Introducing The North End by Richard Ambro. This occasional column will feature news and events happening in and around the north end of town.
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The 64th Street neighborhood recently held its Third Annual Block Party and about 100 or so neighbors stopped by throughout the sunny day to chat, eat, and enjoy the day-long event. A permit to close the street between Vallejo and Doyle Streets was obtained from the City of Emeryville, and no-parking notices were posted to free the space for the amusements, tables, and circulating neighbors.
North End residents Joy Kent and Michael Ashe bought their house at 1262 64th St. four years ago, when there was little neighborhood cohesiveness. Joy and Mike conceived of a Block Party as a way of bringing the neighborhood together—at least for one day a year. They created an event that brings adults and kids together with food, music, and play. It’s been a great success; water slides and a bounce house for the kids, and food, music, lively conversation (and competitive ping pong!) for the adults. Joy, a caterer, provided wonderful pasta salad, meats for grilling, and other foods; and neighbors brought out their tables, chairs, and grills, and also added their own dishes to the mix. Hamburgers, chicken, pork, sausages, steaks, and even crab were served, along with beans, salads, fruit, bread, crackers, cheese, dips and chips, sodas. And more food continued to appear throughout the day. City officials, notably City Council members Nora Davis and Ken Bukowski, and School Board Member Joshua Simon were among the participants.
The 64th Street Block Party is now a tradition! Thanks Joy, Mike and the neighbors along 64th Street! I’m looking forward to next year!
(To comment on this story, click on the headline to go to the story page. Scroll down to the bottom to comment).
Nora Davis was there? That’s interesting, she’s from Watergate. I wonder why she’d want to go to a East end block party. And why now?
Nora has long come to neighborhood events, and while I might not agree with all here political views, she does get around and always recalls the issues that concern the 64th St. neighborhood. I was not surprise to see her.
Richard Ambro
1264 64th St.
I just came across this description of the block party in the archives of the Secret News and was delighted. Every Sunday I marvel at the park on Hollis and the amount of families that enjoy it. I would like to know about the next block party. I don’t live in Emeryville but as a business neighbor, I would be happy to bring by some bread, olives or bakery style pizza to contribute to the party. Thank you for your neighborhood presence. Bucci
HI Amelia,
I have been meaning to email you for weeks, ever since you replied to the story. My fiance and I host the block party every year and we would be so happy and grateful to accept any donation you are willing to give. We really hope that you would be able to join us even for a little while on the day. Please let me know if you need anything from me and I look forward to meeting you soon. Feel free to email me for more contact information. Thank you.