For The Children Students among those honored for ecumenical work toward peace. Rev. James R. Lyons, who founded the Ecumenical Institute 17 years ago, and in tribute to Dr. Gary Faber, in whose honor the program was estab- lished. Performing at SHELLI DORFMAN Editorial Assistant T he musical voices of children echoed in the large social hall. In words like "hope" and "Love" and "peace," they sang ), about "a world of many colors and many faces, different people with different views, living together, holding hands. From the youth came the announcement of the Representing Orchard Lake Middle School, assistant emphatic theme of the principal Ken Gutman and student council represen- evening — people of diverse tative Elyse Fleischman accept the Youth Dove Award ethnic and religious back- along with Abbott Middle School student council rep- grounds comina b together to resentative Micha Hickey and assistant principal make a difference. Brian Kaplan. Rabbi Norman Roman of Temple Kol On April 29, the Ami presents a Dove Award to Dr. Gary Southfield-based Ecumenical and Merton Segal, chair- Faber. Institute for Jewish-Christian man and CEO of Studies brought 325 rabbis Meadowbrook Insurance the dinner were Abbott and priests and church and synagogue Group Inc. in Southfield. Middle School's Show Choir members to Congregation Shaarey Regarding the middle and Orchard Lake Middle Zedek for the sixth annual Dove Awards school students present at School's "Current" Jazz Dinner, so named for the symbol of har- the dinner, Segal said he Ensemble. mony. felt "reassured to witness Lyons described the young The Ecumenical Institute was found- the talent and commit- recipients as "a celebration in ed to help Jews and Christians learn ment of the young kids." diversity," stressing that they more about one another's beliefs and In an ecumenical Elaine Sturman, pres- should remember the lessons maintain a harmonious dialogue. process, the Rev. Bruce ident of the of the Holocaust where Three local individuals were present- Quatman of Holy Spirit Ecumenical Institute's "children were indoctrinated ed with a 1999 Dove Award, developed Lutheran Church in West board of trustees, into hatred." Looking with to honor those who have made signifi- Bloomfield led an invoca- addresses the audience. admiration at the groups of cant contributions to building bridges tion that was followed by students, he reflected on the between Jews and Christians. The recipi- a blessing over the challa by Rabbi Amy recent school shooting disaster in ents were Dr. Gary Faber, West Brodsky, the Ecumenical Institute's assis- Littleton, Colo., and said that our chil- Bloomfield School District deputy tant director. dren should be playing in jazz bands, superintendent; the Rev. Dr. Lottie As guests ate desserts shaped like not creating dangerous Web sites. "They Jones-Hood, First Congregational white-chocolate birds of peace, Elaine -\ should be singing about building Church of Detroit pastor,; and Frank D. Sturman, president of the Ecumenical bridges, not building bombs," he said. Stella, chairman, CEO and founder of Institute's board of trustees, reminded Faber stressed the importance of the F.D. Stella Products Co. in Detroit. the group that, "respect can be inclusion of children through simple David Blewett, the institute's execu- learned," and added, "The Ecumenical human kindness and giving them a tive director, described the three hon- Institute teaches us about each other. It sense of belonging." When schools "cut orees as "people who make a difference teaches us about our differences and kids from teams and offer clubs that by living lives of dialogue that expand our similarities. I know that together don't accept everyone," he said, they are mutual understanding and respect. " we can make a difference and make causing exclusion. It is the disenfran- A special moment in the evening was this world a better place for us, our chised that start the revolutions. Our when the students of Abbott and children, our grandchildren and for all nation's recent tragedies speak volumes Orchard Lake middle schools, both in the generations yet to come." about these people," he added West Bloomfield, were given the insti- And the words of the youth lin- The dinner, the Ecumenical tute's first Youth Dove Award. They gered — in songs about building Institute's major annual find-raising were honored for their participation in bridges and seeing brighter tomor- event, was coordinated by program the Ambassadors of Goodwill program, rows, and about hands. With hands director Barbara Yuhas. The evening was established to get young people involved joined together, they sang of "hands chaired by Ecumenical Institute board in churches, synagogues and schools. united in hope, hands united in free- members Tarik S. Daoud, president and The award was presented by David dom, hands united in peace." fl owner of Al Long Ford Inc. in Warren, Lyons in memory of his father, the late Pho to by Bo b Be nyas C 271 WEST MAPLE DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM 248.258.0212 PEN SALE BIG DISCOUNTS PENS WRITE... A WATERMAN EXPRESSES. We Carry a Full Line of • Fountain Pens • Ball Points • Rollers • Pencils Buy Now & Save! WATERMA1V PAW! S I PARKER NEW DUOFOLD COLORS ELECTRIC SHAVERS CUISINART KITCHEN-AID MIXERS BRAUN-SONICARE TOOTHBRUSHES Oscar Braun's 15075 W. Lincoln, Oak Park Hours: Mon.-Fri. (2481 968-5858 10-4