Preparing for Success
20 Years of August Covers
By Sarah Kittle
Over the past two decades, the August cover stories of the Chaldean News have consistently reflected the pulse of our community, serving not just as informative pieces but as historical markers of significant events and personalities. From the earliest issues, where we celebrated local architects and community milestones, to the educational focuses of recent years, each issue has offered readers a window into our evolving society.
It’s fascinating to trace the evolution of cover stories over the past two decades. Throughout these 20 years, the August issue of the Chaldean News has remained a steadfast companion, offering profound insight and celebrating the diversity, resilience, and achievements of the Chaldean community.
Reflecting back, our coverage has spotlighted significant figures and events. In 2004, Victor Saroki graced our cover, marking 20 years as a prominent architect in Michigan. His iconic projects like the Birmingham Theater and St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church continue to define our landscape.
2005’s cover story “slid” into August and listed summer fun activities, and the following year, in 2006, celebrated 45 years of the Chaldean Ladies of Charity in “Ladies Look Back.”
In 2007, the cover story was “The Wind Beneath His Wings,” featuring Joe Bidawid. Joe is a Great Lakes professional waterman who successfully completed a stand-up paddle crossing of Lake Michigan on August 26 of that year to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Unassisted, Joe covered 59 miles over 19 hours, starting in St. Joseph, Michigan at sunset and paddling through the night to arrive in downtown Chicago the next afternoon, raising more than $14,000 for charity.
The economic downturn of 2008 dominated headlines, and our August issue addressed the challenges with expert advice on weathering the recession’s impacts, from soaring gas prices to widespread job losses and financial instability. In subsequent years, from 2009’s coverage on church bombings in Iraq to 2014’s poignant exploration of the ISIS invasion in Mosul, our publication has navigated global crises with a lens focused on our community’s experiences and resilience.
The following years delved into local issues: the opening of Holy Martyrs Church (2010) and challenges faced by independent grocers (2011).
Beginning in 2012, the August issue of the Chaldean News has consistently served as the “Back to School Guide,” helping parents navigate their educational choices. In other years — 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021 — we’ve dedicated these editions to detailing private and Catholic schools in our area, equipping parents with essential tools for informed decisions about their children’s education.
In addition to comprehensive back-to-school guides, we explored topics like scholarships and STEM education initiatives. The pandemic’s impact was felt in 2020, with a focus on community resilience and growth.
In 2021 and 2022, our coverage adapted to shifting educational landscapes, including virtual learning and global perspectives on student life. Notably, 2023 brought attention to Cardinal Sako’s journey amidst political upheaval in Iraq.
Throughout these years, the August issue of the Chaldean News has evolved, offering insight, reflection, and a platform for community voices, marking two decades of meaningful storytelling and service to our readers.
For twenty years, the CN has been a beacon of cultural preservation and community cohesion for the Chaldean diaspora. With each issue since its inception, the magazine has diligently chronicled the triumphs, challenges, and rich traditions of Chaldean-Americans. From profiling prominent figures to documenting historical milestones and addressing contemporary issues, the magazine serves as a vital platform for dialogue and celebration within the community. Through its timely articles, the Chaldean News has fostered a deeper understanding of Chaldean heritage while advocating for the community’s interests and aspirations in the ever-changing landscape of American society.