Hello Everyone!
It’s been nice weather this last week now that heatwave finally broke. Every year I can’t wait for Summer and then the Dog Days come along and now I can’t wait for Fall.
Even though session is formally out, we’ve still had a packed week in the legislature. On Thursday, I had the honor of attending the Barnes National Air Guard raising of the Ground Zero flag to commemorate those we lost in the attacks on September 11th. As a Veteran who has been deployed, this day is always especially somber as I remember all those who have been lost in the name of American freedom. Thank you to Barnes for hosting this event.
On Friday, the Massachusetts Association of Dairy Farmers hosted their annual summer picnic in Agawam. I was lucky enough to join in on the event with this hardworking cornerstone of Western Mass’s agricultural community. The dairy industry represents a significant portion of our local economy along with all of our other dedicated local farmers out there.
On Thursday, Representative Pease of Westfield and I were able to pass a home rule petition in the Senate and House that allocates a half-acre of land from the Division of Capital Asset Management to the Westfield School District. This half-acre to go to the Franklin Avenue Elementary School so they can continue with their new construction.
Thursday evening also marked the graduation of the Agawam Adult Education evening program. These students represent the very best of us, giving up their evening to get their educations and improve their lives. Congratulations to this class of graduates! I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.
A big congratulation to another hallmark of Agawam: Scoops Ice-Cream in Feeding Hills, who had their grand opening this week just in time to catch the last couple heat waves of Summer. I was there on Monday morning to cut the ribbon and formally open them. If there’s one thing Western Mass could never have enough of; it’s ice cream shops. Congratulations again.
On Friday evening, the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers held their annual banquet to honor Veteran families at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. This is such an excellent organization that connects so many veterans of so many different backgrounds, and I always enjoy getting to know fellow veterans in the Valley.
This week my team also held office hours in Russell on Friday. Next week we will be at the Holyoke COA on Monday from 10:00am – 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