Towns offer advice for having safe Halloween

Happy three days before Halloween, all.

I've always loved the Halloween season.

Not only are there tons of creepy and scary movies to be seen on television (my favorite is "Dial M For Murder") and the movie theaters, but the weather, while crisp, is still pretty decent, and the crunchy leaves are changing colors.

Since I didn't have the pleasure of enjoying trick-or-treaters at my former Elgin digs, I'm hoping this year is better, now that I live on the east side.

In case you didn't know, both Elgin and South Elgin have established the hours between 3 and 7 p.m. as official trick-or-treating time.

Sue Olafson, the Elgin city spokeswoman, has some words of advice regarding the special day:

• Responsible adults should accompany children, kids should wear light-colored getups that don't obstruct their eyes and that someone within the group carry a flashlight.

South Elgin Village President Jim Hansen had additional recommendations for drivers that he read recently in the form of a cute proclamation.

Here are some excerpts:

"Whereas there is no 'trick' to making Halloween a 'treat' for the entire family, the major dangers are not from witches or spirits, but rather from falls and pedestrian car crashes, I urge motorists to be especially careful on Halloween."

You'll find more Halloween tips on the Web sites for both towns at www.cityofelgin.org and www.southelgin.com.

Please be safe out there.

Ready to draw some blood?ŒThe Elgin Symphony Orchestra is holding a blood drive -- the day after Halloween no less -- and here's what's in it for you.

Each participant receives a voucher that offers free admission to a future ESO matinee performance.

The blood drive is from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hemmens Cultural Center and please don't forget to bring your ID.

To make an appointment, call (630) 723-2565.

Former Elgin resident seeks your assistance:ŒMy former neighbor Tom Martin from the Near West Neighborhood needs your help.

He's now a student at Texas A&M University and is helping to organize a 5K race there Sunday that will raise money to benefit wounded soldiers and their families.

The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association and Rudder's Rangers are holding the race. If you'd like to help, send a check to:

Corps of Cadets Assoc.

PO Drawer C-10

College Station, TX 77844

You'll want to right K-5 in the memo line, which is Martin's unit.

Or you can donate by visiting www.corpsofcadets.org/Website/Combat5k.aspx