Jolene Struebbe
North Avondale neighbors living on Rose Hill, Beechwood, Betula, Redbud, and Avon Fields gathered for their annual neighborhood block party on October 6, 2025 at the Rose Hill Avenue home of Mel and Lois Nizny.
Mel and Lois have been hosting this block party for as long as I have lived in the neighborhood, which is almost 40 years. But this year was especially poignant as they are turning over hosting duties to Anne Marie and Rob Smith (Rose Hill Avenue) in 2026.
Many neighbors were delighted to share their personal stories of what the block party has meant to them and their families over the years, including long-time North Avondale resident, Joan Wyler (Rose Hill) above.
Ellery Lewis (above) and Maria Siskin (below), both on Rose Hill Avenue, also shared tributes that at times were both emotionally moving and full of fond, fun memories. Other neighbors, not pictured, also shared their stories.
On behalf of the neighborhood, Jolene Struebbe (Beechwood Avenue) presented a commemorative stone to Mel and Lois thanking them for both creating and hosting such a wonderful all-inclusive neighborhood event for so many years!
