Meet Our Residents
The true heart of White Sands is its people and the lasting friendships that take shape. Our diverse community comes from around the world and brings a wealth of life experiences and adventures. Interesting, dynamic and productive, these are accomplished people accustomed to directing their own lives and sharing the richness of life with others.
From upstate New York to Texas to Alaska, Bill and Anita MacKenzie have lived and traveled throughout the United States, and their adventure continues with concerts, classes and new friends at White Sands.
“We're both very active in committees and the residents' governing board, and being engaged makes our lives much more interesting."– Bill
"The beauty we have here around us is unbelievable, and we have a staff that really listens."– Anita
"White Sands just gets better and better the longer I'm here. I eat dinner with different individuals every night, and they are extraordinarily friendly. Now I'm trying to get my friends to move in too."– Joanne West
"White Sands is a great place to live, as its location could not be better – right on the Pacific coast with easy access to restaurants, shopping and walking and biking trails."– Martha Sexton
"I enjoy sitting outside having lunch with friends, admiring the ocean and watching the surfers try to catch a wave. It is relaxing and enjoyable. White Sands is a treasure by the sea."– Jean Letson
"Gotta love that White Sands!"– Harley and Pat Quint
From exercising in the pool or at the gym to dancing the night away, Harley and Pat Quint live by their customized motto.
"White Sands means finding a second family and having things to do, meals to share and a beautiful place to live. This was a good choice for me, and I'm thankful to be here."– Cindy Peterson
Tony and Diane Desiderio love White Sands' woodworking room almost as much as the beautiful ocean views. Using the scroll saw, Tony creates intricate pieces for Diane to paint.
"If they don't have your favorite hobby, they will try to develop it with you and for you."– Tony and Diane
Art collectors, authors and former professors, Natasha Josefowitz and Herman Gadon take full advantage of the peaceful White Sands location to continue their life's work while learning new things and meeting new people.
“Every week I go to art appreciation, music appreciation and current event classes, as well as yoga, tai chi and swimming. I'm busier now than I was before I retired – in ways that I like to be."– Natasha, a former professor of business at San Diego State University
"I really like the fact that I can never go anywhere without bumping into someone, and yet, if you want privacy you can have it, so it's both."– Herman, a former professor of economics at the University of New Hampshire and University of California-San Diego
Trading the snowy winters of Minnesota for the sunny shores of California, Phil and Barb Weiler spend their free time walking on the beach, hiking, biking and going to concerts.
“We thought about retiring to Florida, but the heat and humidity of the summers would have kept us indoors. In San Diego, the temperature doesn't vary as much, and we can spend more time outside."– Phil
"White Sands offers us a wonderful choice of activities, and we really connect with the treasure trove of interesting and caring residents and staff."– Barb
Breakfast buddies Bob Fielder (left) and Bill Stone are part of a group of guys who start the day off right – with a good meal and good friends.
“White Sands is a nice community because it almost feels like a family. Everyone really cares for each other."– Bob
"The staff is exceptionally well trained, there's very little turnover and they are genuinely concerned. When residents are ready to transition to a different level of care, it's always a sensitive and difficult time, and White Sands handles it very well. My family is delighted I'm here."– Bill
Anytime the sun is out, the ocean-view patio is the place to be as Bob Fielder weaves a tale for (from left) Ester Muller, Betty Fielder and Diane Parker.
“I particularly enjoy looking out over the ocean at breakfast and going to the opera or musical events and having transportation provided."– Ester
"The best thing about White Sands is the people. We've made such good friends here."– Betty
"We're pleased that our children don't have to worry about us. If something happens, we'll be well taken care of."– Bob
"It's a very active and diverse community, and the amount of input from residents is incredible. From the library to green committee, there's a resident group for just about any interest. I like that kind of involvement."– Diane
The social atmosphere is one of the many perks of the White Sands lifestyle as (from left) Massie Barber, Randy Kent, Norm Lewis, Anne Kent and Millie Stiverson enjoy time together.
“There are so many activities at White Sands that you can't take advantage of all of them, and the medical services in San Diego are superb. I was a marine biologist so I've always lived by the water."– Randy
"We love going for long walks through the village of La Jolla or along the coast and down to the cove to watch the seals."– Anne
In 2006, Randy launched a scholarship program to benefit the employees of White Sands. Residents support the program through donations and memorials. Anne helps produce the weekly Sandpiper newsletter for residents.
More resident interviews and photos coming soon!