MacKay Clan Grand Council



MacKay Clan Courier

EDITION # 64 JULY 2003

[pic]

MacKay Clan Grand Council

Kenneth MacKay, Chieftain

Stuart MacKay, Chieftain Emeritus

Helen Sutton

Gary Martineck

Marvin Dunn

John MacKay

Roy McCready

Mickey Martineck

Roger MacKay

Edward MacKay

Jim Sarra

Advisory Board

Ginny Clark

Marilyn Cash

Milford Dunn

Jerry MacKay

Mark McCready

Bob Sutton

Robert MacKay

Tom MacKay

Chaplains: Rev. Raymond Dunn

Michael Martineck

Historians: Dawn Sutton

Adele MacKay

This edition of the Clan Courier is dedicated in loving memory to Ron McCready, whose death on January 10, 2003 saddened us all.

The MacKay Clan Courier has been published since 1968 and will continue only with your support. It is each family’s responsibility to submit articles. Without these articles, there would be no Clan Courier. Please do your part to keep this tradition alive!

Chieftain’s Message

This is my first year writing this message and already I’ve received a notice that I’m late. I’m sure that I’m not alone in habitually having problems with time and deadlines. But despite what I do, time moves on. It’s been thirty-five years since the first meeting of the Clan MacKay in my parents’ backyard. When I look back on the photos from that first reunion, there are things that align with my memories and things that don’t. I don’t remember that many “beehive” hairdos, but I’m probably not alone. I don’t remember my father being younger than I am now, but the photos show that he was. I also don’t remember my grandparents looking so strong and vital, but maybe that is because my fondest memories of them were several years later when they seemed to be the only ones to listen to a troubled teenager.

Most of all, I don’t think that all of us knew then how important the memories of all of these reunions would be.

All of us look forward to the 35th Annual Reunion and hope to see each of you there.

Ken MacKay

New Members to the Clan

Amy Ranum, by marriage to Carl Martineck on December 14, 2002

Rod Ritz, by marriage to Debbie MacKay Bouchard on June 21, 2003.

Welcome to the MacKay Clan!!!

MacKay Clan Web site



The web site has undergone some updating – check it out! We hope to continue to expand it, especially in the area of Clan History.

We have added a link for “lost” family members – where are they? There are several clan members for whom we have no address, no family updates, or have an invalid e-mail address. If you have updated info on any of these folks, let us know.

The links for each branch of the family are there to be used in any way you’d like – family info, pictures, etc. We’d like to add the biography for each sibling (more on that at the reunion). Items you would like to have posted should be e-mailed to smsarra@.

We can also have links connecting to other web sites of interest to Clan members – if anyone has a business site, etc. Let us know your ideas!

Roger MacKay Family News

Greetings to the Clan - We have had a roller coaster ride since February

when Phyllis went to Florida on her annual "R & R" with girls she went to

school with. During those few days, Rog became sick with pneumonia and

spent two days in the hospital with mild congestive heart failure. Took some time to recover and since then has been undergoing a variety of tests with cardiologists and neurologists. Hopefully, everything will come out

OK.

At the moment, our garage is empty of "old" cars. Rog sold the l929 sedan delivery and the l958 Impala. The search is on for a new ride now!

Happy news is that Debbie will be married to Rod Ritz on June 21 and we

happily welcome him to our family. Rod has two sons, ages 7 and 9. They have bought a lovely home in Lockport and are very excited about their new life together.

Michael, now 8 years old, is very active in sports; baseball, hockey and soccer - and a real Yankee Fan! Samantha continues to do well and has had a great winter with no trips to the hospital!

News from Tom in North Carolina is good - enjoying his food service job and life there. Lots of warm days and golfing!

Looking forward to seeing all of you in August .....

