Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 10, 2026 Legislators champion support for older adults at Mystic Valley event From left to right: District Director Em Sheeran of the Office of State Senator Jason Lewis, State Representatives Richard Haggerty, Kate LipperGarabedian and Steve Ultrino, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Melrose Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis, State Representatives Jeffrey Turco and Paul Donato, Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen, Medford Mayor Breanna LungoKoehn, Senior District Director Mary Ann Nay of State Senator Bruce Tarr’s office, State Representative Christine Barber, North Reading Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto and Mystic Valley CEO Lisa Gurgone. Special to The Advocate M ystic Valley Elder Services (Mystic Valley) convened state legislators and community leaders on March 31 for a powerful Legislative Breakfast highlighting the importance of programs for older adults and people with disabilities. The event illustrated the essential role of committed leadership J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. in preserving services that empower people to live safely and independently in their communities. CEO Lisa Gurgone underscored Mystic Valley’s legislaS LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping State Representative Joe McGonagle discussed volunteering with Mystic Valley Elder Services during the Covid pandemic, and he urged support for older adults and people with disabilities. tive priorities, including key bills supporting in-home assistance, caregiver support and the Hospital to Home program, which helps patients transition from nursing facilities back to the community. Legislative Co-Hosts this year were State Representative Jeffrey Turco and District Director Mary Ann Nay of the office of State Senator Bruce Tarr. Representative Turco delivered a moving reflection on his family’s own caregiving journey, describing how Mystic Valley supported his mother‑in‑law in remaining at home. He urged attendees to “be fierce advocates” for families who EVENT | SEE PAGE 7
7 Publizr Home