By Jeff Noble

Voice Editor

Much like last year’s successful event in Douthitt Park that drew 150 persons, another “Fathers & Families Fun Day” is now being planned for Saturday, May 19th at Douthitt Park. That’s according to Chairperson Mildred Lee-Rogers and Denise Hoffman of Kentucky River Community Care.

Members of the Breathitt-Wolfe Family Violence Prevention Council made those plans during their regular meeting Tuesday afternoon at Jackson City Hall. Combining the chance for Fathers and parents to spend some quality time with their children, the event is expected to feature games, food, fun and prizes. Among the activities being planned are a “bouncy house” for kids, a “rock wall climb”, face painting, and visits from Ronald McDonald.

In addition, two gift baskets - one for women containing Avon beauty products; the other one a tool box containing men’s items - will be raffled off to a couple of lucky winners. Prevention Council members are currently selling chances on the two displays to the public, and will continue to do so until the day of the event.

The day in the park would again be funded by organizations working on the Fatherhood Initiative program, which helps to encourage stronger family relationships with fathers and their children. It also sends out a strong message against domestic violence and abuse to those who attend, showing positive ways for families to spend time together.

In other actions, Dee Cole of the Rape Crisis Center in Hazard told members that Murray State University’s “Reader’s Theatre” group, or “HEAT” (which involves health education) woud present a program about sexual assualt called “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” in Jackson next month. It would take place on Monday, April 23rd, at the Life Skills Center on Main Street Downtown.

Their next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, April 17th at 12 Noon, at Jackson City Hall.