The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Another Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Hope you put your free time to fun filled and loving time with family and friends.

Keep our children safe. Watch out for those stopped school buses.

Had a great conversation with Beverly and Charlie Santos. Charlie loves Prattsville but the cold winter weather keeps them in Florida for that season. But he is considering adapting their home and outlook on being here year round. Go for it, you already have lots of friends and are involved with all sorts of groups and activities. In repairing the Becker homestead after Irene, they discovered all sorts of anomalies in their home that was once a boarding house for summer visitors, as well as cabins in the rear of the large house. It is understood that the building existed in the time of Zadock Pratt and was used by him as a dormitory and bunk house for his many employees. Of course, the house has gone through many re-configurations and Charlie and Beverly were amazed at what they discovered behind some of the walls. Would love to hear more about that house and many of the others in Prattsville that go back a long time. Bev had tears in her eyes when Charlie publicly proclaimed that he loves her with “I love her” for many to hear. Good going Charlie, and Beverly. Sunday was a busy day for them. After Mass they took in the Mountain Top United Methodist Churches by attending their picnic at C.D.Lane Park in Maplecrest. Beverly’s mom, Viva Dunham Becker, grew up in Lexington and relatives still live there. Thank you Nancy Hermance Kizyma and JoEllen Van Etten Slauson for keeping Bev’s family genealogy correct. You don’t have to tell Bev and Charlie to keep busy. P.S. Charlie rules the kitchen.

Barbara Drum Dodge is hereby voted “best cousin on the mountaintop”. She had previously stopped by with barbecued ribs and now visited with Jane’s Ice Cream, purchased at RSK Farms, on Sunday. The flavor was raspberry with chocolate chips mixed in. Due to the warm weather it had to be eaten immediately! How could you not vote for her? A lively conversation took place both times and she is always welcome to drop by for a visit with or without food, but ice cream is always appreciated. At the yard sale she picked up a Christmas drum themed creamer and pitcher and what else would you expect of her with a maiden name of “Drum”. Can think of some other names that we are so glad she does not carry – Drum will do. She says she has a collection of drum, cowboy (western), and star themed items. She decorates her home with these items on display with her family’s names inscribed on them. Thanks again Barb for sharing your memories, love and ice cream.

Out of the past comes Bonnie nee LeRoy on Saturday for a visit at the yard sale. Bonnie was married to Gene Olsen and they lived in Johnson Hollow at the Cross rental when Gene worked at Greendell Packing. Many years ago Bonnie worked at what was then the Stamford Hospital in their nursing home facility. They remained great friends of Stella and Val Cross and Bonnie’s one daughter, they had four, Nancy came to Stella’s to help with the repair of her home after the flood. Bonnie also knew the Brainerds and asked about the younger generation. She said she could remember the day when Randy Brainerd was born in the Catskill Hospital, where she was also in the maternity ward, and she also asked about Janet Barkman Brainerd. She later visited with Elliott and Shelly Brainard. Fond memories were discussed and enjoyed once again. Bonnie was also an above average bowler.

Jim and Roxy King said their lilacs had just about died but with the little rain we got recently, their lilacs were showing new growth and Shelly B. said the same thing. Wish I had written down the very unique names of their grandchildren. Perhaps they will again share them with me so I can share them with you. The Kings live a dual life between Maryland and Prattsville and everything with them is an adventure and they believe life is meant to be enjoyed and they spread those thoughts to others. Enjoy your anniversary and make it something to remember. Good to see you.

Thanks go out to all who helped with the yard sale – Marianne Krauss, Sharon Potter, Cathy Martino, Stephanie Braswell and Shelly Brainard. They concentrated their efforts on behalf of their organization, American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, in support of our veterans. New items were donated for the veterans at the Stratton VAMC, Albany, and books were also donated to be taken for a donation to the same cause. The donors were very generous. Sharon and Dottie Pickett brought new items to be presented to the veterans. Thank you.

In the realm of “Did you know?” - Did you know that there is a Fairy Festival in a town near Binghamton for three days in June? Neither did I but a lady from a town near us said that she attends every year and thoroughly enjoys it. She and all the attendees dress up as fairies in sparkling dresses and with wings of course. This year her outfit, including her wings, was in white lace with sparkles and she said everyone complimented her on it. She is so enthusiastic about dressing up as a fairy, saying “I just love dressing up as a fairy” and thinking up the appropriate costumes. Being not of the younger generation, she did shed all her years when relating this tale. What a way to fight those dreaded aging years. She and her two companions also got to take home some Rose of Sharon seedlings just because. They were on their way to a cookout in Shandaken and had to be on their way because “the hamburgers are cooking.”

