Beware: Halloween Can Frighten Small Children
Experts offer suggestions for helping small children who fear Halloween
On Halloween, when many don their scariest attire and head out for an evening of frightful fun, not everyone experiences merriment. Experts say some festivities can overwhelm tiny revelers. “In preschool, children are not logical thinkers and they can only think about one thing at a time. “If something looks like a werewolf, then it is a werewolf. And young children are fearful of things that could hurt them,” said Linda Gulyn, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Marymount University in Arlington. There are a few techniques that parents can employ to take some of the fright out of Halloween. “One of the things that parents can do is to go over the top in preparing small children,” said Centreville resident Todd Kashdan, Ph.D. associate professor. Department of Psychology at George Mason University. “Role play with them and say ‘you’ll see people with blood on their faces, they’re not going to hurt you, they are just like actors.’ You should be really playful about it. Not only is it useful, but it is actually a fun family activity.”
Last Call
Letters to the editor from local residents about the upcoming election should be received by Friday, Oct. 26 to be considered for publication. Letters on candidates, bond questions, election procedure or any other local, election related topics are welcome and encouraged. Ideal letters will be about 200 words and convey opinion with civility. Send letters to smauren@connectionnews
Halloween Parties, SoberRide
Halloween is now as much of an adult party as a children's festival. Along with the Fourth of July, the holiday period including New Year's Eve and a few other dates, Halloween stands out as a holiday connected to an increase in drinking and driving.
Be Part of the Children's Centre View
Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 3.
During the last week of each year, the Centre View devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families. The annual Children's Centre View is a tradition of well over a decade, and we begin getting inquiries from teachers and parents about submitting artwork and writing almost as soon as summer is over.
Bulletin Board
Thursday/Oct. 25 Chantilly HS Government Forum. 9 a.m. Representatives from the five parties on the ballot in Virginia will be in attendance. Aneesh Chopra, President Obama’s former chief technology officer, will represent the Obama campaign. Bill Redpath, the chairman of the National Libertarian Party, will represent the Gary Johnson campaign. Mitch Turner, the chairman of the Virginia Constitution Party, will represent the Virgil Goode campaign. The Romney (Republican) and Stein (Green) campaigns will also be represented. The forum will take place in the Chantilly HS auditorium. Students and community members will have a chance to ask questions.
Bulletin Board
Ongoing White House Ornament Sale. The Western Fairfax County Woman’s Club is selling 2012 White House Christmas ornaments. This year’s ornament honors William Howard Taft. This ornament features President and Mrs. Taft delivering Christmas present in a White Steamer automobile. The ornaments cost $19. Proceeds benefit charity. Order by calling 703-378-6841 or 703-378-6216. It is possible to order previous years’ ornaments.
Westfield’s on the March
Westfield High’s homecoming parade was Friday, Oct. 19, in Centreville’s Sully Station community.
Turkey Trot Sign-Ups Are Open
Registration is now open for the 24th Annual Virginia Run Turkey Trot. A local tradition, the 5K run and 2K walk are set for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at 8 a.m. at the Virginia Run community center in Centreville. Both courses travel through Virginia Run, and this year’s event is being held in memory of resident Bonnie Huneke. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit Life with Cancer, INOVA Health System’s nonprofit program for cancer patients and their families.
Women's Self Defense Program
The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.
WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry urgently needs donations of oil (48 oz. or smaller); flour (2-5 lb. bag); sugar (2-5 lb. bag); rice; canned meats; salad dressing, jelly; jam; peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Ramen Noodles, canned fruit; canned beets and collard greens; canned soup and beans; dry pasta and beans; ketchup, mustard, pancake mix and syrup; hot and cold cereal and coffee. In addition, the Food Pantry would appreciate fresh produce, such as tomatoes, from local gardens.
The Passover Amendment: Should Legislators Meet on Religious Holidays?
Former Del. David Englin (D-45) was behind amendment now before voters.
Every year, the Virginia General Assembly convenes several weeks after the session to react to the governor’s vetoes.
Fair Oaks CAC to Meet
The Citizens Advisory Council of the Fair Oaks District Police Station will meet Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., in the roll-call room of the police station. It’s at 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly.
Goblin Gallop is Oct. 28
The 19th annual Goblin Gallop 5K race, 1K fun run and 5K walk will be held this Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. It’s a family-friendly race with many participants wearing Halloween costumes. Afterward are refreshments, music, a moonbounce, a costume contest, race prizes, plus more than $3,500 in door prizes.
Bike Summit Oct. 27
The inaugural Fairfax Bike Summit will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at George Mason University. The goal is to bring together current and future bicyclists, bicycle organizations, bike shops and transportation professionals to discuss how to make Fairfax County a better place to live by making bicycling a major component of the transportation system.
Clifton Haunted Trail
The terrors of the Clifton Haunted Trail will be unleashed Saturday, Oct. 27, from 7-10 p.m., in the Town of Clifton’s Eight-Acre Park. (Rain date, Oct. 28). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10, children; there are no advance sales. Sturdy shoes are recommended; snacks and beverages are available.