Roger and Phyllis MacKay

Bob Sutton Family News

On Sunday February 16th, Kelly and Pete’s first anniversary, Delaware got 23 inches of snow. Bob didn’t feel like shoveling, so he had a heart attack instead. The ambulance couldn’t even get to our house! To make a long story short, the docs found 4 blockages, and Bob had quadruple bypass surgery on Thursday, Feb 20th. Needless to say, we were shocked and dismayed!

Bob is doing very, very well. He has lost 30 pounds, is working out, eating right and feels better than he did before the surgery. His diet has changed drastically which means so has mine! I HATE fish, but I have cooked and eaten more fish in the past 3 months than in my entire life. Obviously, it’s doing great things for Bob. Easter weekend was the first time he could swing all of his golf clubs. Luckily the winter and spring were so horrible that he didn’t miss golf that much. He’s playing now, back to normal, although his game is a bit off. (Yes, Gary and Jim, he wants strokes!)

Kelly and Pete are fine. They decided to bite the bullet and buy a “real” house. They’re buying a new construction home in West Grove, PA, which is about 35 minutes away from us. They chose PA because the public school system is better there. The house is beautiful with 4 bedrooms, a 2-car garage, family room with a fireplace, front and back stairs to the second floor, finished basement with a powder room, etc. It should be ready by the end of September. They won’t try to sell their townhouse until later in the summer, so that they are not “homeless” as Bob and I were when we sold our big house. Our granddogs will finally have a yard to romp in!

Greg is deployed as I write this. I can’t tell you where he is, but he’s east of the United States. Of course he’s delighted to finally get some action. I would have been just as happy had he stayed in Virginia Beach for the entire time he’s in the Navy, but that didn’t happen. He contacts us by e-mail, seems to be doing well. He should be home sometime in July, but we’re not sure. We’re not sure about a lot of things, but that’s the way the military operates.

I’m fine, still trekking to Baltimore to work 2 days a week. I joined a 9-hole women’s golf league and have not improved one bit but am meeting some nice ladies.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Bob and I will be there, Kelly and Pete can’t make it this year, and Greg is questionable, as always.

Nau Family News

John has finally succumbed to the Rock Musician's life and received 30 tattoos and 12 body piercings. He is quite a piece of walking art.

Marjie is still at the bank, embezzling all she can. SHHH-she hasn't been caught yet. I believe we will be planning a move out of the country soon.

Lisa is dating a 25 year old-he is giving her great life experiences.

Julia is spending time in youth detention camp-we'd rather not talk about the circumstances.

We feel we are making the MacKay name proud.

See you at the Clan.

Watts Family News

In April Jim & Lynn celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary by flying out to Sacramento, CA. First stop was at my sister's Lori's house. Lori's daughter, Danielle and her boyfriend came over and we went out for lunch. Then we started on our journey up to the Konocti Harbor and Spa Resort. We followed Lori and Danielle. Second stop was at a casino on the way. After a while we continued on our way. Just driving up there was quite an experience. The roads were so curvy. Felt like we needed Dramamine. Finally made it there late Thursday night. Checked in and was exhausted. Felt like we just laid down and the phone rang. Terrible ice storm had hit the Rochester and Buffalo area. Jim had to call his employees and tell them to not try to get to work. I had to call Kory and see how he was. Luckily schools were closed so he didn't have to drive any where. So after 3 hours of sleep we were wide awake. Took a drive around Kelseyville and had breakfast. Beautiful country out there. Later in the afternoon we met up with Lori and Danielle for lunch, then Danielle and I went for a massage. Nice!! Friday night we went to a concert~ of course, Rick Springfield. My reason for planning this trip!! :-) It was fun. Saturday morning we woke up early and drove down to Pebble Beach. Jim had a tee time at 1:30. We stayed at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Very nice. Beautiful drive to Pebble Beach. I was resting in my room and all of a sudden I thought I heard bagpipes. I did!! I looked out and a bagpiper was walking down the greens playing. So cool!! I have to admit our 29th anniversary was perfect!! Can't wait to see what we do for 30!! LOL

Jim went to the Masters a week after we arrived home. Then a week after that we packed up my car and took Kory and his girlfriend down to PA to visit Jim's Mom and sisters. Then we continued down to Washington, DC to visit Kristina. It was a nice time. Went to the Washington zoo. In May I flew to Omaha. Denise, Karen, and one of Karen's friends and I drove down to Kansas City for a girls' weekend getaway. Of course this included a Rick Springfield concert on Saturday night. We had a really great time. Lots of laughs. Actually met Rick in the lobby of the hotel. We drove back to Omaha on Sunday and I visited with my Dad. Monday flew home. By the way Dad will be here the end of July for 2 weeks. In June, Denise, Mike and Karen and I fly to Chicago to see another Rick concert. I think I have Denise and Karen hooked!!

Kory is now attending Canisus College. He did pretty good his year. Sad to say he doesn't play soccer any more. I sure do miss it. He works at Pizza Hut on the island too. He is still with Jessi, almost 3 years now. Infact, she lives with us now. In the beginning of the year she had trouble with her family and moved in with us. Jim fixed up Kristina's old room for her. I think it has been good for her. She made the honor roll for the first time and in the fall she will attend NCCC.

Kelly has taken a research position at the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center. Her job entails detailed analysis of various MRI scans in order to determine how Multiple Sclerosis effects the brain. She has been focusing mainly in brain atrophy and lesion load. The goal of the research done in the BNAC is to find a cure for MS.She has an apartment in Buffalo.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion this year.

Lynn

Mickey Martineck News

Proud parents Mickey and Judy announce that son Michael recently published his 1st book, a fantasy science fiction story, “The Misspellers”. It is aimed at children 9-12. The story is about a boy who casts a “mis-spell” separating his body and takes place on a fictional island in Western New York

In addition to several book signings he appeared on AM Buffalo and was interviewed by Linda Pellegrino.

Lawrence Family News

As usual we have been busy traveling over the past year, including four trips to Disney World. We spent a week there at the end of September staying in the newly completed Beach Club Villas. In November, Eileen attended a conference for work at the Contemporary resort. During this trip we experienced the Food and Wine Expo at Epcot for the first time.

In January we made our annual trip for the Disney World Marathon. We were

both able to finish and receive our "Mickey" medals despite's Dave missing

about four months of training due to a sciatic nerve problem. Our most recent trip was in mid April when we took nieces Lisa and Julia Nau. We had a nice time and were able to see almost everything despite it being the week before Easter.

Dave's leg improved enough so that he could train again, but fast walking was still a problem. So he decided to walk a couple more marathons this Spring completing the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati and the Buffalo Marathon just three weeks apart. Eileen will be competing in the NYS Senior Games in Cortland in June and both will participate in the Empire State Games in July, which are being held in Buffalo this year.

Eileen dusted off her bowling ball this year and bowled in an Adult/Junior

league with nephew Stuart. They bowled well enough to capture second place in their league!

Nau Family News II

John's business, NAU Engineering is going great. He has a tremendous amount of business. There is never a shortage of musicians that require custom amplifiers and repairs. John is playing in a band, the Jupiter 4H Project-with gigs across New York-2 at the Tralf in Buffalo. Ask cousin Cindy Chase and Aunt Ginny about it-Cindy has become the #1 fan. He has also stepped up as Manager of Julia's travel soccer team-a constant flow of e-mails, phone calls and coordination.

Marjie is still at M&T Bank-taking a new job May 1 as Operational Risk and Compliance Manager for the Consumer Lending Division. It is a new group, so it will be exciting to create the structure from the ground up. This position allows a little more flexibility so the daily Rochester/Buffalo commute can be lowered by 1-2 times per week-a little relief after a challenging winter. She continues to be the Church School Superintendent for the church.

Lisa and Julia went to Disney World during spring break with Uncle Dave and Aunt Eileen and had a great time. I think they covered every inch of all 4 parks in just 5 days.

Lisa will be spending the summer at a church diocese camp and as a youth diocese representative to the National Episcopal Convention in Minneapolis. She can't wait to learn to drive since she turned 16 on June 21st-watch out on the roads!

Julia has been playing soccer non-stop as well as being the youngest member of the church hand bell choir. She also has quite the busy social schedule.

Sutton Family News

Helen started the New Year with a bad case of Bronchitis and was on a nebulizer 4 times a day and had to stay indoors for 3 weeks. Then April 9th went to the hospital with a blockage in the main artery and was operated on April 14th for an angioplasty. She was weak for a couple of weeks. Don took care of her and cleaned, washed, and cooked. She missed watching Nicole and Brooke 2 days a week and now is down to 1.

Crocker Family News

Everything is going good with us. Nicole will be cheerleading for the Bel Air Redskins again this year and she is 9 years old now. Brooke played soccer and loved being the goalie and she is 6 years old. They both keep me very busy and are starting to test the waters with their mouth (they inherited that from Aunt Dawn). Hope to see everyone in August.

Ken MacKay Family News

Late spring/early summer finds the Kenneth S. MacKay branch engaged in their own private “Scottish games” …various family members have been wielding sledge hammers to break up concrete, hole-digging with the assistance of a gas powered auger, hoisting and sinking 10 foot posts, and screwing panels in place…under the supervision of Chieftain Stu and the ever reliable assistance of employee Dave, we have put up a fence. Aye…and what a straight fence she is!

Here’s the latest:

Stuart academically qualified for a “Survivor Weekend” along with 25 classmates from his 7th grade team. One of those rainy weekends in May the group camped out at Letchworth State Park – no tents, just “team-built shelters”. Stuart had a blast; of course he came home with lots of dirty/wet things, but he really learned a lot about the wilderness and planet Earth. Now, if he could only convince his parents to take him camping…Other highlights for Stuart include an October to May Bowling League with Aunt Eileen (ask him how much his average climbed – they came away with 2nd place), “Student of the Month” and lots of academic awards, “Gold Rating with Distinction” for his middle school band NYSMA competition (he played a mean crash symbol)…and this summer Stuart will be learning all about rowing and crewing at the West Side Rowing Club at their first ever “Crew Camp”.

Emily is finishing up an all important junior year in high school. She’s has had all those moments like “junior ring ceremony”, “date dance”, and PROM. This year her school started its first ever band. Emily was asked to try trumpet (she’s played the flute for years) and she is doing well enough that next year she will be sitting in the first trumpet chair. The jazz band (an off shoot of the entire band) has been invited to play at “The Tralf” this fall and the first ever all girl marching band from Mount Saint Mary’s debuted at the Ken-Ton Memorial Day Parade. The band traveled to NY City in March and hopes to play at Disney next spring. (Check out the “Next” section in the Buffalo News – June 11, 2003.)

Parker completed his first year of college (Yea!!). He’s been on the Dean’s List for both the fall and spring semesters. A requirement of the Honors Program is to take an Honors Seminar each semester. Fall semester he took a course that explored (and traveled) the Erie Canal. Now that he is home for the summer he’s been doing A LOT of work for us with our house (refer back to the fence…). There is plenty to keep him busy with our place and his grandparents.

Finally, Ken and I are busy. We are trying to walk Delaware Park every morning and have committed to attending Dave and Eileen’s “Summer Walk Series”. It feels good to be moving after that long winter.

The office is working on a fire hall for the Brighton Fire District. The buildings at the Weinberg Campus have opened and received very positive reviews. In addition to the innovative health care program being implemented at the Weinberg Campus, the buildings themselves are quite innovative. An attention to both movement through and occupation of the spaces is supported by the use of natural daylight. The professorship requirements Ken now has to consider will only enhance the work our office produces. Ken is off to Detroit for a seminar regarding teaching at a well known art academy. Upon return, more work on the house, office and school…it all goes together.

