Category: Uncategorized

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone has had a great week. This week was an exciting one for the district, as we celebrated the grand opening and new beginning of several businesses in our community.

On Wednesday, my team joined Westfield community members for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Wagner Rug and Flooring’s new location on East Main Street! Congratulations to Nico Paolucci and Joe Wagner. We followed this up on Thursday with ribbon cuttings on Southampton Road for Westfield’s new Hot Table and Starbucks! These two buildings have completed construction and I am sure they’ll be quite busy with their location next to the Pike.

Later on Thursday, we were in Agawam with local officials to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Agawam Public Library! The Library is such a great resource for folks in Agawam, and I hope that folks returning to the library will value and enjoy the building and the maintenance that has been done.

On Friday I got to interact with even more businesses and employers at the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s “Legislative Luncheon”. It is always great to have the opportunity to hear from folks about issues impacting their businesses and I am grateful to the Chamber for inviting me and for all their work in our local economy.

This week my team and I also presented $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the City of Agawam for roadway and public infrastructure improvements throughout the city. Mayor Sapelli joined me for the announcement at the Agawam Department of Public Works on Tuesday morning. I look forward to seeing these funds put to use on local infrastructure projects that we all will benefit from!

Today I am joining the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Agawam for their “Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide”. With great reverence I will be wearing silver honor beads to represent the importance of mental health and suicide prevention among our military and first responders and veterans. This event is always a powerful way for us to gather and remember the lives we have lost.

This week, my office held office hours on Monday in Holyoke. Next week, we will be in Westfield on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Russell on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and Southampton on Wednesday from 10:00am to 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

Hello Everyone,

I hope everybody had a great week. We are definitely settling into fall, and it’s wonderful to see the leaves changing color around us. There’s a lot of festivities happening in our district right now and it’s been great to see so many of you out around our community.

The school year is in full swing and I was lucky enough to spend time at some of our schools this week and talk with students. On Tuesday, I was honored to present Westfield High School with $1 million in funding that my office was able to secure for updating the school science labs, tennis courts and security system. I believe that that every student should have an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is conducive to their education and personal development.

Thursday I was able to converse with the West Springfield High School Democrats Club. Our conversation focused on a bill that I introduced last session that would allow for mental health days in public schools. It did not pass this session, but I still believe that mental health legislation is important to focus on to meet many of the needs within this district.

I also had the pleasure of speaking to a Current Issues class at Westfield High School on Friday morning about my military background and the importance of civic duty. I feel it is important to connect with students who are still learning what it means to be a citizen. I also touched on how we can work together to improve our community. Thank you to Mr. Dargie’s Current Issues class for having me.

Tonight, the Westfield Kiwanis Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a wonderful gala dinner. They have been part of the community for many years and it’s our greatest hope to appreciate them though next century to come!

My office had intended to hold office hours in Russell this week, but due to scheduling conflict, we will be holding them on Oct. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Next week, my team will also be holding office hours in Chicopee on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help!

There’s a ton of fall festivals all over the district this week. Just today, alone, is the Harvest Festival in Agawam, Oktoberfest in West Springfield and Pumpkinfest in Westfield. I’ll be out there with my family and hope to see you all out there, too.

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

Happy October, everyone!

I hope everyone got a chance to visit the Big E this year. This was their biggest year ever, topping more the 1.6 million attendees over the course of its 17-day run.

I started this week off with one of my favorite lunchtime activities, calling bingo at the Council on Aging. This Monday, we were in Agawam and had a great turnout. A big thank you to the COA for hosting this and letting me participate. I can’t wait for next time.

On Tuesday, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues came out here to the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire Senate District for a guided tour with myself and our respective staff. With me being chairman of the Veterans Committee, much of the focus was on military organizations in the district. We began the morning at Soldier On in Agawam, a nationally renowned non-profit organization that works to rehouse homeless veterans. The work that they’re doing at the Agawam facility is amazing and I was proud to show Chairman Rodrigues their hardworking staff and some of the great programs they have going on.

After Solider On, we visited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. We toured both the current building as well as the planned site for the new building. Secretary Poppe from the Department of Veteran Services also joined us at this point in the day. After meeting with both the staff and the residents, we also toured a mock-up of what the rooms in the new facility will look like.

