Washington, DC Foundation Honors John Akouri

-AAIF Celebration fetes Michigan Arab Americans in Public Life-

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will pay tribute to Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri - who has made a difference in civic and community life in Michigan tonight from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the newly opened Arab American National Museum Dearborn, Michigan.

Akouri will join will join other leading Arab American Public Officials throughout Michigan, who will be honored for their significant contributions to the civic and political empowerment of the Arab American community. These include Dearborn Councilman Bob Abraham, 3rd Circuit Court Judge David Allen, State Representative Barbara Farrah, Oakland County Probate Judge Linda Saoud Hallmark, Dearborn Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini, and Oak Park Councilman Kirk Yousif. Michigan is home to 490,000 Arab Americans living in 82 of the state’s 83 counties.

“AAI is a respected organization that is mobilizing voters across the nation to stand up and be counted” Akouri said. “It is always humbling to be recognized for the achievements and contributions one makes while in office. As I thank AAI for saluting these accomplishments, I am honored to receive this tribute and look forward to continue working with AAI in the future.”

Akouri began serving on Capitol Hill as Washington Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to US Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) in 1999. Akouri is a longtime member of the DC-based AAI National Policy Council, and was featured as a distinguished panelist at the 2003 AAI National Leadership Conference. Akouri also led Republican efforts in 2004 as Co-Chairman of the Bush/Cheney Re-Election Campaign in Oakland County. Most recently he participated along with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the long awaited Arab American National Museum.

Akouri Meets with Metropolitan Philip Saliba on Opening Day of National Orthodox Convention

Just prior to the first session of the 2005 National Orthodox Convention, John Akouri dined with His Eminence the Most Reverend Philip Saliba, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America and the current primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, at a luncheon hosted by Salim Sassine inside The Gallery of the Ritz Carlton. (Photo courtesy of Karim Haddad - An Nahar Newspaper)

JOHN AKOURI TURNS FORTY

Councilman celebrates milestone in style with 'Summer Soiree on the Lake' - Governor pens letter while Speaker & House declare Proclamation; Washington dignitaries deliver Salute; Press Corps and Grade School Teachers, Classmates chime in with high praise (ORCHARD LAKE, MI)…Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri turned forty this past Tuesday, June 28, 2005. And on Saturday, July 2, guests from around the country converged on Southeast Michigan to celebrate in style at an invitation-only grand affair coined ‘A Sunset Soirée-on-the-Lake,’ thrown by family and friends of John Akouri. Delegations of friends and family began arriving on Thursday from distant locales such as Houston, Texas, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chicago, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Fresno, California, Lansing and Ann Arbor.

Nearly 200 people made their way to the Wards Pointe Estate waterfront residence of Frederick F. Binno – gracious host of the event and brother-in-law of the Man of the Hour. As the guests began arriving at twilight, they were treated to the sounds of soft and alluring music by international soundman Tedy Geagea, whose client file has included some of the most famous performers of the Middle East, during his time in Beirut, Lebanon. The lakeside estate was transformed into a summer wonderland with American flags and scented citronella candles lining the walkways and gracing the beautiful gardens landscaped especially for the evening. The center of attraction was undoubtedly the newly restored Italian marble Water Fountain and its aesthetic surroundings. While the sun started to set and dusk progressively emerged, all eyes were on the calm and serene Cass Lake in the Village of Orchard Lake, as the water crept up to the shore for an amazing resonance. Champagne and cocktails were the order of the day as the view of the surrounding lake at sunset was simply and undeniably breathtaking as evident by the accompanying photographs.








In addition to the many guests from out of town, the list of those in attendance could have filled a Sunday Society Page. They included Capitol Hill Senior Counsel to US Rep. John Conyers - Carol Patton, Esq., Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Turkey Ms. Nurten Ural, State Department International Visitors Council Executive Director Ms. Julie Oldani, NASA Scientist Dr. Hamid Kantara, renown cardiologist Dr. Elie Kassab, eminent ophthalmologist Dr. Mazin Yaldo, famed journalist Niraj Warikoo, of the Detroit Free Press and famous Gospel Recording Artists Darlene & Sarah, to name a few. Earlier in the day, John received a personal telephone call from Dr. Ali Ajami, the Consul General of Lebanon, who was vacationing in Ohio over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, wishing John the happiest of birthdays on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Lebanon and the Diplomatic Corps.

