Saying it is time to celebrate their new location at Newtown Congregational Church, Robert Rabinowitz of HealingNewtown has announced a Family Dance Party on Friday, July 12, from 5-10 pm. The party will be in The Great Room at the church, located at 14 West Street.

Part pot-luck, part entertainment with creative art activities mixed in, attendees are encouraged to bring pre-packaged or commercial (restaurant prepared) food. (Department of Health regulations prohibit homemade food at this event.) Bring your own soft drinks; this will be an alcohol free event.

With live music by Peter Ferreira & Ensemble Band and Outfunked confirmed, and more to come, there will also be activities for kids with HealingNewtown volunteers. In addition, staff from Urgent Care of CT, a walk-in clinic opening in Newtown this summer, will be there to help everyone create artwork that will be taken to the clinic to decorate their walls. All supplies will be provided.

“Bring your dancing shoes and your Zoot Suits,” Mr. Rabinowitz says, “and check our website for up to date announcements of more entertainers.”

HealingNewtown had been operating out of the former Ace Hardware storefront at 5 Queen Street, from February until mid-May. It had been offering workshops, concerts, dances, performances and other special offerings, all free of charge for residents of all ages and myriad interests.

When a new tenant showed interest in the commercial space, HealingNewtown — which had been using the space free of charge, thanks to Brause Realty Inc. — needed to find a new location for the growing art collection being exhibited, as well as a space to continue offering its programs.

Newtown Cultural Arts Commission Chairman Jennifer Johnston announced the new location for HealingNewtown on June 18.