Hello,
While it might be hard to notice, we’ve finally moved past some of the darkest weeks of the year! I hope you all have been able to enjoy the extra bit of sunlight that we’ve been getting after the workday lately!
On Monday morning Team Velis joined members of the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force for their annual update to the Governor regarding our state’s six military installations and upcoming Task Force activities. The Task Force was created back in 2012 to protect and expand the missions, job opportunities, and economic investments related to our installations. Our Commonwealth’s installations play a critical role not only in our nation’s defense but also contribute over $13.2 billion to our state’s economy. In my role as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs I often work closely with the Task Force to ensure we are doing all that we can in the legislature to maintain and expand these critical investments by the Department of Defense.
This week there was plenty to celebrate across the Hampden and Hampshire District. On Tuesday Team Velis attended the grand opening of The Picklr, a new indoor pickleball club! No matter the weather folks have the opportunity to play a few games of pickleball on one of their 8 courts in Westfield. On Friday my team was in downtown Westfield to present a citation to commemorate the opening of Memories on Elm, a new event space to host celebrations. We’re very much looking forward to having you both in our community!
I would like to also congratulate all of the 9 Fire Department across the Hampden and Hampshire district who were each recently awarded FY 2025 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grants. These grants will support each department in purchasing a wide variety of equipment to help improve the safety of our dedicated local firefighters. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to all our public safety personnel!
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Westfield, Russell, and Southampton. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Monday February 3rd. 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. 
Best, 
John Velis