The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 27 February 2026

PRATTSVILLE – Congratulations to all our Olympians for a job well done. To the medalists, we are proud of your achievements and your representation. It is a special moment when you hear our Star Spangled Banner being played and the chant “USA USA USA”. How about those hockey teams? Gold for both the women and men USA teams. The Gold and Silver stayed in North America and we offer congratulations to our fellow North Americans, the Canadians.

As of Sunday, winter is still here. Only four more weeks of winter, if we are lucky. The O’Hara crew were out early Sunday morning getting ready for whatever snow we have coming. They were checking out their equipment so it would be in perfect working condition for the next storm. Usually the Red Wing Blackbirds put in an appearance around Valentine’s Day but not this year. We were informed that a local family heard some spring song birds singing around 5 AM? Not going to doubt them but…...maybe they should check their smoke/carbon monoxide detector.

Diana and Arnold Jaeger have a mystery visitor to their bird feeder. Early one morning they noticed that the birdfeeder seemed to be dismantled and pitched in the air. They examined the scene of the crime but no particular tracks were discernible. Of course bears were ruled out at this time of year. Do know at one time the Huntersfield area was having trouble with fishers, as in the largest marten, who were making a dent in the domestic feline population. When not guarding their bird feeders, Diana and Arnold make good use of their retirements by taking care of great-granddaughter Charleigh. All three are beneficiaries of this arrangement. Diana and Arnold swear Charleigh is the smartest, most beautiful and best behaved child ever. Don’t we all have at least one of those children in our families?

See that Bear Pen Mountain Center, Route 2, Prattsville, is having an Irish festival on March 14, Saturday. You might want to check that event out for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Check out their website to keep it local.

The Mountaintop UMC will hold their semi monthly Soup and Community luncheon March 10 at the Kaaterskill UMC Main Street, Tannersville. Perhaps they will again have a professional guest chef to help prepare the luncheon’s main dish. It is worth trying and the conversations are always informative.

Nancy and Louie Kizyma finally got their winter break for the Valentine’s Day weekend and were able to visit their daughter Medora and her husband Eric on Long Island. They played the winter odds and had no travel problems. Included in the visit were their two granddaughters Emily and Allison. The two couples got to take in a play, “Johnny Cash”, and all family members got to enjoy a dinner at German restaurant. Nancy said it was the very best she had ever got to enjoy. Nancy, Medora and Emily also made a trip to the nail salon for a manicure. In their spare time they played Mexican Train, a game of dominoes. Family times like these make the memories to be enjoyed at the next gathering.

Heard from our Oregon girls – Judy and Janet Chatfield and they tell us they have enjoyed a mild winter out there in Oregon.  Get this - “So far, no snow.”  Three weeks ago they “had a record 71 degrees.  Janet has even had to mow the lawn two weeks ago.” Their high mountains received snow but they have been lucky.  “We'd love to visit New York.  Maybe we can make the trip this summer or early fall.  Needless to say we do miss the Catskill Mountains, and of course our family and friends.” Judy is looking forward to attending a concert on February 22 at the Tualatin Library. Judy went to a JV girls basketball game with her friend Ken.  Her niece, Tessa, will be playing.  Janet, the other half of our Oregon girls,, is super busy at work but she, her son and daughter-in-law took a vacation in Arizona this week. She's been checking in with Judy every day to see if she’s had any wild parties.  Judy says, “Only my neighbors know and they aren't talking!!!” Guess Judy’s has them sign oaths of silence while Janet is away. “Guess that's all our news.  Sure do hope you start getting some warmer temps. and no more bad snow storms.  The Oregon Gals Judy & Janet” Thanks Judy and Janet for your news. But as this is being written, we are in the midst of another snow storm. They also continue to contribute to their local veterans’ facilities. As always, thank you for caring for our veterans. Your dad, Perry Chatfield WWII veteran, would be so very proud of you as is your brother, veteran Ed Chatfield.

Belated get well wishes to Connie Ruehl of Gilboa. Not sure of the details but she broke her clavicle. The situation is keeping Connie at home and she misses and is missed at her St. Philip Neri RC Church. Not to make her feel too out of touch, she missed the bi-monthly coffee hour at St. Philip’s on the 22nd. A fellow parishioner brought in his own homemade danish - delicious. Thanks Richarad P. Sorry you missed it Connie. Prayers that you do feel better and you can make the next Coffee Hour.

Our Happy Birthday wishes go out on March 3 to Patricia Chatfield and Zoe Jean Hill (granddaughter of Larry and Sandy Hill). To special lady Toby Oliviere, we send very Happy Birthday wishes on March 6. Make sure son Al and wife Lenora give you all the Birthday greetings sent your way. tay warm, safe and healthy.

Call 518 299 3219 or email gurleyrv@gmail.com with your news to share with all. Thank you.