Marc Piperno, President

ET Week Media Group

Katherine Andrianas

Father’s Day is a time to honor all the important men in our lives: Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers, whomever it might be. And, to show your appreciation for all that they do, we’ve come up with a gift guide which covers something for all types of men.

For the Athlete…
Does he love to play golf? Then,
schedule a tee-time for you and dad.
If you’re not sure of where to go,
check Longislandgolfnews.com. You can scope out all the golf
courses (public or private) across
Long Island with ratings on
each. You can even find price ranges,
this way you’re able to choose a
course that works well within your
budget.

Monthly 
Subscriptions…
A great gift idea for dads and
grandfathers since you can cater to their hobbies and interests. For example; there are boxes for men who enjoy craft beer, wine, hunting, fishing, cooking, reading, working out, etc. Birchbox also has a great one for men who take pride in grooming.

Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Canoe Kayak Rentals Office
469 East Main Street, Riverhead
Thur. June 13 & Fri. June 14- 8:00PM

Treat dad to a special voyage on the Long Island
Aquarium’s Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat. As the sun
sets on the river, both you and he can enjoy commentary wine from the exquisite Raphael vineyards paired with delicious cheese and fruit all for just $39.95 per person.
Reservations: Required –
Call 631.208.9200 x426

If you’re 
looking to give Dad more, begin the night with dinner and drinks at the Seaside Grill where if you book, 
you’ll recieve 10% off your bill.

For the Wine or Beer Lover…
Tapped Enterprises and LI Beer Bus offer many different tours throughout Long Island for the dad who loves fine wine 
or a nice cold brew.

For the Fisherman…
Maybe you want to give dad an experience he’ll ­always remember. If he’s a fisherman, charter fishing is always a great idea. Fortunately, we are lucky enough to live close to the water so whether you head to the south or north shore, there are many charter boats to choose from. Trip Advisor or www.longisland.com/fishing are both great sources for finding Long Island Fishing Charters & Tours. 

For the Manly Man…
Who said flowers are just for women? Gift the man in your life 
a flower bouquet made with 100% edible beef jerky roses. Carved into flowers and presented inside a beer mug or stylish box, these manly bouquets will be a huge hit this Father’s Day. For flowers that never tasted so good, shop 
manlymanco.com

For the Guy Who 
Likes to Smell Good…
Buying dad cologne might sound
cliché but it’s a gift you can never go 
wrong with. While there are many 
great scents that will have men 
smelling great at home and on the go, 
SpiceBomb by Viktor Rolf, 
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, 
Dior Sauvage and Creed Avantus 
are a few of the most popular for 2019.

Need For Speed …                        
What kind of fancy car is it that dad always wishes he could drive? Whether it’s a Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Corvette, Rolls Royce, etc., get him behind the wheel and rent his favorite car for the day. With driveshare.com, all you need to do is enter your zip code and you can find all available cars nearby, with their pricing. 

Schedule Him a Spa Day…
Does dad work hard and take little time to himself? 
Even though we often associate spa days to be for the
ladies, it’s a great way for men to unwind. So, show him you care by treating him to an afternoon of personalized pampering. After a massage or facial, he’s bound to return home more rejuvenated than when he left. 

Last but not least…

Have a family BBQ for the man of the house because sometimes that’s the best gift of all!

Rachael Severino is a senior at Sachem North High School in Sachem School District. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work. 

No matter what you choose, your graduate will be grateful you thought of them and got a present suited to the new life they are beginning. Remember to hug them and wish them well on their journey.

June has arrived and so has that date in your calendar labeled Graduation. This ceremony’s importance represents moving on from thirteen years of required education to a university, job, or even a year of travel and experience. As with all big life events, gifts are typically given. What to get is often the question. You do not need to spend copious amounts of money to show your graduate love and admiration, but do put thought and care into it. 

Present your graduate with a heartfelt gift; like a framed photo for them to keep as they enter a new chapter in their life. Take your favorite picture of yourself and the graduate, blow it up on glossy photo-paper, then have it framed. When things get rocky at a new job or college far from home, this gift will provide a familiar warmth and life-long comfort. 

Books about starting a life on your own, typically for college freshmen, are a helpful and stabilizing gift. There are plenty of guide books offering direction to college freshmen and people living on their own for the first time. Many of these books are even written by authors the same age as the graduate, providing genuine insight. 

Jewelry is an excellent gift for a female graduate. Earrings, necklaces, and rings accented with the main color of their new university, can show how excited you are for her to start college. 

If you know your graduate is moving away for college at the end of the summer, consider purchasing some of the items on their dorm check list. A more expensive backpack for the next couple of years can also be a hit. Fjallraven Kanken Backpacks have an excellent selection as they are water resistant, durable, easy on the back, and come in various colors and sizes. These backpacks can survive any climate and more than just a few textbooks. 

Fun, more kitchy presents to keep in a new apartment or dorm are always appreciated. A small popcorn maker will guarantee yummy snacks for late night projects; while a coffee machine will help keep them energized even on the longest of days.  

A travel mug is incredibly helpful for those who are on the go. If they’re heading to back-to-back classes or shifts, a tumbler to hold their warm drink–or even soup–is a Godsend. 

And, as with everything, cash to help start this new chapter of their life is the easiest go-to and most useful. A new college student can put the money towards textbooks or their first tuition payment.

