The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 26 March 2026

PRATTSVILLE – Spring? Well, maybe. Finally did hear the Red Wing Blackbirds but have not yet caught sight of them. Ditto Bluebirds. Daffodils are almost ready to bloom and they can be forced to blossom by bringing them inside and nipping off the tip of the bud. Can all that spring outdoor labor be far behind?

Adding to the get well or return to active life list are the Kileys, Bob and Sandy. Bob will be having his other knee replaced. And then there is Sandy. After making very good progress on her recovery from her fall from the ladder last year, she decided she would try roof walking. Not a good idea Sandy. Not sure who will be taking care of who but more on that later. Sandy is more original in her ailments that Bob. We wish them both a full recovery with their physical issues. Best to you Bob and Sandy. And the same to all those who need a few good wishes.

Got a call from Pat Law DeSain in the western part of New York State. Pat’s parents are John and Elsie Jaeger Law. She said the family originated in the Prattsville area but in the late 1930’s or early 1940’s her dad bought a farm in Manorkill. She went on the graduate from Gilboa Conesville CS, Class of ‘53, at the age of sixteen. Not bad Pat. Among her classmates were Nelson Buel, Sydney Vining, Florence Hoyt Conine, and Bob Palmer, among those she named. Her brother Jim was a Gilboa graduate, Class of ‘58, and she also named her brothers William and Dennis as Gilboa alumni. Pat said she could remember the sorrow of the area upon hearing the news that Virgil Deyo was missing in action in WWII, later to be confirmed KIA, shot down over St. Lo, France. He was twenty-one years of age. We thank him for his service and for giving his all. After graduation Pat continued her education at a nursing school, graduating in 1957. She was married at St. Philip Neri RC, Grand Gorge, in 1960. Pat remembers big family dinners at Speenburgh relatives on Wright Street, with all the boys finishing in a hurry so they could go set pins at the newly opened bowling alley on Main Street, now Jim’s Great American. Boyce and Marie Spaulding were the owners and gave the teenage boys jobs setting pins. The bowling alley was the teenage hangout and Boyce enforced all his rules of good behavior rigorously or you were out the door. Many will remember the Speenburgh sons, Jim and Dick. Jim and his wife Jo were very well know in our are – Jim was an insurance agent. If you are familiar with family names from our area, you can tract Pat’s lineage to the Arnold Jaeger, and other Jaeger families. Think her mother might have been Arnold’s aunt?

Claudia Bracaliello let me know she will soon be working on a blue afghan for the veterans. Claudia knits her afghans and most are in awe of her expertise. She is taking it easy for a while to get some rest and relaxation. When Claudia is not keeping her doctors appointments, Ray takes his turn with the multiple annual check ups, as with all of us of a certain age. Claudia said, “Doing our best to keep going.” Stay strong Claudia and Ray and take it easy.

Remember the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, Saturday, at Youngs’ Hardware Store, Main Street, Prattsville, beginning at 11 AM. There will be “special eggs” with a special prize inside. Three age groups will give every child a chance to get their fair share of eggs. This event is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 of Prattsville in partnership with the Youngs with their very generous use of their facility. They do appreciate local commerce and this is their way of saying “thank you”. Youngs, you are appreciated. Thank you.

On Saturday, the 21st, Bobby Gurley hosted his annual corned beef and cabbage dinner attended by Rob Gurley and Amanda Savasta, Nadine Gurley Huntsman and sons Lincoln and Crew, and Christina Gurley and daughter Maeve and Ginny Gurley. Desserts were cheese cake, apple pie and a birthday cake for Maeve who will be celebrating her first birthday on April 4.

Received the flyer from the Prattsville Hose Company announcing their Annual Roast Pork Dinner on Saturday, May 2, from 4:30 PM to 7 PM, at Firehouse Drive, Prattsville. Adults: $18, children 6-12: $9 and children 5 and under eat for free. All you can eat menu includes Roast Pork, homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, applesauce, coleslaw, dinner rolls and a beverage. For dessert we will have a large variety of delicious homemade items, made and donated by the members of our community. Advance reservations are not required, you can stop in for dinner and pay at the door. Advance reservations are requested no later than April 17 and can be mailed to Prattsville Hose Company, P.O. Box 416, 47 Firehouse Drive, Prattsville, NY 12468. A variety of Prattsville Hose Company merchandise and a 50/50 Raffle will be available during the dinner.

The Siena basketball team played a superb game and their loss is not something to be ashamed of. They had Duke up to half time and then…. Well you know the rest of the story. But to Siena we send congratulations on a game well played. Same with the Jefferson/Stamford girls varsity basketball team. McKenna Hoyt was double and triple guarded to avoid her chances of showing her expertise but that is the name of the game. She and her team are also congratulated for doing their very best.

Hope you get a chance to support our Gilboa Conesville CS Drama Club presentation of Shrek Jr on Friday, March 27, 7 PM and Saturday, March 28, 4 PM, at the school’s auditorium. The cost of admission is reasonable and much cheaper than other commercial/public entertainment. The presentation is near professional. Thank you.

Happy Birthday to Desmond Petrioni on March 28. Desmond is the grandson of Beth Ballard. On March 29 it is Happy Birthday to Sarah Armlin, daughter of Debbie Armlin and granddaughter of Beth Ballard. Happy Birthday to Mary McGlynn on March 30. On March 31 we wish Haley Benson a very Happy Birthday, On April 1 we send Happy Birthday greetings to Randy Briggs. April 2 marks the birthday of Mary Barry and Kerrianne Aurigema Dibble and we say “Happy Birthday” to these two ladies. Mary Barry is the mother of Debbie Baker. John Zacco is sent Happy Birthday greetings on his day, April 4.

Send your news, birthdays, anniversaries, achievements, etc. to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219, Thanks.