Renovo residents help one of its newest residents celebrate Halloween safely

RENOVO -- James Hall and his eight-year-old daughter Allison and three-year-old son Wyatt moved to Renovo in April. It was at the height of the pandemic and combined with James' quiet demeanor, the three of them haven't met many people.

Wyatt has Cystic Fibrosis so the small family hasn't left their Erie Avenue apartment for much, other than necessities like doctors appointments and quick trips to the grocery stores.

Halloween had been on the single father's mind for days when he came up with the idea of seeing if a few people would walk up past their front bay window, where Allison and Wyatt would be dressed up, dancing to flashing lights and Halloween themed music and offer a wave or even some candy to his kids.

James took to social media and it didn't take long for people to catch on and share James' request, even though virtually nobody knew him or Wyatt. Allison does go to Renovo Elementary and is in Ms. Miller's class so that makes her the more social one of the trio.

"I've lived in Millerton and Canton so I'm familiar with small towns, but it was really nice to see how many people responded right away," James said as he was outside wishing a "Happy Halloween" to those that would walk by and wave after seeing his post.

"Renovo Elementary in particular, I could not ask for a better place for Allison, they understand what her brother is going through and are so supportive," he added.

As for Allison hanging out with her brother all night for Halloween, walking by you could tell she was maybe enjoying it even more than Wyatt was.

"They fight for sure like a brother and sister will, but she's a great older sister," James described.

Those that simply walked by and waved on Erie Avenue on Saturday evening as well as those that offered candy, made Halloween as memorable and as normal as possible for Wyatt and Allison whose 2020 has been maybe even more hectic than so many others.