Happy October everyone!
Fall is in full swing, and our foliage has started to explode in this beautiful season!
This week I visited the Nuestra Raices farm in Holyoke for their Harvest festival. In addition to the important role they play in improving nutrition standards in our cities. We are grateful that they could host local families to enjoy this event with food, live music, and kid’s activities to connect with the surrounding communities.
Monday I was proud to present Easthampton High School with $40,000 in funding for an updated school security system, alongside state Representative Daniel Carey, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, and Easthampton Schools Superintendent Allison LeClaire. I am committed to doing what I can to promote a safe and secure learning environment at Easthampton High School, as well as all surrounding communities. Governor Baker recently filed a supplemental budget with an additional $40 million in school safety initiatives and I look forward to advocating for those funds for all our schools. On Tuesday, I hosted an ice cream social at Agawam Senior center and taped my monthly TV show, “Beacon Hill to the 413”. It was very nice to see so many folks and chat while enjoying some ice cream!
Wednesday I attended the groundbreaking of the 104th Fighter Wing’s new entrance gate, as well as the ribbon cutting for their new Taxiway Sierra. I was joined by Governor Baker, Congressman Neal, and many other state and local colleagues. These projects will bring much needed improvements to the base and greatly expand the 104th‘s capabilities.
During the final week of the Big E, Salute to Agawam Day was on Wednesday and the Salute to Westfield Day was on Thursday. I always love these special days and it was great to see so many residents there!
Tonight, I would like to highlight the Ghost Tours of Westfield! This year they have planned a new script and some new “ghosts” will make appearances! I always look forward to this event, which is a great way to learn history and help raise important funding for the Old Burying ground, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city of Westfield.
This week my team held office hours in Westfield on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the Council on Aging and in Southampton from 10:00am to 11:00am. Next week, we’ll be in Agawam on Monday from 10:30am to 11:30am and in Southwick on Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm. 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