that it once had. In a Mom to Mom show hosted by Lisa Denha brought by the Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization Center (ECRC) and shown live on the Chaldean Moms of Metro Detroit Facebook page, two experts share their thoughts on the legalization of recreational marijuana, and what it really means. Judge Linda Davis, District Judge in Clinton Township Judge Davis deals with cases involving marijuana, alcohol and other drugs, and also educates all over about addiction and drug use. She shares she was not surprised when recreational marijuana was legalized, but it was done too fast. “We softened to the idea of medical marijuana being a medical drug and I think because of that, the barriers were broken down and people got confused about the difference between medical and recreational,” says Judge Davis. Judge Davis believes this opens up many possibilities for use with younger people, with dispensaries offering it in so many different forms. Another point brought up is that we still do not know enough about the 22
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effect it has on someone. “I think we passed this law before we knew enough about marijuana. We need more studies done on how second hand smoke affects children, how it affects the brain in young people, what long-term effect it has on mothers when they’re pregnant,” she says. “Your brain doesn’t fully develop until you’re 25. Young people are much more susceptible to it. This could have a real impact on their future if they start using it at such a young age. It’s the same thing with any substance.” She shares that marijuana use is not a healthy lifestyle, and the hope is that people smoke it responsibly and it does not become a habit. When people buy it medicinally, another option is a pill form. A risk for those buying it on the street for medicinal purposes is that the pill may be laced with another substance. However, one positive aspect of its legalization, she says, is that dispensaries are a place where people can safely purchase marijuana products without the worry of it being laced. “We have a problem with people wanting to be numb. We have bred a culture that relies on medications. We want everything instant, now.
Kids just want to feel good 24/7 and that’s not life. We need to teach kids coping skills,” explained Judge Davis. “It’s a much deeper problem than just legalizing marijuana.” When it comes to consequences for smoking marijuana in public, Judge Davis shares that currently they are minimal with people being
charged a fine. But, she believes it is going to change down the line. Stephanie Nofar, licensed professional counselor, Hope in Counseling in Sterling Heights Nofar specializes in drug and alcohol counseling and shares she did see a larger population of people us-
ing recreational marijuana more often than they probably should have, and when medical marijuana was legalized, people were getting medical marijuana cards under false pretenses. “Anything in excess is going to be a bad thing. A harmful substance is a harmful substance,” she says. “When it comes to young people, the younger children start using it, the more addictive it will be,” she says. “A good age to explain this to children is as soon as they’re exposed to it.” The larger issue to look at is the question of why people need to have a mind-altering drug. This is where the line is blurred. She shares that if you have symptoms of depression and anxiety, it’s hard to tell and treat what came first because it is hard to measure if someone is self-medicating because of these issues or if the marijuana actually caused these symptoms. “Trauma is hitting people a lot harder now. We need to have the ups and downs, we need to be able to handle those things. And if don’t, we need to have the right resources, like counselors and teachers, friends or family to go to instead of these other unhealthy things. It is addictive,” she says.
chaldean on the STREET
Spring break BY HALIM SHEENA
Spring is finally here! As everyone prepares for another vacation, we wanted to reminisce about spring breaks past. We asked community members about their favorite spring break.
My favorite spring break trip was this past one. My best friend and I took a trip to New York City to visit my sister. It was the most memorable because I had the opportunity to be with two of my favorite people in my favorite city. – Lindsay Mattia, 20, Rochester Hills
One time, on Easter Sunday, our mom decided last-minute that we were leaving to Florida the next day. We told some friends and they all came with us. It was completely spontaneous and I think that was what made it so fun and exciting! – Tamara Mechael, 18, Farmington Hills/Burbank CA
My favorite spring break trip was when me and family headed up north to Mackinac Island. While we were up there, we all rode our bikes around the entire island during the day which was amazing. Our trip included looking for Petoskey Stones with my little sister. – Brian Verville, 18, Clarkston
My favorite spring break was last year, spent at Camp Chaldean in Brighton. My cousins and I were together volunteering for a youth camp. We may have almost froze to death (it was a cold march!) but we made amazing memories. Most of our nights were spent starting a campfire and talking all night! – Leeza Haddad, 25, West Bloomfield
I haven’t been on spring break since the good old school days. I went on a Carnival cruise ship not only with my sisters and cousins, but with my mom and aunt too (who decided to crash). The best part was the company of my loved ones, the three beautiful islands we visited, and of course my tan! – Sonia Petros, 31, Kalamazoo
My favorite spring break trip was to California, when I got to spend some quality time with my sister Lynette who lives in Santa Monica. We went to a Lakers game and got to hang out on the pier. Family time is the best time especially when your family is thousands of miles away. Spring break is not about partying and getting drunk! Stay close to the ones you love. – Ryan Toma, 26, West Bloomfield
Impassioned creators Women throughout community turn their hobbies into businesses BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
T
here is no shortage of creative spirit within the community. This is the case for Berta Rihan who began making custom rosaries when she was 16 years old. Started as a hobby, her passion grew into a way for her to help her church’s youth group. “I started selling pieces at events that were hosted by St. Mary’s Assyrian Church of the East in Warren, Mich. to help raise money for our youth group,” Rihan explained. “Most of my support comes from my church’s youth group, so I have always vowed to help them raise money by selling some of my pieces for them.” About a year ago, Rihan decided she wanted to extend her product offerings to Etsy, a platform that enables crafters to sell their items to people from all over the world, and Beads by Bee was born. What originally started with personalized rosaries has grown to include a number of different of items, including bracelets and necklaces. With the majority of her offerings being personalized, Rihan offers her customers one of a kind pieces. “My bracelets can be personalized by adding an initial, flag, or by adding any desired charm,” she explained. Most recently, Rihan has been working to produce Aramaic/Sureth/ Assyrian name plates. “The necklaces have been a hit so far because they are very unique and an exclusive product because as an Assyrian, I can’t simply walk into any store and request a name necklace in my mother language,” she said. With her mind on continuous growth, Rihan hopes to introduce Rosary necklaces in the near future. In addition, her hope is for Beads by Bee to physically extend to California. “God willing, though global, Beads by Bee will physically be extending to California to explore more territory,” she explained. “I want this business to keep growing by bringing in unique and differentiated products.” 24
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Beads by Bee
Beyond her ability to offer distinctive personalized items, Rihan believes her passion is just one facet that sets her apart, with the work she does with her church’s youth group being the other part. “I like to use my skills and talent to make items to help raise money for my church’s youth group,” said Rihan. “Because of my involvement with the Assyrian Church of the East Youth Association (ACEYA), I have been able to connect with other youth groups who collaborate with me in order to help raise money for their youth group.” While most of her customers are from the Assyrian and Chaldean communities, Rihan has had the opportunity to work with customers from all over the world. From Germany and Sweden to Costa Rica and Brazil, she has been able to collabo-
rate and create pieces for customers from all walks of life. “A lot of my inspiration comes from my customers. I love collaborating with my customers to create one of a kind pieces,” said Rihan. “I make each and every piece with love and with my clients and their reactions in mind. Enjoying what they have ordered means everything to me and I do anything to accommodate them with the best experience.” Beads By Bee can be found across social media platforms under the same moniker or on Etsy. Treasuring Life Also impassioned to make rosaries is founder of Chloe’s Treasures, Mervit Toma. Born as an escape where she could find peace, Toma started making rosaries after suffering a miscarriage. Falling into depression after
the loss, the only thing that helped her was praying the Rosary every day. “I fell into a deep depression and it got really bad; it actually got to the point where I couldn’t take care of Chloe for two or three years,” explained Toma. “I became very sick and this was a combination of losing the baby and the actual chemical imbalance. That mixture became out of control.” Seeking the help and guidance of priests in the community, Toma was encouraged to continue her prayers. “Fr. Frank at the time, would meet with me about four times a week to just talk and help me because I didn’t want to be on medications for the depression,” she explained. As a religious and prayerful woman, she took this advice and found that praying the Rosary brought her what she calls an “indescribable amount of relief” and left her feeling like she could finally breathe again. In addition to encouraging prayer, Fr. Frank, now Bishop Francis, suggested Toma find something to occupy her time. “He said to me, ‘you’re either going to get very sick and God forbid something’s going to happen to you, or you can find something to keep you busy’,” she explained. Still grieving and looking to continue her journey of healing, Toma made a Rosary for her then one-year old daughter Chloe. In more ways than one, her daughter served as her inspiration. “I was showing the Rosary I made to friends on Facebook and so many of them responded asking where I got it and that’s how I got started,” said Toma. More than 11 years later, Toma continues to make rosaries and has even introduced a variety of necklaces to her store. “I love doing what I do each and every day,” said Toma. “Every message and every comment from clients from all over the world make me so happy.” Toma offers a variety of rosaries perfect for any occasion, including weddings and communions. Most pieces by Toma are customizable, from the color of the beads to adding individual names. Since starting Chloe’s Treasures, Toma has experienced an influx of encouragement from the community and beyond. Through her business, she has been able to share her creations with a variety of people, from the Chaldean community and beyond. Most notably, Toma has made rosaries for actor Mark Wahlberg along with Catholic talk show host Teresa Tomeo’s husband Deacon Dominic that was gifted to him when he became a Deacon. Looking to the future, Toma will continue to share her creations with
her customers and as a whole continue to grow. “In my mind, I truly believe God wanted me to go through the miscarriage to get to where I am at today,” Toma said. “I feel like God wanted me to make these rosaries to help others grow in their faith the way I did.” Chloe’s Treasures can be found online or by appointment at Toma’s new storefront on West Bloomfield. That’s My Name Inspired by a close friend’s creative abilities and driven by a lost beach towel, Loreen Lossia Yaldo is the founder of That’s My Name Towels. She makes “customized, high quality, hand made name towels.” From the color to the name, each towel is special. “Jennifer, a friend of mine, used to make these beautiful towels and stopped doing so about four years or so ago,” explained Lossia Yaldo. “Having been given these for my own three kids, I also loved giving them as gifts, so when she stopped making them, I started thinking about taking over.” This was just a fleeting thought, though, until Lossia Yaldo’s son lost the towel her friend had made. “…I just put it in the back of my mind until my youngest son forgot his name towel at the pool at the end of this past summer and it was lost for good,” she said. “I then started thinking about making them once again.” With encouragement from friends and family and direction from Jennifer, Lossia Yaldo made her very first custom name towel in August 2018. With an inclination for crafts, Lossia Yaldo knew that making these towels would be a good time for her. What she did not expect to find out was just how helpful making these towels would be for her own headspace. “I consider myself to be a crafty person so this was right up my alley,” she explained. “What I didn’t expect is how therapeutic making these towels is for me. It’s quite relaxing to just retreat to my workspace and work on these towels.”
The time-consuming process to create each towel is one she looks forward to. Since making her first towel in August, Lossia Yaldo has launched an Instagram account that serves as hub for her business. Through her Instagram account and the word of mouth, she has enjoyed plenty of opportunities to make customers happy. Lossia Yaldo offers a personalized and durable product meant to last for years. Each item is as individualistic as its recipient. “I offer many different towel colors and fabric options to choose
Chloe’s Treasures
That’s My Name Towels
from,” she explained. “Whether superheroes, hunting, boating, sports, or butterflies are your thing, there is something for everyone. If I don’t already offer what you are looking for, I am also happy to take on a new theme at the customer’s request.” That’s My Name Towels can be found on Instagram. Fascination and Passion For LeeAnn Kirma, mosaics have always been fascinating, from the various techniques to the end result. Like most, making mosaics started as a hobby before Kirma decided to make
a business out of it about 12 years ago when she founded Lulu’s Mosaics. Making a mosaic, says Kirma, starts with the customer and understanding what they want. With a grasp of what the customer wants, she begins “shopping” her shelves and stacks for china to create the mosaics. The process can be laborious, but well worth the wait, says Kirma. “Timing to create a piece varies by size and what is wanted. My standard 8x10 Birth Announcement mosaic take roughly six to seven hours total but over roughly three days to allow dry time. It’s a messy process but the end result is beautiful.” Most of Kirma’s clients are women, with 70 percent of her customer base coming from Michigan and 30 percent from out of state. Her pieces have reached beyond the United States. “I have pieces that have been gifted to people as far as Germany and Dubai,” she said. Lulu’s Mosaics is driven by word of mouth alone. “I do not advertise,” explained Kirma. “My clients are all from word of mouth or people who received one of my pieces and now wants to gift a piece of their own to someone. Almost all of my clients are repeat clients.” Making mosaics isn’t all business for Kirma. In fact, she finds great peace throughout the process of making each piece. “I find great peace and it being a stress reliever while making a mosaic,” she said. “I can work for hours and just lose track of time. It’s my “me” time. I am grateful that I am able to do something I truly enjoy and love.” With a knack for crafts, Kirma, alongside her sister Deanne Kirma Toma, has moved into stitching in addition to mosaics. Using embroidery, she personalizes towels, blankets, and much more. “It’s amazing how creative you can be with stitching.” Looking to the future, Kirma hopes to continue making a great product that will last a lifetime. Lulu’s Mosaics can be found on Instagram.
Lulu’s Mosaics
APRIL 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 25
ONE on ONE
A conversation with Mark Hackel We had the opportunity to ask Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel questions as they pertain to both the Chaldean community and the immigrant community at large. What are you doing to work with the large and growing Chaldean population in Macomb County? Macomb County is attracting an increasing number of immigrants, including our growing Chaldean population. OneMacomb, an initiative that promotes multiculturalism and inclusion, was created in 2012 and actively works to build a welcoming community for all who make Macomb their home. For instance, OneMacomb has a webpage with many resources to help our Chaldean and other foreign-born residents succeed. OneMacomb also provides access to language classes, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, while hosting citizenship workshops, naturalization ceremonies, immigration basics courses and diversity summits. What is being done to make the county more inclusive to the diverse growing population? Recently, we hosted a refugee resource fair with interpreters at the Chaldean Community Founda-
tion in Sterling Heights. The fair featured several topics - from jobs to health-related information, and civil rights information. We also partner on an annual Breakfast of Nations event that promotes newcomers to our county and shares immigration stories, including the stories of our youth. Outside of events, we provide Skype-like video remote interpreting services and installed Arabic signage on all health and family resource buildings in the county. We also value our strong relationship with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean Community Foundation and attend, partner on and promote their events. How would you like to see people get more involved in government? We have more than 200 executive appointments to various boards and commissions and need the Chaldean community represented – so we welcome their participation. There are also many elected and appointed positions throughout Macomb County’s 27 cities, villages and townships and we encourage any community member interested in a public office to run. Finally, we recommend attending public meetings and events so that your voice is heard, appreciated and welcomed. What do you see as Macomb County’s biggest asset? Several things. We have a diverse community with more than 100 languages spoken that continually attracts immigrants who then
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make Macomb their home. Then there’s jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Macomb County recently experienced the largest manufacturing job increase in the nation. Our close proximity to Detroit is also an asset, so sporting events, attractions and major expressways are easily accessible. Finally, we have incredible natural resources, including water recreation on Lake St. Clair and the Clinton River. What are some of the major issues you are facing today? Talent is a critical area of focus for the county, because when we ask businesses to tell us their greatest need, the answer is almost always workforce related. In fact, there are more than 15,000 unfilled jobs here in Macomb. So, we are working closely with industry and educa-
tional partners to develop solutions that will fuel our talent pipeline. Another very important issue that we are actively working to address is infrastructure, and more specifically, our roadways. This past year, we completed 34 major roads projects and invested $32 million in construction and repair. But that alone won’t solve the problems, so we’re developing creative solutions with local municipalities and elected officials. For instance, we worked together to secure a $97.8 million U.S. Department of Transportation Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant for the Innovate Mound project. This will completely rebuild Mound Road and equip it with a smart infrastructure network while improving traffic flow, sidewalks, pedestrian bridges and better wayfinding. When it’s complete, Mound will be a shining example of the future of our roads nationwide. Many of our community members are small business owners and developers, how can they learn about business opportunities in the county? I would direct them to the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development. We have a great business development team that helps new and existing companies by providing services like assistance with marketing, financial analysis and planning, strategic planning, management and operations. To learn more about these resources and to get in touch with our team, visit macombbusiness.com.
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APRIL 2019
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DOCTOR is in
When to see an orthodontist
T
he American Asgrowth of the upper and sociation of Ortholower jaws or a constant dontists (AAO) thumb sucking habit that recommends that a child’s lasts beyond the age of 5 first visit to an orthodonare common contributors tist be no later than age to an open bite. 7. By the time your child Underbite: The posireaches the age 7, he or tioning of the lower teeth she has enough permanent and jaw extends too far DR. BRANDON teeth to be evaluated. If out, causing the lower SHOUKRI developmental or interfront teeth to sit in front of SPECIAL TO THE ceptive treatment is not the upper front teeth. This CHALDEAN NEWS recommended, an orthoproblem can be fixed with dontist will continue to monitor your braces or dental facemasks, which child’s growth pattern and dental help bring the upper teeth forward in development at regular check-up apfront of the lower teeth so they fit in pointments until your child is ready a stable and comfortable position. for treatment. Overjet (protrusion of upper Below are dental and skeletal isteeth): The upper and lower front sues orthodontists commonly treat in teeth do not come together when their offices: biting. This could be the result of Excessive Spacing: Results when oral habits (e.g. thumb sucking), a teeth fail to erupt (grow in) or there skeletal discrepancy (e.g. improper is a difference between the size of the development of the lower jaw in jaw and the size of the teeth. Excesrelation to the upper jaw), or a densive spacing allows teeth to shift aftal issue (e.g. missing a single lower fecting the bite and dental midlines. tooth or multiple lower teeth). Crowding: Results due to a lack Deep Overbite: The upper front of space for teeth to fit normally teeth cover the lower front teeth exwithin the jaw; there is a difference cessively, which could affect lower between the size of the jaw and the jaw development and movement, size of the teeth. Crowding could lead to excessive wear of the front lead to other issues such as impacted teeth or trauma to the tissue coverteeth, abnormal eruption of teeth, ing the roof of the mouth. trauma to neighboring teeth, or periCrossbite: The upper teeth sit odontal (gum) issues. inside the lower teeth or there is a Open bite: Insufficient vertimisalignment of the dental arches. cal overlap of the upper and lower When individuals with crossbite try front teeth. Open bite may lead to a to close their mouth, they tend to number of unwanted habits such as move their lower jaw forward or to tongue thrusting where the tongue the side when closing. This incorrect protrudes forward when swallowbite may lead to craniofacial asyming or speaking. The mismatch in metry and/or other lower jaw issues.
My child was born without permanent (adult) teeth; is this common? More than 20 percent of adults fail to develop at least one of the thirty-two permanent teeth. Research studies have shown that congenitally missing teeth are associated with genetic factors, a result of a syndrome, or a sporadic issue. The most common congenitally missing teeth are: wisdom teeth, mandibular second premolars and maxillary lateral incisors. With a simple panoramic x-ray, an orthodontist would be able to provide you with information on which permanent teeth are present in the oral cavity. This will give the orthodontist an opportunity to determine how to achieve the best results in the most efficient way. Am I too old for orthodontic treatment? Absolutely not! There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. The opportunity for you to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile is always available to you. Over 25 percent of the patients
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CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
of most orthodontic practices are over the age of 18. You can have the smile you’ve always wanted no matter what your age is. If you are worried about esthetics; you have the option of having tooth-colored braces, braces that go behind the teeth, and plastic-like aligners (e.g. Invisalign®). It is important to know that not every type of appliance is suitable for correction of every kind of orthodontic problem. It is in your best interest to visit your local orthodontist to evaluate what your options may be. Dr. Brandon Shoukri is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He is an orthodontist at Berkman + Shapiro Orthodontics in Commerce Twp, MI. He is also an adjunct clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and serves on the board of Michigan Association of Orthodontists. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Dr. Shoukri at bshoukri@gmail.com.
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event
Timeless Hope Charity Gala PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity hosted their annual Timeless Hope Charity Gala on Saturday, March 2. Hosted at the Shenandoah Country Club, the event theme was “A Night in Paris.” Benefitting United Community Family Services/Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, the evening featured entertainment and a live auction for guests to enjoy. The Eastern Catholic Re-evnagelization Center and Hana Najor were this year’s honorees. 32
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange PHOTOS BY RAZIK TOMINA
The City of Sterling Heights and its Ethnic Community Committee hosted its 2019 Cultural Exchange on Friday, March 1. Sponsored by the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee, the 2019 Cultural Exchange featured a variety of ethnic music and dance, educational and cultural displays from area groups and retailers, and cuisine from city restaurateurs. Members of the community, from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, were in attendance.
APRIL 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 33
event
Senior Living Ribbon Cutting PHOTOS BY RAZIK TOMINA
On Tuesday, March 19, the newest senior living apartments next to Holy Martyrs Church in Sterling Heights were unveiled. After a laborious process, the independent senior living apartments are finally complete. Mass was celebrated with all those in attendance. These apartments are the second senior living facility built by the Chaldean Diocese, with the first being Chaldean Manor. 34
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
2 SIGNS You May Have
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I have lied to someone important to me about how much I gamble.
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APRIL 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 35
eventa
A Night in Nineveh BY RAZIK TOMINA
Ahead of their upcoming mission trip to Iraq, the Shlama Foundation hosted A Night in Nineveh on Friday, March 1. Hosted at Sahara in Sterling Heights, the Shlama Foundation took guests on a journey through history as the evening featured dancing, food, cultural experiences, and traditional fashion. Entertainment was provided by Ashur Oshana and the Brothers Band. A Night in Nineveh will benefit the organization’s various projects throughout the homeland.
36
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
Live From Babylon PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRITANNY HAMAMA
CASA at the University of Michigan hosted their annual fundraiser Live From Babylon on Friday, March 22. Each year U of M’s CASA selects a Chaldean charity to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to. This year the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) was chosen as the beneficiary. The event took place at the Chaldean owned venue in downtown Ann Arbor, Club Above where there was plenty of music and dancing provided by DJ Vin Amori. This year, U of M CASA raised another $13,000 to donate to CCF and had record-breaking attendance. The event would not have been possible without the generous donation of the venue by Joe Kouza, the DJ services by Vin Amori, and CASA’s executive board who put in countless hours of gathering sponsorships and ensuring the event was flawless. APRIL 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 37
KIDS corner
LET’S PLANT A RAIN GARDEN! BY SALLY WENCZEL MOTHER, WRITER, GARDEN EDUCATOR
R
ain is a valuable resource, not just something to get rid of down the storm sewer. What are you doing with your rain? Try planting a rain garden this spring, then behold the life and beauty it creates and attracts. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment! A rain garden is planted near a sump pump or downspout outlet or in a low-lying area of your yard. The center of the garden has a shallow dip that is filled with sand and native, water-loving plants, like blue flag iris or the vibrant cardinal flower, which is pollinated by hummingbirds and boy do they love it! The speedy, little sprites visit my garden all summer long! “Native plants produce nectar for pollinators such as bumblebees and monarch butterflies and also provide fruit and fiber for songbirds,” said John DeLisle, ecologist and principal at Natural Community Services, a rain garden installation company based in West Bloomfield. Wild mint loves the slightly higher edges around a rain garden, while elderberry bushes, black-eyed susan and spiderwort fill in the gaps. Don’t worry about pesky mosquitoes breeding in your temporary pond! The water goes away within 24 hours after being filled up by a big rainstorm…but you may have some frog visitors in the meantime. Ribbit! Some native Michigan plant options include: Cardinal Flower Black Eyed Susan Wild Mint Swamp Milkweed or Butterfly Milkweed Blue Flag Iris Elderberry Spiderwort Golden Alexander Sedges/Grasses 38
CHALDEAN NEWS
APRIL 2019
RAIN GARDENS ARE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: The deep and extensive root systems of native Michigan plants absorb rainwater (storm water) that would
otherwise flow into the storm drain and enter our fresh water supply. Storm water from urban areas is a type of ‘nonpoint source’ pollution. The storm water picks up many pollutants along its pathway to our groundwater, lakes and rivers. We call it “Polluted Runoff.” Polluted storm water runoff is caused by so many of our everyday activities and we all need to work together to prevent it! “Rain gardens control slope erosion and sediment laden runoff and absorb
pollutants from hard surfaces,” said DeLisle. Pollutants in storm water may include “gutter grit” from roof shingles, antifreeze, grease, oil, and heavy metals from cars; fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals from gardens, homes and businesses; bacteria from pet waste and broken septic systems; and sediment from poorly managed construction sites. So, let’s do something with our rain before it hits the drain: embrace it, and grow something beautiful for everyone to enjoy!
THE CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS
Q U A R T E R LY N E T W O R K I N G M E E T I N G
FUN AFTER FIVE! DAT E
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 5:30 - 7:00 PM LOCATION
eTITLE 1650 WEST BIG BEAVER ROAD TROY, MI 48084 C O M P L I M E N TA RY E V E N T - M E M B E R + 1 G U E S T HORS D’OEUVRES AND REFRESHMENTS
TO REGISTER, CONTACT SARAH SKITTLE@CHALDEANCHAMBER.COM 248-851-1200