Weiser Senior and Community Center welcomes new director

Weiser Senior and Community Center has welcomed new director Star Ash with open arms as she takes over the position from previous director Kathy Huerta.
 Officially stepping up on Nov. 20, 2020, Ash said the previous few months have presented a learning curve that she has since mastered and is now cruising through her new leadership role.
 “I am a work-a-holic,” said Ash. “I give a hundred and ten percent on every job I’ve ever done…it was definitely my work ethic that got me this job.”
 Originally from California, Ash came to Idaho at 19 years-old, moving a few times before choosing to settle in Weiser. She began work at the senior center as the building’s janitor in February 2019, with responsibilities in upkeep both inside and outside.
 When hired on initially, she treated the facilities as a space to make a lovely and sparkly environment. Ash said her work ethic is what pushes her forward, throwing herself into every task she is presented with.
 When Huerta announced her retirement and Ash was presented with the opportunity to take on the job of director, she was pleasantly surprised and attributed it to her ability to dedicate herself to complete tasks fully and carefully.
 “Weirder things happen in my life than normal things,” said Ash. “It’s just kind of crazy…janitor to coordinator.”
 Ash said she is happy and excited to move forward as the senior center director and feels the overwhelming love and support from the community. While reserved at first without extensive background with the programming used by the center, she jumped head-first into the administrative position and has since found her footing since beginning last fall. While on the job, she is always on the go while maintaining a warm, friendly and open disposition to those around her.
 “Here I am, in a facility that does nothing but help others,” said Ash. “I’m helping seniors, I am laughing every day, I am making lives better every day…there’s so many good reasons to be here.”
 After living in Boise, Ash initially moved to Weiser five years ago to repair and refurbish the State Street Motel. She moved to Ohio for a short time and chose to return to Weiser, with this area being the last place she felt at home.
 With the senior center, she has found a community and a support system like she has never known. Since she was young, Ash said she had a goal to one day be in a position to give help to those that may need it. After experiencing many hardships, she said she is thankful for the chance to make a positive impact on someone’s life.
 “This opportunity is repairing my heart, making dreams come true for myself, for others,” said Ash. “Just being able to tell somebody it’s going to be ok.”