The Prattsville Scoop: 16th annual VA Christmas celebration is in full gear

PRATTSVILLE – How much did you eat or overeat at Thanksgiving? Now it is practically one month of continual eating and partying. But there is a great reason to celebrate. Christmas.

Pat and Tony Bifolco became grandparents once again on Nov. 19 to grandson Anthony Gaetano Bifolco. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. Anthony’s parents are Peter and Nina. Pat and Tony traveled downstate to visit all their sons and families for the Thanksgiving holiday. They stopped first to see the baby, then had dinner at son Steven’s and spent the night at son Michael’s. Congratulations to all.

The 16th Annual VA Christmas Celebration is full speed ahead. It is never too late to contribute, donate or participate. Call the Gurleys at 518-299-3219 or gurleyrv@gmail.com for a list of items for their Christmas gifts. Wrap on the 15th, deliver on the 16th. Have a lot of Christmas elves. Having trouble finding large print crossword puzzle books for the hospitalized veterans. Those on the prowl for these were Gail Peckham, Don and Theresa Speenburgh and Opal Delong. Gail was able to get some in Davenport, Don and Theresa picked some up in Oneonta and Opal got some in Sydney. Still need more of these if anyone comes across them. In addition to those mentioned above, Dan and Joyce Peckham, Janet Mower, Phyllis Scelzi, Claudia Bracaliello and Joan Adams did shopping for the VA Christmas Celebration.

The Craft Fair, sponsored by the Greene County Women’s League for cancer patients, at the Red Rooster, Cairo, was well attended. We wish The League continued success in their endeavors to help Greene County residents going through cancer recovery Our own Kathy Sherman was there with her beautiful purses, totes, etc. She said it was a rewarding day and to prove it, pre-snowstorm on Sunday she went shopping in Hudson. “Spent my profits.”

Retired? The Rikard/Brainerd families are sure glad Valerie Rikard Brainerd is in that class. She is constantly on the run for grandson JJ and nephew Jamison, cooking, babysitting, buying Christmas gifts, etc.

Last Saturday was Small Business Saturday but you can always support our area merchants. Youngs’ Ace Hardware is a fine example of shopping locally. Pat Mattice was there looking for a flexible connection for his new gas range Some mice took up residency in the old one and no way was Pat going to use it again.

Some time ago Darcy and Tim Brand’s beloved dog died. After grieving, they visited a No Kill Shelter and brought home 19 week old Gracie, a German Shepherd/Lab mix. Proud parent Tim shows Gracie’s picture to all he can lasso. Think Gracie looks a bit like Tim. The Brands had armloads of Christmas lights and other decorations to do the season’s lawn displays.

Christina Gurley and son Tanner spent Wednesday PM and Thanksgiving Day AM with Dad Bob Jr. and Jen along with Jana and Javin Traver. Bob and Ginny, Rob and Jen’s mom Jane Tait joined the others for Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Bob Jr. and Jen. Everyone cooks their masterpiece.

Happy Birthday to Shane O’Hara on Dec. 7. Eli Martin is wished a Happy Birthday Day on Dec. 9. Elliott Brainard is wished Happy Birthday on Dec. 10. On Dec. 13 Happy Birthday wishes to Merrill and Teddie Cline and also Glen Bellomy in Florida.

Linda and Glen Bellomy are wished a very Happy Anniversary on Dec. 7. On Dec. 10 it is Happy Anniversary to Shelly and Elliott Brainard. Phyllis and Jerry Raeder are wished a Happy Anniverary on Dec. 13. Congratulations to all.

News? Send to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.