The Newtown Parent Connection and The Newtown Prevention Council are co-hosting a Family Fun Night at the Reed Intermediate School Friday, September 20, from 6 to 8 pm.

Admission is just $3 per person, and children age two and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at newtownparentconnection.org or at Dr Baum’s office at 23 Church Hill Road. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

“This annual event promises to be an entertaining evening for the entire family,” said NPC founder Dorrie Carolan. “ We will be serving a ziti and meatball entrée, salad, refreshments, and Ferris Farms ice cream sundaes for dessert.”

Music will be provided by John Voket and 99DollarDJ & Entertainment, and a representative from the Newtown Police Department will be joined by the “Balloon Man.” There will also be a face painting station, Ms Carolan said.

“We ask that the evening be dedicated to families dancing, playing games, and eating dinner without interruptions of any electronic devices,” she added. “If you are a business that would like to support Family Fun Night by donating prize giveaways or products, please contact the Newtown Parent Connection at 203 270-1600. Your support is greatly appreciated.”

Family Fun Night is intended to encourage families to act on their realization that family time and relationships are important for leading healthy lives. Most times, our occupations and children’s busy schedules interfere with our best intentions to spend quality time with our loved ones.

“We encourage all families to join in this opportunity for bonding by setting one day a week aside without scheduled activities and homework to increase communication within the family,” Ms Carolan said. “We hope that families will decide that this is a valuable undertaking, with no goal in mind other than the enjoyment they get from being with each other.”

By committing to this ritual of family gatherings or events, the host agencies believe much will be gained, allowing these families to strengthen as a unit and grow in support, spirit, and cohesiveness that is what eventually makes for a healthy, loving family and a great community.

The Newtown Parent Connection is a grassroots organization established by concerned parent and other informed citizens to address the problem of substance use and abuse among young people. The mission of the Newtown Parent Connection is to educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in crisis.

For more information, visit newtownparentconnection.org.

The Newtown Prevention Council is a coalition of diverse community members committed to creating a culture in Newtown that positively engages the community to empower and support youth and families to make healthy thoughtful decisions and to support healthy, substance-free living.

To learn more, visit www.newtownprevention.org.