It's that wonderful Halloween time of the year again and our member stores on Park Blvd. are ready for the little ones that stop by for treats. We enjoy seeing all of their costumes and happy faces as their candy bags fill up to the brim. Most of the parents come in costume too and it is so nice to see Park Boulevard filled with happy families going trick or treating. There is always such a feeling of happiness and fun that permeates the air.

This year, I am making a plea to all of the hundreds and hundreds of people who come for free candy and treats. Please patronize our stores during the year. Competition is so fierce from all of the strip malls that have opened up along Sunrise Highway during the past few years. The Sunrise Mall as well is competing with our local merchants and it is so hard for these local stores to stay in business. We are happy to give our hundreds of dollars worth of candy, but if you don't shop locally, we won't be here to do that! As I write all the time, our merchants really appreciate your business.

If you are the parent of an older child please instruct them not to put shaving cream all over the streets and on the storefront windows. In some years the damage has been incredible. Please teach them to respect other people's property. We live in a great village and they should be taught not to damage or ruin property or stores. Thank you for cooperating with us.

Carol Leff, President, MPMA