New substance and alcohol-free club hosts first meeting at Red Banjo Pizza

Photo: Helena Lopes.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Summit County Mental Wellness Alliance and Park City Community Foundation are seeking members and input for its collaborative new alcohol- and substance-free social group CLUBFREE. Its first gathering is Thursday, October 20, at Reb Banjo Pizza on Main Street from 4:30-6 p.m.

“It’s a new social program for adults over the age of 21 who want to experience all the activities and adventures our amazing town and county have to offer, just without the presence of alcohol and other substances,” said Lynn Rutan, co-chair of the recovery and reintegration committee of the Mental Wellness Alliance. “The aim of CLUBFREE is to embrace, support, and advance a non-judgmental, sober, fun social culture and to create events that are about friendship, good health, and safety.”

This initial meeting will discuss what activities and events members and interested parties would hope to participate in for future gatherings. No registration is required to attend the event. And no questions are asked about participants’ relationships with alcohol; come as you are.

“The organization is something for [participants] to help create, where we’re providing the framework and the support,” said Rutan. “We’re in a ski town, party town, resort town, and it’s lots of fun. But for some people, it’s not what they want to do. This [club] is offering an alternative. I can’t stress enough that we’re not judging people. We don’t want prohibition.”

In recent years, alcohol-free lifestyles have become more prominent, including alcohol-free bars like Curiosity in Salt Lake City and WB’s Eatery in Ogden. You’ll most likely have a friend or two participating in ‘dry January’ after the holidays.

Rutan explained that CLUBFREE was formed in response to community discussions in the past few years about a place or group offering substance-free gatherings. She anticipates the club’s future events will range from concerts to snowshoeing or just hanging out as a like-minded group.

“Councilwoman Tana Toly and her bother Tyler, who own red banjo pizza, have been incredibly supportive of this program, and they are hosting us for the event.”

KPCW regular contributor and former city councilwoman Lynn Ware Peek will be moderating the first CLUBFREE meeting.