Calmer, Quieter Parties Planned

NEPTUNE, N.J. – Many New Year's Eve partygoers planned to attend family-oriented gatherings this year instead of the usual raucous festivities.

"The events of Sept. 11 have cast a little bit of grimness over all of us," David Lipton, a therapist in Red Bank, told the Asbury Park Press of Neptune for Monday's editions.

Dale Malesko of Oceanport said the terrorist attacks made her want to spend New Year's Eve with just a few close friends and family.

"The idea of going to a party filled with a bunch of strangers just seems frivolous," she said.

Ron Scott also planned to stay home with loved ones. The Freehold resident was at work on the 89th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center when the plane struck.

"We're going to a house party with the friends and family who were home with my wife, Janis, during those hours when she waited to hear from me on Sept. 11," said Scott, who escaped the building safely.

Not everyone wanted to forgo a rollicking party, however.

Frank Miranda of Brick was to attend a big bash at the Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown.

"You've got to live," he said. "You've got to enjoy life."

Dr. Dahlia Hall also planned a festive night. The Red Bank pediatrician was to attend the MTV New Year's Eve celebration in Manhattan.

"I want to live life more fully now, to celebrate what is good, to work hard and, yes, to play hard," she said.