Senior Service Award: Local residents and Duneland community volunteers Walter and Gloria Rector, of Chesterton, were honored recipients of the Senior Service Award at the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber awards night Saturday evening, at Sand Creek Country Club. Presenting the award (right) is Chamber member Judy Gregurich.

(Tribune photo by Dana Gilbertson)

Walt and Gloria Rector, long-time volunteers in the Duneland community were recognized Saturday with the Senior Service Award at the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Walt Rector, who came to Porter County in 1967 from Sparrows Point Maryland to help a troubled accounting department at Bethlehem Steel, Burn Harbor Division, has devoted his volunteer time to a variety of community organizations. He retired in 1982 after 40 years at Bethlehem Steel.

Gloria also has an impressive list of volunteer activities and accomplishments.

Both members of the Chesterton First United Methodist Church, Walt has served for 14 years on the Stewardship and Financial Committee for 14 years as Financial Secretary. He has also served as an usher and participated in adult church classes.

Rector has also served as treasurer of the Chesterton Art Center for over 25 years and has been a visible presence at the annual Art Fair greeting the public.

Gloria, has volunteered in the Missions Committee at the First United Methodist Church and has been a member of the Dorcas Circle. She is an active supporter of the Art Center, where she served as the first director of the Art Gallery, now the Art Center.

Walt has served as a board member for the Duneland YMCA and is a member of the Duneland Historical Society.

Gloria has been a long-time member of the Chesterton Woman’s Club and has served as Art Chairman for many years. Gloria has also worked at the Art Fair and served on the board of directors.

Both have been active in the arts, helping form the “Friends of Art” to raise funds for the Valparaiso University Brauer Art Museum, where Gloria has been a docent.

The Rectors have been married for over 60 years. The two have hosted missionaries in their home, and continue to reach out to their neighbors and friends and anyone in need with meals, calls and home visits.

Posted 1/28/2008