Celebrate Halloween: Fun – and Frights – in the Foothills

Let’s face it – 2020 stinks. Among the many threats I’ve heard regarding the horrendous year is from those who notoriously head to bed prior to the ball dropping on New Year’s Eve. This year, though, they swear they’ll stay awake into 2021 – not to welcome in the New Year as much as to make sure the old year leaves. I second that.

Though this year we have had to curtail the ways we celebrate, the pandemic has allowed us to get creative in how we make merry. Who last year had even heard of Zoom, for example? Yet it is a staple now in not only the way we hold meetings but also how we take part in everything from wine tastings to birthday parties.

But the edict by Gov. Newsom that Halloween this year would basically be canceled was too much. However, rather than wallow in disappointment, CV Weekly has created a fun way to enjoy the devilish holiday while adhering to the governor’s proclamation. On Halloween (this year on Saturday, under a full moon on the last day of daylight saving time) the addresses of those who decorate for Halloween will be part of a one-of-a-kind “spooktacular” tour and their addresses printed in the Oct. 29 issue of the CV Weekly. Families and other revelers are invited to drive by these locations to marvel at the displays and – who knows? – maybe even get a treat or two (while observing all social distancing rules, of course).

To get details, visit page 4 of this week’s CV Weekly and look for upcoming articles on those who plan to be a part of this unique experience.

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It seems that there is so much anger and just plain meanness throughout the country. For some reason respect for one another has been lost and, in many cases, tolerance of others’ opinions is not permitted – something that defined us as a nation. But, happily, there are pockets of respect that can be found where community still comes first and the desire to help others is stronger than disagreements of philosophy.

Almost every day, CVW receives donations of food for the Bailey Center food bank. Donors are not people who are announcing their donations to make certain they get credit for helping; instead they quietly call and tell us they’ve dropped off bags of groceries that Mary O’Keefe will take to the Bailey Center. Mary regularly talks to people at the school district, at the City of Glendale, at LA County and – yes even elected officials – who are responding to those in need. These acts of kindness are done without fanfare and are just people helping people.

So in this world where everyone is talking over everyone so no one can hear anything, take comfort in the fact that there are people out there who are still helping others.

  robin goldsworthy