Aileen Moorman, of Kenbridge, took her grandchildren to a trunk-or-treating event in Maryland. She noted how much they and other kids enjoyed the costumes, candies and safe atmosphere.

Returning to Kenbridge, she didn’t see a similar event like it for kids in the area.

“There was nothing that the kids could do, or nothing for them to do,” Moorman said. “It came to me that it could work here in Kenbridge as well.”

“It was just a vision that I had, and I wanted to follow through on the vision,” Moorman said.

With Moorman’s organization, the town has held five trunk-or-treating events.

She said her favorite aspect of the festivals has been experiencing the sense of community that has been created by them.

“I’ve met a lot of nice people,” Moorman said. “I have enjoyed seeing the children come out and have a good time, and we haven’t had any problems whatsoever. It’s a joy to see it growing every year.”

She said in 2017, the trunk-or-treat organizers had distributed more than $800 worth of candies alone.

Moorman has worked to create community in other ways. She has also helped develop a county-wide revival held at Cornerstone of Deliverance, organized a Black History play with members of the community and in Blackstone, organized the Kenbridge Festival and had also helped develop Easter events.

She said she enjoys spending her free time pursuing music and her faith at St. Matthews Baptist Church.

“I play piano a little bit for me. I love to sing. I’m a very competitive bowler,” Moorman said with a laugh. “I just enjoy it.”

“I teach Sunday School and I attend Bible study,” Moorman said.

Moorman said she has lived in Kenbridge for seven years, and said her favorite aspects of the town continues to grow.

“It’s hard for me to say what my favorite aspect is, other than staying busy and being involved,” Moorman said.