Hi everyone,
I hope that everyone had a great week and was able to enjoy the nice weather! August has been jam packed with different events throughout the district, and this week was no exception.
On Monday evening I joined Easthampton residents at an Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil that was hosted by Learn to Cope. It was truly a beautiful gathering and a reminder to all of us of the importance of coming together and sharing the memories of those we have lost to overdoses.
On Tuesday I had the opportunity to sit down with the Secretary of the Executive Office of Education (EOE), Stephen Zrike (the former Superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools), to discuss different public safety programs in our schools and potential standardized school emergency maps for districts across the state. We discussed how EOE could collaborate with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) as we continue to research funding pathways to provide these protects from our students.
I was proud to start the day on Wednesday by visiting Camp Shepard at the Westfield YMCA to announce $100,000 in state funding I secured in the FY27 state budget for the camp. This earmark funding will go towards infrastructure improvements to camp facilities and increase programming for this incredible community staple. While touring the site, Mayor McCabe, Representative Pease, and I all tried our hand at archery, and we could all use a little more target practice!
Team Velis was also proud to celebrate National Aviation Day on Wednesday and honor our Commonwealth’s vibrant aviation industry. As Chair of the Legislature’s Aviation Caucus, I have been proud to support our aviation sector in Massachusetts, including right here in Westfield.
Later Wednesday afternoon, I attended Sheriff Cocchi’s annual cookout, which is always a great opportunity for community leaders, organizations, and residents from across the Commonwealth for an afternoon of food, conversation, and fun!
Thursday was another busy day in the district! I started my day off in Holyoke, attending the ribbon cutting for Florence Bank’s new location. It is so exciting to welcome a community bank that works to engage beyond the business side of things into Holyoke. Later that afternoon, I met with residents from Greater Springfield Senior Services at their new West Springfield location to discuss the Supportive Housing Program, and how state legislation can support services available to help older adults. This meeting was a great opportunity to reconnect with residents at the new GSSS site and discuss civic engagement directly with community leaders.
This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Holyoke. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Russell Council on Aging on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm and again on Wednesday at the Southampton Council on Aging from 9:30am to 10:30am. If you are unable to make office hours, you can reach us by email,  john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and online at senatorjohnvelis.com.   
Sincerely,
John Velis