April 2009 Issue | Online: www.myCRESCENT.com | T: 214-306-7920 | Since 2006
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Dallas Far From Safe Haven For Refugees
By Bilal Mohammed
(RICHARDSON, TX) Nur AlAmin is one of the thousands of refugees who made it to the US after fleeing persecution by a dictatorial government, a chronic civil
war, and a fatal conflict between parties in his country. “I don’t know!” was his answer when asked if he is happy being here in Dallas. Al Amin, a father of four children left Burma during the conflict and moved to
Thailand’s refugee camp for one year. In his Dallas apartment where he has lived for the last four weeks, he looks confused with his wife Selma and children sitting around a single sofa situated in the middle of a tiny living room. His and other refugee families have been in camps where every service (which was meant for their benefit) required a bribe. After being through several difficulties, many of them had been brought to the U.S. and other Western countries. However, sleeping on the floor while there was a mattress and a bed, keeping milk and other perishable foods in a closet while there is a refrigerator, and spending a summer day of 90 degree without >> more on page 07
ABOUT TEXAS
In Plano weather.
The original Earth Day is on March 20 and is celebrated by the United Nations as the first day of spring. In the United States, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson founded the second and more popular Earth Day on April 22 in 1970 and until today is celebrated worldwide. Senator Nelson chose this day because he felt it was the best time since it did not fall during exams or spring breaks and did not conflict with religious holiday yet it was late enough in the spring for decent
Earth Day encourages and inspires cooperation among humans all over the globe as the responsibility of preserving the earth deepens our sense of unity as mankind. From Earth Day has come a growing consensus that every individual should act as agents of the earth, seeking what can be done to benefit the planet regardless of gender, religion, political, and social background. There is only one earth and it is our duty as
Source: Sahih Bukhari
Selling property in challenging economic times. Check out real estate tips and advice on page 11 inside.
Living Green By Lena Dirbashi
“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”
humans to take care of it and to obtain a healthy, peaceful future. If we don’t’ take care of our earth, nobody else will. >> more on page 10.
The official state flag of Texas, called the Lone Star Flag, was adopted in 1845 when Texas became the 28th state . The colors represent: red for bravery, white for purity, and blue for loyalty. The large white star was first used on Texas flags in the 1830's during the battles between Texas and Mexico. Origin of the Name Texas - The Caddo Indians of eastern Texas called their group of tribes the "Tejas," meaning "those who are friends". Main Rivers - Rio Grande, Red River, Brazos River Presidential birthplaces in Texas: 1. Dwight David Eisenhower was born in Denison on October 14, 1890 (he was the 34th US President, serving from 1953 to 1961). 2. Lyndon Baines Johnson was born near Johnson City on August 27, 1908 (he was the 36th US President, serving from 1963 to 1969).
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT
WHAT’S OUT THERE? MAS QURAN INSTITUTE M A S Q u r a n Institute founded as a non-profit Educational Organization in 2005 to teach proper recitation and hifz. MAS Quran Institute offers tajweed and memorization classes for men and women from different walks of life. The Institute gives Ijaazah (certification) in memorization and recitation of the Quran in different Qiraa`t.
ICI COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR (IRVING MASJID) Islamic Center Of Irving is organizing a Community Health Fair on Sunday April 05, 2009 from 10 AM - 2 PM. The program is co-sponosored by American Muslim Women Physicians’ Association. Participation is limited to first come first serve basis. It is advised NOT to eat or drink after midnight prior to health check. Screening for cholestrol, blood pressure, glucose and dental is available along with regular medical check up. For more information call 972-812-2230. Address: 2555 N. Esters Road Irving, TX 75062
Good Tree Academy Unveiled At Dallas Fundraiser tools to master knowledge,” states school’s website. The school is brings together excellence from the East and West in its teaching methods. “Our curriculum seeks student achievement based their ability to pull learned information together, collaboratively with peers, for publication, application, experimentation, and further collaboration.” Integration of scholarly Islamic education is DALLAS, TX) On March 14, Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute unveiled Good Tree Academy, a Pre-K through 5th Grade school. The announcement was made at the Institute’s fundraiser attended by over 400 peo-
ple. Speakers and supporters include Imam Yusuf Kavakci, Imam Zaid Shakir and Dr. Merve Kavakci. Good Tree Academy aims to de-
velop and guide each child, instilling Islamic character, and preparing students to be home-grown scholars and leaders for communities across this nation. “Our team pursues an educational service that is excellent
in quality and is driven by a unique mission of cultivating Muslim scholars and leaders. We provide Qur’an memorization, quality Qur’anic Arabic, a love for learning, and
a key ingredient at Good Tree Academy. “Enrich their minds and their lives, while sustaining their natural curiosity and enjoining the humility inspired by Islam. Giving their unique selves the respect each deserves.” For more information call 214306-6174 or visit the website at www. GoodTreeAcademy.org
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT
State Senate Maintains Ban On State Toll Roads (AUSTIN, TX) Under a bill approve by the state senate, tolls would be banned on existing roads tentatively. Author of the bill Senator Robert Nichols (R) said that “We can assure the public that everything you drive on today without paying a toll, you’ll be able to drive on next year without paying a toll.” According to Nichols the bill will protect Texas drivers from misleading tech-
niques which would ask them to use toll lanes. Department of Transportation spokesperson Chris Lippincott said that they have no plans to propose tolls on existing roads. He explained that current laws allow local elected officials and voters to propose such plan.
