The Rev. Michael J. Duda, senior pastor at First Church in Wenham, will receive a Champion for Children Award at the Children's Friend and Family Services celebration next week at Kernwood Country Club in Salem.
The award — given annually by the Salem-based charitable agency which provides various services in an effort to meet a wide range of needs for area youth and families — acknowledges the accomplishments of an individual in his or her professional and personal life. These achievements reflect Children's Friend and Family's core values of making a lasting difference in the improvement of lives of children and families, said agency spokeswoman Stacey Marcus.
"Mike is the epitome of what our Champion for Children Award is all about, honoring a life which reflects dedication and service to a younger generation. I have known and worked with Mike for many years. He has led in so many different ways, and perhaps more than any single individual, has raised the level of caring and commitment in our region," said Stephen Schaffer, Children's Friend and Family Services executive director.
Duda's extensive involvement with children spans over 30 years when he began working as a youth group leader while attending Lafayette College in Easton, Penn. He also led a bible study group for street kids at a local YMCA and galvanized a group of volunteers to create a non-profit which garnered a regional award. He became an ordained minister with the United Presbyterian Church in 1979.
Over the past 20 years, he has served on almost 20 boards of directors and committees, mostly on the North Shore to help children and related causes. As executive director of the Anchorage Inc. in Beverly, a residential home for at-risk teens, he spent over two decades building the organization from a small group home of six boys to an organization with three programs helping over 20 teens.
"It was my time at Anchorage that brought me into my passion for helping vulnerable children. If you are going to put your energy somewhere, where else is there such a sense of hopefulness, such a place of possibilities," said Duda. It was during his time at Anchorage that he learned about Children's Friend and Family Services. "I was very happy to learn about Children's Friend. It was a mental health agency where I could send my kids and know that I could trust them to do an outstanding job."
Duda lives in Rockport with his wife, Joanna, a psychotherapist. He has two grown children, Jay and Rachael.
"It is a wonderful honor to receive this award as I think the world of Children's Friend and Family Services," noted Duda.
A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, with dinner to follow. Cost is $100 per person. For additional information, contact Susan Coffin, at 978-744-7905 ext. 214.
A place for reflection coming to school grounds
A "Peace Meditation Garden" will soon be located in the front courtyard at Rockport Middle and High School. The project, supported in part by a grant from the Rockport Cultural Council, is expected to be completed by June 5 ahead of graduation ceremonies.
According to organizer Laura Wood, donor bricks will border the garden and are available to purchase. For more information about the project, contact Wood by calling 978-546-8458 or by sending e-mail to hparkdesign@yahoo.com.
Quick Hits
The Rockport Council on Aging will present an "Art History" course in downtown Rockport this month. The course, "Artists from the Class of 1898" is offered by Salem State College's "Explorers on the Road" program and taught by Barry Poretsky.
The program, sponsored by the Friends of Rockport Council on Aging will begin Monday, May 4, and continue May 11 and May 18 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Old Firehouse Trust building in Dock Square.
Artists scheduled to be discussed are Wilhelm Lehmbruck, Raymond Hood, Max Peckstein, Fernand Leger, Natalia Gontcharova, Umberto Boccioni, John Grabach, Picasso and many more from America and Europe, spanning several genres and even a few "-isms."
"Bring your ideas, questions, imagination, and paper and pencil, said Council on Aging Director Diane Bertolino.
The workshop is limited to 25 participants so those wishing to attend are urged to contact Bertolino at 978-546-2573 as soon as possible.
People in the news
Selectmen on Tuesday voted unanimously to reappointment Stephen Vavak to the Department of Public Works Board of Commissioners following an interview during which Vavak pledged to continue moving the Department of Public Works forward, better track expenses at the Transfer Station and also improve enforcement measures at the dump.
Selectmen also voted to reappoint veteran Finance Committee member June Michaels by a 4-0 vote. Selectman Ellen Canavan abstained citing Michaels' husband Mel's involvement with the Conservation Commission.
During the interview, Canavan asked Michaels if she thought her husband's membership on the Conservation Commission presented a possible conflict of interest. Michaels said she didn't think the situation constituted a conflict and that she recuses herself from voting on the conservation budget each year.
Michaels first joined the Finance Committee in 1994 a year after moving to town.
Selectman Armand Aparo called Michaels an "asset to the town," adding it wouldn't be Rockport without her.
Selectmen also interviewed Laurene Wessel for nomination to the Finance Committee. They will vote whether or not to appoint Wessel at a future meeting.
Bridge club
Saturday, April 11: First, Greg Hannifan and Cynthia Bjorlie, 50; second, Muriel Davis and Gus Lawson, 47; third, Barbara Beyea and Marge Baker, 43 1/2.
Tuesday, April 14: First, Bill and Kate Holloway, 51; second, Milt and Helen Lauenstein, 50; third, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 45 1/2.
Thursday, April 16: First, Gus Lawson and Greg Hannifan, 32; second, Muriel Davis and Barbara Beyea, 31.
Saturday, April 18: First, Marge Baker and Barbara Beyea, 42 1/2; second, Greg Hannifan and Ann Millar, 40.
Tuesday, April 21: First, Milt and Helen Lauenstein, 45; second, Bill Parsons and Gus Lawson, 44 1/2; third, Ann Millar and Jane Pierce, 42 1/2.
Thursday, April 23: First, Molly Foster and LynFitzGerald, 45; second, Jane Pierce and Ann Millar, 40 1/2.
Saturday, April 25: First, Cynthia Bjorlie and Leonie Cocchiarella, 51; second, Lester Stockman and Pat Sylvia, 47; third, Lyn FitzGerald and Molly Foster, 46.
Tuesday, April 28: First, Muriel Davis and Greg Hannifan, 49; second, Merrill Gerstner and Barbara Beyea, 48 1/2; third, Judy Epstein and Pat Sylvia, 46 1/2.
Thursday, April 30: First, Cynthia Bjorlie and Pat Sylvia, 43; second, Barbara Beyea and Muriel Davis, 42 1/2; third, Molly Foster and Lyn FitzGerald, 39 1/2.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Ramblings, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000, ext. 3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
