NOTEworthy Oram Enters
NOTEworthy Oram Enters Farmington Hills Council Race Johnny Oram has thrown his hat into the ring for Farmington Hills City Council. “This stems back from long ago; I really am passionate about the pursuit for Johnny Oram public service,” he said. “Now I’m heeding the call.” Oram, 32, advocates reducing Farmington Hills’ property taxes, which he says are among the highest in the state. “As I’m walking door to door that has been one of the biggest concerns from citizens, especially the most vulnerable — seniors and the disabled,” he said. “As far as business is concerned, we have to work to have a very friendly environment. Farmington Hills can serve as an example for other municipalities.” Oram is the president of Altor, Inc., an international firm consulting on strategic business planning development. His clients include both private companies and local, state and governmental units. He founded Altor two years ago after working on the staffs of various Michigan politicians. Oram declined to reveal his political party. “This is a non-partisan race,” he said. “Partisan politics are dirty, nasty and hurtful.” Getting elected will be challenging because five people are running for three open seats, including the three incumbents. “I call on all the Chaldeans out there who reside in Farmington Hills to support me on November 6. As a people, we are under-represented,” Oram said. “I want to be part of this new generation to participate in the democratic process.” Learn more about the campaign at www.johnnyoram2007.com. To obtain a lawn sign, call (248) 579- 0657. New Bishops Named; Synod Boycotted Two new bishops were named at the Synod of the Chaldean Church held in June in Baghdad. Fadi Isho, a monk, was chosen bishop of Erbil, while Monsignor Philip Najib was named bishop for Europe. He was formerly the representative in Italy for Patriarch Emmanuel Delly. The synod also discussed the issue of safety and security for Iraq’s Christians and the Nineveh Plain proposal. Several bishops boycotted the Tiny Dancers Do Big Things Five young Chaldean girls scored big at the Kids Artistic Review National Dance Competition held in June in Panama City, Florida. Alanna Jonna and Haley Rabban, both 10, won first place in Secondary Line Jazz for their performance of “My Kinda Kiss.” The girls were asked back for the Star Showcase, where they were awarded first place. Lauren Dabish and Madeline Boji, both 9, won first place for “Working” in their Primary Jazz Division. Seven-year-old Isabelle Boji took Soccer Arena Coming A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Pontiac on July 2 for Ultimate Soccer Arenas. The -million indoor facility will cover more than 266,000 climate-controlled square feet dedicated to soccer. Joe Murad (pictured) is one of five owners and Hani Mansour is also involved in the venture. Completion is expected in November; visit www.ultimatesoccerarenas.com. synod – Mgr. Louis Sako of Kirkuk, Mgr. Rabban al-Qas of Amadiyah and Erbil, Mgr. Petros Hanna Issa Al- Harboli of Zakho, Mgr. Mikha Pola Makdassi of Alqosh and Mgr. Antone Audo of Aleppo. They issued a joint statement urging Mar Delly to postpone the synod so some topics could be first thoroughly studied. They called on Mar Delly to take a “bold position” in regard to the persecution of Christians and to appoint priests for displaced persons at home and abroad instead of assigning them abroad. They also oppose the Nineveh Plain “because the whole Iraq is our homeland and we should live together with our fellow citizens in peace and harmony.” Second Place for her rendition of “Candy Man” in Primary Line Jazz. Some 800 dancers from around the United States participated in the competition. The girls all dance at the Dance House in West Bloomfield. Lauren Dabish (left), Alanna Jonna, Haley Rabban, Madeline Boji and Isabelle Boji (front). Chaldean Festival Announces Entertainment Chaldean and American entertainers will present constant music during the 2nd Annual Chaldean Festival on August 4-5 on Southfield’s Civic Center Lawn along Evergreen. Held in conjunction with the City of Southfield, the event will include a variety of food vendors, a Merchants Row, free health screenings, a dunk tank, and inflatables and attractions for children. There is also a raffle for a 2007 BMW X5 or ,000 cash option, for which only 1,100 0 tickets will be sold. The drawing is at 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 5; winners need not be present. Festival hours are noon-10 p.m. both days. All proceeds benefit the Chaldean Chamber Foundation, a non-profit organization that advances the needs of the Chaldean American community through advocacy, education and charitable giving. CHALDEAN FESTIVAL entertainment schedule SATURDAY 1-2 American Music from local musicians 2-3 Intoned Unplugged (American Music) 3-4 Slight