City of Irving Donated 100 Computers to Preselected Residents The City of Irving donated more than 100 computers to preselected, low- and moderate-income families through its Computer Reuse Program (CORP). This year, city staff partnered with Brighter Tomorrows, DCET/Believe in Yourself Inc., Irving Cares and the Friends of the Irving Public Library to present computers to qualifying Irving families. A presentation ceremony occurred March 26 at Irving Cares, 440 S. Nursery Road. When CORP launched in 2008, Irving became the first municipality in Texas and the second in the U.S. to implement a computer reuse program in which previously owned computer equipment is refurbished by city employees and donated to qualifying residents through area nonprofits. ...................................................................................................................................................
Irving Launches Think Green … Be Green Web Site Residents who want to learn ways to become better stewards of the environment can find a variety of valuable information and sources through the city’s new Think Green … Be Green Web site at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. Designed to provide a convenient, one-stop shop for environmental information, the site features issues such as recycling, energy, water conservation and alternative transportation. In addition, the site provides visitors with a chance to sign up to receive information and updates on the city’s Think Green … Be Green initiatives. A list of environmentally friendly educational opportunities offered by the city and presented by industry experts also is featured on the Web site. Topics range from composting to gardening to water conservation, and serve to assist residents in their go-green efforts. ...................................................................................................................................................
City Of Richardson Supports Green Efforts Live Green Expo 2009 The City of Richardson is a partner in the Live Green Expo, which will be held April 18th. The event is a regional effort to increase environmental awareness, and it will host over one hundred booths each discussing different environmental issues. www.livegreenexpo.net
2009 TRASH BASH Saturday April 25, 9 a.m. - Noon Trash Bash LogoTo celebrate Keep America Beautiful month, the City of Richardson is once again joining forces with Keep Texas Beautiful to hold a Trash Bash, a City-wide clean-up effort to rid Richardson streets, parks, and waterways of litter. All citizens, social organizations, and civic groups are invited to participate in this event to help clean up the community from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25th. In honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day, every participant will receive a small tree for doing his or her part. image of a girl collecting trashTrash bags, release forms, and assignments of areas will be made available at a come and go pre-event meeting on Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Richardson Civic Center. All participants will then disperse to their designated street, park, or area on Saturday to fill their bags with litter and recyclables.
PUBLISHER Melanz Publishing P.O. Box 851764 Richardson, TX 75085
T: (214) 306-7920 EDITORIAL: COMMENTS / INQUIRIES / JOBS Email: info@myCRESCENT.com
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Send email to ads@myCrescent.com for general ad inquiries or sales jobs.
CONTRIBUTORS: Bilal Mohammed, Aboobaker Ebrahim.
ADVISORS: David Lee Hall, Annie Ghazi, Sarfraz Hamid and Lena Dirbashi. The Lone Star Crescent is published monthly by Melanz Publishing. Since 2006, the paper is serving the local Muslim community in the Metroplex. We welcome and encourage readers’ feedback and opinions. All materials, articles, photos, comments or samples submitted to the The Lone Star Crescent will become property of the publisher and may be printed at our discretion. The publisher / paper takes no responsibility of claims made by advertisers, financial, legal, family and/or educational advise in its content. Readers must check and inquire themselves. Online at www.myCRESCENT.com
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT
Registration Open For Youth Leadership Retreat Staff Reporter
This year’s Summer Leadership Retreat will be held in the San Fransisco Bay Area at Point Bonita in an environment of spirituality, natural beauty, excitement, and adventure. Situated on the bluffs between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay... “Time is of the essence, as experience has proven how quickly MYNA Leadership Retreats and camps fill up,” says MYNA’s regional advisor Mariam Noor. “There are only 100 spots available and once those are gone, registration will shut down regardless of registration deadline.” Qualified youth activists (14-18) and advisors from throughout the United States and Canada will gather in Northern California to participate in MYNA’s Annual National Youth Training Retreat. They retreat is designed to develop service and leadership skills among the youth. “Participants will take part in spectacular state-of-the-art leadership and skilldeveloping workshops, sports, team building activities, and great entertainment programs, all led by nationally renowned scholars and highly successful activists and role-models,” explained Mariam Noor. Financial concerns should not hinder participation in any MYNA event. “Financial aid is available to families that qualify, and payment plans may also be an option,” she said. Anyone who needs financial assistance, should fill out the necessary scholarship application. They will be required to provide latest tax information in order to be considered. Send email to camp@myna.org
for more information or with questions. The deadline to apply for financial aid is May 15, 2009. PROGRAM INFORMATION Registration: * Space limited to only100 qualified youth from all over North America. * Cost of Registration: $325 (includes 7 days accommodations, all meals, workshops, sessions and recreation. Does not include cost of transportation to and from the camp) * Registration Deadline: May 31, 2009, or when space fills up. Application Guidelines: For an application to be considered, all of the following must be submitted: * On-Line registration Completed, * Two Letters of Recommendation, * Two Essay Questions All applications will be reviewed by MYNA National advisors and Executive Committee members after receiving the required recommendation letters and the essays. Youth as young as 12 may apply, but priority will be given to qualified youth 14-18 years of age. Questions: Email: camp@myna.org, or call: (317) 838-8132 For those interested in being a counselor, should complete a counselor application. This application must be completed regardless of previous counseling experience with MYNA Events. There is no registration costs for counselors. MYNA will subsidize a portion of qualified counselors’ transportation expenses. For more information, send an to email camp@myna.org.
