Category: Uncategorized

(Boston 2/7/2022) This week the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) and the Women Veterans’ Network (WVN) announced their launch of a survey for women Veterans in the Commonwealth. The survey is part of a broader study by DVS to develop recommendations to better engage women Veterans and to direct resources in ways that better support women Veterans and their families. Senator John C. Velis secured $500,000 in the FY’22 budget to fund the study and expand outreach to women Veterans in the Commonwealth.  

“I’ve had the honor of training and serving alongside many women in the military.  It’s no secret that they face an entirely different set of challenges than their male counterparts,” stated Senator Velis, a Veteran himself and Major in the US Army Reserve. “Many of the services that our state provides for Veterans were not implemented with women Veterans in mind. Women Veterans have different medical needs, housing needs, and regrettably, often need sexual trauma care.  This study is the first step to making sure they get what they need and that no women Veterans fall between the cracks.” 

The survey is focused on understanding the services that women Veterans in the Commonwealth currently use, and those that could best support their unique circumstances and the issues that impact them. Responses to this survey will help DVS better understand how women Veterans interact with the Department and other service providers. 

The survey and broader study will result in a report submitted by DVS to the Legislature, which will include information on current housing options for women Veterans, the quality and availability of physical, mental, and reproductive healthcare, and recommendations on how to improve women Veterans outreach initiatives. 

Senator Velis, who is also the Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, noted that the number of women Veterans is still growing. “By year 2040, it is estimated that women Veterans will make up nearly 40% of our Veteran population in Massachusetts. They are the fastest growing demographic of Veterans, and we must ensure that our Commonwealth is meeting their needs.” 

DVS is seeking as many responses as possible and is asking to share the survey link: https://tinyurl.com/5n6j2ybd with any women Veterans. The survey, which should take approximately 10 minutes, can be done on a computer or mobile device. Those who complete the survey will be eligible to enter a raffle to win one of 20 Dunkin’ gift card, each valued at $20. 

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Hello Everyone, 

Can you believe it is already February? Regardless of Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow this week, we are only weeks away from the official start of spring. I, for one, am looking forward to spending more time outdoors, watching some hoops during March Madness, and seeing everyone out and about in the district!  

First off, a big shoutout is in order for our educators and students in the district–there are so many exciting things happening in the 413. On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak to students at Mater Dolorosa Elementary School in Holyoke. The students were decked out in red, white, and blue to show their patriotism, and they were a very engaging group. We discussed being thankful and appreciative for the things that we have in America, as well as ways we can all pitch in to make it even better. 

A few congratulatory notes for some additional students in the district. On Friday, Roberta Doering Middle School in Agawam graduated roughly 140 students from D.A.R.E. This long running program is a great way to educate our youth on the harmful effects of illegal substances and alcohol, and how to prevent violent conflict. On January 28^th, Easthampton High School took home the statewide “We the People” competition. EHS students will go on to represent the state of Massachusetts in our Nation’s capital later this spring. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and I look forward to hearing about their continued success!  

Over the past months, committees in the Legislature have been busy holding hearings to hear testimony on bills before them. This past Tuesday was the deadline for those bills to be reported out and move on to their next stage. The Veterans committee reported out over 100 bills, many with favorable recommendations. Committees are an important step in the legislative process, where bills are considered and tweaked, and I look forward to advancing Veterans bills from our committee across the finish line.  

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I was excited to present a citation on Wednesday to New Leash on Life, a pet grooming salon in Westfield that opened their doors this week. I am excited to see some handsome four-legged friends around the city, maybe we’ll even have my Chief of Staff’s puppy come out to Westfield for a haircut! We love our small businesses and I wish New Leash on Life much success in their venture. 

As we enter February, we are also entering Black History Month. I hope we all take some time this month to reflect on Black perspectives and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of Black communities that are so often ignored.  

