The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 20 July 2026

PRATTSVILLE – Hope you are enjoying all the 250th Celebrations available all around our area. Our summer weather is kind of cooperating. Do take note of the humidity and heat and smoke when venturing outside. It does give us an excuse to stay inside with the air conditioning and read, do crafts or binge watch TV.

Does anyone know the motorist who crashed into the traffic sign at the junction of Main Street and Washington Street late Thursday afternoon? After checking the car out for damage, he left the scene of the accident. Perhaps he turned himself in at a later date.

The Zadock Pratt Museum is going to start a new exhibit  to coincide with Prattsville Day, hosted by the Town on August 29. The Museum are going to do a "Hurricane Irene...Prattsville Remembers 15 years later"  They are looking for any pictures and stories the residents want to share on how the house has changed (good and bad) and how their live have changed in the last 15 years.  If they have any questions or want to submit pictures (copies) and or stories please give Stephan Birnbaum a call at 713-628-5675 or email the museum at zprattmuseum@gmail.com. The Museum is also starting a new Art Exhibit on August 1 in the Pratt Museum.  The exhibit is called  "In The Dark Wood: Contemporary Landscape Paintings. Prattsville Residents, Artists  and Board Members Charlotte Halberg and Tony Bluestone will be curating the exhibit.  Opening Reception will be August 1 from 2-5 pm with Light Refreshments served.  Any questions email the museum at zprattmuseum.com or check the museum website:  www.zadockprattmuseum.org.

Former Prattsville resident Benny (Ray Jr) Benjamin made an unannounced visit to the mountaintop. He and wife Sandy (Kingsley) live in Leeds and he brings her to the weekly meeting of the Patchworkers at the Ambulance Building in Windham. With prior notice, Benny called on his cousin Schuyler Minew on Beech Ridge Road who is making strides in his recovery. Benny’s chatter certainly made him feel better. Benny also stopped at his Aunt Ginny’s for a quick chat and then he went on to visit Elliott Brainard, an old childhood pal. Benny and Elliott grew up together on Main Street and their parents were card playing buddies, as were most of everyone’s neighbors in the 50’s and 60’s. Never a quiet moment when Benny is in town. Elliott’s family, wife Shelly joined daughter Stephanie and daughter-in-law Kelly for a Sunday afternoon in Albany, probably shopping but Kelly’s birthday is July 21 so imagine there was at least a birthday luncheon acknowledging that special occasion. Happy Birthday again Kelly. Am sure all the ladies enjoyed their time together.

The new garage construction at O’Hara’s on Route 23A is showing progress. New buildings are a sign of increased business activity and that is always welcome.

It is a double treat to visit RSK Farms when Bob and Sandy’s grandson Emmett is part of the treat. Emmett’s mom Kelly, daughter of Bob and Sandy, had some planting to do on her own so, of course, Grandma Sandy said she would oversee Emmett’s driving lesson on his battery operated toy jeep. Sandy had possession of the remote hand controls and everything was fine until Emmett found the dashboard’s control. Sandy did not have too much of a problem regaining control and powering Emmett and the jeep out of the mud puddle. Grandpa Bob, who is still recovering from knee surgery, was manning the counter and helping customers inside. Their plums and tomatoes are very, very good. Let them set out on your counter for a few days and your eating pleasure is assured. Prior RSK Farm employee Debbie Beckwith was there taking advantage of the Kileys’ summer produce. Will let you know how their potatoes taste. Never had a bad potato from RSK Farms.

Debbie and Steve Baker are hosting Father Cebula’s weekend stays for the month of July as visiting Priest for St. Philip’s and other RC Churches in the Sacred Heart parish. He is still his very jovial and upbeat self and those attributes radiate out to his constituents. Thank you Father Joe for being here for us.

The Breigles have returned from their annual vacation to Maine. They all enjoyed their time away from everyday cares and duties. But Lana jumped right in with her newly accepted duties as President of American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 making arrangements for the Auxiliary’s participation in the Town’s celebration of our 250th Birthday. Remember the date of August 29 for that event. The Auxiliary will have a booth with raffles and items to be bought in support of the veterans. There will also be a large number of current books to be yours for a free will offering, no limited amount. Theresa at the Town offices says that applications for the Fair on the Town Green on August 29 continue to come in. This indicates you will have a lot to do, look over and enjoy. Celebrate, it is your Country’s Birthday.

Thank you to Jane Concato for playing taxi cab driver on Tuesday for a medical appointment in Slingerlands, and the lunch treat. Nancy Kizyma and Ginny Gurley visited the multiple yard sales, braving the sprinkles before the downpours started. We got to exchange some information with Lori Gustin, Barb Cook, Janet Mower, and Louise ?? Sorry, I can’t remember your married name but you know who you are.

Happy Birthday to Tony Marsh and Kipp O’Hara on July 26. On July 27 it is Happy Birthday Joanne Lane and John Young. Roberta Hull is wished a Happy Birthday on July 28. Hey, a Happy Birthday to a deserving veteran Louie Kizyma on July 30.

On that note, do send “Thank you for your service” wishes to all veterans everywhere and especially to our local heroes. It is because of your unselfish actions that we are still FREE. And you continue to serve in veterans and other charitable organizations to help your fellow veterans and active military. We also thank those who help maintain our way of life through life saving medical services, our firefighters on all fronts, charitable organizations and neighborhood committees. We all lead active and busy lives but think about just doing one little unexpected act of kindness for your friends and/or neighbors. Lets play it forward.

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