Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday yesterday and is enjoying the weekend’s festivities. I know I’m really looking forward to seeing folks at tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holyoke.
It was a pleasure to join in on some other St. Patrick’s Day community events this week including Thursday’s luncheon at the West Springfield Council on Aging and Friday’s breakfast at the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. It’s been such a fun week getting to see so many great friends.
Last Sunday morning I joined first responders from across Western Mass for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. I’d like to give a special thanks to the Westfield Fire Department for letting me jump in with them. What a great time!
Speaking of our wonderful first responders, with Tuesday’s storm now behind us I’d like to take a moment to thank all of the first responders and public works employees who helped clear the roads and responded to emergencies this week. Your dedication and care are greatly appreciated by our communities.
On Monday this week, I joined some of my Western Mass colleagues for legislative briefings with Revitalize CDC and American International College. Revitalize CDC works to repair homes of low-income families with children, the elderly, military veterans, and people with special needs in Western Massachusetts.
I also met with Homework House of Holyoke this week to hear their legislative priorities. Homework House provides free academic support for students ages 6-13 to help them become better readers and writers. Last year we were able to secure $50k in state funding for Homework House and I’m looking forward to getting to work with them again this year.
Earlier this week I also stop by Easthampton High to visit with the EHS “We the People” civics team to help them practice for their national competition. I’m so proud of all the hard-working students I met who took home first place at We the People State Finals back in January. The team will be traveling down to Washington D.C. at the end of April to put all their hard work to the test at the national level. Best of luck to all of you!
This week, my team and I hosted office hours at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday. Next week, we’ll be at the Easthampton Council on Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!
If you are unable 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