Happy Holidays Everyone,
This time of year can be wonderful with all the family and friends in town. But it can also be stressful, and I hope you all are able to take some time to rest during this busy season. And with tomorrow being Christmas Eve, be sure to put to in a good word for my son, Carson, if anyone happens to run into Santa Claus.
This month also marks open enrollment season for the Massachusetts HealthConnector. This state program can help you find affordable insurance plans as well as connect you with MassHealth should you qualify. During open enrollment, anyone can sign up to try and find more affordable coverage. If you need assistance doing so, my office is readily available.
Monday morning was the official check presentation for the most recent funding in the state budget allocated to 413Cares. This wonderful organization helps connects those in need with local services and resource throughout our region. This could be food, housing, recovery services, or mental health counseling. This group does fantastic work and I was proud to work with my colleagues in our region to secure $200,000 in funding for them in the state budget.
As a typical near the end of the calendar year, this week was busy with a flurry of citation presentations, award ceremonies, and retirement celebrations.
Monday evening, I joined community members in bidding farewell to Robert Whitney and Madelyn Miller, two long serving members pf the West Springfield Council on Arts. I presented them with citations from the Senate for both having served for over seven years on the Council. Afterwards I stopped by the West Springfield’s City Council to help recognize Councilor Eger and Councilor Sullivan during their last Council Meeting. It’s always great to help celebrate the contributions folks make to our communities and I wish all four the very best.
Wednesday afternoon marked the first Westfield Volunteer of the year awards in two years. From nine nominees, who had to be nominated by their peers, four were chosen as the 2022 and 2023 man and woman volunteers of the year. My team presented all of them with citations from the State Senate. Congratulations to Michael Raposo, Sheila Elmer, Patricia Steele-Perkins, and Bob Plasse for these well-deserved awards! Our community is lucky to have you.
Wednesday night marked the final City Council Meeting for Easthampton councilor, Dan Rist. Having served on the council for twenty-seven years, Dan was one the original city council members when the town reincorporated into a city in 1996. Congratulations on your retirement, Dan!
This week, my team hosted office hours at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday and in Holyoke on Wednesday. Next week, we will be in Russell on Tuesday from 11:30 to 12:30 and in Southampton on Wednesday. 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.
Happy Holidays,
John Velis