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Published on 10/23/1995 All articles from this issue

Dentist offers money - and grapes - in exchange for Halloween candy

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Los Altos pediatric dentist Mel Freeman is encouraging local children to go out and collect candy on Halloween. Freeman, who has worked in the area for more than 25 years, is offering children under age 12, $1 and a bag of Fresh Express "Grape Escape" grapes in exchange for every pound of candy they give him on Halloween.

The candy for dollars and grapes program is Freeman's way of encouraging kids to enjoy more healthy snacks and better dental health. He also hopes it will help fix what he feels is Los Altos new image of an anti-fun town with the recent media hype over not celebrating Halloween in local schools. "We just want to keep this light- hearted," he said. "Kids should be able to dress in costume and enjoy themselves, so long as they don't rot their teeth."

Costumed youths may exchange up to 10 pounds of candy from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Halloween, and must be accompanied by an adult.

The "Grape Escape" packages contain four ounces of seedless, stemless, red grapes, and are making their debut in grocery stores in Northern California this month.

Freeman's office is located at 779 Altos Oaks Drive in Los Altos.