The Prattsville Scoop: Happy 100th anniversary to the National American Legion Auxiliary
PRATTSVILLE — Happy 100th Anniversary on Nov. 19 to the National American Legion Auxiliary and to all American Legion Auxiliary Units in Greene County. With the American Legion, we are the largest veterans service organizations in the world. On behalf of our veterans, thank you.
Thank you again to all Veterans everywhere. Land of the free because of the brave. Our area has certainly shown their appreciation and love for our veterans with so very many programs and events. Personal thanks, luncheons, breakfasts, school events with so many invitations they all could not all be attended, and support of fundraisers for veterans’ benefits. The American Legion Auxiliary’s Bake Sale was a success and the funds will be used for local veterans and/or families who are in need. Let auxiliary members know or call 518-299-3219 with veterans’ names who could use some help at this time. The bake sale provides a chance to talk with supporters and catch up on their family news and let them know how funds donated in support of veterans will be used. The generosity of our area is legendary.
Welcome to the world twins Annamarie Claire 6 lb. 6 oz. and Francesca Grace 4 lb. 9 oz., great-granddaughters of Tom Dignam. Their parents are Melissa and Philip of Staten Island. The babies were born Oct. 23, and join two older sisters. Needless to say, Tom is a very happy and proud grandfather.
Got to see a picture of Tammy and Mark Robinson’s granddaughter Emily, daughter of Liz and Glen Robinson. Glen, you told me years ago you were going to name your first daughter Virginia after me! You are forgiven. Emily has older brother Mason to watch over her.
John Lane was feted to a retirement party on Saturday, the 9th, at the Community Church Hall. John retired during the summer but he said he was not retired only reassigned. Lots of family and friends provided good wishes, love and laughter and, of course, delicious food.
Sisters Janet Syska and Judy Chatfield and doggie GiGi just got back from a mini-vacation at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. They enjoyed lots of fresh fish and Judy enjoyed lots of clam chowder too. (Janet doesn’t like it.) The ocean was peaceful and relaxing. They ate breakfast one morning at a little family run diner (Grumpy’s) and were served enough food to feed a couple of loggers. The people are very friendly in the small towns up and down the coast. They also toured the Tillamook Creamery and Cheese Factory which was very interesting. The samples were yummy too. There were numerous shops with lots of things to see. Little Gigi kept busy stalking the sea gulls. The weather was perfect and the leaves were changing colors which were beautiful and they are still enjoying roses in their back yard. Their garden was a great success this year. The freezer and pantry shelves are full of goodies from the garden. They wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. “Love, The Oregon Gals Judy, Janet and GiGi.”
P.S. Gigi celebrated her 11th birthday on Oct. 15. She dressed up as a black and gold spider this year for the kids. Always the little Diva. Thanks for the news Janet, Judy & GiGi.
More news from afar. Larry and Sandy Case Hill would like all Sandy’s mom’s friends here that she will welcome cards and letters from them. She is acclimating to her assisted living home. Write her at Dorothy Case, 105 No. Mill St., Eldon, MO 65026.
So many thanks go out to the Gilboa Conesville CS for their 21st annual Veterans Day Program. It seemed especially moving this year — the public attendance was great, all the students were respectful and attentive and who can resist the elementary students renditions of patriotic songs with accompanying gestures. The American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327 Presented and Retired The Colors and one of the speakers was Commander Chris Tompkins. So thankful for the announcement: “If able, please stand; if not in uniform, please remove hats” at the presentation and retiring of the colors. The refreshments in the cafeteria after the program were appreciated and the veterans and their families stayed until the students were due for their lunches. No one wanted to say so long. Thank you again to all the staffs at Gilboa Conesville CS.
Carrie Hermance of Lexington, member of Unit 1327, Prattsville, and on staff at Robinson Terrace management, hosted a luncheon at the Veterans’ Outreach Center in Stamford catered by TP’s Café. All veterans and families were invited from wherever — a veteran is someone who served for all of us not just their community — so Legionnaires and Auxiliary members Ray and Claudia Bracaliello, Bob and Ginny Gurley and Johannes and Marianne Krauss spent the afternoon visiting with other veterans from many towns in the area. We learned some of the causes sponsored by the Veterans Outreach Center. Do not throw away those gently used blankets, linens, bath towels, dishes, cooking utensils, pots, pans, and men’s and women’s clothing. The Stamford site currently has 11 full time residents, men and women and, sorry I do not have the sizes, and can use the aforesaid items. Some of you have offered used clothing that we cannot take to the Stratton VAMC but now we will deliver it to the Stamford Center for you. Tracy and Jason are the live-in directors and have the veterans’ welfare at heart. They have just received grants to install a new kitchen for the general use of the residents. As with most veterans’ facilities, local veterans and charitable organizations do their best to keep the facility decorated in the current holiday season and this week they are bringing out the Christmas decorations! Call 607-214-4095 or 607-201-9317. Not to rest on her laurels, Carrie hosted a coffee and cupcake afternoon on Monday for the residents of Robinson Terrace.
Remember the Prattsville Firemen’s Ziti Dinner with all the fixings and desserts, on Nov. 16, eat in or take out. Chinese Auction and raffles will be available for your fun side. This will take place at the new Prattsville Firehouse. Come and check it out, they are very proud of it. Good luck.
Claudia and Ray Bracaliello took in the antique fair at St. Sophia’s Greek Church recently. Did some extra shopping on the way home which necessitated a trip for exchange in Oneonta. They are enjoying their newly decorated home but Claudia said she has to get used to her gas cooking range after using electric for years. She’s a smart lady, she can do it.
Met the new Pastor for the Dutch Reform Church of Prattsville, Pastor Alicia Reipma. She has the spirit and bubbles over with joy and good will, a testament to her faith. But oh my, she is so young or at least she looks like she is just a teenager. Good to meet you Alicia.
Happy Birthday to Jeff Breigle on Nov. 16 and also on Nov. 16, Happy Birthday to Kevin Piccoli. On Nov. 18 we wish Laura Breigle Happy Birthday. We send Happy Birthday wishes to Anna Tompkins and Jackie Briggs on Nov. 22.
Send news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.