The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 05 March 2026

PRATTSVILLE – This is a friendly reminder that this Saturday night, March 7, when going to bed, take time to set your clock ahead one hour. You’ll have to go to bed an hour earlier so you do not lose that one hour of sleep. At least the weather has been bearable this past week and the snow pack is showing some lessening. The daffodils on the south side of the house are now about two inches out of the ground Aren’t they the brave little souls.

Had a phone conversation with Janet Brainerd recently. Janet is doing well and extends greetings to all. She wanted to catch up on classmates and Prattsville friends from her teenage years. She sends greetings to Phyllis West Raeder, Ginny Moseman Kennedy and Elliott Brainard and asks that Pat Dunham Smith’s family extend Janet’s greetings to her. Not many of that age group still around.

Sympathy to the Stryker/Haight families on the passing of Carol Haight Stryker, wife of Carson, of Gilboa. Condolences are extended to all the family.

Cathy Martino, Marianne Krauss, Shelly Brainard, Lana Breigle, Mary Cline, Nancy Kizyma, Pat Minew, Nancy Orr, Patty Coleman, Lori Gustin and Gerri Barry all met at Ginny Gurley’s for a luncheon on Friday, the 27th. Everyone brought a dish to share, including eggplant parm, Pea soup, quiche with bacon, chicken salad, pasta salad, relish trays, snacks and for desserts – apple cake, pound cake with cranberries, and coffee cake. Drinks were varied, with coffee being the preferred drink, and everyone was on their good behavior. Lots of laughs and mutual interests – they are all members of the local American Legion auxiliary Units 1327, Prattsville, and 1764, Conesville, with veterans being their main focus. Some of the ladies were delayed in attending because of, what else, medical appointments but they soon caught up on the gossip and food.

The Donisans, Suzette and Bob, are making their own maple syrup and it was boiling at 9 AM Sunday morning. Nothing better than local Catskill Mountain maple syrup. Really, really like Danny Dymond’s Maple Hill Farm syrup. The BEST. Back to the Donisans. On a recent visit with the grandchildren, Edward and Elizabeth, at the homestead in Huntersfield, the two children decided they wanted to try skiing. Now Edward said he was not going to give up until he had made the complete trip down the hill without falling. After an unmentioned number of trips, he did succeed and with his accomplishment, he was done for the day. Elizabeth was smarter or less adventurous, and after her initial tumble, this smart little lady was done for the day. Also Dad Julius had to show his stuff but on a limited basis. Age takes its toll on all of us.

Belated Happy Birthday wishes go out to Debbie Beckwith of Lexington. Debbie’s birthday is March 5. She has a big job keeping Bob Hermance on the straight and narrow. With his son Bob Jr. and other family members here for the past weekend, lots of work was being accomplished around the Hermance homestead. Debbie works full time at the Belleayre Ski Center but in her spare time she puts together the most amazing sewn items. If you can imagine it, she can sew it together for a designer look. Bob Sr. has now joined the ranks of retirees but he offers his help to others when their schedules mesh. Thanks Bob.

Did you get the latest issue of the Wildcat News bulletin of the Gilboa Conesville CS? It is a publication to be proud of. Very informative and professionally composed with notices of upcoming events at the school. Want to mention the play in particular. SHREK, THE MUSICAL JR., will be presented by the Drama Club on March 27 at 7 PM and March 28 at 4 PM at Gilboa Conesville CS. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and may be purchased at the door. The Gilboa Conesville CS Drama Club has never failed to please the audience. Believe the phrase is, “darn near professional.” Our Darcy Jaeger-Brand is the Director of the play, as she has been for many years and a good job she does. Support our students and the directors of the play.

Prattsville seems to be on the move. Hear the liquor store will soon be under new ownership. And some activity on the status of the Prattsville Diner?

Sending out feel better wishes to Skeet Constable of West Kill. Wife Carol has a number of very good friends who take her to visit with Skeet at the nursing home. That is the advantage of living in small communities where everyone is willing to lend a helping hand.

Happy Birthday to Bonnie Chase and Jennifer Hill on March 7. Jennifer is the daughter-in-law of Sandy and Larry Hill. And we all know Bonnie. On March 8 it is Happy Birthday to Larry Hill. Maybe Jennifer and Larry can have a family birthday party. To our favorite fuel deliveryman, Scott Haskin – a very Happy Birthday on March 10.