The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 21 January 2024

PRATTSVILLE - Thank you to all our medical professionals, response personnel, firefighters, essential workers and all. You help us continue in our daily lives.

Got to talk with Kip Rikard, Is he our eldest resident? Sorry Kip. Anyway, Kip is well and taking care of himself and that is not bad for a 93 year old. Kip served during the Korean War and we thank him for his service. He makes the daily trip to the Prattsville Post Office and is self sufficient. He likes reading and keeps his television viewing to a minimum. P.S. Kip loves homemade cookies. Does anyone remember when Kip, Francis Hull and Clarence Van Valkenburg concocted their own “bomb” back in the late 50’s. Oppenheimers they were not and the experiment ended with Francis suffering an injury to his foot. The police were involved but “young” men were not charged, lucky them.

Connie Lane, now of Oneonta, sent a number of pictures in relation to the Lane farm across the Schoharie by the Barrier Dam. In fact the pictures predate the Barrier Dam and there is a foot bridge featured in some of the pictures, one with an unidentified lady. The Lane farm was once owned by Zadock Pratt, perhaps established by him, and went by the name of Pratt Farm at the time of some of the pictures. Connie said a member of the Lane family said that back in the day the farm actually had “milk maids”. The picture perhaps features one of them.

Sympathy to the Al Hess family of Conesville. Al and wife Irene were familiar faces at many of our local events. Al was a veteran and we thank him for his service. His services were held in Middleburgh.

John Lane is sent community thanks for his caring of his family and fellow neighbors. Parents Donnie and Connie are doubly blessed because when John takes his neighbors to Oneonta for doctors’ appointments, he spends the wait time with them. This past week while he was waiting for Ann Oliver at her appointment, he spent the time with them. John also sees to it that his parents get to their doctors’ appointments. Thanks John for being a good guy. John’s wife Jane, also in the “good person” category, watches their grandchildren when the need arises. Parents can rest easier when it is the grandparents who are watching their children.

Get well wishes to Albert Van Etten of Lexington who had fender bender, well it was a little more serious than that. He ended up with some broken bones and some serious bruising. At a certain age, all bruising is a serious matter. Albie is the brother of our Nancy Olson.

Get well wishes to veteran Dennis Galin of Haines Falls. Dennis is a veteran and we thank him for his service.

Claudia Bracaliello would like to share the following. How many of you remember Tony Canna our wonderful UPS driver? Tony passed on January 3 and his service was last Thursday in Cairo. He was a great man and a friend. 

Now for more fun news from Claudia. The next free noon organ concert is January 22, with Pamela Sharpe and Ned Spane. The concerts are are in the GE Theatre at Proctors. The next free noon organ concert is the 22nd, with Pamela Sharpe and Ned Spane.  The concerts now are in the GE theatre at Proctors. The February concert is the 20th, with Bill Gailard and Claudia Bracaliello, again at noon and free and in the GE Theatre. Congratulations to Claudia on her appearances at the GE Theatre.

The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327 and American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 will be hosting five adaptive skiers from Stratton VAMC under the guidance of Michele Ferrauilo, on January 26, at the Adaptive Sports Center at Windham. All are invited to greet them at about 9:30 AM. Please think about attending. They love to know they are remembered and enjoy picture opportunities with all. The Post will be their benefactor for the skiing and the Unit will sponsor their lunch.

You know it is cold when the playoff football game in Buffalo had to be rescheduled. Talk about whiteouts! And those were here on Sunday afternoon. Didn’t last long but it was a reminder what Mother Nature can do in winter time. Go Bills. The rescheduled game was won by our Bills.

Diane Eklund was in Cooperstown recently on business. Guess it was business because no troublesome parties were reported.

The Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville, said their first activity day on January 9 was a success although the participation was light due to the storm. But those who had to be out keeping our roads safe, stopped by for some hot soup and sandwiches plus appreciation. What a nice way to say “thank you” with some warm soup. The food and activities will be the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 11 AM – 2 PM, at the UMC, Main Street, Tannersville. Activities will include games of your choice.

Also heard that if you are looking for good food and conversation, the Mountain Top Senior Citizen daily luncheons at the East Jewett Community Center is the place to be. You must call one day in advance to let them know you will be attending, food is cooked daily on site for a nominal fee of $4.

Special Happy Birthday wishes to Marianne Krauss on January 20. Theresa Speenburgh is wished Happy Birthday on January 20. On January 22 we wish Nancy O’Hara a Happy Birthday. Valeria Brainerd is wished Happy Birthday on January 23. January 24 is a special day for Jill Piccoli, Pat Bifolco, Skip Marquit and Dave Murphy as we wish them Happy Birthday. We send Happy Birthday wishes to Adrianna Breigle on January 26.

Send your news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.