Halloween Committee Stalled Until Next Year

By Kendra Bobowick

Chuck Stofko will push his Halloween skeletons back into the closet until next season when he will again try to form a Halloween committee, an idea that did not pan out this year.

“Regrettably, we will not be able to have an impact this year,” he said. “We had a plan, I went forward, and basically that plan fell through.”

Casting its spell on Mr Stofko was the community effort that Main Street residents put into the fright night each year. He had hoped to raise funds, candy and support for the homeowners who will indulge trick-or-treaters for several hours on Halloween night.

One resident who traditionally opens her door to hundreds of revelers each year had an unofficial count of nearly 2,000 children visiting her home and candy dish in 2005.

Brid Craddock had explained that the street is filled with costumed monsters and menaces from roughly 4 to 9 pm.

“You’re kind of like a vending machine by the end of the night…,” said Ms Craddock.

In early September, Mr Stofko had begun his campaign to alleviate the financial aspects of Halloween that must go along with the immense supplies of candy for Main Street residents. Many of those homeowners had mentioned spending several hundred dollars in preparation for October 31, and others spoke about rushing to the grocery store mid-evening if they feared supplies were running low.

Initially, Mr Stofko had said, “My intention, my goal, is to form a committee of people who want to participate in enhancing Halloween in Newtown.” Unfortunately, his plans did not gain enough momentum for this year.

“The original plan fell through and there is not enough time to do something of significance,” he said this week. “It’s regrettable but I have to temper this with optimism.”

Twice in September he had sent out an appeal, one to residents who would want to volunteer on a Halloween Committee that would concentrate on supporting the efforts and expenses on Main Street. His second appeal went out to the Main Street homeowners, hoping to learn what they sought. He established an e-mail address encouraging homeowners’ replies.

Responses — although limited — were good, he said.

“I am armed with a positive response and look forward to next year and a volunteer committee,” he said.

Too little time remains to rally an alternate plan for this year, however. Intending to explain circumstances to Main Street residents who may have hoped for assistance, Mr Stofko plans to hand deliver letters to residences next week, he said.

“There is not enough time,” said Mr Stofko, “and I want to respect those who have created the Halloween atmosphere on Main Street.

Already looking ahead to next year he feels that “we have options,” that have a better chance at success, “If we’re given time to develop a plan,” he said. Mr Stofko is juggling thoughts of selling space on a flyer and “giving local merchants a chance to advertise and raise funds that way and give people a chance to participate.”

Contact Chuck Stofko at his e-mail address, Newtown1031@yahoo.com.