Viewpoint: Halloween

Eagle Talk for October 28

Hosts Ciara Arbeau and Nicole Nicole share news from Blackville School for the week of October 28, 2016. The "Eagle Talk" podcast can be heard on Life Radio on Friday evenings.

Halloween Colouring Contest

People's Picks (October 24-28)

The high school teacher of the week is Ms. C. Underhill. Ms. Underhill's favourite thing about being a teacher at Blackville School is that she loves working with all the students every day. We asked Ms. Underhill what her favourite movie was, and she chose the movie Couples Retreat. We also asked her what she enjoys doing in her spare time, and she said that she likes to relax and watch TV. Ms. C. Underhill was very excited to receive teacher of the week.

High school student of the week is Chloe Donovan. Mr. Carter chose Chloe to be student of the week. Chloe is always friendly and positive, and she works well with all of the other students. Chloe is a hard worker and always has a smile on her face. We asked Chloe if she is going to the Halloween dance this Thursday and she said she was going and could not wait. Chloe said that she is dressing up as a Care Bear for the dance. Chloe's favourite movie is The Amazing Spider Man. Chloe also prefers candy apples over caramel apples. 

The staff member of the week is Lisa Sturgeon. She was very surprised to win staff member of the week. Lisa's favourite thing about working at the school is all of the kids. She loves to work with them and see them learn new things. In her pastime, Lisa likes to relax and watch some of her favourite TV shows.

Photos and article by Sarah Jardine and Laura Sturgeon

Halloween...Age Limit?

Photo from morguefile.com

Halloween has always been one of my favourite yearly events, and it still continues to be despite the fact I am now older. It's a fun time to dress differently than you normally do, and have a great time with friends. Each year, my sister and I go trick or treating together, and it is something I really look forward to. On top of all the free candy, for me it's also a great opportunity to have a quick visit with some of the people in the community who I know well, but usually do not get a chance to see very often.

Halloween is an event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and deep down I think we all feel like children at heart, no matter how old we may be. I can't imagine not going trick or treating on Halloween night, and would be very upset if that privilege was taken away.

In Bathurst, New Brunswick, a recent bylaw was renewed that prohibits teens older than 14 from trick or treating. This can result in up to a $200 fine if not obeyed. I am unsure of what to think of this.  "Older than 14" certainly covers a wide range of ages, which may bring about further conflict.

I feel that if teenagers can be mature, and behave in an appropriate manner, there should not be any major issues. However, I realize that this is not always the case, and some people may use Halloween as a time to be destructive and careless.

I think there is a lot of stereotyping when it comes to all teenagers misbehaving on Halloween, and this idea is certainly not true for everyone.

Bathurst also has a 7 p.m. curfew. The curfew here in the Village of Blackville is 8 p.m. As far as the curfew goes, for older kids, I agree that sometimes it can be hard to be inside by this time, but it is possible. I think complaints about the curfew should be the least of our worries, and we should be grateful our village has not introduced an age limit.

On another note, I can understand how some elderly people may feel uncomfortable or even frightened by older kids entering their homes. This becomes a problem when people refuse to dress up in a costume, and only use Halloween as a way to get free candy.

I believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate in Halloween. Whether they plan on staying at home to give out treats to younger kids, or actually trick or treat themselves, everyone should be allowed this choice, while keeping in mind to be safe and respectful.

For more information on the Village of Blackville's curfew along with some great tips and advice, click here and Happy Halloween!

By Jensen Urquhart