Leadership

President – Jeanne Wilson

I first started volunteering at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center in Vista, CA. in 2005 in the Culture Caravan Department. I was one of several guides to escort seniors on mostly day trips. Before CO-VID we also took multi-day trips or even 7-10 day trips. What fun we all had! I began to have a much greater appreciation for our senior population. They loved to travel, to learn about new areas around them, to socialize with others, to enjoy meals with other seniors, and to share their life experiences with others. Friendships were formed, and some even continue today.

In 2013, the Director of the Senior Center came to me and asked if I could attend a meeting of a brand new organization which came to be called the Vista Silver Star Foundation. He thought I would be an asset to this organization. I agreed to attend, and I am still a member of this non-profit foundation. I am now the acting Chairman. We are currently raising funds to help support seniors in enhancing the quality of life for them. We have purchased a new color smart television for the senior center, purchased exercise chairs for the exercise class, purchased bocce balls for the bocce players, purchased a raised planter box so the chef can grow her own herbs to use in the lunches served at the center, and purchased another Mahjong set for that club. Why do I volunteer? I love helping others, especially senior citizens. It has both emotional and physical benefits. It gives me purpose and self-worth. Stronger social networks are established, and everyone is happier. I simply love what I am doing.

Secretary – Darcy Clevenger

My passion for helping seniors started in my youth when I volunteered at a convalescent home. For some of the seniors, I was their only visitor. To see their smiles and feel their joy was such a valuable experience. Fast forward, I started working in assisted living 10 years ago. I was looking for a job in which I could make a difference in peoples’ lives. I’m currently the Marketing Director for Aegis Living at Shadowridge and help people to navigate their search for an assisted living community. I joined the board of Vista Silver Star Foundation because it gives me the opportunity to support seniors in the area and utilize the resources available to me to benefit the foundation and its mission to help seniors. Both my parents are both gone and they were my best friends. Now I get more time, I just get it with other people’s parents. I’m a single mom of 2 great teenagers. My son attends Mira Costa college and works part-time at Legoland. My daughter is in high school and is actively playing volleyball with the hope of playing in college someday.

Treasurer – Emma Guerzon

I believe in giving back to the community who gave so much for my growth and maturity as I learn “life.” It is gratifying to carry on the good work of Vista Silver Star Foundation and be a part of fulfilling its mission.

I also would like to be contagious, sharing the joy of accomplishing something great and recruiting members who would use their special God given gifts, talents, time, and treasures to accomplish their legacy or life’s goal.

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible.” — Audrey Hepburn