The Prattsville Scoop

Floral arrangement by Claudia Bracaliello - another talent.

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Our appreciation and thanks go out to all those in the medical professions that keep us going and help us when we are down. Also thanks to law enforcement, firefighters and essential workers. And as always, our deepest thank you to all our veterans living and deceased. Hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day holiday with family and friends.

Met up with Jim King. He related that he and wife Roxie had a delay in returning to their summer home and one of their favorite pastimes – working and reaping their rewards from their vegetable garden. Jim had two knee replacements, only two weeks apart, and that necessitated lots of physical therapy. The good news is that his surgeries were a great success and he is glad he had it done. Not to be outdone with physical shortcomings, Roxie dropped a rock on her foot and is somewhat restricted in her movements. They had so much zucchini they were making zucchini salsa. Not as much success this year with tomatoes but you can always substitute one vegetable with another when making a relish or salsa. Good luck Jim and Roxie.

The Zadock Pratt Museum continues to bring activities and record keeping to our current population. The Museum official, Franklin “Skip” Marquit is conducting the oral history of those from 75+ plus years ago. On Tuesday, Jerry and Phyllis Raeder, Bob and Ginny Gurley and Diana and Arnold Jaeger made recordings, both visual and oral, of their remembrances of Prattsville life from many years ago. One of the inquiries was what is missed about those days gone by and what made it possible at that time. Prattsville was a community back then and as younger residents, you listened to and heeded what any adult had to say to you – especially if you were or on the verge of misbehaving. No crude language and no sass or your punishment moved up the ladder – parents had the final say. Respect was the rule of the day. Perhaps we can use some of the behavior from those days. Do not forget to make your reservations for the Museum’s Victorian Tea, Saturday, September 28, with three separate seating times, 12, 1:30 and 3, Call 201-388-5103 for reservations and answers to any questions you might have. Do believe Franklin (Skip) enjoyed the remembrances as much as those being interviewed and he shared many of his fondest memories. A fun hour.

Christina Gurley and fiancee Conrad spent Saturday with her dad and grandparents. Conrad agreed to take on a most daunting task of going through Bob Sr’s excess gardening and carpentry tools. Think his eyes glazed over but he did promise a return trip to put finishing touches on the organized materials. On their return trip, Christina is interested in learning how to can meat in glass jars. Can do. Nice to see some of the younger generation learning skills that are money savers and perhaps a little healthier than commercial goods – no preservatives – no pesticides – or any additives.

The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Auxiliary Unit 1327, Prattsville, will start its fall/winter schedule with a meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 7 PM, at the Prattsville Town Hall. Plans will be made for an upcoming winter Basket of Cheer raffle, Veterans’ Day Bake Sale for LOCAL veterans and a Food Drive on Saturday, September 14, 9 AM – Noon, at Jim’s Great American for the benefit of the Food Pantry at Stratton VAMC. The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327 will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 12, 7 PM at the Prattsville Town Hall. The Post will be making plans for their Fall/Winter activities.

Update for Claudia Bracaliello: She wants people to know that in her bass fishing picture from a few weeks ago, there was a book for her to read when she got bored with fishing. She did read three books while on the two week fishing trip. She said to ask husband Ray for some of his many stories about the size of the bass he caught. Guess some of them were really good sized. Claudia is an accomplished flower arranger. See accompanying picture, my favorite of the four she sent but had a hard time choosing a favorite. Thanks Claudia for the information and pictures.

A visitor to Prattsville was quite amazed to see a car abruptly stop and, leaving the car blocking that lane, the driver got out to look over the bank to see the bear that had run in front of his car. Not very smart on many accounts. And then just recently there were a number of vehicles stopping in the same area looking out for the two Yellow Labs(?) that are on the loose and unlicensed. Over the past week, a number of phone calls have been made to authorities but it seems the dogs are not interested in getting involved with strangers. If they are still on the loose, please be careful and assume they are not friendly. Use caution.

Happy Birthday to Geanine Eisel on September 7. On September 10 it is Happy Birthday to Daniel Lane, Stephanie Braswell, Darcy Jaeger-Brand and Connie Briggs. And we send a Happy Birthday greeting to one time Prattsville resident Frank Hagan. Happy birthday to Christina Gurley on September 12. On September 13 it is Happy Birthday to Chris Dwon, Nadine Gurley Huntsman and Roxanne Marsh. On September 8 we wish Alan and Sue Huggins a Happy Anniversary. Happy Anniversary to Bob and Ginny Gurley on September 9. And Happy Anniversary to Jill and Kevin Piccoli on September 12. Best wishes to all celebrating their birthday and/or anniversary.

Lets get your days of celebration and other good news in The Scoop by sending to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.