And finally, remember the fence? Well, now I have a great space to garden. My sister-in-law, Eileen, will tell you I move my plants/shrubs/trees around the way most people move their furniture.

“A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.” – Marcel Proust

As always,

Good health and best wishes to all!

Michael Martineck News

Our lives are so much easier now that we have a two-year old in the house. Sarah and I no longer worry about what we're going to watch on television, have for dinner or even where to sit? All that is being decided for us now by our new addition, Nina. I had no idea that people were born with such innate fashion sense and decorating skills. It's amazing what you forget as you get older. For instance, I never thought of doing our living room

in primary colors, with accents from the Little Tykes and Fisher Price collections. I never knew Blues Clues shoes went with everything. Even if you're wearing nothing.

Sarah is still permitted to go to Buffalo Spine Surgery and help people. I am still permitted to go work on the buses, as Nina puts it. Which is great for us, as neither one of use likes taking orders from just one small person all the time. Variety is the spice of life.

My novel, The Misspellers, continues to sell. Sadly, the Pulitzer committee did not call this year. If anyone in the family knows someone, that would be cool.

McCarthy Family News

Dan and I continue to enjoy retirement. We keep busy with the lawn and garden (Dan’s area) and quilting projects (mine). We also have taken of some wonderful travel opportunities. This April we took the Amtrak “Sunset Limited” to Los Angeles, then the” Surf Liner” to San Diego. We spent two enjoyable days there, before boarding the Celebrity Infinity for a cruise. We stopped in Mexico and Costa Rica, then made the passage thru the Panama Canal, went on to Aruba and back to Fort Lauderdale. The cruise ship and weather were beautiful. One of the couples at our table spend their summers in East Amherst. It’s a small world.

The kids are all doing well. Tim and Michelle’s three are growing like weeds. They just completed their school year. Monica finished 1st grade and JJ graduated from Kindergarten. Little Reese toddles around trying to keep up with his brother and sister. Michelle has been busy ever since her graduation last year as a Dental Hygienist. Sometimes we have to remind her to stop and take a rest.

Megan has had a busy first year as director of the Elementary division of Parke House Academy in Winter Park. After a year’s preparation, they were reviewed by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and will receive full accreditation in late June.

Dan Jr. and Lori gave me a special Mother’s Day gift with their announcement of a new grand child on the way. Lori is due in November. Dan is still involved with off shore tournament fishing with the team from the boat firm where he works. He is planning on a son to help him crew the boat. They are settled in their new home. Their new address is 634 N.E. Newhall Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 32983.

Ginny Clark spent February and March with us. We put her to work painting the trim on the house, because she does such neat work. Due to a mix up on our part, we missed seeing Dave and Eileen Lawrence at the Disney Marathon. We will catch up with them this summer as we plan to be there for the 35th picnic. That should really be a special event and we are looking forward to seeing all of you.

Mary Jane

Gary Martineck Family News

Hello from the Ohio Martinecks. Except for Scott and Grandpa Carl, whose lives have stayed pretty constant, the rest of us have been busy or changing.

Scott is still working at the movie theater, but over the winter he went back to high school to co-coach the improv group. He and another former classmate were involved with the group all through high school. The Improv is held once a month in a small theater and has become so popular over the years that this year they had to turn audiences away to avoid overcrowding. Gary and I used to enjoy

going to these performances. Sometimes they were very bit as good as "Whose

Line Is It Anyway".

Due to changes and short staffing at the Animal Hospital my parttime job went into over time for a couple of months. I had several 12-13 hour days and although I love my job I'm just getting too old for that kind of schedule. Fortunately things have gotten back to normal now and I finally can get some things done around the house.

