One of the most rewarding things about publishing 365Barrington.com is the opportunity to get to know more about you. We try hard to just be ourselves here and we so appreciate when you let us in on a little about your lives. It has been an honor to read more about some “Great Dads” in Barrington who were nominated by people who love them in our Father’s Day Photo Contest this year.
At dinner tonight, I put the name of each dad nominated in our contest into a bowl and had my husband draw the first winner. The person who nominated our first place dad will receive a really cool prize, thanks to L.L. Bean at the Arboretum of South Barrington. It’s the choice of a $50 gift card to spend at the store or a kayaking session for four people on the Fox River, part of L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School. When my husband drew the name of our first winner, I felt so hopeful that maybe this gift will help this family, just a tiny bit, through a really tough time. (We’re thinking of Landen and his mommy tonight.) Our first prize from L.L. Bean goes to…
Landen Ried & his Dad, William
Nominated by his son, Landen Ried
What Makes Your Dad Great?
“My daddy William Ried lost his life on May 2 this year. He was an amazing father that would do absolutely anything for me. We enjoyed working on his Mustang, going to Lake Arrowhead, and going fishing. I am going to be turning 4 this year. My daddy was going to be 27 three weeks after he died. This is going to be a really hard Fathers Day for me this year and my mommy is trying to figure out how to make it a little less horrible for me. RIP: William Ried 5/25/86-5/2/13”
(Note to Landen’s mommy – Your little rock star is so lucky to have you! We can tell his daddy will always be cherished on Father’s Day and every day of the year.)
My 4-year-old daughter, Grace, drew the name of our second winner tonight and this one is very appropriate! Because this “Great Dad” has five children and seven granddaughters and I’d say, for a big family like that, a $50 gift certificate to Barrington’s new Meatheads Burgers will come in quite handy! The new Meatheads restaurant is opening in Barrington this July right next door to Heinen’s Fine Foods at the Shops at Flint Creek. And the second winner is…
Great Dad, Tom Stedman
Nominated by Kristin Stedman
What Makes Your Dad Great?
“My dad is a great dad because he is always there for his five children and seven granddaughters. Ever since I can remember he always made time for us. He worked very hard and traveled a lot for work but he always made up the time. He coached baseball, was the Cub Scout master for his sons’ troops, was Indian Princess Chief for his daughters and Indian guides chief for the boys. Now that I’m grown and have two girls of my own he has been like a father to them, too. Their dad has been gone for almost ten years and my dad has made sure that all their wants and needs are met. He spends time with them, goes to their softball games, he even bought us a house in town so they could go to barrington schools and live by their friends. If there was ever a dad who would be named the greatest dad our dad should be him.”
Our third prize is frozen yogurt for a family of four at the brand new Blue Cherry Frozen Yogurt at 115 S. Hough Street in Barrington. And, would you believe it? Our 3-year-old son, Billy, drew the name of our third winner who is the father of two young children. And he’s a guy who, I suspect, might have use for a little Blue Cherry froyo for four…
Great Dad, David Proctor
Nominated by daughter, Emma (age 10) and Son, Jet (age 7)
What Makes Your Dad Great?
“Our dad is the best dad in the world because he always spends lots of time with us. He wrestles, swims, plays Frisbee with us and lots more stuff. He cooks for us and with us and always makes us laugh with his silly jokes and voices. He is Jett’s Cub Scout Leader and has even learned how to put my hair in a ponytail when mom isn’t there to do it. He takes us on exotic trips like Panama and Canada and totally deserves to win this contest. There is no dad better in the whole wide world.”
We so wish we had more prizes to give away for the other dads nominated in our Father’s Day Photo Contest! I’ll be in touch with our three winners this week to make arrangements to get them their prizes.
Thank you to L.L. Bean, Meatheads & Blue Cherry for sharing our prizes and thanks to all of you who entered our contest, sharing the qualities you love most about the dads in your lives. We hope you make many great new memories with your fantastic fathers in the year ahead…
Great Dad, Alford Crook
Nominated by his daughter, Katie Crook
What Makes Your Dad Great?
“He takes me to concerts, parties and more. He always supports me. He has always been there for me! If he won that would be the best birthday present for him. His birthday is June 13.”
Great Dad, Gary Kozlowski
Nominated by Casey Kozlowski
What Makes Your Dad Great?
“Gary is the guy at a party that you’ll look over and see him surrounded by kids playing a game he just made up. He is amazing with our 2 girls!”
Great Dad, David Robbins
Nominated by Grace Robbins
What Makes Your Dad Great?
“My dad is great because, well, he is always there for me. He cooks and plays with me. He is a special person in my life, my heart brightens up when he smiles and, when he gets mad, it’s always in a funny way. He will comfort me if I need it, he is kind to others and he is really funny. He is always willing to help me with my soccer skills and I wouldn’t have been in travel soccer without him. He and my mom made my dream come true when I met my idol! He says I’m a great singer and a soccer super star. He gives me complements even when I did something wrong. My dad has a great heart you will know if you meet him. He always tells jokes and I laugh real hard. David Robbins is the best dad ever and there’s no doubt about it.”
