September 11, 2020 – MassLive – Manon L. Mirabelli, Photos by Leon Nguyen
Nineteen years ago, three Westfield natives were among those killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, and their hometown remembered them Friday in an annual ceremony at the memorial erected in their honor.
The 9/11 Memorial Park is dedicated to Westfield natives Tara Shea-Creamer, Brian Murphy, and Daniel Trant, who died in the attacks launched on Sept. 11, 2001. Shea-Creamer was a passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first of two planes to crash into World Trade Center towers in New York, while Murphy and Trant were at work in the World Trade Center.
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The ceremony was led by Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr., and included speakers U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, all of whom spoke of the need to never forget 9/11, the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost that day, and the resiliency of our country.
Velis said it is critical for the citizens of Westfield and the rest of the country to always remember the importance of 9/11, which left a profound effect on world affairs to this day.
“Here in Westfield we don’t forget the day that changed America forever,” he said. “I wonder if the cowards who are to blame anticipated that 19 years later we’d still be here today.”
I feel like I was all over the district this week for different events and meetings, both in-person and virtually, as I continue to hear from people in our communities. COVID-19 has affected our lives in so many different ways, and the economic and public health challenges we face moving forward are clear. One area that I don’t think is being talked about enough is the effect this pandemic has had on mental health and those struggling with substance use disorders. These are issues we cannot ignore, and I believe this pandemic has put even more pressure on those struggling with mental health and addiction. That is why in the coming weeks, I will be putting together a group of relevant stakeholders and health experts, to hold conversations about these issues and discuss how we can help those struggling in our communities moving forward. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to me.
I began my Monday by having a meeting over phone with Lynn Clark, the Superintendent of Schools in Chicopee. Chicopee will begin school in a hybrid model starting on September 15th, and we will be monitoring all school systems in our district as the year begins. Shortly after this call, my staff and I had a very informative meeting with the MassDOT Highway Division. We went over a number of projects that are being planned around our district, including the Route 10/202 (Southwick Rd.) bridge replacement project in Westfield. This project will realign Southwick Rd/South Maple St. to provide a softer curve and improve the intersections of City View and Mill, and will include Northbound left turn lanes and buffered bike lines. I will keep pushing for these projects in our district that will greatly improve quality of life for our residents. I wrapped up my Monday by having a meeting with ROCA, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping high-risk young men and young mothers in our communities through a 4 year intervention model. They focus on outreach and building relationships with young people, and help them get the resources they need to maintain jobs and stay out of dangerous situations.
Tuesday morning I headed over to the 104th Fighter Wing to meet with Mayor Humason and Wing Commander Col. William T. Bladen. As the third largest employer for our local economy I look forward to these continued conversations, as it is vital we keep our jobs growing. Later Tuesday afternoon, I had a meeting with John Bowen of the Westfield Planning Board, where a lot of our focus was on the Westfield Bike and Levee Project.
Wednesday was all Agawam! I began the day by having a meeting with the Agawam Housing Authority, where I learned more about the different residencies in Agawam and all the different resources they provide. I then joined the Agawam Council on Aging at the Senior Center to pass out lunches to constituents who came by. Later that afternoon, I had an introductory meeting with Peter Carmichael from Six Flags New England about the current state of affairs for the park and how their employees are doing, many of whom reside in Agawam and all over our district.
I began Thursday morning with some coffee with constituents at Circuit Coffee in Westfield. Speaking directly to constituents, and hearing what is on their mind is my favorite part of the job, and I pride my office on being as accessible as possible to you all. Shortly after, I headed over to Easthampton to tour and talk to some local businesses alongside City Councilor Owen Zaret. We started off at Tandem Bagel Company, and hit a bunch of businesses on Cottage Street, including Wedge Works Art & Home and The Water’s Fine Goods and Coffee. I fully understand the decimating impact that COVID-19 has had on our economy, and I will continue to talk to small businesses and help wherever I can. I’m grateful to Council Zaret for showing me around, and we stopped by the Easthampton Fire Department to talk with Chief Norris as well. I finished the day in Westfield, where I met with some more constituents, MassDOT, and City Officials to continue to listen in on the conversations surrounding the Westfield Bike and Levee Project.
Friday Morning started with a meeting with Western Mass Housing first, and other local community partners, where we discussed housing and food insecurity issues in our communities. Shortly after this meeting, I joined State Representative Aaron Vega for lunch at the Crave Food Truck in Holyoke. Rep. Vega will be finishing up his time in the legislature this session, and while I will deeply miss our collaboration, I know that our friendship will continue on. Post lunch, Rep. Vega and I met with Damien Cote, Holyoke’s Building Commissioner to discuss building regulations and legislation. I then drove over to Granville, where I was proud to present a Senate Citation to Cooley Buy, and her company for their new business opening! Their new store at 66 Granby Road is a renovation of an old barn, and promotes local artists work such as pottery, woodworking, textiles, and glasswork. I encourage you all to check them out.
While this week was busy traveling across the district, I was able to pause for a moment to pay my respects and express my condolences to the loved ones of two incredible members of the Westfield community that we lost this week, Brian Hoose and John Knapik. Their dedication and advocacy to our community was known far and wide, and they will be greatly missed.
