Update from the Saratoga side of the family

Dan reports: I called Aunt Pat on her birthday March 4 - but she was out celebrating! We caught up a few days later. She said she is doing well, and updated me on her daughter Mary, grandchildren Brennan, Brienna and Shannon, and great-grandchildren Brooklyn Rae, Brennan Alexander and Cash.

Mary is very busy but enjoying her role as director of the Stepping Stones 1 Head Start facility in the Lansingburgh section of Troy, N.Y.  "It's a lot of work but she loves it," her mother said.

Shannon's senior photo

In October, Mary traveled to St. Thomas for a week-long conference. The days were filled with work sessions, but she managed to squeeze in some swimming every day. Mary also continues to coach the swimming team at the Saratoga Regional YMCA.

Shannon is now a senior at Catholic Central High School, also in Troy. She and Mary commute together from Saratoga to Troy. After graduation this spring, Shannon's plan is to join the U.S. Air Force.

Shauna Rae's birthday in January

Brennan, an ex-Marine, is currently studying at Schenectady Community College and coaching sports at Gloversville Middle School. After completing his service in late 2014, he was employed at the GlobalFoundaries semiconductor plant in Malta until a recent wave of layoffs there.

Brennan's wife, Shauna Rae, recently completed her B.A. at Empire State College and works in the Gloversville school system. They live in nearby Broadalbin. Their 4-year-old daughter, Brooklyn Rae, is in pre-school and will start kindergarten next fall. Their son, Brennan Alexander, will have his second birthday in July.

Brienna is currently working at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway. She had worked for several years at a local restaurant, but it recently closed. Her son, Cash, is also four and in pre-school, and will start kindergarten in Saratoga in the fall.

Aunt Pat sends her best wishes to all the family!