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   

BOSTON – In an effort to create additional infrastructure across the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that $13.1 million in grants have been awarded to 54 government and private entities under the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) to install 306 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) electric vehicle charging ports at 150 locations. The MassEVIP DCFC program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), provides grants covering 100 percent of the eligible cost to acquire and install publicly accessible DCFC electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at government-owned properties and 80 percent at all other locations, up to $50,000 per charging port. 

“Our administration understands the importance of reliable infrastructure supporting the Commonwealths energy future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s announcement is a step towards the increased deployment of these clean vehicles, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and public health, enhance energy diversity and promote economic growth.” 

“This Direct Current Fast Charging incentive program is another example of our administration’s commitment to improving air quality for all,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This program will support our efforts to grow the clean energy economy, transform the transportation system, and help Massachusetts attain our emissions reduction goals set under the Global Warming Solutions Act.” 

“I am thrilled that Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, and West Springfield will be receiving these MassEVIP Fast Charging grants to expand access to electric vehicle charging ports in our communities,” said State Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “Electric vehicles are one of our best tools to lower our Commonwealth’s emissions and an increasing number of folks in Massachusetts are switching over to these types of cars. These 24 hour, 7 days a week, charging ports will only aid in that growth and I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued investments in this area.” 

The $13.1 million awarded today includes $1.5 million from Massachusetts’ $75 million share of the $2.925 billion Environmental Mitigation Trust established nationally under the 2016 settlement between Volkswagen (VW) and the U.S. Department of Justice, and $11.6 million from the Massachusetts Climate Mitigation Trust. The Massachusetts VW Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) committed the Commonwealth to devoting the allowed 15 percent of VW funds to EV charging infrastructure, approximately $11.25 million. MassDEP also offers funding for Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging stations through the Public Access, Workplace and Fleet, and Multi-Unit Dwelling and Educational Campus charging programs. 

“The transportation sector accounts for more than 40 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted in Massachusetts, so the deployment of more electric vehicles is an important step towards helping the Commonwealth’s efforts to achieving our ambitious climate change mitigation goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Significantly, this program will also support environmental justice communities with the placement of 94 of the EV charging ports in EJ areas.” 

“I think it’s great that we are increasing the network of chargers so that electric vehicles continue to become more viable in our state,” said State Representative Kelley Pease (R-Westfield). “As we actively take steps to become leaders in clean energy, I think many of these programs will pay off well in the future.” 

To further expand the Commonwealth’s EV readiness, Massachusetts is working on a regional level with the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) to support the placement of EVs and charging stations throughout the region and to enhance the economic benefits associated with these vehicles. Additionally, some of the grantees plan to combine or leverage MassEVIP funding with make-ready infrastructure funding offered by National Grid and Eversource. 

For more information on the EV charging infrastructure programs administered by MassDEP, please visit the agency’s Volkswagen Diesel Settlements and Environmental Mitigation webpage here. 

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities served by the agency. 

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Hello everyone, 

Get your shovels, salt, and snowblowers ready, we are in for some snow! Avoid the roads if you can help it, and make sure to give yourselves plenty of breaks while clearing your driveways. Look after your neighbors and lend a hand to those who may need help as the snow piles up. Thank you to our local DPWs and plowing companies that keep our roadways clear and safe.  

A sincere thank you to all who reached out to me this week with birthday wishes. I may be a year older, but I am as energized as ever. Earlier this week the Western Mass Delegation met with our federal partners in Congress, Congressman Richard Neal and Congressman Jim McGovern, to discuss our strategy moving forward in support of a West-East passenger rail system. The communities spanning from West Stockbridge to Worcester deserve access to a passenger rail system that will connect the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thank you again Congressman Neal and Congressman McGovern for your guidance and leadership here, and a special thanks to Senator Jo Comerford for hosting this conversation. I look forward to continuing working with my partners on the state and federal level on this critical investment to our infrastructure. 

Team Velis also held office hours in Southwick and Westfield this week and thank you to all the constituents who stopped by with questions. My staff will be at the Southwick Senior Center again next Friday 02/04 from 10:00am – 11:00am. Agawam and Russell, you’re next! We will see you the week of February 7^th. 