U.S. Muslim Coalition Considers Suspending Relations with FBI (WASHINGTON, D.C.) A coalition of major national Islamic organizations today announced that it is considering suspending outreach relations with the FBI, citing recent incidents in which American mosques and Muslim groups have been targeted. In a statement, the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), said that “Muslim communities throughout the United States have made significant advances in promoting and contributing to a fair, free and pluralistic society.” Explaining Muslim contribution with law enforcement the statement says, “through civil rights advocacy, civic and political engagement, and the promotion of dialogue with interfaith leaders and law enforcement agencies, Muslim Americans continue to be a positive and stabilizing force in keeping our nation safe and secure from acts of violence and foreign threats.” Despite fear-mongering by a vocal minority, Muslim Americans are natural allies of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the wellbeing of our nation. Muslims are law-abiding and productive citizens who uphold the democratic principles of freedom, equality and justice. Yet recent incidents targeting American Muslims lead us to consider suspending ongoing outreach efforts with the FBI. In California, the FBI sent a convicted criminal to pose as an agents provocateurs in several of that state’s mosques. An
FBI agent allegedly told one of the mosque attendees that the agency would make his life a “living hell” if he did not become an informant. The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) wrote in a recent statement, headlined “FBI Losing Partnership with American Muslim Community - Trust is the cornerstone of any partnership between law enforcement and communities. It can only be established and maintained through clear and open communication. Without this, trust is eroded and suspicions arise on all sides. This clearly does not serve anyone’s interests.” Early last fall, the FBI began a disengagement campaign in its relations with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest and most respected Muslim civil rights organization. The FBI suspended contacts with CAIR pending the resolution of unspecified issues. In response, the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, an umbrella organization of many Muslim groups, suspended outreach to the FBI in February. The council’s letter to the FBI stated in part that “our commitment to ensuring the rights, interests, and prosperity of American Muslims and all Americans is unconditional. We hope the FBI will have the foresight to restore its relationship with such a vital link to the American Muslim community.” (Source: American Muslim Taskforce)
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | SCHOOL EDUCATION
Robin Hood Alternative
TEXAS EDUCATION
STATISTICS
TO SCHOOL FUNDING David Lee Hall
except for bond payments.
About 1% of Texas sales taxes would pay about 10% of the total cost (tuition) on average for Texas public school students. However, no sales taxes are allocated to public education. Currently students are paid for with a combination of local property taxes, State & Federal money, and local taxes transferred between districts. My suggestion based on input from various people is for a 2.5% sales tax as the base amount for Texas students then the balance would be paid by the existing means except that property taxes would be eliminated until voted in by school boards and citizens. None of the property taxes would be redistributed except when a student enrolls in a different district or charter school while still a resident of the local district. Specific suggestions are as follows:
3. Allow school boards to vote in up to a limited amount in property taxes and require a school board vote every year to continue those taxes.
1. Raise sales taxes 2.5% to provide approximately 25% of the average tuition (cost) for every Texas public school student. 2. Eliminate all current school property taxes
Your
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IN NORTH TEXAS THE LONE STAR
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4. Allow local voters to approve up to a limited amount in property taxes separate from any amount approved by the school board and require voter re-approval at every election that involves anything for the local school district like trustee and bond elections. 5. Have amounts 1 & 3 (but not 4) follow a student that enrolls in a different district or charter school. This approach establishes a base level for all Texas students, allows local communities to adjust based on the cost of living, and puts property taxes back into local control. In Texas (possibly not in other states) property taxes are regressive (lower income people pay higher percentage of their income due to this tax); whereas, sales taxes
are progressive; and incidentally, the state lottery takes advantage of those least able to pay it. State sales taxes are not applied to staples; therefore, a family buying milk/ bread/other similar items does not pay state sales tax; whereas, property taxes have homestead exemptions which are not allowed for rental property causing higher costs to lower income people. Also, property taxes ripple through our economy as higher costs for everything including the staples that are exempted from sales taxes, rents, and fuel. .......................................................................
