Vive Pacific Regent! La Jolla senior community celebrates 25 years

Talk about joie de vivre! Pacific Regent senior independent living condo community celebrated its 25th anniversary Sept. 15 with an “Evening in Paris” party. More than 100 residents gathered for cocktail hour, donning their most festive French attire, before a French dinner in the main dining room.

Among the residents, a variety of professionals and geographic regions are represented. To name a few: Doctors, lawyers, psychiatrists, college professors, social workers, bankers, health food entrepreneurs, military personnel, engineers, a one-time communist, nuclear physicists, nurses and a former radio star. The nearly 150 seniors that make up the community come from everywhere — the East Coast to the Middle East, the far Rockaways to Chicago and Walla Walla Washington.

And all of them like to party. 100-year-old Sherm Smith, one of the first residents, said he moved to the Nobel Drive complex 24 years ago. From its onset, he said, “this was a party place,” with residents throwing celebrations for everything from new arrivals to holidays. “When New Year’s Eve came around the first time, it was a little strange because we didn’t know how to celebrate. A few of us went in the social room with some liqueurs, and one of us hopped on the piano and entertained for the night.”

As for what makes Pacific Regent unique? According to the evening’s emcee, Tom Ryan, “ It’s the people who each day, enrich our lives. Pacific Regent reminds me sometimes of ‘Cheers,’ where everyone knows your name.”

A relative “new kid in town” Nadine Finkle, who has lived at Pacific Regent for just under a year, said she appreciates the welcoming staff and that the facility provides transportation and group outings.

Pacific Regent is at 3890 Nobel Drive. (858) 597-8000. lajolla.watermarkcommunities.com