DALLAS, TX---When Bob Brenner and his wife, Viva, moved to Highland Springs on July 5, 2012, their first dinner was with fellow residents Bob and Sue Bullock.
At that moment, Mr. Brenner should have known that something was brewing at the Erickson Living retirement community in North Dallas.
Two years later, a new group, the Bobs Club, is in full swing.
"We were dining in the restaurant with other couples, and by chance, three of us were named Bob. So someone joked that there ought to be a 'Bobs Club'," described Mr. Brenner.
A few weeks later, Mr. Brenner spoke with Barbara Blachly, the community resource manager at Highland Springs. "I told her that I had a crazy idea, which she said that she loves to hear. The rest is history," said Mr. Brenner.
The Bobs Club, twenty-three members strong, is one of 125 resident-created and led groups at Highland Springs. To be eligible, a resident's name must be a form of Bob, whether it's Robert or even...Bobbie.
"When I heard of the club, I thought it was a cute idea, but I didn't think women were eligible," stated Bobbie Largent, a resident of Highland Springs who moved to Dallas to be closer to family. "But then I heard it was open to everyone with a version of the 'Bob' name. It's been a unique way to make friends."
The group meets quarterly over dinner. At each gathering, one member volunteers to be the evening's speaker, simply detailing his or her life story.
"That's the purpose: to get better acquainted and have fun in the process," stated Mr. Brenner. "We have neither rules nor elections and sharing jokes is always on the agenda."
A new tradition emerged last year. While shopping in Dallas, Mr. Brenner found "The Book of Bob" by Tom Crisp. The book is a compilation of quotes by famous namesakes from Bob Hope to Bobby Kennedy.
"Our dinner speakers autograph the front inside cover of the book to mark the occasion," noted Mr. Brenner.
Besides the camaraderie, Ms. Largent, who served as the July dinner speaker, noted another advantage of membership.
"Even the newbies of the club know everyone's name!" she stated.
About Highland Springs: Highland Springs is one of eighteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in North Dallas, Texas, the scenic 89-acre campus is home to more than 700 residents. Highland Springs is the ideal greater Dallas retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.
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