(Richard Puccinelli has fun pushing his son, Emilio, 17 months, on a swing at Ramsay Park Saturday during the annual celebration of Father’s Day put on by Papás of the Central Coast. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — Fathers and their relationships with their children took center stage Saturday at the annual lunch celebration at Ramsay Park put on by Papás of the Central Coast.
With a theme of “The Magic of Fatherhood,” the free event brought together a mix of food, live music, dance, raffles, face painting and hands-on activities on the day before Father’s Day.
“Papás is an amazing group,” said Richard Puccinelli, while he lent a hand pushing his son, Emilio, on a swing. “Deutron (former director) changed my life. It’s because of him I am a better father. I come to this event every year. It breaks my heart to learn of homes that are fatherless. I just like to see this event continue year after year.”
Papás offers parent groups and social activities designed to strengthen the father-child bond. Its goals are to increase positive father-child relationships and promote the role of fathers in the lives of their young children. Program activities offer educational opportunities for parents to learn about the beneficial role of father figures in the family and community.
“Fathers are a very important part of every family,” said program director Jeff Lehner. “There are many fathers in our community that are struggling with everyday life. We are here to help these fathers and co-parents connect with their families of origin and to build meaningful and healthy relationships.”
Frank Velasquez, who came to the event with his 11-year-old daughter and his 2-year-old son, said he has been coming to the Papás program for the past six years.
“It’s really a good program,” he said. “They really help you build camaraderie with other parents and your community. They help you focus on just what you want and what you need. When I first came to this program Deutron really helped me a lot.”
If you are a biological father of at least one child aged 11 years or under or an expectant father and want information, call Papás at 226-3478 or email [email protected].
