Good morning, Springfield.

Families can enjoy free Halloween activities with games, dancing and a theatrical séance at Abe’s Haunted Hollow tomorrow (Oct.

24) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on 212 N. Sixth St.

Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery has received donated land at 1020 N.

Sixth St. to build a facility that will double capacity from 10 to 20 and expand space from 3,600 to 8,000 sqft. A capital campaign will drive planning for a future groundbreaking and ribbon cutting.

The City of Springfield and Evans Recycling will host the annual Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov.

7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Washington St. between 5th and 6th to teach composting (a waiver is required and children under 17 must be with an adult) rain or shine.

Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery in Springfield announced Thursday morning it will double its care capacity — from 10 to 20 children — after receiving an anonymous donation and land from neighbors Fletcher Farrar and his wife Mary.

This expansion will help more families in crisis receive essential support.

The Springfield Police Department will host its annual Halloween Safety Event on Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on East Monroe Street in front of the Police Station (free giveaways available on a first-come basis).

Families can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, games and the chance to explore rescue and city vehicles.

A new academy honoring longtime educator J.

Michael Zimmers will be unveiled soon. Zimmers served District 186 for over 30 years as a teacher, administrator, and school board president, leaving a lasting impact on local education.

Springfield Public Schools continues its fourth year of the Real Men Read program with about 100 volunteers reading to first and third graders.

The monthly visits help build home libraries and a love for reading across the district.

Illinois was named an AARP age-friendly state today after launching EngAging Illinois, a plan to improve housing, transportation, health, and economic security for seniors.

State leaders noted the state is the 16th to join the AARP network of age-friendly communities.

Fourteen new firefighters completed their Recruit Academy training on Oct.8 at Springfield Firefighters’ Lake Club — they have been assigned to the Operations Division and will continue field training.

Illinois was recognized as an AARP (age-friendly) state for its efforts to boost housing, transportation, and health security for seniors; state agencies and partners helped form a comprehensive plan that supports aging with dignity.