Tuckerton Seaport was alive in the spirit of Halloween. Skeletal hands breached the dirt surface, a slender neck hung loosely from the noose of a rope, held fast to the edge of a tiled roof, and dolls decked in bloodstained dresses leered at passerby from their seats.

The seaport is the historic reservoir of the Tuckerton community, retaining local relics dating back earlier than 1920s. In 2012, the Seaport had a nasty encounter with Sandy, and is still recovering in many ways from the storm and its destruction. The little community port was setting up for their upcoming annual Halloween party, complete with haunted walks and a corn maze, and supplemented by information of the port’s rich history and folklore. There were only a few people working diligently in preparation, so crew needed help setting up. Our team was there for Make a Difference Day, a day designated to set trivial matters or work aside and volunteer time or materials to people who need them.

The light breeze carried over the port, bathing our skin and clothes in the salty air. We had to squint every time we faced east. Even though some would argue we lucked out with the weather, the sun was bright and made it difficult to see, creating a paradox of warmth as we shivered in the cool air. Regardless, we all ended up with our jackets off as we got into our work. We transported chairs from the second floor of the museum to the house down the path, setting them up in orderly rows for a presentation later that evening. We then took on the task of restoring the front entrance in a new coat of white paint. There was only so much we cold do in the few hours we had, but by the time we had finished, the place looked incredible. The front entrance looked brand new, the decorations were in place, and the seaport was just about ready for its haunted walk later that night. The director thanked us earnestly, and invited us back later that night for the event. We thanked in in return as we boarded the vans back to school. I’d love to return, even if just to walk the boards and take in the rich calming atmosphere as I look out over the water.