Turning Over a New Leaf

Sarah Kittle, Editor in Chief

Ahhh, spring in Michigan. We love our state and all its personalities, especially in May. Spring flowers and Mother’s Day make the month a celebration, and we are here for it. In this month’s Family Time, Valene Ayar shares some benefits that come along with gardening with kids. It teaches them respect for nature and introduces them to the satisfaction that comes with having a purpose. Plus, it may help them enjoy vegetables at the dinner table. It could happen…

Other stories in this month’s issue cover the future of our state and its workforce. Paul Natinsky talks with various stakeholders about trends that affect population, and Cal Abbo introduces us to a Chaldean woman on the police force in Macomb County. I had the opportunity to speak with some special people at Stevenson High School about scholarships and hopes and dreams.

Mental health is a big issue nowadays, especially after the isolation brought on by the global pandemic. Adults and kids alike are dealing with more stress in their average day. For Mental Health Awareness month, the Chaldean Community Foundation’s (CCF) Jackie Raxter writes about some common causes of stress and some ways we can combat or lessen the effects on our lives.

The CCF is working with the Ablahid family to bring home the remains of their son and brother. Tragedies like this one are all too common, and while the organization is willing and able to help, we hope to get to a point where that help is no longer needed.

We say “goodbye’ to an important member of the community in Nick Konja. Nick was a great friend to the Chaldean community, the Foundation, and the Chamber. He will be sorely missed.

From the Festival in Alqosh to the Chaldean Diocese Lenten Hike, we are celebrating life. We have so much to celebrate, including Weam Namou’s documentary from her book and Tommy Gasso’s stellar career.

We also learn about a special kind of poet. Fadi Sitto is a Chaldean wordsmith who can compose impromptu prose on the spot at events and gatherings. He also is one of just a handful of poets who have had their poems read in space.

The big news, however, is the state-of-the-art Chaldean Community Center coming to West Bloomfield. For years, visitors to the Chaldean Community Foundation have been impressed with the great work and the magnificent edifice located at 15 Mile and Ryan.

The shining arches beckon to an immigrant audience, and the new center at Walnut Lake and Inkster will be a community hub as well. With event spaces and a full-sized gymnasium, look for events to be held there in 2024.

Yes, readers, spring has sprung in Michigan. Daffodils and snowdrops grace our lawns and birds are returning from the warm south. It is a good time for all of us to turn over a new leaf and start anew, with our plans, our dreams, and our destinies. The future is now.

Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief