Good morning, Springfield.

Forest Park Zoo in Springfield will host a Spooky Safari on Oct 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.—a Halloween event featuring a trick-or-treat trail, scavenger hunt, animal encounters, and a virtual costume contest on Facebook, with pre-registration closing Oct 24.

Today, Pastor Tom Brennan of Springfield Rescue Mission led his team in preparing 150 free meals under Operation SONshine at eight sites in Holyoke and Springfield.

Nonprofits are stretched as rising food insecurity drives a surge in meal demand—prompting calls for ongoing support.

On Oct. 13, a player at MGM Springfield casino won $50,706 on the Monopoly Express slot by betting $7.50, while on Oct.

12, two others won jackpots of $11,077.22 and $15,669.23. The casino paid out over $11.8 million in jackpots in September + has seen high payouts in recent months.

On Monday, local organizations in Springfield supported education and workforce development by donating funds to schools and nonprofits—efforts included a $415 donation to Gerena Community School, mental health training at Springfield International Charter School funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, a $30,000 grant to Roca Inc., and $275,000 in awards from the MassMutual Foundation. Upcoming events include a renovation and ADU strategies lunch and learn on Oct. 23, the Local Food Count pledge beginning in January, and a former Apple executive speaking at a UMass Amherst lecture on Oct. 30.

Springfield Museums will host 'Bewitched: A Haunting Evening to Benefit the Springfield Museums' this Thursday, Oct.

23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum. Guests 21 and older will enjoy tarot readings, circus shows by SHOW Circus Studio, music by DJ TJ and Mark Kelso, and a silent auction—sponsored by St. Germain Investment Management, Baystate Health, and Health New England—with themed dress encouraged.

Steel Magnolias, featuring an all-female cast, will open at the Majestic Theater on Oct.

23 and run through Nov. 30—tickets cost $35 to $38. The play tells a simple story about friendship and support while giving a fresh look at Robert Harling’s classic work.

Aaron Vega, a former state representative who led Holyoke’s planning and economic development, has been named president and CEO of the Western Mass.

Economic Development Council as announced Monday + he said he is thankful and excited to lead new efforts in the region.

Attorney Steven Weiss of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.—a firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton—was elected president of the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees on Oct.

1; he brings over four decades of bankruptcy law experience to lead the organization amid a 15% rise in filings.

MassDevelopment issued a $154,750,000 tax-exempt bond for Mount Holyoke College to fund campus upgrades + geothermal energy projects and debt refinancing.

College and state officials said the bond will modernize the campus + boost local economic strength.

K'Lavon Chaisson, a 2020 first-round pick, had a standout game on Oct.

19 as he recorded two sacks including a strip-sack turned touchdown that helped the Patriots beat the Titans. His efforts boosted his season tally to 4.5 sacks—a mark that suggests this season was his best so far.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.