The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 14 December 2025

PRATTSVILLE - Hope you sent out prayers for those who lost their lives on December 7 1941 at Pearl Harbor and during the next four years. They secured our freedoms and to those and all in the ensuing conflicts who served and many who gave their all, we are indebted to them. Thank you to all our veterans everywhere.

If you had any doubts, we are now in the winter season. Snow and cold. Isn’t that what we want for the Christmas Season? Enjoy, or pretend to enjoy the snow. Now is the time to thank our friendly and reliable snow plow operators whether they are doing the mail highways or private driveways. And O’Hara’s crew gets special thanks and appreciation for doing some snow shoveling in front of the private garage. A big and appreciative “Thank You”.b

Janet Brainerd was treated to a day of shopping in Albany by her twin daughters Becky Benson and Connie Constable. Pictures from that day shows the joy this day brought to all three of them. Janet makes her home with son Georgie and family in Coeyman’s Hollow. Janet’s other children and family members always keep her on their guest lists when visiting other family members. Janet is loved and always remembered.

Had a nice visit with Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bracaliello, AKA Ray and Claudia. The stopped by with a beautiful afghan for hospitalized veterans knitted by Claudia in soft chenille yarn. Thank you Claudia for always thinking of your fellow veterans. This afghan will be delivered with all the other Christmas presents for the forty veterans at Stratton VAMC, Albany, on Tuesday, December 16. Know first hand the time and effort to crochet an afghan for our veterans and would not attempt to knit one but Claudia, regardless of her physical limitations, continues to turn out those knitted afghans on a regular basis. We thank Claudia for that extra love and care on behalf of all veterans. Ray just shakes his head at Claudia’s ambition and continued efforts. She says as long as she can continue to play the organ, she is a contented lady. She does admit she is no longer approved for physically moving organs as she has in the past. She is one amazing lady. The said they had a very happy Thanksgiving with her brother Andy’s family. We wish them a most Merry Christmas season and the best of health to Claudia.

The WAJPL Golden Agers enjoyed their annual Holiday Luncheon at the Chicken Run on December , As always the food was delicious and plentiful. Their raffle baskets were a big hit. There is always a bonus for attending the club’s activities. You have to admire them for their very club activities. They just keep going.

Isaac and Nadine Gurley Huntsman with sons Lincoln and Crew visited the Gurley relatives in Prattsville on Saturday. Lincoln and Crew were treated to their favorite drink, chocolate milk, from Grandpa Bobby, The adult Huntsmans and Bobby were treated to some “Jack’s” famous pizza at Ginny Gurley’s. That is what Isaac wanted from his birthday, a little early for December 12, but who cares. Everyone had a grand time, even with Crew shutting great-grandma in the closet.

The finishing touches for the 21st Annual Christmas Celebration at the Stratton VAMC are being put on the packages, and the “extras” are being prepared for sharing. Veterans and active military are helping wrap gifts, along with spouses and other family members, and all will take part in the presenting of gifts on Tuesday, December 16, at the VA. Those interested in any manner, please call 518-299-3219 or 518 821 5896. Some preparations were taken care by President Cathy Martino and Marianne Krauss and Ginny Gurley on this past Thursday. Many committed community members are still buying for the veterans and others are writing Christmas cards to them to be presented with their gifts. One veterans was so pleased to have received a Christmas card from a Gilboa Conesville student signed, “I love you”, he was showing it to everyone. It is the little things that count.

GO BILLS. What a nerve wracking game!! But the results were what were wished for so…Go Bills.

Happy Birthday to that loving couple who are so close they even share a birthday – Teddi and Merrill Cline – on December 13. Enjoy your day. On December 14 we wish Debbie Dymond Happy Birthday. On May 15 we wish Ed Chatfield Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to Merrill Frederick Cline and Cathy Cline on December 16. The Clines keep filling those December days. Have a family celebration. On December 18 we wish Reese Chase a Happy Birthday Happy Birthday to Kyle Thorington on December 19. And to the followind happy couples – On December 13 we wish Phyllis and Jerry Raeder a very Happy Anniversary. To that special couple Judy and Steve Haskin we wish them a Happy Anniversary on December 14. On December 19 we wish Teddi and Merrill Cline a Happy Anniversary. The Teddi/Merrill Clines can celebrate family milestones the whole month of December. Congratulations to all.

Please send your news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219.