The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE — Welcome Autumn. Our weather, for the most part, has been perfect – cool nights, warm days and leaves starting to turn. Enjoy.

The Free Luncheon and friendship at the Kaaterskill UMC in Tannersville continues to bring in local residents for the delicious food and companionship. Of course the tables are abuzz with shared news and happenings. The special one at the September 24th luncheon was the 93rd Birthday of Elaine Johnson. A cake was provided by her family and everyone at that time got to enjoy singing Happy Birthday to Elaine as well as enjoying the cake. Many came up to Elaine to wish her personal “Happy Birthday” greetings and to share some memories. Also in attendance were Ashland residents Lula Holdridge Anderson and Barbara Hoagland Cook. Lula is always two days in advance with plans for her next event. She is President of the WAJPL Golden Agers, on the Board for Aging of Greene County as well as being a fellow columnist for our local papers. You go Lula. Barbara is finally finding some relief for her back problems via her most recent chiropractor. When Barbara says she cried for months with back pain, she has our complete sympathy. Stay on your road to recovery, Barbara.

Well, a new record has been set. The GWH has a new total of seven skunks now gone to skunk heaven in the past two months. The skunks really loved yellow squash and tomatoes – nasty varmints now down by seven. Never heard of a herd of skunks pillaging one garden before. Anyone have a similar story? Wish to share?

Wish to thank all who supported the Tag Day by the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, Prattsville, for the 2024 Christmas Celebration for up to 50 veterans at the Stratton VAMC, Albany. These veterans are in the residential units and will probably never be able to return to their homes. So anything that is done for them for some sort of normalcy for their lives is so gratefully appreciated. Again thank you for helping Unit 1327 make this upcoming 2024 Christmas a true season of giving for our deserving hospitalized veterans. During Tag Day a number of things happened that bring unexpected joy. A gentleman drove up with a bouquet of wild flowers in a cup of water and when I acknowledged him for being a good guy, I was presented with a sprig of wildflowers. Thank you sir, nice gesture. Then Jason and staff at Catskill Mtn. Liquor Store sent over a donation and a patriotic red, white and blue garland I could wear as a scarf. Thank you so much. We were reminded to “VOTE” in the upcoming election – no names/parties mentioned – and complimented by another for saying we do not discuss politics within our organization. Then we got a nickel that was almost bent in half and half a dollar bill that will have to be destroyed. For a U.S. to be legal, both numbers have to be present. Also got a sunflower seed and a packaged toothpick – thankfully not used. Most rewarding and interesting day. Thanks to all.

Randy Brainerd is feeling a little better. He was having a good day so he went into town to enjoy a cooling soda with friends. Continue to feel good Randy. You never see Randy without a smile and something funny to say.

Now another Randy – this time Randy Briggs. Saw Randy three times on Saturday and each time he was driving a different vehicle. But the last time he was just sitting in his little roadster in Jim’s parking lot waiting for wife Darlene, who was shopping in the store. Both were full of smiles and happy conversations.

Feel better wishes go out to Anita Creazzo and Randy Brainerd. Sympathy to Patricia Lawyer and family of Ashland on the loss of her brother. Mary Cline is also sent condolences on the death of another cousin.

Bob Hermance stopped by to pay his wife Carrie’s Auxiliary dues. Had a chance to catch up on their lives. Bob made a donation to our Tag Day and put in his apple pie order for the Veterans Day Bake Sale to be held November 8. He always gets there too late for the pies, which always sell immediately. This bake sale is strictly for the benefit of local veterans or veterans’ families in need. So Bob’s apple pie order and Tag Day donation is a case of a veteran helping is fellow veterans. Bob was returning from a game show contest in Stamford. Not sure of his successes. Thanks Bob for your support of veterans. Happy Anniversary and our best to you and Carrie, see their anniversary date in last paragraph of The Scoop.

Joanne Dunphy, Jodi Gurley, Ginny and Bob Gurley and Bobby Gurley traveled to Cooperstown to celebrate the 4th birthday of Lincoln Huntsman, son of Isaac and Nadine Gurley Huntsmen. Nadine and Isaac have moved their family to a new residence in the heart of Cooperstown. “New” is a relative word as the house was built in 1840 and a well known artist (Lippert) lived there. Isaac said it takes him four minutes to walk to work at Bassett Hospital. The older generation had a chance to enjoy some quiet conversations.

Marie and Ken Smith, formerly of Windham and Florida, are now in a senior citizen neighborhood north of Albany. At this time do not have their address but will share it when it is available to us. We are quite sure Marie and Ken would like to be in touch with friends from their hometowns. After selling their home in Windham, they moved permanently to Florida only to lose their Florida home to a hurricane a number of years ago. Ken is a Korean War CV and was awarded the Purple Heart. Marie loved to dance and with her group would entertain the hospitalized veterans at Stratton VAMC as well as entertaining many in our area. Ken and Marie were also members of the WAJPL Golden Agers. Such an active couple and mostly for the benefit and entertainment of others. We had a chance to greet Ken during a medical appointment at the VA. Ken would make sure to collect candy for us to deliver to the VA on a regular basis. Our best to Ken and Marie.

Happy Birthday to Dean Isaac Martin on October 6. On October 9 it is Happy Birthday to Samantha Baker. On October 10 it is Happy Birthday to Karissa (Joe) Baker and Brian Young. On October 11 it is Happy Birthday to Billy Decker. Happy Anniversary to Carrie and Bob Hermance on October 8. Special Wishes to all.

God Speed to Kris Kristofferson and Pete Rose.

Send news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219. Thank you.