Merry Christmas Eve Everyone,
My family has had many firsts this year with the birth of our son, Carson, and I am so looking forward to our first Christmas together tomorrow. I wish all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas and hope everyone gets to spend some time with family and friends.
Our district has been abuzz with holiday events this past week. On Wednesday night, I joined the Russell-Montgomery Police department for their annual distribution of holiday dinners. It was so good to see everyone come out and get into the holiday spirit. I’d like to thank the Russell-Montgomery Police Department for putting on this wonderful event.
Sunday night marked the beginning of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Alongside public officials and citizens of Easthampton, we lit the first candle on the menorah at sundown on Nashawannuck Pond. Thank you to the city putting this on and for inviting me. !חנוכה שמח
This week I also continued my annual holiday tradition of ringing bells with the Salvation Army outside of Walmart. Thank you to all those who gave what they could. Your charity is always appreciated, especially during this time of year. All proceeds went directly to the good works done by the Salvation Army.
Holidays aside, this week also marked my cat’s, Finnegan, “Gotcha” Day. Since many rescue animals don’t have a recorded birthday, our family celebrates his “Gotcha Day” which is when he first arrived in our home!
I’d like to remind everyone that as part of the Commonwealth’s “Try Transit” grant program, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority will be completely fareless until January 1st. Whether you’ve never tried public transit, use it habitually, hate driving in the snow, or maybe just want to save on gas, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to try out the Commonwealth’s largest regional transit authority.
This week I also recorded my monthly cable access show, Beacon Hill to 413. This month’s guest was Liz Whynott, Harm Reduction Director of Tapestry Health. As many of you know, Tapestry plays a pivotal role in harm reduction for those with substance use disorders here in the Pioneer Valley. Liz and I discussed a myriad of topics relating to the opioid epidemic but focused especially on the ways that the legislature can aid communities being ravaged by the epidemic. I’m already looking forward to working alongside them and other community partners in the coming legislative session.
My team held office hours this week on Wednesday from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Southampton COA and the Holyoke COA. Next week, we will be at Russell COA on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!
I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season,
John Velis