The author may be reached at dhall.texas@ gmail.com. Comment? Online at www.myCRESCENT.com
> More than 1,200 school districts & charters, 8,000 campuses and over 4.6 million students. > 47% students are Hispanic and 35% White. More than half are economically disadvantaged. 17% have limited English proficiency. > TX public schools have over 300,000 teachers who earn an average of $47,000 annually. > 77.2% of teachers are female and 22.8% males. > 67.5% of teachers are White, 21.4% Hispanic, 9.6% African American and 1.5% others. > Total district revenues are raised 52.4% locally ($22.5 B), 37.8% from state ($16.2 B) and 9.8% federal ($4.2 B). Average revnue per pupil is $9,388. Total operating expenditure per pupil is $7,826. Total expenditure per pupil is $10,162. > Operating expenditures are 57.5% Instructional, 11.9% Administration, 8.3% Support, 11.6% Plant Services and 10.6% other. Source: Texas Public School Statistics 2007 - 08. Texas Education Agency, Division of Performance Reporting
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The Lone Star Crescent| April 2009 | DALLAS FAR FROM HAVEN FOR REFUGEES (from page 01)
an air conditioner, even though the AC was there, are some of the sad incidents in the life of the refugees in Texas. “Some of these people have been in refugee camps for years. They have no Idea what the AC, stove and refrigerator is for”, said Ismael Sadique. Sadique, who is a refugee himself, has been visiting and helping the refugees for the last ten years. According to him, it’s his experience that made him help understand the situation of the refugees. The ground work on helping the refugees has been provided mostly by charity organization and services. “However” Sadique said, “they have a long way on understanding the situation of the refugees.” Josef Lemma disagrees with this assessment. “Let’s not generalize!” said Lemma, a resettlement facilitator at the refugee service of Texas (RST). According to Lemma, usually, after explaining how to use the equipment in their apartments and utilities being provided, the clients would have the confidence to use some of the provisions. “Sometimes,” Lemma admits, “families spend days without a proper meal because they are afraid to use the stove.” Out of ninety thousand refugees who came to the US every year, Dallas has been hosting its share, providing housing, furniture, food stamps, and other services through various charity organizations such as Church works, IRC, Catholic Charities, International missionaries and others. Despite the efforts made by these charity organizations, the situation remains unsatisfactory for some refugees and as a result many get in to unprecedented challenges. According to Ismael, these challenges range from putting sufficient money on their food stamps to giving orientation on how to use utilities. In fact, some may not have enough food to sustain their family for a whole month. Here is where Aisha Waheed and her colleagues came to the rescue. After forming a committee of four called Dallas Muslim Refugee committee-- Amira Taha, Ismael sadique, Sobia Ali and Aisha herself have been working on helping settle the refugees including paying rents and providing food, furniture and cloth for the last one year. Arranging a food drive on March 5th in front of the Richardson IANT Mosque, Aisha explained the weekly routine--delivering a week worth of groceries for the most needy. In addition to the food drive, the committee provides furniture , clothes, kitchenware and other needs of the refugees who live in Dallas area. While filling the boxes with groceries with her colleague Sobia Ali and others, Waheed, a mother of two, discuses the source of the goods. “We are mostly depending on donations” she said. While gathering for their weekly Thursday halaqa, Muslim women bring various types of foods to give to the needy. Waheed also credited most of the good work to Amira Taha and Ismael Sadique, calling them the veterans of this service. They helped settle hundreds of Muslim refugees and have been active in giving daawa for the past 10 years before this committee were formed. “We are blessed to have them in our committee.” Waheed applauded. During delivering the groceries with his mini-van, Ismael Sadique a member of the committee, gives a warm greeting to each refugee family and checks if they need anything. “Since I myself was a refugee, I understand their concerns and have a compassion for them.” Sadique said. A father of ten, eight of them adopted from all over the world, Sadique doesn’t look tired after driving his van to the houses of many refugees in that hot afternoon. He easily communicates with all sorts of people… Burmese, Iraqi, Thailandi, Somalian , Palestinian and many others. “I have been in many countries when I was in government
and private Business back in 80s and 90s” Sadique remembered. Once engaged in politics, Sadiqui was arrested and sentenced to death by his own government. After escaping from the dictatorship of his country’s government he made it to the US through the help of his friends and family. Sadique dedicated his life to help refugees who escaped from similar situation. “There is nothing worth of doing right now for me than helping these people,” Sadique added. However, Sadiqui and others have learned that their efforts alone wouldn’t make the expected difference on the life of the refugees. Most of them emphasized the need for the general public to learn and know who these people are and what their needs are. Speaking of the challenges, Waheed explains the daily work of helping them on their continuous needs. The committee has also been working on getting them a job by applying for jobs, writing resume and encouraging them. That is what is happening with Salih Al Amri and his son, an associate professor of management who end up greeting customers at the Wal-mart stores “I don’t have a choice,” Said Al
Amri , an Iraqi refugee who resided in Jordan for a year after he fled from Iraq. The charities have been paying the rent and other provisions for three months and been helping on his other needs. Al Amri was provided a job at a Wal-mart which he can’t refuse. “Ultimately,” Said Al Amri with pride, “we can’t depend on the government or other people, so we took the job and look
at Wal-Mart with him, is planning to publish a newspaper in doing the ground work of communicating with his fellow Muslims. “We will publish our first copy next month if we can find some advertisers,” he added. All charity workers as well as volunteers agreed that the need of these people isn’t limited to clothes. Compassion, friendship, direction, showing different facilities and services and a lot more is expected. Most of all, Waheed emphasized the need for keeping the refugees privacy. “They have pride. They have tragic stories that they don’t tell to strangers,” she said. The committee faces lack of resources since the refugees are in larger number than them so they call for more volunteers who would work consistently with them. “These are Muslim Brothers and Sisters so let’s keep in mind that they are our kind just in a different situation” Waheed concluded.
