In the late 1950s and early 1960s America’s Cold War with the Soviet Union was in full  swing and resident Bob Soth was smack in the middle. Bob, an up and coming world-class long-distance runner, had one thing on his mind … “Beat the Russians!”

Bob’s best finish at an Amateur Athletic Union meet was third in the 10,000 Meters in 1959. He also placed fourth in the 5,000 Meters in 1956 and 1960. Bob won a bronze medal in the 10K  at the 1959 Pan American Games. It’s now July 1959 and Bob faced his biggest challenge, competing against two elite Russian runners in the 10,000 Metres.

The USA-USSR dual meet was held at Franklin Field in Philadelphia and Bob was one of the two American entrants. It was a brutally hot July day, and the pace was slow. At around 8,000 Meters, the two Soviet runners led, followed by Bob. One of the Soviets was overcome by heat and Bob made his move into second place.  But Bob shortly also fell victim to the heat, running in an odd, backward lean indicating he was in serious trouble. After almost a full lap of that, he collapsed and became unconscious. Fortunately, he fully recovered and no long-term damage ensued.

“Sure I was disappointed but I was competing against two top-notch Russian athletes,” he said. “There was a lot to be proud of. At that time in history, all athletes wanted to beat the Russians.” Although defeated in that race, it has become known in racing circles as a meet that displayed Bob’s competitive spirit. So much so that Bob went on to compete in the 1960 Olympics in Rome and placed seventh in one of the preliminary heats failing to make the finals in the Men’s 5,000 Meters.

“I learned a lot as a competitive runner about my self-worth and gained a lot of confidence that helped me as a teacher and in life in general,” Bob said. Bob competed a few more years but then decided to pursue a career as a high school teacher and part-time track coach.

Bob continued to go for the gold when looking for a retirement community. At Walnut Village Bob felt an immediate feeling of friendship. And if there is any doubt Bob enjoys living at Walnut Village just look at his name tag. “I’m a happy Villager,” it says, and Bob would not have it any other way.

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“I am so happy to be here,” said the retired family medicine physician. “I’m a very social being and Walnut Village is perfect for me. The interesting people I have met here are extraordinary. And the staff are top notch. I couldn’t ask for nicer people.”

As a self-proclaimed people person who enjoys meeting new friends, living at Walnut Village  is a far cry from her previous residence. “The condo I lived in was beautiful but so unfriendly,” Lucia remembers. “Many people lived there but everyone was so isolated. Here, it’s like living at a resort with all of your close friends.”

“A friend at my church worked in the dining room here and recommended I come visit,” Lucia said. “I was unsure about living at a retirement community, so I didn’t realize how much I would love it until I got here.”

Lucia moved to Walnut Village about a year ago and has not looked back. Her passion is reading and conversations with practically everyone she meets. From her first day as a resident, Lucia began making connections with fellow USC and UCLA alumni and other retired medical professionals. “I have split college loyalties,” Lucia says with a smile.

Lucia’s biggest joy is to have her children and grandchildren visit. At her condo, she felt visiting grandchildren were not welcome. “Neighbors would complain about the noise, but not here,” Lucia said. “Walnut Village realizes that family members are a joy to have visit and make them feel at home.”

And Lucia is thrilled she was able to bring her grandmother’s 120-year-old walnut dining table, matching buffet and china cabinet with her. “I just cherish those,” she said. “Being able to bring those three pieces with me is special.”

As an added bonus, Lucia likes that Walnut Village offers a continuum of care so if her health needs change, the community can accommodate them.

The post Dr. Lucia Dean Calls Walnut Village the Friendliest Place on Earth appeared first on Front Porch.