By KATE J. CONDE

This past Halloween may have been a little less spooky at the Edgartown School, where the ladder truck was stationed giving out free glow rings for all trick or treaters, but the kids sure were screaming here at the fire station.

For the first year ever, the Edgartown fire department hosted a creepy, spine-chilling evening for those who dared to come by for a bit of candy. All were welcomed by our larger-than life Dalmatian, Sparky, as he waved to one and all. Kids and their parents were treated to warm apple cider, candy and cookies while the repulsive ghoul who lay in the smoke-filled coffin tricked countless costumed kids. Special thanks to Ralph and Kathie Case for contributing their frightening Halloween decorations and to Capt. Sam Koohy (and his sweet tooth) for generously donating all of the candy.

The members of Engine Two did an excellent job of heating up the kitchen for our monthly dinner. Perfect cuts of prime rib fell over the edges of our plates while buttery mashed potatoes and green beans filled any remaining real estate. Woody Filley led us in the pledge of allegiance to start off the meeting. President Kelly led the lively gathering with a good deal of input from all those in attendance. Old and new business was attended to and the bills were paid. The association would like to acknowledge the kind donations received through our correspondence.

We would like to applaud the tremendous efforts of all our dedicated officers and firefighters who participated in the all-Island drill aboard the Steamship Authority ferry Martha’s Vineyard. Edgartown firefighters showed remarkable strength as they put into practice all their seemingly tedious Monday night drills. Congratulations on a job well done. Special thanks to Capt. John Rose and the Oak Bluffs fire department for cordially inviting us to participate in this worthwhile event.

Thanks to Kevin Maciel and Asa Vought for organizing the softball game against the West Tisbury fire department. It looked as though we were going to get steamrolled as the opposition came out swinging, leading the first inning by 10 runs. Lieut. Andrew Kelly started to put some heat on the ball as several innings went scoreless for West Tisbury and our batters stepped up to the plate (literally) for a final score of 24-18 in our favor. Perhaps it was the home field advantage or the encouraging cheering section. Either way, we are looking forward to another match-up.

Somehow we managed to keep the coffee brewing while Capt. Dick Kelly was away for a five-week vacation in stunning Nova Scotia. Boy, it must be nice to be retired. Welcome back, Cap. Happy anniversary to Jim Craves and his wife Jean, as they celebrate 17 years of marriage this month. It’s never too late to send our best wishes to Geoff and Norma Konje, as they tied the knot in September. Congratulations. Farewell to Rebecca Brown as she leaves the Island in pursuit of the road less traveled. Good luck Becky LuLu, we’ll miss you.

The fire department will be hosting this year’s emergency medical technician (EMT) open house on Saturday, Dec. 1. Anyone interested in becoming an Island EMT should stop by the station between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Our thoughts and prayers go out across the country to all the firefighters battling the blazes in southern California. Much closer to home, we would like to send our best hale and hearty wishes to Ralph Case for a speedy recuperation.

As the holidays are upon us, we would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe season. Remember as an unknown author once said, “Hug a firefighter and feel warm all over.”