Somerville mayoral hopefuls to discuss elder issues at forum

For the first time in 17 years, Somerville seniors will be voting for their next mayor.

Candidates vying to be the next mayor of Somerville will discuss issues of interest to older adults at a special candidate forum on Thursday, August 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the new VNA Senior Living at 186 Highland Avenue (formerly the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence).

The forum is presented jointly by VNA Senior Living Communities and Somerville Cambridge Elder Services (SCES).

The panel discussion with be facilitated by VNA of Eastern Massachusetts CEO Linda Cornell, SCES Board of Directors President Leslie Hergert, and SCES Executive Director Paul Hollings.

Fully vaccinated Somerville residents are invited to attend the forum at VNA Senior Living @Highland (186 Highland Avenue). Masks are mandatory. Seating is limited, please RSVP by emailing info@vnaem.org. Call 617-718-2200 for more information.  The VNA will offer light refreshments and tours for those who arrive early.

Doors open at 3pm for open house tours. Candidate meet-and-greet starts at 4:30 p.m. Q&A with the panel starts at 5:00 p.m.

The forum is also being live-streamed by the Somerville Media Center, and can be watched live through the Somerville Media Center Facebook page or on SCATV Channel 3.

The Mayoral Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2. A Preliminary Election, to narrow the field to two candidates, will be held on Tuesday, September 14. The deadline to register to vote in the Preliminary Election is Wednesday, August 25.

The VNA of Eastern Massachusetts has been providing affordable housing and services for more than 115 years and provides a full continuum of care in Somerville with Senior Housing, Assisted Living and now Rest Home level of care. Rest Home level of care is an excellent option for those considering a nursing home or currently living in a nursing home. For more information, call Nancy Bergeron at 617-776-7744 or email info@vnaem.org or visit  https://vnaem.org/.

 Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is a non-profit agency that supports the independence and well-being of older adults in Somerville and Cambridge. Contact our Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 or info@eldercare.org for free advice and guidance or visit us online at eldercare.org.