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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2026 19 RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT By Vince Chacon; interviewed and edited by Regina Farmer I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment and green chiles. At the time, Hatch chiles were especially prized for being among the hottest and most f lavorful. After earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico, I moved to California. The move led to positions at Rockwell International and the Naval Electronics Systems Engineering Center. Following those experiences, I joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). My NASA career began at Armstrong Flight Research Center as an engineer, where I quickly developed expertise in software systems integration. At the time, software- controlled systems were just beginning to be incorporated into f light-critical aircraft systems. The agency had not hired many new engineers due to staff reductions after the Apollo Program. As a result, I was in the right place at the right time to help adapt many innovative technologies for use in modern aircraft. When I moved from technical roles into management, I realized I had a talent for motivating people to address behaviors that had limited their career growth and to take on challenges beyond their comfort zones. That ability also supported my own professional advancement. I retired after 40 years as Associate Director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center. After retiring, and after my wife, Salpy, sold her successful preschool, Birds' Nest Learning Academy, we considered leaving California. We explored several 55+ communities in other states before discovering Four Seasons at Beaumont. On our first visit, we were impressed by the entrance and, even more, by how welcoming the residents were. In 2020, we found the right home and decided to remain in California. Although many activities were shut down when we first moved in, we still enjoyed the golf cart parades and walks around Four Seasons Circle. As community activities resumed, we came to appreciate the wide range of clubs and events available. Salpy began making embroidery crafts, and I earned my HAM radio license. She has taken part in the Craft Fair, and I have taken part in Cars & Coffee gatherings. We have also enjoyed many events in the Ballroom and Amphitheater, as well as entertaining guests in our home. I joined the Planning and Safety Committees and contributed to studies involving parking, utility savings, and volleyball court options. I have also helped to address safety issues throughout the community. More recently, I joined the Finance Committee to better understand how financial decisions are made. I have been impressed by the experience and dedication our volunteers bring to committee work. Issues are discussed openly, differing views are considered, and decisions are made for the good of the community. The HOA management has had a positive impact on the community. As we celebrate 20 years, the facilities are in excellent condition. Financially, the community has supported a strong balance between resident priorities and cost. The future is bright. As a homeowner, I have made improvements to our home and yard. Although some of my applications were initially denied, the Architectural Review Committee was willing to work with me to reach a satisfactory solution. New residents are encouraged to get out into the community and start a conversation with the people around them. Whether attending events, eating at the Bistro, or walking around Four Seasons Circle, most residents are eager to talk about community life, and often about how they had to get creative to fit a lifetime of possessions into their new home. I ran for the Board of Directors because I have enjoyed this community since we moved here, and I want to help ensure that the next 20 years are as good as, or even better than, the first 20. Being a Board member isn't rocket science (but being a rocket scientist couldn't hurt)

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