Illinois Poison Center offers tips for safe trick-or-treating
Each Halloween, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) receives hundreds of telephone calls regarding suspicious candy, dry ice, the ingestion of the liquid inside glow necklaces and much more.
"Despite yearly warnings, the poison center still receives numerous calls about Halloween hazards," explains Dr. Michael Wahl, managing medical director, IPC. "It is clear that we must continue to remind parents of the dangers surrounding Halloween festivities."
Halloween Favorites: Candy, Dry Ice and More
For decades, parents have been urged to inspect candy collected along the trick-or-treat route for safety. IPC reminds parents to check all candy wrappers for puncture holes—a sign that someone may have tampered with the candy—and discard all punctured, unwrapped or partially wrapped candy.
Dry ice is often a decorating tool that creates a "fog" effect. It is safe to use in punch bowls, but not in individual glasses. If swallowed, dry ice can burn the mouth and throat. Direct contact with the skin can cause a frostbite-type injury, which may result in the discoloration of the skin, along with burning and/or tingling sensations, numbness, and possibly severe pain. Wash the affected area immediately with water if skin contact occurs.
Glow sticks and necklaces are other popular Halloween items and help make children visible at night. In small amounts, the glowing liquid inside will not cause severe poisoning. If punctured or chewed on, however, the plastic tubes may leak and may cause skin irritation and a rash, and irritation to the eyes; if ingested, it may cause nausea and burning. Parents should call the poison center for first aid treatment recommendations.
The IPC also offers the following safety tips and poison prevention recommendations.
Call the poison center at (800) 222-1222 with questions regarding all Halloween poisoning concerns. If you suspect a poisoning, call the IPC immediately; do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Trick or treat with small children.
Check all treats for puncture holes, a sign that something may have been injected into the treat.
Feed children before taking them out to reduce the urge to snack on the route.
Bring your own candy to give children along the way so they will not be tempted to eat from their bags.
Throw away all unwrapped candy.
Allow your child to eat homemade treats only from someone you know and trust. Most treat makers have good intentions, but it's not worth the risk.
Purchase non-toxic face paint or makeup for a safe alternative to masks. Other products may contain laxatives, talc or hydrocarbons, which can be toxic.
The IPC's Halloween Safety brochure includes many more helpful tips to stay safe this trick-or-treating season. For a free copy of the brochure and other IPC educational materials, visit the IPC's Web site at IllinoisPoisonCenter.org to download copies or contact the IPC at (800) 222-1222.
The IPC is the only certified, regional poison center in Illinois, serving more than 12 million residents in 102 counties 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via a national, toll-free number, (800) 222-1222.
Calling the toll-free hot line will connect callers with their designated local poison center at any time from anywhere in the United States; all calls placed in Illinois are routed to the IPC. Staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses and poison information providers, the IPC provides poison prevention information and treatment advice to the public and health care professionals on alcohol and drug misuse, medication problems, bites and stings, occupational accidents and other poisonings.
The IPC is a program of the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, an association of more than 140 hospitals and health care organizations working together to improve the quality of health care services in the Chicago area.
Haunted tours by Chicago Trolley Co.
Lively storytelling, in-depth research and a touch of the supernatural combine as Chicago Trolley Co. presents the sights of inexplicable events in Chicago history and shares urban legend and folklore. Enjoy Haunted Death Alley, the Legend of Resurrection Mary, Red Lion Pub (haunted by many patrons), the "changing" totem pole, Graceland Cemetery, and Harpo Studios (the haunt of Eastland disaster victims). Private group rates are based on a three hour tour, with a pick-up or drop-off in the Lincoln Park or downtown area. Each trolley holds a minimum of 20 and maximum of 30 people. The cost is $32 per person; food and beverages are available. Individual tickets cost $35 each. Call (773) 648-5000 or visit chicagotrolley.com.
