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October 30, 2020

Legislature’s Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee Hears from Staff during Public Hearings

HOLYOKE (10/30/20)

The State Legislature’s Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee held two public hearings this week for current and former staff members at the Home to share testimony.

Testimony from staff touched on numerous topics, ranging from the Home’s response to COVID-19, to inadequate staffing levels, and general administrative issues that have been apparent for years. Senator John Velis noted the importance of hearing directly from staff during these hearings.

“Staff members were on the frontlines when the pandemic hit, but they were also there before,” said Senator Velis. “It is becoming increasingly clear that the institutional weaknesses that contributed to these tragedies did not start in March. And to truly ensure that the Home is sustainable for years to come, we need to know what occurred before, during, and after 76 veterans died of COVID at the Home.”

One of the major issues that arose during Tuesday’s hearing was inadequate staffing levels at the Home, which many said results in staff “floating” between different units.

Joseph Ramirez, a CNA in the Dementia Unit at the Home for 5 years, stated that floating staff has existed at the Home for years. He noted that this results in illnesses spreading “like wild fire” as staff members are constantly moving between populations. Mr. Ramirez also noted that morale with staff at the Home is extremely low.

Andrea Fox, a representative for the Massachusetts Nurses Association, testified that many staff members did not want to testify out of fear of retaliation, which she believes is representative of larger cultural issues at the Home. She stated that staff care deeply about all the veterans they work with, but that there is simply not enough support to give the veterans the care they deserve.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Senator Velis mentioned the possibility of instituting an ombudsman position at the Home, which would serve as a resource for residents and families.

“I think one of the most important things for the Holyoke Soldiers Home going forward is to have an ombudsman, a person on the ground at the Home that can investigate issues when they arise,” said Senator Velis. “I think it’s absolutely critical that families and residents have an independent, impartial, and confidential place to go to.”

Thursdays virtual hearing included testimony from Paul Barabani and John Paradis, the former Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of the Home. Mr. Barabani noted that he had brought up concerns with staffing and funding levels for years, and felt completely under supported. Mr. Paradis echoed these sentiments and stated that when concerns were expressed, the State responded by calling for more studies and promising to look into the issues.

When asked after Thursdays hearing about his reactions to staff testimony, Senator Velis noted the correlation between support the Home receives and past issues that have occurred.

“In all the different issues that have been brought up this week, the one constant is that there is noticeable lack of resources and support for the staff,” said Senator Velis. “There needs to be better oversight, consistent staff schedules and rotations, and increased support for those who are caring for our heroes day in and day out. We need to institute real changes that address these problems and keep them from happening again.”

The Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee on Tuesday, October 27th at Holyoke Community College

Paul Barabani, former Superintendent at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, testifies to the Committee virtually on Thursday, October 29th

October 27, 2020

Legislature’s Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee Holds First Public Hearing for Families

HOLYOKE (10/20/2020)

The State Legislature’s Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee held its first public hearing at Holyoke Community College today for family members to share testimony regarding the COVID-19 outbreak at the Home, which tragically led to the deaths of 76 veterans.

Senator John Velis, who represents Holyoke and the Soldiers’ Home, sits on the Committee and was among those who helped organize the hearings. In his opening remarks, Velis said how grateful he was to the families for sharing their stories.

“I will never be able to truly understand the pain you and your families endured, and I can only imagine how difficult it is to relive those tragic months last spring,” said Velis. “Your strength, your courage, and your determination to seek justice and a better future for the Home, is inspiring. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here today.”

The Committee heard from a number of different families during the hearing, which lasted for over three hours. Written testimony was also submitted to the Committee as well.

Laurie Mandeville-Beaudette was one of the family members who testified during their hearing. Her Father, James Mandeville, had lived at the Soldiers’ Home for 16 years, and passed away in April from COVID-19. She said it was extremely difficult not to be able to be there to help her father.

“He constantly complained during our Facetime calls that he felt like he was in prison. He couldn’t understand why I couldn’t be there with him. I was his daughter, his voice, his best friend. He relied on me for almost everything,” said Mrs. Mandeville-Beaudette. “Please do not let a disaster like this ever happen again.”

