Happy Halloween

Hi neighbors. Another "boo!" night is upon us and we had best beware candy that children go "yuck!" in the night.

Halloween is the one night of the year when we let all health concerns go out the window -- or up the chimney via steam from the cauldron.

If you are a baby boomer and remember Saturday matinee horror films of the '50s and '60s you could probably get a good scare by trying to figure out Medicare.

On the other hand, if you are under 45 and are used to computer generated special effects you could probably stand the intense horror of trying to figure out Obamacare.

Children have lots of good, somewhat frightening, movies to watch if you want to keep them at home Halloween night. Disney has many children's movies available to buy or rent that offer a few not-so-scary scenes that little ones enjoy.

Just remember that if you stay home, be prepared for begging blackmailers to come knocking at your door shouting the traditional threat of "trick or treat." That has changed over the decades I guess. It should actually be "treat or trick" for the real effect.

If you have pint-sized trick or treaters show up at your house, be prepared for zombies, ghosts, skeletons and vampires. Of course there may be robots, Iron Men (and girls), ancient hammer-welding gods and countless other super-heroes knocking on your door begging for candy, popcorn balls, chewing gum and caramel apples.

You might, as parents, consider taking the little goblins to some of the parties being held for tykes. If they have to go begging in costumes, let them go around the Square and to other local businesses that promote child safety by offering candy treats to them Halloween afternoon.

Consider your clubs, civic groups, churches and schools for organized fun specific for your children's ages.

If you want to do the traditional walk house-to-house, make certain to only go to the homes of the people you know well. Just because a house is well decorated, doesn't mean the candy will be safe to eat.

If you are home handing out candy every year; think about changing up your game. Give out colored pencils, little notebooks, small coloring books or other non-edible treats.

Give them something to do with their hands while their tummies digest all that candy.

Are your children old enough to appreciate a lesson in civics? Have them take some of their candy to the food pantry.

Take your costumed children to a couple of nursing homes to show off their outfits. Trust me, it will be a real treat for the residents living there.

Don't forget to visit grandma and grandpa while you're all dressed up. If you live far away have your parents take lots of photos to email them.

Maybe your children are old enough to make some scrap book pages for gifts. It is, after all, not just about getting treats or giving tricks! Children can learn that giving treats can be as much fun as receiving them.

Keep the lights on so the porch and walkways are easily navigated while wearing a mask.

Tell the children how cool they look. If you have an old Kodak Instamatic camera, take their pictures and give them those for a treat.

Let's not forget those kids who think they are too old for trick or treating; too cool for school parties; and still want to have some "fun" on Halloween night.

The police like these kids. They offer excellent opportunities to become reinvested in public welfare and domestic tranquility if caught having too much "fun" on Halloween night.

No, Mom and Dad. There are no parties where your children can bring raw eggs to decorate or have omelet making contests. There are no night time training sessions on how to use items from Dad's toolbox; no how-to-do laundry classes where soap is needed and no reasons I can think of for your children to need bars of soap, spray paint or 10 rolls of toilet paper.

Come on, you are not that gullible are you? You were once young yourself and Halloween has been around for a long time.

Until the next time friends, remember, Halloween is more about fun than horror. Keep it cool by keeping it safe.