Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone is ahead on their holiday preparations. December is already flying by and it’s hard to believe that 2023 is right around the corner.
As we enter the holiday season, many of us will be spending time with loved ones and extended families in indoor settings. COVID cases tend to rise during the winter. . If you still need a COVID-19 booster shot, you can find a location near you online at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine. If you think you’ve been exposed or just want to be cautious, you can find a testing site at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing.
We’ve been busy over in here in the legislature getting ready for the new legislative session that starts in January. I spent much of this week at the National Conference of State Legislture’s opioid policy fellowship. As Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery, understanding what policy initiatives are the most effective in combating the opioid epidemic across our country is critical. Gathering with state legislators and policy experts from across the nation was very enlightening and I look forward to taking back what I learned from them here to the Commonwealth.
This Wednesday marked National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Over two thousand Americans lost their lives on December 7th, 1941, and we will never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made. We are stronger when we come together, and I was grateful that my office could join the Westfield Veteran’s Council on Wednesday morning for their ceremony at the Green Bridges.
My team held office hours this week on Monday in Agawam from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the COA and in Southwick on Wednesday from 10:00am to 11:00am, which with redistricting was our final office hours in Southwick. It was wonderful to see so many friends stop by today to visit.
I couldn’t be more grateful to COA Director Cindy Sullivan and her team for everything they do for seniors in our community. Regardless of where my district may lie, I know I will be back to visit again soon.
Next week, we will be at the Chicopee COA on Monday from 10:00am to 11:00am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello. Should you be unable to make our office hours or need assistance sooner, please do not 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!
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season,
John Velis