‘Dads Matter Too!’ celebration Sept. 19

WATERBURY>> The third annual “Dads Matter Too!” Community Awareness Day and 5K will take place Sept. 19 in Waterbury at Library Park. This statewide event focuses on raising awareness about the importance of involved fathers in today’s society. The event is hosted by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families, the Region #5 Fatherhood Engagement Leadership Teamand the City of Waterbury.

Research suggests that over 24 million or 33% of American children live apart fromtheir biological fathers and the federal government spends nearly $100 billion dollars every year to support father-absent homes.

Children who live absent fathers are more likely to be impoverished; use drugs; experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems; commit suicide; experience teen pregnancy; become victims of child abuse; and engage in criminal behavior. This event is part of an ongoing effort to inform the public and engage fathers to combat this issue.

This event will allow fathers and father figures to gather and demonstrate their commitment to their children and provide an opportunity for community providers/organizations to showcase the services they offer to fathers and families.

The day consists of the “Dads Matter Too!” 5K Road Race, community resource tables, free kids’ activities, giveaways, award ceremony, food and brief entertainment. The event will be capped off with a 1 mile “Dads Matter Too!” Walk, designed to promote and recognize the importance and impact of fathers remaining active in the lives of their children. Dads of all ages are encouraged come out and walk a mile with your child.

Sponsors, vendors, providers, donations, and volunteers for the 3rd Annual “Dads Matter Too! “Awareness Day aswell as walkers and runners are all welcome. Proceeds from the race support ongoing partnerships to promote increased fatherhood engagement in local communities.

Registration information is available through https://runsignup.com/dads as well as on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/dadsmatter2. For those interested in hosting a table/booth or for more information about “Dads Matter Too!” contact Anthony. Gay@ct.gov or Kelly.McGinley-Hurley@ct.gov.

Osher institute to host course on Palace Theater

WATERBURY >> The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, in collaboration with the Palace Theater, announces that Louis Bellois will teach a course entitled “Palace Theater: Looking Back — Moving Forward.” This is will be a historical and entertaining course on the Palace Theater, Waterbury’s historic landmark and cultural gem.

Topics will include the storied history of the venue from 1922 to the present day, the architectural details, the lore and myth associated with the theater, a Q& A session with Frank Tavera, CEO and Jennifer Zembruski, COO, and an actual behind the scenes tour to places the public normally does not have access to.

Belloisy, a Waterbury native who lives in Morris, is the offical Palace historian.

His wealth of knowledge about the venue is rooted in his passion for the building and its history.

Also serving as the venue’s resident photographer, Belloisy worked at the theater as a young man as well as during the last ten years since the venue was restored and reopened in 2004. He will share his personal stories and portfolio of visually stunning pre- and post restoration photos he’s taken during the class sessions.

The course is offered on five consecutive Fridays from Sept. 11 to Oct. 9, 2:15-3:45 p.m. at the Palace Theater.

For registration information, call the OLLI Office at 203-2369924 x9925 or email osher@cuonn.edu or register online at olli.uconn.edu .

St. Mary’s alums to hold reunion

NEW HAVEN >> St Mary’s High School of New Haven’s All-School Reunion will be held Oct. 11, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. Mass at St Joseph’s Church, 129 Edwards St. Coffee hour follows Mass. Sweatshirts are available to fund a scholarship. If interested, email 444orangest@gmail.com or call Teresa Sirico at 203-469-5330.