Category: In the News

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‘Leading the way’: Vaccinations begin at Soldiers’ Homes in Holyoke and Chelsea, offering a crucial step toward reconnecting families

December 29th, 2020 – Greg Saulmon – MassLive, Photo by Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican

HOLYOKE — When U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Aucoin got his first of two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday, he fist bumped a nurse standing nearby.

“Leading the way,” said Aucoin, 78, who was the first resident vaccinated at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.

Across the state, at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, World War II veteran Dominic Pitella got his shot as vaccinations began at the state’s two long-term care facilities for veterans, both of which saw dozens of residents die in coronavirus outbreaks this year.

It was a milestone in the ongoing effort to keep the virus out of the nursing homes — but family members and advocates said it was also a crucial step toward letting loved ones back in.

For nine months, veterans and their families have had few chances to see each other in person. Outdoor visits resumed in Holyoke in June, only to be suspended in September when an administrator tested positive for the virus. Visits were suspended indefinitely in November as cases and deaths surged.

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State Sen. John C. Velis, a U.S. Army Reserve combat veteran whose district includes Holyoke, said he was glad to see the vaccinations begin — and that it’s critical to ensure the process is swift.

“The visiting hours have continuously been on hold because of the potential cases, for both residents and staff, which has just been tremendously hard for the families and veterans of Western Mass,” he said, describing “heartbreaking” conversations with family members who have been unable to visit the home. He added, “All they want to do is get in there and give dad, mom, brother, sister a hug, and tell them they love them.”

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As families wait for the day when they can visit again — relying on nurses and other staff in the meantime to help set up video chats and calls — Velis pledged to continue working with administrators and advocating for steps to safeguard the veterans’ emotional wellbeing.

“One thing I really need to ensure is that in the absence of these visits, veterans are being emotionally engaged,” he said. “They’ve earned it, right? We’re talking about the most selfless population in the world.”

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Organic recycling facility in Agawam provides nutrients to local farms

December 9th, 2020 – Sarah Heinonen – The Reminder

AGAWAM – In a nondescript, green building on Main Street in Agawam, food that would once have been sent to an incinerator is getting a new life as it takes its first steps on the road to becoming fertilizer.

The Vanguard Renewable Organics Recycling Facility was “powered up” on Dec. 3 with help from Chairman and CEO John Hanselman, Agawam Mayor William Sapelli, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Sen. John Velis, and City Councilors Mario Tedschi, George Bitzas and Rosemary Sandlin.

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Velis noted, “At a fundamental level, this is about taking something that’s bad and turning it into something that’s good and green.”

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After victory, Velis prepares for first full term in state Senate

November 11, 2020 – The Reminder – Dennis Hackett, Reminder Publishing File Photo

WESTERN MASS. – After securing the Second Hampden and Hampshire District state Senate seat during the Nov. 3 election, state Sen. John Velis discussed his goals and challenges ahead of his first full term in office.

Before getting into anything, Velis said one of his top priorities was helping the area recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First and foremost has to be COVID-19 recovery; it’s going to be an immediate and all-consuming issue in terms of how we recover. Small business, the hardships people are facing in the Second Hampden and Hampshire District, it’s absolutely critical to advocate for them,” he said.

While the Senate and House are facing difficult budget seasons, Velis said he is going to make sure his constituents have a seat at the table.

“We’re entering a difficult budget season with the House releasing theirs next week and then the state Senate releasing theirs the following week. Every lawmaker is going to be asked to do more with less. I need to zealously advocate for the constituents that elected me to ensure we have a seat at the table,” he said.

One of the ways Velis said he wants to stand out in legislature is by providing a bipartisan voice in the state Senate.

“One thing that is a priority of mine is continuing to be that voice in Massachusetts politics that doesn’t look at things just through the lens of the political party that happens to be next to my name. I think that’s critical to our nation, the healing and the working together,” he said.

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‘A real commitment… to right this ship:’ State Senate passes $1.4 million in budget increases for Holyoke

November 19, 2020 – MassLive/The Republican – Stephanie Barry

HOLYOKE — The state Senate is working to bring a budget cavalry to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, passing a $400,000 amendment Wednesday night to finance a new ombudsman’s office and better equipment and services for the long-term care facility ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak this spring.

State Sen. John Velis, a Westfield Democrat, sponsored an amendment to boost the state-run home’s budget by $200,000 for an ombudsman’s office plus an additional $200,000 for better supplies and services. The measure passed 39-0.

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Velis delivers student letters to Soldiers’ Home at Holyoke for Veterans Day

November 11, 2020 – The Westfield News – Westfield NewsRoom, Photos by Caitlyn Letourneau

HOLYOKE – State Sen. John C, Velis delivered more than 500 letters from students to the Soldiers’ Home at Holyoke Monday. The letters are in celebration of Veterans Day and will be distributed Wednesday to residents at the Home and veterans at Holyoke Medical Center.

Velis said the initiative exceeded even his own expectations.

“This really started out as a very thoughtful idea by one of my staffers, Caitlyn Letourneau. We thought it would be nice for the residents at the Home to have some letters from students to read on Veterans Day, so we started reaching out to schools in my district,” said Velis. “And then it just really took off. Considering Veterans Day won’t be celebrated in person this year, I’m glad we were able to get creative and show our appreciation in another way.”

More than a dozen different school districts participated in the initiative, including in Westfield, Chicopee, Southwick and Easthampton. Most of these schools had multiple grades and classes participating, including the Munger Hill School in Westfield and Woodland School in Southwick. The letters ranged in style, with some students writing longer pieces and others electing to utilize their artistic talents instead. Velis noted that this project ended up turning into a learning opportunity for many of the participating students.

“To think that 500-600 students across the district have learned the importance of honoring our veterans and thought about how their service has impacted all of us: that’s a success right there,” said Velis. “We have letters from elementary schools all the way up to high schools, and it has just been phenomenal to help facilitate this.”

Velis is a veteran and major in the Army Reserves and stressed how much these letters will mean to the residents at the Home. “The veterans at the Home are some of the most selfless and caring people I have ever met. It really warms my heart to think of them opening these letters and seeing how much local students appreciate them and all they have done for our country,” said Velis. “I know they will be smiling as they read them, and while COVID-19 might prevent us from honoring Veterans Day as usual, it’s great that so many students jumped at this opportunity.”

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Senate budget includes ombudsman for Soldiers’ Home

November 23rd, 2020 – The Daily Hampshire Gazette – Dusty Christensen, GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

HOLYOKE — The state Senate has passed a budget ammendment that would establish an ombudsman’s office at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.

In a unanimous vote, the Senate approved the amendment — filed by Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield — that will send an extra $400,000 to the home, which earlier this year experienced a COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in the deaths of at least 76 residents. Half of that money will be used to hire an ombudsman, who is an independent and impartial official who would provide oversight. The other half is for better equipment at the home.

“The beautiful thing about this is they’re independent, they’re impartial and you can really speak to them in confidence,” Velis said Monday, referring to the ombudsman. He said families had gone unheard at the facility previously. “The person who ended up suffering was the resident veteran.”

Veteran advocates and families, including members of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Coalition, have been pressing for an impartial ombudsman at the home for a while.

“The families certainly need a mechanism internally to be able to voice concerns, and truly, any health care institution needs a patient advocate,” said John Paradis, a member of the coalition. “It’s long overdue, it’s necessary and I’m hopeful that the state will put a person in there that has the credentials, background and knowledge to truly be able to advocate for the family members and for the veteran residents.”

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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
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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 22nd, and two hearings for Soldiers’ Home staff next week on Tuesday, October 27th and Thursday, October 29th.  

 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 31st to file a report on its investigation and recommendations along with any possible legislation. 

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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.”

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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.”

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