This week on the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Ruth Ann Gardner, a woman whose life is a masterclass in commitment, growth, and never slowing down.

Ruth Ann was a proud military wife for 10 years and shared an incredible 67-year marriage, a true testament to partnership and resilience. But her story doesn’t stop there. She discovered tennis later in life and didn’t just pick it up, she excelled. A natural on the court, Ruth Ann went on to work and play alongside Billie Jean King and even coached tennis at the collegiate level.

And just when most people would consider taking it easy, Ruth Ann took on a whole new challenge earning her master’s degree at 73 years old.

This is one of those conversations that reminds you it’s never too late to learn something new, chase your passions, and keep pushing forward.

And stories like Ruth Ann’s are exactly why I do this podcast, sharing the incredible people who make Westbrook Village such a special place. Real estate is how I support it, so if you’ve ever thought about buying or selling here or know someone who would love this community, I’d love to help.

On this episode of the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast, Steve sits down with Westbrook Village resident Joedy Gardner, a man whose life story spans college basketball history, military service, and a lifetime connected to the game he loves.

Joedy played college basketball at West Virginia University during a legendary era of Mountaineer basketball, where he shared the court with Hall of Famer Jerry West and helped lead the team to the national championship game. Today, Joedy carries a unique distinction as the only living player from that historic team.

After his playing days, Joedy answered another call to serve, becoming a pilot in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he returned to the sport that shaped so much of his life, spending years coaching college basketball and mentoring young athletes.

In this conversation, Joedy shares stories from one of the most fascinating eras of college basketball, what it was like playing alongside one of the greatest players in the game, his time flying for the Marines, and how those experiences shaped the rest of his life.

Today, Joedy enjoys life right here in Westbrook Village, and like so many neighbors in this incredible community, his story is one worth hearing.

Meet Your Neighbor is a podcast dedicated to sharing the stories of the people who make Westbrook Village such a special place to live. Hosted by local Realtor Steve Merila, the show is Steve’s way of giving back to the community while helping connect neighbors through their life stories. If you live in Westbrook Village and would like to share your story or if real estate ever becomes part of your next chapter, Steve would love to hear from you.

In this episode of the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast, Steve sits down with Deborah Gardner, a remarkable member of the Westbrook Village community and a Guinness World Record holder. At 66 years old, Deborah became the oldest woman to swim the Catalina Channel, completing one of the most challenging open-water swims in the world.

Deborah shares the mindset, discipline, and determination it takes to accomplish something most people would never even attempt. Her story is one of perseverance and belief, she’s the kind of person who simply refuses to accept that something can’t be done.

Beyond the record, Deborah talks about her journey, what motivates her to keep pushing herself, and why she is proud to call Westbrook Village home. Her story is a powerful reminder that age is not a limitation and that incredible things are possible with the right mindset.

The Meet Your Neighbor Podcast highlights the stories of the amazing people who live right here in Westbrook Village. If you enjoy learning about your neighbors and celebrating this community, be sure to subscribe and share the episode.

And if you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Westbrook Village, reach out to Steve. Real estate is how this podcast is supported, and Steve is always happy to help neighbors make their next move.

Growing up in the small town of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Lynette developed an early love for learning. If she wanted answers, she went straight to the library, checking out books and teaching herself everything she could. That passion led her into a career in nursing, where she quickly recognized challenges and shortcomings within the healthcare system. Instead of accepting things as they were, Lynette continued her education, always guided by her instinct to learn more and do better.

Today, Lynette brings that same problem-solving mindset to Westbrook Village, where she is deeply involved in the community and currently serves as President of the Westbrook Village Pickleball Club. Her leadership, energy, and commitment to staying engaged make her a familiar and respected face around the Village.

This conversation is about curiosity, service, leadership, and the importance of staying connected to your community. It’s a great reminder that learning—and contributing—never stops.

If you enjoy hearing the stories of the people who make Westbrook Village such a special place, be sure to subscribe, share the podcast, and reach out if you’d like to share your own story on a future episode.

In this episode of Meet Your Neighbor, we sit down with Marchell Fletcher—someone you may recognize from the golf course, but whose first passion was racing. Marchell is a five-time Autocross National Champion, a title earned through years of focus, discipline, and a love for competition. She also shares stories from endurance events like the Iron Horse bike race and how that competitive mindset has shaped her approach to life. We talk about her journey, her transition into new passions, and what she enjoys most about living in Westbrook Village. As always, this podcast is about sharing the stories that make this community special—and if listening makes you curious about calling Westbrook Village home, I’m always happy to help.

In this episode of Meet Your Neighbor, Realtor Steve sits down with Robin Krapfl, a fierce competitor and inspiring presence on the Westbrook Village golf courses. Robin shares her journey in the game, her love of competition, and what continues to drive her passion for golf at the highest level.

Recently named the 2025 Arizona Golf Association Women’s Player of the Year and Co-Senior Women’s Player of the Year, Robin talks about staying mentally sharp, physically competitive, and deeply connected to the game she loves. Beyond the trophies, she reflects on the friendships, discipline, and sense of purpose golf has brought into her life.

This conversation is also a great example of what makes Westbrook Village so special, an active community filled with people who continue to challenge themselves, support one another, and live life with intention.

As always, this podcast is Steve’s way of giving back by sharing neighbors’ stories while supporting the show through his work helping people buy and sell homes right here in Westbrook Village.

🎧 Tune in for an energizing conversation about competition, community, and loving the game at every stage of life.

In this episode of Meet Your Neighbor, Steve sits down with Doris Mancell, whose story is rooted in hard work, generosity, and a lifelong love of helping others. Doris grew up on a farm in Minnesota’s Red River Valley, where she learned how to do just about everything, including changing oil and fixing what needed fixing.

After a short time teaching in California, Doris returned to Minnesota to raise her family and continue her teaching career, a role she truly loved. Early in their marriage, Doris and her husband naturally leaned into their strengths. Doris handled the car maintenance while her husband did the cooking, a small detail that perfectly reflects the teamwork that shaped their life together.

Doris also shares the unforgettable experience of appearing on a game show with her husband and winning prizes worth nearly half of their annual income. Today, she talks about how those experiences and her passion for helping people eventually led her to Westbrook Village, a place she is proud to call home.

In this episode of Meet Your Neighbor, Realtor Steve sits down with Amy Wardick, a familiar and friendly face in the pro shop at the Westbrook Village golf courses. Known for her welcoming smile and positive energy, Amy has become a favorite among members and guests alike.

During the conversation, Amy shares her personal story, including the strong influence her grandfather had on her life and values, as well as the story of how she met her husband. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt look at the experiences and relationships that shaped who she is today.

Meet Your Neighbor is a community-driven podcast created to highlight the people who make Westbrook Village such a special place to live. The show is supported by Steve’s real estate business, which allows him to share these stories while helping residents buy and sell homes right here in the community.

In this episode of Meet Your Neighbor, Realtor Steve sits down with Marc Parenteau for a candid conversation about resilience, perseverance, and the moments that shape a life.

Marc grew up in the small town of Brooks, Minnesota, where he learned early the value of hard work and determination. His college years brought unexpected challenges—including being asked not to return after a difficult sophomore year—but Marc refused to let setbacks define him. He fought his way back, finished on time, and along the way even stepped into the boxing ring, competing in Golden Gloves bouts to honor his dad.

Now a resident of Westbrook Village, Marc shares how those experiences influenced his leadership, his decision to found The Geezers, and his passion for building community. This 30-minute episode is packed with powerful stories, life lessons, and reflections that go far beyond what you might expect at first glance.

If you enjoy real stories about grit, growth, and the people who make Westbrook Village such a special place to live, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

This is a special episode of Meet Your Neighbor, dedicated to a cause that is deeply personal and close to the heart. In this conversation, I sit down with Sandy Lehman to share her story and help promote a fundraising golf tournament benefiting Multiple Sclerosis.

Sandy grew up in a small lumber town in northwestern Montana before moving to Minnesota at 18, where she spent most of her life building family, friendships, and community. Today, she proudly calls Westbrook Village home and speaks about how much the support and generosity of this community means to her especially when it comes to coming together for important causes.

This episode focuses on Sandy’s journey as a mother, advocate, and organizer, and on why this MS fundraising golf event matters so much to her family after her daughter’s diagnosis. It’s a powerful reminder of how community, compassion, and action can make a real difference.

If you’re interested in supporting the event, participating, or learning more, please reach out to the contacts below:

Golf Tournament Contact Information:

Sandy Lehman – [email protected]

Margie Newman – [email protected]

Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping spread awareness for a cause that touches so many lives.