The haunting of William street! Apparently, the kind and stalwart neighbors on this brief four blocks of Vineyard Haven were inundated with our little ghosts and goblins on All Hallow’s Eve. The fact that the Tisbury Police Department closes both ends of this street to traffic, the fact that the homes are close together, (many with charming, welcoming porches), the fact that the neighbors are so friendly, all adds to the reason that this has become the prime target of trick or treaters. Many arrive in SUVs and vans, dropped off by their parents for a safe and pleasurable experience. Many Halloween hosts find themselves making endless trips to Stop & Shop to replenish what they thought were more than adequate supplies of treats. I suggest we make a plan for next year. Somehow, the town, the Island communities, someone should help offset the cost of this mass candy consumerism in a small neighborhood on one of the biggest party nights of the year. Ideas?

Wonderful costumes, lots of imagination. Many superheroes. I was actually surprised to not see anyone sporting the attire of my favorite super hero, Bernie Sanders. Likewise, I was surprised but not disappointed to see no one in the outfits and orange makeup of our two presidential candidates. I must say my favorite costume was on a little girl dressed like a many-tiered wedding cake. Same time, next year.

I should not even have to mention this, but in this day and age of manipulated media I must state that I am so proud of my local newspaper — the Gazette is not censoring any mention of NoDAPL, the Standing Rock confrontation. And I knew it was a cause that would strike the hearts and minds of the Islanders deeply. I am appalled that big city dailies, television stations, radio news is ignoring this horrible situation. I shall remind you of the concert for Standing Rock at Chilmark Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 12. This fundraiser is a potluck feast beginning at 6 p.m. Suggested donation for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and that is how to write out the check, is $20. Some of our best musicians and most committed citizens will be entertaining you, including Kate Taylor, Jemima James, Willy Mason, the Black Brook Singers, Alex Karalekas, Phil daRosa, the Earth Tribe Singers and Valerie Sonnenthal. Looks like this concert could surpass Farm Aid as the premier event ever on Island.

Another thing the Gazette doesn’t hesitate to mention and document is the painful but steady rise of addiction problems here on storybook Island. Our Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is offering a new program that begins Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Island Counseling Center. On every Thursday through the first week in December a free workshop will be offered to family and friends of Islanders battling addiction. You will learn about the most up- to- date information for addiction, treatment and recovery, and what is available to your loved one. The meetings run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. each Thursday evening. Please register with Jaime Schwab at 508-693-7900, ext. 375.

This issue touches nearly everyone. Don’t be afraid to reserve a seat at the workshop.

As I reported last week, the annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner presented by the culinary experts at First Baptist Church Parish Hall will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Turkey, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, pie and beverage will be served to you for the very reasonable price of $17 per plate. Takeout is also available. I found takeout from this church very useful for the many friends we have on-Island working late shifts. Reservations were suggested but at this point we welcome you to show up at the door. Another beloved Island custom in our favorite season!

This Sunday our Vineyard Haven Public Library begins winter hours, from noon to 4 p.m. I can’t convey how happy I was the year this program was started. No excuse anymore to not get your homework done or learn new things on a winter weekend.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Duncan MacDonald, Marianne Schmidt, Marianne Ojile and Becca Hamilton on Nov. 4; Nov. 5 is a party for Alex Campbell, Hunter Thomas, Claire Joannidi and Jessica Brown; Cumberland Farms workers come to the fore on Nov. 6, our leader, the lovely Liza Buckley, and the very much missed this year, Ceci who is working in London, along with Ashley Tilton; Nov. 7 honors Corinne Dorsey, Lynne Kressin and Jeff Masi the younger; Nov. 8 shines on Kara Best, another favorite face at Cumby’s, Ed Panek and Adelaide Silva; Nov. 9 is for Barbara Jo Cayer, Matt Medeiros, Evan Scott-Jenning and Maria de Pinha; and on Nov. 10 the United States Marine Corps, Michael West and Michele Lazerow take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.