October is here, and while many think of Halloween (and this space will write more about Newtown’s many great Halloween events later in the month), there are plenty of other days of interest to look forward to, celebrating a number of topics.

The day this paper is dated, October 3, is National Manufacturing Day, celebrated on the first Friday in October, which addresses the skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing sector and aims to improve the public perception of modern manufacturing careers.

While Connecticut is only seeing a few actual celebrations of the day, such as at Connecticut Science Center in Hartford (though more than 400 locations are participating this year, according to mfgday.com), this is a chance to recognize Newtown’s manufacturers, who proudly produce here in town and stand by their products, such as Tier ONE Machining; Advanced Fusion Systems, LLC; Sonics & Materials, Inc; Walker Industrial; New Horizon Machine Company; and SD Labs (if we missed anyone, we apologize; this list was not meant to be exhaustive).

Manufacturing can be an important part of any town, providing jobs to the local area and supporting other local businesses, as well as their tax dollars being an important part of the town’s Grand List. The Economic Development Commission and Economic and Community Development Director John Voket always have their eyes on bringing new manufacturing to town as it can help lower the residential share of property taxes, though in this day and age, it can be a difficult job and a tall order.

NationalDayCalendar.com has this to say about National Manufacturing Day: “In the United States, we continue to develop products and unlock new technologies growing our economy. Manufacturing businesses create jobs through entrepreneurship, and their competitiveness revitalizes American manufacturing. It’s important to encourage and support anyone interested in a pursuing a career in the manufacturing sector, as well as showing respect to those who currently working in the field.”

October 5 is National Do Something Nice Day and the goal is to make the world a little brighter, one kind act at a time.

The day is, according to NationalDayCalendar.com, an “awesome sequel to Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17). It’s another fantastic chance to create a ripple effect of positivity!”

The site made suggestions for a number of nice things one could do for others on October 5. This is a great opportunity for residents to prove it really is Nicer In Newtown.

Notice someone’s signal in traffic? Give them a wave and let them merge into your lane.

Spot the neighbor’s newspaper on your walk? Place it on their doorstep for easy reach.

Open a door for another person and share a smile!

Give your place in line to the person with only three items.

Tip your service staff an extra dollar or two more than you usually would.

Give a compliment.

Offer encouragement!

Lend an ear to someone who is lonely or just needs to talk. Your attention is a priceless gift.

National Coaches Day on October 6 honors the men and women who inspire us to work harder and do our best.

“Across the country in every community, a coach organizes teams, plans practices and training, motivates players to strive to be the best they can be,” NationalDayCalendar.com states. “At the same time, coaches pinpoint areas for improvement and supply guidance. Every sport or competition requires a leader. More importantly, a leader who knows the game and drives athletes to work together as a team.”

With Newtown High School’s fall sports schedule, as well as Newtown’s youth sports groups, in full swing, the day is a great opportunity for students and parents of students to thank the coaches that are teaching so much about respect, dealing with adversity, and perseverance, as well as motivating students to be the best they can be. With coaches managing sports right now such as soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, swim, volleyball, and cross country, among others, there’s plenty of opportunity to express gratitude to these fixtures in our kids’ lives.