Metro Detroit Lebanese-Americans donate blood to American Red Cross

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(WARREN, MI) — St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Warren hosted an annual American Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, encouraging parishioners to IMG_8206donate two pints of blood to the humanitarian organization.

Parishioner Lisa Yacoub, who is a full-time nurse, organizes the St. Sharbel blood drive every year. She says it can sometimes be a challenge to encourage people to donate blood.

“I see that blood is in demand. There is an urgent need for help,” said Yacoub. “I became a nurse to help others. I want other people to also help and see the value of donating blood.”

Before donating, the American Red Cross requires registration and a “mini physical,” where a volunteer will interview about health history and places traveled. Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels are also tested before the donation takes place.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education inside the United States.

To look for a blood drive near you, click here.

PHOTOS: St. Maron Detroit hosts Annual Family Picnic

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(DETROIT, MI) — The parishioners of St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Detroit hosted their Annual Family Picnic on Sunday, featuring children’s activities, food, and music provided by Backstage Entertainment.

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Lebanese-American father writes children’s book about diversity, acceptance

(DEARBORN, MI) — Bashar Salame’s Let’s Change That! If Animals Can, We Can, Too explores stereotypes and acceptance through the eyes of lovable pets.

Ferne Press announced last week that it has published a children’s book authored by a Dearborn father. The first-time author, Dr. Bashar Salame, 36, explores stereotypes and acceptance in Let’s Change That! If Animals Can, We Can, Too.

bashar-salame-plaid“Teaching our children about acceptance of others is the greatest gift we can give them,” said Bashar. “As I was looking for creative ways to teach my own children these important lessons, I weaved together this bedtime story with the animals that my son loves and it took off — we were able to have a conversation about stereotypes and diversity that would have been difficult otherwise. I wrote the book so that every parent could have this opportunity.” 

Let’s Change That! If Animals Can, We Can, Too follows a day in the life of Felix, a house cat on the lam, who needs help rescuing a baby bird. Felix comes to life in the illustrations of Rainer M. Osinger as he asks for help from the most unlikely characters. Will they all pitch in and help, or will they refuse?

“A great story to read to children to spark diversity discussion, help eliminate stereotypes, and inspire kids so that they can make a difference,” said Robyn Tarnow, Second Grade Teacher, Birmingham, Mich. “The brightly colored illustrations will grab children’s attention. Like the characters, they will realize they are empowered to make change.”

The book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram and Baker & Taylor.

“Let’s Change That! simplifies one of the most dynamic and complicated ordeals—acceptance,” said Marwan Salamey, an English teacher at Fordson High School in Dearborn, Mich. “In a time where understanding has eluded most, Dr. Salame personifies human emotion and reveals that acceptance is possible with an open mind and a little bit of change! A story that touches the human heart, Let’s Change That! sparks thought in readers of all ages.”

When he isn’t making up stories for his kids, Bashar, a chiropractor for more than 10 years, is focused on the health and well-being of his patients at his two clinics in the metro Detroit area. Bashar was nine years old when he came to Michigan from Lebanon and knows firsthand the importance of teaching children about diversity and inclusion.

Bashar and his wife Sueha have been married for ten years and they have two children – Jude, 4, and Amelie, 2. Among the family’s most cherished activities is reading stories and exploring books together. Their favorite authors include Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems, Greg Foley, Shel Silverstein, and Ferne Press’s own Carol McCloud.

For more information about the book, visit basharsalame.com.

Lebanese-Americans go “Back to Roots”

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(DETROIT, MI) — At the end of June, three Lebanese-Americans from Detroit will join a group of fifteen Lebanese North Americans on a trip to Beirut, Lebanon, as part of the “Back to Roots Summer Academy.”

Back to Roots is a two-week program that introduces North Americans of Lebanese descent to the “natural beauty, rich culture, historical significance, and political landscape” in Lebanon.

back-to-rootsAll expenses including lodging and transportation are covered, except for international flight reservations, according to Anthony Sader, assistant U.S. Director of Back to Roots.

“Typically, (the participants) wake up bright and early, they might have a lecture from a professor or somebody who is educated on a certain subject. Then we travel and meet other prominent people, like the patriarch, president, and other important leaders,” Sader said.

When asked if the participants will meet the Lebanese president this year, Sader smirked. “We’ll see if we have one.”

Back to Roots is funded by the Lebanese Information Center (LIC), an independent, non-profit research institute headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The group is “non-religious” and “non-political,” according to Sader.

Fundraisers across the country are hosted year-round to collect donations to pay for the summer program. The Midwest chapter recently hosted a fundraiser at Alexander’s Lebanese Cuisine in Warren. Click here to see photos.

If you’re interested in learning more information about Back to Roots, visit BTRLebanon.org. For donation information, click here.

Governor Rick Snyder visits the Arab American National Museum

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(DEARBORN, MI) — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder visited Dearborn on Monday to tour the Arab-American National Museum and meet with Middle Eastern community leaders and businesspeople.

ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, co-hosted the governor for a town-hall style event following the tour. Snyder called10403775_10153003023904569_8127142933425621827_o ACCESS a “national treasure,” touting its continued efforts to help Arab-Americans in the workforce and in other human services. Executive Director Hassan Jaber delivered remarks thanking the governor for visiting and recognizing Arab-Americans.

Snyder, who used to live in Dearborn, said he was proud of his efforts to “diversify” the state over the last four years.

“Immigration is truly something that has made us unique,” he said. “We come from many different places, but we’re more powerful when we come together, and we learn from one another.”

Photos courtesy of the Arab American National Museum Facebook page.

Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World hosts nationwide campaign to register Lebanese citizens

(WARREN, MI) — The Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World (CLFW) hosted a nationwide campaign this Sunday to register Lebanese-Americans as citizens. CLFW representatives in Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, and Warren, MI distributed promotional material and offered registration assistance to Lebanese-American parishioners nationwide, in an effort to increase Christian citizenship in the country.

CLFW is a non-profit organization that aims to re-connect Lebanese-Americans with their roots, by hosting citizenship drives and promoting civic engagement. This latest effort promises to register individuals and families free-of-charge.

The organization teamed up with the Lebanese Embassy and Consulates, the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM), and several Lebanese-American organizations and clubs to promote the weekend citizenship drive. According to their Facebook page, those who register are entered into a chance to win free airline tickets to Lebanon.

Nano Rached, the regional coordinator for CLFW says it is particularly important to register because the Christian population in Lebanon “is going down.”

Watch the full video below for more information:

For those living in Metro Detroit, CLFW is hosting another registration opportunity at the Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia on June 22nd starting at 10am.

Arab American museum to host visit by Governor Rick Snyder

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(DEARBORN, MI) – The Arab American National Museum plans to host Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for a tour, meetings with community leaders and town hall-style event.

The museum in Dearborn says the visit is planned for Monday, including remarks by Snyder around midday.

Dearborn has large Arab and Muslim populations. The museum says Manal Saab, who is on the museum’s National Advisory Board, invited the governor to visit.

6 Reasons to Attend the Michigan Fun Fest

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1. Affordable Food

“They have chicken shawarma, meat shawarma, falafel, gyros. It’s delicious,” said Ayda Mughannem, one of the festival volunteers. “We wanted to introduce outsiders to our community. We have great food, great people, and nice entertainment.”

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2. Wade Show Amusement Rides

Dozens of Wade Show amusement rides and carnival food stands continue through the weekend. Wade Shows was founded in 1912 and has since become a nationwide carnival company.

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3. Free Admission

Admission to the festival is free. Parking is $3.

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4. 11 Live Entertainers

“We are bringing the American culture and Middle Eastern culture together,” said festival chairman Freddy Sackllah.

Entertainers include:

  • The Bahu Band
  • Usama Baalbaki
  • Abu Sumayah
  • Nasser Deeb
  • Livonia’s Earth Angels
  • The Infatuations
  • Habib Zaatar
  • Bristol Street

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5. Casino

Casino and card games are available for adults over 18.

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6. Fun for All Ages

20,000 people will attend the Michigan Fun Fest this weekend at 18100 Merriman Rd. Livonia, MI 48152. For more information, click here.

The proceeds from the Michigan Fun Fest will be used to help build the Mariam Center, a two-story, 30,000 square foot family and youth enrichment center in Livonia. The land has been purchased, and the center will be built in five years, according to the festival chairman. Other donors have already pledged financial donations for the project.

St. Mary Michigan Fun Fest appears on Fox 2 News

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) — Freddy Sackllah and Michel Khoury appeared on Fox 2 News in Detroit this morning to talk about the 2014 Michigan Fun Fest hosted by The Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia.

Click here to watch the full video. For more information about the Michigan Fun Fest, visit http://michiganfunfest.com/.

Lebanese Forces Detroit discuss presidential void

(WARREN, MI) — The Lebanese Forces Detroit Chapter met for their monthly general meeting on Saturday. Following the meeting, the organization hosted a member barbecue and gathering.

President Tony Malouf announced the conclusion of his term this upcoming October. He encouraged current members to consider running for what he called a “very rewarding” position.

The group also began the planning stages for the Lebanese Forces Detroit Annual Banquet and Scholarship Dinner, which will take place on September 20.

The Lebanese Forces members also discussed the ongoing political turmoil in Lebanon, after the country plunged into a presidential void on May 25. Former President Michel Sleiman’s term ended without a successor, leaving no candidate able to garner enough votes to win the election.

“It’s a sad time for people in and outside of Lebanon. The number one post belongs to the Christians and unfortunately, some of the Christians along with the March 8 movement are boycotting the election,” Malouf said. “They wont nominate anyone from their side to go against the nominee from March 14 and they won’t attend and vote for anyone.”

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea challenged his Christian rival MP Michel Aoun to run against him in the next presidential election on Wednesday. Members of the Lebanese Forces in Detroit say they have moved beyond party lines, now they just want a new president.

“Lebanese Forces wants for all Lebanese to come and do their duties, nominate and elect a president. We don’t want a vacancy in the Christian post.”

 

LebaneseExaminer.com does not affiliate, endorse, or support any political organization, group, sect, or institution. We simply report on community events, which may include political coverage.

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