The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 7 December 2025

PRATTSVILLE - On to the next holiday – Christmas, with all its wonderful customs and celebrations. Be prepared but most of all, enjoy the season.

The Laura Murray family got to celebrate Thanksgiving in a most wonderful way. Laura’s daughter and son, our postmaster Linda and her brother Tom, the last owner of Red’s Auto Supply, and their present and extended families got to enjoy a traditional family Thanksgiving dinner at Mountainside were Laura is in residence. The facility has a dining room for just this type of family dinner for their residents. Linda said there were twenty-seven of them giving thanks with Laura and her family. Such wonderful memories were made that day.

Now more to celebrate. From the McGlynn family we have the following.  “Thanksgiving is a time for us to be grateful for many things.  This year our family is grateful to officially welcome Jackie Cestare into our family as she and Dan McGlynn became engaged.  Thank you, we are very happy and excited for the happy couple.” Thank you Jackie McGlynn Ormandy for forwarding this happy news to us. Congratulations to Jackie and Dan and now Thanksgiving will always bring more happy memories of this special occasion.

Claudia and Ray Bracaliello spent Thanksgiving in Massachusetts with Claudia’s family, of course after so many years the family considers Ray a special family member. Claudia continues to be very active. After two doctors’ appointments, she made an apple pie and three dozen dinner rolls for the family’s Thanksgiving dinner and beyond. Niece Wendy was the hostess for the Thanksgiving dinner again this year and everyone gave thanks for her graciousness. We continue to send prayers for Claudia’s good health.

Belated recovery wishes go out to Bob Kiley. Bob had knee surgery and other than a slight favoring of that leg, he is on the go. He said he is doing “OK” but what else would he say? He always looks on the bright side of situations. Complete recovery soon Bob.

The bug seems to prefer some families over others. As soon as Arnold Jaeger was on the recovered list, wife Diana had a meeting with that culprit bug but that did not stop the Jaegers from having their annual all the merrier Thanksgiving dinner. As well as local friends and family, their son Ty, wife Juli and granddaughter Ursula from Arkansas joined the group. That dining table just has to get bigger to handle all that love and friendship. Good show.

Nancy and Louie Kyzima were the hostess and host for their Thanksgiving dinner, numbering 10. In addition to Louie and Nancy there were their daughter and her husband, two granddaughters, Bobby Hermance and Debbie Beckwith, Nancy’s sister Bonnie and husband Wally and other friends. Not to be slowed down by entertainment, Louie and Nancy have started putting up their outdoor Christmas decorations. Their appropriate seasonal and/or holiday decorations are always worth the trip to Lexington. Thanks Nancy and Louie.

Had a chance to check in with Steve and Judy Haskin. They too had a great Thanksgiving dinner and holiday. They deserve the very best of life.

Randy Brainerd can use our continued get well wishes.

Just a reminder for this upcoming Christmas season of gift giving. Look to our Prattsville businesses for presents for your loved ones. When in doubt, gift certificates are always handy for Jim’s Great American, Youngs Ace Hardware, Prattsville Tavern, O’Hara’s Service Station, Hidden Valley Fuel and the Prattsville Hotel.

Happy Birthday wishes to Connie Lane on December 6. Happy Birthday wishes to Julie Hoyt on December 6. On December 6 we also wish Janelle Maurer a very Happy Birthday. On December 7 it is Happy Birthday to Shane Thomas O’Hara. Everybody’s friend Eli Martin is wished a Happy Birthday on December 9. Elliott Brainard is wished a very Happy Birthday on December 10. Also on December 10, it is Happy Anniversary to Shelly and Elliott Brainard.

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