"Back in Line" with Dr. Mosier: Those "Rotten" Kids These Days

A Halloween weekend in Salem revealed a generation worth being thankful for.

“Kids these days have no manners and are so ungrateful.”

This past weekend, we put that statement to the test.

As an MFC family, we participated in both the YMCA Trunk-or-Treat and the Boo Bash at the museum. Then we met up at the Halloween parade.

Needless to say, we had a firsthand look at this so-called “rotten” up-and-coming generation. And I have come to a conclusion: Witches, goblins, monsters, Power Rangers, Buzz Lightyears, princesses, and many more are actually very thankful.

Ironically, they were all miniature-sized. But somewhere between handing out goodies and hearing all those little voices say “thank you,” I began to wonder what had happened to that “rotten” generation I keep hearing about.

Ten years ago, Ellen and I came to Salem to see if this was where we wanted to land. That evening, we watched a whole town come together for its first annual Halloween parade.

We were trying to picture what our future might look like here. Looking back, that evening gave us a pretty good glimpse.

Now, a decade later, I am so thankful we took that leap of faith and joined this community of goblins, witches, princesses, and the wonderful people underneath those costumes.

A community that comes together like this is something truly special.

Thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, decorated, handed out goodies, and brought your families out to enjoy it all. And to those miniature monsters with their good manners and grateful hearts: thank you for reminding us how much good is growing up right here in our community.

Your friend,


Dr. Mosier