September 28, 2006

New babies, friendly neighbors keep Belder Drive block parties fun

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Neighbors recently gathered together on Belder Drive for their fifth annual block party, all of which have been ably orchestrated by Shirley Estrella.

Neighbors being neighborly and having a great time at the Belder block party. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“We have some new neighbors and new babies on the street,” said Estrella. “I initiate the party and everyone does everything else. I love it because we can all catch up with what is going on the neighborhood. We don’t get together that much because everyone is so busy.”

The Belder block party has grown every year with neighbors, families and friends arriving at Estrella’s front yard from nearby Portswood, Scaletta, Mountain Shadows and Josselyn streets. The neighbors bring dishes featuring their favorite recipes; the kids bring footballs and ride their bicycles. Grill sergeant BBQ Company’s Leon Gervin serves as chief chef sizzling the sausages and hotdogs on his king-sized grill. And everyone comes ready for a good time.

“Really there hasn’t been any major changes,” said Gus Lombardo who has lived across the street from the Estrellas for 15 years. “We were worried that the weather wouldn’t be as warm but it’s a perfect evening for the party.”

The Jufiars moved into the neighborhood in November of 2004. Their children, Lauren, 6, and Abbey, 3, are wide-eyed with wonder at the more than 60 adults and kids in attendance.

“It’s a great neighborhood,” said Kari Jufiar, “with lots of kids to play with. Last year we were out of town so this is our first year to attend the party. It’s a great way to get together.”

But the guests arriving aren’t just from the neighboring streets. Don and Carol Ivanco traveled from Mockingbird Hill Lane further south on Almaden Road.

“This is a lot of fun,” said Carol Ivanco. “Shirley and I are good friends. And our 16-year-old daughters are best friends. It’s a nice tradition.”

Dody Gemette and Sue Van Stee both live on Portswood Drive.

“Sue has the most beautiful house,” said Gemette complimenting her friend. “The garden, the ponds and the waterfall are wonderful.”

“I’ve got to get busy with it,” said Van Stee. “My late husband started it all with one pond, then another.”

Gemette shares that her sons, Leland High School senior Lance and freshman Vince are both playing football this season and she never misses a game.

Kimberly Estrella visits with her boyfriend Scott Campbell and new brother-in-law Mark Inhram.

“The block party is a good time,” said Estrella. “We all get to talk to each other. Everyone’s busy so it’s nice to make time to be with one another.”

Even the newbies were invited. The Narayanans will be moving into their newly purchased home later this month, but they received a neighborly invitation as well. In tow are their daughters, 4-year-old Nainika and 9-year-old Nimisha.

“We were living in Campbell and looked for a long time,” said Ravi Narayanan. “We liked the house and there are such great schools.”

There’s always an opportunity to make new friends at the annual Belder block party. It’s called being neighborly.