Following first-class valet services by Franco Suleiman and his premiere corps of talented and experienced drivers, guests were welcomed upon their arrival by John Akouri himself and humbly thanked for their presence and wishes. Many of John’s longtime friends and even former teachers were also present for the festivities including his best friend since the fourth grade Peter Ceplecha and wife Christine, his college buddy Hassan Siblani and wife Amal, and Larry Detter – a teacher at O.E. Dunckel Junior High School where John was a student back in the late 1970’s – and wife Diane. The presence of Very Reverend Father Ghattas Khoury, Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church (of which John is a Member on the Parish Council) was an absolute and distinguishing honor. And just hours before the gala celebration was underway, John received a surprise long distance telephone call from Helsinki, Finland from his friend of many years Taija Stranius, extending her greetings and finest wishes to mark this very special occasion.

While the music played and the sun set, a veritable grand buffet of mouth-watering European & Middle Eastern cuisine prepared especially for the evening, awaited all who hungered. Starting with the traditional Lebanese Hommus and Taboulieh, (generously provided through the kindness of Mr. Bassam Attisha and his family-owned New Sahara chain of restaurants), it seemed as though the choices never ended. The exquisite menu included freshly baked warm dinner rolls, a Mediterranean Spring Salad with all the trimmings, Boneless Breaded Breast of Chicken, Grilled Italian Sausage with Mixed Peppers & Vidalia Onions, tempting creamy Russet Potatoes Au-Gratin, fresh steamed Green Beans & sweet California Almonds, and an enticing hearty Sicilian Pasta Marinara. Two very capable banquet hosts dressed in black tie and vest, of the St. Clair Shores-based Barrister Gardens, manned the food station as guests devoured the palatable fare.

Following the delightful feast, guests couldn’t wait to get their hands on the irresistible and appealing dessert table, and the evening succeeded in pleasing their sweet appetites. Just as soon as dinner was complete the tasty delights were gone in what seemed like seconds. To cap off such a delicious meal, only the most scrumptious and delectable pastries would do, starting with an extraordinary assortment of fresh tropical fruits wholesomely prepared by Johns maternal Aunt Adele Abraham. Sweet Lebanese Baklava – sheets of Filo richly endowed with Persian pistachios and sweetened with rose water and sugar syrup by world famous Shatila Pastries of Dearborn were hand delivered by two of John’s closest friends – newly engaged Rafeef El-Hajj, and Attorney Kenwah Dabaja. And for the piece-de-resistance: baked with only the finest natural ingredients, an incredibly spectacular Euro-style Birthday Cake from Paris Pastries of Oak Park, which was hand selected by Market Consultant Fuad Binno and tantalizing to the taste.

A short program commenced as Jimmy Akouri opened with brief remarks welcoming all who were in attendance and those that traveled from afar. He then turned the microphone over to John’s longtime friend Peter Ceplecha, who led the crowd in a heartfelt toast delivering a time-line sequence of events between them both from childhood through their college years to present day. Glasses were raised in John’s honor toasting to his forty years. Johnny Oram, Lansing Chief of Staff to Michigan State Representative Lamar Lemmons, now set the stage for an astonishing Tribute. Members of the Michigan Legislature, from both the House & Senate, signed onto a State Proclamation offered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, honoring John Akouri for a lifetime of achievements at such a young age. The highlight of the evening came when Oram stunningly surprised John with an official letter from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm addressed to him personally. (Please see below to read both the Proclamation and the Letter). Also during the tribute, Carol Patton, a senior Capitol Hill Congressional Advisor, bestowed ‘Ambassador’ Akouri with a distinctly Washingtonian salute and presented to him an authentic Pickard China Embassy Plate. Offering that special touch of elegance seen only when dining in American embassies around the world or with the President aboard Air Force One or at Camp David. Michael Akouri then closed the speaking portion of the evening with sincere and brotherly remarks.

