Navy Veteran Bobbi Croft while in Afghanistan in 2006.

In the early 1990s, Olustee native Bobbi Croft was busy completing requirements for an associate degree from Lake City Community College.

She knew she wanted to continue with her education beyond that, but paying for it was going to be a challenge.

“I wanted to be a writer or something in communications,” she said. “That I knew for sure. I also knew I needed more school, but the money wasn’t there.”

So the enterprising Bobbi started looking for a way to pay for the completion of her education. Entering the military seemed the logical route.

It would be the Naval Technical Scholarship Program in advanced electronics that would make more education possible and help the young woman find her niche in communications.

In August 1991, with an associate’s degree under her belt, Ms. Croft reported to Naval Recruit Training Command Orlando for boot camp. The following November she graduated from electronics technician school.

The park's coquina rock coast.

Washington Oaks State Park and botanical garden is one of those places you can drive by every day for years without ever knowing of the absolute treasure tucked away just out of sight from the busy road.

Do yourself a favor and visit. You’ll be surprised that such a unique marine environment is so accessible to northern Floridians.

Located just 2 miles south of Marineland below Crescent Beach, the state park is bisected by Highway A1A.

On one side, bordered by the Matanzas River,  visitors can stroll through a beautiful botanical garden.

On the other, beachcombers find themselves in a surprising landscape, more reminiscent of the rugged, rocky California coast than Florida.

Either locale is a treat for the senses and great for photo opportunities.

Fall Into Family Fun Trunk or Treat at the YMCA, Saturday, October 29 from 11 am - 1 pm at 98 W. Lowder St. Kids can wear costumes and trick or treat at participating cars in the parking lot. There will be a chili cook-off, games, costume contest and more.

Trick or Treat on Main Street, October 29 from 1-3 pm. Kids can trick or treat at businesses along US 90. Pick up a map of participating business locations from Baker Title and Escrow, 553 E. Macclenny Ave.

Haunted Jail at 42 W. McIver Ave. next to the Emily Taber Library, October 28, 29 and 31 starting at 7 pm. It’s sponsored by the Baker County Historical Society and the Baker County High School history club. Enter the haunted jail’s “Realm of Terror,” then take a candlelight tour of the old sheriff’s building to see the hanging gallows. Food, drinks and game booths will be available for smaller children.

Fall Festival at First Assembly of God, October 30 from 4-7 pm at 206 N. 5th St. It includes free candy, hotdogs, game booths, music, a cake walk and bounce house.

Sue End of Macclenny really loves Halloween, and she’s delighted it will be a one-night affair this year.

Last fall, when Halloween fell on a Sunday, the Baker County Commission asked that trick or treaters venture out on Saturday instead, so that trick or treating coincided with the other Halloween-themed events in the community, some at local churches.

Commissioners designated by formal proclamation that the night of October 30, 2010 would be “the official trick or treat night.”

For the last decade, Ms. End and her husband John have prepared for the holiday by hoarding copious amounts of candy, dispensing the sweets to eager trick or treaters. They host a Halloween party at their Miltondale Dr. home for friends as well.

And last year was no different.

“We got kids on both nights,” she said of Halloween weekend 2010. “Unfortunately, on Sunday, I didn’t have any candy to give out.”

This year, with Halloween safely on a Monday, there should be no confusion about when trick or treating will take place. For Ms. End, however, it’s never been a question.

“Halloween is always October 31. Are you going to change Christmas because it falls on a weekday and messes up your work week?” she asked rhetorically. “[Halloween] is not about evil. It’s just a fun holiday for kids to dress up and go out and celebrate.”