Some well-known Carroll County dads shared what Father's Day means to them and how they celebrate. Are you a dad? Tell us in the comments what Father's Day means to you.

Mike McMullin
President, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce

• I have 4 kids: Gary (33), Andy (31), Megan (26) Matt (23).

• I love to just spend time with my kids, maybe watching or listening to an O’s game and then having a cookout. I seldom get to do this on Father’s Day as my wife and I celebrate our anniversary on June 16, which means we're normally driving somewhere.  This year we are heading back to Michigan where we got married 28 years ago, so I celebrated Father’s Day with my three sons by going to the O’s game last Sunday when they beat the Phillies in the 10^th inning.  An awesome way to celebrate Father’s Day, especially since my oldest two sons are both fathers as well.

• Watching your children grow into fine men and women is one of the greatest joys of being a father. Actually the best thing about being a father is just hanging out with your kids and experiencing that special love and bond that can only exist between a parent and child.

• The  most challengingi part of parenting is wanting to give them all kinds of great advice because I’ve been there and made those mistakes, but knowing they won’t listen like I never listened to my parents! Another challenging thing is trying to pay for my only daughter’s wedding this Fall!

• I’ve learned to remember the days when I was younger and the world was big and dreams were still possible.

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Toy Chiavacci
Owner, Kojak Graphics
Westminster City Councilman

• Five kids, ages 19,17,15,12,9

• On Father's Day I like to tinker around my garage in the morning with my toys, maybe go for a ride on my motorcycle, go shooting at the range, play a little lax with the kids in the yard, then and go to the Riding Club with my family, cook out on the grill and hang out with other dads, including my own dad.  

• The best part of being a dad is playing an important role in the development of my children, hopefully into productive, happy, well adjusted adults.

• The most challenging part of being a dad is continually trying to guide my kids down the right path in life.

• I've learned from my kids that kids are incredibly capable, funny, entertaining, challenging, smart and usually a lot of fun to be around.

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Jeff Spaulding
Chief, Westminster Police Department

• I have two daughters--Tiffany (24) and Morgan (22).  Both are wonderful, bright and thoughtful young ladies of whom I am very proud.

• On Father’s Day I enjoy relaxing with family and watching the final round of the U.S. Open on my deck, followed by a good steak and some steamed shrimp.

• What I enjoy most about being a dad is having long conversations with my daughters.  They have both grown into thoughtful, caring and insightful young women with their own opinions (which they are more than happy to share!) and feelings. 

• As with all kids, they can’t learn from their parent’s mistakes.  Despite our best guidance, sometimes they have to try things their own way and learn their own lessons the tough way…but hopefully not too tough!

• My kids have taught me to be more patient and to stop and listen before jumping to conclusions.  In almost every case, they had the right idea for the right reason…even if I would not have approached the problem the way they did. 

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Richard Rothschild
Carroll County Commissioner

• I have two kids, ages 22 and 27

• On Father's Day I like to relax, have a barbeque with family and friends

• The best part of being a dad is having a sense of accomplishment when your kids become responsible adults with good values.

• The most challenging part of being a dad is trying to be a good role model even when I’m flustered enough to pull out my own hair.   

• I've learned from my kids that I’m not smart enough to outsmart them anymore.  

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Justin Ready
State Delegate

Father's Day will be very special for me this year because it's my first one! My wife Ruth and I welcomed our first child, Brooklyn Johannah Ready, into the world on April 27.  In past years Father's Day has always been a time for special focus on how much I appreciate my dad and the wisdom, guidance, and hard work he demonstrated when I was growing up.  One of the main causes of social problems in our country has been the breakdown of the family and particularly the absence of fathers in their children's lives.  So, I'm very thankful to have had a dedicated father who cared about our family and was a good example. (Photo attached)

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Steve Guthrie
Superintendent, Carroll County Public Schools

• I have three kids including step-children, two adults and a 15 year old.

• On Father's Day I like relaxing and enjoying the day with family. Nothing special needs to be planned.

• The best part of being a dad is helping my children achieve their dreams

• The most challnging part of being a dad is helping my children achieve their dreams.

• From my kids I have learned the importance of patience and persistence.

Haven Shoemaker
Carroll County Commissioner

• I have one son, Haven III, age 22.  

• On Father's Day, I like to relax, watch an Oriole's game, and go to dinner at my favorite German restaurant.

• The best part of being a dad is the unique opportunity a dad has to help influence (hopefully, in a positive way)  a child's life, through guidance, instruction, example, and most importantly, love. 

• The most challenging thing(s) about being a dad are striking the right disciplinary balance, and allowing your child to have enough independence so that he won't feel smothered, and he can formulate his own world view.

• As for what I have learned from my son: I've learned humility, and to be a tad more happy-go-lucky than I'd be otherwise. He's a fine young man, and I'm constantly learning from him.

Thanks for sharing, dads. And Happy Father's Day!