Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone’s September is going well and that all our students are getting back into the swing of things. This time of year is great, especially with the Big E starting this Friday! The Big Eis one of my favorite events of the year and I hope all of you are able to get over to experience it.
At the beginning of this week I competed in the West of the River Chamber of Commerce Cornhole Tournament. This is such a great event that connects legislators, local officials, and business owners. It didn’t hurt either that Representative Boldyga and I beat out Mayor Sapelli and Mayor Reichelt in the championship match! What a fun way to ring in the fall!
This week I also had the pleasure to speak at the Constitution Day Assembly at the Doering School in Agawam. As a lawyer, Veteran, and legislator, I cannot stress enough the importance of civic duty. Impressing those ideals upon our future leaders is one of the most meaningful duties of my position. Thank you to the Doering School for inviting me!
Last Sunday marked the 21st anniversary of the September 11th Attacks. We will never forget the lives we lost or the brave men and women who ran into danger that fateful day. I attended flag raisings and powerful ceremonies all over the district on Sunday, including in Agawam, Westfield, and West Springfield. Thank you to everyone who made these events possible and to all of our first responders who continue to be there when we need them most.
I’d like to congratulate Chief Russ Anderson of the Southwick Fire Department on his retirement. After serving as chief for the better part of a decade, Chief Anderson has officially stepped down. Thank you so much to Chief Anderson for your service. You will be missed!
On Thursday, I presented Easthampton’s Paul Galotti with a citation for his receiving the Commonwealth’s Madelaine Amy Sweeney Award for bravery. During a house fire this past spring, Mr. Galotti ran into the actively burning building to carry out one of his wheelchair bound neighbors. In this act of bravery, he saved a life. He is truly deserving of the Sweeney Award and we are all lucky to have him as part of our community.
This week my team held office hours on Monday at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00am – 11:00am and the Agawam Council on Aging from 10:30am to 11:30am. Next week, we’ll be in Holyoke on Monday from 10:00am to 11:00am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help!
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