Historical November–December 2019 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
6100 and 6000 Westminster Place have a strong block unit that parties together and has a strong communication system.
They stay in touch regarding crime, utility construction, development and neighbor milestones.
The list was developed by and is maintained by Dan McGuire, a longtime resident. Skinker DeBaliviere’s centennial occurred in 2008.
Some blocks held their own centennial parties to complement the neighborhood festivity.
The Westminster block unit chose that course and they have continued to have one on the first Saturday in October ever since.
The street is closed off. Tables and chairs appear and all kinds of food is arrayed for the guests.
Each party is designed to be different. Activities for kids or music can vary. Sometimes there is a theme, sometimes not. Everyone living on these blocks is invited to attend and pitch in a side dish or beverages.
The response is always heartening.
A committee plans the yearly party.
The first chairs were Mary Powell and Gale Fitzpatrick. More recently, Jaina and Paul Stus have overseen the event. Their neighbors—Mary and Hitch Powell, Gale Fitzpatrick, Kim Gladstone, Lisa Horner, Marj Weir, Chris Rappleye and Anne Posaga, and Sharon Neumeister—work with them to plan and organize.
The committee has old timers and newbies. That was reflected in the diversity of the attendees as well.
In some families, children returned with their children to party where they grew up.
It was a mixture generationally, racially with a shared belonging.
It was refreshing to see the familiar faces and the new ones.
The food was outstanding, particularly Hitch’s pork entrees.
Residents were able to get to know each other and the cohesion tightens. Through communication and socializing, block strength arises and is maintained. Other blocks also carry off this feat; ideally they all should.
Original photograph caption
Westminster Place block gathering.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2019.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2019_11.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 3.
