Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a great week and continue to enjoy all the activities over at the Eastern States Exposition. It was another busy and exciting week across the district and on Beacon Hill, and I’m glad to share some updates with you.
In Holyoke on Monday, I met with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee to discuss the release of a new economic impact report that highlights the tourism and financial benefits that March’s festivities bring to Western Mass. The parade brings together regional committees and local businesses, and this report will provide valuable insight into how these celebrations support the entire Pioneer Valley.
Tuesday was a full day for Team Velis, both in the district and at the State House. We began by hosting office hours at the Russell Council on Aging, where we caught up with constituents and COA staff. Mark also had the opportunity to meet with residents, COA staff, and the new Russell Town Administrator. Later at the State House, our team met with DOT to discuss the replacement of the North End Bridge between Springfield and West Springfield. DOT will hold a public hearing on the project’s design on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Basketball Hall of Fame, and I encourage you all to attend and learn more.
That afternoon, I had the honor of speaking at the first-ever Boys & Girls Club Youth Summit at the State House. Our clubs play a vital role in supporting students and families, especially when it comes to the physical and mental wellbeing of our youth. It was a privilege to serve as the keynote speaker and welcome club members from across the state, including the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, who visited with me and Representative Finn throughout the day.
Wednesday brought exciting news in Chicopee, where I was proud to present $50,000 in state funding to the Chicopee American Legion, Western Massachusetts Veteran Service Officer Association (WMVSOA, and Veteran Outreach into Community Engagement (VOICE) to strengthen services for our veterans. Preserving spaces like our Legions reflects how we honor those who served, and this investment supports both the community and the wellbeing of our veterans. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important announcement.
To round out the week, I attended the Westfield Chamber’s September Breakfast at the 104th Fighter Wing. After welcoming the new F‑35 fleet earlier this month, it was great to see the aircraft in action once again and chat with business members throughout our community.
This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Russell. Next week, we’ll be at the Westfield Council on Aging on Monday from 12:30–1:30 p.m., and at the Southampton Council on Aging on Wednesday from 9:30–10:30 a.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach me by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572‑3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John Velis