The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 19 January 2026

PRATTSVILLE - Sending out heartfelt thank you messages to all who watch over us in their own special way – Our military and veterans, medical professionals, both doctors and nurses, EMTs, firemen, and those in our retail businesses who are there for us with suggestions and assistance. Thank you.

GO BILLS. Even the sportscasters had to admit the Bills are extraordinary with Josh Allen leading the pack or is that the herd. Now have good winning thoughts for the Bills in the game next Sunday, the 18th.

Had a long chat with Suzette Stuppert Donisan. Her mom Elsie is holding her own and husband Bob continues to be a big help tending to all his chores and helping Suzette with hers. Suzette’s older brother Philip and families are all on the healthy and active sides. Philip and Susanne’s son’s and daughter’s families are very busy with their young lives, meaning Philip and Susanne are kept busy doing grandparent duties. Bob’s and Suzette’s son Austin is super active and has now returned to his home in California. He loves mountain climbing or rock scaling, whatever it is called. Their son Julian and daughter-in-law Elizabeth are kept active with son Edward and daughter Nadia (?), sorry for not being sure of the spelling of her name. Suzette said they are able to video chat with relatives in Germany and Elsie is able to see and be seen by them, as well as other members of the family. Sometimes the new electronics serve a good purpose. So we wish them all a continuation of happy and active lives.

Valeria Rikard Brainerd was spotted in Windham doing some errands. As was Bobby Gurley. While standing in line G.Gurley was surprised when the lady standing in front of her turned around with a big smile and hug from her nephew’s wife Kelly (Adam) Brainard. Well, medical appointments keep you in touch with your friends and family.

Sympathy to the family of Jerry Raeder who recently passed – spouse Phyllis, five daughters and two step children and their families. Jerry will be remembered for his active participation in hometown softball and his bowling – he excelled in both. He was also a one-time owner of the Prattsville Catskill Mtn. Bowling Alley in the 70’s, now the site of the current Jim’s Great American. Rest in peace Jerry. You fought the good fight. Calling hours will be at Miller’s Funeral Home in Roxbury on Saturday, January 17, 1 PM – 3 PM.

Many of the Mass attendees of St. Philip Neri RC Church in Grand Gorge, on January 11, took advantage of the Coffee Hour to catch up on friends and family happenings. One grandmother had a number of grandchildren on the sick list with whatever ailment is currently going around. The high temperatures were alarming but all is now well except Grandma’s washing machine has been out since December and that necessitated the washing by hand of 26 pairs of socks. Maybe she washed the neighbor’s supply also? Anything for a laugh. The next Coffee Hour at St. Philip’s will be January 25, after the 8 AM Mass. All are welcome. Not to be forgotten, the UM Mountain Top Community Churches will be resuming their Second and Fourth Tuesdays Soup and Fellowship Luncheons at the Kaaterskill UMC, Main Street, Tannersville, starting January 13 and continuing thereafter.

Sympathy to the family of Louise Moore Mudge who recently passed. Louise was a long time resident of Prattsville before moving to Roxbury and then recently moving to Catskill to be with her son Tom. Louise loved to dance and if she didn’t have a partner, she kept time with the music, tapping her toes and clapping her hands, while sitting on the sidelines. Keep dancing Louise.

Hope all of you watched the USA National Skating Championships over the weekend for the USA’s skaters. Not biased, well not much, but all of them in whatever category were terrific. The Women’s Championship winners – Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levita - all three of them were superb. And who’s breath does not catch when watching the Quad “god” - Ilia Malinin. The other two winners, Andrew Torgashen and Maxim Naumov, in the men’s individual competition were amazing to watch and will do honor to and for the USA. Maxim Naumov lost his parents along with others in the skating community in the air collision last year in the Washington DC area. Special thoughts are sent his way. And how about Lindsey Vonn? Age is just an impetus to her. We wish them all success at the ‘26 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Cathy Martino made a drop off at G. Gurley. She will return at a later date for a continuation of activities.

Happy Birthday to Derek Briggs on January 18. Happy Birthday to Phyllis Raeder and Benny Benjamin on January 19. On January 20 we wish two special ladies, Marianne Krauss and Theresa Speenburgh, a very Happy Birthday. On January 22 it is Happy Birthday to Nancy O’Hara. Happy Birthday to Valerie Brainerd on January 23.

Please send your news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219. Stay warm and stay healthy. Seems those viruses just find new hosts every day and raise havoc with their health and personal activities.