Hello everyone,
With the new school year right around the corner, our office is saying goodbye (for now) to many of our summer interns. I would like to share my appreciation to Ella, Emily, Lauren, and John who have been assisting my office during their summer break. We are always so sad to see our student interns move on but are grateful for all the work they do for our office. Many thanks to these four hardworking young adults for everything this summer and best of luck for what comes next!
On Wednesday my team and I hosted officer hours over in Holyoke where I had a great time chatting with constituents and helping with matters related to states agencies. Following office hours at the Holyoke Council on Aging, my team and I headed next door to the historic Wistariahurst Museum to share a citation from the Senate in celebration of their 150th anniversary. All throughout the year, the Wistariahurst hosts workshops, lectures, and different educational programs to inspire an appreciation of history and culture. Make sure to stop in to see their special anniversary exhibit which features items from the museum’s archives!
This morning, I will be over in West Springfield for their 250th Celebration parade. I can’t wait to see many familiar faces and friends along the parade route as we march through the downtown area. All year long the 250th Celebration Committee has been organizing events to bring the West Side community together to celebrate this momentous anniversary. Today’s parade, and all of the fun activities that were planned this year, would not have been possible without the dedication of countless volunteers- Thank you!
In addition to our office hours hosted at the Holyoke COA this week, my office also hosted office hours at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday. Next week, we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, at the Russell COA on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and at the Southampton COA on Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am. If you can’t 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.
I hope all our teachers, students, and school administrators have a great start to the school year next week!
Sincerely,
John Velis