UPDATE: This notice was updated from the latest print edition of The Newtown Bee to note the relocation of this event to the Newtown Congregational Church.

* * * * *

The local autism and disability support network Families United In Newtown (FUN) is getting busy as spring approaches, with a weekend St Patty’s day meeting planned ahead of its Autism Awareness Month activities, and a newly announced concert fundraiser.

The local grassroots nonprofit founded by Linda and Duane Jones in memory of their son Tyler, continues working to build its member base, as well as its network of supporters and volunteers.

The group’s next public activity welcomes anyone from the community and region with a child or young adult on the autism spectrum, or who has any type of developmental disability to come out Saturday, March 19, to the Newtown Congregational Church for their annual St Patty’s Day themed gathering from 2:30 to 5 pm.

Arriving guests can participate in BINGO or a beanbag toss game, while enjoying DJ dancing favorites provided by John Voket. At 3:30, be prepared to get immersed in Irish dancing with Newtown’s Ashurst Academy of Irish dance.

A performance from members of the troupe will be followed by an easy Irish dance lesson, before guests enjoy pizza and refreshments and the music program returns to current dance selections.

The meeting is free but registration is required. Register online now at bit.ly/FUNIrish.

Linda Jones has also announced that FUN will continue its tradition of promoting April as Autism Awareness Month, and World Autism day on April 2. The organization typically enlists a number of local sites to “light it up blue” for the duration of April, and has a limited number of Autism Awareness Month items and blue lights available for purchase as fundraisers.

You can also support FUN by purchasing “light it up blue’ bagels throughout the month from Bagel Delight at 40 Church Hill Road — a longtime supporter of the cause.

Get more information on the group’s website — familiesunitedinnewtown.org — or by calling 203-512-6284.

Once April Autism Month activities have concluded, organizers and volunteers turn their energies to promoting the group’s 9H annual fundraising concert, “Dazzle The Night Away.”

This event, with a Disney theme, helps raise funds to support FUN programming and autism research. It is scheduled for 4 pm on April 30 at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

It will feature live music from a combination of FUN members, local students, and professional musicians, a costume contest, raffles, dancing, dinner, and dessert.

Tickets are available now — $25 for adults, $12 for students age 18 and younger. For concert ticket reservations, visit bit.ly/FUNConcert — or link to the ticketing site through FUN’s website.

FUN offers supervised social and recreational activities for young people with developmental disabilities as well as those on the autism spectrum, while helping to raise awareness about autism and funds to support autism research. The Joneses — parents to Lindsey, Austin, and Tyler — turned the tragedy of Tyler’s untimely passing in 2009 into a positive living memorial for their son to help bring special needs families together in a safe and welcoming place.

At each FUN meeting, families are paired with an NHS National Honor Society student who spends time with the kids, giving the parents a much-needed break. Any and all are welcome at FUN meetings. The organization is also grateful for tax-deductible donations to help underwrite the expense of activities, which are all offered free to participants.

To learn more about the organization, to volunteer, or contribute to help underwrite this and other FUN activities, go to familiesunitedinnewtown.org, or the group’s Facebook page, or call 203-512-6284.