The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

Notice of Correction Sorry for the misinterpretation of information in The Scoop. Although St. Philip Neri RC Church in Grand Gorge is a "mission" church, there has been no official notice by the Diocese that it will be closing. My apologies for this and pray that our St. Philip's will continue to serve our religious needs.

PRATTSVILLE – And so the heat and humidity continue. Under these conditions our thanks go out to those who watch over us – law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, medical professionals and our neighbors. Thank you to all. And, of course, our continued “thank you for your service” acknowledgments go out to all our veterans and active military.

Lots of news from Lisa and Stephen Birnbaum. After Mass on Sundays, the Birnbaums go off on some exploring of our local scenery and points of recent. Steve grew up in Prattsville and he shows newbie Lisa lots of interesting areas here in Greene, Schoharie and Delaware counties. On a recent friendly chat, Steve mentioned that they had taken a drive up to the Maben Airport one evening and started talking to the guy cutting the hay on the airport runway. Someone is starting to rebuild the airport hanger. In the words of Steve, “We took a drive up to Maben Airport this eve and talked to the guy cutting the hay on the airport runway. Someone is starting to rebuild the airport hanger. New support beams/timbers have been installed and it is pretty cleaned out. Not sure how fast it will go, but it is in the works!!! Maben airport "NOO" will open again. Am not aware of who is handling this repair but wonder what happened to all the “solo” shirts. When new pilots would make their first solo flight, upon their return to the airport, their shirts would be torn from their backs and painted with their name and date of their “solo flight” and the shirt would then join the others that were tacked to the wall at the airport. Back in the 1980’s and 90’s, Maben’s Airport would also be the scene of barbecues, clam bakes, and fly-in breakfasts, joined by other private pilots from other local airports. Remember flying to Delhi for such a breakfast and the subsequent pleasure flight over the Catskills. Bob Maben was a pilot so it was no surprise that he wanted his own hanger. Remember a “Queen Air” once flew in to the amazement of all.

Congratulations to Michael Thompson, nephew of Pat and Schuyler Minew, on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. We thank him for his service. God Bless America. His posting will not be mentioned due to discretion. Pat and Schuyler are in close contact with the Lieutenant Colonel and we send our congratulations to them also.

Eli and Jen Martin and family have returned from their trip to West Virginia to visit Eli’s mom. Not to let any grass grow under their feet, Eli and Jen and sons were soon doing chores around homes for those who are in need of help. They are the good guys and their matriarch is also a winner. Falling into that category is Lynn Luckovic of our area. Getting an early start on Unit 1327’s annual Christmas Celebration, she stopped by with donations including rolls and rolls of Christmas wrapping paper. Thank you Lynn the wrapping paper will take care of that portion of the veterans’ Christmas presents.

Do not forget the upcoming events as follows:

#1. The Zadock Pratt Museum will be holding their 3rd Annual Victorian Tea on Saturday, September 13 at the Museum. Seatings will be at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. The tickets are $35 per person with Gift Basket Raffle and Prizes. This will benefit the Zadock Pratt Museum. Dressy attire is encouraged, but not required. Reservations are required. Text Lisa at 713-594-8118. The Museum officers are also working on displays at the Carriage House on an ongoing basis. Use the Museum’s events as the focal point of your social happenings and join your friends and fellow residents of Prattsville for fun and enjoyment.

#2. The 100th Anniversary Celebration of St. Philip Neri RC Church in Grand Gorge is on Sunday, October 12, 2025, starting with Mass at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon at the Grand Gorge Fire Hall.

Bishop Scharfenberger will be in attendance. If you have any pictures or other memorabilia from previous celebrations at St. Philip, please bring them to Mass and give them to an usher or Theresa Gier, 607 588 9470. Be sure your name and address are on anything you wish to share along with your telephone number.

#3. The Brainard/Gurley yard sale will be on Saturday, August 30, Labor Day weekend. 9AM – 4 PM. There will be a table of books for the benefit of our veterans, thank you. Of course, there will be other items for your perusal – home goods, clothing, handcrafts, some tools and yard equipment, etc. etc. The yard sale may also include two/three or more families and bags will be supplied for you to tote it all home.

We extend belated condolences to Lisa Birnbaum on the recent passing of her mother. God Bless. Lisa and Stephen’s granddaughter Ellie, 3-4 months old, bring much joy to them to soothe their sorrow.

To those of you who can use some feel better wishes, they are hereby on their way.

Happy Birthday to Jesse Petricini and Eric Dymond on August 23. Quite a day for Happy Birthday wishes to Steve Haight, Jeremy Marsh and John Maynard on August 26. Happy Birthday to Cortney Brainerd on August 28. And fresh from their vacation in Ireland, we wish Diana and Arnold Jaeger a very Happy Anniversary on August 26. It was in July that the Jaegers returned from Ireland but they are still fresh with the memories made on that special trip.

Please send special dates and news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.