Rome Recreation Committee finalizes Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted Trail plans; Bean Supper fundraiser set

The Rome Recreation Committee on Oct. 6 finalized plans for its Annual Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted Trail, set for Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Center, and scheduled a Bean Supper fundraiser to raise money for baseball-field refurbishing on Nov. 1, 2025.

Sandy Shute, a member of the Rome Recreation Committee, said Alan LaBelle has reserved the Community Center for the Nov. 1 Bean Supper and will lead fundraising for refurbishing the town's baseball field; the committee asked members to spread the word and to bring salads or desserts to the supper. The committee recorded five members present: Sandy Shute, Larry DiPietro, Chelsea Sucy, Larissa London and Heather Wadsworth.

Julie Morrison, at the Town Office, reported that she has been advertising to recruit decorated cars for Trunk-or-Treat and that at least 13 trunks have signed up so far. The committee agreed to offer hotdogs, cider and water at the event; Sandy Shute will purchase hotdogs, buns, cider and mustard (ketchup and mayonnaise were noted as already available).

The Haunted Trail will be built and staffed by volunteers. Committee members agreed on a two-day setup plan: Sandy, Chelsea (with Clay and Brantley Sucy) and Heather will begin setup Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m., with Larissa joining Friday at 10:00 a.m. to complete preparations, weather permitting. Assigned acts and props include Angela Foss as a tall scarecrow; Tammy and Robbie Lyons operating a pumpkin patch with live characters; Julie and Shane Morrison providing three sets of decorations; and Clay and Brantley Sucy serving as spooky trail roamers.

Tammy Lyons was authorized to purchase, from the Recreation Committee account, one smoke machine and 100 glow bracelets for trail use. Heather Wadsworth and family members volunteered to run a pavilion photo booth, a "blood fountain" prop, a video and coloring activities; Heather also said she would blow leaves off the trail if time and weather allow. Sandy Shute listed additional props she would supply, including skeletons, headstones made by the Sucy family and battery candles; Larissa London noted she would bring a solar spotlight and a scary doormat, and Sandy planned to buy two CR2450 batteries.

To boost participation and donations, Sandy Shute and Julie Morrison will post another notice calling for more trunks, additional scary acts and donations of Halloween props the committee could potentially use. The committee did not record any formal votes or motions during the special meeting; decisions recorded reflect scheduling, volunteer assignments and authorized purchases for the event.