Bad Manners and Brimstone

I live on a circle or cul de sac with about 20 homes. I am the only renter, everyone else owns their unit. There is an email list of everyone's name, unit, phone, email, and emergency contacts. Everyone has this.
  I know almost everyone to say hi to, some more than others. One is having a holiday party. I don't know her well, only said hi a few times. Another older lady, who I do know better, told me about a holiday party that the first one is having, a potluck, and there is a sign up sheet by her door. Only problem, I was not invited. Doesn't bother me in the least, (I'm still avoiding spreader events) but I'm sure the older lady considers what she said, to be an invitation. 
  I personally would rather chop off a joint of my little finger than show up to a party where I wasn't invited by the host. I don't consider a second-hand invite to be valid. How about you?

I've always heard of bobbing for apples, may have done it once or twice as a kid. I doubt anyone does it anymore.

It's the parents. Inviting the rest of the family.

I've pretty much decided, family gift (local food specialty) for the family that sends me cookies. Cards for the other two families. No more checks until graduation.

I would be unhappy about that. For some reason I am picturing scallops, which I love, and someone taking all of them off my plate. Maybe (if it happens again ) when she reaches over with her fork, pull the plate back  (or block the fork) and say "Let me put some on the plate for you."  Then give her a taste of each one.

I have upwards of 5 (step)grandkids through my late husband. As they are mostly all teens, I have been sending them checks for birthdays and Christmas. Sometimes I get a thank you, sometimes not. I always intended to stop when they reached 18.  The oldest one did reach 18, sent a check, no acknowledgement, although I did previously get a TY for a (much more generous) check for their HS graduation. There are two in this branch of the family, the younger one never acknowledges a gift. So with Christmas coming up, would you send both checks, or only one for the younger one, or none? I am leaning toward none.
  Another branch has one kid, never acknowledges gifts, will graduate next year. I am thinking of doing only the grad gift.

As background, we live about 175 miles apart, they make no effort to keep in touch.

A neighbor (who is also my landlord) has been "gifting" me food lately. It's not what I like. This is their description of the last "dish" when I asked what it was via text. "gluten free mac & cheese with olives, onion, almonds, craisins, and cottage cheese". Much more adventurous than I usually eat. Another dish was stir fry vegs with mango salsa and nutella.
  I have no trouble throwing it right out but I am wondering how others would handle it. I do not want to hurt anyone's feelings. This person is younger than me, so it's not a question of dementia or anything like that. Right now I am hoping to let my silence do the talking (where I would usually say "Thanks, that was great" if someone gave me something actually good to eat). I do text "thanks" when they leave something.

ETA - it is NOT a case of a romantic overture, the genders and orientations do not line up.