for the better”. Calling for the well established Muslim business and professionals, Al Amri went on stressing the need for direction in getting back to his profession. Al Amri is maintaining a positive outlook. He and his son who is a computer engineer and worked
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | DALLAS FAR FROM SAFE HAVEN FOR REFUGEES
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | CASE DE PAZ, RESOURCE CENTER FOR REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS
Casa De Paz CENTER TO HELP REFUGEES
By Aboobaker Ebrahim Sister Amira and Dr. Riyad Taha are the founders and current owners of Casa De Paz, Inc. Located in the heart of Dallas on Phoenix Drive close to the sprawling Presbyterian Hospital Complex surrounded by apartment complexes occupied by refugees and immigrants from all over the world. “Well, I have been working in the refugee neighborhood of northeast Dallas for about ten years,” said Amira Taha talking about starting Casa De Paz. “At first we used to visit the refugee apartments using our cars only. Then when a very large population of Somali Bantu’s were arriving in Dallas, we rented office space in order to assist the new families because it was going to be impossible to visit all the apartments. There we assisted the families by helping them with food
stamp applications, Medicaid applications, reading their mail, organizing the community, etc.” She continues and states with strong emphasis on fulfilling the needs of the refugees “We also had classes for children on the weekends by teaching Qu’ran, Arabic and Islamic Studies. On Friday’s we had the Jummah prayer. These programs were very successful and the surrounding Muslim community in the larger masjids provided some funds, some food and other types of support.” The Muslim refugee population has grown into a large community in Northeast Dallas. Many of these refugees are from Burma. The first thought by sister Amira was that an Imam was required to teach the children and conduct regular prayers at the Casa de Paz. The Tahas purchased a condominium nearby to house the Imam and have retained the services of Imam Abdul Magid from the Burmese refugee population. “He is a certified Imam by a council of ulama scholars from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Burma. He is hafiz al Qur’an and holds a distinguished certificate in Hadith. He makes the Friday khutbah and has established the five daily prayers at the center” said founder Dr. Riyad Taha who specializes in Internal medicine and Cardiology and is a well known community member who is ever
vigilant in ensuring the success of the center. In November 2005, Eid al Fitr a fire engulfed the center and all units were destroyed. The building had to be bulldozed to the ground. The center was completely rebuilt under the Tahas supervision. During the week the units are used for English classes taught by Catholic Charities. On Friday’s Jummah prayer are held and on Saturday’s and Sunday’s there are classes for about eighty students of Qur’an, Arabic and Islamic Studies. The name Casa de Paz was chosen for the center because the neighborhood is forty percent Hispanic and was perfect for Dawa within the neighborhood. Sister Taha explains, “We want to be known in the neighborhood as true neighbors and not an isolated center for foreigners and are engaged in neighborhood activities and participate in opportunities to meet people around the neighborhood.” Casa de Paz is comprised of two community rooms which are used as a masjid and classrooms to teach adults and children. There are also wudu areas and kitchen. Sister Taha eagerly pointed out the fig and grape trees planted in the back yard. Casa de Paz is entirely owned by the Tahas with four condominiums surrounding it, one on the first floor and three on the second floor. These are rented and the proceeds are used to offset the expenses for Casa de Paz. Despite the enormous challenges and barriers encountered by sister Taha she is always optimistic that things will get better. Over the last decade she has built a strong relationship with Catholic Charities, Refugee Services of Texas and the International Rescue Committee. She welcomes all volunteers and has a wish list for a shoe rack, a Mini van for the Burmese community, a phone, fax and website for the Casa de Paz Center. She also is seeking assistance from an Attorney to register papers to establish Casa de Paz as a 501c3 tax deductible entity and will be grateful for some Physicians to attend to the illnesses of the refugees. “The refugees are part of my extended family” says sister Taha “they are resilient and hard working and any assistance rendered by the surrounding Islamic Centers and Mosques is always welcome and well deserved.” Dr. Taha ever present at his wife’s side comments that “We will continue with our mission at the Casa de Paz to provide refugees and other immigrants of the Dallas area with the tools that they need to lead independent, productive and dignified lives and to become contributing members of the Dallas Community.” .......................................................... Aboobaker Ebrahim is a LLM graduate from Southern Methodist University School of Law. Abaker7861@yahoo.com
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | LIVING GREEN IN PLANO (from page 01)
ISLAM ON ENVIRONMENT It is every Muslim’s duty to have great concern for everything created by Allah (SWT). Humans are the only being that Allah (SWT) has entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the planet earth. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “Lo! We offered the trust unto the heavens and the earth and the hills, but they shrank from bearing it and were afraid