Return (American Music) 4-10 Chaldean Singers and Music with: Sabah Abed, Ramy Al Eissa, Munthir Al Kas Mikha, Al Ajrass Al Iraqia, Ameed Asmaro, Khairy Boudagh, Salam Kaka, Raad Kiza, Sawsan Kizy, Bassam Naem, Thamir Romaia, Thair Sabo, Dhia Sheena, Martin Antwan, Omar Jarbour, Simon Rayes, Johnny Sana, Roni Shaooni, Allen Toma and Edward Yousif SUNDAY 1-2 American Music from local musicians 2-3 The Troubadours 3-4 Steve Acho with Slight Return 4-10 Chaldean Singers and Music with: Sabah Abed, Ramy Al Eissa, Munthir Al Kas Mikha, Al Ajrass Al Iraqia, Ameed Asmaro, Khairy Boudagh, Salam Kaka, Raad Kiza, Sawsan Kizy, Bassam Naem, Thamir Romaia, Thair Sabo, Dhia Sheena, Martin Antwan, Omar Jarbour, Simon Rayes, Johnny Sana, Roni Shaooni, Allen Toma and Edward Yousif 16 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2007
New Name for St. Joseph’s Healthcare St. Joseph’s Healthcare, based in Clinton Township, has become fully owned by Henry Ford Health System. With the transfer of ownership comes a new name: Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. Since 1990, Trinity Health and Henry Ford Health System each have owned 50 percent of the former St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Clinton Township. An agreement has been signed in which Trinity Health has transferred its halfinterest in St. Joseph’s to Henry Ford. Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals is a 435-bed, multi-site system with a comprehensive, acute care hospital in Clinton Township; a specialty hospital in Mt. Clemens; and health centers in Bruce Township, Chesterfield Township and Fraser. New Business Tax Enacted The Michigan Business Tax has been signed into law, replacing the muchmaligned Single Business Tax. According to the governor’s office, the MBT will cut taxes for more than seven out of 10 Michigan businesses, including both small businesses and Michigan’s major manufacturers. The MBT provides tax credits to companies that locate or create new jobs in Michigan and tax credits for entrepreneurial and R&D activities. It also includes a cut in the personal property tax. The law takes effect January 1, 2008. Granholm Appoints Commissioners Governor Jennifer Granholm has made appointments for the Commission on Arab and Chaldean American Affairs. They include Shirley Mann Gray, Terry T. Ahwal, Abdulhakem A. Alsadah, Fay Beydoun, Ahmad Chebbani, Hany G. Choulagh, Samir A. Danou, Charlene M. Elder, Haifa Fakhouri, Hesham E. Gayar, Karen L. Henry, Alexander H. Isaac, Karen L. Karam, John M. Mackay, Radwan M. Mardini, Samir W. Mashni, Fatina Masri, Nida R. Samona, George H. Shalhoub, Basel K. Shatara and George C. Steeh. The commission is charged with serving in an advisory capacity to the governor, alerting her to pertinent issues within the largest Arab American and Chaldean American community outside of the Middle East. Cast a Vote for Shenandoah! Shenandoah Country Club’s Golf Shop has been nominated as best Golf Store in the annual WDIV Click on Detroit “Best of Detroit” promotion. Other Chaldean-owned businesses have also been nominated in various categories. Cast your vote for the Chaldeanowned businesses by visiting http://wdiv.cityvoter.com/ People Nida R. Samona of Bloomfield Township has been reappointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to represent Democrats on the Liquor Control Commission. Her term expires June 12, 2011. Matthew Yousif has been named to Albion College dean’s list for the spring 2007 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or above at the completion of the semester. A sophomore majoring in chemistry, he is the son of Neal and Hana Yousif of West Bloomfield. Farmington Hills Re/Max Associate Broker Brian S. Yaldoo has been awarded a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. He also received a certificate for completing special training to build skills in the marketing of luxury homes and estate properties. Auto-lab Franchise Matthew Yousif Brian S. Yaldoo NANA says If you see a black cat, spit. If you see a white butterfly, make the sign of the cross. If a bird flies in your house, someone will pass on. The same is true if your ears are ringing. Thanks to all who shared their Nana-isms. Keep them coming to info@chaldeannews.com, or write to The Chaldean News, 26555 Evergreen, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48076. Management Corporation has announced that the Robert Faranso owner of Auto-Lab Belleville, Robert Faranso, has purchased the two Master Franchise territories of Orange County and San Diego, California, as well as the rights to put stores inside of seven K-mart locations in the Los Angeles area. Faranso will move to Orange County next month to pursue this venture. ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT MICK AUGUST 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 17
