Photo by Annette Haley
State Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (left) and State Rep. Paul D. Clemente (right) present a proclamation from the state of Michigan to Dina Vannice, who was named 2014 Woman of the Year by the American Association of University Women, Wyandotte-Downriver Branch. The presentation took place during a reception honoring candidates for the title March 11 at Wayne County Community College District Downriver Campus.
By EVELYN CAIRNS
Dina Vannice, a dedicated volunteer and the media and public relations specialist for The Information Center of Taylor, has been named 2014 Woman of the Year by the Wyandotte-Downriver Branch of the American Association of University Women.
The announcement was made during a reception honoring nominees for the title March 11 at Wayne County Community College District Downriver Campus.
Other candidates for the honor included Christine Mathews of Grosse Ile Township, a former Wyandotte School District principal and a current Eucharistic minister; and Wyandotte Councilwoman Sheri Sutherby-Fricke, founder and president of the Women of Wyandotte, an organization whose mission is to help women excel.
Additional honorees were Lori Stevenson of Wyandotte, a former caseworker with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society who developed the Helping Angels Program and coordinates a holiday assistance program; and Anita Twardesky of Flat Rock, who is known as a driving force for eco-tourism and serves as a volunteer with various groups.
Vannice, a resident of Monroe, was presented with a proclamation from the state of Michigan recognizing her service by state Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood and state Rep. Paul D. Clemente.
Vannice has been a fundraiser for the Salvation Army for many years. She recently participated in the organization’s annual radiothon, which raised $1.18 million, and is a volunteer with numerous other organizations and also ministers to the homeless and those in need.
Previously, she was the morning co-host on WWWW-FM (W4 Country) and hosted a talk show on CKLW-AM.
In addition, she is the owner of a public relations firm, Keep the Joy Media and Communications.
DIA offering free ride, visit
In observance of Wayne County Day, the Detroit Institute of Arts will provide free transportation to and from the museum for residents of the county on April 5.
Visitors will be able to browse the institute’s collection, visit two free exhibitions and participate in an art-making activity.
The free exhibits are “Photo Europa: 1840 to Present” and “Let Me Show You What I Saw: American Views on City and Country.”
Admission to the exhibit “Samurai: Beyond the Sword” will be available at the discounted group rate of $12 per person.
The museum restaurants, Café DIA and Kresge Court, will be open, along with the gift shop, and a special “Samurai: Beyond the Sword,” shop will offer items imported from Japan.
The Dearborn Heights shuttle site will be at Dearborn Heights City Hall, 6045 Fenton in Dearborn Heights. The Monet Bus will depart at 10 a.m. and begin its return at 2 p.m.
The Downriver shuttle site will be the Woodhaven Community Center, 23101 Hall Road in Woodhaven. The Picasso Bus will depart at 9:30 a.m. and begin its return at 2 p.m.
To reserve a seat, or for more information, call 313-833-4005 or go to http://www.dia.org/calendar/event.aspx?id=4431&iid=.
Coming up . . .
April 4 — Roy Brooks Tribute Concert; 7:30 p.m. at the Heinz C. Prechter Education & Performing Art Center, Wayne County Community College District Downriver, 21000 Northline, Taylor; jazz and hard-bop drummer Brooks was born in Detroit and died in 2005; performing will be the Sean Dobbins Modern Jazz Messengers and Djallo Djakate Quintet; no charge for admission; for more information, call 734-374-3200.
April 5 — Recycled Runway Project Fashion Show and Luncheon, fundraiser for the Downriver Council for the Arts summer camp program; 11 a.m. at the Grecian Center, 16300 Dix-Toledo, Southgate; for tickets, $40 (children under 10, $30), call 734-720-0671 or go to www.downriverarts.org.
April 5, 6 — Tony Award-nominated play “Bring It On: The Musical”; at the Fox Theatre; the play is about high school rivalries and competitive cheerleading; tickets, $30 to $70, are available at all TicketMaster locations and www.ticketmaster.com; or by calling 800-745-3000.
April 7 — Michigan Wine Showcase; 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Rattlesnake Club, 300 River Place; wine sampling will be conducted by master sommeliers Claudia Tyagi and Madeline Triffon, with lavish appetizers created by Chef Chris Franz; for tickets, $38 in advance or $45 at the door, or more information, go to www.michiganwines.com/showcase.