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 phone: (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis
Senator Velis with Easthampton City Councilor Owen Zaret and Fire Chief NorrisSenator Velis visiting The Water’s Fine Goods & Coffee in EasthamptonCooley & Company, a new store showcasing local artists work at 66 Granby Rd. in GranvilleSenator Velis presenting Cooley Buy of Cooley & Company, with a Senate citation celebrating the opening
It feels very strange to be at the end of summer, but here we are. This week was full of meetings and events in the district, with some important COVID and unemployment updates as well.
I started off Monday morning by having a virtual meeting with Riverside Industries, who provides individualized skill development and employment options for adults living with developmental disabilities. Later that afternoon, I had calls with Dr. Vazquez Matos, Holyoke’s Superintendent, and Jen Willard, Southwick/Tolland/Granville Regional’s Superintendent to talk about their reopening plans. I will continue working with administration, teachers, and families moving forward as the school year begins. I wrapped up Monday by meeting with Baystate Health and Mike Knapik. I have been able to secure funding earmarks for Baystate over the past several years, and it was great to discuss some of the good work that has come about as a result.
Tuesday afternoon, I was in Russell at the Senior Center and Town Hall where I passed out lunches and talked to residents about the things that are on their minds. Many thanks to Russell’s Council on Aging for organizing these lunches, which will be continued in September on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make sure to reach out to 413-862-6205 to reserve a lunch! I am always trying to get out and meet with constituents whenever possible, and was able to attend a Zoom Meeting with Southwick residents of the Lake Management Committee on Thursday to hear about their work with Congamond Lake.
On Wednesday morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Runway 15-33 at Barnes Regional Airport. The reconstruction work was completed on-time and under budget, thanks to federal, state and local funding sources. These types of projects are great for the airport, and for our community, and I’m happy I could be a part! Later that afternoon, I had a meeting with Mayor Sapelli of Agawam. We discussed a number of issues, and went over to the Agawam Fire Department to go over some of their specific needs as a department.
Thursday was one of the most eye-opening days I can remember of recent. I woke up early to join the Violent Fugitive Apprehension West Unit (VFAS) of the State Police for a ride-along. The VFAS Unit handles some of the most dangerous and complex criminal investigations in our state, which on this day, involved pursuing a major drug distributer in Holyoke among other things. Seeing the officers in action, and learning about how they plan and carry out these comprehensive investigations, was an incredible experience, and one I will not forget.
Friday Morning, I had an extensive meeting with Secretary of Veterans Services Cheryl Poppe at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Secretary Poppe was recently appointed by Governor Baker, and we had a in-depth conversation on funding levels for the Home, and how the Home will look moving forward. My office has requested enormous amounts of data and records so that we can do a deep dive into how the Home can improve, and I will continue to advocate for the needs of residents and staff wherever possible. Later Friday afternoon, I had my bi-weekly meeting with the administration of Holyoke Community College, where we talked about the fall and how the school is adapting its plans.
This week, the Commonwealth’s Stop-The-Spread COVID-19 free testing initiative was expanded to Holyoke. The testing will be done by Drive-Through at Holyoke Community College, with no appointment needed. You do not have to be a resident of Holyoke, or have any symptoms of COVID-19 to get a test. The site will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11AM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-7PM. You can contact (413) 322-5595 with questions, or you can reach out to my office.
This State also announced this week that Massachusetts has been approved by FEMA to receive grant funding for the federal Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance program. This grant will fund an additional $300 weekly unemployment benefit to those who were eligible for unemployment and made claims for the weeks ending 8/1/20, 8/8/20, and 8/15/20. Eligible claimants currently receiving benefits do not need to take any action, and the State anticipates the funds will be delivered automatically to claimants by 9/15/20.
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 phone: (413) 572-3920. Additionally, my new website: senatorjohnvelis.com is being updated each day!
Sincerely,
John C. Velis
Senator Velis in Russell with constituentsRibbon cutting ceremony for runway 15-33 at Barnes Regional AirportSenator Velis speaking at ribbon cutting ceremony at Barnes Regional Airport
(BOSTON – 7/30/2020) Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) this week announced that his office has been pushing alongside other advocates for HB2378, “An Act relative to Parkinson’s disease disability and death in firefighters”. The bill, which was first filed by Senator Velis when he was in the House of Representatives 4 years ago, is currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The legislation was co-presented by Representative Sean Garballey, and has over 60 co-sponsors in the legislature.
The bill would amend the Retirement Systems and Pensions chapter in Massachusetts General Law to include Parkinson’s Disease in Massachusetts’ presumptive law, which would allow firefighters with Parkinson’s to retire on full accidental disability. The bill would establish that any condition of impairment caused by Parkinson’s Disease resulting in total or partial disability or death will be presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty (unless it is shown by the preponderance of the evidence that non-service factors or accidents caused the incapacity).
“Through conversations with firefighters who have suffered from Parkinson’s disease, it has become clear that the chemical exposure that takes place in their work is contributing to the high rate of disease in their profession,” said Senator Velis. “We ask our firefighters and first responders to put their lives on the line for us, and need to be sure that we are providing them with the relief they need for the high risks they assume.”