From the Soldiers’ Home, we went to Barnes Air National Guard base in Westfield to tour the hangars and discuss the importance that Barnes plays in the defense of the East Coast airspace. The 104th Fighter Wing as well as the municipal airport are cornerstones of our local economy. Continuing to support them both has been a privilege as Westfield’s state senator, and I was glad to showcase some new infrastructure upgrades they have received as a result of state and federal funding.

This week we also celebrated the grand opening of Autumn Mist Farm’s new retail store in Agawam and New Valley Bank’s new branch in West Springfield! It is always great to see businesses growing in our communities and I wish them both the best of luck!

This week my team held office hours in Agawam on Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Council on Aging, and in Southwick on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon. Next week we will be in Chicopee on Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and in Russell on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 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

Happy October everyone! 

Fall is in full swing, and our foliage has started to explode in this beautiful season! 

This week I visited the Nuestra Raices farm in Holyoke for their Harvest festival. In addition to the important role they play in improving nutrition standards in our cities. We are grateful that they could host local families to enjoy this event with food, live music, and kid’s activities to connect with the surrounding communities. 

Monday I was proud to present Easthampton High School with $40,000 in funding for an updated school security system, alongside state Representative Daniel Carey, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, and Easthampton Schools Superintendent Allison LeClaire. I am committed to doing what I can to promote a safe and secure learning environment at Easthampton High School, as well as all surrounding communities. Governor Baker recently filed a supplemental budget with an additional $40 million in school safety initiatives and I look forward to advocating for those funds for all our schools. On Tuesday, I hosted an ice cream social at Agawam Senior center and taped my monthly TV show, “Beacon Hill to the 413”. It was very nice to see so many folks and chat while enjoying some ice cream! 

Wednesday I attended the groundbreaking of the 104^th Fighter Wing’s new entrance gate, as well as the ribbon cutting for their new Taxiway Sierra. I was joined by Governor Baker, Congressman Neal, and many other state and local colleagues.  These projects will bring much needed improvements to the base and greatly expand the 104^th‘s capabilities.   

During the final week of the Big E, Salute to Agawam Day was on Wednesday and the Salute to Westfield Day was on Thursday. I always love these special days and it was great to see so many residents there!   

Tonight, I would like to highlight the Ghost Tours of Westfield! This year they have planned a new script and some new “ghosts” will make appearances! I always look forward to this event, which is a great way to learn history and help raise important funding for the Old Burying ground, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city of Westfield. 

This week my team held office hours in Westfield on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the Council on Aging and in Southampton from 10:00am to 11:00am. Next week, we’ll be in Agawam on Monday from 10:30am to 11:30am and in Southwick on Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm.  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 

Happy Astronomical Autumn Everyone! With the passing of the Autumnal Equinox this last Thursday, Fall has officially arrived in New England. I hope everyone can get their fill of pumpkin spice and get out there and enjoy fair season while it’s still here.  

I started off this week presenting a citation to Maria Cruz of Atrium Assisted Living in Agawam.  Maria has been a steadfast care provider at Atrium for the last twenty-five years.  This community is lucky to have you and we all thank you for your service, Maria!  

Tuesday, Representative Duffy of Holyoke and I met with the staff of the Nuestras Raices farm in Holyoke.  This farm is a part of the rapidly growing industry of urban agriculture and this meeting was an excellent chance to discuss how our urban areas can become food production centers.  These sorts of farms have been shown to drastically improve nutrition standards in our cities while creating new jobs.  I can’t wait to see them continue to expand and grow.  

Wednesday, I presented a citation to staff of the new Westfield site of James Hardie Inc.  This material manufacturing company will be an excellent addition to Westfield bring in new jobs to our community.  Congratulations to the company and I look forward to the formal ribbon cutting in a few weeks. 

Thursday morning was the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s September Breakfast.  This is one of my favorite events as it allows me to connect with community leaders and small business owners from all over the district.  The breakfast was held at the 104^th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, one of the centerpieces of districts economy.  Thank you to the Chamber for putting this on.   

On Wednesday I also joined Representative Dan Carey of Easthampton and Representative Mindy Domb of Amherst to present a citation to Learn to Cope’s new site in Easthampton.  Learn to Cope is an outstanding organization that creates a space for the families of those struggling with addiction.  So often in the fight against substance abuse, the struggles of loved ones and caregivers can get sidelined.  Learn to Cope’s main objective is to make sure all involved in the fight get the support they deserve.  I know they will be an excellent addition to our community.   

This week my team held office hours on Monday at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00am – 11:00am. Next week, we’ll be in Westfield on Monday from 12:30am to 1:30pm.  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 

Hello Everyone, 

I hope everyone’s September is going well and that all our students are getting back into the swing of things.  This time of year is great, especially with the Big E starting this Friday! The Big Eis one of my favorite events of the year and I hope all of you are able to get over to experience it.  

At the beginning of this week I competed in the West of the River Chamber of Commerce Cornhole Tournament.  This is such a great event that connects legislators, local officials, and business owners.  It didn’t hurt either that Representative Boldyga and I beat out Mayor Sapelli and Mayor Reichelt in the championship match!  What a fun way to ring in the fall!  

 This week I also had the pleasure to speak at the Constitution Day Assembly at the Doering School in Agawam.  As a lawyer, Veteran, and legislator, I cannot stress enough the importance of civic duty.  Impressing those ideals upon our future leaders is one of the most meaningful duties of my position.  Thank you to the Doering School for inviting me! 

Last Sunday marked the 21^st anniversary of the September 11^th Attacks.  We will never forget the lives we lost or the brave men and women who ran into danger that fateful day.  I attended flag raisings and powerful ceremonies all over the district on Sunday, including in Agawam, Westfield, and West Springfield.  Thank you to everyone who made these events possible and to all of our first responders who continue to be there when we need them most. 

I’d like to congratulate Chief Russ Anderson of the Southwick Fire Department on his retirement.  After serving as chief for the better part of a decade, Chief Anderson has officially stepped down.  Thank you so much to Chief Anderson for your service.  You will be missed!   

On Thursday, I presented Easthampton’s Paul Galotti with a citation for his receiving the Commonwealth’s Madelaine Amy Sweeney Award for bravery.  During a house fire this past spring, Mr. Galotti ran into the actively burning building to carry out one of his wheelchair bound neighbors.  In this act of bravery, he saved a life.  He is truly deserving of the Sweeney Award and we are all lucky to have him as part of our community. 

This week my team held office hours on Monday at the Chicopee Council on Aging  from 10:00am – 11:00am and the Agawam Council on Aging from 10:30am to 11:30am.  Next week, we’ll be in Holyoke on Monday from 10:00am to 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 

Hello everyone,  

Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend!  

I want to start off by thanking all of our town and city clerks for their hard work during this past Tuesday’s primary elections. I hope everyone had a chance to get out to vote, despite the rain. It’s so important that we all exercise our right to vote and help shape our government!  

This past Wednesday, I was honored by the Westfield Women’s Club at their annual English Tea event with the 24^th Garden Tea Miriam Reede Award. From delicious food, to creative hats, and great people, the event was truly a blast. The annual tea was created to fund a multitude of local charities and this year’s proceeds are being used to expand disability access in the Westfield Women’s Clubhouse. 

Wednesday morning Representative Duffy and I presented $150,000 in funds secured from the American Recovery Plan Act to Partners for Community for an exciting new small business grant program. As we continue to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, it is so important that we also continue to support the small businesses throughout our communities. 

With the new school year, comes the opening of new schools.  This past Tuesday, I attended the ribbon cutting of the new Mountain View School in Easthampton.  This brand new facility will educate students from  preschool through the 8^th grade.  I’m looking forward to seeing students and faculty make their building their own!    

This week I also spent some time at the Holyoke War Memorial Building.  The memorial, built in 1937, serves as a center of the community as well as the office for the Holyoke Veteran Services Oragnization.  This wonderfully refurbished building serves as excellent monument to those who has served our nation and it was great to learn more about the services provided there. 

Tonight, we celebrate Glendi Day at the Greek Orthodox Church of Springfield!  As a proud Greek American, it’s always my honor to volunteer for my community and celebrate our heritage.  The free baklava doesn’t hurt either!   

I would also like to congratulate Brigadier General Peter Green on his retirement from the 104^th fighter wing after 40 years of distinguished service.  Congratulations again Brigadier General and thank you for your service at Barnes!  You will be missed.   

This week my team held office hours in Russell on Friday.  Next week, we will be at the Chicopee  COA on Monday from 10:00am – 10:00am and the Agawam COA on Monday from 10:30am to 11:30am.  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