Newtown High School Principal Charles Dumais, left, acts as the “official greeter” for visitors at Family Fun Night as they entered Reed Intermediate School’s kitchen to get their dinners. —Bee Photos, Hallabeck
From face painting to building balloon structures, people who attended the Family Fun Night on Friday, September 25, held at Reed Intermediate School, found more than dinner.
"It was wonderful," said Newtown Parent Connection co-founder Dorrie Carolan. "We had 266 people attend, and we had 22 volunteers."
D.J. Kevin Koschel was on hand to lead dances and games, like a hula-hoop competition. Face painting and goggles simulating drunkenness as an educational tool were also available during the event.
Newtown’s Democratic State Representative Chris Lyddy helps Dienna Galanis while overseeing the refreshments for the Family Fun Night on Friday, September 25.
"I think they really enjoyed the dancing and games with D.J. Kevin," Ms Carolan said.
Ms Carolan said the night was great for volunteers, because they could see the smiles on the visitors' faces.
"We live in such a busy world that we forget a lot of simple things," said Ms Carolan, continuing to explain Friday night's event was a way to remember the smaller things.
"It was probably the best one that we have had," she said.
Judy Vetare and her children Sophia, a Hawley Elementary student, and Lyle, a Reed Intermediate student, enjoy dinner during Family Fun Night on Friday.
The night was sponsored by the Newtown Parent Connection and Newtown Youth & Family Services with the Newtown Prevention Council. According to Newtown Youth & Family Services, more than a decade of research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has consistently found the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs.
While the Newtown Parent Connection has lost the grant for next year's Family Fun Night, Ms Carolan said there could still be a Family Fun Night next year. Ticket prices may go up, or other funding options may be found by next year, she said. More information about Newtown Parent Connection, including how to donate to the organization, which focuses on the prevention of substance abuse, can be found at www.newtownparentconnection.org.