March 30, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

What is the most extravagant birthday party you or your children have ever been to? How does it compare to the parties you had when you were younger?
(Asked at Almaden Center)


“The most extravagant different party I’ve even been to was a long time ago when my brother-in-law [who also lived in Almaden] turned 30. He’s kind of quiet and mellow, and my sister-in-law had this dancer—not a stripper—come and she wowed him and the people there. Other parties are more family-oriented in a family type atmosphere.”

Pam Lippold, 48
Almaden
Homemaker


“My daughter recently went to a birthday party where they first went horseback riding at Calero Ranch Stables, then had dinner at Buca di Beppo at Oakridge and then went back to the home of the birthday child for cake and presents. My most memorable birthday was my 5th [I think because of the pictures] at Vasona Park. My mom made a cake and I think we just played.”

Kelley Foot, 42
Almaden
First grade teacher at Williams Elementary


“My most extravagant party was my husband’s 30th and 40th birthdays when I threw surprise parties for him. The morning of his 30th birthday we started building a deck that was supposed to be finished by party time, but it was a long way from finished. His family flew out [from Massachusetts for his 40th]. They were extravagant because of the number of people and the good presents. I don’t remember my parents doing anything extravagant for birthdays.”

Patti Donovan, 44
Almaden
Tennis player


“My daughter just turned 14 and I threw her a party that cost $300 for seven kids. We went to Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos and the kids played bocce ball and ate there and then they came back to our house for cake and ice cream. But she’s an only child, so I tend to be sort of extravagant with her birthdays. When we lived in Virginia I had Barney come and had pony rides and catered parties for 70 people. When I was young, we used to have backyard parties where we’d play in the fort and have cake and ice cream and nuts and mints.”

Charleen Fishback, 53
Almaden
Homemaker


“I’ve made very nice parties for my daughter. For her 2nd birthday, everything was orange and pink flowers. I even had the burgers and Jell-O-shaped like flowers. It was beautiful. Parties are more extravagant now because they have more things for the kids. It was plainer when I was younger.”

Mona Kabbani, 30ish
Almaden
Graphic designer


“One parent held a Casino Night for seventh graders [from Holy Spirit School]. It was formal attire, they had slot machines and tables [for black jack and other casino games]. The children were each given so many chips and they cashed those in at the end of the night. It was unbelievable. They had a chocolate fountain to dip strawberries in and a bar with all kinds of sodas and shakes—whatever they wanted. It was a wonderful party and the kids are still talking about it. How do you match something like that? We’ve really gotten away from home parties. Today, they have catered parties or sleepovers in a hotel. It’s difficult because you try to think of something innovative [to be different].”

Leslie Santomiere
Silver Creek
First-grade reading specialist teacher at Lincoln Elementary in Burlingame