In October Gary's company asked him to work at another plant where they were having trouble due to tyrannical management. He was able to smooth things over, so well, in fact, that they asked him to continue on there permanently. He had been working only 8 minutes from home and now is an hour away. From Dec. through Feb. he kept an apartment up there during the week. This helped him to learn their manufacturing processes and get to know the people on all three shifts. After nearly a record snow fall this winter, I was glad he didn't have to make that drive twice a day.

The biggest news is from Carl. In October, he became engaged to Amy Ranum, whom he had dated for two years. She is a teacher of social studies for children with special needs. Amy is originally from North Dakota where her family operates a farm. Then on December 14 they were married in Las Vegas. We couldn't pass up the chance to see our first born be married so Gary and I flew out and attended with 3 of their friends. It went by so fast that I'm glad we've got alot of pictures. We are very happy for them and very pleased to have Amy as a part of our family.

We will be flying up to ND for the July 4th weekend to meet the Ranum clan at a reception/picnic at the farm. I've been in contact with Amy's mother, Bonnie, by email and I already like her alot. We are looking forward to the trip.

The very next weekend after the wedding, Gary flew out to Phoenix to see Carl graduate from Arizona State. He then helped Carl move to Denver where he started back to college to work on his next degree.

Unfortunately, Amy had to finish out the school year and will finally be moving to Denver the second week of June. Amy was very lucky to get another teaching job in Littleton on only her second interview doing exactly what she was doing in Phoenix.

I am pleased to announce that Carl and Amy will be attending the Clan Reunion this year. To celebrate we willing be having a reception for them on Friday night Aug. 1. from 6PM to 9PM at Morgan's Restaraunt at 3485 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, just south of Sheridan Dr. Everyone is invited to attend. Please RSVP to me by July 15 at: Bonton511@ or 330-487-1040.

Hope to see you there and, if not, we'll see you Sat. In the meantime have an enjoyable summer.

Don Martineck Family News

All is well with us. We love our new house, but will probably be working

on it until the end of time - the good thing about that is we enjoy doing it. Don has been elected a Village Trustee since we moved here and is enjoying it so far - the phone hasn't rung with any constituent complaints yet! We are so proud for Jim as he became permanently hired at the GM Powertrain Plant as of April 1st. He only has one year left at

NU and will have an MBA and a Finance concentration to add to his

Economics BS he got at Hobart. Taylor is playing softball and progressing very well for a first year player. She is at the top of her class at school and again, we're very proud of her, too. Jim & Chrissy became engaged in January but the wedding plans aren't made yet. As of

today we are planning 2 exciting camping trips - one to the Adirondacks

where we have never camped before, and another in 1000 Islands where we

were just lucky to be tipped off by friends about a cancellation in August and grabbed the site up immediately. We are loving the fact we can just "pack and go" like normal people - we take our dog to our old kennel and she feels quite at home there - except she thinks she should be in the HOUSE instead of the kennel. Looking forward to seeing all of

you in August. Everyone travel carefully........Don & Linda

Gerald F. MacKay Family News

Jerry writes that he and Beth are entering their first summer in their new home. Current projects include installing a new floor in the living room and painting the outside of the house, both of which, at this rate, should be completed on July 30th, which Jerry has finally committed to memory. Both of their cats are fine and, of course attacking each other at this very moment.

Robert is still operating his 99-cent store with success and the DJ operation has grown if not in customers at least in equipment. He now has an SUV to help transport it around. He will join MaryEllen and me and his sister Josie for a one week adventure in mid June in Ireland.

As for Chris, he is finishing up three straight internship programs at the Bronx Zoo working in children’s education. He is starting this summer a 1 ½ year program at Queens College toward his Masters. While we’re off to Ireland, he be minding our home, dog, cat, and Rob’s 99-cent store. I’m sure his girlfriend Liz will provide some help. She has a new SUV.

