Mystic Valley Elder Services presented Community All‑Star Awards on June 4, 2026, to 11 individuals who make a difference in the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities — Rosemary Ardagna, Susan Becker, Anthony Carbone, Gene Ferullo, Mary Ellen Keough, Janis Mamayek, William Reedy, Julio Salado, Roberta Sanchez, Joanne Woolridge, and Giovanny Zuniga.
Our Community All‑Stars support and enrich the 11 cities and towns we serve: Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winthrop. Each winner’s outstanding contributions are profiled below.
The awards were presented during our Legacy50 Summit, held in celebration of our 50th anniversary and in support of our mission. Award recipients were nominated by members of the community, and our Board’s Development Committee had the difficult task of selecting the honorees. Thank you to each of our winners, for all you do!
Chelsea All-Star: Giovanny Zuniga, Transit Justice Organizer at GreenRoots
Giovanny Zuniga is a Colombian immigrant, MBA Business Administrator, and Transit Justice Organizer with GreenRoots. He is a trusted advocate for older adults in Chelsea and East Boston, working to improve transportation access, mobility independence, and civic participation. Through culturally responsive outreach, he helps residents access transportation resources such as Senior Passes, Low-Income Eligible Passes, and The RIDE, reducing barriers to mobility and independence. By organizing community conversations, Giovanny ensures older adults’ voices shape equitable transit decisions and remain connected and engaged in their communities.
Award Presenter: Edward Rocha, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, left)
Everett All-Star: Anthony Carbone, Volunteer
Anthony Carbone is a committed parishioner of Blessed Mother of the Morning Star Parish, which includes St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Revere and Malden and Our Lady of Grace Church in Chelsea and Everett. An active member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the St. Mary’s Men’s Club, he serves residents in need through home visits, clothing drives, and the preparation and distribution of Easter and Christmas baskets. Anthony also leads fundraising efforts, serves as a lector, and volunteers his time maintaining parish grounds, exemplifying dedicated service to his faith community.
Award Presenter: Janice Donatelli, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, left)
Malden All-Star: Julio Salado, Founder of Fitness Foundry
Julio Salado is an award-winning fitness professional, author and founder of Fitness Foundry. He is also a licensed EMT-B. With community central to his work and life, Coach Julio has built Fitness Foundry with the goal of creating a space where all individuals, regardless of their level of fitness, can achieve their fitness goals. He works hard to be the best so that his clients can feel their best. Coach Julio has partnered with MVES to support older adults on their fitness journey at the Heritage Building in Malden. His ability to meet each resident where they are has made his monthly exercise sessions both welcoming and effective. Residents report feeling more balanced and motivated to stay active after his visits.
Award Presenter: Lisa Felci Jimenez, Mystic Valley Clinical Services Director (pictured, right)
Medford All-Star: Rosemary Ardagna, Volunteer
Rosemary Ardagna exemplifies outstanding community service through her deep commitment to supporting Medford residents of all ages and backgrounds. She generously volunteers her time attending fundraising events, celebrating new local businesses at ribbon cuttings, and serving at the senior center. Rosemary plays a key role in the annual Jingle Bell Festival, helping raise thousands of dollars to support Adult Day Health services in Medford. Beyond her leadership and volunteerism, she is known for her personal generosity and steadfast support of local organizations.
Award Presenter: Pamela Kelly, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, right)
Melrose All-Star: Susan Becker, Volunteer
Susan Becker is a dedicated leader in advancing health, wellness, and lifelong independence for older adults. For more than ten years, she has delivered a wide range of evidence-based programs for MVES, including Tai Chi, Matter of Balance, Chronic Disease Self‑Management, and Healthy Eating. Her work also extends to partnerships with nonprofits and institutions to develop innovative programs for professional and community growth. In addition, Susan has led impactful initiatives in Massachusetts public schools focused on preventing bullying and relationship violence. Her contributions were recognized with the Outstanding Leader Award at the 2019 Healthy Living Center for Excellence Conference.