On Tuesday the Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on legislation, including H4290 An Act to protect victims of crimes and the public, filed by Governor Baker. The testimony was riveting, emotional, and gripping. I testified on one specific piece of the bill, our state’s Dangerousness Hearing statute, to advocate to update the statute to include other heinous crimes that are currently not included. Following the hearing, I tuned into Governor Baker’s State of the Commonwealth address. I am thankful for the Baker-Polito administration’s leadership and look forward to a productive 2022 across the legislature. 

To round out a busy week I chaired the first meeting of our National Guard Caucus. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to work with colleagues, advocates, and most importantly, National Guard members themselves on the issues that are most important to them. The men and women of our National Guard are always there when we need them; it is only right that we are here for them when they need us! I look forward to working with caucus members to advance the Guard’s legislative priorities. 

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  

(BOSTON 1/28/2022) Today, Senator John C. Velis and Representative Bruce J. Ayers hosted the first briefing for the National Guard Legislative Caucus after submitting paperwork to the Senate and House Clerks earlier this week to formally establish the caucus.  Representative Ayers and Senator Velis stated that the aim of the caucus is to help advance the Guard’s legislative priorities and support their members.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a remarkable increase in activations and deployments for the National Guard. As a result, the Guard is the busiest it has been since World War II,” stated Senator Velis, who is also Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs and a Major in the US Army Reserves. “It is absolutely critical that we—as a Legislature—are doing everything we can to support the Guard as they continue to serve and support us.” 

“I’m honored to be co-chairing the National Guard Caucus alongside my friend Senator Velis,” said Representative Ayers. “In times of challenge, Massachusetts has always been able to rely on the National Guard. They are an integral part of the communities that they serve, and have been involved with countless efforts in their hundreds of years of existence to improve the lives of their fellow residents. When they’re called upon, the Massachusetts National Guard has stepped up to help ensure the smooth operation of important initiatives, providing irreplaceable support during natural disasters, pivotal moments, global pandemics, and everything in between. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature on this bipartisan caucus to support the great work of the Massachusetts National Guard.” 

Activations for the National Guard continue to grow due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guardsmen have been deployed to assist state and local officials with COVID-19 testing and vaccines, school transportation, and other public safety efforts. Guardsmen were also activated and deployed to the Capitol in Washington D.C. in January of 2021. In total, the National Guard has activated 8,1888 members since the beginning of the pandemic. 

“We truly appreciate the support to the Massachusetts National Guard from the State Legislature while they have performed missions federally and across the Commonwealth. This has been an unprecedented time for us all, this includes the Massachusetts National Guard,” stated Colonel Jason Oberton, Director of Strategic Plans and Policy in the Office of the Adjutant General. “Since we were first called out in March of 2020, the Massachusetts National Guard has activated over 8,188 Service Members supporting many types of missions. Service Members from across all communities in the Commonwealth have stepped up and volunteered to support their neighbors, their communities, and the Commonwealth. It is what they have signed up to do, and your support through your legislative efforts provides them benefits to support their family, their careers, and their retention in the Nation’s First.”  

“As a first time Representative I am honored to be a part of the Massachusetts Legislative National Guard Caucus,” stated Representative Meghan Kilcoyne. “For the last ten years I had the opportunity to work with the National Guard on a number of issues. The pandemic has called on the National Guard to fill in at local hospitals, vaccine clinics, prisons, and many other efforts to protect the people of the Commonwealth, and it is my hope that this caucus can better assist the men and women of the National Guard.” 

The Legislators noted that Guard faces their own distinct challenges and circumstances and stressed that it is important for the Legislature to take that into account.  

“A lot of times, people conflate the National Guard with active-duty military members or Veterans. There is this idea that when we pass legislation for one of these groups, it applies to the Guard as well, but that isn’t always the case,” stated Senator Velis. “It is my hope that this caucus will help the Legislature better understand the Guard’s unique issues so that we can work to support them.” 

