By Alexander Dworkowitz
For many Queens residents, the Fourth of July means the American flag, patriotism and fireworks.
But for the inhabitants of one Whitestone street, the Fourth of July means the American flag, patriotism and champagne.
A tradition has been growing at the home of Vito Belfiore, who lives on 10th Avenue just east of the Whitestone Expressway.
“Every year they say, ‘What’s going down at Vito’s house?’” Belfiore said.
Two years ago, Belfiore, now 71, wanted to do something to mark Independence Day.
At 10 a.m., he gathered with his family and a few friends and unveiled an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building.
Belfiore played a tape recording of “The Star Spangled Banner” and served a bottle of champagne.
“At first, it was just me and a couple of other neighbors who were invited,” said Frank Appello, a neighbor of the Belfiores. “We played some patriotic music, Vito hoisted up the flag and we all saluted.”
The following year more than 40 people showed up at the Belfiore home.
This July the crowd is expected to grow larger.
“This year everybody will be here,” he said.
The event has become a social highlight for the block, neighbors said. Over glasses of champagne, bagels and donuts, residents spend a leisurely morning together, catching up with friends and meeting new people.
“A lot of people on this block have been here 30, 40, 50 years,” said Regina Randazzo, who lives across the street from the Belfiores.
“It’s very patriotic,” she said. “It’s a nice sense of community, especially now after Sept. 11.”
“There are a lot of veterans on the block,” said Appello. “We like to toast to the flag.”
Belfiore explained that sipping champagne, a staple of New Year’s Eve, was suggested by his neighbors who bring some bubbly to the event to bolster his contribution.
Belfiore, who was born in Long Island City, moved to Whitestone 33 years ago. In the early 1950s, the cabinet maker served in Germany during the Korean War. A decade later, Belfiore met his wife, Ann, while they were both working in office jobs at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.
“She was there for many years, and I never had the nerve to ask her out,” said Belfiore.
But Belfiore finally did, and the two went on their first date on New Year’s Eve 1965. Two years later the couple married. They raised their son, Vincent, and daughter, Maria, in the neighborhood, commuting to Midtown Manhattan.
As a veteran, Belfiore said he was proud to have more and more neighbors come and participate in the patriotic display.
“Before we had two neighbors,” he said. “Now we have two sides of the block!”
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
