Candy bridges generational gap at senior center in Bartlett

They may not have understood each other’s costumes when the witch encountered the K-pop demon hunter Friday in Bartlett, but Halloween candy was the equalizer once again.

At least 50 residents, most in costume at Hearthwood Senior Living off Bartlett Road in Bartlett, lined the first-floor hallways sitting on wheelchairs and folding chairs as children walked wide-eyed to gather candy from each.

When Josie Geraci, 4, who was dressed as a K-pop demon hunter, one of this year’s trendy costumes, encountered resident Karen Ferkel, dressed completely in black as a traditional witch with a tall pointed hat, there was a moment of silence as they each studied the other, perhaps not recognizing what they were seeing.

But when candy was dropped from the witch’s hand to the tiny costumed traveler, smiles returned and Halloween continued.

“Oh, I love all the costumes,” said Ferkel. “I think I know who they are.”

The seniors gave away more than 75 pounds of candy to dozens of children.

Josie Geraci was accompanied by her sister, Mila, 8, dressed as a zombie prom queen, and her mother, Jamie Geraci of Bartlett.