The virtual briefing today focused on the current status and initiatives of the Guard, as well as priority legislation. Over 30 legislative offices joined the briefing and participated. Representative Ayers and Senator Velis stated that all legislators are welcome to join the caucus and they hope to hold similar future briefings in-person at National Guard installations across the Commonwealth.  

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I hope you are doing well and staying warm! We are registering some of the lowest temperatures of the winter, so please bundle up and check in on those in need. In addition, reaching out to those who may be isolating due to COVID-19 concerns is especially important this time of year.

I’d like to provide a few updates on both the personal and professional fronts. On Tuesday, my wife Emily and I welcomed our son, Carson James Velis, to the world. We are very grateful to the staff at Baystate Medical Center who helped deliver a happy and healthy baby. The amount of love and support we’ve received from the community is tremendous, and we cannot thank everyone enough. I join many of you in hoping that we will one day see Carson in a Westfield Bombers uniform!

On Monday I chaired the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs hearing. As always, I appreciated everyone’s participation and thoughts on legislation before the committee. In addition, I attended a legislative briefing from the Holyoke Soldier’s Home Coalition. I look forward to continuing to work towards the reform that we need to make the commonwealth’s Soldiers’ Homes the best they can be.

While the hearing and briefing were taking place, my team held office hours in Chicopee at the RiverMills Center. Keep any eye out for my staff as they make their rounds across the district! Our next office hours are currently scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Southwick Senior Center, and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Westfield Senior Center.

Later in the week, my staff met with colleagues in pursuit of the formation of a National Guard caucus. The Guard has seen an enormous increase in activations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I feel strongly that we must do more to ensure that the Legislature is supporting them. I look forward to chairing the caucus with my good friend Representative Ayers and ensuring that our National Guard servicemembers’ interests and needs are being represented.

This upcoming Monday, Jan. 17, the commonwealth will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed as a federal holiday in the United States 35 years ago. As we honor his memory this weekend, please take time to reflect on his extraordinary contributions to the civil rights movement. His pursuit of a better world for all its citizens is an effort that is still ongoing today, and we can all make a difference throughout our community.

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

Hello Everyone, 

I hope you all had a great week and are still staying strong with your New Year’s resolutions! 

This week the federal government launched a website to order four free COVID-19 test kits per household, (covidtests.gov). They have also established a phone line, 1-800-232-0233, for assistance ordering these tests over the phone. In addition, insurers are now required to pay for 8 at-home tests per person per month. Consumers with private health coverage can buy a test online/in a store and get reimbursed by filing a claim with their insurance. Be sure to save the receipt! Please take advantage of these resources as we continue to combat COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.  

While my son, Carson, now dictates much of my current sleep schedule, it was a still busy week for Team Velis. On Tuesday I met with Dr. John Kelly, Director of the MGH Recovery Research Institute, to discuss challenges faced by individuals in recovery and the new advancements that Dr. Kelly and his team are pursuing. Later on, my staff met with Mayor McCabe and other community members to discuss several topics, including the traffic issue at Mass Pike exit 41. Nobody likes to sit in traffic, including me, and I look forward to working with Mayor McCabe and Westfield City Officials on this issue. 

On Thursday I attended a call with leadership from hospitals across Western Massachusetts. These leaders continue to provide valuable insight into the challenges that our healthcare system face regarding COVID-19. I will continue to communicate with them to ensure that they are receiving the support they need to care for the residents of our communities. Also on Thursday, my staff was in attendance for a meeting between Mayor Joshua Garcia of Holyoke and the Holyoke Taxpayers Association. Mayor Garcia filled us in on his transition to leadership in Holyoke, as well as his vision for the future of the city. He shared some very exciting details on his plans to make sure the city government runs cohesively and efficiently, for his term and beyond.  