Don’t forget the Victorian Tea at the Zadock Pratt Museum on September 13, Saturday. Please text Lisa Birnbaum at 713-594-8118 to check on availability of seatings and the appropriate times. This is for the benefit of our Zadock Pratt Museum so do try to attend.

Happy Birthday to Geanine Eisel on September 7. Matt Peters is wished a very Happy Birthday, here in The Prattsville Scoop for the first time, on September 9. On September 10 it is Happy Birthday to Daniel Lane, Stephanie Braswell, Darcy Jaeger-Brand and Connie Briggs. On September 11 it is Happy Birthday to previous Prattsville resident Frank Hagan, now in Catskill. September 12 it is Happy Birthday to Christina Gurley. Jim and Roxie King are wished a Happy Anniversary on September 6. We wish Alan and Sue Huggins a great and Happy Anniversary on September 8.

We would like to share your news so send it to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Besties

Baby Boomers and their “besties”. A concept that has stood the test of time since our births…1946-1964. 

I attribute those solid forever school friend relationships to the need we had when our stay at home Mom’s moved into the work force.  We only had each other to learn from during those daylight hours that we spent carousing about our towns.

Forever friends are the siblings that we actually got along with. They would be the ones who would understand our brand of craziness more than anyone with very little need for explanation of exactly what we were frustrated about at home.

Thanks to those friends, we had a place to have sleepovers on the weekends when the going really got rough at home OR our parents brought in another blessed sibling for us to share life with. NOT exactly an ideal joy but hey, we had our friends to give us solace when the new kid screamed through most nights.

Of course we loved the new siblings. But our best friends were  always there side by side with us as we clambered up a tree and almost fell to our deaths. Laughter was always the best medicine in those situations. 

If we’ve been lucky and life has been incredibly kind, we may still have those oldies but goodies in our lives. Gray haired, and chock full of those old memories that have taken on a new version. But who’s left to confirm the authenticity at this point in our lives?

Sometimes, time passes, and those friendships are  unintentionally reduced to a Christmas card or if our memories permit, we might even recall a birthday to be able to offer a connection that may have faded over time.

Then, a stark reality hits home and suddenly we might find ourselves making that connection again due to the news of an illness or God forbid the passing of a friend.

Talk about stark reality checks.

The questions about the issues don’t matter, do they?

Time passed. One day blended into another then drifted into months then years and our own reality checks are doubled down with these calls that come about quite unexpectedly.

New friends become those connections that we begin to rely on in the new groups that we might join as we get older. The old stories don’t seem to matter as much anymore….but we can  understand the necessity that just being in community is and the value of those connections. 

Besties can be reborn at every age that we achieve in this life. 

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist and author. Her passion is bringing Aging with Grace programs to her favorite people, Baby Boomers, weekly, as a Fitness Instructor at The Shamrock House in Greenville, NY

Feel free to contact Pat via email to share your story…pelarsen5@aol.com  or at 518-275-8686

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

West Kill/Lexington to Host Free Community Mental Health Workshops

WEST KILL — Two local mental health professionals are launching a free workshop series this fall designed to provide residents with practical tools for wellbeing and connection in a rural setting.

The "Community Mental Health" series will begin with two initial workshops on Saturdays, Sept. 13 and Oct. 4, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The events will take place at the West Kill Lexington Community Hall, located at 141 Spruceton Road.

Organizers said the workshops aim to address the unique challenges of rural life, such as social isolation, by offering practical strategies for coping with stress, supporting emotional wellbeing, and fostering social connections.

Topics will include staying positive in changing times, everyday tools for managing stress and anxiety, building social connections, self-care during aging, caregiving for loved ones, and coping with loss. The series is geared towards local residents, weekenders, retirees, and anyone interested in learning more about mental health.

If there is sufficient interest, the organizers plan to continue the workshops on a monthly basis with additional themes.

The series will be facilitated by Dr. Helle Thorning and Gail Spindell.

