Springfield
Morning News
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Forest Park Zoo will host its annual Spooky Safari, a family-friendly Halloween event with a trick-or-treat trail, crafts, scavenger hunt, and live animal encounters, on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.—advance tickets are required with registration closing Oct. 24 at noon and the gates shutting at 1:30 p.m. BusinessWest
- ➤ The 2025 Rays of Hope Walk and Run is scheduled to take place in Springfield to promote community health (venue details pending). Organizers will release additional information (including start time) soon. Western Mass News
- ➤ The Sisters of St. Joseph in Springfield are not accepting new members and, even though most are 83, remain active in local issues. They meet every weekday at 10:30 for coffee and baked goods at (577 Carew St.) to discuss community matters. MassLive
- ➤ Twenty producers and organizations received grants to combat food insecurity—officials said the funding will improve access to healthy food for residents. The support is expected to boost efforts by local food providers in the coming months. Western Mass News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield's police department is hosting the DEA's National Prescription Drug Takeback Day at Central High School on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will let residents bring unused or expired prescriptions for safe disposal—an effort to prevent addiction and protect waterways. Western Mass News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On October 16, city employees gathered at City Hall as Mayor Domenic J. Sarno read a proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month during a pink-and-denim day fundraiser. Councilors stated that Black women face a 38% higher death rate from breast cancer, and the 32nd annual Rays of Hope run and walk will take place Sunday from Temple Beth El through Forest Park to support local treatment and research. MassLive
- ➤ Fitness First Health Club, a longtime spot in Agawam, will mark its 40th anniversary with an open house on Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.—the event will offer class demos, local vendors, raffles, and a family pool and pizza party at its facility at 60 North Westfield St. in Feeding Hills. BusinessWest
- ➤ bankESB announced a $100,000 multi‐year commitment to Mercy Medical Center in Springfield to support the Sister Mary Caritas Endowed Nurses’ Education Fund, which gives local nurses enhanced training and education. The donation will help maintain high‐quality care for patients across Western Mass. BusinessWest
- ➤ Organizers announced the annual Rays of Hope Walk and Run Toward the Cure will take place on Oct. 19 at Temple Beth El in Springfield and proceed along a scenic route through Forest Park with runner check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. and walker registration at 9 a.m.—over 30 years the event has raised more than $17.7 million to support local breast cancer care, research and education. BusinessWest
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A $40 million investment will transform the former Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co. building on State Street into a 62-unit affordable housing community in Springfield’s Metro Center, local officials said. Experts including Keith Fairey of Way Finders and housing director Gerry McCafferty noted that building more — including diverse affordable housing — will ease rent burdens as local incomes remain below needed levels. MassLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kacey Bellamy, a Westfield native and former U.S. women’s national hockey star, is joining the Boston Fleet as their new player development consultant — a role she takes on after her time at Maples Crossing. The Fleet will start their season on November 23 at 1 p.m. at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. Western Mass News
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Plantella: A Houseplant Expo
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — MassMutual Center — VIP Tickets: $20 | General Admission: $10 — Explore the best of houseplants and related businesses from the Northeast.
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MVMA Fall Continuing Education Conference
Earn 12 hours of CE — 2 days — MGM Springfield — Entry Fee Required — Enhance your professional expertise at this informative veterinary conference.
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Halloween Paint & Sip
2-4 p.m. — White Lion Brewing Company — Ticket required — Enjoy a fun Halloween-themed painting experience while sipping your favorite drink.
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BCI’s Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat
9:30-10:30 p.m. — Springfield Learning Center — Free entry — Enjoy a spooktacular sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat experience for families.
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John Caparulo Comedy Show
8-9:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy sharp wit and hilarious anecdotes from seasoned comedian John Caparulo.
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Comedy Night with John Caparulo
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience sharp wit and dry humor from the seasoned comedian John Caparulo.
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Massachusetts Equine Affaire
9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Thurs-Sat), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun) — Eastern States Exposition — Ticket prices vary — Experience four days of equine excitement, education, and entertainment with top trainers and breed showcases.
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Laval Rocket vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
10:35 AM — MassMutual Center — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of AHL hockey as the Thunderbirds host their rivals, the Laval Rocket.
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