380 North Old Woodward
380 North Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 120, Birmingham, MI 48009 t: (248) 646-0888 f: (248) 646-0887 e: info@spclaw.com www.spclaw.com BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS: ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH IN PROPERTY TAXES? With the recent decline in Michigan property values, many owners, tenants and managers are now in a position to appeal their inflated tax assessments and reduce their property tax burdens. SPC can help. Our specialized attorneys have the legal knowledge and valuation expertise to successfully represent clients in all types of commercial, office, multi-tenant, and industrial property tax appeals and disputes. We have extensive experience in evaluating tax assessments on behalf of our clients, and are able to anticipate and resolve issues surrounding comparability, vacancy, capitalization, costs and depreciation. We have a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional and statutory provisions governing property taxation, and are adept at managing the complex procedures and regulations associated with them. Jerome Pesick is the managing shareholder of the Steinhardt, Pesick & Cohen law firm, specializing in property taxation, eminent domain/condemnation, and land use. With over 34 years in practice, he has successfully represented clients in major property tax appeal cases throughout Michigan. H. Adam Cohen is a shareholder of SPC, specializing in real property tax appeals, eminent domain/condemnation, and commercial litigation. With more than 20 years’ experience in these areas of the law, Mr. Cohen has obtained tax reductions and verdicts concerning properties of all types throughout the State of Michigan. Contact SPC for a free preliminary review of your property tax assessment! 4 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2013
CONTENTS MAY 2013 THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 10 ISSUE IV on the cover: spotlight on health & wellness 20 Resizing Their Lives By Vanessa Denha Garmo Reaping the benefits of weight loss 22 Tricks of the Trade By Brittany George Dish up health with simple ingredient swaps 42 departments 6 From the Editor By Vanessa Denha Garmo Here is the skinny on the fat 8 in my view By Michael Sarafa Pope Francis’ acts and style inspire 10 Guest Columns By Adil E. Shamoo After Iraq, climbing out of the moral abyss By Junior Jwad Bring God along on vacation 12 Noteworthy 13 Bulletin Board 14 Chai Time 16 Halhole 18 Religion 19 OBITUARIES 35 10 Questions Isam Yaldo: Ready to help 38 Classified Listings 40 Events Church Celebration at Penna’s Chaldean Chamber Dinner 23 The Nutritionist Is In By Shawna Broida, R.D. Got Crohn’s? Eating right can help 24 ‘Scaling’ New Heights By Joyce Wiswell D-Man clients can make sweet, sweet music 26 On Fire By Joseph Abro Hookahs lounges are smoking hot … By Joyce Wiswell … But there’s nothing harmless about them 28 Debating Obamacare By Ranna Abbo Businesses wonder what it all means 32 The Doctor Is In By Darlene Kassab Mansoor, M.D. Allergy season is upon us – but relief is possible features 34 Pulling No Punches By Shari S. Cohen Teens open up about stereotypes at Building Community event 36 Welcome, Holy Cross By Vanessa Denha Garmo Diocese’s newest church opens in Farmington On the cover: Marcine Karmo and Carl Dallo show off their new looks. Photo by Alex Lumelsky MAY 2013 CHALDEAN NEWS 5
