Many people associate October with classic fall traditions such as visiting pumpkin patches, picking apples, enjoying cider and donuts, or preparing for Halloween. These American family customs trace back more than 200 years, with roots in Scottish and Irish immigrant culture.

October is recognized as Fire Prevention Month to raise awareness about fire safety and to promote practices that prevent fires. The observance dates back to 1922 when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the first Fire Prevention Week to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that began on October 8.

Two Chaldean businessmen were honored by the state earlier this year for their transformation of a historic downtown Clarkston grocery store into a fine dining establishment. Robert Esshaki and Christopher Thomas received a Building Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for their renovation of a more-than-century-old building at 9 Main Street that’s now Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse, which opened in October 2024.

With increasingly realistic deepfakes arriving by email, text, phone and even mail, everyone is vulnerable to fraudsters. Seniors, in particular, are prime targets. My wife and I—not quite seniors yet—learned this the hard way. A couple of years ago, while trying to sell a couch on Facebook Marketplace, we were scammed out of $300 through Zelle.

The Chaldean Community Foundation’s West location (CCF West) will soon unveil a robust slate of new programs designed to support seniors, families, and community members of all ages. From wellness classes to cultural workshops and intergenerational cooking lessons, the expanded offerings reflect CCF West’s mission of building connection, promoting health, and celebrating heritage.

The legal profession often reflects the world it serves. At its most honest, it mirrors evolving stories of identity, justice, and perseverance. For many Chaldean American attorneys, entering this world is about more than building a career. It means standing on the strength of tradition while creating something new for future generations.

If a quick glance around the office reveals more silver hair and sensible shoes, it’s no illusion. Older workers are sticking around—and in greater numbers. Nearly 20% of people 65 and older are working, according to 2023 data from the Pew Research Center—double the share from 35 years ago. In that same period, wages for this demographic have nearly doubled.

For centuries, handwritten manuscripts have carried the heart of Chaldean Christianity—its prayers, teachings, and sacred traditions. Preserved through persecution and passed down through generations, these texts have long connected us to our faith, language, and identity.

“Chaldean Community Foundation East is about acculturation; CCF West is about cultural preservation.” So says Martin Manna, president of both the Chaldean Community Foundation and the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.

Learning English isn’t easy, and for many new speakers, conversation is the most challenging skill to master. The West Bloomfield Library offers two welcoming programs for adults learning English who want to practice speaking in a supportive, community-based setting.

When people think of Catholic media, they usually don’t picture young Chaldean priests eating tacos while discussing the latest Church news, kids rating snacks during Bible study, or candid conversations about faith, culture, and daily life.