The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 22 January 2026

PRATTSVILLE - Winter is still here and making everyone aware of it. So when adventuring outside, please be aware of the very cold weather, hidden ice slicks and blowing snow or just the windy weather.

Claudia Bracaliello has not been taking things easy. She has been partaking of her second favorite pastime, hubby Ray being her very favorite pastime, – organ playing. Claudia reports “Last Tuesday, 1/6/26 (Epiphany), I participated in a concert at the GE Theatre at Proctors.  The first photo

Shows me at George (the 4 manual digital theatre organ...we are using in the GE theatre while Goldie the 3 manual pipe theatre organ is under repair) and Carl Hackert on the piano, playing a piano and organ duet, “Let it Snow”. The second photo shows the same two, on George playing an organ duet.  Organ duets are rare as it does require 2 folks, who know each other pretty well, as there isn’t that much room.  Carl had written it, and it truly is fun!  Name of duet “Baby it’s Cold Outside”, which was a good choice as it definitely was that. You may notice that I was wearing a sweater in the first photo,  which I had removed, because I played “The Lady in Red” between these two pieces.  You must have a bit of theatre!” Claudia is a lady that cannot be kept inactive regardless of any of her limitations. Claudia - you go girl. Congratulations on your latest performance and keep up the good work. All of us wish you the very best.

Barbara Hoagland Cook and Laurie Van Gustin were in attendance at the Food and Fellowship at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville last Tuesday. The two ladies do quite a bit of socializing in our area – attending the WAJPL Goldenagers Club meetings and events, as well as taking in the luncheons and happenings at community events. Laurie does some babysitting for a three year old girl and oh some of the stories she can tell. Good to see them out and about. Ditto Marianne Krauss and Ginny Gurley. Nancy Kizyma was on the attendee’s list but had to back out because of doing some good deeds for a neighbor. Nancy, and Louie, are always there with some kind words and offers of assistance. They also shared a remote picture visit of their interior Christmas decorations with a neighbor unable to venture out in the winter weather. Nancy and Louie, you are appreciated. It was fun to be able to enjoy lunch with Paul Dibble. He worked with, some Prattsville residents many years ago at Cortina Valley, Haines Falls, and has fond memories of taking the long way home, a twelve mile detour, to Tannersville via Route 23A, Prattsville How else was he going to be able to get Jack’s Pizza? Nice talking to you Paul and sharing special memories. Pastor Mark was also there to meet and greet and share good and thankful words of friendship. Do believe this event is what it is meant to be - sharing and caring.

Family and friends gathered at the Miller/Hines Funeral Home in Roxbury on Saturday afternoon to pay their final respect to Jerry Raeder. Many braved the very winter weather to attend. Jerry will be missed by all who knew him. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Fellow Bills fans – we always have next year. We can take pride in our support of an honorable team. Go Bills. See you next football season. Always faithful……..Your Bills’ fans.

Have some special people celebrating their birthday on January 24 as follows: Happy Birthday to Pat Bifolco and Jill Piccoli, and to David Murphy and Franklin “Skip” Marquit. On January 26 we wish Adrianna Breigle a very Happy Birthday. We send Jamison Rikard a very special Happy Birthday on January 30. Jamison is our hometown man on active military duty and we thank him for his service.

Would like to have your news. Call 518 299 3219 or gurleyrv@gmail.com. Thank you.