The 14th annual World Smile Day is being celebrated Friday, October 5. Beginning in 1999, the idea for the special day was thought up by Harvey Ball, the creator of the now world famous Smiley Face icon and logo. The Worcester native and graduate of the city's South High School initially designed the Smiley in 1963 for the State Mutual Life Assurance Company of Worcester (now known as Hanover Insurance) in order to boost company morale.

I think its great there is a World Smile Day. Aside from the fact that there are many little things that happen throughout any day that make us smile and we should share that with others....smiling gives you and edge. It makes you look like you are on top of things, have fabulous secrets, know things others don't, have spectacular plans and (it's true) it will make people wonder what you are up to. So own it! Smile away!

-Shelly Knight