Jobs and Family Services celebrates fatherhood

Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services will hold its seventh annual Celebrate Fatherhood Event this Father’s Day weekend. Festivities kick off Friday and continue with the main event on Saturday. Designed to honor the important role fathers play in their children’s lives, both events are free and open to the public.

Judge Walter Rice and Magistrate Gerald Parker will speak at the kickoff event, 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, at The Vineyard Church, 1222 N. Main St.

Another special guest speaker will be an ex-offender who successfully restored his relationship as a loving father. Pizza will be provided, and the winners of the annual art and essay contest will be announced.

Games, food, bands and other activities will make Saturday’s free event a fun time for the entire family. It runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St. Faith Daniels of Dayton’s WROU Radio Station will be doing a live remote from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a set from local R&B sensation Top Secret.

Complimentary burgers, hot dogs and beverages will be served. Kids will also enjoy face painting, a reading corner, games and door prizes.

A resource fair will provide information on fire prevention, bike safety, nutrition, domestic violence prevention and more. There will also be a voter registration booth, free first aid kits and Public Health’s Mobile Unit will be offering free HIV tests and blood pressure screenings. STAFF REPORT