THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 15, 2019 Page 7 LGBTQ community members feel welcomed at Mystic Valley Elder Services’ monthly social M ystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) started Mystic Tea nearly eight years ago to provide an affi rming, comfortable gathering place for LGBTQ older adults and anyone who wants to meet, eat and socialize with a lot of very interesting and welcoming people. Within that time, participation in the monthly meetings has remained robust, and newcomers to the MVES LGBTQ senior community have joined the gathering, fi nding companionship, acceptance and the enjoyment of shared experiences. “It’s a space where you don’t feel inhibited,” said Malden resident Frank Lapiana, a regular participant in the group. “You may have grown up in an environment where you were mistreated or where you were made to feel like an outcast, but this group setting is very comfortable and welcoming.” Mystic Tea is a gathering for anyone – with a focus on serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults – held on the third Tuesday of the month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at MVES (300 Commercial St. in Malden). Mystic Tea is open to LGBTQ adults from anywhere in Massachusetts. The “tea” includes coffee, tea and a hearty meal, but more importantly, good company and conversation. Lapiana said it’s a comfortable group, always ready to make a fi rst-timer feel welcome and embraced. And he notes that for some of the participants, it’s the only LGBTQ-specifi c space they ever encounter and they feel connected to each other. For the several dozen regular attendees of Mystic Tea, both male and female, the monthly event has become central to their social calendars. Sometimes there are special guest speakers, presentations on senior nutrition or help navigating Medicare. Many of the members come every month and have made new friends. “It gets you out of the house and adds variety to your week,” said Christopher Mason of Malden. “Mystic Tea is a place where I can be myself and feel comfortable in conversation.” “We want all older adults in the Mystic Valley region to feel safe, comfortable, independent, and supported,” said MVES CEO Dan O’Leary. “We treat all seniors equitably, and equitable treatment sometimes means reaching a bit further, trying a bit harder, and doing a bit more to create a welcoming and hospitable agency – and community.” An important part of independent living for older adults is community and/or family support; however, too often LGBTQ seniors are alienated from their families, and they do not know how to fi nd community members who would affirm their identities. Mystic Tea creates a welcoming community space for these individuals to socialize, develop trusting friendships and build a peer support network. Peer support and connection have proven health benefi ts for seniors. A sense of community improves seniors’ emotional well-being and outlook, which in turn has a benefi cial impact on health – including appetite, activity, memory and intellect. Mystic Tea provides the members of the senior communiPlug Into Reliability With Honda Generators! $ 290! SAVE EM6500S MSRP $3,219* ONLY $2,929 ** • 6500 watts • Provides 7,000 watts for 10 sec. to start larger equipment • Convenient electric starting • 120V/20A GFCI Outlets • 3-Year Warranty† ty with a safe and welcoming place to build this peer support and share with each other. The participants may enjoy the meal served, but it’s the company that keeps folks coming back, month after month and year after year. For more information about Mystic Tea, please call 781-3882303. BILLY PEZZULO Start Your Weekend at the Marina Dance Party! 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