Englewood ‘Get Together’ A Fun Night Out For All

Englewood ‘Get Together’ A Fun Night Out For All
September 9, 2019 Hillary Viders for Northern Valley Press
 

Kimberley Alludia showed her striking acrylic paintings. | Photo by Hillary Viders

ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On Thursday, Aug. 29, Englewood came to life, regaling the public with its slogan, “A Place for Everyone.”
 
Beginning at 5 p.m., downtown Englewood was bustling with people from all of the city’s four wards, as well as many towns throughout Bergen County. By 9 p.m., over 300 people had attended the event.
 
The festive occasion, “Getting Together in Englewood,” was sponsored by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce (ECC) and Playa Bowls with additional support from Englewood wellness expert Regine Jefferson.
 
“Getting Together in Englewood” debuted in July, when it was originally called “Night Out.”  The name was changed, but the successful format remained the same.
 
As such, the ECC plans to host “Getting Together in Englewood” every year on the last Thursday in May, June, July and August. It is similar to events in other U.S. towns that use arts and culture to promote and strengthen the downtown economy. 
 
“By combining business and the art community, ‘Getting Together in Englewood’ spotlights our downtown, which is terrific,” ECC President Carol Rauscher explained. “It gives people the opportunity to visit our businesses, beauty salons, boutiques, restaurants, artists and wellness venues, and it encourages more people to shop and dine.” 


Regine Jefferson, Donna Callwood Jefferson, Hedy Reddin and Scott Reddin. | Photo by Hillary Viders

An added incentive that drew many attendees was the fact that Palisade Avenue was open and metered parking was free starting at 6 p.m.  To the delight of people of all ages, East Palisade Avenue and South Dean Street offered dining and shopping indoors as well as outside. On the street, there was a host of wellness demonstrations, art exhibitions and musical performances.   
 
Food is always a magnet for people, there were lots of free and discounted dining choices. Hummus Elite offered free vegetarian appetizers; Chatkaew Thai Cuisine included free spring rolls with two entree orders, It’s Greek to Me had complimentary dessert and Alywards II Health Food gave out free items. 
 
There were also special reduced prices for the evening available at Ben and Jerry’s, Bennies, Biddy O’Malley’s, Cassie’s Restaurant, El Tango, Lucky Rolls, Red White and Pasta and UPie & Lobster Company. Event sponsor Playa Bowls also supplied delicious items. 
 
Shopping mavens found that “Getting Together in Englewood” had plenty to offer. Over two dozen stores, including Art Evi, Mardo’s Gift Shop, Vero Uomo, Verizon and Erica Sabag Luxury Consignment, had merchandise on sale for up to 70% off.
 
Throughout the evening, lively music was provided by The Jahz (painting and rapping), Vibe on Kenyah (a female R&B artist) and Mister LJ. 
 
Art lovers strolled along upper Palisade Avenue (between Grand Avenue and Dean Street), where artists displayed and sold their work at the Creative Corner, a beautiful art exhibit curated by Englewood Art Walls, the program founded by Omar Lopez of the Englewood Family League.
 
Among the many artists present were painter/multimedia artist Mad Artist, illustrator Allison White, multimedia artist Kimberly Daidone, collage artist Gigi Garcia and paintings by Aamoni Franklin, Harris-Lee Rose, Kimberley Alludia, Kenia Akridge and The Jahz. Further down Palisade Avenue, Laura Hoyos delighted children with her face painting talents.
 
Kenia Akridge, a senior at Dwight Morrow High School, the youngest artist of the group, was excited by the opportunity to sell her acrylic paintings.  Already an exceptional talent, Kenia has been encouraged to show her work by Lopez, who was on hand throughout the evening.
Getting Together in Englewood brought together friends and neighbors. | Photo by Hillary Viders

Wellness venues also had a distinctive presence at “Getting Together in Englewood,” with exhibits and information presented by Bulland Zaman MD and Wajia Zaman of Englewood’s Ethos Wellness Center as well as by experts at iLoveKickboxing, Club Pilates and Body by Regine.  
 
Regine Jefferson and her mother, “Pink Chef” Donna Callwood Jefferson, spoke with many visitors in front of Buckley’s Pharmacy, where she sold her one-of-a-kind stone bracelets while promoting wellness. Jefferson, the founder of Body by Regine, works with athletes, adolescents, schools, and corporations teaching biomedical and sports nutrition.
 
Jefferson will also be working with the ECC and Englewood Health on the upcoming Fitness Fest on Sept. 15. 
 
Business owners all agreed that “Getting Together in Englewood” is an important venue for them. 
 
Boutique owner Erica Sabag said, “I had many new customers stop by and shop here tonight, people that otherwise would not have known about my store.”
 
Englewood residents and visitors also agreed that “Getting Together in Englewood” is a wonderful community event where friends and neighbors have a great time and get to see many opportunities that the city offers.
 
Original Article: https://thepressgroup.net/englewood-get-together-a-fun-night-out-for-all/