The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 03 October 2025

PRATTSVILLE - GO BILLS GO BILLS GO BILLS

Thanks to the Chases, Bonnie and Lester, and the Youngs, Jessica and John, all on Route 23 as you enter Prattsville from the East, for making a fall welcome to all. Their fall colors of chrysanthemums and other decorations are absolutely beautiful. Speaking of the Youngs, was that Nolan Young leading grandpa John Lane around by the hand as they did some shopping in Oneonta? Nolan was all smiles when he recognized his fellow Prattsvillians.

Clarification needed due to Danny Peckham’s spreading false information, of the fun kind. He said The Scoop had the information that Jim Eisel had lost his wallet. Not so. It was reported that Jim YOUNG had lost his cell phone. Even with that Jim Eisel was elated that his name was mentioned in The Scoop. So not to let Jim Eisel’s “high” go unwarranted, we now say that his good deeds are hereby noticed. On Saturday morning at Jim’s Great American local students had set up outside the store for bake sale, etc. thanks to Jim’s generosity and community support. Jim had also recently set aside Saturday, November 8 for the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 bake sale for the benefit of LOCAL veterans. Thanks Jim for all your considerations and assistance. Hope Danny P. reads this as it is written with no personal interpretation or misrepresentation. Hi Dan, you special guy. As always, thanks Jim and Danny.

Get well wishes go out to Jim King of Little West Kill and veterans George Slauson of Lexington and Dana Hommel of Elka Park. Along with health wishes you are sent “thank you for your service” greetings.

Jim and Roxie King spent a few days out of town for some down time but they paid for it. They picked up a “bug” that caused sniffles and coughs. The were prepared because they took turns staying on the sick list. Roxy was first and after she had some recovery, Jim took to the sick bed. By the time you get this news, they both should be in good health. Stay well Roxy and Jim. Roxy did say they are just about finished with preparing, canning or freezing, apples for the winter with pies in the future.

You have next week to clear your schedule for the Patchwork Quilt Show on Saturday and Sunday of October 11 and October 12 at the Ambulance Building on the corner of South Street and Route 23, Windham. This show features local artisan so make it a point of being impressed by your neighbors’ and/or family’s artisanship. They are very talented indeed. Of course that is the weekend of Windham’s annual Autumn Fest, so make it a three day weekend. On that weekend also it is the 100th Anniversary of St. Philip Neri RC Church in Grand Gorge. There will be the Celebration Mass on Sunday, October 12th at 11 AM at St. Philip’s followed by a luncheon at the Grand Gorge Fire House. Bishop Scharfenberger will be in attendance for both events. All are welcome to attend.

Shelly and Elliott Brainard and daughter Stephanie spent four days on the Maine Coast. The beauty of the area made a big impression on them. The beauty of our North East is indeed something to enjoy and brag about.

Pat Minew, Nancy Orr and Ginny Gurley, members of the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, made a trip to Albany to make arrangements to be prepared for the purchase of gifts for the Stratton VAMC veterans for their 2025 Christmas Celebration. The trip was productive and they feel confident all of you will be generous in making sure our hospitalized veterans at Albany VA will have the best Christmas ever. Pat did say her yard sale was not all they had hoped for. Wait till next year!

After the resident deer ate all the garden vegetables, they ate the hostas for the first time ever, then invited the raccoons to cultivate the lawn, turning over the sod in big chunks looking for grubs or whatever. Weird weather and strange invasion of pests.

Peter and Marcia Gurley Tocci visited her family for three days recently. They bring some edibles that are always absolutely delicious. They too were feted to some butternut squash soup (thanks RSK Farms) and homemade cookies with jelly drops. They were too early for great-nephew’s birthday party in Cooperstown on Saturday the 27th. Lincoln celebrated his 5th birthday with a total of three parties – friends, extended family and his own four member family. Lincoln is the son of Isaac and Nadine Gurley Huntsman.

GO BILLS, GO BILLS, GO BILLS, and another NY team won – the NYGiants.

Happy Birthday to Dean Martin on October 6. Happy Birthday to Samantha Baker on October 9. Birthday wishes to Karissa (Mrs. Joe) Baker and Brian Young on October 10.

Need some news including birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations and all the things that make you happy. Send to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219. Thanks.