In my long history of Halloweens I have never had a more disappointing one than last Friday. I prepared early with candy by the front door, separate bowl for those allergic to chocolate and or peanut butter, dog treats for dogs, my scary book Rebecca to read for the fifth time. And I did have visitors to feed. But it was my turkeys, birds, squirrels and skunks at the back deck. Not one child in costume at the front door! Helicopter parents, parties at schools and the two organized blocks of treats on William street have ruined my Halloweens.

My town friends, Frank and Deb Pitts, have returned from their Halloween in Brooklyn, having spent it with grandchildren. I can’t wait to hear about everyone’s costumes.

Themes abound in Halloween at town offices and shops. I heard Bunch of Grapes was a Jaws theme. My Martha’s Vineyard Bank was a Sesame Street theme. Winning vote will come in soon.

Our friend, Angela, aka Piper Murphy, attended parents weekend at Florida Atlantic University where her daughter, Mary Afton Crandall, is in her first year of college. Mary Afton grew up in Vineyard Haven but is seeking warmer climes. Piper said it was informative and great fun. But when there was a dance most of the parents fell off the raised dance floor.

My dear friend, Michelle C. Parker, had her last day of work on Halloween. She was wonderful at her job and a great boss for me. I wish you the best retirement.

Carrie Stokes Lau, who grew up spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard and in Connecticut in the off season, had a wonderful conversation with me on Sunday about the old days in our neighborhood here.

So did I with Linda Tydings Massaro, now living in Florida. Linda visits here annually. She grew up on-Island when her Dad was the principal of the Edgartown school for 40 years.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Bob Dusa and Julie Howes Gomez-Blanco on Oct. 27; Sheila Terranova claimed Oct. 30; Kathy Laskowski, Samuel Armstrong, and Sarah K. Young were Halloween Babies, along with Sunshine Isles and Alayna Cohen; Judith Baumrin observed Nov. 1; and Mary Afton Crandall takes the cake on Nov. 7. Many happy returns.