The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 21 November 2025

PRATTSVILLE - Happy Thanksgiving to all. May it truly be a time of “thanksgiving”. We send out “Thank you for your service” sentiments to all our veterans. Stay strong and healthy. At the same time, we say thank you to our EMTs, early responders, our Firemen, all those in health care, we really need them, and all others who make our lives less stressful. We also wish them Happy Thanksgiving and we are thankful for you.

Well, Diane Eklund and Mary McGlynn enjoyed a day out shopping and enjoying lunch last Monday. Could not get Diane to pinpoint the actual city visited but it was either Catskill or Oneonta. The restaurant in Catskill seemed to be the deciding factor. We wish both ladies many more girls’ days out with shopping and dining and whatever.

As I write this Scoop, 3:30 PM Sunday the 16th, got an email from Connie Lane as follows: “FYI. Grandson Chris Clark and girlfriend De Laney are at this moment at the Bills game cheering them on.” Thanks Connie but……..Happy that there are so many Buffalo Bills fans in our area. That alone should give them more games in the “win” column. We remember Chris when he was about 5 years old taking up the gifts at St.Philip Neri RC, Grand Gorge. Not telling any tales but think that he was on his best behavior at that time of the Mass, otherwise……? Good behavior and choice of favorite football team lasts forever. Keep up the good work Chris. Bills win over the Bucs. Go Bills.

The craft fair sponsored by the WAJPL Golden Agers Club sponsored the Craft Fair at the Windham Ambulance site on Saturday. It was attended by many and was well represented both as shoppers and exhibitors. Wish there had been more foot traffic to keep us all busy. It was nice to see the golden agers from the Gilboa/Conesville golden agers and the same being members of the American Legion Auxiliary – Connie, Linda, Lori, etc. etc. Linda always has a funny story for everyone. She must stay up at night to keep these little vignettes at the ready. Connie is the gentle one with a helping hand and Lori is the “younger” one. Glad to see all for so many reasons. Got to see family members – Nancy Howard and Carole (Mrs. Glen) Howard. Carole had backed out of the Fancher hunters spaghetti dinner on Friday night at Ronnie’s hunting camp in Conesville. Her nieces Pam and Rhonda were part of the wait staff at the dinner and then had to attend an early craft fair in the Albany area on Saturday AM. Youth does have its advantages.

Another attendee as exhibitor was our own Kathy Sherman of the Katie Kreations fame – all things purse and tote bag connected. The sad news is Kathy, now of Middleburgh, will no longer be making all things toteable. Did not think to ask her if she is available to sell her items now in stock. P.S. there are some good deals perfect for Christmas giving. To those who are still in the sewing realm, Kathy has seven tote bins of material she is offering for sale. She did not say this but am sure their value is well worth the phone call and you can call her at 518 299 3186 or email her at the following: kdhsherman47@gmail.com. She is very accommodating for arranging visits to check out her material. Have to mention Carol Landers, Kathy’s faithful companion and Sales Assistant, was also in attendance. Had to give Carol a title, she loves it.

Back to the WAJPL Golden Age Club. They are making arrangements, and do not misinterpret the word “tatoo”, to attend the PARADE OF NATIONS & VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATOO -TATOO 250. “The Tatoo Tradition. The term ‘tatoo’ drives from the cries of the 17th & 18th century Low Country innkeepers in Scotland, who, as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters would cry, “Doe den tap toe!’ (meaning turn off the taps!). The sound of the “taps” caused the innkeepers customers to depart and return to their barracks. The word “tatoo” evolved over time and refers to what developed as a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands today.” The itinerary is lengthy and involved so it is better to call a member of the WAJPL, Mary Louise at 518 622 3397 or Vicky at 518 734-4164 for more information and reservations. This trip will take place for 4 days and 3 nights, April 16 – 19, 2026. Package includes 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 full course dinners, dinner cruise, Parade of Nations, visits to American Revolution Musuem, MacArthur Memorial, evening entertainment, etc. etc. Cost is $759 per person, double occupancy, $729 per person triple occupancy, $1,059 per person single occupancy. $100 deposit due with reservation. Balance due by February 20, 2026. Make checks payable to WAJPL Golden Age Club, mail to WAJPL, P.O. Box 96, Hensonville, NY 12439.

Lesson in Americanism and patriotism: As per protocol, all must/should stand at the playing of taps as a sign of respect for the military and its departed. No “please remain seated” should take precedence over standing for TAPS nor the saluting of the flag, Pledge of Allegiance, Flag in parades (with men removing their hats except for military in uniform) and all other signs of patriotism. So proud of our Legionnaires Post 1327 and Auxiliary Members Unit 1327 for standing for Taps. You know the sacrifices made and being made by our military. Thank you for your service.

The American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 is so very grateful to and appreciative of the family and friends of the late Gary Ramundo, veteran. The VA Christmas Program will be able to give handsomely to the veterans in the Residential Units at the Stratton VAMC. The funds given in Gary’s name will be used exclusively for the residential veterans Christmas gifts. Wish all could see how very well dressed and pleased those veterans will be at Christmas parties. Their families also get so much joy and satisfaction from seeing their loved ones remembered and brought happiness. As per usual, all are invited to attend the gift giving to the hospitalized veterans on Tuesday, December 9, 10 AM. You can call 518 299 3219 or 518 821 5896.

Happy Birthday on November 22 to Jacki Briggs, Anna Tompkins and Tanner Hoke. On November 23 we send special Happy Birthday wishes to Nancy Olson. On November 24 we wish beautiful Adrienne Breigle and handsome Jim Young Happy Birthday. Wow, on November 27 we can wish another handsome lad Happy Birthday, here’s to you Ed McLean. November 28, good grief another handsome guys birthday, Happy Birthday Jim Thorington.

Sends news, special days, ideas, upcoming events, etc. to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219.