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8 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007 Acton BIA Fathers Day Contest Dont forget to GET ? UP! & GET ? DOWN to ACTON DOWNTOWN and fi nd that special something for dad this weekend. Hannah Ward, Anna Maria Woodhead, Maddison Rouse, John McKee, Lindsey Yake, Johnny Kosir, Emily Bundy and Kaitlyn Pellegrin They are the lucky winners of the Acton BIA Fathers Day Letter writing contest. The Acton BIA would like to thank ALL THE CHILDREN who submitted letters for our contest Why my dad is the best dad in the whole world. We had a huge response and it was very hard to make our selection. To collect your prize call 853-9555. A special thank you to the following businesses who generously donated the prizes: www.downtownacton.ca CONGRATULATIONS TO Happy Fathers Day to all Dads in Acton and surrounding areas from the Acton Downtown Merchants. Blue Springs Spa, Profi le Hair Salon, Silvercreek Spa, Giant Tiger, Acton Meadows Golf & Country Club, Blue Springs Golf & Country Club, Acton Optical, Godfathers Pizza, Town Friar, Mill Street Crossing, Tanners Pub & Grill, Xtreme Fitness, Staying Alive Fitness, Acton BIA. www.meadowvillegardencentre.com Shop the Meadowville nearest you! Wellington Rd. 124 N. (across from Guelph Lake) 519822-0840 265 Edinburgh Rd. N. (Between Paisley & Willow Rd.) 519822-8208 Meadowville is your source for... FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPE DESIGN FULL SERVICE FLORAL DEPARTMENT Rockstars Ground Cover Bring the bag back and receive a $5 in-store voucher for our Garden Centre in any denomination Sale ends Mon. June 18/07 20% $99 $1499 All Shade Trees Rockstar Perennials!!! (for your rock garden) $449ea. ea. OFF Instant Gazebo $699 Combo Stand with Double Hammock Travel Hammock in a Bag (100% nylon) Assorted Park Benches Gift Certificates seminar with Stefan Saturday, June 16 - 10am Sale 5/$20 For the Hard-to-buy-for Dad & up Big Daddy Hostas Great Price Reg. $800 $169 Reg. $199$2999 15 Ways to Be a Great Dad You may need to pass a test in order to drive, but being a father doesnt require a licence. While anyone can be a dad, there is a big difference between being just a dad and being a great dad. Dont sweat it, though, if you need to brush up on your great dad skills. You can easily do so at any time. Fathers Day offers an opportune time to get you back on track. Here are some ways to get started. 1. Dont compare sib- lings. They are separate people with varying inter- ests, talents, etc. 2. Get ready to play. That game of checkers in the living room or catch in the backyard promotes bonding and mental productivity. 3. Be prepared for the un- expected. Your baby could get sick on the night of your firms party. Or your wife may need to work late one night and need you to pick up the baby from daycare. Flexibility on your part can help control the chaos. 4. Get ready to work. Youre going to have to tote that car seat, crib, diaper bag, toys and more. It may not be the most fun in a blizzard or heatwave, but its part of the job. 5. Practice the art of pa- tience. No matter how loud your baby is crying, get- ting upset will only make it worse. 6. Dont ridicule or put down anyone in your home. Your goal is to create a positive household envi- ronment, not a negative one. 7. Listen to what your kids have to say as well as how and when they say it. By listening, youll learn about their thoughts and lives and encourage them to communicate with you even more. 8. Learn to laugh. Its true that its the best medicine and its free. 9. Give hugs, especially at the beginning and end of each day. Its a simple way of showing that you care. 10. Be sure to say, I love you. Those three words can make a kids day. 11. Keep a united front with your wife. You both need to agree on household and discipline issues and stick with them. 12. Be aware of what is going on at home. Does Sally seem nervous about something? Does Billy have a big test today? Be on top of the needs and con- cerns of your children. 13. Maintain a healthy family. Feed them a nutri- tious diet, and promote activity. Its good for not only their bodies, but their minds, too. 14. Promote honesty. Be truthful with your kids, and teach them the importance of telling and accepting the truth. 15. Spend quality time with your children. Dont just sit and watch TV. Toss around a baseball, tour the zoo or bake a batch of cupcakes. These things are what be- ing a dad is all about.