At the end of this note are two good sites to view and learn (or refresh)
annual safety alerts.
But first a plea:
Please try to TREAT any child who comes to your home with open hand,
heart and mind.
Every year I hear neighbors complain that "kids don't make an effort" are
"imported from other neighborhoods" or are "too tall to be seeking
handouts" or are "strangers". But, please enjoy those who have great
costumes and look to entertain, not be entertained by those who don't.
Here are my tips and requests:
1. If you are not comfortable with strangers at the door than invite a
friend to help you greet children.
2. Don't assume kids without costumes are "lazy". Offer "tattoos",
stick-on Bindis or Earrings (28 /$1.00 in 'Party Favors' at Dollar
Stores) and Mardi Gras jewels (or surplus costume jewelry, hats or
gloves) to kids without costumes. Keep these in a separate bowl, just
inside the door. Maybe working parents, preteen anxiety or poverty
limits the apparel. So spread a spirit of costumed drama and childish
glee, don't fault a child on 10/31.
3. Few people outgrow candy. Don't ignore the teens (or even parents).
4. Give the benefit of the doubt to kids (like mine) who are 5'4" tall
at age 11.
5. Halloween is a chance to be altruistic and anonymous. Recognize that
strangers can bring as much to the door as neighbors.
6. Tenants - get in the spirit! See if you can coordinate the folks who
share your front door to make an effort to treat children.
7. Please send signals that you are "OPEN" to Trick-or-Treaters. Put
out a sign (decorations are one) and turn on the Porch Lights. If you
don't have a porch light put a Flashlight in a Pumpkin or Paper Bag
(cutout facial features). And, buy extra candy. You don't have to eat
the left-overs. Unopened candy can be donated to teachers who can use it
to encourage classroom performance once the holiday is past.
And 8. if you really are a Grinch, (or if your boss won't let you go
home early) please put out a sign that says "Do not disturb" and save
yourself (and any pets) annoying rings and save the kids extra steps or
delays.
Halloween is my favorite holiday. As a child I was one of 12. Christmas
was stressful, but Halloween was a time when we could fend for ourselves
in guilt-free pursuit of enough sweets to last for a very long time. I
enjoy treating those who visit us.
Here are the sites I recommend.
The "CHILDREN'S SAFETY ZONE" at
http://www.sosnet.com/safety/halloween.tip.html
provides a helpful list of Safety Tips for
Trick-or-Treaters,
Parents and even
Home Owners
And the ASPCA provides a thoughtful list to maximize safety for PETS at
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/news3/aspca.halloween.event.h
tml
This comes with my hope that all my family, friends and neighbors will
enjoy a safe and happy Halloween!
Liz
Elizabeth Campion
Neighbor & Real Estate Broker
Mailto:CampionEF@;Juno.com
Direct & VM: 215-790-5653 / Cell Phone (emergencies): 215-880-2930
Mail to : P.O. Box 23632 / Phila, Pa 19143
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH
Reception:215-546-0550, Shared Fax: 215-546-9781
Office at
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Suite # 406 / Phila, Pa 19103
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