Halloween Spirit

Written by Michelle Davenport

Every year I look forward to Halloween.  It's my favorite time of year.  I love the kids dressing up, the candy, the crispness in the air and the scares!

I will start watching any scary movie I can get my hands on starting the first of October.  I love them all!  Well I'm not as fond of the gory ones, but I will watch them (through my fingers).

Halloween Memories

Written by Mary-Jac O'Daniel

One of my favorite holidays is Halloween. As a child, every year the older teenagers made a scary cornfield maze for the middle school kids to walk through. This, along with the movie “Children of the Corn,” probably contributed to my fear of cornfields. We scared ourselves silly running through this one- mile corn maze and then sat outside amongst a bonfire to tell ghost stories while roasting marshmallows. The older teens would bring their

guitars and the evening ended with a hayride and everyone singing familiar country and pop songs. As a suburban child that loved wide-open spaces, this was my idea of bliss. 

I still love Halloween, and I still love haunted houses—even though I’m a big wimp. The new Halloween tradition is to go to Busch Gardens for the Hallow Eve with my husband. Last year, we went alone, this year; we have friends going with us. It is something I look forward to every year, along with dressing up, and of course, candy. 

About the author: Mary Jac O'Daniel is the author of "Zinneas Always Bloom" in By the Bay: East Beach Stories. Her story "Forays into Sailing" will be in Volume II, to be published in 2017.

The Witches of East Beach

Written by Jayne Ormerod

Double double toil and trouble. 

Fires burn and cauldrons bubble.

If you’re wandering on 26^th Bay Street just north of Pleasant on Halloween night, you might hear that chant.  Not from actresses rehearsing McBeth, and certainly not real witches, but from your neighbors who have gathered in what has become an annual Witches of East Beach event. It’s a simple concept: women grab their pointy hats and magic broomsticks and gather together to hand out candy to the Trick-or-Treaters.  

Meeting Moments

Written by Jayne Ormerod  
Photos by Gina Warren Buzby

The East Beach Writers' Guild hosted Dr. William (Bill) Ruehlmann at their October meeting. 

Tucked in amongst the long list of Bill's life accomplishments is that of current Book Reviewer for the Virginian-Pilot. In front of an audience of about 15 Guild members, East Beach residents and invited guests, he offered inspiration and advice to writers. 

Beyond Boobs! "Breast" Ball Golf Tournament

Written by Jamie McAllister

As the owner of McAllister Writing & Editing, it is a great privilege to be able to volunteer my time and talents with Beyond Boobs!, a nonprofit based in Williamsburg, Virginia. The group is dedicated to helping young breast cancer survivors enjoy every moment of their lives post-diagnosis. I interview those the group serves, known affectionately as “Boobers,” and I also speak with their friends and family members, as well as volunteers, donors, and medical personnel. I share their stories on the blog to spread the word about the great work Beyond Boobs! is doing in the world.

Each spring the group holds a golf tournament to raise funds for their mission, and I often join them at Ford’s Colony Country Club in Williamsburg. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and hanging out at the event gives me the chance to meet the folks I speak with for the blog in person. I also get the chance to hang out with the Good Health Fairy as she uses her sassy style and eye-catching attire to spread the group’s message of love and hope!