Hi everyone,
I can’t believe we’re already halfway through October! I hope everyone has been enjoying the crisp fall weather and getting the chance to take in the beautiful foliage throughout our communities. We’re fortunate to live in such a wonderful part of the state to experience the fall season.
It’s been a busy week in the District and at the State House, including some stops in Chicopee on Tuesday. The day started with my team and I holding office hours at the Chicopee Council on Aging and assisting residents with different issues. Afterwards, I joined many of my legislative colleagues to visit the Western Massachusetts Women’s Correctional Facility in Chicopee to learn more about the facility and its work.
On Wednesday, I headed to the State House for the Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards ceremony, which recognizes law enforcement officers who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and bravery in the line of duty. Officer Negron of the Holyoke Police Department was among those honored for his tremendous courage. It was great to connect with Officer Negron, his family, and fellow members of the Holyoke Police Department. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and thank you for your service and dedication to keeping our communities safe.
Thursday, my team and I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Westfield State University’s new Bioinformatics Laboratory. It was exciting to learn more about the opportunities this new facility will create for students and faculty, as well as its potential to support workforce development throughout our region. Investments in education and innovation like these are important to the future of Western Mass.
On Friday, I had the pleasure of speaking with students at the UMass Amherst Emerging Leaders for the Common Good event at the Springfield Center. I always appreciate the opportunity to share my journey in public service, hear from students, and connect with the next generation of leaders in our communities.
After a busy week, this weekend brings an event that holds a special place in the hearts of so many in our community: the Magic for Maddie 5K Walk & Carnival. At the ceremony I was honored to present $20,000 in state funding that my office helped secure for the Magic for Maddie Foundation and its important mission of supporting families facing childhood cancer. It is inspiring to see so many people come together for such a meaningful cause, and a big thank you everyone who continues to support the foundation and the families it serves. I’m grateful to play a part in supporting this incredible work right here in our community.
This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Chicopee and West Springfield. Next week, we’ll be at the Easthampton Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and the Holyoke Council on Aging on Wednesday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to reach out by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572-3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John Velis