Thorning is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and educator in behavioral health with a private psychotherapy practice. She lives in West Kill and maintains offices there and in New York City.

Spindell is a psychotherapist in private practice who works with individuals, couples, and groups, specializing in anxiety and depression. She has conducted a Skillful Aging Workshop at the Hunter Library for four years and lives in Jewett and New York City.

The workshops are free to attend. Those interested are asked to RSVP by contacting Helle Thorning at hellethorningwine@gmail.com.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

This Must Be The Place By Sheila Trautman Sept. 12-Oct. 10 at Main Street Community Center - Opening Reception Sept. 13

WINDHAM — Approaching the end of summer, where is your favorite place, the one that makes you stop and savor the aha moment: This is the place? Whether it is the city or the country that is your favorite place this show will stimulate your emotions and evoke a sense of love and place. Join Windham Arts Alliance at the Main Street Community Center for a stimulating new show This Must Be The Place on September 13 at 3:00 pm.

Most famous artists have a favorite place that motivates and excites them. Claude Monet found inspiration in the French countryside from 1883 to 1926 at his home in Giverny, France. There some of his most famous works were painted of his lily pond, Japanese Bridge and magnificent gardens. This was where he spent much of his time cultivating his gardens and deriving not only inspiration but also a deep love of nature. A Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies can be seen at Metropolitan Museum in NY.

Georgia O'Keeffe found inspiration in the natural beauty of Lake George, including the lake itself, the trees, the hills, and the sky. There her artwork became more abstract and emphasized color over an exact copy of what she saw. By painting the same places repeatedly she was able to broaden her perspective and develop the style and strength we see in her works. Later, she lived at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu New Mexico, painting the beauty of the desert with its ever- changing colors. She was also inspired by the rich culture of the area. She said, “All the earth colors of the painter’s palette are out there in the many miles of bad lands [sic]. The light Naples yellow through the ochres - orange and red and purple earth - even soft earth greens” (Georgia O’Keeffe, 1939). Sheila Trautman remembers visiting Ghost Ranch and staying in the house next to hers. “I can understand how this environment inspired her use of brilliant color to describe the red, yellow and purple mountains and cliffs all around her home. The colors are constantly changing and even one view can inspire many paintings.” 

Not all artists are attracted to unspoiled settings. Edward Hopper is well known for his paintings in cities. He depicted common-place scenes in ordinary places. His works were often a combination of realism and modern art. Through his use of light, shadows and angles he creates a feeling of solitude and contemplation. It is often said that his paintings create more questions than answers. Many of his scenes - such as Early Sunday Morning, which can be seen at the Whitney Museum - shows solitude and the quiet of a city street early in the morning. It was painted in 1930 after the Crash. Each of us can come to our own conclusion about the meaning behind it. His most famous painting is Nighthawks depicting a diner with four people sitting inside. There is no visible door, which makes this a scene of either calm or drama. Each of us are enticed into deciding.

Like each of these famous artists, the participants in the This Must be the Place show were asked to paint their favorite place. What locations have inspired artists to enter this show? Join us and find out. Laura Avello, Athena Billias, and Sheila Trautman curated the show. Here is what they say.

Laura Avello says, “Whenever I get by a beach and see the sea I think, "Aha this my place! It is just so relaxing." 

Sheila Trautman enjoys juxtaposing calm gardens with a dynamic city saying, “ The High Line in New York City is a surprisingly idyllic place to wander. It was created along the old train tracks in lower Manhattan and planted with a self-seeding perennial garden of shrubs, trees and grasses. The view from the Highline is of city buildings. Walking along looking down at the city is one of my favorite things to do in NY and has inspired several paintings.”  

Athena Billias is a passionate local artist who explains her favorite Mountaintop place with real excitement. “THIS IS THE PLACE! I live here because I am a painter. The sights and the seasons, the changes and the rarity and frequency of wildlife sightings thrill me every day. The Hudson River school of artists led by Thomas Cole and his fellow artists are a true inspiration to me. Their philosophy of preserving nature through art is especially compatible with my own feelings about living here. Sanford Robinson Gifford (born in Hudson, NY) is my favorite. When I first saw the Kaaterskill Clove from various hiking trails at North Lake, I understood Gifford and the artists of that time with my whole heart.  THIS is THE place! And this is the art I want to make. Even if my art falls short, I love the fact that SOMEONE has done it PERFECTLY!”

