Father’s Day, a holiday we now celebrate with joy and gratitude, was not always a part of our cultural fabric. It was founded in Washington State by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1910, a woman of remarkable determination. This was a time when the role of fathers was not as publicly recognized as it is today. The first celebration was held in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Dodd’s father, a Civil War veteran and a single parent who raised his six children, is the inspiration behind this day. After hearing a sermon about Mother’s Day, Dodd felt a similar holiday honoring fathers was long overdue. She initially suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, but the pastors needed more time to prepare their sermons; the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.
The journey of Father’s Day from a local observance to a nationally-recognized holiday was a gradual and significant process. It required several attempts in Congress, with advocates tirelessly lobbying for its recognition. It was not until President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966, officially designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day, that it began to gain widespread recognition. However, it was not until 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed it into law on April 24 that Father’s Day finally achieved permanent national holiday status.
GG&Me member Rich Pearl enjoys a dance with granddaughter Maddie Castor at club picnic.
Father’s Day is not just a day to honor our fathers but also a time to recognize the significant role of all father figures in our lives. Among them, grandfathers hold a special place.
Sun City’s Grandma, Grandpa, and Me club held their annual Picnic on June 1. It rained and poured, but it did not stop the fun. Grandkids ran in the rain, tried the hula hoop, jumped rope, played Speedstacks, hunted for dinosaurs in the rain, did crafts, tried limbo, and played Bingo. And, of course, had some fun with the grandparents.
What do the grandkids think about their grandfathers who joined in the fun? Sun City Grandfathers demonstrated the limbo, got up and twisted, and though primarily unsuccessful, tried keeping that hula hoop going.
They were asked, “what do you want everyone to know about your grandfather?”
“He can play harmonica.”
Logan Sutherland said about Kurt Wendhack
“He is the best Dziadzia in the world.”
Alexander Bradley said about Wally Bylina
“He is so funny.”
Paetyn Keller-Morrone said about Tony Fonte
“He likes card games.”
Noah Calderon said about Larry Wasmund
“Papaw is the best.”
Maddie Castor said about Rich Pearl
Some of the grandfathers joined in the activities at the picnic along with the grandkids, and when they asked, “What is your favorite thing to do with your grandfather?”
“Play with him.”
Jaxten and Rozlyn Malandruccolo said about Gary Malandruccolo
“Likes to make funny jokes”
Tyler Schneider said about grandpa Wendhack
“Play games and read books.”
Leo Calderon said about Grandpa Wasmund
“Go to Culvers and hang out”
Kaden Castor said about grandpa Pearl
