4:05 a.m. EDT, May 8, 2012

It all started with my dad two weeks ago when he turned 90.

On Friday, my uncle turned 75. Then a cousin turned 60 Saturday. This week, another cousin turned 50.

Believe it or not, the Papendick family is aging right before my eyes.

I have a long-time family friend who should be sainted for what she has done for her family. Pat is the American News of her family's life, keeping everyone connected, informed and involved.

When someone in her family gets an award, Pat informs her family through email.

When someone gets sick, Pat relays that information and how to help comfort the family member with health issues.

When there is important family news of any kind, Pat is there.

Every summer, Pat's family has a reunion. When these people get together, they know what is going on in their lives.

Thanks to Pat.

Every family needs a Pat to bond them together. I have been saying that for years, probably since Pat started her family emails years ago.

All these birthdays in my own family have sprung me into action.

I started an independent email account, and issue two of the weekly Papendick Family Newsletter was unleashed on my family Sunday. I hope to email at least three small pieces of family information each week to help my own family stay connected.

Several members of my family have collected information on our family over the years. Their hours of hard work certainly is paying off dividends for me now.

I am no Pat, and I will never attain that level. But it is a start.

Here is hoping you will start to become your family's Pat.

Here are some other things that I know:

Horses: The 2012 12-day horse racing season in South Dakota moves from Fort Pierre to Aberdeen this weekend.

The season started April 21 at the Stanley County Fairgrounds and will begin their 1:30 p.m. runs at the Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20 and May 27-28. This is the 63rd running of the races.

NAHL awards: The season-ending North American Hockey League awards are in today's Scoreboard.

Where did it go: The 88th running of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays will be May 3-4 in Sioux Falls.