June 16th is Father’s Day, a day to celebrate 50 percent of why you are here. But a paternal bond can mean so much more. Children who are close to their fathers are twice as likely to go to college or find a stable job after high school, 80 percent less likely to spend time in jail and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms.

For the first time, MAD DADS (Men Against Destruction-Defending Against Drugs and Social-Disorder) is hosting a series of drives to help people get ready to cast their ballots in November. On Sunday, MAD DADS set up from noon to 4 p.m. at the Potters House Soul Food Bistro off Lenox Avenue. MAD DADS is encouraging people to use their voting power to boost turnout in the November election. We want to encourage people to participate in government, said Gary Bright with MAD DADS. Police should use some of those resources to fight mental illness, other issues that involve crime, Bright said.