September 6, 2007

Ending summer with a blast

Camelia Drive Block party features food, friendship and fun

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

The third annual Camelia Drive block party had residents raving about everything from food to friendship to fun last Sunday.

It isn’t just Camelia Drive residents who enjoy the annual block party. Family and friends come from near and far to enjoy the food, fun and festivities. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

And it wasn’t just for the residents of Camelia Drive. Friends from other streets in Almaden and around the valley arrived to enjoy the street’s festivities. That’s because organizers Franco and Renee Vado, Brian and Sandy Baggott, Jeannie Mullinix and Tony and Kristin Wahl offered something to please everyone at the blow-out party of the year.

“We love our neighborhood and our street,” said Renee Vado. “And it’s a lot of fun.”

The Vados have lived on Camelia Drive four years. Their children Gabriel, 7, and Isabel, 5, look forward to the annual block party. And with more than 200 families in attendance this year, there were lots of others who agreed that the event was a success.

Franco Vado and Pat Earnshaw oversaw the sizzling grill loaded with tri-tip, chicken and hot dogs for the kids, calling themselves “partners in crime.”

Neighbors brought appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts and there was even a bake-off contest with prizes for presentation, the best tasting item and for all-around sweet dish creation. But it’s wasn’t just the food that kept residents raving. Activities were plentiful as well.

The neighborhood that plays together stays together. Camelia Drive organizers take a moment to pose with SJPD Mounted Unit. From left, front row: Tony and Kristin Wahl, Sandy Baggott, Jeannie Mullinix, Renee and Franco Vado and Brian Baggott; and back row: SJPD Mounted Unit officers Phil Guisto on Shadow and Mike Obnjen on Decker. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Kids and adults played soccer, basketball, badminton and even ping-pong games and of special interest were the temporary airbrushed tattoos, face- and hair-painting and bicycle decoration stations. The San Jose Police Department Mounted Unit’s officers and their horses brought squeals of delight from kids of all ages.

To cool off, the water pistols were a tremendous success. The block party even featured a band, the Cocktail Monkeys, who rocked out at the blocked-off street. And later the kids watched “Night at the Museum” with popcorn on a neighbor’s front yard.

“Renee is awesome,” said Saratoga resident Madeline Chiavetta, who plans to move nearby soon. “She does the Christmas tree organizing during the holidays. It’s a very family-oriented community. I love the neighborhood.”

Paul and Karen Chiswell and their children Katie and Mathew moved to Camelia Drive two months ago.

Camelia Drive block party organizers Renee and Franco Vado enjoy a moment with some neighborhood kids displaying their decorated bicycles.

“We moved to Almaden because of the brilliant schools,” said Paul Chiswell who hails from England and moved to this country two years ago. “This is not very common in England. America likes to party and it is a good way to meet our neighbors.”

Joan Wagner moved to Camelia Drive 10 years ago because the street was within walking distance to Safeway, the library and restaurants. She had known people who lived in the home and when they wanted to sell she bought it.

“We had parties before, but they were progressive dinners eating a dish at different homes,” said Wagner. “Once we had the block party in October, but the wind came up. As the years went on, new families and their children moved in with lots of energy. I’m thankful I live here and can come to the party. And it’s fun.”

So with food, fun and friendship, Camelia Drive had its third annual block party and all went home with wonderful memories.