By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Halloween was on the calendar for Oct. 31 until Hurricane Sandy played a trick on New Jersey
Sandy made the most loved holiday of the year into just a day of cleanup.
Governor Chris Christie rescued the fun and declared Monday was the time for trick or treating and Manville did not let its children down.
The truck or treating was originally scheduled for Halloween at Manville High School. Monday’s event was moved into Fire Company No. 1 due to the unsafe streets, loss of power to much of the borough and cold weather.
Sponsored by borough recreation, the Municipal Alliance and Fire Department No. 1, the event drew more than 350 children. Dressed in their costumes, the kids waited patiently in a line that at one point went down South 3rd Avenue, around the corner and up Washington Avenue.
In the firehouse, an orderly line was in place as the children went table to table to get a treat. There was a DJ and hot dogs were served.
According to Stephanie Corneilson of the Municipal Alliance, they set up tables for 24 residents who said they going to participate, but the night ended up with more than 40 families handing out treats.
“It was great for the people who did not have power,” said Ms. Corneilson. “They were still able to go trick or treating. I didn’t expect so many people to come out but I am happy they did.”
John Bentz, assistant fire chief of Company 1, said he thought it was “great considering everything that went on with the last week with the storm. We were able to open this up and the kids were able to go somewhere safe.”
Seeing all the children who came out, Mr. Bentz was very glad. “To have a good crowd out like this, it’s what the kids needed. They have been out of school for a week and their lives have been going crazy with having no power.”
Parent Don Columbaroni brought his children. He said, “This Halloween was ruined by the storm and it is good that this community pulls together for everybody else around here.”
He even joked about the line. “Just like anything else,” he said.

