October 24, 2012 Vol. 91 No. 43
The NCPC offers tips to keep your family’s Halloween safe, not scary.
Ghosts, Ghouls, and Goblins on Halloween Information from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
IN this Issue
Halloween is just around the corner and many neighborhoods will see ghosts, ghouls, and goblins floating through the streets on October 31. The National Crime Prevention Council, home of McGruff the Crime Dog, suggests that parents follow these few tips to assure that their children enjoy a safe and fun-filled evening. Remember the following tips. • Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night. • Keep your house well lighted on both the inside and outside. • Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizens’ group to patrol your community. • Report any suspicious or criminal activities to your police or sheriff ’s department. Follow these tips to make sure even the scariest costumes are safe. • Try makeup instead of masks; it does not obstruct vision the way masks can. • Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood. • Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights. • Check that costumes are flame-retardant so the little ones aren’t in danger near candlelit jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards. • Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes. • Halloween blood and gore are harmless stuff for the most part. But sometimes dressing up as a superhero, Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
a scary monster, or a slimy alien from outer space—coupled with the excitement of Halloween—brings out aggressive behavior. Even fake knives, swords, and guns can accidentally hurt people. If these objects are part of a child’s costume, make sure they are made from cardboard or other flexible materials. Better yet, challenge kids to create costumes that don’t need “weapons” to be scary and fun. Make sure your trick-or-treater’s night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun. • Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups. Kids walking around alone are not as safe as those walking in groups. • A parent or trusted neighbor should accompany younger kids. • Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time for when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child separates accidentally from his or her friends or from you. • Remind them not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys, or playing fields. • Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car. Learn & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Pet Apdoption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. • O’Fallon, MO 63366
• Try to get kids to trick-or-treat while it is still light out. If it is dark, make sure the children are carrying flashlights that work. Remember that the treats still need scrutiny before anyone eats them.
• Remind your children not to eat any treats until they have come home. To help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they go out. • Check all treats at home in a wellSee HALLOWEEN page 3
Movie Talk
See Movie page 9
“Here Comes the Boom” - Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Shelly Schneider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
P: 636-379-1775 • FX: 636-379-1632
Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
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