Making Dad's Day Great

It's not always easy coming up with Father's Day gifts.

It often seems everything out there is geared towards mom, while dear old dad gets stuff like soap on a rope.

Craftswoman Nancy McCormick encountered the problem while trying to come up with a Father's Day activity for the Massapequa Public Library.

"I saw an ad in a craft magazine about [staining] flower pots, but that's not masculine enough,"  she joked. After further glancing through Crafts and Things, she decided that she could teach students to stain little wooden buckets, a much more dad friendly gift than flower pots. "He can put whatever he wants in it … pencils, nails ..." she said.  

The Central Avenue  branch will be holding crafts projects for students this week in order to create an original and creative gift for dad.  On Friday from 4:30-5:45 in the Children's Room, McCormick will instruct middle and high school students on how to stain and decorate the wooden cups. 

"It's a social event in addition to a craft," Peter Cirona,  the young adult series librarian, said.  

Since McCormick is only able to take 12 children for this event, Cirona asks that people sign up in advance.  you can call  the library at 516-798-4607, to reserve your child's spot. There is also a $4.00 fee, which covers the cost of materials.  

Once the craft is finished, students will place Hershey Kisses in the cup. 

"I just hope they're happy with the crafts," McCormick said.  Dads with a sweet tooth, will undoubtedly be pleased.

On Thursday, the Central Avenue library will also be holding "Stepping Along with Books," an event where children listen to a story and create a father's day craft. This will take place at 1:30 for children ages 3-5. Later in the day, at 4:00, crafter Jean Hall, who has been working with the library for roughly ten years, will aide children ages 5-8 in a small craft. 

Unfortunately, both classes require a registration and have been filled to capacity. However, people can be added to the waiting list, which children's librarian Jermaine Booth highly suggests doing. 

Some Massapequa dads and kids  prefer sports and will check out the Massapequa Soccer club's 37th annual Father's Day Intramural Soccer Tournament, which will take place at John Jay Burns Park Friday and Saturday. You can check the club's website for schedules. 

"The tournament is for intramural players [ages 6-14] across Long Island to compete and have fun playing soccer," said Janine Howe, the club's secretary.  

Tournament director, Bill Dougherty, said over 120 teams will be competing from 27 different soccer clubs, such as East Meadow, Levittown, Garden City, Dix Hills and Kings Park, to name a few.  

This year, the tournament will honor a very special dad.

"We are renaming it this year in honor of founding member, first club president and long time coach and volunteer, Pat McComiskey, who passed away last year," Dougherty said. 

The club is working to put together a small ceremony Saturday at 1:00 in honor of McComiskey, where his daughters will be honored.  

All activities are leading up to Sunday, Father's Day itself. If you're planning on heading out early in the morning on Sunday, perhaps brunch at Paddy's Loft, at 1286 Hicksville Road, will be a good way of spending the day with your family.  

Brunch begins at 10:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm. While enjoying steak and eggs, French toast, or the highly regarded lobster and seafood, dad can "watch a little U.S. Open golf or the World Cup," Noel Cannon, owner of the restaurant, said. 

"It [Paddy's Loft] has good, hearty food and a pleasant family environment," Cannon said. "The frying pan is always on and kettle is always hot," he said.  

If you and your family are craving Italian, Sergio's, 5422 Merrick Road, opens at 12:00 and will be serving its early bird special from 12:00-4:00 starting at 12.95 which includes an appetizer, salad, main course and dessert. Complete dinner of over 40 different entrees will be served all day starting at 17.95. 

If you're family is looking for a traditional barbequed meal on Father's Day, Smokin' Al's, 4847 Merrick Road, will be open for its usual hours, starting at noon on Sunday.  

Whether it's putting together a small craft, kicking a winning goal or enjoying a nice meal with family, Father's Day 2010 in Massapequa is sure to be a great day.