By Evelyn Cairns
The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber has scheduled its ninth annual member tribute for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Downriver Italian American Hall in Wyandotte.
The event also will mark the passing of the gavel of office from past chairman Yvette Pugh to the 2012 chairman, Jerry Griffith.
An awards ceremony will recognize two individuals and two businesses for their contributions to the Downriver community and the chamber.
The awards to be presented are Corporate Citizen, Image, Community Service and Greening Downriver.
The Corporate Citizen Award recognizes success in industry and commerce and for making a significant impact toward the quality of life in southern Wayne County. The Image Award will go to an individual or business that promotes a positive image of southeastern Wayne County to the public.
The recipient of the Community Service Award will be an individual of sound moral character who gives of his or her time and expertise for the betterment of the quality of life in the area, serves as an inspiration to the community and is a credit to his or her business or profession.
Chamber members who exemplify the economic, social and ecological sustainability of the Downriver region through green practices qualify for the Greening Downriver Award.
In addition, the 2011 Ambassador of the Year will be honored for attendance at chamber meetings and events, the adoption and referral of new members and for volunteering at events and bringing guests to events.
Tickets for the tribute, $15, include hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided by Jeanne’s Catering. For reservations, call 734-284-6000 or go to www.swccc.org.
In addition to Griffith, new executive committee officers are Gloria Combe, first vice chair; Greg Genter, second vice chair; Brian Woodworth, secretary; and Carol Demeter, treasurer. Frank Lopez, Jim Sexton and Greg Pflum, are at-large officers. Sandy Mull is president of the chamber.
The Italian American Hall is at 646 Biddle.
Winter food markets set
The first in a series of winter markets in Lincoln Park offering seasonal produce, fresh specialty foods and craft items has been scheduled for Jan. 8, according to Christopher Dardzinski, spokesman for a group of city residents who are organizing the markets.
“As a customer, I’ve enjoyed shopping at the Lincoln Park farmers’ market and didn’t want it to come to an end,” Dardzinski said.
“Winter markets have been sprouting up all over the county . . . why not in Lincoln Park?”
He added that a lot of people are committed to buying locally, eating locally and supporting farmers.
The market will be open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ikaros Hall, 1677 Fort St., next to the Park Restaurant, at the corner of Fort Street and Arlington.
Among the farmers, specialty food vendors and crafters will be farmer Sam Parise, DHL Herb’s, Winter Delights, Magnolia Minor, Kettle Corn of Michigan and jewelry designer Lori Mead.
Additional markets are planned for Jan. 22; Feb. 5 and 19; and March 4 and 18. Only cash will be accepted for purchases, Dardzinski said.
Village exhibit will end soon
Only nine days remain to visit the children’s educational exhibit “The Wizard of Oz” at Greenfield Village.
The exhibit follows the movie’s storyline and takes visitors to the Land of Oz with stops at the Gale Farm, Munchklinland, The Crossroads, The Witch’s Castle and The Emerald City.
Funhouse mirrors, soft-sculpture rainbow blocks, musical tubes, a voice synthesizer and kaleidoscope and prism stations are part of the adventure.
Admission is free with the cost of admission to the Henry Ford Museum: $15, adults; $14, seniors; and $11, youths 5 though 12. Children 4 and under are free. For more information, call 313-982-6001 or go to www.thehenryford.org/oz.
Coming up . . .
Jan. 13, 14, 15 — Preliminary auditions for the Southern Great Lakes Downriver Idol contest (a junior division is new this year); Jan. 13 at the Woodhaven Best Western; Jan. 14 at Southland Center; and Jan. 15 at the Wyandotte Arts Center; for more informa-tion, go to www.sgls.org or call 734-246-2890.