This week, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) will officially kick off our 50th year! We were established in June of 1975. Many of our friends, partners and supporters have already registered to attend our 50th Kick-Off Event, which will be held on June 24 at Rivers Edge in Medford. We’re excited to have you join us!

As you may know from our newsletter or social media, MVES is planning a yearlong celebration — hosting special events in each of the communities we serve, honoring individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to aging services, and more.

Today, we’re excited to share the latest news. Our festivities will culminate a year from now with the MVES Legacy50 Summit, a unique event that will include a nationally known anti-ageism advocate. Ashton Applewhite is the author of the award winning “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism,” which breaks down the way aging has been reframed as a problem in our society. The book is praised as funny and lively, yet tenacious in challenging stereotypes of aging and how they’ve impacted our culture.

Ashton is also co-founder of Old School, which develops and shares anti-ageism resources, hosts and facilitates dialogues on aging, and collaborates with other pro-aging and social justice organizations.

A veteran speaker who has appeared on the TED mainstage, Ashton shares her own journey from an age-apprehensive Baby Boomer to an age-equity activist. MVES is excited to hear her vision for an age-friendly world at our Legacy50 Summit on June 4, 2026, at Tufts University’s Joyce Cummings Center. In addition to Ashton’s Keynote Address, MVES will present a panel discussion, book signing, expo fair, luncheon and more. Please save the date in your 2026 calendar!

If you’re interested in sponsoring the MVES Legacy50 Summit, or have any questions, please contact our Development Department at 781-324-7705 or development@mves.org.

MVES would like to thank Associated Home Care, our Celebration Keynote Sponsor for Ashton Applewhite’s appearance.