After dealing with headier and heavier topics over the last few weeks, such as water shortages, town capital projects, voting, and potential bias (or lack thereof) in coverage of protests, it is time for a break and a little fun, with an acknowledgement of upcoming national awareness days and weeks.

The week of May 11 through 17 is National Craft Beer Week, and in Newtown, that is a chance to stop by and savor the two local breweries, Reverie Brewing at 57B Church Hill Road, and NewSylum Brewing at Keating Farms Avenue on the Fairfield Hills campus.

According to nationaldaycalendar.com, “American Craft Beer Week celebrates independent brewers and small breweries around the country. More and more, these small businesses bring a unique flavor to the light and dark beers and everything in between. Not only that, but they employ thousands of employees in communities right where we live. Their dedication to their craft keeps their hometowns vibrant.

“They also keep us coming back for more with their unparalleled style and taste. Most breweries offer excellent food pairings to go with their brews. They’re familiar with the local farmers and showcase their products as well. Local brewers are often proud of where they live and work, and it shows in the products and services they provide.”

To celebrate, according to nationaldaycalendar.com, “visit a local brewery or order from an independent brewer. Ask for a tour or purchase gift cards. Sample a flight and pick your favorite. Give a shoutout to your favorite local craft brewer, too. They’re masters of the trade. Many have spent years perfecting their recipes, going to trade shows and competitions. Ask for their award winners or their latest brew. Let them brag and then let them brag some more! Then it will be your turn to brag about your hometown brewmasters. Use #AmericanCraftBeerWeek to share on social media.”

Offering beers such as Thesaurus Rex (a hazy IPA), Young Freckled Rooster (an English best bitter), and Drop of the Pure (an Irish Dry Stout), NewSylum has been a key part of the revitalization and rebuilding of the Fairfield Hills campus, offering a draw to outside traffic from the general area.

Reverie Brewing began as a daydream for its owners pining over the success of other craft breweries and then became reality for them, offering beers such as Tricerahops (a New England IPA), and Banana Stand (a dry wheat beer), and even offers hard ciders and a hard seltzer.

Also next week is National Police Week, always held the week of May 15. Nationaldaycalendar.com has this to say: “Each year during the week of May 15, National Police Week recognizes law enforcement officers’ contributions throughout the nation. Every day they put on their uniforms, not knowing what the day holds. They have answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated. While the keynote events for National Police Week occur in Washington, D.C., the whole nation can participate. Directed at honoring the fallen and supporting survivors and their families, the week-long observance includes tributes, candlelight vigils, seminars addressing grief, programs for every age group, a gala, and a memorial service.”

This is a chance to express your appreciation for the service and dedication provided by Police Chief David Kullgren, Deputy Chief Bryan Bishop, and all the other officers proudly on duty here at the Newtown Police Department.

This weekend is obviously Mother’s Day, on Sunday, May 11. A day to honor all those who have experienced the joys of motherhood, be they your own mother, your wife, your sister, your aunt/niece/other relative/friend, and show them your appreciation whether it’s through gifts, flowers, or taking them out for a special occasion. Happy (slightly early) Mother’s Day to all of Newtown’s mothers.

Also for those important women in our lives, May 12 is National Women’s Checkup Day. According to Nationaldaycalendar.com, “the observance provides ways to help women take steps to maintain better health. Routine health checkups provide an opportunity to catch problems before they become unmanageable. Speaking with your physician about risk factors, early signs and symptoms and concerns can help to alleviate minor daily issues and identify issues to watch. Additionally, your physician can recommend screenings and order baseline tests that can be used for comparison at a later time.” Health is always important for all, and this issue also includes The Newtown Bee’s For Better Health section. Look for it inside.

May 13 marks a number of amusing days, such as National Crouton Day, National Fruit Cocktail Day, and National Frog Jumping Day. May 14 is National Dance Like A Chicken Day and May 15 is National Chocolate Chips Day.

Looking forward a bit, Towel Day is recognized on May 25, commemorating Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy writer Douglas Adams following his death. The Newtown Bee editor may be seen with his trusty towel on that day.