The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 04 January 2026

PRATTSVILLE - Happy New Year and send Merry Christmas wishes to you and yours.

As you read this column it is already 2026! And the days are already starting to lengthen a few minutes a day. Just keep watching and you can notice the difference, as long as it is not snowing or raining.

Family members and friends traveled from near and far to enjoy the holidays with loved ones. And yes, they did have an enjoyable time together.

The Bear Pen Sports Center is a welcome spot for families with youngsters who easily get cabin fever while the adults indulge in their favorite indoor activities. The tubing park is a favorite of those between the ages of 3 years to adults. It doesn’t take them long to handle the different steps to use the down hill tubing by themselves, and are well behaved in doing so. Although all that activity should tire them out, the kiddies are still full of it when they return home. Thank you Rennells for providing this activity as well as many other activities at the Sports Center. The Lodge there is the perfect hangout for adults not braving the cold and snow but want to stay with the family group. Our own Janice Cammer and Doreen Soule Maurer are employed there and add to the ambiance of hometown atmosphere and friendship.

Got good news via a telephone call from Anita Creazzo. Anita is feeling so much better after some medical procedures and what is making her, and Al, so very thankful is the outpouring of love and help from and contact with their many friends, Think their Christmas celebrations were among the most active. That is what will keep you young, Anita and Al. Happy Holidays to you both.

Family members traveled to Prattsville as well as those residing in Prattsville traveling to family groups in neighboring towns. Do believe that every visitors came with a large container of cookies, as well as those delicious snacks. Thanks go out to all.

The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327 and American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, Prattsville made their annual VA Christmas Celebration trip to the Stratton VAMC, Albany, on December 16 to hand deliver to 39 veterans their own Christmas gift bag fill to bursting with 24 gifts. With each veteran there is always a story to be treasured and stored in memory for future recall. Our two constant and long time contact at the VA will be leaving at the end of 2025. Michele Ferrauilo of our three residential units, and the recreational and therapy units, consisting of the 39 veterans receiving our Christmas gifts, will leave the end of 2025. And Erwin “Dom” Dominguez, Manager of Voluntary Services, will also be leaving at the end of 2025. Their replacements have been in place for some weeks and have been well trained. Michele and Dom have done a superb job of taking care of and looking out for our veterans either in requiring medical care and/or personal needs. We thank them for their selfless and loving care of our veterans. We all will miss our “angels” at the VA.

Sympathy to Jim Eisel and family on the death of his father. Jim, you and your family have our condolences and love.

Got the annual holiday informative letter from Larry and Sandy Case Hill out in Missouri. As with most of a certain age, their sons and wives and children live many states away so their celebration is somewhat limited. But Sandy says even with the distance, the love and contact are tangible and they light up their lives. Larry continues his love of and activities with the vintage car clubs. It is rewarding for them to take Larry’s car to retirement homes where the residents get to see the cars that were current when they were young and enjoying the cars. Boys toys (cars) are so much more expensive than girls toys (knitting needles and books). Is jewelry considered a toy?

In making New Year’s wishes, we wish good health for Claudia Bracaliello, Randy Brainerd, Anita Creazzo, Skeet Constable and those fighting the annual bug.

Happy Birthday to Ursula Gurley Lindley on January 3. On January 4 we send Happy Birthday greetings to Diane Cammer Eklund and Debbie Carmen – wonder what they will be up to? Happy Birthday to the ladies mentioned.

Send your news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219. Thank you.