The first part of this year flew by and now we are deep into spring.  This means that the weather is warming up, which is accompanied by the usual increase in outdoor activities like spring soccer, baseball.  Most importantly, spring means summer is not far off and many more opportunities present themselves to us.  So, let’s get out there and have fun with our kids. 

The later part of winter and early spring has been loaded with many events.  It cannot be overstated how the Dads of this organization repeatedly step up and put on some fantastic events - especially over the past couple months.  In particular, I would like to thank the Mohawk and Apache tribes for putting on a Late-nighter which was a tremendous success.  The entertainment and raffles were phenomenal, raising the bar for next year’s event. 

The Seminole tribe also hosted a fun-filled tobogganing event.  I especially would like to thank Carl Wisniewski for stepping up and arranging much of the details for the tobogganing event as well as many other events within the organization.  Carl has put in remarkable energy into this group over the past year and his efforts should be applauded by all.  The Kalahari day trip was one of those new events that Carl put together - starting as a Pathfinder event it evolved into a new experience that the entire organization could enjoy. 

A huge “THANK YOU” goes out to Matt Krupa and the entire Mohican tribe as well as to the Chippewa tribe for hosting the Pine Car Derby under somewhat unusual circumstances.  As you know, the original date was cancelled due to inclement weather.  Not only was the event moved to a new date, it had to be moved to a new venue.  The efforts these dads move quickly to secure the old Rec. Center in the City of Independence.  Despite the size difference, these tribes and many other Dads and Moms pulled together to get things set up and run very smoothly.  My personal thanks go out to each of you who helped out.

What can be said about the ice cream social other than the Iroquois tribe not only served up some delicious ice cream, but also transformed the Old Rec. Center into an old fashioned ice cream shop.  After being taunted, I took pleasure in (surprisingly) defeating our wise Sachem John Falko in the dad’s ice cream eating contest.  I think we all expected something more from the Sachem in this contest. 

As we go forward into this spring season and further into the summer, it is important for each of us to recall what this organization is about – building a bond between father and child.  I commit everyone to spending as much time as you can with your kids, stay involved in their lives and build those memories that will last a lifetime.