Honorees Jill Ryan of Grosse Ile (left) and Michael Turgeon of Riverview (third from left) are congratulated by Dr. Noel Jackson of Trenton, master of ceremonies, and Cathy Turgeon of Riverview, president of the Downriver Council for the Arts, at the DCA Salute to Excellence dinner. A third honoree, former Wyandotte Mayor and current City Councilman James DeSana, was unable to attend the event owing to unexpected heart surgery.
By Evelyn Cairns
Margaret Trudeau, former first lady of Canada, will discuss her personal struggle with bipolar disorder when she gives the keynote address Oct. 14 at a benefit luncheon for the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund at the University of Michigan Depression Center.
The luncheon is planned for noon at The Henry, formerly the Ritz-Carlton.
One of the most fascinating and scrutinized women in the 1970s, the widow of former Prime Min-ister Pierre Trudeau has suffered from bipolar disease nearly all of her adult life but was diagnosed with the disorder only a few years ago. She will deliver a mes-sage of hope and explain how she found a balance of mind, body and spirit in her personal battle.
General chairs for the luncheon are Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan president; and Wally Prechter, founder of the fund.
Downriver and Dearborn residents involved in the event include honorary co-chair Elaine Fritz and honorary committee members Angie Athens, Dr. Marilyn Belamaric, Evelyn Cairns, Cindy Dingell, Debbie Dingell, Heidie Gorno, Delores Howey and Emma Terry Mahar.
Others are Karen Mazo, Karen Ranka, Claudette Rourke, Martha Sholtes, Karen Wilson Smithbauer, Cheryl Sobh, Emily Solosy and Darlene Szatmari.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the fund’s gene repository, the only independently funded repository in the nation that collects DNA samples to find clues to the causes of bipolar disorder and how it should be treated.
Tickets, $100, and additional information are available by calling (734) 675-2200.
Arts Council honors three
Three individuals known for their efforts to enrich life in the Downriver area through the arts and culture were honored Sept. 24 at the Downriver Council for the Arts’ annual Salute to Excellence dinner and awards program at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club.
The honorees — former Wyandotte Mayor and current Councilman James DeSana, Jill Ryan of Grosse Ile and Michael Turgeon of Riverview — received hand-crafted bowls from Pewabic Pottery. DCA vice president Faye Tabor presented the awards on behalf of the organization.
DeSana’s son Rick accepted the award on behalf of his father, who was unable to attend the event because of unexpected heart surgery. DeSana received accolades as the driving force in establishing the Wyandotte Arts Center, now the headquarters of the DCA.
Tabor also spoke about a commissioned art work painted by Helen LeBlanc and framed by Shirley Ciungan in memory of Rosalind Meyer, longtime DCA supporter, officer and Salute chairman. The work was on display at the event.
Dr. Noel Jackson served as master of ceremonies, and Rob Bovitz gave the invocation.
DCA president Cathy Turgeon spoke on the organization’s myriad and diversified programs.
The event was planned by co-chairs Phillipa Matakas and Evelyn Cairns, and Delores Howey, Faye Tabor, Karen Ranka, Joy Squire, Paula Boase, Joan Brophy, Kathleen Dailey, Norma Wurmlinger and EmmaJean Woodyard. The committee created stone art as part of the table centerpieces.
Coming up . . .
Oct. 5 — Downriver Arts & Crafts Guild meeting; 6:30 p.m. at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library; plein air artist Heiner Hertling of the PBS Emmy-winning series “Your Brush with Nature” will give a demonstration; no charge; for more information, call (734) 777-6109.
Oct. 8 — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Downriver Light the Night Walk; 6 p.m. registration; 7 p.m. start, at the corner of Biddle and Elm; for more information, call Stephanie Holland at (248) 581-3898.
Oct. 14 — The Information Center’s benefit Gala Celebration and Silent Auction; at Crystal Gardens; reception, 6 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m.; black tie optional; JoAnne Purtan of WXYZ Chanel 7 will be the master of ceremonies; Big Al Muskavito, comedian/impressionist, will entertain; for tickets, $75, or more information, call (734) 282-7171.
Oct. 18 — Cooking class, “Cozy Fall Suppers: Soups, Stews and Sauces”; 5:30 p.m. at The Henry, formerly the Ritz-Carlton; $120 (dinner only, $75); for reservations or more information, call Leslie Jacobs at (248) 646-4517 or Colin Berens at (313) 253-4357.