Marc Piperno
President
ET Week Media Group

    Mother’s Day, by far is the most celebrated holiday of the year. Honoring love of country or an historic political figure, never seems to match up to the level of attention of Mom. There is a 
sense of duty on Mothers Day. From the moment we wake up, till we are ready to turn in, we work hard to make it special. A day to show our appreciation for the person who has the toughest job on earth…balancing family and for most, their careers. 
    What is it about Mom that war- rants such pampering and attention on this day? The answer is clear. She delivers life. The one that carries and nurtures from our birth till her death. 
    A life's journey that is driven her to care for us to encourage and devote her life's work to us and family. It's a big job to keep it all tied together. She is the iconic anchor, and foundation, deeply rooted, keeping family values intact. 
    My earliest remembrance of Mom was her coming to open school day. It was a time when the parents had the chance to observe our class, while it was being conducted. I was eight years old. As my mother entered the class- room, I remember saying to myself,  how beautiful she looked! How blessed I was to have such a Mom. "Yup, that's my Mom"  I'd say to my buds, as I proudly showed her off. 
     Though my mother worked a full time job, there was always a deliciously prepared home cooked meal on the table every single day. It was important back then for the family to join at "dinner time"! Yes, we live in a different world today! It's getting even harder in today's world to be a Mom. 
    I also remember the times when I was unsure of myself. The times when there was doubt about my ability. To realize and understand that life has it's obstacles and that there is always a new path that can be taken, to reach greener pastures. For me, it was her belief and encouragement that has left an indelible mark on my character. 
    Mom was my best friend. She was my confidant, my support system. The one person, above all that would unselfishly sacrifice her time and love to nurture. 
    The maternal mission of Mom is to keep her family strong. It is why I raise my arm and proudly salute all Moms for your love, devotion and faith in keeping the sanctuary of family alive.

    Miss you dearly.

Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in small businesses and nonprofit organizations, and Managing Partner of SevBerg Global, LLC, a creative marketing and business consulting firm. 

    Mother’s Day is the day for quality time with your mom, sister, wife, daughter, friend or other special someone who has left their mark on you as a maternal figure. It is a day to celebrate love, share moments and, as custom has it, bring a token of your affection in the form of a gift. Gift giving is very difficult for some. “I never know what to get” is something I hear more often than one would think. Gift giving need not cause stress or angst for the giver. Instead, read on for some tips and ideas that may help you select the perfect gift.
    Mother’s Day gifts come in all forms and price points. Last minute shoppers often end up with a potted plant or flower that does not reflect the love they have for the mom in their life. Instead, give some thought to the type of woman for whom you are shopping. I am a firm believer that gift giving is a very personal thing; selecting a gift will feel right when you have an item or service planned that you know will bring a smile to her face. So before you begin your shopping, I encourage you to consider the person. Is she a professional, a painter, great cook,  fitness buff, wellness devotee, avid reader, make-up enthusiast,   coffee fiend or a foodie? Or, a woman with another avid passion? Every woman is a complex combination of love, ambitions and interests, so I expect you may have said, “Yes” to several of these. It’s not about choosing all of them…it’s about selecting something from among her passions. It is about showing her that you know who she is and appreciate all of her.

Monthly subscription clubs are great gift options. You can buy a year, half year, or a three-month subscription based on your budget. Whatever term you select, you will light up her day with boxes that arrive monthly with a bevy of treats to appeal to her tastes. There are now subscription kits for nearly every taste, from skin care to Disney fans to nerd boxes.

If, perhaps, she is wild at heart, feed her desire for adventure with a zip lining experience, sky diving or a day of driving exotic cars.

Paint or Plant nights are very popular and typically come complete with a glass or two of wine – a combination that provides a fun and creative evening.

If you want something closer to home, you may consider a gift certificate for an experience that speaks to one of her interests. Spa days are a wonderful option and can soothe the mind of the most stressed lady in your life. 

An overnight getaway at a favorite hotel or bed-n-breakfast is a great way to show her how special she is.

A series of Yoga or Pilates classes can be a great gift for her if she is looking to be healthier and connect with her inner self.

For those who prefer to gift merchandise, there are boundless options. Some favorites I have heard from friends and family have included a plush bathrobe, a piece of jewelry (choose what works within your budget), bath products in her favorite scent, or a collection of books she has been meaning to read.

Gift Basket companies have great pre-made options from which you can choose, something with goodies that you know she will enjoy. Many also offer custom options where they can build a basket with her favorite things. The price includes the items in the basket, along with the services of putting the basket together and ensuring delivery.

Consider a handbag she has been admiring, or a new piece of tech to help her feel on top of her game. 

Sometimes, it is the most personal DIY gifts that have the greatest impact. Framing a child’s drawing may create a gift that will bring a mom to tears; a handmade craft just for Grandma may provide the perfect sentiment. Whether she is nearby or far away, an old photo from childhood imposed onto a pillow or blanket may be the exact gift to warm your sister’s heart.

If it’s entertainment she craves, bring her out for dinner and a show. Help her make a memory she will not forget.

Whether you choose a gift that invokes relaxation, favorite tastes or takes a page from her latest hobby, be sure to choose a gift that shows you thought about who she is – as someone in your life and as a person with remarkable interests. Though she may love the gift you choose, it will actually be the time you dedicated to finding it that wins her heart.

Wishing you and all the moms in your life a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with warm hugs, big laughs and memories to last on this next trip 
around the sun.