Hello Everyone,
We hope you all had a great week! Although April has started off with dreary weather, we’re optimistic that, as the old saying goes, these rainy days will bring May flowers.
Mark kicked off our week on Monday by joining Representative Duffy and Access Care Partners to deliver meals to clients in Holyoke and Chicopee. Every day, the dedicated team at Access Care Partners provides more than just food, they offer essential wellness checks and foster meaningful relationships with those they serve. Mark valued the chance to witness how these efforts help clients maintain their independence within our communities.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day was observed last Sunday to acknowledge and remember Vietnam Veterans, those still missing in action, and their families. On Monday, the Chicopee Veteran Service Office organized a thoughtful gathering to honor local Vietnam Veterans, which Mark attended on the Senator’s behalf. Senator Velis frequently recalls that when he came back from his first deployment to Afghanistan, it was Vietnam Veterans who were the first to welcome him and his unit home. He will always remember the genuine warmth they showed, especially considering the reprehensible treatment so many of these Veterans endured upon returning from Vietnam. To all who served in Vietnam, we extend our deepest gratitude and say: Welcome Home!
This week, the Senate approved a comprehensive bill aimed at boosting Massachusetts’ agricultural economy and supporting local farmers, known as the FARM bill. Many of its provisions were inspired by recommendations from the Special Commission on Agriculture submitted late last year. The FARM bill enables farmers to invest in capital improvements by establishing the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, which helps fund new equipment and infrastructure purchases. Additionally, it makes the Health Incentives Program, which offers SNAP reimbursements for locally grown fruits and vegetables, a permanent initiative. Team Velis is excited to see this legislation passed to support the future of farming in Massachusetts.
There were quite a few celebrations that took place across the district this week that our office had the privilege of sharing citations from the Senate with. These events included the inaugural “Bestie Westie” award night in West Springfield, which recognized dedicated municipal staff, as well as the annual DDS Holyoke/Chicopee Advisory Board Celebration. However, the highlight of our week was joining a very special retirement celebration in honor of Bridget’s mom, Bethaney, who has served Springfield’s U.S. District Court for over 35 years.
This week there were no community office hours. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging on Monday from 11:00am to 12:00pm and again on Wednesday at the West Springfield Council on Aging from 11:00am to 12:00pm. If you are unable to make office hours, please remember that you can reach us by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
Team Velis