Newtown Parent Connection and the Newtown Prevention Council are set to offer the annual Make Mealtime Matter — Family Fun Night on Friday, September 26, from 6 to 8 pm, at Reed Intermediate School.

The event is an effort by both prevention groups to promote communication and endorse family mealtime as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs, according to a release for the event.

Children under age 2 may attend free. There is a $2 per person charge.

Tickets are available online at www.NewtownParentConnection.org or at Dr Baum’s office at 23 Church Hill Road. People who are expecting to attend are asked to reserve tickets early.

Ziti, meatballs, salad, bread, and ice cream sundaes will be served and music will be provided by a DJ. More activities set for the event include games, face painting, and demonstrations by the Newtown Police Department.