Items of Importance

IOI090619

Sunday, June 21, 2009 - Father's Day

During my work with One Columbus, I have learned a great deal from friends, associates, and much from the variety of cultures that are found in our community. I have added 'houses of worship' where I once had only 'churches.' I now include 'religious leader' where I had used pastor or Rabbi. My holidays have grown to nearly twice the size they were as my horizons expanded beyond US holidays and my 'sensitivity index' has given me a new sense of awareness as I look at holidays, holy days, and notations on the calendar.

There is little doubt, though, that Father's Day is one of those international events that leaves little doubt about what it means in every land across the world.

In 1909, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired to copy Mother's Day with Father's Day - the third Sunday in June. Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1926, Lyndon Johnson made it an official holiday in 1966, but the holiday was not officially recognized until the presidency of Richard Nixon in 1972 when he signed into law a permanent U.S. Father's Day to be observed on the third Sunday of June.

Sine then, much has been written about fathers including the important role that they play in building and maintaining the family unit.

We've got over 66 million fathers; 26.5 million as part of a family with their own children under the age of 18

There are nearly 3 million single fathers, many raising their own children and making a difference in the lives of these who themselves will soon be parents.

There are more than 73 million children under age 18 many who do not have a father.

Bill Cosby challenges African American men to become more involved with their families, and especially as fathers. Candidate Barack Obama in his Father's Day speech last year asked the same.

The Million Father March now in its seventh year, asks fathers all across the country to take their children to school on Monday. Over 200 cities are reported to be participating in this reminder. And so are there many other projects that have similar goals.

The good news for us is that there are men in our community already involved in mentoring programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, and other efforts that provide for the substitute father role. Churches, fraternities and social service organizations do similar work to help bridge that important gap in the life of a child.

Columbus' newest effort is the Columbus Scholars Project, launched this month, to mentor fifth graders. College funding and long term mentoring are the basics of the project offering a new direction for our community and for kids who have no male in the house but who deserve a chance to succeed.

As we fire up the grill and honor the Dads who so justly deserve that ever elusive 'we do appreciate you,' lets give thanks for them and for what we have received for which we are truly thankful.

And for the commitment that will come from those brave and resourceful men who will soon step forward to become substitute fathers, mentors, and helpers in the cause, or who may choose to make a contribution, please understand, 'we do appreciate you.'

Contacts: Ken Crooks - 706-315-0162

Columbus Scholars Project - Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley 706-320-0027

Wednesday, June 24 - Race Relations Breakfast

The next Race Relations Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at at Ruth Ann's on Veterans Parkway.

Breakfast begins at 7:25 am and you are encouraged to bring a friend with you. $7.00 is asked of regular members. First timers and visitors are our guests.

Contact: Lee Brantley 706-324-6471

Thursday, June 25 - 4TH Annual Golf Tournament

The Fourth Annual Golf Tournament begins at noon on Thursday, June 25.

This fund raiser for One Columbus is played at the world famous Robert Trent Jones trail in Opelika. Check the One Columbus website and click on the Golf Tournament from the home page for details

Contact: D. J. Jones at 706-681-1136