Happy July Everyone,
Summer is officially in full swing! I hope everyone is taking advantage of everything Western Mass has to offer and is also able to enjoy this long weekend. The Fourth of July celebrates our country’s independence and the beginning of a long endeavor for a more perfect union. I hope everyone will take some time this weekend to reflect on this. And whether you’re going to the beach, the lake, or a barbeque, please also stay safe while celebrating.
Despite the long weekend and great weather, we still had a busy week here in the district. On Wednesday, I was able to join West Springfield veterans for their luncheon at the Grace Lutheran Church. It was a great event and I always enjoy meeting other veterans in the area.
This week, my staff also held office hours in two locations. On Monday, we were at the Westfield Council on Aging and on Friday we were at their counterpart in Southwick. We love hearing from members of the community and helping in any way we can, so please feel welcome to stop by our office hours in the future with any questions or concerns, or even just to say hi. Next week, we’ll be at the Russell COA on Friday from 11:30 to 12:30. We hope to see you there.
Also at the Westfield Council on Aging this Monday and alongside Mayor McCabe and Representative Pease, I presented $100,000 of funding secured from the American Rescue Plan Act to their executive director Tina Gorman. The Westfield COA has such an engaged staff who really care about their community. I couldn’t think of a more deserving group and I can’t wait to see the renovations they plan to use this funding for.
Armbrook Village of Westfield dedicated a new outdoor recreation space for seniors this week and I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the ribbon cutting. Armbrook village is such a wonderful facility that takes great care of our elderly. This new outdoor space for seniors will be a great addition to their home as well as our community as a whole.
I also attended a virtual meeting this week about the design of the new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. This served as a briefing on the final design of the Home and the details of how it will be used for generations of veterans to come. Physical work is expected to begin soon and I cannot wait to see the new facility once it’s finished. The Home has always been an asset to the Valley and will be for decades to come.
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