The Prattsville Scoop - 15 May 2025

PRATTSVILLE - At last you can enjoy spring. Gardens are being rototilled, lawns raked and mowed, and most importantly, the flowers are in full color. Claudia Bracaliello will be out scouting for those extra blooms and she can make even roadside weeds look good.

Got to meet Jim and Geanine Eisel’s grandson, Easton James. Quite a handsome boy. Jim was all smiles when introducing him. Easton was born on March 18 and is very much loved.

Kaitlyn McQuire, granddaughter of Don and Connie Lane, was home from London for a visit. Kaitlyn has set up residency in London for the time and the future will determine how long she will continue to live there. Her sister Kerry, who works at Jim’s Great American, was telling how much she misses her and how much she enjoyed her visit.

Lisa and Stephen Birnbaum are out and about. As per usual, they are busy rearranging their lives according to the seasons – spring cleaning and sorting, etc., “when in doubt, throw it out”. They are anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild, a granddaughter, in early June. Maybe they are making room for her to have her own bedroom in their home when she visits. The longer the wait, the sweeter the rewards. Lots of happiness awaiting Lisa and Stephen.

Jill Piccoli was all smiles while shopping at Jim’s. She and husband Kevin were settling in their mountain home for the beautiful Catskill Mountain summer. Well their winter landscapes aren’t bad either. Nothing better than being stranded in your snug home during a snowstorm. Right?

Bobby Gurley sends thank you greetings to all who have stopped by to see him or sent get well wishes to him via mail and/or family members. He has been visited by his youngest grandchild, Maeve, and grandson Lincoln. He recently had a visit with long time brother-in-law Peter Tocci, who supplies him with wild turkey breasts when his hunting skills are at the top of the success ladder. Peter also took care of two family lawns and rototilled the garden. How kind is that? VERY! And gratitude to Randy Brainerd who offered to mow the lawns as needed. Thank you Randy and we have you on speed dial.

Get Well wishes go out to Linda Jaeger. She will soon be out for her speed walks and she does walk fast so onward and upward Linda. Feel your best.

May 17 is Armed Forces Day so keep our military, past and present, active or retired, in your thoughts and in your hearts. Say “Thank you for your service” to all veterans and active military. And Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of our deceased veterans. Attending a local service or parade is a way of saying “Thank you” to our fallen heroes.

In recognition of one of our local heroes, Rich Brainerd, veteran of the Vietnam War, calling hours will be Sunday, May 18, 12 – 3 PM at Deckers Funeral Home, Windham, NY. Rest in peace Rich.

On May 18 we send Happy Birthday greetings to Kip Rikard who will be celebrating his 95th birthday. Kip is a veteran and we say to him, “thank you for your service.” Happy Anniversary greetings go out to Steve and Erin O’Hara Meyer in Minnesota. You can tell them this in person, they are always here for the Memorial Day and this year they will be conducting a huge yard sale at the O’Hara family home on Main Street. Come one come all.