Akouri, clearly moved by the tribute, expressed his deepest thanks and gratitude to Oram, Ceplecha, Patton and his two brothers for their kind comments, toasts and presentation. “Thank you all so much for coming and sharing in this joyous celebration with me and my family,” said a beaming Akouri. “Each and every one of you is so incredibly special to me and I truly cherish our life-long friendships with so many of you. By being with me on this auspicious occasion, you have truly enriched my happiness with your thoughtfulness. I thank God for bestowing forty years of blessings upon me and I look forward to the next forty years with great enthusiasm and with you all by my side. Thank you again for adding to the joyful spirit of this celebration and for giving me a lasting memory of your kindness, generosity and love,” concluded Akouri. Then, led by his two brothers who were at his side, the singing of that time-honored traditional birthday song began, culminating with all joining in from the dock, to the yard to within the estate. A harmonic chorus echoed throughout the encompassing Lake with the official singing of ‘Happy Birthday to You' to the guest of honor - never sounding better.

Immediately following the short program, the sounds of the very best of ‘Old Blue Eyes’ himself filled the moonlit air as Jimmy Akouri took to the microphone and began singing a rendition of songs from the glory days of the Rat Pack. Jimmy’s voice was pleasing to all ears as he belted out song after song – crooning his own compilation in a tribute to the Chairman of the Board. Highlights of the show were several impromptu duets when Fouad Akouri, Michael Akouri and Jehan Salah all took turns singing with Jimmy. While some guests were dancing under the stars to Frank Sinatra tunes, others like legendary celebrity stylist Abe Aon and Ural Designs executive Marcus Mann were simply enjoying a fine cigar, and many more – together with Laba & Marie Hellow and Joseph & Martha Ajluni – were awestruck by the beauty of the night as they enjoyed gazing at the stars and the moon and the lake.

Though a light-hearted and good-humored college rivalry erupted between Harvard Law School graduate Marvin Ammori and Yale University graduate Jumana Kayrouz, the true fireworks began when midnight fell. With the evening moon as a backdrop, the sparkling nighttime sky was filled with an impressive array of colorful and patriotic fireworks . Amazed by all who viewed this display including: prominent attorney’s Nazek Saffar and Ashley Mammo and exteemed Psychologist Dr. Zena Najor, as well as celebrated restaurateur Nazir Fayad and illustrious PR guru Isabella Agby, this was the perfect segue for the music to kick into high gear and the Arabic dancing to commence. During the entertainment portion of the evening, the ‘dance floor’ area was indeed the most sought after place to be at this point. Authentic Middle-Eastern belly dancing turned into a folkloric Lebanese village dabke (traditional line-dancing). For the sake of recording these lifetime memories, Lyla & Sylvia Akouri graciously captured countless images of the dancing and of all the events surrounding the soirée digitally on film and video. As the affair rolled into the wee hours of the morning dawn, a sunrise continental breakfast lied ahead at daybreak for those with energy yet to burn.

A Fourth of July Holiday Summer Barbecue was hosted the following day at the poolside manor of Fouad & Sylvia Akouri for all of the out-of town guests. Over the weekend, many of the visiting friends and family enjoyed a first-class VIP tour of the Detroit Metropolitan area including stops to the Village of Frankenmuth for a luncheon at Zehnders Bavarian Inn and a chance to explore Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland; Historic Greektown for a traditional Hellenic dinner with Flaming Cheese (Saganaki) OPA!, Deep Sea saltwater Octopus, and smooth Ouzo (Yasoo!) plus a late night Motown Sound performance at the Apollo Lounge, dancing at the new Kabobgy Lebanese Nightclub; a feast of Middle-Eastern Grille at the recently restored Shenandoah Country Club and Golf Course (courtesy of Mr. Nick Najjar); a solemn and serene pilgrimage to the Ave Maria Grotto over looking the water at the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Seminary; and no trip would be complete without a shopping spree throughout the legendary City of Dearborn – home to Ford Motor Company World HQ, for traditional Lebanese gifts, groceries and pastries followed by a 'Midnight Sahra Arabia' of Turkish Coffee and Argelieh.

The true essence of the entire weekend is one that will be remembered by all for years to come – as the weather was just perfect and a splendid time was had with the presence of those in attendance. John Akouri turning forty will forever be inextricably linked to the Summer Soirée on Orchard Lake during that long Hot Summer of 2005.

