Prattsville’s Note to the Future

PRATTSVILLE - A different sort of history could be made when the town of Prattsville gathers for a 250th Anniversary celebration of America on Saturday, August 29, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the town green.

The birthday bash features the dedication of a “Note to the Future” Time Capsule, kickoff parade and Prattsville Hose Company “Touch a Truck” event including a Kids Fire Academy introduction to volunteerism.

250th Anniversary of the birth of America is being celebrated in Prattsville, August 29 from 1 to 7 p.m., at the town green with a “Note to the Future” Time Capsule ceremony being part of the event, organized by town tax collector Carole Cangelosi (left) and town clerk Theresa Whitworth (holding the specially-designed Time Capsule).

Citizens are, “invited to write letters, share memories, a drawing, a photo…preserve today’s stories for future generations to discover,” says town clerk Theresa Whitworth, the co-organizer with tax collector Carole Cangelosi.

Items will be secured in the Time Capsule and placed beneath a very noticeable rock behind the town green gazebo, topped by a plaque extending the invitation to future residents for a 2076 reopening.

“I’m betting I won’t be here for that but this is an important occasion for our country and festive day for Prattsville,” says town supervisor Greg Cross, expected to be involved in an unprecedented moment.

There are going to be speeches, including one from Cross which, “will be short” Whitworth vows, a promise that, if fulfilled, will be similarly historic within the annals of United States political stumpers.

Cross would not offer a hint on what his speech will entail, but had words of commiseration for whoever is present 50 years from now, saying, “God Bless them when they open this and have to see my mug.”

A respectful flag folding will be performed by American Legion Post #1327 and commander Chris Tompkins, enclosing Old Glory in the capsule.

Firefighters have created the Kids Fire Academy, an idea stirred by Matthew Cangelosi, the son of Carole Cangelosi and local fire commissioner Frank Cangelosi.

Matthew Cangelosi grew up in Prattsville and is currently a professional fireman in the city of Albany. The Kids Fire Academy will feature make-believe rescues and an in-the-field obstacle course.

Prattsville Hose Company will be hosting a Touch a Truck event that includes a Kids Fire Academy, introducing next generation volunteers to the dedications and duties of firefighters led by (left) fire chief Tom Olson and fire commissioner Frank Cangelosi.

Matthew Cangelosi will further serve as musical DJ for what will be a day-long sequence of festivities in addition to the parade, starting at 1 p.m.

There will be as many as 20 vendors, a Chance Auction/Basket Raffle, crafts for kids, a balloon folder, a canine presentation by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and showing of animals by a wildlife restorer.

Eternal resting place of Colonel Zadoc Pratt, official founder of the town of Prattsville which was first settled circa 1763. Attempts during the American Revolution by the British and their Loyalist allies to drive the settlers out was thwarted by the settlers.

“Note to the Future” is free of charge (any donations will go toward the continuing preservation of Pratt Rock Park) and rain or shine. 

“We are inviting all residents to be part of our time capsule,” Whitworth says. “Let’s create something today that will inspire tomorrow.”