Getting in the Halloween Spirit at New Pond Village

At New Pond Village, one cherished tradition remains strong, long past the elementary school days—dressing up for Halloween. For the past eight years, the associates of Walpole’s continuing care retirement community have redefined team spirit as they come together each October to present a cleverly coordinated group costume. It’s a festive display of creativity and collaboration that everyone looks forward to year after year.

With nearly 20 team members participating in some years, the ensemble costumes at New Pond Village are nothing short of impressive. Each character is thoughtfully picked to ensure that every team member has a role, no matter how unconventional. In 2023 they dressed up as characters from The Wizard of Oz and the group included the tornado itself as part of the cast.

“This tradition is something that everyone at the community looks forward to each fall, it is part of the New Pond culture. It got to a point where now the residents expect it,” said New Pond Village Campus Executive Director Adam Manchester. He jokingly adds that “we even ask during the interview process, ‘how do you feel about Halloween?’”

Past costumes have included ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Looney Tunes’, ‘The Addams Family’ and more. This year the troop is going as ‘Star Wars’- lightsabers included.