Steve Szatmari (left) welcomes U.S. Rep. John Dingell and Debbie Dingell to the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Business Expo preview party May 19 at the Benjamin Yack Arena. Szatmari is owner of the Rhapsody restaurant, one of more than 20 eateries that offered samples of their menu items at the event. The party featured 80 booths, fashion shows by Traffic Jam and Jim’s Tuxedos, drawings and a raffle for prizes valued at $100. An afterglow followed at the Silver Shores Banquet Center.
By Evelyn Cairns
The Downriver Council for the Arts is offering the public an opportunity to honor those who support, encourage and promote arts, culture and the quality of life in the Downriver area.
Nominations are being sought for five awards to be presented by the DCA Sept. 15 during an Arts & Honors Night celebration at the Wyandotte Arts Center.
There will be no charge for the event, which will begin at 7:30 and include refreshments and entertainment.
Awards will be presented in the following catego-ries:
Artist/Performer — A Downriver artist, performer or organization who, or which, has made a significant contribution through his, her or its discipline.
Patron — An individual, business or corporation who, or which, has supported excellence in the cultural life of the Downriver area through participation or contribution.
Arts Educator — A Downriver individual who has made a significant contribution to arts education within his or her discipline. Education nominees can be from K-12 and advanced teaching levels.
Young Artist/Performer — An artist or performer 25 years old or younger who has displayed exceptional talent and promise within his or her discipline.
Downriver Council for the Arts Award — To be selected by the Council. The public is invited to make suggestions. Individuals and cultural and/or humanities organizations are eligible.
Nominations must be submitted by June 30 to the DCA, Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut.
Entry forms are available online at www.downriverarts.org (click Events) and at the DCA office in the Wyandotte Arts Center. For more information, call (734) 720-0671.
Motorcycle expo set by WCCCD
The Wayne County Community College District School of Continuing Education will sponsor a motorcycle expo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11 at the college’s Downriver Campus, 21000 Northline, Taylor.
Features will include information on how to buy a motorcycle, safety–awareness riding and customizing. In addition, safety inspections will be available, and riding gear and other exhibits are planned. Experts will be on hand to answer questions, according to campus President Anthony Arminiak.
For additional information, call (734) 946-3500.
Museum plans ’20s speakeasy
A speakeasy party complete with Model A’s, a blind pig, a 1920s fashion show and a Charleston contest has been scheduled by the Wyandotte Museums for 6 p.m. June 11.
In addition, a vintage film will be shown, and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.
Music for dancing under the stars will be provided by Tom Bogadus, James Dapogny, Mike Karoub and Glenn Tucker. Tickets are $20.
The event, a benefit for the museums, is a part of the Wyandotte Heritage Days Series.
For tickets or additional information, call 734-324-7284.
Save the date . . .
June 7 — Downriver Arts & and Crafts Guild pro-gram; 6:30 p.m. at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, 14680 Dix-Toledo; Christine Unwin, artist, teacher, author and juror, will offer information on how to develop style, marketing, classes and workshops; publish a book and participate in national juried shows; for more information, call (734) 777-6109 or e-mail [email protected].
June 16 — Third annual “Pasta & Puccini” benefit for the Downriver Council for the Arts; 6:30 p.m. at the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut; dinner by Carrabbla’s Italian Grill; arias and other Italian songs by vocalists Lara Semetko, Doug Henry and Tammy Trudelle, a limited number of tickets, $45, are available by calling 734-720-0671 or going to www.downriverarts.org.