Senator Velis says that he became more aware of this issue after talking to Greg Heath, a friend and retired Westfield Firefighter. Mr. Heath testified in support of the bill in October in front of the Joint Committee on Public Service. “I am here to show you that firefighters contract Parkinson’s as a result of chemicals encountered in their service,” said Mr. Heath. “Some nights are filled with constant body movements. Many medications don’t work for me anymore. I am approaching the possibility of brain surgery. The passage of this bill will allow me to provide security for my family and ease the burden that is sure to come.”
Senator Velis has worked with a number of different advocates and organizations on this bill, including the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM). “Firefighters are routinely exposed to burning chemicals and toxins that cause Parkinsons. The Neurotoxin Institute found that Parkinsons was significantly higher among firefighters than the regular population,” said PFFM Legislative Agent Paul Jacques. “HB2378 was given a favorable report this Session as well as the last Session. Having HB2378 move forward for passage would provide the necessary benefits our members deserve who are currently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and god forbid those diagnosed in the future.”
WESTFIELD — It was a historic moment Friday morning when retired Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice John M. Greaney raised the Pride flag at city hall on the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Greaney, a Westfield native and Saint Mary’s High School graduate, authored the concurring opinion in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health in 2003 in which he agreed with the majority opinion that denying couples the right to same-sex marriage was discrimination.
The ruling made Massachusetts the first state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage.
“This is one of the most momentous occasions in our history, and represents the progress we’ve made,” Greaney said Friday. “When we did this in 2003 I never thought it would sweep the nation the way it did.”
The flag raising saw city and state officials gather on the front lawn at City Hall to recognize the city’s LGBTQ community.
City Councilor Kristen Mello, an event organizer, said the decision to hold the flag raising came after the recent Black Lives Matter protest against racism and police brutality held on Park Square Green.
“Someone asked if it would be difficult to raise the flag, so we got together and created an event,” she said. “We didn’t know how quickly the project would come together.”
The event, held on the heels of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this month barring LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace, was a joint venture between the newly formed Westfield Pride Alliance and city officials, including Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. The mayor said he supported the flag raising and what it represents.
“Although we may all be different, it is our differences that make us stronger,” he said in his remarks.
Westfield Pride Alliance organizer Dennis Aikens hosted the event, and said the organization is the first-ever in the city. “The gay community wouldn’t be anywhere without its allies, without you,” he told the crowd.
Aikens said he attempted to have a Pride flag raising in the past, but it never came to fruition. He thanked Humason for supporting the cause.
“My brothers and sisters of color, gay, lesbians, and transgender people have been under an oppressive weight,” he said. “This is happening today under this mayor.”
Aikens, an advisor to state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, lauded the senator for seeking a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ community, the struggles it faces and the personalities behind the movement.
“I’m so proud he wanted an openly gay man as an adviser,” Aikens said. “Being a straight man who didn’t understand, John Velis asked me to explain our life difficulties. He is a warrior, a major in the United States Army. I knew in John Velis we would have a warrior working for us.”
Velis called the event “and absolutely awesome occasion” and spoke of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the military that banned openly gay service members until 2011.
“I thought it was an antiquated notion of humanity,” he said. “Every person should be proud that they are who they are and never run from that.”
Alexander Campurciani also spoke. He said that as a young, gay man of color, he wants to create a community action group to help gay people come out. He told the story of coming out to his father, who supported him. He also spoke of his difficulty in coming out while in high school.
July 18, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay
BOSTON – Funding for Westfield, Southwick and surrounding communities was included in a $17 billion borrowing bill approved July 16 by the Sente for transportation and infrastructure improvements.
State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, helped secure $7.5 million for transportation projects in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, which is comprised of Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and part of Chicopee.
“At the end of the day, what matters most to me is being able to bring my work on Beacon Hill back home,” said Velis. “Advocating for our improvements to our roadways and transportation infrastructure will always be a major priority of mine, and I am proud that I was able to secure $7.5 million in the Senate Bond Bill for transportation projects across our cities and towns. I am thankful to all the local officials who worked with my office on this bill, and hope that the Governor now taps these projects to be included in his capital plan.”
The bill passed 36-4, with the Senate’s four-man Republican caucus voting in opposition. Explaining why he would not support the bill, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr cited the inclusion of a business-opposed provision to allow municipalities to increase local taxes and use the funding for transportation projects, reports Sam Doran of State House News Service. An amendment by Democrat Sen. Diana DiZoglio which would have struck that section was defeated 8-31. Sen. Susan Moran, who joined the Senate after a May special election, gave her inaugural speech on a successful amendment to add $350 million in funding toward replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. Also Thursday, the Senate and House worked in concert to send to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk bills addressing mosquito control and take-out cocktails during the COVID-19 era.
Velis secured the following local funds:
$2.5mil for Northampton St./RT.5 in Holyoke
$870,000 for Greenway bikeway in Southampton
$600,000 for Congamond Road in Southwick
$1mil for roadway improvements in Westfield
$2.53 mil to be shared equally in Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Montgomery and Russell for road improvements.
