Dads, your children need you.  They need your love, your nurturing, your role modeling, and your guidance including but not limited to positive discipline.  For those who are separated, remember that regardless of how often you see or talk to your child, your influence is strong.  Your child needs to know that you care about him 

and love him.   Oh sure, they can get along without you, but their chances of making the most of their lives and reaching their full potential improve when you are in their corner. For you Dads who conscientiously parent and support your children, you are much admired, and we salute you.

Men throughout our community give of their time and selves for others.  Closest to us, are those who are involved with Better Beginnings, in one way or another.  This is especially important because our staff is entirely female.
 
At the head of the parade is Liston Abbott, who for 35+ years has been involved in guiding and giving to Better Beginnings.  He also regularly mentors young potential Engineers and has been involved in many charitable activities.  Pete Bussone generously spares and shares time, energy, expertise and bounty with us in many ways.  Male classroom volunteers are very, very important.   Mr. Jerry Turkle has been a caring role model for years.   Mr. Jonathan Craig finds many ways to be supportive.  Others that help in various ways including repairs, classroom support, food service, computer repair, fundraising and more include Jose Calmo, Freddie Howard, Marcel

This category also includes the volunteer firemen, our Police officers, and our volunteer rescue squad.  Any time we have ever had to call any of these, they respond so fast, they seem to be at Better Beginnings almost before we return the telephone to the cradle.  In addition, they do other protective things and provider things such as collect toys for Christmas and answer wide-eyed questions at classroom visits.

It also includes all those in our community who coach, mentor and otherwise offer time and caring for our children.  The Big Daddy of this category is John Fiore, whose caring ways extend way beyond his P.A.L. duties.  Not so obvious, but still in the protective, guiding role are those who give their time and talent in governance roles, including Mayoring and Counciling, as well as serving on Committees.

There are many others, of course.  These are just a sample.

Thank you so much, all you guys, you are needed and sincerely appreciated.

It never occurred to him at any time to "lay back".   He is one of those who never talked about his experience except to say that God had spared him for a reason and he sought always to help others.   He was our original Santa at Better Beginnings.  He bought his own Santa suit for the purpose and really got into that role for many years, so much so that he actually wore out his Santa suit.  He is a talented woodworker and through the years made many items for us, including cabinets, large wheel toys, and beautiful items for our 

He is my choice for Like-A-Dad of the century.

They also gave reasons "Why we shouldn't watch too much TV":

Hurts your eyes
Makes your brain hurt
You forget what you learn at school

Reading is important, and the Kiks organization at Kreps School, through the Childrens Home Society, underscored this