This week the Baker-Polito Administration announced grant funding for 306 Massachusetts fire departments from the FY22 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. I am thrilled to see several departments in the Second Hampden and Hampshire District allocated funds as part of this program. These funds will help keep our firefighters safe, in turn making our communities safer. Our thanks to the Baker-Polito Administration, and our first responders. On the note of firefighting, this Friday my office presented citations to two retirees from the Easthampton Fire Department, David Mottor and Wayne Hennemman. I want to thank both for their commitment to keeping Easthampton and the surrounding communities safe.  

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

Hello everyone,  

I hope you are all doing well and were able to manage the snow and icy roads we dealt with this past week. I want to give a special shoutout to our municipal Department of Works employees who were busy responding to road conditions.  

As we all know, the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly through our community and Commonwealth. I know how frustrating this pandemic can be, but we will get through this difficult time. Vaccines, and especially boosters, are extremely effective against the variant and I encourage anyone who is not vaccinated to find vaccine locations at vaxfinder.mass.gov. Testing is also critically important if you have symptoms or a known exposure to COVID-19. I have heard from many about the difficulty in finding testing and will continue to push for more resources from the state however I can. You can find testing sites at mass.gov/covid-19-testing and at-home tests at many pharmacies near you.  

I want to congratulate Mayor McCabe, Mayor Garcia, Mayor Sapelli, Mayor Vieau, Mayor LaChapelle, and all our City Councilors and School Committee members who were sworn in this week across our district. While I would’ve loved to attend all the inauguration events taking place, it was great to be able to join the ceremonies in Easthampton and Agawam and I look forward to working alongside all our local officials in the new year.  

Last Tuesday I recorded the second episode of my new local cable TV show, “From Beacon Hill to the 413”. I was glad to have Representative Pease join me on the show to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act, Veteran’s legislation, and the importance of bipartisanship. Keep an eye out on your local cable channels for the show or head to my website to find the recording.  

Legislatively, this week had a strong focus on Veteran’s affairs. On Wednesday I met with the Mass Military Task Force to update them on the status of the SPEED Act, a bill I filed to support military families that was passed this fall by the Senate. On Thursday I met with some of my Western Mass colleagues to discuss legislation related to reforming the governance structure at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. In addition to the new facility being constructed, it’s critical that we implement oversight reforms for the Home that will support our Veterans. This past Friday I chaired the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs public hearing. With the deadline for reporting out bills from committees coming up, it’s important that we hold these hearings to hear testimony on the bills left before the committee. We had over sixty residents testify, and it was great to hear their perspective.  

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 

Hello Everyone! 

I hope you are all doing well and will be getting some much-deserved time off to spend the holidays with family and friends.  

Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are back on the rise in our communities and around the community. Vaccines and boosters are widely available, and I encourage you to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. Testing is also critically important if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. You can find vaccine locations at vaxfinder.mass.gov and testing sites at mass.gov/covid-19-testing 

Some of you may have watched the Army-Navy Football game last weekend and know of the friendly wager my good friend Senator Rush and I made on it. Unfortunately, Army lost and as a result I began my Monday morning singing the Navy Fight Song for Senator Rush over zoom. You can head to my social media to see my singing and we will be back again next year! Later on Monday I had a few meetings with constituents in the district to talk about legislation currently being considered for Veterans in the Commonwealth.  

On Tuesday I visited the Mass Fair Housing Center in Holyoke. The Center helps so many families who struggle with housing insecurity and homeownership. In the recent American Rescue Plan Act legislation signed by the Governor, $250,000 was included for the Center to support and expand their efforts. I look forward to seeing these funds put to use! Later, Tuesday I met with Doctors from Prevent Blindness Organization about S.136, An Act Improving Child Eye Care, which would increase vision screening for pre-k children. Speaking of Eye Care, the Holyoke Health Center held the Grand opening of its new Vision Center this week and I was grateful that Team Velis could attend the event! 