Award Presenter: Carole Lowenstein, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, left)
North Reading All-Star: Roberta Sanchez, Volunteer
Roberta “Bert” Sanchez has lived in North Reading for 38 years and began volunteering extensively after retiring in 2021. What started at the North Reading Food Pantry soon grew into a deep commitment to the community, including many years of service at the North Reading Senior Center, where her time and dedication are invaluable. Roberta supports the congregate meal program, assists with daily operations, and warmly engages participants and visitors alike. She also volunteers with the Veterans Event Committee and the Flint Memorial Library. Quietly and consistently, Roberta makes a difference throughout the community, offering her time with unwavering kindness, patience, and grace.
Award Presenter: Mary Prenney, Mystic Valley Advisory Council Member (pictured, right)
Reading All-Star: Joanne Wooldridge, Volunteer
Joanne Wooldridge is a retired MGH nurse and founder of Mass General PrimeCare, MGH’s Geriatric Care Management practice. Her lifelong commitment to older adults includes service on the Reading Council on Aging, the Board of North Shore Elder Services, and ten years as an MVES SHINE counselor in Reading. Joanne co‑founded the Reading Neighbors Network and currently serves as President of Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus, a 501(c)(3) she helped establish to support residents age 60+. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Joanne has strengthened services and improved the lives of countless older adults.
Award Presenter: Michele Clopper, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, left)
Revere All-Star: William Reedy, Volunteer
William J. Reedy, Jr., approaching his 90th birthday, is a beloved community pillar whose life reflects decades of selfless service to the City of Revere. A National Guard veteran and retired Amtrak Station Master, William is a tireless advocate for veterans through the Veterans Affairs Office and the American Legion. He also supports seniors through his leadership at the Rossetti‑Cowan Senior Center, where he manages bocce leagues and serves on the board. Dedicated to preserving local history, William works with the Revere Historic Society and the Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. Known for his integrity, humility, and quiet dedication, William is truly a hometown treasure.
Award Presenter: Sean Hubacz, Mystic Valley Finance Director (pictured, right)
Stoneham All-Star: Gene Ferullo, Volunteer
Gene Ferullo is a retired Army Colonel whose lifelong dedication to service continues at age 97. A longtime MVES volunteer, former Treasurer, and Finance Advisory Board member, he has been a leader at the Stoneham Senior Center since 2021. Gene leads volunteers who organize medical equipment donations and support fundraising efforts, always ensuring older adults receive the help they need. Known for his organization, compassion, and welcoming spirit, Gene remains an invaluable presence and a trusted leader in the community.
Award Presenter: Kristen Spence, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, right)
Wakefield All-Star: Janis Mamayek, Co-Founder of INspire Café
Janis Mamayek, motivated by her exceptional son, Whitman, is an advocate for individuals with diverse abilities and the co‑founder of INspire Café in Wakefield, an inclusive community hub providing meaningful employment opportunities. As the architect — literally and figuratively — of the INspire mission, Janis has helped create a world where people of all abilities are valued for their unique talents. A longtime architect focused on affordable housing, she also serves as Board Chair of Friends of INspire Café and on the DDS Metro North Citizens Advisory Board.
Award Presenter: Judie VanKooiman, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, left)
Winthrop All-Star: Mary Ellen Keough, Volunteer
Mary Ellen Keough is a retired public health professional with 40 years of experience in population‑based research, education, and clinical care, locally and internationally. Since retiring, she has dedicated her time to serving the Winthrop community, volunteering for years at the Robert DeLeo Senior Center. As a driver, she provides transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping for local seniors, often going beyond what is required. Known for her compassion and reliability, Mary Ellen treats everyone with care and dignity and is deeply valued by those she serves.
Award Presenter: Matthew Rodes, Mystic Valley Board Member (pictured, left)
