Dear Editor:

Last night (Oct. 31), while out trick or treating with my 7-year-old daughter, I witnessed not only local businesses but community members, not only deny candy (literally pulling back a candy basket from the child), but tell a 13-year-old boy he is “too old for trick or treating.”

I'm sorry, but why are we trying to deter our young people from the innocence of trick or treating? Denying our young people who are out with family, younger siblings, nieces, nephews, telling them they shouldn't be participating. They are too old.

Do people not understand what is going on in our country? The drug epidemic that is affecting our entire nation? The drug epidemic that is affecting our very own small town, something our young people will be subjected to at some point throughout their lives. I would much rather my 13-year-old boy be out with his family, asking for candy than out participating in other activities.

I am a little disgusted in the acts of some of our town people. There is way too much negativity in this world already, and the fact that we are helping strip the innocence away from our young people is saddening. Just want to make people aware and let our children be children while they still are. Don't make them grow up to fast.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the businesses and community members who do support our youth.

Jackie Markee

Boothbay