GREETINGS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

International salutations were received from friends and family world-wide including Canada, Lebanon, Finland, Lithuania, Scotland, Montego Bay, Jamaica and throughout the US – with good wishes coming from Florida, New York, Washington, DC, Boston, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina, Houston, Cedar Rapids, Toledo, California and Austin, Texas. Below are messages received from Members of the Press and Former Grade School Clssmates and Teachers of John Akouri:

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT

Happy birthday, John! I'll be having a toast to you in DC ~ Nedra Pickler, Associated Press

Unfortunately, I'm "stuck" here in sunny San Diego and won't be able to celebrate with you, John. All my best, and HAPPY 40TH!!! ~ Marcella Lee Kuo, CBS Affiliate-KFMB-TV San Diego

Thank God you've finally hit your 40's! ~ Alex Kimbrough, FOX 2 News, Director

Happy Birthday! Wowee! I am sorry that I can't sneak out of Seattle… ~ Sally Farhat, ‘The Sun’ Business Writer

Happy Birthday to you John ~ Karim Haddad, An Nahar Canadian Correspondent

I will pray for many blessings for you and your family! Happy Birthday, my friend! ~ Kevin O'Neill WNIC FM-100.3 Detroit Radio Personality

Wishing You a Happy Birthday! ~ Joe Tabet, Alhurra Television, Washington Correspondent

Happy Birthday John!!! You don't look a day over 30! Seriously ~ Audi Konja, Radio & TV Orient Reporter

Congrats...Best wishes for your 40th birthday! ~ Niraj Warkioo, Detroit Free Press Journalist

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. The birthday of a very dear friend!!!! ~ Tania Mehanna, LBC Beirut Correspondent

Good Luck and Happy Birthday ~ Chuck Gaidica, WDIV-TV4 Detroit Meteorologist

CHAMPAGNE WISHES AND CAVIAR DREAMS

John, I have such fond memories of you and your family. I hope your 40th is exceptional. Thanks for the honor of the invitation ~ Linda Combes Tomala, Jr. High School Choir Teacher

Forty is no laughing matter, and we'd like to be present to make sure laughing is exactly what happens! :-) We'll be thinking of you and raise a toast at Crystal Lake in your honor ~ Sue & Dean Cobb, High School Media Teacher

Congratulations…the extremely happy occasion. Age is beautiful ~ Lucy Koviak, High School Front Office

Happy Birthday John! I met you 26 years ago in 9th grade and am happy we've kept in touch all these years. I'll be in NC for your big day but will be thinking of you! XXOO ~ Iana Dealey, 9th Grade Classmate

Happy 40th Birthday, you old man! Sounds like we missed a great celebration ~ Dan Ryan, High School Chum & John was 'Best Man' at Dan's Wedding

Happy Birthday John! You don't look a day over 39 to me. Now Pete Ceplecha, there's a guy who looks old and how about that Pete Chen, Zowie! But you have held up real well. Toss back a shot of Jaeger for me ~ Mark Smith, Elementary School Classmate

What can I say, "Welcome to the club" and "You still have enough hair on your head to go out on a date" ~ Bob Akouri, Esq., Cousin & Jr. High Classmate

You're only as old as the woman you feel ~ Peter Ceplecha, 4th Grade Best Friend

STATE OF MICHIGAN SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO JOHN AKOURI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 40TH BIRTHDAY

The Ninety-Third Legislature At Lansing Saturday, July 02, 2005

LET IT BE KNOWN, That it is a genuine pleasure to extend special greetings to John Akouri upon the occasion of his 40th birthday. We are grateful for this opportunity to join with the family and many friends of John Akouri as we honor an individual who truly understands the beauty of life in its challenges and triumphs.

Born on June 28, 1965, John Akouri grew up in a world quite different in many ways from the one we know today. In the span of his lifetime, tremendous cultural, sociological, and technological changes have transpired here in Michigan and elsewhere. That John Akouri has lived and tasted of life throughout this period has given him insight, experience, and wisdom few of us can fully appreciate.

A native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, John Akouri has been one of the community’s devoted leaders. The many examples of his gifts to the people of this community include his service as a Farmington Hills City Councilman and founding of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, John’s involvement in the political arena span the course of the past two decades, having served as Director of Communications to Congressman Joe Knollenberg and advising business and political leaders at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Furthermore, John hosts the award-winning ‘Window to Washington’ cablecast in over 30 cities throughout Southeast Michigan.

IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to offer birthday greetings to John Akouri as he marks his 40th birthday. May the health and happiness his years so richly merit be with him always.

Craig M. DeRoche, Speaker of the House, The Thirty-Eighth District

LaMar Lemmons Jr., State Representative, The Second District

LaMar Lemmons III, State Representative, The Third District

Barbara A. Farrah, State Representative, The Thirteenth District

David Farhat, State Representative, The Ninety-First District

Aldo Vagnozzi, State Representative, The Thirty-Seventh District

Gilda Z. Jacobs, State Senator, The Fourteenth District

PERSONAL LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR ADDRESSED TO JOHN AKOURI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 40TH BIRTHDAY

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
LANSING

June 28, 2005

Dear John:

I am pleased to offer my congratulations to you on the occasion of your 40th Birthday. Today is a beautiful milestone that you have reached; a time to spend with those closest to you.

Oprah Winfrey once said "The more you praise and celebrate you life, the more there is in life to celebrate." John, I can only imagine all that you have experienced in your 40 years: the challenges you have overcome; the successes you've achieved as a leader in government and public service; the loves you've nurtured; and the lives you've touched...and been touched by.

You have chosen to serve the public, a noble occupation indeed. It is my sincerest hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon the many great things you have accomplished and your family and friends who have enriched your life and inspired precious memories. Truly, your remembrance of life's treasures should indeed make this birthday a joyful celebration!

As time illustrates, each day is a new opportunity to appreciate and enjoy life. Again, please accept my warmest congratulation as you commemorate this special landmark.

Sincerely yours,

Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor

Hazel’s Corner

Hills ‘icon’ presides over 24-hour diner

Going into Roberto’s is like going back in time. The Formica booths, the table-side juke boxes, the long counter, the oil-cloth-like upholstered booths and stools, the burgers and fries, the French toast and bacon, the porkchops and eggs. And Hazel. “She makes the place,” says Joyce McCombs, a Farmington Hills resident and breakfast regular at Roberto’s, the old-fashioned 24-hour diner perched at the northwest corner of Orchard Lake Road and I-696 in Farmington Hills.

Hazel is Hazel Muco, since she married Lute Muco five years ago. She kind of came with the diner, that he and his brother Robert, Albanian immigrants, bought sometime after Silverman’s vacated the space. But Roberto died in a car crash soon after the restaurant opened. And Lute and Hazel renamed it in his memory. The Muco’s live in Northville, but Hazel says, “the Farmington area is my life. Everything I do – the bank, my shopping – is here.”

That’s because she’s worked for some 40 years at the corner of 12 Mile and Orchard Lake Road. She was a waitress at The Nugget for years, before it gave way to a string of other eateries. And when one of those got a liquor license, she hightailed it to the diner, now their diner, across the street. She knows the faces, if not the names, of “almost everyone who walks in the door,” Hazel says. And id she doesn’t know names, she knows what they’ll order.

Farmington Hills Councilman John Akouri refers to Hazel as “my second mother. I’m turning 40 next week and I’ve known her since I was 16.” As a teenager, he and his friends frequented the late-night eatery where she worked. “We’d sit over a cup of coffee and she’d come over and talk to us and give us really good advice,” Akouri says. “We’d tell her stuff you couldn’t tell your parents.” Akouri, who is single, says he still takes dates into Roberto’s to meet Hazel. “She is an amazing person, she’s an icon in the city of Farmington Hills. She owns that corner,” he said.

Although she recently had surgery, and says she can't work the hours she used to, Hazel, at 65, hasn't given up being an active mom. Widowed, with four grown children and a grandmother many times over, she is helping to raise Lute's children, Irena, 15, and Gerald, 13, who work with their parents during summers and after school. And, she and Lute are trying to adopt and bring Roberto's 11-year-old daughter, Leanna, from Albania to the United States. "Every time the phone rings we hope," Hazel says. "I'm lucky, I get to start all over again."

This article was written by Staff Writer Judith Berne and appeared on today's front page of the Gannett-owned Observer & Eccentric Newspapers - Farmington edition.