Next weekend, one week from today to be exact, we can expect trick or treaters to ring our doorbells or knock on our doors.  Some may gather for themed parties during the week ahead.  Many — young and old — enjoy the opportunities posed to darn a costume — whether it involves a chance to collect some treats or just to party.  Either way, today’s commentary provides information to help the “collectors” move about safely and themed music for your Halloween bash of choice.

So the question to pose: Do you costume? What costume to design, procure, etc.? Do you party on Halloween? (Please share in the comments.)

Maybe you trick or treat (with your kids or grandkids)?

For those trick or treating.I  share Halloween “satety tips” going back to when I “ghosted” them for the elected officials I served and more recently shared  in my civic’s newsletter. I sometimes posted the tips on LinkedIn. 

Please share them:

Halloween Safety Tips

► Make sure young children are accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager.

► Tell children to bring home all of their treats so they can be examined carefully before anything is eaten. Discard any candy or food with a peculiar smell or appearance.

► Do not allow children to "trick or treat" alone.

► Do not allow children to wander far from home.

► Do not permit children to enter buildings or elevators on their own.

► Tell children to avoid hallways or deserted areas that are dimly lit.

► Tell children not to enter a stranger's home or car for the promise of treats.

► Remind children to obey the rules at traffic lights and to walk on the sidewalk, not in the street.

► Examine all costumes for safety hazards, such as a long costume that could trip a child.

► Help children choose flame retardant costumes in bright colors or carry a flashlight so that children can be seen by approaching cars.

► Examine masks to be sure a child's vision is unobstructed.

► Test makeup on a small patch of skin before applying it to a child's face to make sure that he or she is not allergic.

► Give children flashlights, not candles, to carry with them.

► Instruct children, if they need help, to look for "SAFE HAVEN" decals in houses and store windows

The playlist for Halloween resulted from my first physical therapy sessions at Professional PT in New Hyde Park.  My friend Eric had told me they play good music there; and when I had some sessions ahead of Halloween, there was discussion of appropriate tunes; it inspired this 43-song, three hours plus “Halloween playlist”. Play it in YouTube or Apple Music.  It starts and concludes with versions of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, Bad Moon Rising.  Some fave tunes included: the Stones’ Sympathy for the Devil, a live version of Devil in Disguise by the Flying Burrito Brothers, The Super Session (Al Kooper-Stephen Stills) cover of Donovan’s Season of the Witch and the Doors’ People Are Strange.  Lou Reed’s Halloween Parade inspired this commentary’s title.

Editor's note: The Pumpkins were "selected" by my granddaughter Noa when she visited her maternal grandparents in PA.