Young men interested in becoming more proficient in the responsibilities of fatherhood will have a new and expanded facility, starting Saturday.

The Fatherhood Project in partnership with Santa Maria Community Services will host a community open house from 4-7 p.m. Friday and noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the new facility, 1007 E. McMillan St., East Walnut Hills.

Calvin L. Williams, program director, said the new facility will offer men of all ages the opportunity to become a part of a diverse community of fathers who are dedicated to staying connected to and involved in the lives of their children.

"The Fatherhood Center provides a haven for men to educate themselves, find a support system or mentor, and participate in classes on fatherhood," Williams said. "The core educational element of our facility is a 14-week fatherhood program that provides continuous learning and self-improvement."

Williams said classes will start May 21, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.

"Our goal is to reach 60 men a year," Williams said. "We have four team coaches who oversee teams with 15 to 20 fathers in each team."

The new facility features two work stations with computers and access to the Internet, phones and fax machines, a resource library, discussion areas, a conference room, kitchen and seating to encourage informal discussion, Williams said.

Future plans include showcasing the photographs and artwork of fathers and their children on the walls of the Fatherhood Center.

Williams said many of the men who seek services at the center are single parents or divorced men looking for ways to participate more fully in the lives of their children. For more information, call 487-7862.

University of Cincinnati head football coach Rick Minter will help kick off the 7th Annual Golf Classic to raise funds for StarShine, a pediatric hospice.

The classic will begin with a continental breakfast at 7 a.m. May 19. Morning and afternoon tee times are available. Call 983-6458 for reservations.

There will be cocktails, food stations, an auction and awards during the classic.

StarShine, which serves terminally ill children, operates on a $165,000 budget. The golf classic is expected to raise one-third of the budget. The agency relies on private and corporate support to continue its services of nursing visits, volunteer and social services, home-health aid, spiritual care, infusion therapy, occupational, physical and speech therapy, and medical equipment.

More volunteers are needed for Summerfair 2003 on May 30-31 and June 1 at Coney Island. To volunteer, call 531-0050.

The event will feature more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople, regional performing artists, gourmet arts and a youth arts fest.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News'' column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.