Mrs. Mandeville-Beaudette also stated that she believed that the small room sizes, lack of PPE and proper sanitation, and poor medical decisions by administrators created “the perfect storm” for COVID-19 to run rampant in the Soldiers’ Home.

Cheryl Turgeon also testified during the hearing. Her father, Dennis Threshner, is still a resident at the Home. In her testimony, she noted how many other families have been impacted and how important it is for the Home to be upgraded.

“To the other 76 veteran’s family members, I hear your voices and you are not forgotten,” said Mrs. Turgeon. “They [current residents] need a new home, they need adult daycare, they need protections.”

Senator Walter Timilty is one of the co-chairs of the Oversight Committee. After the hearing, he expressed how moving and emotional the testimonies of the family members were.

“The heartfelt testimony that was offered today is vital to the Special Committee’s oversight process. What these veterans and families have endured is a true tragedy of epic proportions. I am so very thankful that these family members were able to summon the strength to share the tragic stories of their heroic loved ones with the Committee today,” said Timilty. “It was a very emotional hearing. It is my fervent hope that through the sharing of these stories, that we as a committee are able to find answers for those who were lost to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home.”

The Committee will hold a second public hearing for families virtually on Thursday, October 22^nd, and two hearings for Soldiers’ Home staff next week on Tuesday, October 27^th and Thursday, October 29^th.

When asked about the Committee’s work moving forward, Senator Velis stressed the importance of translating what they hear in the hearings into tangible recommendations and reforms.

“For us to truly understand the necessary steps needed to better the Home and its veterans, it is essential that we fully grasp the magnitude of the events that transpired, and that is why these hearings with families, staff, and others are so critical,” said Velis. “The Home means so much to our veterans and our community, and we in the legislature need to make sure we are responding to every single issue and concern that contributed to this tragedy.”

The Committee has a deadline of March 31^st to file a report on its investigation and recommendations along with any possible legislation.

October 27, 2020

Senate Passes Legislation Ensuring Safe Patient Access to Emergency Care

(BOSTON – 10/22/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate today passed An Act to ensure safe patient access to emergency care, also known as “Laura’s Law,” in memory of Somerville resident Laura Beth Levis, who died in 2016 from an asthma attack just steps from an emergency-room door.

Levis, 34, was a vibrant, Harvard University editor who walked to the emergency room of CHA Somerville Hospital before dawn one September morning but was unable to get inside. Her attack intensified, and she collapsed before help could arrive. Numerous safety failures at the hospital, including inadequate ER signage, lighting, and an abandoned hospital security desk, all played a role in her tragic death.

“Laura Levis’ death was preventable, and this bill takes common sense steps to protect others in similar situations,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D – Ashland). “Peter DeMarco’s efforts to share his wife’s story speak to his remarkable resolve and commitment to helping others. I am grateful to him, as well as Senators Pat Jehlen, Michael Rodrigues, and Jo Comerford for proactively leading the way to make sure that Laura’s story is not repeated.”

“When people are in need of emergency services, every minute counts and the dim lights and unclear signage took minutes from Laura that cost her life,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), the lead Senate sponsor of the bill. “We simply do not want this to happen to anyone again, and we believe this legislation is one step toward saving lives with clear signage, lighting, way finding and better security monitoring of emergency department entrances.”

“This is a commonsense bill that will save lives,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Access to emergency care starts with making sure emergency rooms are clearly identifiable and reachable for patients in crisis. I applaud Senator Jehlen for her hard work on this important bill and my colleagues in the Committee for advancing it to the Senate for consideration.”

“Needless tragedies like what happened to Laura Levis must never happen again,” said Senator Jo Comerford, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health (D-Northampton). “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Jehlen, the Senate President, and our Senate Ways and Means Chair, the Senate took action today to make sure that our emergency rooms are well-lit, well-marked, and accessible day and night. I hope this bill quickly advances to the Governor and becomes law.”

“A well placed sign with clearly understandable directions can not only prevent navigating a hospital campus from being a burden, it can save a life when time counts in an emergency,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester). “This bill will ensure that some simple and powerful tools are always at work when we need them to get access to care.”

