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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, June 14-16, 2017 Savoring memories from Iraq, family finds a new home in Salt Lake Valley CHRISTOPHER SMART The Salt Lake Tribune SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The aromas upon entering Iman Alshraheb’s Salt Lake Valley apartment, a world away from where she grew up, deliver a message: Iraqi food travels well. Middle Eastern dishes have a special way of tickling the taste buds. For members of the Alshraheb family, they also help savor memories of their southern Iraqi home in better times. Food is an important cultural lifeline for refugees, who have left almost everything behind to forge new lives in an unfamiliar land. Recently, Iman, 56, stirred a skillet of onions, peppers, mushrooms, shrimp and spices as she talked with her daughter, Baidaa, 28, about their hometown of Basra and their more recent home as refugees in Jordan. The dish, a stew called magbus rabyan in their native Arabic tongue, is a mainstay in their household. Iraqi recipes draw from a long history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia — and they are influenced by Turkish, Persian and Syrian cultures. Iman dreams of cooking again for her mother and brother, who remain in Iraq. “I want to see my family again,” she said while preparing saffron rice that is traditionally served with the stew. “I don’t want to lose anyone.” Basra sits along the Shatt-AlArab waterway, which runs into the Persian Gulf, 65 miles away. Seafood is a staple of the denizens of the ancient city and surrounding area, Baidaa explained. Here in Utah, her father, Abdul Rahman Alshraheb, 62, fishes the Jordan River regularly, keeping the refrigerator stocked with carp all summer. In Iraq, Abdul Rahman owned and operated a car-parts store. The family had a large house surrounded by big, leafy trees in a pleasant neighborhood. On Sundays, the extended family would gather at Baidaa’s grandmother’s house to drink tea in small, glass cups and catch up before a bountiful midafternoon meal. Before the war, life was good in the city of 1.5 million. There was music and dance, and the family had a wide circle of friends that included writers and poets, Abdul Rahman recalled. In addition to Baidaa, Iman and Abdul Rahman have three sons. In 1998, the youngest, Asad, then 18 months old, became extremely ill. At the hospital, Iman saw many babies who seemed to be dying. A doctor told her the best treatment for the youngster was in neighboring Jordan. The family moved to Amman, believing they would return to Basra once Asad was well. That didn’t happen. On March 20, 2003, the United States and its allies invaded the country that had been led for decades by strongman Saddam Hussein. Although southern Iraq now is safer than Baghdad and parts north, violence — mostly from car bombs — remains unpredictable. With their country in shambles and the war raging, the Alshrahebs B-7 The Park Record applied for refugee status with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in late 2004. Then they waited — for a decade. They eventually were sponsored by Catholic Community Services. Iman and her family also get support from Women of the World (womenofworld.org), a Salt Lake City nonprofit that helps refugees adapt. Under the Obama administration, the United States accepted 110,000 refugees annually. President Donald Trump is expected to cut that by half. According to the U.N., there are some 2 million Iraqi refugees worldwide. A similar number have been displaced from their homes but remain in Iraq. Although estimates vary widely, it’s clear that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis died during the ongoing conflict. Although life in Jordan was safe, work was hard to find for noncitizens. Iman and Baidaa found positions with the U.N. But for five or six years, Abdul Rahman had no job. The family members, along with other refugees, suffered. They bided time, waiting for a new life somewhere. “In Jordan, everybody was only thinking about the future,” Baiida remembered. The Alshrahebs have now been in Utah for almost three years. They are adjusting, although language remains a challenge for Abdul Rahman. For her part, Baiida misses Jordan, where she spent 16 of her 28 years. “When I came here, I was unhappy,” she said. “I cried every day. I missed everything in Jordan.” In their new neighborhood, a slice of Millcreek sandwiched between South Salt Lake and Murray, there are four other Iraqi families. They help soothe homesickness. Of course, ties to the old country remain. In mid-May, the eldest son, Ibrahim, 26, will return to Jordan to seek his girlfriend’s hand in marriage — something that excites the entire family. Once married, they hope she can join them in Utah. Although Ibrahim holds a degree in software engineering from Jordan, he and Asad, as well as their brother, Mossb, 22, drive for Uber. Their father does volunteer work for the nonprofit called Iraqi Community. Baiida will soon start at Salt Lake Community College. It’s a whole new life. Still, they carry with them what comforts they can from back home. Iman sets the large dish of magbus rabyan on the dining table along with the saffron rice. She adds a bowl of green salad, dressed in apple cider vinegar. The aromas are enticing. “I remember my country. I especially love the food my wife makes,” Abdul Rahman said. “But the food is better over there, because the ingredients are fresh.” Everyone dives in, except Asad. He inspects the meal and then leaves the apartment. Baiida explains that he prefers burgers and KFC. For some, it may be hard to fathom. But it is, nonetheless, American. Some of the pets at Nuzzles & Co. looking for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 pm., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. 1990 26 2016 C o m m i t te d T o DE D I CA T E D T O P A R K CI T Y FO R 26 YE AR S (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building It’s the Place the Locals Choose Open Daily with patio seating available Father’s Day 3 Course Special $31.50 (Select from 3 entree options) Nightly Seasonal Specials Coming soon NEW Après Specials European & American Cuisine Full Service Bar with Bar Menu Opens at 4pm. Dinner Served Starting at 5:30pm ADOLPH’S - a 40 year Park City Tradition! 435.649.7177 • 1500 Kearns Blvd. Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers Sandy Vinnie Beano Griffon Sandy is a sweet 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. With proper introduction, she could be good with non-dominant dogs. Sandy needs a moderately active household with children ages 12+. She needs some basic obedience training but is eager to learn and please! Meet Vinnie! He’s a very affectionate 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix. He would be great as a hiking or running buddy! Though he hasn’t shown too much interest, we think he’d probably do best in a home without cats, but he’d be great with another dog. Beano is a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix who loves to play and go for walks. He gets along well with other dogs and loves people. He doesn’t seem to mind cats. Beano would love a forever home with a family who loves to enjoy the great outdoors and play in the grass. Griffon is a playful 18-month-old Chihuahua mix. This handsome guy is very sweet, you can pick him up, and he is good with other dogs and cats. He would make a great family dog. Griffon loves to go on walks and play with toys! Marilou Elizabeth Calisto The Dude Marilou is an affectionate 3-yearold domestic shorthair with a beautiful dilute tortie and white coat. She’s relaxed, mellow and enjoys relaxing and snuggling with her favorite people. Marilou is a sweet cat and is always up for a good scratch behind the ears. Elizabeth is a gorgeous and petite grey tabby. She’s about a year old, and she is looking for a gentle and loving forever family who will make her feel safe, loved, and confident! Elizabeth is a bit shy, but she does enjoy a bit of attention once she gets to know you! Calisto is a beautiful brown tabby domestic shorthair. She’s about 5 years old and has a gentle and friendly personality. Calisto is a quiet cat who is looking for a home where she can relax and feel safe. She’s very affectionate once she gets to know you. The Dude is a handsome lynx point Siamese mix. He’s about 4 years old, and while he looks a little wild, he’s very affectionate and loving! He enjoys spending his days curled up in a cozy bed where he can relax and watch the world go by. Wanted: Volunteers These organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words. Holy Cross Ministries Holy Cross Ministries has openings for volunteers in both the school readiness program (3- to 5-year-olds at St. Mary’s White Pine Canyon from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday) and in after-school homework sessions at Parleys Park, Jeremy Ranch and McPolin Elementary schools, which run 3-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. School readiness will benefit from persons willing to read and work at small group centers. Please contact Miriam Garcia (mgarcia@hcmutah.org) for information on the school readiness program. Contact Franz Montalvo (fmontalvo@hcmutah.org) for information on the after-school programs. The Hope Alliance The Hope Alliance is looking for volunteers to process eyeglasses for the vision program. These eyeglasses will be distributed to some of the poorest communities throughout Peru, Guatemala and other impoverished areas, supporting multiple vision campaigns. Volunteers can work at The Hope Alliance’s Park City office during office hours Monday through Saturday. For information, please call 435333-3334 or email info@thehopealliance.org. Jeremy Ranch Elementary Jeremy Ranch Elementary School offers an excellent senior volunteer opportunity. Reading tutors are needed to mentor young readers throughout the school year. This is a rewarding experience and you will receive more than you give. No experience required. We will train you and provide a positive, fun atmosphere. We need you for this wonderful purpose-filled work. Contact Barbara at 801-699-5158. Kimball Art Center The Kimball Art Center seeks dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas at its largest fundraiser of the year: The 47th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street. Volunteerwill have the chance to give back to the community while enjoying an environment of art, cuisine and music. For information about available positions, responsibilities and benefits, please visit ParkCityKimballArtsFestival.org/volunteer or contact volunteers@ kimballartcenter.org. National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed on a weekly basis Monday through Saturday. Email volunteer@discovernac.org to get started. Nuzzles & Co. Nuzzles & Co. is looking for volunteers to help furry friends waiting for adoption. This local nonprofit needs people to walk dogs, socialize with the animals, and assist with pet care and cleanup. Shifts are available at the Tanger Outlets adoption center from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at the Rescue & Rehab Ranch from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, contact Nuzzles & Co. at 435-649-5441 or visit nuzzlesandco.org. The Utah Public Service Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $20.00 per month and business services are $31.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. 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