Jason DiOrio could be considered Roselle Park’s Mr. Halloween.
His family’s house is decorated with lavish Halloween decorations. That, in and of itself, is not out of the ordinary since many houses do that. As a rule, after a few weeks in November, he starts thinking about the next year’s Halloween; also, not unique. The fact that Jason creates and handcrafts almost every single piece of decoration on his lawn and house and plans it out from the layout to design to molding to lighting – well that puts him on a whole other level. It rivals a movie studio scene. And it is right here in Roselle Park.
To say Jason loves Halloween is an understatement. But he also loves his family and his community. Not being someone just satisfied with showing his art – because that is what it is, art – he wants to help give back. He knows that people from all over – from down the street to the other side of town, the county, the state, and beyond – stop by to see his little piece of All Hallow’s Eve.
Knowing that, Jason and his family have in the past and continue this year to leave a trunk chest on their front lawn in front of Jason’s display of art where visitors can drop off non-perishable goods that will be delivered to the Casano Community Center food pantry after Halloween.
A list of accepted goods includes:
- Beans
- Boxed drinks
- Canned/packaged fruits
- Canned/packaged meats
- Canned/packaged soup
- Canned/packaged vegetables
- Cereal
- Dried fruits
- Fruit cups
- Macaroni & cheese
- Pasta
- Peanut butter
- Ramen noodles
- Rice
- Soup
- Tomato sauce
- Tuna (canned)
If you and your family want to witness a true gem of the community this time of year, be sure to pass by 471 Henry Street and have your cameras and/or smartphones at the ready. If you get a chance, leave a donation or two of food to support those who might be facing serious financial stress.
The best times to visit are between 7:30 a.m. till 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. on weekends.
When asked for a comment, the man who lets his work do the talking summed it up best, “Happy Halloween.”