Corn maze, tractor show
International Harvesters Tractor Collectors will exhibit their tractors this weekend only at Jonamac Orchard, located 3/4 mile south of Malta on Shabbona Rd. Meanwhile, Jonamac's famous Corn Maze is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 15-17, Oct. 22-24, and Oct. 29-31—but it becomes the HAUNTED Corn Maze from dark until 10 p.m. Find the haunted graveyard and survive to get out of the maze! Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids six to 12. (No flashlights are permitted in the Haunted Maze.)
Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides on Sunday, hayrides to the pumpkin patch Saturday and Sunday, face painting, and music. Lunches are available. Activities start at noon. The country store offers just-picked apples, apple donuts, fresh bread, apple pies, fudge, caramel apples and more. Call (815) 825-2158 or visit jonamacorchard.com.
The Fifth Province Lounge celebrates Halloween
The holiday Halloween has its origins in Celtic folklore. In the 5th century BC, in Ireland, summer officially ended on Oct. 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sowen), the Celtic New Year.
Legend says on Oct. 31, disembodied spirits of those who had died during the preceding year would return in search of living bodies to possess. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.
The Irish Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., will continue the tradition of celebrating the ancient holiday with its 12th Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 9 p.m. in the Fifth Province Lounge. Local favorites, The Chancey Brothers will play their brand of Irish, folk and rock music. The party is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and prizes will be awarded.
Fairygodmother Boo Ball to benefit Fairygodmother Foundation
The Fifth Annual Fairygodmother Boo Ball, a frightfully fun costume party to benefit Chicago-based Fairygodmother Foundation, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Transit, 1431 W. Lake St.
The event includes an open bar from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m., then cash bar from 10:30 p.m. to closing, food, silent auction, raffle, costume contest, dancing, gift bags, psychics, magicians, a tarot card reader, and more. A DJ will spin music, and local celebrities will award prizes and emcee the event.
"Fairygodmother Foundation’s Boo Ball is the best Halloween party in Chicago. This year, we expect more than 400 guests to party like crazy at Transit. Known for its young, flashy, and trendy atmosphere, Transit is the ideal place for a great party like Boo Ball," said Bonnie Tunick, founder of Fairygodmother Foundation.
Others agree. Citysearch Editor John Dugan has this to say about Transit: "Modern and spacious, this converted industrial complex is perfectly outfitted for electronic-dance enthusiasts, but attracts a far broader spectrum of casually clubbing young decadents."
Tickets are $50 each, and may be purchased through Oct. 22 by contacting Fairygodmother Foundation at (773) 388-1160. (Tickets will not be sold at the door.) All proceeds fund Fairygodmother Foundation’s wish granting program for loved ones battling terminal illness.
The mission of Fairygodmother Foundation is to grant wishes to adults (18 and older) and families facing terminal illness (having a year or less to live). In the process of fulfilling wishes, the charity creates an opportunity for peace, closure, a sense of belonging, and cherished memories for everyone involved. The Foundation has granted nearly 500 important end-of-life wishes for families across the country having nowhere else to turn. To learn more, please call (773) 388-1160 or visit the charity’s Web site at fairygodmother.org.
Sail the Spooky Seas at Shedd Aquarium
Explore the hallowed galleries of Shedd A-scare-ium as it comes alive with spooky sea stories this Halloween season. Encounter slimy creatures and other creepy family-fun activities during the weekend.
When darkness falls on All Hallows Eve and a mysterious mist enshrouds the city, the tall ship Shedd Aquarium sets sail on a ghostly ocean with spooky sea stories and deep-sea delights. Come dressed for the occasion because we will be ghosting - we mean hosting - a parade of our best-dressed guests. Get ready to dance macabre as we party with ghosts, goblins and a skeleton crew. But don’t forget your sleeping bag and pillow because you will sack out with our reef residents and other aquatic animals in our Aquarium Galleries. If you aren’t up for spending the night, then join us for the evening portion of this event. Activities are designed for families with children ages 0-12.
Friday, October 29 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Evening event
6 p.m. – 9 a.m. Overnight
Evening Event Fee: $30 ($20 members). Children age 2 and under are free
Overnight Event Fee: $60 ($50 members). Must be 5 years of age to sleep over
Call (312) 692-3333 for reservations. John G. Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.; visit sheddaquarium.org.
