There is a lot going on in the world right now, and there are numerous topics I could opine about from state and federal policy and the potential ramifications, or the workforce projects we are working on and specifically the expansion of the Connecting to Tomorrow program, or the fall events which we are unveiling later this month, or even a new candidate for the U.S. Senate who has strong ties to our region (not to mention a recent Bowdoin College graduate winning the New York City Democratic mayoral primary). However, this week, I want to take a break from all of that, because we all need a little break. Breaks are healthy and necessary.

Related to that but a bit off topic for this column, we will need to have a conversation about four-day work weeks at some point soon. The Town of Brunswick and City of Bath have both moved to this model (closed Fridays), while several businesses (like Excel Mechanical and Construction) have moved to it as well, and once their teams get used to the initial longer days, they have found a huge positive reaction from the employees. It makes sense. I took off a Monday recently for my son’s 4th birthday to spend the day with him, and I’ll tell you what, I was more recharged going into that next week then I have been in months. Having a day for chores, errands and projects, a day for visiting friends and family, and a day to just decompress is better than having just two days to try to squeeze all that in. I truly think we will see anywhere from 10-20% of businesses moving to this model over the next two to three years, and it will become a selling point for recruiting employees to have a three-day weekend every weekend.

Back to the column — thus this week, rather than focusing on the bigger news of the world and the policies, programming and politics of it all, let’s focus on some ways you can take a break and relax with family and friends over the coming weeks.

MARC 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, Saturday, Brunswick

One of the fun things you can do is come out to the new annual signature event of the Midcoast Athletic Recreation Complex (the MARC) on Brunswick Landing for their 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run this Saturday. For those racing, you can use signup.com for all the details. For those just looking to cheer on the racers, you should know the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m., the Fun Run at 9:15 a.m., with awards at 10 a.m. Also, at 10 a.m. will be the ribbon cutting for the new playground (of personal interest to my 4-year-old and 2-year-old kids). Bring the whole family out and celebrate just what a great success the first two years of this project has been, from the skateboard park and pickleball courts last year, to now the addition of the playground, as this project continues to expand opportunities for the region.

Dock dedication in Bath, Saturday, Bath

There’s a cool story in Bath about the growing use of the Bridge Park space under the Route 1 bridge and using that green space for recreation and tourism. Besides it being a cozy spot to bring your lunch or gather with friends, the Bath Captain’s Association is using it for guided trips all along the coast of Bath. There has been a dock installed and the group is doing a ribbon cutting this Saturday at 11 a.m. The motto for the event is “Seven captains, one dream, one dock” and that’s hard not to love.

Darling’s Car Show, Saturday, Brunswick

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, Darling’s is back with its third annual car show, featuring classic makes and newer models all trimmed out for your viewing pleasure. This event is to celebrate vehicles but also the funds raised go toward helping a different nonprofit every year. This year the beneficiary is the Midcoast Youth Theater. If interested in showing your car, you can log right on to darlingsbrunswickford.com for the registration link or give Sheri a call at the dealership.

Bath Heritage Days, July 3-6

Of course, the unparalleled summer celebration is brought to us by Main Street Bath, as Heritage Days kicks off next Thursday, July 3. Executive Director Amanda MacDaniel and her team have done an excellent job of continuing the traditional events that Heritage Days has been known for while also bringing in new pieces, like the first-time Children’s Entrepreneur Market on Thursday. Smokey’s Greatest Shows runs all four days, as does the live entertainment in Waterfront Park. The full list of events and activities is best found on their website at visitbath.com but for some of the highlights:

• Children’s Entrepreneur Market, July 3
• 5K and 1 Mile Run, July 4
• Parade in the Day, Fireworks at Night, July 4
• Library Book Sale and Arts in the Park, July 5
• Fireman’s Muster, July 5
• Bill King’s Front Street Shuffle Car Show, July 6

Several other July events of note

MSMT opens “Tootsie” this week: The musical based on the heralded film from the 1970s comes to Pickard Theater this week as Maine State Music Theatre is already into its second of four mainstage productions. FMI, msmt.org

Claws n’ Country, one month away: Cook’s Lobster & Ale House took a chance on a one-day music festival at the Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum last year as a fundraiser for the museum, and it was a smashing success. Claws n Country is back for year two on Saturday, July 27 with five acts lined up. FMI, Eventbrite.com

Chamber After Hours, July 17: For those itching for some business networking, come on out to next Chamber After Hours at Back in Motion Physical Therapy (34 Hennessey St., Brunswick) on Thursday, July 17. Non-members are welcome. FMI, e-mail Cory@midcoastmaine.com After Hours runs 5 to 7 p.m., and is a great way to meet business leaders.

Cory King is executive director of the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.