Hello everyone,
Between the chilly weather and the changing leaves, fall is in full swing around Western Massachusetts. To top it all off, there are plenty of fun seasonal activities happening across our district this weekend including Southampton Road School’s Trunk or Treat this afternoon and the Russell-Montgomery Police Department’s Annual Haunted Strathmore event later this evening.
Huge congratulations to Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas who were recognized at the 10th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday. Each year, I am proud to help highlight local manufacturing businesses from our district, and I’m thrilled that Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas was honored with an award from the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. While I was unable to make it out to Foxborough, I am grateful to my friend Senator Feeney for sharing an official Senate citation to Clancy on my behalf during the gathering.
This week, Team Velis joined the SPIFFY Coalition to discuss youth substance misuse and prevention efforts right here in Western Massachusetts. This issue truly keeps me up at night, from the deadly contamination of the drug supply and the harmful, lifelong impacts of substances like nicotine and tobacco. I’m incredibly grateful for the work of the SPIFFY Coalition for surveying students across our region to understand emerging trends related to youth substance use and to identify impactful prevention initiatives in our communities.
On Wednesday, Team Velis was thrilled to welcome Graze Craze to West Springfield! This new charcuterie business is all about bringing people together and is already collaborating with great local organizations like the Boy Scouts of Western Massachusetts. During the grand opening celebration, Team Velis presented an official Senate citation to commemorate this exciting occasion.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The sad and terrible truth is that most of us know someone who has been affected by domestic violence. It can happen to anyone regardless of gender, income, zip code, or marital status. During this month, and every month, we must continue to raise awareness, break the silence, and stand with survivors. Everyone deserves relationships free from violence. If you or someone you love are need of assistance, I encourage you to reach out to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts’s 24-hour hotline for local resources and support services at (413) 733 7100.
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Easthampton. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours at the Westfield Council on Aging on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, on Tuesday at the Russell Council on Aging from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and again on Wednesday at the Southampton Council on Aging from 9:30am to 10:30am. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis