Still Giving

Dealing with cancer takes a huge toll on the mind and body – and the last thing a patient needs on top of that is financial stress. But that is what many face as their illness can result to a mountain of medical bills, even with health insurance, and treatment often leaves them too weak to work.

The people behind Giving Hearts are determined to help. The group was founded by friends and family in 2012 in honor of Vivian Shouneyia, who died of breast cancer in 2009 at age 54. She was known as a loving and kind woman who delighted in giving gifts and helping others.

The mission of Giving Hearts is to provide direct financial help to Chaldeans in need. In just four years, they have raised more than $100,000.

One recent recipient is a woman in her 40s with three sons ages 12-16.

“When we first met her the only family car had a hole in the back floor. They covered it with carpet and duct tape. The money we gave them helped them get a new family car – used but new for them,” said Zena Naimi. “But more than that they felt there is help out there and people willing to give.”

Giving Hearts is holding its latest fundraiser on September 29 at Bay Pointe Golf Club in West Bloomfield. The evening includes wine, appetizers, dessert, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets are $40 and can be obtained through GivingHearts36@gmail.com.

Manna Advances in West Bloomfield Election

The primary elections on August 2 were a mixed bag for Chaldeans seeking office.

In West Bloomfield Township, Jim Manna survived the crowded Democrat primary for a trustee position. He received 17.54 percent of the vote, making him fourth. Among the challengers Manna will face in November is Chaldean Republican Paul Karmo.

In the 30^th District in Macomb County, Michael Shallal was a very close second to Diana Farrington, who got 40 percent of the vote to succeed her term-limited husband, Rep. Jeff Farrington. Shallal, who lives in Shelby Township, got 39.1 percent in the four-person Republican race, losing by 54 votes.

Eman Jajonie-Daman, a magistrate in the 46^th District Court (Southfield), fell short in her efforts to be elected judge. In a field of six, she came in third with 11.83 percent of the vote. Cynthia Arvant won the race with 39.87 percent.

In Shelby Township, Chaldean Julius Dallo was on the ballot but did not campaign for a trustee seat. Of seven candidates, he came in last with 4.7 percent of the vote.

Defeating ISIS Won’t Make Them Safe, Christians Say

As operations to retake the militant-held city of Mosul ramp up, Iraqi Christians displaced from the area by the Islamic State group say that even if the militants are defeated militarily, the country will not be safe for minorities.

Qaraqosh, the biggest Christian town on the Nineveh Plains, fell to ISIS more than two years ago and remains under militant control. Most of its displaced inhabitants are living in camps in Iraq’s Kurdish region. Hundreds of others fled to neighboring countries, Europe, the United States and further afield.

On the edge of Erbil’s historically Christian neighborhood of Ankawa, 1,200 identical white trailers arranged in neat rows shelter some 5,000 people. A handful of families here say they will return home the day their town is liberated. But many say they would rather leave for abroad. Despite the string of military defeats suffered by ISIS, they say the militants’ incursion into Iraq has thrown the future of the country’s minority groups into further uncertainty.

“If organized migration were possible, then I can say that 90 percent of the inhabitants of this camp would leave,” said camp manager Fr. Emanuel Adel Kelo.

Raad Bahnam Samaan, his wife and five children fled their home in Qaraqosh in early August 2014, joining the 150,000 Iraqi Christians who left towns and villages around Mosul for areas under Kurdish control. In the face of the IS advance, Kurdish forces — known as the Peshmerga — largely withdrew from the outskirts of Mosul, and the towns and villages fell rapidly into the militants’ hands.

After months of living in cramped quarters in a dusty camp for displaced civilians, Samaan and his family tried to leave the country through a United Nations resettlement program but without success.

Samaan says the more than two years of being stuck in limbo has dulled his sense of optimism.

“There is always hope,” he said of returning home, “but when? Nobody knows. It might be a year, two years, a day, a couple of days. Three or four years from now if we go home there won’t be anything left of our house.”

Christians once constituted a sizeable minority in Iraq but their numbers have dwindled since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion as many have emigrated to the West to escape violence.

“I see no future for us (here),” Samaan said.

His son, Iva, 25, is engaged to be married but the camp is at capacity and he can’t secure a private trailer to share with his wife-to-be.

“The boys are growing up,” Samaan said. “How can I secure their future?”

When Samaan reflects on what life may be like in a liberated Mosul, he says he worries the upheaval caused by IS will have strained sectarian tensions in Iraq beyond repair, making enemies of people who were once his neighbors.

“We’ll still be afraid,” he said. “I will go to Mosul and I will be afraid because they will say, here comes the Christian.”

-By Balint Szlanko/Associated Press. Writer Salar Salim contributed to this report.  

Officer with Community Ties Dies in Shooting

Detroit Police Sergeant Kenneth “Shark” Steil, who was married to community member Joann Brikho, died on Sept. 17 after being shot while on duty.

Steil, 46, was shot in the shoulder with a sawed-off shotgun at a gas station while chasing a crime suspect. He was expected to make a full recovery, but took a turn for the worse on the day he was to be released from the hospital. Besides his wife, he leaves behind two sons, William, 5, and Alexander, 3.

Steil was a member of the Detroit Police Underwater Recovery Team and was also a Divemaster Trainer — hence the nickname “Shark.”

He “was a leader who believed in leading from the front … This man is an American hero. Detroit’s finest,” said Police Chief James Craig.

“Our hearts are broken. Every Detroiter shares their pain,” said Mayor Mike Duggan of Steil’s wife and two young sons.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Wujek Calcaterra & Sons Funeral Home in Sterling Heights and burial was at Resurrection Cemetery at Clinton Township.

Raffo Presents Newest Work

Chaldean Heather Raffo presents her latest work, “Noura,” in a staged reading on Oct. 7 at the Arab American Museum in Dearborn.
In this re-imagining of Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” the playwright/performer examines the story of a Christian Iraqi refugee family in New York, highlighting an acutely relevant awakening of identity that tackles the notions of shame, violence, assimilation, exile and love.

Raffo is the author of “Nine Parts of Desire,” which told the story of nine Iraqi women affected by the war.

“Noura” begins at 8 p.m. and is preceded by an open mic reading, reception and “What We Carried” gallery stroll from 6:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Raffo and Detroit’s Matrix Theatre Company are also offering a free theatrical storytelling workshop for people ages 18 and up from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 4.
Contact the Arab American Museum at (313) 582-2266 or visit ArabAmericanMusuem.org.

Three Chaldeans Are ‘Esteemed’

Three Chaldeans — Renee Lossia-Acho, Judge Diane Dickow D’Agostini and Dr. Mona Hannah Attisha — have been named to the Seventh Annual Esteemed Women of Michigan list by the Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic in Pontiac.

They and 16 other honorees were feted at a September dinner at the Marriott Centerpoint in Auburn Hills. The award honors women from across the state who have helped improve Michigan communities.

Shaya Named Ambassador-At-Large

Stephen Shaya, M.D., has become the newly promoted Ambassador-at-Large of the OSJ Knights of Malta.

A graduate of Wayne State University Medical School, Shaya has been the Chief Medical Officer of J & B Medical since 2004.

He has received many recognitions including becoming a Knight of Grace for the Knights of Malta, the 2015 Global Distinguished Health Care Award from the Center of Economic and Leadership Development, and a U.S. Congressional Commendation. He also received a Global Medical Innovation and Leadership Award in August at the United Nations along with a commendation from the New York State Senate.

Free Legal Aid Offered

The Legal Aid and Defender Association and the Oakland County Law Library have partnered to offer free legal aid clinics to low-income individuals.

An attorney who speaks Arabic and Chaldean will be available at several clinics, including Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. The clinics focus only on civil law issues for individuals and families. Attorneys will inform individuals about court proceedings and forms, advise them on their rights, and in some cases represent them in court. The clinics are available to residents of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.

Clinics take place at the Oakland County Law Library, 1200 North Telegraph Road in Pontiac, from 1-4 p.m. Attendees can register any time before 3 p.m. on those dates.

For the Love of Language

Mango Languages, which is developing the Modern-Day Syriac program detailed in this month’s cover story, offers a free seminar on Oct. 8 at Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road.

Polygot and professional speaker Ellen Jovin will talk on “Learning a New Language in the Age of English.” The event is followed by a Q& A and light refreshments. It beings at 2 p.m., Jovin speaks from 2:15-3 p.m., and the event wraps up at 4:30.

To register, visit FarmLib.org and select the Events menu, then the Events Calendar

CN Offers Entrepreneurial Forum

All are welcome to the Chaldean News Second Annual Entrepreneur Forum on November 17 at Shenandoah Country Club.

Three community success stories will speak on their business journey and offer business tips: Andrew Dickow, director of Greenwich Capital Group and the co-owner of four restaurants in Detroit; Joey Jonna, the founder of Jonna Luxury Homes; and Al Zara, CEO and founder of Geek Town USA and Reward Geek.

Chaldean News Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Denha Garmo will moderate the discussion.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins promptly at 6:15. There will be light appetizers and an open bar. Sponsors are Meijer, Comcast Business, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean Young Professionals Network.

Admission is free, but you must RSVP to TManna@ChaldeanNews.com.

New Board for CABA

The Chaldean American Bar Association (CABA) has elected new officers. Tad Roumayah is president and Candace Zetouna is vice president. Raed Abboo is treasurer, Salam Elia is secretary, and Shaun Mansour and Brandon Kalasho are serving as directors.

A Winner Once Again

Faisal Arabo has added to his long list of accomplishments by being honored by New York Life Insurance Company. He holds top honors in Leaders for Life — the most life insurance sales in the country. Arabo has been a leader for 48 years with the company. In his first year, 1968, he broke company records by producing more business than any other agent.

Chaldeans Make the List

Three Chaldeans were among those highlighted in this year’s 40 Under 40 from Crain’s Detroit.

Dana Antoun, 37, is IT manager at WABCO Holdings in Rochester Hills. She has been promoted twice within her first year at the company, Crain’s noted, and is responsible for $900 million in business

Richard Sulaka II is general council at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. The 31-year-old joined the department in March after three years with Macomb County Public Works.

Bryan Zair, 39, is a partner at Jones Day, an international law firm with a new Detroit office. Zair grew up helping out at his father’s Detroit convenience store and recently returned to Michigan after several years living in Chicago.

Doing the Right Thing

Mo Kasham was among more than 90 retailers in Wayne County acknowledged by the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority for their commitment to youth by refusing to sell tobacco products to minors. Kasham owns Liquor Vault at Six Mile and Middlebelt in Livonia. The Detroit Wayne County Retailers Recognition and Appreciation event was held on October 21 at Detroit’s Conner Creek Health Center.

Feeding Families

Chaldean groups were among the recipients of the Annual High Five Turkey Drive hosted by the Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers (AFPD). The groups included the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC), Mar Addai, Mother of God and Sacred Heart churches.

“This is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, turkey drive in the state of Michigan,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO. “This year, we gave out nearly 6,000 turkeys to more than 80 non-profit groups including Chaldeans and to the Christian Iraqi refugees.”

Some of the money raised for the turkey drive came from turkey cutouts at local stores, including at Chaldean-owned businesses. “Most of the customers were pretty receptive to it,” said Phil Kassa, owner of Heartland and Saturn markets. “We had gone through more than 1,200 paper turkey cutouts between our three stores.”

Hundreds of people volunteered to pass out the turkeys and other food items including staff from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE, Lipari Foods, and Faygo.  AFPD, a trade association representing more than 4,000 food and beverage retailers in the Midwest, also held turkey drives in Ohio and Chicago.

Manna, Kesto, Hindo Prevail

Jim Manna

John Hindo

Klint Kesto

Several Chaldeans prevailed in the November elections.

Jim Manna received the highest number of votes, 20,200, in his run for West Bloomfield Trustee. Chaldean Paul Karmo was not successful in the same race.

State Rep. Klint Kesto won reelection, and Hala Jarbou ran uncontested for Circuit Court judge.

John Hindo was reelected as a trustee in Commerce Township, while Johnny Oram was defeated in his run for Walled Lake school board.

“Let’s get many more Chaldean Americans elected to office everywhere we live so that we can lead our people and help look out for their best interests and further decide our destiny,” said Manna in an email thanking his supporters.

In other election news, here are the winners of the November 9 election for the 2017 Board of Directors of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce: Rena Daiza, M.D., Andrew Dickow, Derek Dickow and Nada Jamoua.  In addition, Nahid Elyas, M.D., Eman Jajonie-Daman and Patrick Tomina were each reelected.

Waterford: Refugees Not Welcome

Syrian refugees are not welcome in Waterford Township until the federal government makes reforms to the program letting them in, declared the board of trustees on October 24.

The board unanimously passed a resolution that says, in part, that Waterford will “not actively participate in the Refugee Resettlement Program until the program has been significantly reformed, and until it has demonstrated that the townships of Oakland County have the capacity to absorb refugees without diverting funds from needy residents or exposing their residents to unwarranted security risks.”

It’s doubtful that the township has the authority to keep refugees out, because the federal government has jurisdiction over refugee placement.

Waterford is not alone in the sentiment — Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said he will sue to keep Syrian refugees out of Oakland County. Patterson, who won reelection in November, said he welcomes immigrants but has concerns about Syrian refugees.

Water Warrior Joins Board

Mona Hanna-Attisha is among those named to Michigan’s Public Health Advisory Commission by Gov. Rick Snyder.

The physician is the director of the pediatric residency program at Hurley Medical Center in Flint and is an assistant professor of pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University. She was named Newsmaker of the Year by the Chaldean News and has received international acclaim for her role in bringing to light the Flint water crisis. The commission will issue a final report to the Governor for his consideration no later than April 1, 2017.

All Lawyered Up

The Chaldean American Bar Association (CABA) held its 2016 Scholarship & Awards Dinner on October 25 at Shenandoah Country Club. Honored were Gene Esshaki with the Pillar of Justice Award and Alexander Ayar as Attorney on the Rise. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein delivered the keynote address. Photos courtesy Angela Jaboro Photography

Gene Esshaki

CABA President Tad Roumayah, Richard Bernstein, Haba Korkees and Raed Abboo

Scholarship recipients Jonathan Kama, Marilyn Yousif, Jewel Haji and Dalia Abdow

Alexander Ayar

Certifying Electoral College Results

After weeks of controversy following the Presidential elections, the Electoral College has decided, Donald Trump is the next president. The Electoral College is a process in which a vote in Congress and the popular vote by legal voters decides who will be the President of the United States.

Republican candidate Donald Trump lost the popular vote to Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million votes but electors, or delegates, were for Trump, elevating him from candidate to president-elect. There is a total of 538 electors, and a candidate is proclaimed the winner after winning a majority of 270 electoral votes.

After the Electoral College results had come in, Trump won again 304 to 227. Trump won by a landslide in Texas, which offered 36 of its thirty-eight votes.

A candidate is proclaimed the winner after winning a

majority of 270 electoral votes.  After the Electoral College

results had come in, Trump won again 304 to 227.

Following a joint session of Congress on January 6, the Electoral College results will be officially certified.

After the results had been announced, Trump released the following statement: “Today marks a historic electoral landslide victory in our nation’s democracy. I thank the American people for their over-whelming vote to elect me as their next President of the United States.

“The official votes cast by the Electoral College exceeded the 270 required to secure the presidency by a very large margin, far greater than ever anticipated by the media.

“This election represents a movement that millions of hard working men and women all across the country stood behind and made possible. With this historic step, we can look forward to the bright future ahead.

“I will work hard to unite our country and be the president of all Americans. Together, we will make America great again.”

Excellence Award

Nancy Kattoula with Tom Izzo              Nancy with her husband, mother and sisters

Nancy Attisha Kattoula, who is in her 18th year teaching Spanish at Walled Lake Central High School, is one of the 34 recipients for the Excellence in Education Award. There were 1500 nominations from all across Michigan. She was able to meet and be interviewed by Coach Tom Izzo.

The Giving Tree was awarded $500 to get to continue their community work, and Kattoula was also awarded $500 which will be going to her volunteer group account. She will be on television across Michigan the week of January 23rd and on Channel 7, in the Detroit area, on Thursday, January 26th during the news.

Excellence in Education will decide in late spring, the grand prize winner of $10,000. “Coach Izzo was so awesome, that he even made a video for a Fleece & Thank You Spartan blanket, that will go to a little warrior in the hospital this Christmas,” said Kattoula. “Can you imagine how excited that little Spartan fan is going to be? Huge thank you to my awesome husband, amazing sisters, and wonderful mom, who spent the day with me…love you all!!”

Time of Giving

More than 250 people attended the annual Breaking Barriers Christmas Celebration hosted by the Chaldean Foundation. The event was held at the St. Joseph Chaldean Church social hall. Each person in the program received a gift from the Giving Tree from St. Thomas, Mother of God, and Holy Martyrs churches.

CIAAM Election Results
The 2017 Board of Directors elections took place last month. The 2017 Board of Directors include the highest three vote getters: Hani Mio, Jamal S. Kalabat and Raid Putrus. The Board of Directors will elect all officers of the club from among the elected Directors. This election will take place no later than 30 days after the general election, which took place on December 6.

Grieving with Hope and Faith
Many people have suffered a loss of a loved one. On December 18, the Chaldean Sisters and community members hosted a dinner for those who have grieved the loss of a loved one — Grieving with Hope and Faith.  Bishop Francis spoke to the group. All the attendees had one thing in common: the loss of a child, husband, wife, mother, father, etc. A sentiment by the attendees: “It was an emotional, yet powerful experience to be in a room full of strong faith & love.”

Meeting with the Transitional Team
Chaldean Chamber of Commerce President Martin Manna was the only person from the Chaldean community who attended an invitation-only meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s transitional team. The two-hour meeting included 25 people who represented different faith-based groups from around the country. Each person presented an issue and then was asked to submit a plan or recommendation.  Manna discussed the plight of Christians in Iraq, as well as providing priority status for Chaldeans and other minority refugees.  He also discussed the need for permanent protection and securing the rights of Christians in Iraq.

A Christmas for Families

The United Community Family Services/CALC volunteers delivered the final Christmas gifts two days before Christmas to the many anxiously awaiting families. The program served more than 34 in-need families; approximately 200 individuals.  Generous sponsors either bought the gifts and delivered them to the families directly or had UCFS deliver the gifts to the families.  During the week, volunteers donated their time to shop for some of the families; others helped wrap and prepare the gifts to be delivered.

Freedom is Priceless

Fr. Thabit of the Chaldean Church in Arbil and Dina’s mother are thank ing everyone who donated to free the teenager. Dina was in an accident with a 73 year old man who died. It was no one’s fault, but the man’s family insisted on getting paid $40,000 by her family.  She had been in jail for 52 days with criminals who constantly harassed her to convert to Islam. Many people tried to intervene on her behalf, but the Muslim family would not budge from their demands. Fr. Thabit and Dina’s Mother would like thank family, friends and everyone who donated to help reach the goal of $20,000 to free her. A special thank you for all the prayers that helped give Dina the chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with her friends and family.

Archbishop Vigneron Ordained Two Bishops for Detroit

                
Reverend Gerald Battersby               Reverend Robert Fisher

On Wednesday, January 25, two priests were ordained bishops for the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit. The ordination ceremony was led by Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.

The men ordained bishops are Reverend Gerard Battersby, who most recently served as Vice Rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary and continues to serve as pastor of St. Mary of Redford Parish in northwest Detroit, and Reverend Robert Fisher, who serves as pastor of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak. The men will be “auxiliary bishops” in the Catholic church, meaning they will assist Archbishop Vigneron in shepherding the six-county, 1.3-million member Archdiocese of Detroit.

The ordination ceremony included in a Catholic Mass, expected to last approximately three hours. The ceremony included a reading of the letter from Pope Francis naming the two priests as bishops; an examination of the candidate; the laying on of hands; the imposition of the Book of Gospels; the prayer of consecration; the anointing of the bishops’ heads; the presentation of the Book of Gospels; and the investiture with rings, mitres, and pastoral staffs. A reception followed at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 Chicago Boulevard (at Linwood), Detroit.

Cry of Nineveh

Catholic speaker and author Joyce Coronel pens a novel from real events happening in Iraq. It is a compelling and gripping story that moves at a fast pace.

It is engaging and depicts reality and true sufferings of the Iraqi Christians. It is a great book club read and most certainly will prompt a lively discussion.

Creating a Classroom

TEACH helped fund a makeshift kindergarten classroom for displaced students in the village of Ankawa. Initially, funds from TEACH were used to get the program going. Since then, money from other subgroups in Help Iraq have been providing financial assistance. “The kids are so happy to be in school,” said Margaret Shamoun, co-founder of TEACH.

Dental Duo

Husband and wife dentists Furat and Mayce George opened a new dental practice in Farmington Hills called Enamel Dental Studio. “This has been something we have been waiting for, for so long; we are thankful to the Lord,” said Mayce who is a general dentist providing care to patients of all ages.

Furat is a Prosthodontist, providing specialty care in implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation. The two are active members in the Chaldean community as volunteers of Mother of God Church serving the Arabic mass in the choir. They are also active with ECRC and with Helpiraq.org. Visit www.enameldentalstudio.com

People in the News

Corbin Yaldoo has joined the Bloomfield Hills.-based Mid-America Real Estate – Michigan, Inc. brokerage team.

In his new position as Senior Sales Associate, Yaldoo will be specializing in landlord representation and placement of retailers in regional and neighborhood shopping centers throughout the state of Michigan.

He will be actively working with clients ranging from local private companies to institutional landlords and REITS.

Fasting for Ba’utha

In the days of His Excellency Bishop Beth Garmey, a deadly plague broke out in Nineveh and many other regions throughout the world. In desperation, the town officials turned to the Church. After great meditation and prayer, Bishop Beth Garmey heard the voice of an angel telling him to order all the people of the village to fast, just as the people of the Bible had done in the story of Jonah (Jonah1-4).

In great haste the bishop told the people of the city and the great fast began. After five days of fasting and prayer, the region was completely cured of the plague and the Chaldean nation as we know it was spared. After such a miraculous event Bishop Beth Garmey implored the synod of bishops that this fast be repeated every single year in thanksgiving to God. It has been observed ever since as Ba’utha d Ninwaye (Rogation of the Ninevites). Ba’utha is fasted every year in repentance, exactly three weeks before Lent, which is February 6, 7, and 8 this year.

Do Gooders

Congratulations to Project Bismutha, the organization that helps Chaldean refugees and other needy people with healthcare. It received a Hometown Health Hero Award from the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership.

Suit Filed in Royal Oak Arrest

Travis Hermiz, whose St. Patrick’s Day arrest in Royal Oak was captured on widely seen cellphone video, has filed an excessive force lawsuit against Royal Oak Police.

Hermiz, 25, was arrested outside Black Finn in downtown Royal Oak after being removed from the bar following an altercation with another patron. Multiple officers were involved in the arrest, which included Hermiz being tasered several times once he was handcuffed and on the ground. A rowdy crowd gathered around the incident and some people tried unsuccessfully to come to his aid.

“Travis is a really nice young man and frankly, I don’t want to attack the police in the press. I believe the situation was wrong as can be seen in the complaint. All of us have civil rights that can’t be taken from us,” his attorney, Robert M. Giroux, told the Chaldean News. “If you have ever been a victim of something like this, it can be incredibly traumatic. You feel powerless. It was a mentally and emotionally traumatic thing.”

The suit says Hermiz suffered a swollen left eye and “significant pain” to his right wrist, right thigh, neck, lower back and right foot” and also experienced “great physical pain, discomfort, loss of mental capacity, humiliation, degradation and anguish” as a result of the incident. The suit says he is entitled to compensation but does not specify an amount.

Giroux said Hermiz received a closed-head injury for which he is being treated, but would not elaborate.

The suit was filed on April 4 in U.S. District Court in Detroit against Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue and four other officers.

The suit says that Hermiz was coming to the aid of a woman being assaulted in Black Finn and bouncers removed him in a possible case of mistaken identity. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.112 when he took a Breathalyzer test after his arrest, the suit said. The level for drunken driving in Michigan is 0.08. Hermiz was ticketed for misdemeanor counts of marijuana possession, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Internet Star Kristie Naimi Dies

Kristie Holly Naimi, who inspired many with her positive attitude and thriving social media presence, died of cancer on March 29. She was 21.

As detailed in July 2015 issue, Naimi was born with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, a rare skin condition, and after a shy start, blossomed in a social media star with thousands of followers on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. She was a 2013 graduate of West Bloomfield High School. Read more about her inspiring life on our website, ChaldeanNews.com/Getting-Social-In-Cyberspace.

Come On Out

The Jewish and Chaldean communities come together to celebrate folklore at a May 12 Building Community event from the Chaldean News and the Jewish News

The evening will include performances by E’rootha Chaldean forklore dancers and singer Hazzan Dan Gross of the Adat Shalom Synagogue. It takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. at the downstairs atrium at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

Bring a dish to share and, if you like, baby or hygiene products for the needy including diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving supplies and deodorant. The supplies will go to the Open Hand Good Pantry at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Royal Oak. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

RSVP to Rula Yono, (248) 872-7013 or Rula@ChaldeanFederation.org.

Youth Camp Coming to Camp Chaldean

Chaldean seminarians and sisters are running several sessions of Chaldean Youth Camp in June at Camp Chaldean.

“Christ, culture, fun” is the theme of the camps (not to be confused with VBS), which is inspired by Matthew 19:14: “Jesus said, ‘let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

Sessions will be held on June 22 for boys, June 23 for girls, and June 24 for both, for ages 8-12. Overnight sessions, for ages 12-14, will be held June 25-26 for boys and June 27-28 for girls. Day events are $50 and overnights are $100. Online registration is open at ChaldeanYouthCamp.org.

Smells Like Team Spirit

The University of Detroit Jesuit High School took the Class A basketball state championship on March 26 at the MSU Breslin Center. The team, which includes Chaldean Vincent Manna (pictured), is ranked No. 1 in the state headed into next year’s season. The Cubs also ranked fifth nationally in a USA Today poll. This is the first time in 40 years that a Catholic school won the state title.

It’s Scholarship Time

The Chaldean Federation of America dedicates this year’s scholarship program – its 34^th – to the memory of Michael J. George, who devoted his very successful life to the betterment of the community. A number of scholarships are earmarked for Chaldean high school seniors and college graduates who plan to continue their education. Get the details at ChaldeanGrads.com. The deadline is May 20.

Sarafa Retained by Level One

Mike Sarafa, former Bank of Michigan President and a Chaldean News co-publisher, has been retained by Level One Bank as an advisor and consultant following the merger of the two banks.

Sarafa will assist in business development with new and existing clients and consult with Level One Bank leadership on other business opportunities within the Southeast Michigan community.

“As a longtime business leader in this region, Sarafa has developed strong relationships with government agencies, trade associations, and private business leaders,” said Patrick J. Fehring, president and CEO of Level One Bank, in a statement.  “We are pleased to welcome Mike in this new role.”

Sommers Schwartz Promotes Two

Sommers Schwartz P.C., a contingency based litigation law firm, has named Jabran “Jay” G. Yasso a senior shareholder and Tad T. Roumayah a shareholder.

For more than 20 years, Yasso has focused his practice on medical malpractice, automobile negligence and personal injury matters. He also represents individuals and businesses in the entertainment industry and serves of the boards of St. Regis and the D-Man Foundation.

Roumayah represents employees who have encountered discrimination, wrongful discharge, whistleblower retaliation and other issues. He has been named to the list of Super Lawyers Rising Stars in Michigan annually since 2013, and in 2014, was recognized by the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan for his pro bono service and contributions.

Reclaiming Iraq

Thursday, January 26, 2017 will be remembered as an historical day for the people of Telkaipe. The celebration was attended by his Excellency Mar Louis Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldeans world-wide in addition to Bishop Basillio Yaldo and bishop Michael Al-Makdasi and Bishop Habib Nofali and other priests and nuns. The celebration was for the installation of the cross back on top of the dome of Sacred Heart Chaldean Church in Telkaipe after being liberated from the rule of ISIS. Young men form the town of Telkaipe climbed to the top of the dome and installed a wooden cross until a big permanent one is made an affixed on top. The people of the town rejoiced at the sounds of the church bells being heard again. Local government authorities along with the Kurdish Peshmerga were among the attendance. “It was a truly historical moment,” said Shokie Konja from the Chaldean Voice. Konja flew to Iraq specifically to witness this event, “to raise the Chaldean flag on the roof of the church and to regain our Christian city of Telkaipe was so emotional. It was an honor to share in this solidarity and to represent not only the Chaldean Voice but the community in Michigan.”

Going Sola

A new concept in the salon business has attracted Chaldean entrepreneurs.
Contacts: Renadah Arabo 248-974-7391 or Rahnda Loussia 248. 346. 6611
rahnda@solasalon.com

People in the News

KW Domain welcomes their newest associate Kim Salman. They are very excited to have her join their Birmingham family, and thrilled at the opportunity to have their businesses grow together.

People in the Spotlight

Mark & Marilyn Kassa attended the 59th Annual Grammy’s in Los Angeles. The event took place at the STAPLES Center and was broadcast LIVE on Sunday, February 12th.

People on the Move

Dr. Nafso, Dr. Samano, and Dr. Kejbou at Bloomfield Hills Dental Associates are proud to welcome Dr. Anthony Yaldo to the practice. Dr. Yaldo is a recent graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He is committed to providing an exceptional dental experience in a comfortable atmosphere for every patient. Dr. Yaldo is dedicated to helping patients attain their ideal smile and is thrilled to join the practice.

One of the Best

96.3 WDVD’s Blaine Fowler Morning Show’s “Blaine’s Best” honors extraordinary women in the community who do special things for others, who are selfless and give of themselves all the time. Hundreds of women were nominated by listeners, but only 10 were chosen. Melody Arabo was one of the 10 selected as “Blaine’s Best”, and was nominated by her friend Brandy. She awarded the honor for her work as a school teacher, winning Michigan’s Teacher of the Year award, writing a children’s book about combating bullying, and her work with other schools around the state to find out what they were doing to help end it. Her focus as a teacher has always been about what’s best for kids and the environment in which they learn. She teaches her students to be lifelong learners, but more importantly, how to be compassionate and empathetic to others, and that’s why she was chosen as one of “Blaine’s Best”.

He’s got Game

George Kassa and team won the World Championships in the Rainbow Six Siege World Championship Competition. His team, Continuum, represented the United States! Twelve teams from around the globe competed for the coveted title,six from PC, and six from Xbox. Competing in Montreal, the winning team took home the title and a $200,000 prize. Throughout the past year of the Rainbow Six ESL Pro League, four teams stood out and were invited, the other 8 had to earn a spot in the Six Invitational. They have fought, competed, and claimed championships that have earned them this incredible opportunity. On February 3-5th, 2017 in Montreal, these four teams competed against eight qualifier winners for Rainbow Six Siege’s biggest event ever. The 3-day event matched the six PC teams against each other. The wining team from PC was Continuum.

A Right to Life

For the 3rd year in a row, Right to Life Michigan has teamed up with the Chaldean Diocese and community members to host an annual fundraiser called “Min Sharetha.” The Benefit Reception is on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the Shenandoah Country Club. Shauna is the keynote speaker. Her story is powerful. Her prolife witness heroic. Her talk will be inspiring to all who attend this annual event in support of Right to Life of Michigan’s prolife educational outreach within the Chaldean community.

If you have not seen this clip either on the Right to Life of Michigan’s website (www.rtl.org) or on television, then you’ll want to watch the Shauna Prewitt piece on this link: https://rtl.org/compassion/play_all.html

Expanding its Range

T-Mobile, located at 7675 Wayne Rd, is their second location in the city of Westland. Because of Westland growth, T-Mobile chose to open another store within the Shop and Dine District. Wireless Vision/T-Mobile has more than 24 stores in Michigan, and 270 nationwide. T- Mobile will employ more than 10 employees within both Westland stores. The store manager is Farideh Girgis, who has been a Westland resident her entire life.

The Art of a Photo

Matthew Piziali, a student at U of D High School won two gold medals, a silver medal and an honorable mention for this photograph. He won a gold medal for the photo and for his entire portfolio. The photo of his grandfather, Sam Yono, was taken for Piziali’s AP Art class as part of the Scholastic Art Competition. The gold medal photographs will be sent in for judging on the National Level and if he wins anything at that level, he goes to Carnegie Hall in NY to receive his award and scholarships.

Communicating Careers

A group of leaders in their respective industries shared their stories with Middle School Students from Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield at the 28th Annual Career Day Event. Simon Jonna is a national market leader in net-leased retail and shopping centers within the investment brokerage industry. Mike Palmer is the owner of Premier Pet Supply in Beverly Hills, which has been a staple in the community since 1992. Jay Dallo is a lawyer who started his own law practice in 2009 shortly after he passed the bar exam. He is also a martial arts instructor with a martial arts school, Dallo Martial Arts in Southfield. As a lawyer, his main practice areas are criminal justice defense and immigration. Vanessa Denha Garmo spoke as the Co-publisher and Editor in Chief of the Chaldean News. She is also the founder of Denha Media Group where she serves her clients as a communications strategist. Judge Diane Dickow D’Agostini has served as District Judge for more than 11 years handling criminal, civil, landlord/tenant and traffic cases. She was appointed Chief Judge by the Michigan Supreme Court. Derek Dickow is the founder of the Metro-Detroit based PR and consulting firm, Steward Media. He is power-connector and leader in fundraising. Chantel Bahoura is an attorney at Garan Lucow Miller, PC in Detroit where she focuses on civil litigation, primarily personal injury defense.

A Warm Welcome

Archbishop Vigneron has appointed Monsignor Timothy D. Hogan to become the next pastor of St. Fabian Parish, effective July 1, 2017. Msgr. Hogan has wide range of skills and experiences, having served as a chaplain to the U.S. Navy Reserve, a ministry during which he was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe and Japan. He also has served as regional moderator for the Northeast Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit and on the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council. His last pastorate prior to becoming Vicar for Clergy was at Holy Family Parish in Novi. He is very involved and active as a chaplain with the Knights of Columbus, and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in December 1982. He has been saying Mass each Wednesday morning at 8:30 am at St. Fabian for the past several months, and has gotten familiar with the parish in this way.

Prayer for Business Owners

In recent weeks, the Chaldean seminarians having been going door-to-door evangelizing the faith to Chaldean business owners. Every week they have spent about two hours going around Detroit and walking into various liquor and grocery stores around the seminary. They walk in, introduce themselves, hand the owner a rosary, ask them if they need any prayers, encourage them to go to Mass and challenge them to grow deeper in their faith. “Many hearts have been open and there have been great faith discussions,” said Perrin Attisha, seminarian. “In our encounters and experiences, many have asked how they can come and see the seminary so we came up with the idea to have a mass and gathering at the seminary for all Chaldean business owners.”

The First Annual Mass for Chaldean Business Owners will take place at Sacred Heart Major Seminary with a gathering to follow on April 18.

Hello, hello, hello = goodbye

On the bottom of the front page of the March 22, 2017 Wall Street Journal was an article titled “Iraqis Don’t Know Why You Say Goodbye, They Say Hello.” We all have seen this and many of us do it. The article goes on to say that “hello (usually as a declining crescendo) has been entrenched in the parting Iraqi protocol for some time” but causes a great deal of confusion for visitors. The Journal quotes a couple of experts on how this developed. One theory is that Iraqi’ simply like to elaborate a lot and are verbally animated; yet another is that Iraqi’s are big on hospitality and that “hello, hello, hello” is “like they never want to say goodbye or like see you soon.”

Another little tidbit from the same article—the source of the word “temmen” meaning rice? During World War 1, the Iraqi’s from Basra would deliver rations of rice to the British troops marked RICE FOR TEN MEN. Somehow temmen became part of the vernacular. Hello hello, hello.

Congratulations

Derek Dickow has been selected as a member of the 2017 Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 class, one of 40 individuals. L. Brooks Patterson recognizes individuals for their innovation, talent and leadership. Nearly 400 applications and nominations were reviewed by an independent panel of judges, looking for the top 40 young professionals and thought leaders who live or work in Oakland County.

St. Fabian Catholic School hosts a special rekindling service for Chaldean Students who have already been confirmed. This includes 8th graders. In the Roman Catholic Faith, Catholics receive the Sacrament of Confirmation typically in 8th grade while Eastern Rite Catholics are typically confirmed during Baptism. Fr. Jeff Day celebrates this rekindling mass so the already confirmed can participate in a special 8th grade celebration of their faith.

 
Julia Hanna and Maria Jonna were two of the Chaldeans who went to Life in the Bateyes, in the Dominican Republic.  Some of the other Chaldeans who attend Academy of the Sacred Heart and went to other parts of the country or world are Monique Simon, Isabelle George, Isabella Naman, Lexi Kejbou, Veronica Sheena, Bella Jonna, Julia Toma, and Keeley Najor.

Since 1974, Project Term has been an integral part of the total curriculum in the Upper School. This unique program provides an opportunity for students to explore and learn in a focused unit of study. Incorporating the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education, all Upper School students at the Academy participate in Project Term. Participants gain exposure to and increase awareness of various communities and cultures as well as hands-on learning in a variety of fields.

KJ Commercial is pleased to announce that Kevin Jappaya has been named a 2016 CoStar Power Broker by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces.  This annual industry award recognizes distinguished professionals in commercial real estate brokerage by highlighting the achievements of the firms and individual brokers who closed the highest transaction volumes in commercial property sales or leases in 2016 within their respective markets.

Jappaya qualified as some of the top commercial brokers in Detroit based on the total leasing retail transactions he closed during the year.  In order to be selected for this honor, his overall transaction volumes were evaluated by CoStar against other commercial real estate brokers active in the region, and subsequently ranked among the top brokers in the market.

Congratulations to Matthew Kalasho, Director and Senior Attorney for The Taubman Company, for being named to the DBusiness magazine list of Top Corporate Counsel in metro Detroit.  Matthew provides legal guidance on a wide range of issues covering real estate, construction, compliance, and corporate contracting.   It is quite an honor to receive this recognition as it is the result of a survey of more than 18,000 private attorneys in the area. Matthew is featured in the March/April edition.  Matthew currently serves on the Board of Directors for Shenandoah Country Club and he is an ordained Sub-Deacon serving at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church.

According to news reports, Iraq’s armed forces have recovered hundreds of pieces of Assyrian artifacts stolen by ISIS in Mosul.

A St. Thomas Diocese delegation arrived in Turkey last month. They celebrated Easter Masses and other sacraments in several cities where many refugees unfortunately do not have the luxury of practicing their faith. In addition to celebrating mass, the delegation also provided food gift cards to as many people as possible. “This can only be accomplished with help from the community,” said Rafed Yaldo. “Anyone who wants donate to this beautiful cause, you can visit www.helpiraq.org/donate and select Turkey East Food gift campaign.” There are also opportunities to donate after mass at various churches where Help Iraq has a booth set up.