The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 3 November 2025

PRATTSVILLE - Our most sincere thankfulness and gratitude to our Veterans. Do remember them every day and especially on Veterans Day, November 11. “Thank you for your service” accompanied by a handshake, hug and a kiss will do wonders for their day. To all our veterans “Thank you for your service”. The Gilboa Conesville CS will be hosting their annual Veterans Day Program on Monday, November 10, beginning at 9 AM. The students and staffs do a very meaningful program for our veterans and encourage all to attend. It seems the younger the children, the more willing they are to show their exuberance for this meaningful program. Thank you to all for showing your love and appreciation for our veterans. Appreciation and gratitude to our law enforcement members, firemen, EMTs and all those who are there for us in times of emergency and other needs. Remember to set your clocks back an hour Saturday PM.

Our local veterans will be the beneficiaries of the proceeds from the Annual Veterans Day Bake Sale, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, Saturday, November 8, 9 AM, at Jim’s Great American. You are asked to Bake, Buy or Donate, whatever your wishes and skills are. We have a professional pastry chef who has recently volunteered to make pies for this event. Pies are always the first to sell out so be there early. But if you are too late, there are other delicious items to tempt you and sate your sweet tooth – or will that be sweet teeth. See you there.

Welcome home to Peggy and Jim Young. They are recently returned from Scotland. Thought Peggy looked like she might have a sun tan. From being in Scotland? Did they make a detour to some sunny climes? Regardless, good for them and we wish them many more fun trips. Nothing like getting to know your fellow world citizens from other areas of our planet.

Janet Brainerd and daughter Kathy Schmeidel were guests at a wonderful family/friend 90th birthday party for Joan Myers on Saturday, October 25, at the home of her son Wayne of Prattsville/Red Falls. Joan’s children Wayne, Chip and Dee-Dee were there. Daughter Beverly, who lives in Texas, was the only one not able to attend. The party was a surprise for Joan and she said it was always her goal to reach 90 years of age. Her actual birthday in October 31. Many friends, family members, and one time co-workers made this a memorable day for Joan. Happy Birthday Joan. She resides in Stamford with her son Chip and family. Best to all the Myers family.

Forgot to send out welcome home wishes to Lisa and Steven Birnbaum. They had been visiting granddaughter Elie in New Zealand for a few weeks. Steven returned a few days before Lisa and she brought home an early seasonal cold. But Elie is worth it. As with all new first time grandparents, Steve and Lisa swear Elie is the smartest, brightest, and cutest little girl ever. Enjoy your family.

It was a week of family visitors. Monday niece Pat Minew stopped in for some organizing of Christmas bag construction for the veterans at Stratton VAMC and some family chit chat. Wednesday nephew Benny Benjamin called to say he wanted to stop by to sort through some family pictures going back to th 1930s – 40s, including his parents Ray and Rose Delmar Benjamin. He had some time while his wife Sandy was at the Patchworkers weekly sewing get together. Many childhood memories were enjoyed all over again. Ray was serving in the U.S. Army in World War II when Benny was born, seeing his son for the first time when Benny was two years old. Many of the pictures included Ray in uniform with his adoring younger sisters-in-law and his admiring brothers-in-law. One time in his later years Ray went to the VA for some hearing problems only to discover that he had shrapnel in his leg from combat during WW II in the Pacific. Not sure if they removed the shrapnel or fixed his hearing. Over the weekend Jeremy Marsh, one of the good guys, along Bobby Gurley, stopped by to do some household chores for those of a certain age. All of those mentioned above are included in the “good guys” category.

Get well wishes go out to Pat Bifolco. She just seems to go from one health issue to another. Also get well wishes are sent to mother/daughter – Linda Jaeger and Rosanne Cross. Both have had some days in the hospital are now home recovering from their individual health problems. Continued feel better wishes go out to Claudia Bracaliello, Mary Cline and Randy Brainerd. We send them all prayers for good health.

General Question: Who or what entity is in charge of the local Toys for Tots collection bins? Have been asked for this information so whoever is in charge of said charity, might have some support for your cause, and a good cause it is.

It was a most enjoyable day at Young’s Ace Hardware on Saturday, the 25th. The staff (Debbie W., Nick, Rob and Cameron and owner Peg and others) were there with their assistance and support for the booth for the sale of Raffle Tickets for the Flag Blanket, the Patriotic six piece purse ensemble and patriotic Teddy Bear sponsored by the Prattsville American Legion Auxiliary for the 2025 VA Christmas Celebration in December. Marianne Krauss was the donor of the Flag Blanket and Kathy Sherman made and donated the purse ensemble and teddy bear. We do have some very generous and appreciative friends and supporters of our veterans with many making very generous donations. Thank you. The drawing for these three prizes will be on Tuesday, December 9, and the winners will be notified. As always at these events, you get to touch base with many you have not seen in a while and to catch up on their news. Thanks to all, both local friends and relatives and the many visitors to our area, some passing through and others being part time homeowners. You are all great.

Guess I can sneak this in “GO BILLS”. Been awhile since I could say that. Right, Dottie?

Happy Birthday to Becky Town, at one time the Pastor of the Reform Church, on November 1. Becky and husband Gregg, also Pastor, and their family are frequent visitors to Prattsville, enjoying many holidays with the Jaegers in Huntersfield. On November 3 it is Happy Birthday to Pam Carr and granddaughter Michelle Carr. On November 7 it is Happy Birthday to Cheyenne Robinson, also a granddaughter of Pam Carr. Pam does nice work.

We can always share your news with our readers. Please send your news you want to share to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.