Laura’s story was chronicled in the Boston Globe story “Losing Laura,” written by her husband, Peter DeMarco, who has worked with Jehlen and Barber’s offices on passing the bill.

“We assume that hospitals have proper signage and lighting and security, but Laura’s death proves that isn’t always true. The hospital where Laura went didn’t even have something as simple as an illuminated Emergency sign above the right door for her to have used,” DeMarco said. “If Laura’s Law had existed that sign would have existed. She would have walked through the door, and she’d be alive today.”

Under Laura’s Law, the Department of Public Health would be required to create state standards for all hospital in Massachusetts to ensure safe, timely and accessible access to emergency departments.

According to DeMarco’s Globe story, Laura chose a locked door to try to access the emergency room because the correct door was not properly marked. Though Laura was on surveillance video, the hospital security desk was left unattended all night, so no one saw her. When a nurse from the emergency department eventually looked out the door for Laura, she did not see her, as the spot where Laura collapsed was in near darkness.

“Laura lost every coin flip that morning. But If you’re having an asthma attack, or a heart attack, or you are about to die from a drug overdose, a single impediment to getting inside an emergency room as quickly as possible can mean the difference between life or death,” DeMarco said. “I hope so much that through Laura’s death, someone else’s life will be saved. It’s why this bill needs to pass.”

Laura’s Law would not go into effect until after the governor’s Covid-19 state of emergency has been lifted. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

Legislature Passes Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits to 17,000 Low-Income Recipients

(BOSTON – 10/26/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed An Act relative to additional unemployment benefits for the neediest recipients currently excluded from the Lost Wages Assistance program today, filed less than two weeks ago by Sens. Jehlen and Lesser. The bill would enhance unemployment benefits for 17,000 people in Massachusetts by as much as $1800 each. Thousands of people were left out of the Lost Wages Assistance Grant to extend $300 weekly payment boosts to people collecting unemployment benefits by a restrictive Trump Administration rule.

“This legislation will make the necessary changes to make sure people with less than $100 in weekly benefits receive that $1800 in added income,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville). “Just last week I heard from a neighbor and constituent who was short $2 in his weekly benefit to receive the $1800 in Lost Wages Assistance. The state investment in raising the minimum benefit will bring $31million to Massachusetts residents for rent, for food and other expenses.”

“The Senate is laser focused on assisting those most in need, especially as we continue to tackle the dueling challenges posed by the global pandemic and economic crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation speaks to that commitment and will help assist residents in obtaining lost wages as a result of the ongoing public health emergency. I would like to thank Senators Pat Jehlen, Eric Lesser and Michael Rodrigues, as well as Speaker Robert DeLeo and his colleagues for working to quickly usher this bill to the governor’s desk.”

“This boost to unemployment compensation for those affected by the Trump Administration rule is a critical measure to alleviate unnecessary hardship for 17,000 of the most vulnerable people across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow). “I am proud of this bill’s swift passage and hope that Governor Baker quickly signs off to give people the ability to purchase food, pay their rent, and stay warm as we head into colder weather.”

The bill first went through the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development before making it to the Senate floor for a vote. Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) sits on this committee and stressed the importance of meeting the needs of those who are struggling.

“This bill will have a tangible impact on those who are really hurting from the effects of this pandemic,” said Senator Velis. “Many people have been unable to get these additional federal funds from the LWA program, and this legislation will fix that issue and ensure that those in our community are getting the benefits that they need. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the legislature who have led on this. “

In August, the Federal Emergency Management Agency began accepting applications for the Lost Wages Assistance program. The Trump White House included a restriction that banned people receiving less than $100 a week in benefits from receiving the LWA boost of $300 a week.

Massachusetts was approved for 6 weeks of LWA compensation for every eligible recipient, covering the weeks ending August 1 to September 5. Numerous states acted to increase weekly benefit amounts, including neighboring RI and NH, so that no recipient of unemployment would be left out of receiving the boost. Over 100 legislators wrote on September 24 to Secretary Rosalin Acosta to ask the state to implement a similar increase in weekly benefit amounts for Massachusetts recipients.

