Today marks a day where we pause to thank dads for all that they do! It is often filled with cookouts, children’s handmade artwork, relaxing afternoons, and lots of extra hugs. Sometimes, the festivities are replaced by moments of reminiscing instead and include cherished memories of dads that are no longer with us. Whether you are celebrating a dad in your life, extending collective cheers to other fathers, or are a proud dad yourself; on behalf of our staff at NEW Radio, we hope you have a wonderful and safe Father’s Day!

Staff Father’s Day Tributes

Tim Kowols (News Director): 

I've had some fantastic jobs in the past (intern with the Green Bay Gamblers and Green Bay Athletics Department, my roles here at Door County Media Group) and some not so awesome ones (packer for a soda distributor, middle school custodian), but my absolute favorite one is being a dad to my daughters Grace and Madison. Seeing them develop into the young women they are has been among my greatest blessings, and I thank my wife for bringing them into this world. Whether it is attending their school events, coaching their soccer teams, or just sitting in the car with them on a long road trip, they find new ways every day to bring a smile to my face and a new perspective on life. Similar to what I wrote on Mother's Day, I've been blessed to have some special dads in my life to help set the pace of what it takes to be a dad. I continue to chase my dad's work ethic, even as he approaches 70 years old. He spent a lot of time out of the house pursuing additional degrees and working long hours to make sure my brother and I were able to pursue our interests and our dreams. My father-in-law offers his time and his proximity daily as I try to learn things a nearly 40-year-old should have learned or should know better. I've also been inspired by many of you reading this. After calling games for 10 years, you notice things when the microphones are off, the commercials are running, or the walk in and out of athletic events. The connections I see fathers and sons make go beyond what many of us only get to see on parents' night. Oftentimes, I see the dads I hope to be in those moments just as much as the ones I've been lucky to grow up with. Thanks to all of the dads for setting the example we should all chase whether you know or not.

Jennifer Much (News Reporter):

Each year as Father’s Day approaches, it feels like it gets harder because no gift just seems perfect enough for the person I have spent my entire life admiring. As I have gotten older, surely my creative gifting abilities have evolved, hilariously, or at least, I’d like to think so. It began in grade school where students would eagerly prep a gift for their dad, and I can say now that I’m in my thirties, that it still makes me laugh that the honestly ugly, lopsided, pea-green and blue smudge vase creation I crafted up with clay for mine, is still sitting on his dresser, proudly on display. Talk about a unique antique. Beyond the years of candies, new socks, and funny inside-joke themed baubles, Father’s Day really makes me realize just how lucky I am to have my dad. It’s not really about the gifts, but the memories, and we have so many together. From attending father-daughter dances at school, to boating and visiting the horse stable, eating lunch at the park with the infamous ‘Sunshine’ cat, down to the random exchange of silly memes at all odd hours, no other words needed. My dad, Bill, has always been there for me, and still is, especially when I need him the most and no matter how ridiculous the question or favor is: How do I reset the breaker box? My car sounds like klink, klunk, rev, rattle…so what’s the problem? Do you have a [insert power tool I clearly do not own here]? Do you think this needs stitches, or no? The list is never-ending. He has taught me many things and is easily one of the hardest working people I know. Alongside being grateful for my own dad, Father’s Day is an exciting opportunity for my two kids to show their appreciation for their dad, Corey. It is such an amazing feeling to know that they have a loving papa and a great dad in their lives to bond with, too. I enjoy watching their excitement as they craft their own gifts for them, and especially look forward to our Father’s Day cookouts because you leave not only with a full belly from delicious food, but also a happy heart. Sending lots of love to all you dads; enjoy time with your families, and I hope you get some time to kick back and relax, too, you’re worth it!

Shelly Lau (Customer Delivery Specialist/On Air U-102.1):

Here’s to the dads we miss. The ones we’re distant from. The ones we’re learning to forgive. And the ones we’ll always carry with us, whether we got a lifetime together, or just one last time we didn’t know was the last. Ten and a half years ago, my dad died suddenly. One day he was here watching the Packers, winterizing a trailer, and the next day, he wasn’t. No warning. No goodbye. Just… gone. I think about that on Father’s Day. Not in a dramatic way, but in the quiet moments…when I hear the National Anthem before a sporting event, when people are talking about fishing, or when I watch a stock car or NASCAR race. Grief has no calendar, but Father’s Day is always circled. Now, Father’s Day is just another Sunday. No searching for the perfect gift. No backyard cookouts. No phone calls. No laughter coming from the kitchen. No sports on tv. Those traditions faded quickly, without notice. Just like his passing. What used to be a day full of noise and togetherness is now just like any other day. We never know when it will be our last game together, our last dinner, the last phone call. We don’t know if this will be our last Father’s Day. So this year, if you’re lucky enough to still have your dad, or to be one, take the picture. Make the call. Stay for dessert. Turn off the tv and really talk. Ask the questions you’ve always wanted the answers to. Hug tighter. Laugh harder. You never know when something ordinary will turn out to be the last time. And if Father’s Day is hard for you, for any reason, you’re not alone. Our hearts carry a lot of “lasts” that never got a warning label. But they also carry love that doesn’t leave, even when the people do.