Mystic Valley Elder Services

03/01/2026

The snow cancelled some of our Lunar New Year festivities, but fortunately, we were able to celebrate at Salem Street and Pearl Street in . These sites hosted dance, music and Tai Chi Sword performances by the Sweet Melody Art Troupe. Residents also enjoyed a tasty luncheon of Chinese dishes and some wonderfully colorful décor to offset the winter greys and whites! Happy Lunar New Year, 新年快乐.

02/27/2026

Are you a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s or another form of memory loss? You’re invited to a special Memory Café featuring The Singing Trooper, aka Sgt. Daniel M. Clark. This beloved singer, Marine Corps veteran and former State Trooper will perform March 5, 10:30am, at Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm St. No fee, no signups, just music and a patriotic good time! Like all our Memory Cafés, this event offers a chance to connect with their loved ones — and with other families who understand their journey — in a welcoming, accepting environment. Mystic Valley Elder Services is co-presenting with the Town of Wakefield Council on Aging and Stoneham Council on Aging. ..

02/24/2026

Our CEO Lisa Gurgone weighed in for this GBH News article on meal delivery being impacted by the blizzard. While Mystic Valley Elder Services sends out extra meals when a storm is forecast,
older adults and people with disabilities face special challenges during inclement weather. Check out the article for details — and for how you can help your neighbors.
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-02-23/senior-meal-delivery-paused-due-to-blizzard-conditions..

Services for seniors are frozen in place — like almost everything else — as a blizzard wallops Eastern Massachusetts.

02/24/2026

Tuesday, 2/24 update: As Greater Boston slowly digs out from the blizzard, please feel free to call us today if you have any questions!

Mystic Valley is still here for your questions — we can be reached by phone today at 781-324-7705. A few reminders and tips for weathering the storm:
❄️ Keep your cell phone and other devices charged.
❄️ Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries.
❄️ Check in with a friend or family member. Be especially aware of those with health conditions.
❄️ Keep out drafts by closing curtains and blinds, especially when the sun isn’t out. You can also put rolled-up towels or blankets against doors or drafty windows.
❄️ You may be tempted to keep the heat low, but it’s not worth the risk to your health. Set your thermostat to around 68 or where you’re comfortable. Resources for post-storm financial assistance with home heating: www.mves.org/resources-for-winter-energy-assistance
❄️ Many people are offering shoveling services on local Facebook groups. If you’re considering this, check reviews before contacting anyone. Try asking the Facebook group for feedback and searching on Google if it’s a business. Don’t pay upfront for services.
❄️ If you might need shoveling help in the future, try calling your City Hall or Town Hall. Many communities help connect residents with people offering snow removal.

02/23/2026

This warms our hearts on a wintry day! Maritza Lagos, one of our Long-Term Care Coordinators, was named this month’s Workforce Hero by The Caring Force. Check out their profile of Maritza.

Maritza Lagos is our Caring Force February 2026 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree! Lagos works as a Long-Term Service Coordinator (LTSC) at Mystic Valley Elder Services. 1. Tell us about your

02/23/2026

Mystic Valley is still here for your questions — we can be reached by phone today at 781-324-7705. A few reminders and tips for weathering the storm:
❄️ Keep your cell phone and other devices charged.
❄️ Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries.
❄️ Check in with a friend or family member. Be especially aware of those with health conditions.
❄️ Keep out drafts by closing curtains and blinds, especially when the sun isn’t out. You can also put rolled-up towels or blankets against doors or drafty windows.
❄️ You may be tempted to keep the heat low, but it’s not worth the risk to your health. Set your thermostat to around 68 or where you’re comfortable. Resources for post-storm financial assistance with home heating: www.mves.org/resources-for-winter-energy-assistance
❄️ Many people are offering shoveling services on local Facebook groups. If you’re considering this, check reviews before contacting anyone. Try asking the Facebook group for feedback and searching on Google if it’s a business. Don’t pay upfront for services.
❄️ If you might need shoveling help in the future, try calling your City Hall or Town Hall. Many communities help connect residents with people offering snow removal.

02/22/2026

Spring feels far away with this forecast, but it WILL return. And it will bring our latest series at Ironstone Farm! 🐴 This program is for people with memory loss and their family caregivers. Experience the joy and calm of animal therapy in a welcoming, accepting environment. Meet other families who understand your caregiver journey. It books up quickly, so reserve your spot! Call Kathy at Mystic Valley at 781-388-2350. Details on this flyer.
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02/19/2026

👏 Every day in our community, people make a difference in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities. They deserve recognition and YOU can help them receive it.

🏅 Mystic Valley Elder Services will present our Community All-Star Awards this spring. If you know someone who makes an impact, please nominate them for an award. They do NOT need to be affiliated with MVES. The main criteria are:

✨ Someone who goes above and beyond for older adults or for adults with disabilities
✨ Active in Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield or Winthrop

🫂 Examples of Community All-Stars include a volunteer who gives hours of their time, a veteran who supports older or disabled veterans, or someone who always helps out at the local senior center.

📢 Nominations are due by April 1. Visit www.mves.org/mves50 to learn more or to fill out a simple nomination form. You can also share your nominations or questions via development@mves.org or 781-388-4802.

🎉 The All-Star Award winners will be honored at our spring fundraiser, the MVES Legacy50 Summit, on June 4. The Keynote Speaker will be Ashton Applewhite, a TED Mainstage speaker, author, and leading voice in the anti-ageism movement. Details and tickets at www.mves.org/Legacy50.

City of Revere Elder Services Malden Senior Center Medford Senior Center Chelsea Senior Center Town of Wakefield Council on Aging Milano Family Senior Center North Reading Elder Services Town of Stoneham, MA North Reading, MA Malden Chamber of Commerce Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Stoneham Chamber of Commerce Melrose Chamber of Commerce

02/18/2026

Happy Lunar New Year, 新年快乐! We kicked off the holiday by participating in the 17th Lunar New Year Gala in on Feb. 7. This is fantastic tradition and we were happy to take part again. Be sure to check out the Chinese Culture Connection page for beautiful photos of the performances, costumes and more. May the Year of the Horse bring everyone joy!

02/15/2026

Our Wellness Nurses made the most of February, which is American Heart Month in addition to Valentine’s Day. Nurses Janelle and Katelyn gave a Heart Health presentation at several of our Supportive Housing sites. Next up, they hosted a heart-themed painting activity with our Resident Service Coordinators. ..

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day! We had a fantastic time at our Supportive Housing sites throughout Greater Boston. Here are some of the highlights — from roses to cocoa bars — in City of Chelsea Massachusetts- Gov, City of Everett, City of Malden (Official), City of Revere, Town of Stoneham, MA, and Town of Wakefield, MA - Government. Special thanks to our Housing Authority partners in each of these communities.
💗💗💗
Chelsea Housing Authority

02/13/2026

Massachusetts aims to help 2,400 residents transition from nursing homes to community settings. Mystic Valley Elder Services was proud to comment for this excellent article from GBH News. MVES is one of the agencies helping people with disabilities and older adults return to the community. There are challenges in transitioning from a nursing facility — but the state’s program helps people find a true home again and reduces costs in the process.
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“I’m doing a lot better," says one man who is now living in the community.