Search for the Great Pumpkin
The Chicago Park District brings a little bit of the country to the city with its annual fall Pumpkin Patches. Various local parks on the city's North Side will offer fields filled with pumpkins of all sizes, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, fall harvest photos, face painting and refreshments.
"Our Pumpkin Patches are the perfect way for families to celebrate the fall harvest season at their own local parks," said Rodger Konow, Chicago Park District North Region Manager.
Pumpkin Patches are held on Saturdays in October from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets for individual activities range from $.50 to $3, and ticket packages including all activities are available for $15 each. Tickets will not be sold after 2:30 p.m. Please call your local park or (312) 742-PLAY for additional information.
Pumpkin Patches are scheduled as follows:
SATURDAY, OCT. 16
Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave.
(312) 742-7785
Horner Park, 2741 N. Montrose Ave.
(773) 478-3499
SATURDAY, OCT. 23
Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
(773) 262-6314
SATURDAY, OCT. 30
Oz Park, 2021 N. Burling St.
(312) 742-7898
Halloween edition of TMLMTBGB
On Oct. 31, the Neo-Futurists present the Halloween edition of "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind," described as 30 Spooky Plays in 60 Creepy Minutes. (That’s 29 more surprise endings than “The Village.”)
Come in costume. Win prizes! The Neo-Futurists turn their theater into a spooky-torium. Roll! dice to determine your fate. Jump! out of your seat for audience participation. Scream! for numbers until you are hoarse, because no one will hear you. OK, we’ll hear you and do the plays in the order you choose.
The fun takes place at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. (at Foster Ave.) on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 plus the roll of a single six-sided die ($6 - $11). For more information, call (773) 275-5255 or visit neofuturists.org.
Unusual performance at Old Town School for Halloween
The Old Town School of Folk Music and WBEZ welcomes
Hermeto Pascoal Sunday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., at the Old Town School of Folk Music, American Airlines Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. For tickets, call (773) 728-6000 or visit ticketweb.com.
Known as "the sorcerer" or "the magician," Hermeto Pascoal is a composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his skills in extracting good and innovative music from almost any object or being. He's able to produce notes and melodies from both traditional and non-traditional instruments, everything from flute and piano, to those creations of his own making, along with kettles, plastic toys, the many sounds of the human voice, and yes, really squeezing a live and healthy pig. Musicians from around the globe regard him as one huge genius. He has displayed his talents as a musician on works by Carlos Antonio Jobim, Donald Byrd, Flora Purim, and his compositions appear on albums by Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Gil Evans, and other jazz heavyweights. Down Beat's Howard Mandel, wrote about him being "as pan-global a leader as Sun Ra and as surefooted an individualist as Rahsaan Roland Kirk."
Pascoal's ensemble is an extra-sensory musical unit that has been with him for over 10 years and still rehearses daily. The music he composes runs from the lyrical and romantic to raucous, from folkloric to futuristic, angular melodies, with each style and mood often created among a dense barrage of textured sounds.
Hell In A Handbag Productions’ Helloween Prom
Hell In A Handbag Productions invites the public to join its third annual fundraiser, Helloween Prom, a benefit for "SCARRIE, The Musical," at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, in Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. It's time to pull out those 70's prom dresses and powder blue tuxes, get your hair permed and mark those ballots with a vote for Carrie this year! Carrie White has risen from hell with a new song in her heart and a new class of enemies to barbecue. But before she can toss her first telekinetic spark, the group must raise some funds to get this prom queen a bloody stage to stand on and a dress to hide those dirty pillows.
Join Hell In A Handbag's graduating class in Theatre Building Chicago's gymnasium for a fun filled evening of refreshments, raffle prizes, silent auctions and a workshop performance of David Cerda's "SCARRIE, The Musical." Tickets are $35; extra donations of money, goods, or services are appreciated. For information, call (312) 409-4357 or visit handbagproductions.org.
Hell In A Handbag Productions is an Illinois not for profit corporation; mail checks to Hell In A Handbag Productions c/o Steve Hickson, 1517 W. Rosemont Ave., #3E, Chicago, IL 60660-1322.
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