Committee members for the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s annual Salute to Government Officials sample some of the menu items to be served Dec. 3. at the event by Rhapsody res-taurant. From left are Sandra Mull, chamber vice-president; Maggie Konopka of Southgate; Rhapsody owner Steve Szatmari, Evelyn Cairns of Grosse Ile, Executive Chef Michael Law, Ronnie Jacek of National City Bank and Kari West of Southgate. The event is scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the fifth floor of the Na-tional City Bank Building, 16333 Trenton Road, Southgate.
Government salute set
by Regional Chamber
Committee members for the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s 42nd annual Salute to Government Officials gathered at Rhapsody Restau-rant in Southgate recently to sample some of the menu items owner Steve Szatmari and his staff will serve at the Dec. 3 event.
The salute, which attracts more than 500 gov-ernment officials and business leaders, will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the fifth floor of the National City Bank Building, 16333 Trenton Road, Southgate, with the Farbman Group as host.
A highlight of the event will be a raffle for prizes including a sleigh of cheer, a holiday brunch for four at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and four tickets to a DYPAK performance of “A Christmas Carol” and dinner.
Another raffle item is a romantic getaway basket in-cluding accommodations at the Comfort Suites in Southgate with dinner at the Rhapsody, Godiva chocolates, champagne and candles.
The salute menu will include such appetizers as seared scallops on crispy crepes, fresh shrimp and salmon Wellington, and chef-carved, pork tenderloin, veal stuffed with bleu cheese, and chicken breast stuffed with mushroom duxelles. Salads and pastas will be served at other stations.
In addition, a dessert smorgasbord will feature the restaurant’s signature creation, Crèmes (the Hun-garian version of a Napoleon), kifli, tortes, strudel and other delectable specialties of co-owner Darlene Szatmari.
A cash bar is included in the price of tickets, $30 ($35 at the door), with special rates for groups of 10 or more. They are available by visiting the chamber Web site www.swcrc.com or calling (734) 284-6000.
DYPAC slates Dickens story
The musical version of Charles Dickens’ heart-warming Victorian-era tale “A Christmas Carol” will be staged by the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Cen-ter Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12 at the Trenton Village Theatre, 2447 W. Jefferson.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6, when the Terp Theatre will provide a shadow signed interpreted performance for the deaf.
On Dec. 11, actor, author and playwright Mark McPherson will portray Charles Dickens as he wel-comes guests to the performance.
Members of the cast of 65 range in age from 5 to 19.
Tickets are $12, adults; $10, seniors and stu-dents; and $8, groups of 20 or more. For additional in-formation, go to www.dypac.com.
In conjunction with the performances, the Trenton Hotel Grill is offering theatergoers special dinners with four meal choices for $10 (children under 10, $5). For reservations, call (734) 671-5676.
On Dec. 10, an open house featuring works of lo-cal artists and a sneak preview of the musical is planned. Wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information, call (734) 671-2202.
Coming up . . .
Dec. 7 — Cooking class, “Celebrate with Style: The Perfect Party,” 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton; Leslie Jacobs will offer table-setting and presentation ideas; the cost, $120, includes dinner with complementary wines; guests can join the group for dinner only for $75; for reservations or additional information, call Jacobs at (248) 646-4517 ([email protected]) or Colin Berens at (313) 253-4357 ([email protected]).
Dec. 13 — Premier of 90-minute film, “Detroit: Our Greatest Generation,” benefit for the Michigan Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Yankee Air Museum; Paul W. Smith of WJR will be host; a performance by Mitch Ryder and Stewart Francke with the 38th Army Band will be showcased; tickets, $23 and $33, are available at all Ticketmaster loca-tions and www.TicketMaster.com; for more informa-tion, call (313) 471-6611.