JB MDL Halloween activities for all Published Oct. 25, 2010 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The joint base community is celebrating Halloween with a host of activities for young and old this year. The celebration will culminate on Halloween night Oct. 31 when trick-or-treaters travel through base housing from 6 to 8 p.m. During trick-or-treat hours, the 87th Security Forces Squadron will be out patrolling the area. Volunteers are still needed to augment on-duty forces for the annual "Pumpkin Patrol" in all housing areas to provide an additional layer of protection. "In past years, volunteers were primarily other parents who were out with their children and had their cell phones handy and ready to call the base defense operations center if an incident occurred," said Senior Master Sgt. James Warrick, 87th SFS operations superintendent. "Pumpkin Patrol volunteers add more eyes and ears in our neighborhoods while our little super-heroes, goblins, ghosts and ghouls make their way from house to house." Most importantly, the safety of trick-or-treaters is the priority for the joint base. "Safety should be the number one concern this Halloween," said Tom Diveley, 87th Air Base Wing chief of safety. "Parents should plan a safe route for their trick-or-treaters and only stop at well-lit places." When trick-or-treating, the joint base security forces and safety office encourage an adult to accompany any child under the age of 12 and for parents to set a curfew for older children. Other trick-or-treating tips include: - Children should wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping. Parents also may want to add reflective tape to the costume. - Instruct children to only stop at familiar, well-lit places and stay on the porch ... don't go inside. - Parents should inspect all treats before allowing their children to eat them. If any treats are unwrapped or look suspicious, throw them away. - Carry a flashlight or glow stick. - Use sidewalks and crosswalks when available. If a crosswalk is not available, use a corner to cross the street. - Look both ways before crossing the street. Anyone interested in volunteering for Pumpkin Patrol should call 562-3441 by Oct. 27. Volunteers will receive a safety briefing from the joint base police prior to trick-or-treat hours. On Halloween, if you see anything suspicious contact the base defense operations center at 562-6001. Halloween list of events: Torch Club Candy Bag Stuffing The Dix Torch Club members will have their annual Candy Bag stuffing today from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Dix Youth Center. Members will have fun filling bags for trick-or-treaters in the base community. Along with lots of goodies, each bag will have flyers on upcoming programs and facilities offered to JB MDL youth and teens. Dix CDC Celebrates Halloween The Dix CDC is having their Halloween Celebration Oct. 29 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Children, staff and family members are invited to take part in an assortment of Halloween themed activities that include a costume parade, treat making and treat tasting. Halloween Fest Bring your ghosts and goblins to the Tommy B's Community Activity Center for Halloween Fest Oct. 29. It's going to be an evening with lots of ghoulish fun for families from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Celebrate all thinks spooky and creepy with activities like interactive storytelling, face painting, costumes, Trunk or Treating for lots of candy and goodies, a pumpkin carving contest, a Trunk or Treat Car decorating contest, along with arts and crafts and refreshments. Scare up something creative and enter your car in the car decorating contest to win cash and FSS bucks. Sign up today by calling 754-2830. Pudgy's Halloween Blast Come to Pudgy's Oct. 29 in costume for a Halloween blast for adults age 21 and older. There will be deejay entertainment and a costume contest in which club members may enter to win cash prizes for the top three costumes. Halloween isn't just for kids, create your best costume and be a part of the fun from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. right here at JB MDL. Terror Behind Prison Walls Trip for Teens Visit America's most famous and historic haunted prison, The Eastern State Penitentiary, Oct. 29. If you are age 13 to 18 and have nerves of steel, you are invited on this real life fright night to this abandoned prison in Philadelphia. This massive prison sits on 11 acres, is 177 years old, and once held 80,000 male and female inmates. The site became a ruin in 1971 and remains the number one haunted house in America. This trip is sure to scare even the toughest ghost buster and will be a night of frights you will never forget. If you're brave enough to take your chances, call the McGuire Youth Center at 754-2050 to sign up. HallowBowl & Fun Fest For an afternoon of all things spooky and loaded with Halloween tricks and treats, come to the Lakehurst Bowling Center Oct. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited and must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $2 per person and $1 to bowl. Along with bowling, there will be a costume parade, prizes, snacks, face painting and lots of spooky surprises. Space is limited, so pre-register no later than Thursday by calling (732) 323-2405 or (732) 323-2027. Pre-teen Halloween Dance All pre-teens age 9 to 12 are invited to haunt the McGuire Youth Center Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for our Halloween Dance. There will be lots of spooky surprises, cool costumes, music, games, refreshments and more.