WAA is thrilled to share this show with everyone. We are also looking forward to introducing a new band to the Community Center and our neighbors and visitors to the Mountaintop.

Windham Arts Alliance is excited to present the Running the River duo. Mara Lehman was thrilled to be able to get these performers to entertain us at the This Must be the Place opening at the Main Street Community Center on September 13 at 3:00 pm. Running the River is a duo featuring Barry Weinstein on fiddle and Neil Yetwin on guitar and vocals. They perform a wide variety of traditional American folk songs, fiddle tunes, western ballads and originals. The duo credits musical influences from Erick Friedman, Mark O’Connor, Kenny Baker and Alison Krauss to Doc Watson, Woody Guthrie, the Carter Family and early Bob Dylan. Running the River performs regularly at coffeehouses, clubs, cultural events, fairs, festivals, town concerts and private venues throughout the Capital Region and beyond. Barry Weinstein states, “Running the River is exciting to play in Windham because we have performed in Greene County for many years now and cherish the vibrant arts scene that thrives in the beautiful Catskills.” To hear a sample of their music go to: https://www.facebook.com/RunningtheRiver 

Please join the WAA at the Main Street Community Center to see what our arts community has created to describe the theme This Must be the Place.  Enjoy free admission, art, music, and refreshments as well as an opportunity to meet the artists.

 

                                                                    Cortile di San Fedele

                                Marianne Tully, Watercolor, Amazing Tree and Fields, Story Farm

                                                        Mary Ann Bagnell north South Lake 

 

                                                        Pamela Quick Sunset Cottage
 

                                                                        Running the River

                                              San Fedele-Courtyard Oil on Linen 19”x 20”
 

 

 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Preservation at Pratt Rock Park

The way in to historic Pratt Rock Park passes parallel to the Schoharie Creek and State Route 23, heading west toward the center of Prattsville. Created between 1842 to 1862, the early 19th Century pleasure park includes Far Eastern terraced gardening influenced by town founder Zadock Pratt’s visit to Korea in the late 1830s.

It was initially conceived as a final resting place for town founder Zadock Pratt, becoming instead Pratt Rock Park, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and known as “Mount Rushmore of the East.” The site has mountainside carvings of Pratt and other symbols of his life, also serving as what is considered the first Civil War Memorial, dedicated in honor of Pratt’s son, George Watson Pratt, who died as the result of wounds suffered at the First Battle of Bull Run.

Pratt Rock Park paths, overgrown through the years, are now easier to find, wider to follow, softer underfoot and ever-so-slightly less steep, making the journey to the top even pleasanter than in the past. The trail-clearings complete Part I of a multi-phased preservation project.

By Michael Ryan

PRATTSVILLE - A mystical connection is manifesting physically at remarkable Pratt Rock Park in the town of Prattsville.

Part One of a multi-phased preservation effort was recently completed at the Park, created between 1842-62, originally planned as a final resting spot for town founder Zadock Pratt.

That plan did not come to fruition for geological reasons, serendipitously becoming what is believed to be the first Civil War memorial.

It honors Zadock Pratt’s son, George Watson Pratt, who died from wounds suffered at the First Battle of Bull Run, forevermore remembered at Pratt Rock Park and resulting in a twofold interrelation.

George Watson Pratt was carried from the Bull Run battlefield by three comrades, including an ancestor of Michael Van Valkenburgh.

Michael Van Valkenburgh, 100 years later, was born and raised in the town of Lexington, next to Prattsville, playing at Pratt Rock Park in his youth.

He has gone on to establish an international landscape architecture firm and his company, through a series of fortuitous circumstances, is now working with the town of Prattsville.

Doing what they do best, Van Valkenburgh Associates is conserving the spirit and body of the Park including a series of walking paths.

Those trails circuitously lead to the top, where a breath-taking view of the Schoharie Valley and 200-year-old stone carvings await, earning the respected title “Mount Rushmore of the East.”

“We have been able to reroute the paths so they are wider, softer to walk on and a little less steep,” town supervisor Greg Cross says.

Stone benches have been shored up and erosion controls implemented, touching only what needed touching, not wanting to disrupt the timelessness of Pratt Rock Park.

Locally-based Evergreen Construction performed the job, with more elements unfolding as funds are raised, an ongoing endeavor.

