December 2, 2004

STREET SCENE

The Addiego family

Gary Addiego, the ‘mayor of Lone Pine Lane’

By Louise Cate
Special to the Times

Gary Addiego, a tall, slender man in his 30s, lives with his wife, Brenda, and their two young sons, ages 5 and 6, on Lone Pine Lane in Almaden Valley where neighbors refer to him as “the mayor.”

He earned that moniker because he organizes and hosts the annual Lone Pine Lane block party every year. At first Addiego’s block party was just for the residents of Lone Pine Lane, but after a few years he began to invite guests from other streets.

For his eighth annual block party, Addiego placed tables and chairs in front of his home. As guests arrived, he moved quietly through the group and greeted each guest with his engaging smile.

Families bring appetizers, desserts, and drinks to share. People meet each other as they talk and eat sushi, Scandinavian cookies, taco dip, Italian specialties, and a variety of other treats. For several hours, people of several different ethnic backgrounds are busy eating and getting to know each other, while their children ride bikes up and down the street and play games on the lawns.

The day before this August, 2004 block party, a new family moved into a house on the block. Because of the party, the new family was able to meet most of their neighbors within hours of moving into their home. One long time resident remarked, “Imagine how wonderful it must have been for them to immediately feel part of the neighborhood.”

When asked, “Why do you host block parties every year?” Addiego replies, “I started the block parties for the community, but I cannot take all credit for the success of this event. It is the neighbors themselves that come together with the plates of goodies and loving hearts that make this yearly event so great.”

But what motivates Addiego to do something that no one else will do?

Gary grins and explains, “My parents encouraged me to value and respect everyone, especially the neighbors around us. I believe that we are all family in one way or another and Brenda and I instill that belief in our children.

The business of our lives reduces the feeling of community. Something as simple as a friendly hello, a helping hand or an event like our block party restores just a little of how life was intended to be.

“Almaden is a unique place,” Addiego continued, “I think people choose to live here because there is still a feeling of neighborhood. I know for us, true community comes from reaching out the first time, and the rest will soon follow.”

Addiego’s neighbors are all grateful for the time and energy he puts in each year to provide them with the opportunity to have fun eating and conversing while they get to know each other.

Thank you “Mayor” Addiego!
Louise Cate is an Almaden Valley freelance writer.