Liz, Damien, and Doris joined us this year for Easter. Doris Joan is quite the young lady – so cute and polite. She enjoyed Kel our dog, but mostly Pouncer our cat. We lost his brother a few years back” Peanut”, who was Liz’s cat. Unfortunately both Damien and Liz are allergic to cats. But Pouncer & Doris hit it off just fine with no negative reactions. Damien is still very busy managing his movie theater the “Sunshine Cinema”, a landmark theater in NYC, featuring top independent films. Liz works at Starbucks and at home with Doris and has her drivers license but insurance rates in NJ are unbelievable.

Johanna finished one semester at Stonehill College and did well but Boston and boarding were just not for her. She starts at NYU this fall. Both Chris and Josie will again be living at home, which does provide pet sitters. Plus I’ll have my lone Bills fan back. Maybe this year is the year for “NFL Game Day Ticket”. But will the Bills have a great year?

The big news is our preparation for our mid June trip to Ireland. Achance to bond with two of our children at least some of the time. Mary Ellen is so enthusiastic. She is looking forward to showing me some of the places she visited many years back with her girl friends just after college. We’re starting in Dublin visiting Mary Ellen’s cousin Theresa and then over one week of driving and staying at B&Bs working our way to Shannon.

Given both the trip to Ireland and a trip to Buffalo in July to attend my Aunt Rita’s granddaughter’s wedding, we probably won’t be making this years Clan Gathering. However, our warmest wishes go out to all the MacKay Clan and our new Chieftain Ken. Hope the weather again matches the warmth in the hearts of those who attend.

John R. MacKay

Jim Sarra Family News

We are done paying college tuition!! Michael graduated from Clarkson University on 5/11/03 with a BS in Computer Science and has now joined the ranks of unemployed college grads. He is currently job-searching and would welcome any leads or contacts.

The crowded conditions in the Sarra household (with both college grads and all their belongings back at home) will be alleviated July 1st when Christine moves into her own apartment in Buffalo. She is still seeking a full time teaching position, but will continue to sub and work a 2nd part time job.

We began planning for retirement by buying a condo in Venice, FL in April. Overlooking a golf course, it’s Jim’s dream getaway – if he’s not playing, he can watch. We visited and stayed for the 1st time over Memorial Day weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plans are to utilize it mainly as a rental for a few years until retirement arrives, and then use it for a winter home. This past winter was just too long and nasty to think about staying here yearlong!

In between raindrops this spring we’ve been trying to play golf and are looking forward to a vacation with the Suttons and Martinecks in Gatlinburg, TN in late June.

Ballacchino Family News

Here is my 4th attempt at writing this.. Well Kevin took me to Hawaii for my 40th birthday(for all of you who heard this bear with me). Long story short I ended up on stage with Mr. Don Ho. By the time I was done he told me he had in all the 40 years of doing this never seen any-one like me (harry's daughter). One more Hawaii story. Kevin wanted me to surf but I said no (I watch the Discovery Channel) well he talked me into it. When you surf you have to grab your board at the imaginary nipple- line to get up. So I said to my teacher Rudy do you mean my nipple line or the average tourist? Cuz it's going to make a big difference where I put my hands..I want to thank Chris Martineck for the new addition to the Ballacchino clan(take your heads out of the gutter people). When I was thinking about getting a Weimaraner I asked God for a sign and there at the picnic was Chris and Mercedes (sign taken). I told Kevin when Madison goes to Kindergarten I either want a baby or a dog (he said baby) wrong answer Kev.. Her name is Sterling and she doesn't ask for a ride to the mall so I Love her.. Sean is doing well at Villa Maria 4.0 average. One down 7 to go. Brenden was voted most valuable player on the Orchard Park Basketball team this year. Brittany will turn 15 in a few days (she would have 40 million in the bank if there were no malls). Chelsea and Carisa will be going to Texas this summer to stay with my friend and her 2 kids. Taylor wants to be a Brain Surgeon (I want her to be a Plastic Surgeon just for some touch ups). Carisa and Brittany are playing softball again this year. No cork in their bats though. Cameron's hair is the talk of the 2nd grade. Brenden was growing it and so were his friends so Cameron did too. Well Brenden and his friends have all cut their hair but Cameron has kept it long. The girls in 2nd grade like to touch it.. Madison has started Kindergarten but we all think she should have started 7th grade instead. Well Ginny is doing great spending her winters with Aunt M.J. Uncle Dan e-mailed me he was moving but something about don't tell your Mom ( I'm not sure what that means). Cindy is still grooming dogs in her free time and was even bit by one last week. It's okay cuz the dog was owned by a Doctor and he fixed her up.. She has a real nice boyfriend named Eddy and he likes kids so we like him.. Before I go I want to says thanks to my cousin Kenny with his help we have a brand new finished basement to enjoy (or clean in my case). We'.ll take care every-one . Call we'll do lunch....

