Good morning, Springfield.

Niki Lankowski, executive director at Manna Community Kitchen, discussed the nonprofit’s work to aid food and housing insecure residents on BusinessTalk (podcast) Monday, Oct.

12. The BusinessWest segment, sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank, explains volunteer roles and offers ways for community members to help out.

Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores this October as part of its nationwide expansion, debuting at Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers (100 Independence Way) and at 1150 Union St. in West Springfield, while a third location in Chicopee will open in March.

UMass Amherst has announced the Future of Food initiative (a $120m project) to create the Paul and Diane Manning Center for the Future of Food that will unite top research and spur local economic growth in western Mass.

Funding comes from four sources as work begins on hiring a director.

Springfield College professor Martin Dobrow will present his book—Original City, Original Sin—detailing civil rights events in St. Augustine.

He is set to speak at Springfield College on Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m. and at the Bombyx Center on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.

Rain from the remnants of Isaias dropped 1.5 to 2 inches across Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee late Sunday into Monday—triggering combined sewer overflows that discharged millions of gallons of untreated water into the Connecticut and Mill rivers; officials advise residents to steer clear of the affected waterways until safety is confirmed.

Dr. Alyssa Almeida and Dr. Brianna Almeida of Renew Health have launched the EmpowerHER initiatives to boost women's health education through community events.

The EmpowerHER Wellness Summit will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8 at GreatHorse in Hampden — offering local health professionals a chance to share expertise.

Pumpkin picking season is in full swing at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley as families find affordable pumpkins until Halloween.

Teacher Erin Walch visited with her kids and praised the mix of orange & white pumpkins, while owner Steve McCray said he has a backup plan if supplies drop.

Although the Sox are finished this season, former players and coaches now boost teams like the Rays, Guardians, Dodgers & Brewers in the postseason.

Fans will spot these enduring connections as the playoffs progress.

In week 5, five western high school football teams showed sharp plays as Minnechaug dominated East Longmeadow, Ludlow earned its first win since last year, Taconic rallied to beat Agawam, McCann Tech rallied to overcome Monument Mountain, and Lee remained unbeaten as they outscored Hoosac Valley—elevating the regional sports scene.

During Sunday's game, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to DeMario Douglas that gave his team an early boost leading to a 45-17 win over the Raiders — he said he felt as if he had all day to make the play.

Last week — standout high school soccer players impressed in Western Mass as Pathfinder's Cayden Bousquet scored five goals, Pittsfield's Amos Ezan netted four, Frontier's Xavier Fripp hit a late winner, Mount Greylock's Kieran Johnson earned five points, and Belchertown's goalkeeper Andrew Lambert recorded two clean sheets.

Springfield native Antonio Ramos is competing for Puerto Rico at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, where he wrestles in the 285-pound Greco-Roman division from Oct.

12-14. He aims to win a world medal and inspire local youth.

Five high school field hockey players in Western Mass shined in Week 5, with Frontier’s Addie Harrington scoring key goals, Longmeadow’s Jenny Seeley leading with assists, East Longmeadow’s Ella Bailey and Belchertown’s Lila Roy contributing goals and saves, and Agawam’s Lily Charest scoring twice & assisting to boost her team’s record.