Posts in Community
Madison Heights City Council Rejects 24-hour Gas Station

On May 13, the Madison Heights City Council moved to reject the latest special approval proposal by Sheetz for a new 24-hour gas station, citing several reasons why it denied the request. Among other items, the council noted that the plan proposed by Sheetz was inconsistent with the intent of the district as well as the city’s master development plan.

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There’s no wedding like a Chaldean wedding

Chaldean weddings are the stuff of legends in metro Detroit. They are “extra,” over-the-top, and everyone wants an invitation. From the Khigga dance lines to the Zaffa playing, Chaldeans know how to party. And don’t even get me started on the food! What many don’t know is those wedding traditions and more traveled here from Iraq with marriages that bridged countries, families, and even communities in a way that is difficult to understand without having experienced it. The first Chaldeans to marry in Detroit invited the whole community to the nuptials. The entire community was family.

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Chaldean News TV and radio station to open next year

For years, the Chaldean Community Foundation and the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce have been planning one of their biggest projects yet: the grand opening of a new community center on the west side of metro Detroit, located in West Bloomfield near the corner of Walnut Lake and Inkster Roads. The property will serve as the headquarters of the CACC and will also house other affiliated organizations like the Chaldean Cultural Center, the Chaldean News, Chaldean Voice, the Bishop Ibrahim Library, and more.

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Annual CACC Golf Outing

On Thursday, June 13, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) hosted its annual community Golf Outing at Shenandoah Country Club. The day started out wet and breezy but warm winds prevailed, and the outing was ultimately a success. The Farbman Group foursome took home the trophy. Many CACC members supported this event, including MotorCity Casino, Citizens State Bank, and Absopure.

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Avant Stamp

High school students in our state are required to meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum guidelines for graduation, which includes 2 credits in a language other than English. Most students meet this requirement though formal coursework, but it is possible to “test out” by demonstrating proficiency on a commercialized assessment.

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Growing in Faith

“To grow as a community, we have to start with the children,” says Sandy Sesi, director of the First Holy Communion program at Saint Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church. First Holy Communion, also referred to as First Holy Eucharist, is one of the early sacraments in the Catholic Church and an important step in a Catholic’s spiritual journey.

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Uncommon Counselor

“I help get justice.” That’s how Ron Acho, partner at Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. describes his job. It wasn’t a straight career path for the counselor; he says he got into law by happenstance. Born in Baghdad in 1945, Ron came to the Unites States with his family in 1949. His father, who was discriminated against because of his faith, only had a fifth-grade education and was subject to menial jobs in Iraq.

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Row Your Boat

Neither Mario Marougi nor Roman Kalasho had done any competitive rowing before they joined the storied Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School rowing team as they entered their freshman year at the school. Their only experience in the sport was the annual Learn to Row camp put on by St. Mary’s rowing coach Chris Czarnecki and St. Mary’s rowing team members in the summer before they became freshmen.

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Rising Above

Once Elia graduated, he worked hard to support his family. It was this goal that led to his downfall. He was introduced to Adderall, which he used to stay awake and alert through his long days at school and multiple jobs. “That’s what our culture is, we work hard and try to help each other and support one another,” Elia said about the Chaldean community.

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Holy Cross!

Atop Rancho San Diego Hill sits the California Chaldean community’s most recent achievement: A 35-foot tall, 20,000-pound Chaldean-style cross pierces the landscape for thousands to see. Last year, on December 14, 2023, the largest cross in San Diego was airdropped into place by a Chinook heavy-lift helicopter.

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Ice Wars

There are many examples of the Chaldean factor in business, but none as clear as the recent shakeup in the retail ice market. In late 2022, Saad Abbo sold his successful ice company, U.S. Ice, to a large corporate firm called Home City Ice. Since then, retailers have reported a dramatic increase in prices and a substantial reduction in the quality and frequency of service.

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