Get to know your Summit Vista Resident Advisory Committee
RACHAEL STEPHENS
Rachael was born and raised in Salt Lake City. She and her husband have been married for 56 years. Before moving to Summit Vista, they made their home in Sandy, Utah, and were certain it would be the last place they lived. However, the appeal of maintenance-free living was far too good to pass up. In her professional life, Rachael worked as a residential real estate agent for nearly 40 years where she made many lifelong friends and connections.
What do you consider the highlight of your life?
“My husband I have been very fortunate to have a life full of family, grandchildren, and friends. They’re who make everything worthwhile. Even in the six months we’ve lived here at Summit Vista, we’ve met so many amazing people that already feel like family.”
How do you like to spend your time?
“I really enjoy the pool, exercise, and yoga classes here. I’m also having a lot of fun participating in all the clubs and activities, like the Glee Club. Being part of the RAC has also helped me get acquainted with everyone in our community.”
What is something you’d like everyone to know about you?
“I’m a social person. It’s probably one of the things that attracted us to Summit Vista—the social opportunities offered here. I’m an open book and love to get to know people. And what better place to do it than the comfort and safety of our Summit Vista community? I also love baseball.”
SANDRA BIEL
Sandra was born in New Jersey but lived in Chicago for 40 years. Prior to moving to Summit Vista, she and her husband lived in the Olympus Cove area of Salt Lake City. They are the proud parents of three kids. In her professional life, Sandra worked as a psychologist for children in school, as well as with her own practice. “Once a psychologist, always a psychologist!”
What are your interests and hobbies?
“I love hiking and snowshoeing. I also love going to the movies, the theatre, or to the symphony. It’s fun to be around people, especially my husband, children, and friends.”
What interested you most about Summit Vista?
“Living here has not been a disappointment at all. I was very interested in the social life aspect and the opportunity to meet so many interesting people that were my age. I also looked forward to all the fun activities to participate in. Summit Vista truly is a welcoming place to
live and grow. We’re always learning!”
What is something no one knows about you?
“I once hitchhiked all the way to Cottonwood Canyon.”
BILL HARDESTY
Bill grew up in Southern California. At the age of 15, his family moved to Utah. For the past 38 years, he and his wife have lived in West Valley City. In his professional life, Bill worked off and on as a corporate trainer with a few other jobs in between. The highlights of his life and career came when he married his wife and when he had the opportunity to do some training in Sweden.
How do you like to spend your free time?
“I enjoy freelance writing for city journals and the government in SSL, as well as artistic pursuits like pottery, drawing, and painting. I am also a fan of LA Dodger baseball and going to University of Utah baseball games. Life is really fun, and I enjoy being able to live it.”
Now that you’re a Summit Vista resident, what do you like best?
“Before moving in, I really liked the community aspect. It’s really easy to feel isolated as your children grow up and move away, or as you become a little less mobile with age. Here at Summit Vista, I can walk down the hall and meet new, interesting people every day. I love being able to interact and learn so much from so many great people.”
What would you like people to know about Summit Vista?
“Don’t let the worries of finances or big change, like moving, outshine the positives of what your life could be in this exciting time in life. From the community of friends to amazing growth opportunities, there are so many positives and internal joys to be experienced here.”
ROB WELCH
Rob comes from Atlanta, Georgia, but has spent the last 42 years living in Taylorsville, Utah. He and his wife are the proud parents of four children and nine grandchildren. In his professional career, Rob worked 21 years as a lumber broker. He also spent time working at a number of other jobs here and there, as well as starting a few successful businesses of his own. He claims his greatest feat has been to ride a motorcycle for over 40 years and live to tell about it.
What are your interests and hobbies?
“I’m not sure if it’s a hobby, but I am very interested in staying healthy. I like to get out and do things, like sports, pickleball, table tennis, golf, swimming, and working out. I also like photography and playing games with friends.”
What interested you most about Summit Vista?
“The amenities, of course! I was also very drawn to the low-maintenance, gated community, and the food. Since moving in, Summit Vista has lived up to all my expectations and more. Everything is amazing, especially the opportunities to get to know so many people. There’s nothing that compares to it.”
What is something you would like others to know?
“You can’t compare Summit Vista to any other retirement community because there is nothing like it. This really is somewhere you come to live, not the opposite. I’d also like others to know that I love to offer service at every chance I get—and that I often feel much taller than 5’10”.