Jeff Silvestrini, Millcreek Mayor & Father of 2 girls
What does being a man mean to you?
A man is honest, loyal, resilient, caring, kind and patient. A man provides for his family, not just financially, but socially and emotionally. A man spends time with his family, he takes care of his own physical and mental health so he can be there for others.
What is the biggest thing you've wanted to instill in your girls?
I hoped to inspire my girls to be independent, strong, and confident in their ability to take on the world. Work hard to always be able to have choices in life and to have fun.
Freddie Whittingham, Coach & father of 3, grandfather
Biggest thing you've wanted to instill in your kids?
I want my kids to know that they can always come to me for support no matter what life throws at them, I love them unconditionally. To value learning, hard work, and be resilient. Take initiative and be problem solvers. Through it all I want them to be compassionate and kind.
When you think of your dad, what is most memorable?
My dad had a reputation as being tough and intimidating, I grew up hearing countless stories about that. I still hear those stories mostly from his time as a football player and coach. But what is most memorable to me is how much he loved his family, and how he adored his grandchildren.
Josh Adams, Chief of Police & Father of 4 girls
What is the biggest thing you've wanted to instill in your kids?
Work ethic. I believe the hardest working people are the most successful. When we work hard to learn, we learn more. When we know more, we work better.
What does being a man mean to you?
I believe there is a unique trait in men that has been passed along from ancestors from the dawn of time to be providers and protectors. A good man can share these responsibilities with his partner as well. Equally, a good man can assume some of the feminine qualities of a woman to be nurturing, patient, and insightful. Any good father seeks to master this balance and pass it along to his children.
Brandon Ray Olive, Actor & Father of 3
What is the biggest thing you've wanted to instill in your kids?
Love. Love. Love. Forgiveness, Trust, Safety, Fun, Curiosity, Compassion. Always keep your head up, eyes open, and love-love-love...everyone, everything...and every bit of you. Everything, everyone, starts and ends with you. Love you. Love all.
How do you encourage open communication and trust within your family?
Nothing is off limits. Any thoughts, questions, concerns, curiosities, feelings, it's open-game. Transparency and acceptance with love, sans judgment and repercussions. We talk about everything so we can talk & feel our way through anything. Together. Outside looking in, it may seem less-manly or unstructured, but inside-looking-out? That shits’ working. Take one look at my littles and show me otherwise? #RideorDie
Dave Austin - High Performance Mindset Coach, Father of 4 boys
Thinking of your dad, what is most memorable?
He was a highly impactful Navy Champlin. When the first waves off Iwo Jima were hit during WWII – my dad was on the first boat out. I asked him why, “Because that’s where I was needed. I love God and I love my Marines.” I’ve lived my life, asking where am I needed most?”
Being a father of a special needs son, have you changed parenting at all?
We didn’t change anything. He’s a miracle and has been such an incredible joy to our family. When he was being born, the Dr’s didn’t think he would make it, but Cathy and I did. We have always relied on God.