Thu, 10/23/2014 - 7:00am

Judy Greenleaf

The fifth annual Trick or Treat Trunk Street will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m., for kids to go from trunk to trunk up and down Dock Road in Alna. Cars parking on side of road should come early (2:30 p.m.). I would go earlier because there will be complimentary refreshments and hay rides by horse-drawn wagon.

Recognition will be given for most original costumes and best decorated vehicle. The road is closed to traffic on Dock Road for the event.

Thanks to Amy and Mike Preston, owners of The Alna Store, for all they do to set up this fun and safe time for the children. Yes, even the moms and dads dress up to walk with their young folks.

Michelle Bruce and Beth Whitney came in last week for absentee ballots for their children. Proud to say many parents do this for their young people away at school, or for other reasons. I believe that's why we have such good voter turnout in this rural town. They have grown up watching their moms and dads vote because it is the right thing to do.

Lucy Russell came in to get an absentee ballot also. She is the first one of my snowbirds to vote before she heads south for the winter. I hate to see them go, but I’m happy when spring comes ’round and they come to rest.

The Hunters Breakfast at Alna Volunteer Fire Department home is coming right up on Nov. 1, from 4:30 to 9 a.m. Eggs will be made to order, and there will be ham, baked beans, home fries, biscuits, muffins, doughnuts, coffee and orange juice on the menu. A 50/50 raffle will be done. The address is 1579 Alna Road (Route 218) and the event it open to all. I’m going to support them, but not at 4:30 a.m.; my hunting days are over.

I have one last thing to share about Neil Greenleaf. If love and caring is judged on how many people come to pay their last respects, he was appreciated by many. The church was filled, inside and out. It was standing room only.

This man, who was a friend to all and helper to lots of folks besides his family, was given the best celebration of his life. Jim Lawrence read a letter from his son, Aaron, and spoke also about his father in-law. Mona's brother, Larry Cossar, Inez and Neilly shared things about their times together. It was a service Neil would have enjoyed, with stories, jokes, songs, love and laughter.

Yes there were tears, and he will be missed. If you came down the road you would have thought a movie star or politician's services were going on.

But no, it was just for a very kind, loving husband, father and friend having his last hurrah, until we see you again in heaven.

Next week I’ll have some news on new folks in town.

With all the rain on the weather map, we may float away this week. So get your boat ready — it may be the last time before snow flies.

Stay warm and dry and smile. Folks love a giver, even a giver of smiles.