“A lot of credit goes to Mason for getting this over the finish line,” Cross says of town councilman Mason Chase.

“He’s been involved almost day-to-day and we thank him for that effort,” Cross says, noting Mason is the son of former councilwoman Bonnie Chase and grandson of former town supervisor Phyllis Raeder.

Mason Chase, like Van Valkenburgh, climbed the Pratt Rock Park paths in his youth. “I look back on those days fondly,” Chase says.

“I remember getting lost in the woods once. I figured out pretty fast that going downhill had to be the right way home,” Mason says, smiling.

“As kids, my friends and I spent a lot of time there. I still do. I just want to see this get done,” Mason says, joining a dedicated group of supporters.

That group includes former town historian Carolyn Bennett (who got the preservation ball rolling), the late Kristin Tompkins (onetime town supervisor) and local business owner John Young.

Also involved have been Mason’s mom, consultant Steve Whitesell and benefactors Nicholas Juried and the Greene County Legislature.

“Pratt Rock and the museum are the bread and butter of our town,” Cross says, also referring to the Pratt Museum, longtime home of Zadock Pratt.

And the Park is just Step One of something bigger, someday evolving into a network of walkways interconnecting Pratt Rock Park with the center of the community, stretching out to Huntersfield and Devasego Falls.

“These landmarks draw many people to our town,” Cross says. “We look forward to passing them onto the next generations.”

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Wendy’s Legacy at Main Street Community Center Sept. 13

                                                                            Ca d'zah

                                                                    Home Sweet Home

                                                                            Safe Harbor

                                                            San Francisco Here I Come

 

 

                                                                Wendy Filowitz

 

WINDHAM — On September 13th, the Main Street Community Center will unveil a special art  installation, "Wendy’s Legacy: Paying it Forward," celebrating the life and impact of  Wendy Filowitz, a beloved educator and passionate advocate for children. This  installation will coincide with the opening of the "This Must Be the Place" art show, in  partnership with the Windham Arts Alliance, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 

The opening event will include refreshments and live country and fiddle tune music by  Running the River, setting the stage for a lively and meaningful celebration. The  "Wendy’s Legacy" installation will feature a selection of artwork from Wendy’s personal  collection, curated over a lifetime of dedication to the arts and her community. These  pieces, generously donated by her family, will be displayed in the center, with all  proceeds from their sale benefiting local children's programs. 

"We are honored to present Wendy’s curated collection in such a meaningful way," said  Sadhbh Lavery at the Main Street Community Center. "Wendy’s love for art and her  commitment to enriching the lives of children are at the heart of this exhibit. By  supporting this installation, we continue her mission to give every child the opportunity  to thrive through creativity and education." 

The artworks selected for "Wendy’s Legacy" align with the theme of "This Must Be the  Place", which explores ideas of connection, community, and belonging. As part of this  ongoing tribute, the "Wendy’s Legacy" wall will continue to feature art that complements  the themes of future shows at the center. 

The "Wendy’s Legacy: Paying it Forward" installation will be on display throughout the  upcoming season, with all sales proceeds benefiting children's programs at the Main  Street Community Center. The community is invited to experience this unique collection,  celebrate Wendy’s lasting impact, and support the next generation of young artists.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

“The Path Will Bend” Art Show Sept. 13 at SEEC

SCHOHARIE — “The Path Will Bend,” the Schoharie County Arts-sponsored art show currently on display at the SEEC Gallery features two talented local artists. 

Amy Silberkleit (Conesville) and George Dirolf (Loudonville) will demonstrate their artistry at SEEC on Saturday, September 13 from 2-4pm. Amy, a printmaker who draws on stone, will show how she makes prints on her portable lithography press.  George will demonstrate wood engraving with an assortment of hand tools. Both artists create finely rendered images by drawing, etching and carving. Printmaking allows them to use a variety of techniques to achieve their goals, as well as make multiples of a single image. “The Path Will Bend” has over fifty of their pieces. They will be on display through the middle of October.

Printmaking Demonstration with Amy Silberkleit & Georg Dirolf: Saturday, September 13, 2-4 The demonstration is free and all are welcome.

“The Path Will Bend” SCA-sponsored art show at SEEC Gallery, M-F 9-5  through September 15

SEEC (Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation) 287 Main Street, Schoharie, NY  (518)517-1700

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD