'Trunk-or-treat' provides Halloween fun for all ages

Story and Photos by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

Note: A number of “trunk-or-treat” events were held recently throughout Grand Island. Unfortunately, I was unable to get to all of the events. This story is about three events, at Elderwood at Grand Island, Sidway Elementary School and Kelly’s Country Store.

A dinosaur oversees a crowd exploring the offerings from car trunks.

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Sidway Elementary School

This was Sidway Elementary School’s third annual trunk-or-treat event, and it was organized by the Sidway PTA. Included in the event were decorated car trunks, food trucks and bounce houses.

Among the group of cars and assembled characters, there was a pirate, named Jamie, the “Mistress of the Seven Seas.” She stood in front of a decorated car, which represented her pirate ship.

When asked what she liked most about the event, she said, “Arrrrrrrr. My two little pirates that are running around here somewhere.” One of those two little pirates was her apprentice and was a “good pirate. The other one likes to pillage with me.”

Jamie, the “Mistress of the Seven Seas,” told the assorted ghosts, goblins and other characters that she was sharing her booty, but that there were some rules.

“You get a sticker or either a candy or a snack,” said Jamie, the “Mistress of the Seven Seas.”

There’s no end to the things you can find on Sesame Street.

The Wicked Witch of the West (Katey Dulak) with a wizard (Deanna Viccica) at a witches’ haven.

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Elderwood at Grand Island

Trunk or treat at Elderwood was an intergenerational event, said Katey Dulak, activities director.

“We are the only nursing home on Grand Island,” Dulak said. “We wanted to bring our community, especially our children, here so they can work as an intergenerational program with our residents. We have a variety of ‘trunk-or-treats’ tonight. Our No. 1 spectacular is our director of nursing. Deanna Viccica has created a wonderful witch haven. She has filled the back of her truck with creative witches and a cauldron. She has made everything herself. It’s amazing to see our community be one with our nursing home and that the community has come out to support our residents and our facility.”

Laniya, an activities leader, was dressed as a yellow brick road, which, she said, her director had made. “I think (the trunk-or-treat) is cute. It’s really nice to bring in the community and the kids. The residents really love kids. So, when the kids come, they love to come outside. We love the residents, and we love the community, so we try to do everything to help and to bring them together.”

Jill, a social worker, was holding her dog, a Shetland sheepdog. The dog was playing the role of Toto, and Jill was playing the role of Dorothy.

“It’s super fun,” Jill said. “I love it. I love being able to see all the grandkids and all the residents, and just giving the residents a good experience. They love getting outside. They love having family events. Something out of the norm, something different for them. It’s really awesome.

“I enjoy working at Elderwood. I enjoy being a part of the family that we have here.”

Jill as Dorothy, with “Toto.”

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Kelly’s Country Store

Laura Broady, a member of the Moose Lodge, was at Kelly’s Country Store with Moose Lodge member Mary Ehde.

“We have always had interior parties at our lodge for our members’ children or neighborhood kids,” Broady said. “This year, we decided to come out into the community and visit with the rest of the community.”

“Kevin Kelly is a member of our Moose Lodge,” Ehde said. “He did this last year. And we had the party, as Laura said, inside all these years. We decided to change it up and do something different. Now, we have two vehicles. My grandson is here. He’s 10.”

Broady described her character, who she said is not at all scary. “I am a celestial witch. I have come from the stars to join the Earthlings here with a little Halloween treat. I brought my pal, but he’s been gone a while. We are never parted.”

When asked about her relationship with the deceased pal, Broady explained, “He was more of a minion. But, you know, very dedicated. So, I carry him with me at all times. We have candy and toys for all of the earthlings. But they may just swoop them up to the stars one day.”