The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 8 February 2024

PRATTSVILLE - Happy Valentine’s Day. Send your loved ones special greetings. Local florist Blumen Haus, Prattsville Plaza, 518-248-4743, will put together a super floral arrangement reflective of your love.

Should we thank Phil for an early spring? Better not as we do not know if we will really have an early spring. Mother Nature does not have Phil on her call list. We will have nice weather for a few days.

Another character has left our ranks – Don Cornell. He grew up in Prattsville and was one of the last of that decade – the wonderful “50’s. RIP Don and hope all received a warning that you were on your way. Don was a Navy Veteran and we thank him for his service. The vignettes of his escapades from so many of his friends growing up from local residents and some as far away as Oregon that it would take two full columns to relate them all. Don’s life was a life well lived bringing joy and laughter to those who know him or just came in contact with him. Our sympathy and love to his family and friends. God speed Don.

Got to spend some time with Shelly Smith Bell, daughter of Pat and the late Carl Smith. Shelly works at Margaretsville Nursing home, where her mom Pat is a resident. She said Pat is well and keeps involved with daily activities and enjoys company.

Bob Hermance stopped by and gave some family information. Wife Carrie is now a national representative of her company involved with suitable senior housing for those needing assistance. Congratulations Carrie. And Bob son young Bob Jr. is in heavy construction as an ironworker supervisor and is now working on constructing the new Buffalo Bills’ stadium. Bob Jr’s hard hat even carries the Buffalo Bills’ logo. Go Bills. Bob G. was also an ironworker many years ago so he enjoyed hearing of another local was working in the same trade.

The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327 will be hosting a fishing trip for the ambulatory veterans from Stratton VAMC later on when the weather permits going out on the Hudson for stripers or whatever is in season. Michele will again be guiding them and making sure they enjoy the trip. When Covid first started and the group was isolated, Post 1327 and Unit 1327 bought them new fishing gear to get them out of the VAMC as an isolated group for some fun time. Unit 1327 will be hosting a BBQ in July for the 4th Floor resident. These two events are only possible because of your generosity to and appreciaton of our veterans who can no longer live an independent life. Thank you to them for their service and thank you to our local loyal and supportive veterans who do not ever forget their fellow veterans. Truly a Band of Brothers.

Update: Judy Chatfield sent her picture of the Prattsville Tea House, run by her grandmother Edith Chatfield, but it was the same one that Connie Lane had shared with us and ran in a previous Mountain Eagle. Thanks Judy and bet you had fun going through your paper treasures to find it. Keep sharing with us on bygone days.

Even if your favorite team is not in the Super Bowl, it is still fun to hear the chatter about it. You could even hear some chatter at the dentist’s office. He was favoring the Bills and now will cheer for the 49’ers but his assistant is cheering for KC with the feeling that they are going to roll all over the 49’ers. Staying mum on my second choice.

Have a correction. In last week’s column, referred to Michael Hill as the grandson of Larry and Sandy Case but he is their son, birthday February 6, my apologies. Sandy and Larry are already experiencing the warmer weather that we are due to enjoy the 15th and 16th. They, out in Missouri, had a power outage and had to rely on their generator for a few days. They wish they lived a little closer to their grandchildren and perhaps in the near future that will take place with a move by son Matt and wife Jenn and their children from Washington to Iowa. Son Michael and wife Kris have live in Ketchikan, Alaska for the past four years. Sandy and Larry hope to see them in July and do some fishing while they are there. Alaska in summer is something nice to look forward to. Michael and Kris served in the Navy together. Thank you both for your service. Sandy continues battling with her bone/back issues but at this time is doing very well. Larry is the same ole’ Larry but is straining at the bit to get his 1970 442 Space(?) Car on the road. Am sure Johannes Krauss and Stephen Birnbaum will know all about this car. Larry likes to do the car show and car club trip and the previous two mentioned know very well all about those two events.

Cathy Martino, Marianne Krauss and Ginny Gurley attended the Greene County American Legion Auxiliary meeting in Greenville on Saturday, February 3. Their main business of the meeting was to select the 2024 delegate to Empire Girls State to be held in late June early July. And Prattsville resident, Abigail Hammil was chosen to represent Greene County. Congratulations Abigail. Another highlight of the meeting was some synopsis of their experiences there by last year’s three delegates. It is with pride that we acknowledge Kaitlyn Cross of Prattsville, daughter of Janice and Greg, as one of last year’s delegates. Although Kaitlyn is shy she said this helped her broaden her scope of familiarity with new friends and situations. Mom Janice was enthusiastic in her support of this program and thanked the Auxiliary for this opportunity given to Kaitlyn. It was our privilege and wish more would become interested in being a representative. Call 518-299-3219 for more information on qualifications, still have a little time.

Claudia Bracaliello’s Proctors concert is on February 20 at noon, in the GE Theatre.  Free! But parking is not.  Best place to park would be the Broadway garage, as that is as close  as you can get with parking, something you can figure out, otherwise it is complicated.  At least at the garage, all you have to do is put your credit card in the machine. Give Claudia’s concert a try.

Don’t forget the Bake Sale next Saturday, February 17, 8 AM to 12, at Jim’s Great American for the benefit of local student athletes traveling overseas. Bake or buy or donate. It is important that we support our students going beyond the norm. Good Luck ladies.

Joanne Dunphy is home and continues getting back to her active self. We wish her good health.

The Kaaterskill UMC will have their free Soup and Sandwich luncheon on Tuesday, February 13, 11 AM to 2 PM at the Kaaterskill Blue Room, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville. Know on a firsthand basis that is a fun get together and the food is fresh and made on site. As always, conversations are free and voluminous and you can also participate in board games of your choice. Great get together. The next luncheon, after the 13th luncheon, is scheduled for February 27 and all arrangements are the same.

Happy Birthday to Andy Lutz on February 10. Happy Birthday to Mary Cline on February 12. Wonder how old she is and can we count that high? Happy Birthday to Stephanie Baker on February 14 – how wonderful to have a daughter on Valentine’s Day. Happy Birthday to July Haskin on February 15. On February 16 we wish Alexandra Holdridge Happy Birthday. And special Happy Anniversary greetings to John and Jane Lane on February 14 – how appropriate!

If you would like others to share your news, celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries – call 518-299-3219 or gurleyrv@gmail.com. Thank you.