Hello,
I hope everyone had a great week! This week Team Velis and I welcomed multiple new businesses to the district and celebrated the remarkable milestone of our community partner.
On Monday Team Velis joined Mary Dowling at the ribbon cutting celebration of her two new businesses over on Meadow Street in Westfield. From the pre-made candles to the workshops and supplies to make your own candle at home, Moon Jules Scents and Whip City Candle Supply House will likely have just what you need. We were also thrilled to welcome Comfort Bagel to Westfield on Thursday at the celebration of their new location. It is so exciting to hear all about their work to re-open a location in Holyoke as they continue to expand their business across our district. You absolutely must stop in to try one of their many different homemade bagels if you have not already!
The celebrations this week did not stop at these fantastic business ribbon cuttings in Westfield! On Wednesday WesternMass ElderCare celebrated their 50th anniversary with a gathering of staff and local officials over in Chicopee. My office and I truly are so appreciative of WesternMass ElderCare’s partnership on a number of issues. From supporting my office in assisting constituents in need to being on the forefront of advocating for issues and policies that will help improve the lives of older adults, their collaboration with my office is invaluable. Congratulations and here’s to 50 more years!
This week we also had a lot to celebrate out in Boston as the legislature’s Economic Development Bill was signed into law by Governor Healey. The bill makes a number of critical investments to ensure our Commonwealth’s economy is able to continue to grow and remain competitive. I am grateful to both Representative Finn and Pease for their partnership in ensuring that Data Center incentives were included in the final legislation, especially as a data center in Westfield continues to be proposed, bringing with it billions of dollars of investment and hundreds of good paying jobs to our state and region.
This week, I held office hours at the Easthampton and Holyoke COAs. Next week, Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30PM to 1:30PM, on Tuesday at the Southampton Council on Aging at 9:30AM to 10:30AM and again later that day at the Russell Council on Aging from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.
If you can’t make it in person, feel free to reach out anytime at john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone at (413) 572-3920. You can also stay updated by signing up for my newsletter at senatorjohnvelis.com
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
John Velis