Happy Halloween took on new meaning at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor this year.  Instead of tricks, it was a big treat for the parents and family of the first Halloween baby born at the Hospital Sunday, thanks to a local Girl Scout Troop that provided a special basket of cheer.

Donna Reilly the troop leader for  the West Lakeland Community Girl Scout Troop #2478, said Halloween is a big deal for the Girl Scouts since October 31 marks the birthdate of Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Lowe, who was born in 1860.

To celebrate the anniversary, the Troop presented new Mom, Melissa Carbone of Cortlandt ,with the basket of goodies, which includes a tiny pink dress that reads "Future Girl Scout"  for her newborn daughter, Annabelle Rae who was born at 6:58 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, weighing in at 6 lbs 10 oz and measuring 20 inches long.

Carbone said she regretted never being a Girl Scout herself while growing up, but as soon as she learned she was having a baby girl, she knew that's what she wanted her daughter to do, so the gift basket was even more personal for her. 

The seven girls in troop 2478 presented Melissa and Annabelle Rae with the basket at Hudson Valley Hospital Center on Monday. They were joined by Troop leader Donna Reilly and Lakeland GS Community Chair Maureen Delia Connolly.