500 YEARS: While it’s common knowledge that today is Halloween, the Rev. Theodore Benson called to remind us that today is also a big anniversary: the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation.
As the Associated Press explains, “On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther sent his 95 Theses denouncing what he saw as the abuses of the Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences, to the Archbishop of Mainz, Germany (by some accounts, Luther also posted the Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg), marking the start of the Protestant Reformation.”
That one step by Martin Luther set in motion a new way of thinking that is still practiced today.
CANDY: One of the most exciting things about Halloween for children is the treasure trove of candy.
We still remember trading with the other kids after a night of trick or treating, negotiating for our favorite sweets.
While it’s rare to find that an adult has tampered with the wrapped candy they’re handing out to the neighborhood children, it doesn’t hurt for parents to take a peek at their children’s haul.
The Pennsylvania State Police have offered one new reason to check: the presence of marijuana candy.
“There have been been multiple recent reports of candy and other edible forms of marijuana in New Jersey and nearby states,” state police reported in a press release. “These edible forms of marijuana pose a great risk to users, especially children who could accidentally receive them during the Halloween season.”
Police offer these tips to parents:
• Adults should check for unusual candy packaging, such as homemade, plastic bag packages.
• Adults should also check for an odor that is similar to the smell of a marijuana plant.
• Read the packaging of name brand candy, as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the difference based on appearance alone.
• Wear vinyl or non-latex gloves when checking the candy.
• Immediately contact your local police department if you believe that your child has received marijuana candy.
• Immediately seek medical assistance if you believe that you or your child has ingested marijuana candy.
Symptoms of ingesting marijuana candy or cookies include dizziness, shallow breathing, red eyes and dilated pupils, dry mouth, increased appetite, slow reaction time, distorted sense of time, random thinking, paranoia, anxiety, depression and short-term forgetfulness, according to police.
