We’ve had a busy week here in the Hampden and Hampshire Senate District. I started off my week at the Edwards Public Library in Southampton. The Library hosts weekly guests to read to the kids and I was honored to be this week’s guest! We had a packed house too with school vacation week. A big thank you to the Edwards Library Staff for hosting and to the families of Southampton for coming.
Yesterday morning marked the ribbon cutting of the new Westfield facility for Brain Injury Community Care of Western Massachusetts. After using temporary space for the last two years, this organization has finally found a permanent home on Franklin Street. This center, the only of its kind here in Western Massachusetts, provides a broad range of services to those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and autism throughout the area. BICC is an asset to our community and I’m looking forward to the work that they will accomplish with their new facility.
Just around the corner from BICC on Friday afternoon, I was also able to call the weekly bingo game down at the Westfield Council on Aging. This is certainly one my favorite activities to preside over as state senator and its always great to get down to the COA and see our local seniors.
Friday evening, I attended the West Springfield Mayoral Ball, which also doubled as a fundraiser for the West Side 250th Anniversary Committee. I am so proud to represent West Springfield, and it’s so great to see residents coming together to celebrate their community. I can’t wait for next year when the anniversary events are officially underway.
Tonight is Chicopee’s Colleen contest. I wish best of luck to all the contestants tonight and look forward to seeing the winners and their courts at the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hard to believe March is that close!
This week, my team hosted office hours at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday and the Southampton COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and at the Russell COA from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!
If you are unbale to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Best,
John Velis