of it and man assumed it Lo! he is a tyrant and fool.” (Al-Ahzab 33: 72) In Islam, the relationship between humankind and the environment is part of the social existence based on the belief that everything on earth, including plants and animals, worship Allah (SWT) as all God’s creations submit to Him. Moreover, humans are responsible for the welfare and sustenance of the other citizens of this global environment. Even at times of war, it is prohibited for Muslims to hurt animals or destroy trees. Sadly, the emphasis on the Islamic duty to care for the environment has not been imbedded enough with the Muslim Community in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area according to one Dallas resident, Mohammad Eid. Having studied the consequences of inadequate environmental concern as a former student of Civil Engineering, Mr. Eid is fully aware of the vitality in taking steps to educating environmental protection but feels that fellow Muslim residents don’t prioritize the necessary implementation. “You don’t see many Muslims seriously recycling or trying to save water,” he says, “we need to see this addressed more in Friday sermons because this is Allah’s earth and we need to take care
of it.” There are lots of opportunities that require very little sacrifice, save money, and comprise a positive impact on the environment. By implementing simple changes in daily habits, residents will efficiently conserve resources then garner the rewards of healthier ecosystems, smaller utility bills and more environmentally friendly spaces. The city of Plano is setting the standards in living green in the North Texas area. With a full schedule of environment-awareness programs and events stuffed in April and May, Plano’s Live Green initiative encourages its citizens to be good stewards of the environment “Living green is a lifestyle which takes into account how are we treat the environment and the impact it has on future generations,” says Melinda Haggerty, Sustainability Communications Coordinator at City of Plano. Living green means creating a community in which residents conserve resources, minimize waste and reduce toxic products and materials. “It is important to keep in mind basic principles: Reduce, reuse, recycle and re-buy,” Ms. Haggerty explains, “the goal is not only to recycle and reuse the things we no longer want but also to minimize our use of items in the first place.”
HERE
ARE SOME TIPS TO GREEN LIVING:
1. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. 2. Use sponges instead of paper towels. 3. Store food in reusable containers. 4. Reuse plastic sandwich bags and aluminum foil. 5. Turn off lights and your TV when not in use. 6. Replace incandescent lights with energysaving fluorescent bulbs. 7. Buy energy efficient appliances. 8. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. 9. Keep your car tuned up and your tires
properly inflated. 10. Ride DART, ride a bike, or walk. The cities of Richardson, Allen, and Plano are providing incentives for residents to receive a voucher of up to $150 in exchange for their gasoline-powered lawn mowers in the Live Green Lawn Mower Exchange program. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) reports that gas-mowers running for one hour emit pollution equivalent to 11 cars. Another way to live green is to get involved and be a Live Green Volunteer. The Live Green Volunteer Program is the city of Plano’s training opportunity for volunteers to work in partnership with the staff of the Sustainability & Environmental Services Department. This very unique program is a series of classes that was developed to represent all areas of living green and to educate others about environmental friendly lifestyle. The program requires 12 hours of instruction and 24 hours of volunteer time. Some of the Live Green programs are open to non-Plano residents like the Green Expo coming up on April 18 at the Plano Civic Center in which the cities of Richardson and Allen are also partners. Electronic recycling is also open to the public. “Anyone can participate in electronic recycling which takes on the 1st and third Saturday of every month,” says Ms Haggerty. It is never too late to start changing old habits for the better. Working towards sustainable lifestyles will help generate a healthier environment for everyone, now and in the future. For Mohammad Eid, this concept should be natural to us, “Just like how we need to take care of our bodies,” he says, “we need to take care of our environment.”
presentations on keeping the environment healthy. Food and activities for the children will be provided. Electronics Recycling, 9 to 11 a.m., Elliott’s Hardware, NW Corner of W. Park Blvd. & Coit Rd., Plano May 9 Yard Wise 1-4 Series, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Parkway Service Center, 4120 W. Plano Pkwy. Plano May 14 Worm Composting 7 to 9 p.m., Parkway Service Center, 4120 W. Plano Pkwy. Plano May 16 Electronics Recycling, 9 to 11 a.m, Elliott’s Hardware, NW Corner of W. Park Blvd. & Coit Rd. Plano May18 Learn Green to Live Green Series - Rain Water. Harvesting: Every Drop Counts! 7 to 8 p.m., Davis Library, 7501B Independence Pkwy. The Live Green Initiative Program is sponsored by the city of Plano’s Sustainability Department. Funding comes from collections and from the city of Plano. For information on the Live Green Initiative, the Lawn Mower Exchange, Live Green Volunteer, and more please visit www.livegreeninplano.com. Contact information:Melinda@plano.gov To contact the author email to info@myCRESCENT.com or share your comments online at the end of this story at www.myCRESCENT.com.
FEW UPCOMING EVENTS April 1 through May 20 Kids in the Garden, 3:30 to 5p.m. (Wednesdays only), Parkway Service Center, 4120 W. Plano Pkwy, Plano April 18 Live Green Expo 9am – 5pm Free Family event presenting exhibitions and
help wanted THE LONE STAR CRESCENT IS LOOKING FOR
Independent Advertising Sales Representative in Greater Dallas Candidate must be a local resident with ample knowledge of the market and community. Outgoing personality and goal oriented. Should possess professional sales and excellent communication skills. Computer saavy a must. Previous print advertising sales experience is a big plus. Compensation includes commission + performance bonuses and opportunity to work on your own pace. For consideration email to ads@myCrescent.com. No calls please!
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | REAL ESTATE
Is Your Home Not Selling Fast Enough?
SELL A HOUSE QUICKLY-
SECRETS YOU MUST KNOW NOW! By Kristiana Jones
By Adil Esmail Selling a home almost anywhere in North America has been easy over the last five years. With double digits value increases every year, multiple offers where often the norm. Good properties would sell within days and sometimes for tens of thousands of dollars over asking. Nowadays, the real estate market is quite different. With the current economic downturn, properties are not selling as fast as they used to or for quite as much. Properties that would sell within days a few years ago are now often sitting for weeks on end. But don’t get frustrated, there are some options for you. If you do not need to sell right away, stay put for a little while and wait for the real estate market to come back around. The real estate market works in cycles and a downturn is always followed by an upswing. One of the best way to sell your house faster is to make the most appealing home in your neighborhood. Paint all the rooms in the house a nice neutral color which will appeal to a large variety of buyers and make your rooms look fresh. If you have carpet, get it professionally cleaned so it smells fresh and look as good as it can. Replace any worn out area rugs, especially in high traffic areas such as the entrance. You want to make your house look well maintained and ready to move in. Make sure that your home has good curb appeal. Re-sod any worn out sections of the lawn so it looks nice and even everywhere. Add some flowers and plants and make the porch as inviting as possible. Remember that first impressions are very important to home buyers.
If you know your neighbors well, encourage them to spruce up their property as well. The curb appeal of their house will impact your home. Make it fun and organize a street revamping day where the neighbors can help each other revamp the front of their homes. You should keep in mind that the main reason a house doesn’t sell is because it is priced too high. Ask your agent to get your comparable properties in your area that have sold within the last couple of months. You do not want to be the most expensive house in your neighborhood even if you feel that you have invested more in your home. Your home is only worth what buyers will pay for it. If your property has been on the market for several months, you should pull it off and wait a few months and then re-list it. . An old listing will not attract buyers as they may feel that if the house hasn’t sold, there must be something wrong with it. Whether your are using a realtor or selling the house yourself, make sure that it is being promoted in a number of different ways. With the help of a real estate agent, your house will get great exposure through the MLS but don’t stop there. Place adds in your local paper, advertise online, tell your neighbors that you are selling. All these extra little things will spread the word that your property is up for grabs and in no time you will be able to put a sold sign on your front lawn. ......................................................................... Adil Esmail is a real estate professional for Century 21 percy Fulton and specializes in Toronto condos. Feel free to visit his site and search for Forest Hill or condos for sale in Toronto and any other real estate market information. www.GreaterTorontoCondos.com
How Can I Sell My Home Quickly in the Recession? By Jack Ingles The recession doesn’t mean I can’t sell my home quickly, it just means that I need to put extra effort into my sales strategy. There are hoards of buyers out there who are looking to pick up a bargain, but that doesn’t mean
you’ll have to undercut yourself on the true value of your property. With a few simple and creative techniques, you can have your home sold in a few weeks, and for a good profit too. The focal point in any home sale is the asking price. Even if a buyer desperately
Won’t it be nice to sell house quickly? Yo u ’ v e realized it’s not worth the trouble to keep your property. The renters have already bailed out and you live miles a w a y from it. Your house in Jacksonville, Florida is sitting there, useless - a money-sucking, albeit beautiful, pile of concrete and bricks. So, how do you sell house quickly? Pete Iannelli, author of ‘How to Sell Your Home in 21 Days or Less’, asks himself this question as he finds himself sharing the plight of many homeowners stuck with non-performing assets. If you’re among these homeowners mulling over the question, you’d like to know how to sell house quickly, too. Iannelli has a secret - several, in fact, and he’s been sharing them to homeowners far and wide in an ebook you too could download. If you’ve a buck to spare, consider getting the resource. It will be money well-spent. Expert advice aside, here are two practical tips to make your property more attractive to buyers:
1. Be an active promoter of your property. Too often, people who hire realtors think this is enough. They sit back and wait for things to happen thinking the realtors should be able to do it themselves. They might; they might not. If your property has been sitting untouched and you’re not getting any offers, it won’t help to pester your realtor whining why. You’ll surely be better off taking an active role in the promotional efforts. Pay a little for an advert in the local paper. Done right, your ad could call attention and draw buyers right to your front door. Place the same ads on online classifieds. There are plenty of free classifieds online that you can take advantage of. Type up the same ad you put on paper and post it online. You may even add a photo. It’s totally free so you can be as creative as you like. It won’t hurt to help your realtor with promotions.
2. Make sure your property is clean. You don’t have to buy expensive decors to put into your property just to make it interesting enough to do some serious attention-getting. Chances are, your buyers’ tastes would be starkly different from yours, anyway. Usually, a clean, well-kept property is enough to create a good impression. If your house has been sitting idle for quite sometime, you’d like to remove the cobwebs in the ceiling before showing it off to prospective buyers. After all, cobwebs do not one pretty decoration make. You want to make your house look inviting, not freaky. In a healthy economy, it’s difficult to sell house quickly. Imagine how many times over this difficulty is magnified in an economy where people are losing their homes and jobs left and right. Still, it can be done. The trick is knowing how to do it right. If you’re sick and tired of waiting for your house to sell, perhaps examining other options is a good idea. Learn how to sell your house quickly and forget about waiting any longer. Visit http://www.sellhousequick.info today to learn new techniques and tricks to sell your house quickly.
wants your property, they usually won’t go higher than what you ask, unless of course they are threatened by a heap of buyer competition (we’ll go there later). Get a valuer in ASAP and go for something in the top end of their estimation. Make sure to pretty the place up as much as possible before the valuation. It makes a bigger difference than what you think! When you’re confident in the asking price, move forward into your advertising strategy. This is where most people fail, especially in markets that favour the buyer, like now. You simply cannot just go with tradition with sales copy like “this will sell fast so act now”. Think like a buyer. Anyone with that amount of cockiness in their ad is obviously lying. We’re in a recession, and most home owners are struggling for any bid, not
fighting off high valued offers! Be creative, be exciting, be original.. What really makes houses sell in times of economic instability is an impression of competition, like was I stated earlier. Nobody is going to flock to make offers unless: a) you’re willing to sell for a ridiculously low price, or b) there is huge demand for your house. A great way to increase the perceived competition for your place is to hold a mass showing event, with all your prospects in one room. ......................................................................... For a highly detailed sales plan that will have your home sold in only 21 days, click on to this Quickly Sell House website, which will show you that I definitely CAN sell my home quickly during the recession! http://productreviewcorner.com/ quicklysellhouse
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The Lone Star Crescent | April 2009 | REAL ESTATE
Instant Curb Appeal Reinventing Green Real Estate
By Lauren Heimburg Increase the value of your home without hiring a landscape designer. Let’s face it, in these challenging economic times we need to use this time wisely to maximize value of your home. Multiple studies have shown the increasing importance of curb appeal in selling a home, especially in a competitive market. According to the Real Estate Agent Community Trends survey, commissioned by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors. Out of about 500 realtors polled, 82 percent agreed that buyers unimpressed with a home’s exterior will not want to look inside. The results also found that 90 percent of respondents agree that a sale depends on first impressions of the front entry, while 91 percent said that the home’s exterior is just as important as what is inside. Another study by The Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association compiled the following property value statistics: * Landscaping can increase the resale value of a property by as much as 14% * The sale of a property can increase by as much as six weeks * A landscaped patio can raise property values by 12.4% * A landscaped curb can increase property value by 4.4% and hedges can add 3.6% As our economy starts to improve and home sales increase, you will be ahead of the game! Create a stunning DIY lighted, landscape design using pre-fab, curved raised garden bed kits, which contains everything you need to transform your empty yard into a stunning garden oasis, in less than an hour. You can have your landscape done before
By Bob Connors
your realtor comes over to appraise your home. A great choice for raised garden bed kits are called Landscape In-A-Box. They are beautifully designed all-inclusive, ecofriendly, curved raised garden bed kits. They come in different sizes and shapes to add variety to your yard or garden. They appeal to the “green” buyer as well. Unlike pressure treated wood, these composite wood timbers do not leach toxins into the soil. They are easy to install with just a screwdriver and a mallet, and even include an optional solar lighting kit. Talk about curb appeal!
......................................................................... About the Author Please visit Composers.com for information regarding compost bin, rain barrel, vermiculture, worm bin, red worms, raised garden beds, reel and electric lawn mowers, etc.
It’s all about ugly solar panels and cold houses, right? Turn down the heat! Put a sweater on! God, those solar panels are an eye-sore! Not any more. Green building has evolved into much more than simply slapping some solar panels on the roof of your house and calling it a day. It can include such basic concepts as: the proper orientation of your house, sealed air ducts, high efficiency windows, improved insulation, high efficiency HVAC, and tight construction. Check out The US Green Building Council for more information. A comprehensive rating system called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has been developed whose goal is to provide “a road map for delivering economically profitable, environmentally responsible, healthy, productive places to live and work.” Too late, I’ve already got a house Not really, LEED provides a document called “16 Ways to Green your Home” which advises that you: # Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs # Program your thermostat # Plug air leaks # Tune up your HVAC system # Choose Energy Star appliances # Reduce water use # Switch to green power (could be as simple as calling your energy company and asking
for wind power) # Buy local # Use low VOC products # Use wood-alternative or FSC-certified wood products # Use rapidly renewable flooring materials # Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection # Use native plants # Use non-toxic garden techniques # Carpool # Buy a high-efficiency car While it’s true that certain areas of the country are more open to the green building revolution than others, you can certainly see from this information that taking a step in the “green” direction is not overwhelming. So go ahead, give it a try. ......................................................................... Bob Connors is Founder & CEO of Real-a-Save http://realasave.com