In discussions with the legislature, the Baker-Polito administration has indicated that with a small investment of state dollars to increase base benefits retroactively, up to $31M could be returned to the state from the FEMA program. The Department of Unemployment Assistance has been negotiating with FEMA since the legislators issued their request. In an answer legislators received, FEMA advised: “It is possible to make an individual an eligible claimant for LWA from the week ending August 1, 2020, if they are monetarily eligible for at least a $100 weekly benefit amount…”

The legislation will authorize the Baker-Polito Administration to implement an increase to unemployment compensation for every recipient in Massachusetts not receiving at least $100 in weekly benefits. This enhancement would be applied retroactively to roughly 17,000 recipients.

Update 10/28/2020 – Governor Baker has signed this bill into law.

October 27, 2020November 24, 2020

2nd Holyoke Soldiers’ Home hearing will feature staff accounts of coronavirus outbreak

*October 27, 2020 – MassLive/The Republican – Stephanie Barry, Photo by* Don Treeger

HOLYOKE — The second hearing before a legislative oversight committee on the COVID-19 crisis at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is set to highlight accounts from staff who cared for sick and dying patients during the outbreak.

The hearing Tuesday at Holyoke Community College comes a week after an initial, in-person hearing largely featuring families of veterans. They testified about fathers and husbands who were sickened by or succumbed to the virus as the state-run nursing home for veterans reportedly descended into chaos.

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State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, represents a district that includes Holyoke and is a veteran himself. He said he and his staff have mulled feedback he received in “listening sessions” with families over the summer and the first round of hearings.

Velis said he plans to press witnesses on Tuesday about the need for an ombudsman to act as conduit between the veterans and their families and the staff and administrators of the Soldiers’ Home.

“Families and residents need an independent, impartial and confidential person to talk to when things come up,” Velis said. “An ombudsman would be that independent watchdog on the ground who investigates issues when they arise.”

October 26, 2020

State Senate in Strong Support of Bringing F-35A Fighter Jets to 104th Fighter Wing

BOSTON (10/22/2020)

On Thursday the Massachusetts State Senate adopted a resolution to support the assignment of F-35A fighter jets to the National Guard’s 104^th Fighter Wing in the City of Westfield. The resolution, which was filed by Senate President Karen Spilka and adopted unanimously, was directed towards U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett and Major General Gary Keefe, the State Adjutant General.

The resolution noted that the “assigned F-15C aircraft will meet the end of its service life within the decade, requiring 104^th Fighter Wing to convert to the next generation of fighter aircraft to sustain its relevance in the national defense strategy and the continued vitality of Barnes Air National Guard Base.”

Senator John Velis, who represents Westfield, was among those in support of the resolution. Last month, Velis sent his own letter to Secretary Barrett to express his support for the 104^th Fighter Wing to be selected to receive the F-35A assignment.

“In that letter I noted some of the key reasons why the 104^th is so uniquely poised for these F-35As. The accomplished legacy of the Wing, the strategic and optimal location between major metropolitan cities and our Eastern Seaboard, the high caliber level of guardsmen and training… these are all things I mentioned and are clear indications in my mind that the 104^th Fighter Wing should be selected,” said Velis. “It’s phenomenal to have the support of the entire State Senate on this, and I couldn’t be happier to see this resolution get adopted today.”

Senator Velis also noted the great impact that this would have on the future of the base and the overall benefits this investment would bring to the City of Westfield. “The 104^th Fighter Wing is one of the most respected Fighter Wings in the Combat Air Forces and one of the oldest flying units in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Going through this airframe conversion will allow the Fighter Wing to operate through 2070.” said Velis. “The benefits that the Fighter Wing brings to our local economy and community are known far and wide, and this investment would just be so great for our long-term stability.”

Currently, the 104^th Fighter Wing is in consideration for the F-35A, and are awaiting notification for an Air Combat Command led site survey. After the completion of the site survey, the Secretary of the Air Force will likely select Preferred and Reasonable Alternative locations by the end of the winter. The final decision for basing is anticipated in summer 2021.

