It’s party time! Join the ghosts and ghouls for the Oct. 21 Halloween potluck at the hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a main dish, side dish, salad, or dessert. As always, you are welcome to bring your own beverage; water will be available.

After dinner, contestants will take part in the annual costume parade before the judges. Costumes are not mandatory, but this is always a fun event. Past entries have included convicts, Hawaiian tourists, pirates, princesses, a fork in the road, and an electrical outlet that charged up the evening. Hats are welcome, too—and remember, there will be amazing prizes.

The Spofford Lane gang did a great job hosting the September potluck. The tables looked especially seasonal, with vases of fall flowers from Mary and Jean’s gardens. After dinner, guests took part in a Barters Island trivia quiz, which David won by a landslide.

The BICA elves, Evelyn and Judy) have already begun planning Christmas gifts for island children. Once again, a Christmas tree at the hall will hold wish tags showing each child’s age and gender. Please take one or more tags and keep each gift’s cost to $25 or less. Bring gifts unwrapped, with the wish tags attached, to the November potluck. The gifts will then be wrapped at the holiday tea in early December. If you are leaving the area early, contact Bill for drop-off information.

The men will take charge of the Nov. 18 potluck. We need a host(s) for the early December tea. Is there a volunteer for this? The final potluck of the year will be held on Dec. 16 and hosted by the BICA officers and trustees.

Because the hall will be closed until April, volunteers are needed to host potlucks in their homes during January, February, and March. If you are willing to host one, please let Bill know.

As the weather changes, please check on neighbors who may need help. If you notice that someone may require assistance, let Bill or another board member know.

Questions? Contact Bill at wfbutterfield@roadrunner.com.