The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 14 November 2025

PRATTSVILLE - To all of our local veterans, thank you for your service. And we thank every veteran every where for their service. You are honored and appreciated.

As per their motto “Still Serving” legionnaires, members of America Legion Virgil D. Deyo Post 1327, veterans Johannes Krauss, Arnold Jaeger and David Rikard, plus David’s “crew”, were out Saturday the 8th, taking down the Veterans’ Honor Banners to protect them from the winter’s inclement weather and thereby prolonging their longevity. We thank “our veterans” for their duty and service to our Country and communities.

Locally, our veteran organization, the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, sends out a very grateful “Thank You” to all of you who supported our Annual Veterans’ Day Bake Sale on Saturday. You made it one of our most successful ever and this year there are many who can use our assistance. We stand with and for our military families. With that prompt, please contact any Auxiliary member with names of those local veterans and/or their families who can use our help. You can also call 518 299 3219 for help. We can help immediately. Our auxiliary members and neighboring communities really stood by us with baked goods, purchasing goods and/or just donating. Shout out appreciation to fellow columnists – Christine Dwon and member of Dottie Pickett’s family – for your loyal support in getting the word out. And thanks to WRIP aka Jay Fink, Mountain Eagle, and MidHudson PSA. Thank you, thank you. Your actions spoke louder than words. One couple had to make two automobile trips to Jim’s, making six trips from car to store, to donate all their professionally made baked goods. Also some made a 40 mile round trip to contribute. Then there were many of our neighbors here in Prattsville and from West Kill, Lexington, Ashland, Hunter and Grand Gorge who baked and baked and baked and then also bought or donated funds. Am sure the air in Prattsville and those neighboring towns must have smelled so good all day Friday and Saturday with the baking of those deliciously made goodies. Those auxiliary members standing for our veterans at the Bake Sale tables were Cathy Martino, Lana Breigle, Mary Cline, Diana Jaeger, Marianne Krauss and Ginny Gurley. Members stopping by with goods and assistance were Sharon Potter, Nancy Kizyma, Shelly Brainard, Stephanie Braswell, Fran Clark, and Darcy Jaeger-Brand. To all on behalf of our veterans, thank you again and again.

Our own Suzette Donisan will be on the program for A Journey of Peace and Joy, sponsored by the Catskill Choral Society on Friday, December 5, 2025, 7:30 PM and Saturday December 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM. This event will take place at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY. Check out their online site: catskillchoralsociety.org/tickets. Suzette said she feels her voice is ready for public singing again. Congratulations Suzette and perhaps some of your Prattsville friends will be able to attend.

The eagles are in residence again, or at least they are being spotted more often. The nesting pair of Ashland are back in their home. And either they or other eagles are monitoring the Schoharie Creek as viewed from Route 23A and from aarea residents.

Don’t you think grandparents and great grandparents get younger and younger looking? Falling into that “great” grandmotherhood is Darlene Briggs and Diana Jaeger. Not saying Randy and Arnold look their great-grandfather status either but it is always the ladies who cannot look their age.

Terry Aplin of Ashland is walking a lot slower. She has continuing back trouble from herniated discs and might have to undergo surgery for a “cure”. She said this has been ongoing for about four years. She has our compassion as well as wishes for a cure or some relief. Get better Terry.

Rob Gurley and Amanda Svasta made a surprise visit to his dad Bobby and grandmother Ginny’s Saturday PM, only to discover (paraphrase) that the queens, Cathy, Shelly, Marianne and Ginny, where in their counting house counting out the money from the bake sale. Lively conversations ensued and information exchanged. Dozer, Amanda’s pet, was also there being a silent observer of this mayhem. Never a dull moment.

RSK Farms will continue to be open on the weekends until the end of November. It is never too late to pick up those winter vegetables for your eating pleasure later in the winter.

The McGlynn family of Maple Lane were in their hometown for the Mass at St. Philip’s for late patriarch Tom. It was a time for joy of remembering Tom and a time to bind family ties. We remember Tom with fondness and admiration for his courage, may he rest in peace.

Some vignettes from the Bake Sale. Fran Palermo Clark, showed up at the Bake Sale with her generous support. If you really want to absorb some kinetic energy, just spend a few minutes or seconds with Fran. She can stand still and throw out energy for those around her and it is either move or get run over. She is only about 56 inches tall but can give the impression of being six feet tall. Thanks for your support Fran and your boost of our spirits. Come back any time.

Some snowbirds are planning for an early departure before snow and holidays descend upon them. However, they have promised they will probably be back for some holidays and more good information from them for us in the future. Safe travel.

Happy Birthday to two handsome gentlemen, Jeff Breigle and Kevin Piccoli, on November 16. Laura Breigle is wished a very Happy Birthday on November 18. Happy Birthday to Jackson Lindley on November 21.

Please send news, birthdays, anniversaries, special dates, etc. etc. to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219.