Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone had a good week and was able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather. This week was another eventful one here in the state legislature.
On Tuesday I attended a virtual zoom meeting with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of which was to discuss the Chamber’s legislative priorities and other ways that the legislature can best aide our local businesses. Thank you to my colleagues in the Chamber for hosting this informative session.
As a part of the American Recovery Plan Act that the Legislature recently passed the Westfield Food Pantry was able to secure $25,000 in funding. This past Tuesday, I presented the check to the hard working folks over at the pantry. This money will be used to support their mobile food truck that will now be able to deliver directly to people’s homes. This is a huge initiative from the Pantry and the community as a whole and I cannot wait to see what good they will continue to accomplish.
It was Career Day at Franklin Avenue Elementary this past Wednesday. I was honored to have been asked to speak to these wonderful students about my deployment to Afghanistan, my law career, my current status as an active Major in the Army Reserves, my time serving as the State Representative from Westfield, and of course my current position as the State Senator from the Second Hampden and Hampshire State Senate district.
Happy Pride month to everyone as well! I kicked this one off by attending the raising of the pride flag at Holyoke City Hall this last Monday. It’s important to celebrate who you are and to remember that we as a community are made stronger by diversity rather than weaker. Thank you to the City of Holyoke for hosting this event. I look forward to attending others like it in our area this Pride month.
Last Sunday, I had the honor of presenting a citation to Abby Thibodeau of Westfield BSA Troop 124 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor that can be attained in Scouts. After years of working hard and serving her community, it’s very much well deserved. Congratulations to Abby and I look forward to seeing what’s next for you.
This week, I had two in-person office hours. One was at the Agawam Council on Aging and the other was at the Senior Center in Russell. I and my staff understand how difficult it can be sometimes to find help with State agencies and we are always happy to meet in person to see how we can best our communities. Thank to both of these COAs for hosting us this week.
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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Sincerely,
John Velis