October 26, 2020

October 25th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hi all,

I hope this week was good to everyone! It was certainly a busy week for me. I want to remind everyone that in addition to in-person voting on November 3^rd, there is early in-person voting at a secure location in your City or Town until October 30^th. You can go to MassEarlyVote.com for more information or give my office a call-we’d be happy to help. Make sure you have a plan to vote!

Based on this Thursday’s COVD-19 Community-Level Data report, there has been an increase in cases recently in our district. Westfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee are currently in the “red” (higher risk) category, while Southwick, Agawam and Easthampton are currently in the “yellow” (moderate risk) category. We need to continue to wear masks and socially distance in order to stop this spread and keep our families safe. Free State testing is still available in Holyoke at Holyoke Community College and the Holyoke Veterans Benefits Department. Please contact my office with any questions about testing and resources.

This week, we held our first public hearings for the Legislature’s Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee where we heard directly from family members who lost loved ones. Tuesday’s hearing was held at Holyoke Community College, and Thursday’s hearing was held virtually. The stories that were shared were heartbreaking, and I can tell you that each of us on the Committee were deeply affected. Hearing these experiences was essential to fully understand what changes must be made at the Home. I’m so grateful to those who testified and those who have spoken to me personally. Their strength is inspiring, and we will continue to work closely with family members as we move through this process. Next week, the Committee will be holding two public hearings for staff connected to the Soldiers’ Home to share their perspective, with an in-person hearing on Tuesday at Holyoke Community College and a virtual hearing on Thursday.

This past Thursday the Senate convened in an informal session and unanimously adopted a resolution to support bringing F-35A Fighter Jets to the 104^th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base. The resolution, which is directed towards U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett and Major General Gary Keefe noted the importance of bringing these F-35As to Westfield. Last month, I sent my own letter to Secretary Barrett advocating for the 104^th Fighter Wing to be selected for the F-35As—I’m ecstatic to have the support of the entire State Senate on this as well. The impact this airframe conversion would have, not just on the Fighter Wing but on the entire Westfield community, cannot be understated. I will continue advocating however I can.

I also had a number of great meetings with constituents and local organizations this week. Early Monday, I met with the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce to discuss various topics such as the Soldiers’ Home and East-West Rail possibilities. On Wednesday, I spent the day at the Statehouse for some meetings, including a virtual meeting with the Holyoke Taxpayers Association. I appreciate them taking the time out of their evening to discuss how taxpayers have been impacted by the pandemic. On Monday, I had an informative legislative briefing with Holyoke Community College officials, where we discussed some of the College’s priorities and budgetary needs. We need to support our schools at all levels, and I am strongly advocating for at least level funding for our public education systems throughout the budget process. After the briefing, I went over to Mount Tom Quarry to learn more about ongoing projects at the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Friday brought with it a Committee Hearing for the Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery Committee, where we held a listening session on trends in behavioral healthcare during the pandemic. We must remember to always check in with those around us, even if they might seem okay, and my office is always available to share resources and connect people with the help they need.

I know some of you reached out to my office this week about the South Maple Street Bridge in Westfield and where it stands. After some conversations with MassDOT officials this week, I can tell you that the project is definitely progressing. On Tuesday, MassDOT had a preconstruction meeting and next week the Department is meeting with utility companies and town officials. Prior to bridge construction work, some relocation work by the utility companies is required and I know that the contractors are already starting to submit their baseline schedule. I will be sure to keep everyone updated as this moves along.

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.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

The Legislature’s Soldiers Home Oversight Committee at their 1st public hearing on Tuesday, October 20th at Holyoke Community College

October 19, 2020

Legislative hearings on Holyoke Soldiers’ Home this month to focus first on families, then staff

October 12, 2020 – Stephanie Barry – MassLive

HOLYOKE — The first hearing before a legislative oversight committee tasked with probing the deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home will shine a spotlight on families on Oct. 20.

The 17-member committee will hold the hearing at Holyoke Community College, with a second hearing tentatively scheduled Oct. 27 to highlight stories from staff.

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State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, said he expects the first legislative forum to be an expanded version of smaller “listening sessions” he has held singly with loved ones of veterans who succumbed to the spread at the Soldiers’ Home.

Velis said he looks forward to having those family members share their powerful experiences and valuable insights with the full committee.

“It was the family members who were on the front line of this … but at the same time they had to go through the horrors of having their loved one inside the facility,” Velis said. “They can offer so much about what they went through during that initial time period, but they’ve got a lot of really good thoughts and a lot of opinions about how to make this thing better.”

October 19, 2020

Velis carries bi-partisan record from House to Senate

October 10, 2020 – The Westfield News – The Westfield Newsroom

BOSTON – Before state Sen. John C. Velis won his election to the Massachusetts State Senate on May 19 of this year, he served as state representative for the 4th Hampden district in the House of Representatives since 2014. In his time in the house, he was widely known for having one of the most bi-partisan and independent records in the state legislature, and frequently voted across party lines.

Velis has carried his independent record from the House to the Senate, and in the fourth months since being sworn in, he has crossed party lines several times. In his four months in office, there have been 96 roll call votes in the Senate on either a bill or an amendment. Of those 96 votes, 16 have been contested with 15 being split on party lines. Of those 15 votes split on party lines, Velis has crossed over to vote with the Republican delegation 10 times. The remaining 80 votes were either unanimous, where Republicans and Democrats voted together, unanimous except for one legislator, or related to procedural matters.

When asked about this pattern, Velis stressed the importance of viewing a piece of legislation on its merits, not by what political party brings it forward: “When I am voting on a bill or amendment, I am always thinking of what the legislation will actually accomplish and what is best for my constituents and our district,” said Velis. “My job is not to simply follow what others in my political party are doing, and I firmly believe that both a Republican and a Democrat are capable of coming up with a good idea.”

The 15 roll call votes in question covered a variety of different issues, from mail-in voting processes, to police reform, to transportation funding. One of the more contentious votes was on amendment #230 in Senate Bill 2813 – An Act Authorizing Accelerating Transportation Investment. This amendment would have removed a provision from the bill that enables local and regional transportation ballot initiatives for imposition of tax surcharges. This is more commonly known as an override of Proposition 2 and ½. Velis was one of only four Democrats to cross over and vote with the Republican delegation for this amendment, which would have protected cities and towns from this possible increase in taxation. With 36 Democrats in the Senate and only four Republicans, many wondered if Velis might be pressured to side with Democratic leadership in more contentious debates, as it is unconventional for newly elected officials to cross party lines early on in their first term. When asked about this, Velis stressed that the key to maintaining strong relationships in the legislature is by being transparent and open.

I am always up front with my colleagues about concerns or issues I have with legislation,” said Velis. “In my humble opinion, the most important is compromise. My experience and my years in politics have shown me that the people we represent are better served when Republicans and Democrats work together.”

This voting record demonstrates that Velis has continued his bi-partisan nature from his time in the House to the Senate, and establishes him as one of the most independent legislators in the State of the Massachusetts. The current legislative session continues throughout the end of this calendar year.

October 19, 2020

Velis collecting torn, tattered American flags Oct. 29

WESTFIELD-For area residents who have an American flag that is torn, faded, or damaged, state Sen. John C. Velis and his legislative aides will be collecting them curbside on Oct. 29 at the Westfield Senior Center.

Flags may be dropped off from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. For seniors who are picking up a meal that day, they may bring their flag with them and drop it off when they come through the lunch line from 11 a.m. – noon. All others can bring their flags from noon – 1 p.m.

“The flag is a symbol and representation of our great country, and should always be in pristine condition,” said Velis, who has served in the Army Reserve for 11 years. “When it is in a condition that is no longer fitting for display, it should be retired in a dignified and appropriate way.”

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“I can say without reservation that I think America is the greatest nation on the earth, and the flag is a symbol of that,” said Velis. “People have died, have been maimed, and have been permanently maimed in defense of the flag and everything we hold dear in the country. To me, the flag means everything.”

For more information on the flag retirement collection, call the Westfield Senior Center at (413) 562-6435.