Janet MacKay Family News

I'll give it a shot!

Daughter, Jenise is living the good life in Rittenhouse Square, Phily. She is working at an Interior Design Firm which is perfect since that is what she got her degree in from Drexel. She loves the city life! Son, Jarrad is still in Pittsburgh, all finished with his track and field in college, just taking his time finishing up studies! Daughter, Heather

has a perfect job for a Mom with young kids. She is a medical transcriptionist for the hospital, but can do all her work from home. She has time therefore to enjoy their pool (of course when it stops

raining) (I guess I shouldn't complain it could be more snow) and ride her horse. Her husband Jeff just fulfilled his life long dream and bought a Harley! As she says- I got my horse so he gets his Harley! Ah, to be that young again! My grandson, Brett has started t-ball so I

get to enjoy the sports thing all over again. Grandson, Lucas is a joy at 3- I'm really enjoying McDonald's, cartoon movies and being silly with them. I'm in my fifteenth year at Victims Resource Center, now as the Executive Director. Funding cuts are taking their toll. But I have had some rewarding experiences providing services to victims of Sept

11th in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I just returned from a fun vacation in Vermont for Open Studio Weekend. Interestingly enough I was at my Aunt Joyce's (which is my mother's sister) and we were talking about her childhood friend who also vacations there every year- my cousin Ginny (from the MacKay side). Buffalo is a small place I guess!

Enough about me. I'll take the liberty to fill you in on the rest of my family. Ed and Phyllis's daughter Holly graduated from law school last year (U of Virginia) and is getting married Labor Day weekend, so several of us will be heading to New Hampshire for the wedding. Their daughter Cameron is in college at U of Conn. All I know about their activities are trips to Duke basketball games (big fans!).

Barb and Bob are in Florida this week to help move their nephew. They are raising another child -a golden retriever named Ammo- at least I think they

treat him like their child. Their daughter, Jennifer got a promotion with MDA and now lives near Pittsburgh and covers the area from Pittsburgh to Lancaster, PA. Their son Jeff and daughter-in-law Karen are expecting their first child in July. Adele will have her third great grandchild soon! Speaking of Adele she is healthy and active. Less long trips for her these days, but she did go to Alabama with her sister in April.

Hope everyone is well in the MacKay clan. I need to get to a reunion to

reconnect. I promise I'll work on that!

Take care,

Janet MacKay

MACKAY POLO SHIRTS

In honor of our 35th MacKay Clan Reunion, we are making available men’s and women’s polo shirts.

This high-quality pique polo is 100% combed cotton with solid body and

matching collar and cuffs. The men's shirt features a three-button placket,

and the women's a two-button placket. It comes in White or Navy Blue, and sizes from Small to 3X (sorry, no children's sizes).

Each shirt proudly displays the Mackay Crest embroidered on the left chest (as seen pictured).

To order please call Judy Martineck (716-773-2577) or Sue Sarra

(716-691-4800), or e-mail Sue at smsarra@. The cost of the shirt is $24.95. Please specify color,

size and whether men's or women's cut when ordering. Order now and we can deliver to you at the reunion, saving a shipping charge. Please contact us by 7/15/03 to place your order.

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download