The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 20 August 2025

PRATTSVILLE - By the time you read this we will, hopefully, have been through our third “heat wave” of the summer of 2025. So we want to thank all those who watch over our health and well being and safety during these times. Thank you to our veterans also.

Heard from Connie Lane with the following. She seems to remember, but can’t swear to it but she seems to remember that there was a trade/deal made between Clifford Enderlin and Avery Smith swapping the farm for the Prattsville hardware store. She doesn’t remember if the house on Washington Street was included. “Clifford was also a school bus driver. Bet we parents would be surprised at some of the stories he could have told us. He also made weekly trips to a big Hotel down Cairo way to take boys to use their indoor swimming pool. I think it was called Winter Clove. He invited us a few times and we brought the whole family. Stopped at Frank’s Pizza place after. He did things like this without looking for recognition.” Most of us of a certain age had their first taste of pizza at Frank’s. It was a quick trip because in “those days” you had a curfew. The building is still there on Route 23 and some of the sign is still visible. Thanks Connie and will always welcome tales from bygone days from one and all.

Heard from the “Oregon gals”, Judy and Janet Chatfield. There had been silence from them and only recently learned that their email address on hand no was no viable. They thought they had been left off the list but we are all back on track and share the following. As American Legion Auxiliary members of our local Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, they continue to give our Unit credit for their veteran and community services. Judy enjoys all sorts of programs and concerts at the Senior Center, the park and the library. They also share gardening duties but theirs include watering same every day. They also have the hot weather but without sufficient rain. Janet and Judy were “kitten sitting” with Kit-Kat and Snickers, since Janet’s son, the cats’ owner, went away for a few days. Of course, Judy got attached to them. If she refused to return them would she be guilty of catnapping? So good to hear from them and will always welcome their news.

The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 and American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 of Prattsville ahd their annual dinner at The Brandywine on August 7. Thirty-four legionnaires, auxiliary members and guests had a great evening together. If names are mentioned, am sure to forget someone so will just say our membership was represented in force. The food, drinks and, most enjoyable, was the comradeship of all. It was like a beehive of noise. Of course the food was all that you could ask for and our thanks go out to Sarah and staff at The Brandywine. We have to also thank Bev for her attentiveness. Membership to these two organizations can be secured by contacting Johannes Krauss, 518-299-3307, for the Legion and Virginia Gurley, 518-299-3219, for the Auxiliary.

There will be a Labor Day yard sale at the Brainard/Gurley homes on Route 23A, Labor Day weekend, Saturday, August 30. 9 – 4. A melange of items will be offered and there will also be a table for the benefit of the American Legion Auxiliary in their ongoing care of veterans. Special shout out for this yard sale to Bev of Ashland because she “wants to know.” See you Bev. Will have vintage young ladies clothing, small sizes. Books, dishes, tools, household items, and use your imagination.

Cousins Tony Marsh and Bobby Gurley, and mutual friend Jack Van Valkenburgh met for breakfast Friday morning at Tracy’s Creekside in Grand Gorge. They are going to be inviting friends from long ago to join them on upcoming Fridays. So if you hear a lot of chattering, it is not the female gender nor the birds, it is those gentlemen. Enjoy, gents. Pat and Manley Haight got to witness this event. Lucky them.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany is going to be closing the Mission Churches in their jurisdiction. Our beloved St. Philip Neri RC in Grand Gorge is a “Mission Church” celebrating its 100th Anniversary in October. A Mass of celebration will be said at St. Philip Neri on Sunday, 11 AM, October 12, followed by a luncheon at the Grand Gorge Fire Hall. Bishop Scharfenberger will be in attendance. They are asking for pictures and memorabilia featuring St. Philip’s to be shared for this event. Contact Theresa Gier at 607-588-9470 or you can give them to her or an usher at Mass by September 21. Ginny Naso (Mrs. Robert) Hull once told me that her father, Dr. Naso, was instrumental in establishing the building of St. Philip Neri RC Church and/or donating the land. The Naso family and doctor’s offices were across the road from St. Philip’s?

We have all heard of partridges in a pear tree but have you heard of bears in a pear tree? A mama bear and two cubs were spotted on Route 23A and then one of the cubs was a victim of a car and then their mama bear disappeared. The next sighting was of the surviving cub in a resident’s pear tree on the back lawn. WOW! Just remember they are dangerous and specially a mama bear. Stay vigilant and smart and healthy.

Feel better wishes go out to Charlie Santo, Joanne Dunphy, Claudia Bracaliello, and Pat Haight as well as those who prefer to remain unnamed.

And speaking of feel better, to all fellow Buffalo Bills fans, it was only a pre-season game. Plus they probably felt sorry for the NY Giants.

Happy Birthday to Brett Olson on August 16. On August 17 we wish Sawyer Elias Petricini a very Happy Birthday. On August 19 we send Happy Birthday wishes to Stephanie Simpfenderfer, Suzette Donisan and Harvey Truesdell. Happy Birthday on August 21 to Alanna Ballard and Kathy ShermanHappy Anniversary to Lenore and Al Olivieri on August 15. Make it a good one friends. Pat and Eddie Chatfield are sent Happy Anniversary greetings on August 18.

Send your birthday and anniversary dates to 518 299 3219 or gurleyrv@gmail.com. Send all your news to same.