By Evelyn Cairns
The Downriver Italian-American Club will present its eighth “Taste of Italy” for the benefit of The Penrickton Center for Blind Children at 6 p.m. May 9 at the Downriver Italian-American Hall, 646 Biddle in Wyandotte.
A sell-out crowd of more than 200 is expected to attend the event, which will feature the sampling of Italian cuisine and wines. Tickets are $35.
Tony Lumia, who is chairing the tasting with his wife, Miriam, said the center receives no government funds and is supported strictly by private donations.
Among the participating restaurants, bakeries and vendors are Andiamo’s of Dearborn, Fratello’s Restaurant, Ciao Grappa Lounge, The Fish Market, Sibley Gardens and Jack’s Bakery.
Others are Sammy’s Cucina, Frank’s Restaurant, Carino’s Italian Grill, Liberati’s Deli & Bakery, Bravo Cucina Italiana, Roman Village and Antonio’s Restaurant.
Wines will be provided by Discount Drinks, and a strolling accordionist will provide Italian music.
Also on the club’s agenda is a May 16 pasta dinner offering spaghetti or penne with meatballs, salad, rolls and a beverage for $8, adults, and $4.50, children 10 and younger. Cannoli will be available for $1.25.
Seating times will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Additional pasta dinners are slated for June, July, August, September and October.
For reservations or additional information about the events, call Diana Holmes at 734-285-4044.
The club was organized in 1971 to promote Italian culture, traditions, dances, cuisine and wines. Its roster has grown from 43 founding members to currently more than 400.
Caregiver talks slated
A series of talks on education, resources and support for family caregivers is being offered without charge by The Information Center.
The schedule is as follows:
Dearborn — 5 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Oakwood Adult Day Care Center, 3601 Pelham, and 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Dearborn Senior Center in the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
Taylor — 1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the library of the American House Southland, 25250 Eureka.
Riverview — 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at the American House Riverview, 20300 Fort St.
Woodhaven — 6 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Henry Ford Self-Health Center, 23400 Allen Road.
For additional information, call Erica Hartman at 734-287-7858.
Annual plant sale planned
Master gardeners will be available to answer questions from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 12 when the Taylor Conservatory Foundation holds its 10th annual plant sale at 22314 Northline Road, just in time for Mother’s Day.
The event will take place rain or shine, and a variety of unusual plants and vines will be available, as well as Mother’s Day gifts. Donations of plants will be accepted. For additional information, call Perry Dur-ham at 313-215-8885.
Coming up . . .
May 12 — American Heart Association Heart Walk; 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ford Field in Detroit; message from Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, zumba warm-up, health screenings and live entertainment; no participation charge; parking available for $4 to $5; for more information, call 248-936-5782 or go to www.mileheartwalk.org.
May 12, 13 — Day Out With Thomas: Mystery on the Rails Tour; at Greenfield Village; included are a 25-minute train ride, games, activities; storytelling, videos and live music; tickets, adults, $35.75; seniors, $33.75; youths 5 to 12, $29.25; and children 1 to 4 years, $11.75; for additional information, call 313-982-6001 or go to www.thehenryford.org.
May 19 — Black-tie dinner dance for the benefit of the Henry Ford Estate-Fair Lane; 6:30 p.m., cock-tails; 7:30, dinner; dancing to the music of the Teen Angels; tickets, $250; for additional information, call Breon Moriarty at 313-701-2239 or go to [email protected].