On Wednesday I toured VF Auto in Agawam, a family-owned local business that has been operating since 1988. I always love to visit local businesses around the district, and it was great to learn about their operations. Later in the afternoon I met with the TreeHouse Foundation, an incredible organization that works to support foster children, low-income families, and senior residents. I was able to secure $2,000,000 in the American Rescue Plan bill for the foundation to create additional TreeHouse communities across the Commonwealth and this meeting was a strategic planning conversation about those funds.  

On Thursday I met with the Holyoke Taxpayers association to discuss numerous issues facing Holyoke businesses and residents. We had a great conversation and I look forward to being back.  

Always fun to attend holiday events in the district! Friday, I joined Mayor Vieu in Chicopee for his annual Holiday Luncheon and on Saturday I headed over to the American Legion Post 124 in Westfield for their annual holiday party. It was great to see everyone! I wrapped up my Saturday with the Agawam Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 1973, to help celebrate the retirement of Dean DiCarlo, Kenneth Sagendorph, Norman Colburn, Frank Cavallo, and Anthony Albano, from the Agawam Fire Department. Thank you for your service to our community! 

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 

Happy Holidays Everyone! 

I hope you all are getting into the holiday spirit! I am looking forward to spending Christmas tomorrow with my family and wish you all a happy and healthy holiday as well.  

As we head deeper into the winter months, it is clear that COVID-19 is not going away as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout Massachusetts and our country. Vaccines and boosters are widely available and have proven to be extremely effective at preventing serious disease. I encourage you to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. Testing is also critically important if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. I know that many are facing challenges in finding tests and I will continue to push for increased testing resources from the state. You can find vaccine locations at vaxfinder.mass.gov and testing sites at mass.gov/covid-19-testing 

This past Monday, Team Velis held office hours at the Holyoke Senior Center to meet with constituents and answer questions. My office is always available to assist, and my next office hours will be on Monday, January 3^rd, from 10:30-11:30AM at the Agawam Senior Center.  

Later that day, I joined some of my Western Mass colleagues at Chicopee City Hall for a funding presentation for the Food Bank of Western Mass. In the American Rescue Plan Act supplemental budget, we were able to secure $5 million for Food Bank of Western Mass’ new building project in Chicopee, which will greatly expand their outreach and capacity. I was glad to help secure these funds and know they will be put to good use! I wrapped up my Monday at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home with Major General Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. We stopped by to visit and help hand out some new winter coats to residents.  

It’s always great to stop by Westfield High School, but especially when it’s to celebrate our students’ achievements. I was thrilled to present Jay Sherpa with a Senate Citation on Tuesday in honor of his best-in-the-nation recognition by the National Association for Music Education. In his senior year, Jay holds the only bass trombone spot in the National Symphony Orchestra but can play SIX other instruments as well. Congratulations on the incredible achievement Jay! While I was at Westfield High, I also stopped in to check out the schools “Community Closet”, a space where students, faculty, and staff can get access to anything they might possibly need, including toiletries, food, clothing, backpacks, and more. Great work WHS! 

During these unprecedented times, our community organizations continue to do great work for residents in our communities. I was glad to help out the Westfield Senior Center on Wednesday for their holiday curbside meal event. With over 200 residents attending, it was great to spend some time volunteering and also get to see some familiar faces. Later on Wednesday I joined the Russell Police Department and Fire Chief to help drop off holiday meals to folks throughout Russell.  

One of my favorite traditions in the Senate is our annual “gift exchange” where we each make a donation to an organization in our colleagues’ names. It’s a great way for us to learn about each other’s districts while supporting great initiatives. This year I picked the Ascentria Care Alliance of West Springfield to support their Refugee and Immigrant Services program. As an Afghanistan Veteran who knows many Afghan citizens who are desperately trying to rebuild their lives here in the United States, this is a cause very near and dear to my heart. As our Commonwealth continues to welcome Afghan refugees, Ascentria is one of the major organizations who has stepped up to support these individuals and their families, from finding housing to assisting with job training. As the holiday season continues, I hope we can all remember the individuals throughout our communities who need our support during these difficult times.  

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