A healthier night out

If the same old bar dating scene just isn’t your thing, you’re not alone. Recently, North Bergen resident Lynn Earley started the “Smart Party in NYC without Alcohol” meetup.com group, and more than 200 people from the metropolitan area signed up.

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“Not everyone enjoys the noise, the drugs, the drunks and the drama at local bars.” – Lynn Earley
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Smart Party, founded in 1992, has provided party-goers with a healthy nightlife environment to “party on a higher plane” since October of last year, she said. “Not everyone enjoys the noise, the drugs, the drunks and the drama at local bars,” said Earley. She hopes to open a chain of alcohol-free nightclubs in the area, and even had a chance to speak with Gov. Corzine about her plans.
Her first event in Hudson County, “Healthy Pleasures Happening,” will feature free salsa dancing lessons, live music, art exhibits, and more on Sunday, April 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Shades Restaurant in Hoboken.

Learning to dance

“Our goal is to provide an informal, friendly venue where singles can meet and greet in a positive environment,” Early said last week. “In the last couple of weeks, the event has really snowballed.”
Hoboken dance legend Tracy Everitt, who was in the original Broadway production of the West Side Story, has even signed on to provide free salsa dancing classes at the event. Everitt’s Dance School in Hoboken has offered Hudson County residents courses in salsa, ballroom, and more for over 20 years.
In addition, an art exhibit by well-known Union City resident Steven Peabody will showcase some of the artist’s paintings. And world-renowned bass player David Grego will team up with Brando Raymonde on the sax, with Richard Trifan on the keys to provide the music.
“Hoboken is the capital for cheap booze and music,” Grego said, “but people should know there’s an alternative. Now, more than ever, they have choices.”

Health and happiness

To promote healthy lifestyles, the Pleasant Road Spa, 720 Monroe St. in Hoboken, will showcase a number of treatments at the event like massage therapy, spa treatments and fitness demonstrations. Gourmet coffee and teas, delicious desserts, and “mocktails” will also be provided.
The event is for people over 21 years old. Admission is $10 per person. To take part in the event please e-mail satorispace@yahoo.com or for more information, visit www.myspace.com/smartpartyusa.
Sean Allocca can be reached at current@hudsonreporter.com