Happy New Year Everyone!
As we come to the close of 2021, I am reminded of what our communities and Commonwealth as a whole have faced over the past year. Despite all the isolation and the challenges, we have made it through and accomplished a lot. It has been a truly difficult year, but I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this community and I’m nothing but hopeful for the year ahead. I wish you all the best as we ring in 2022!
As COVID-19 continues to spread, I encourage you to get vaccinated and boosted if you not done so already. Vaccines and boosters are widely available and have proven to be extremely effective at preventing serious disease. Testing is also critically important if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. You can find vaccine locations at vaxfinder.mass.gov and testing sites at mass.gov/covid-19-testing
As the Chairman of the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee, I always make meeting with Veterans in our communities a top priority. We must continue to improve Veterans services our Commonwealth provides and hearing directly from those who have served is the best way to learn what changes we need to make. This week I had a number of those meetings, including a robust discussion with Chicopee Veterans at the Chicopee Senior Center. We discussed the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home project, my work to support military families, and how we can extend outreach to older Veterans in our communities.
This week I also toured the Alano Club in Agawam, a local 501(c) that supports individuals who struggle with alcohol and substance use. The organization houses and facilitates several programs for our community all of which have been critically important during this pandemic. This is an issue very near and dear to my heart and I look forward to supporting them however I can.
This week the Mass Cultural Council announced the recipients of their Fiscal Year 2022 Fall/Winter Festivals grant program, and I am thrilled that that three organizations in our district have received funding to support cultural events taking place in our community! The Greater Holyoke chamber Centennial Foundation will be receiving $1,500 for the Paper City Food Festival, the Wistariahurst Museum Association will be receiving $1,500 for their Holidays in Holyoke event, and the Print Shop Inc. will be receiving $1,500 for their annual Brick Race event. I look forward to seeing these events come to fruition and continuing to support arts and culture throughout our region.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis