Dads have their day at Hayward senior center

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 20, 2009 | by Kristofer Noceda

CASTRO VALLEY -- Live music, dancing and food. Now that's how to keep a father happy.

The Hayward Area Senior Center did just that Thursday by holding its annual "Hooray for Fathers" celebration in honor of all local dads.

"Once a year we like to recognize fathers for Father's Day," said Mila Mishina, senior center coordinator. "A lot of our seniors are fathers and a lot of their children appreciate them. So we want to celebrate fatherhood."

About 50 seniors attended the program, which featured entertainment from Richard Herman's Band Dance and Nani Lozier's Hawaiian dancers.

A few dads in attendance gave their take on Father's Day.

Vincent Dufresne, 90, of Castro Valley, said, "I've been through so many Father's Days that it's not even funny. But they are always great and I enjoy being able to spend it with my grandchildren."

Bill Kenny, 86, of Oakland, enjoys the closeness that the holiday brings.

"Father's Day is always a good, old-fashioned family get- together. We all don't live real close, so it's a good time to see each other," he said.

For Maurice Thai, 60, of San Lorenzo, Father's Day has a youthful effect.

"I like to celebrate Father's Day with my parents who are in their 80s," he said. "It gives me a special chance to spend some time with them, make them feel young again and just laugh."

John Barry, 86, of Union City, said dads are often underappreciated.

"All the things you do for mom, and poor dad gets a tie," he said.

Kristofer Noceda covers Castro Valley and Cal State East Bay. Reach him at 510-293-2479 or knoceda@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/Noceda_Reports.>

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