When Ms. Hicks, 56, moved in 15 years ago, someone from the West 69th Street Block Association explained participation is technically voluntary, but most neighbors don’t dream of opting out. Last year, she collaborated with her 80-year-old neighbor, Irene Pletka, to create a “WITCHES” theme — an acronym for “women in total control of themselves.” Inspired by JD Vance’s “childless cat ladies” comment, the display included a banner featuring Oprah, Julia Child and Emily Dickinson. This year, her theme is Hitchcock films.