Memberabilia Halloween… Past & Present
by Joan Birsh
HALLOWEEN – PAST
My favorite Halloween memory dates back to 1999. My husband Arthur and I had only recently moved to Ocean Reef. Lucky me, my 4-year-old granddaughter Stephanie came south for Halloween at Gram’s.
It was a beautiful Florida evening. And Stephanie was over the moon (which just happened to be full) at the idea of trick or treating in our golf cart, which we had spent the afternoon decorating with orange and black streamers and plastic pumpkins. Both of us were dressed as Witches (Generic Witch, along with Simba and Mulan, was in the top ten of that year’s favorite costumes). Stephie looked so pretty and not a bit scary in her black robe and a pointed hat atop her long blonde hair. I had a similar costume, but I painted my face green. (That, I might add, was years before the musical Wicked.)
We lined up with other revelers in decorated carts and at the appointed time we were handed a map and a list of Ocean Reef residents, who had agreed to provide treats. And we were off.
Forever etched in my brain is the vision of my little granddaughter, clutching her treat bag, and tentatively approaching a house in the Hammock Course area. She could scarcely reach the doorbell, but she managed. A friendly couple filled her bag with lovely goodies. “Look, Gram, M&M’s.” She knew my favorite was a Kit Kat and she generously handed those over to me, as well as the Tootsie Rolls, which she didn’t like.
At each stop we were greeted warmly– sometimes at houses with themed decorations and frequently by candy providers in elaborate costumes. Occasionally Gram was offered a beer, a glass of wine or a Mojito.
It was a magical night made more special when on the way home in the golf cart, a sleepy Stephanie said to me, “Gram I want to come to Ocean Reef for Halloween every single year.”
And so she has. When she was older she took her little brother trick or treating. And as a teenager, she was in charge of distributing the candy to all the kids in Halloween carts that came to our house looking to fill their goody bags.
Maybe Halloween isn’t really all about candy. Maybe it’s about a wonderful Ocean Reef tradition.
HALLOWEEN – PRESENT
Thanks (or in this case “No thanks”) to Covid 19, the Ocean Reef Club has been forced to curtail this year’s traditional Halloween celebrations in the interest of keeping us safe.
That said, our inventive club management and associates have come up with a bunch of family oriented activities (spooky and fun) to make Thursday (Oct. 29), Friday (Oct. 30) and Saturday (Oct. 31) a Halloween celebration!
2020 HALLOWEEN
ACTIVITIES:
Thursday, October 29
VIRTUAL MAGIC SHOW
MICHEL GUTENPLAN
8pm – oceanreef.com/magic
This accomplished magician is back by popular demand. His unbelievable tricks are a treat that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home.
Complimentary.
Friday, October 30
PUMPKIN PATCH AT ORC
11am to 5pm – Town Hall Lawn
Visit us at the Pumpkin Patch from 11am-4pm to browse available Pumpkins!
Details: 305-367-6618
SPOOKY VIRTUAL BINGO
7pm – oceanreef.com/bingo
Four rounds of Virtual Bingo. Halloween card and multiple winners per round.
Complimentary.
Saturday, October 31
MONSTER DASH FUN RUN
7am to 9am – 5K Fun Run
Business Center Parking Lot
Choose your own starting time and run at your own pace.
You must finish by 9am to be counted. No registration.
NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS
COOKING CLASS
10am & 1pm – Carysfort Kitchen
Kids, age 3 and up, can decorate their own cookies with frightening designs.
Limited space (call 305-367-5931).
$65++ per kit.
SCARY SALES – FISHING VILLAGE
10am to 5pm – Retail specials, raffles, give-aways and more.
TRICK-OR-TREAT SPOOKTACULAR
4pm to 6pm – ORC Outlets
No house to house T&T this year. Grab a map of the ORC outlets where you can find your candy pick-ups.
For more info call (305-367-6618).
Registration is required oceanreef.com/trickortreat.
DRIVE-IN MOVIE: HOCUS POCUS
7pm – Business Center Parking Lot
Join the Sanderson Sisters for an outdoor movie. Complimentary.
WORDS OF WELCOME
For those members who have not yet returned to Ocean Reef, we wish you a sweet and safe Halloween.
I have already heard from some of you that you are packing up and looking forward to the new season at your favorite club. Safe travels. We hope to see you soon! – JB
Pictured above Members Diana, Juan and Veronica Puig and friends in some prize-worthy 2019 costumes.