One thing I love about Halloween is its unique ability to gather people together. As we find ourselves surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often forget the beauty of simpler days, when Halloween was about gathering with friends and neighbors. This year we looked back to earlier times and rekindled a vintage Halloween spirit that emphasized togetherness in the way it once did. While it’s easy to get caught up in candy and costumes, I’ve learned that the real joy comes from the connections we create with our neighbors, friends and family. Sharing treats, welcoming trick-or-treaters and participating in community events makes the season feel meaningful and warm.

There wasn’t a whole bunch of glitz and glamour at the CCC on Friday night, but there was an excess of warmth and joy that was gloriously palpable. A handful of Chilmark firefighters decorated, handed out pizza and mulled cider for a jam packed room of goblins, fairies, super heroes, Toy Story characters and a rock n’ roll guitar playing pickle. It seems okay that the costume parade and prizes fell by the wayside this year because the room was booming with chatter, giggles and the pitter patter of excited feet. Many thanks to Jonah Maidoff, Chris Smith, Alan Porter, Travis Tack and Manny Rose for chaperoning the understated chaos. Big thank you to Dan Athearn and his family at Morning Glory Farm for corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds and Julie Flanders for hay bales.

Families strolled Menemsha together with children adorned in the most creative of costumes clutching an assortment of treat bag styles. Adults greeted one another with the warmth that comes from knowing your neighbors, and if they didn’t by the end of the night they had become fast friends. Many thanks to the folks at Beetlebung Farm, Marie and Danny Larsen, Janet Stoddard, Julie Flanders, Janet Weidner, Tom Ruimerman, Joe and Susan Chapman, Stanley Startzell, Deb Zetterberg, Whitney and Walker Ryan, the Oliver family, John Furst and Amy Cody, Micaela Cullinan, Kara Merry, Mimi Trimmer, Annette Cingle, Scott McDowell, Margaret Maida, Sarah and Ali Flanders, Igor and Ludmilla Ivanovic, Colin Ruel, Nettie Kent, Barbara and John Armstrong, Keith Fenner, Marilyn Vukota, Debby Packer, David Tilton, Lynne Silva, Ed Greenebaum, Joan Caulton, Sarah and Fred Khedouri, Geraldine Brooks, Ann and Hal Noyes, Betsy Larsen and her fabulous team, Shelley Edmundson, Ryan Rossi, Kathie, Marshall and Bradley Carroll, and all of the amazing folks at Chilmark Fire, Chilmark Police, Tri-Town Ambulance and Coast Guard Station Menemsha.

Although they are off continuing their educations — one at Middlebury’s Vermont campus and the other at Middlebury’s Monterey, Calif. campus — Eloise and Wren Christy have reached a monumental milestone in life. The daughters of Jennifer and Todd Christy have turned 21. On this milestone birthday, they are more than just daughters, they are a source of inspiration. Their journeys are uniquely theirs, and I have full confidence that the path ahead holds even more incredible experiences and accomplishments. Oh happy day.

Also celebrating this past week was Merrily Fenner. Eight decades of a life lived beautifully with strength, grace and unwavering kindness pave the way to many more blissful years to come. Although her birthday was on the 30th, her family decked out in fan club attire and boogied down to another showstopper Merrily moment at the PA Club on Halloween. Merrily took the stage, once again, with her band Serendipity and filled the room with a whole bunch of cheer. May you embrace every day with the same zest for life that you have always had. Happy 80th Birthday to a truly magnificent woman.

The Chilmark Board of Health recognizes that PFAS is an emerging environmental and public health concern within our community and has finalized details for private well water testing with Barnstable County Laboratory. The lab will accept up to 20 samples every two weeks from Chilmark. Homeowners are responsible for the fees associated with testing. If you are interested in participating or simply getting more details, please contact Health Agent Anna McCaffrey at 508-645-2105 or email [email protected].