Decades-Long Friendship Finds Its Next Home at Devonshire

Longtime friends Steve and Barbara Weiss and David and Arlyn Bamberger have supported each other through many life chapters.

The couples' friendship began in West Hartford, Conn., in the 1970s, when they were introduced by mutual friends. "They thought the four of us might have a lot in common," Arlyn and Barbara recall. "Our kids were roughly the same age."

As their children grew, so did their friendship. They celebrated many milestones and enjoyed many vacations together, so it only made sense to experience retirement together too.

They moved to Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., "within two or three weeks of each other," says Arlyn.

"Side by side, we've shared so many chapters," she adds. "Living at Devonshire allows us to keep doing that while enjoying everything the community has to offer!"

A fulfilling friendship

When the couples first met, they discovered they shared an interest in skiing.

"In the early years, we would rent a ski house together," Barbara says. "Arlyn and I planned the menus for the week, as we both liked to cook."

When Steve and Barbara purchased a ski chalet in southern Vermont, David and Arlyn followed a few years later, building a home nearby.

"Steve was a physician, and the local doctors would take Thursdays off. Steve made David an honorary doctor, so off they went to ski the local mountains [on Thursdays]," Barbara recalls, with a laugh.

One year, the two men traveled to Italy to ski the Italian Alps while Arlyn and Barbara spent time together in Vermont.

Choosing Devonshire

Later, as retirement approached, Steve and Barbara moved to the BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. Considering a similar move to Florida, the Bambergers rented a winter home near their friends for several years before deciding to live there year-round.

"It didn't make sense to buy somewhere else when our dear friends were here," Arlyn says. "So, we bought a home in BallenIsles and continued doing the same things we've always done, just in the next phase of life."

When the four friends learned about Devonshire, they thought it might be their next move, as the community offers the amenity-rich setting and worry-free lifestyle they were looking for. Plus, they could easily keep in touch with their new BallenIsles friends.

"These were important reasons for us," David explains. "Devonshire is beautiful, with so many activities to choose from, and we are still close to our friends in BallenIsles."

Sales Director Donna Schneider notes that many retirees arrive with similar priorities.

"People often make the decision to move to Devonshire because it fits naturally with their active calendars," she explains. "But here, you don't have to worry about home maintenance or repairs, and you have access to an array of industry-leading amenities."

Before long, their idea to move to Devonshire became reality.

Time for each other

Now, as Devonshire community members, the Bambergers and the Weisses continue traditions that have defined their friendship for decades. Saturdays include time set aside to talk and catch up, often sharing news about family.

"Barbara and I meet in a little private space where we can talk about our Connecticut friends, our kids, and our grandkids," Arlyn says. "The men chat about wine or reminisce about a shared past."

She adds, "That's something special that we can't share with anyone else here. New friends are great, but old friends are very special."

Living at Devonshire also means that both couples enjoy the freedom to pursue their own passions and discover new hobbies. Together, they play cards, including bridge, canasta, and poker. Individually, they volunteer on committees, attend on-campus concerts and lectures, visit the fitness center and outdoor pool, and participate in exercise classes.

A new chapter

Over the last few years, many of their former BallenIsles neighbors have also moved to Devonshire, drawn to the community's carefree lifestyle.

"We enjoy meeting former BallenIsles neighbors, even those we did not know before," Barbara says. "Many times, we plan to meet up and enjoy dinner together at one of Devonshire's restaurants."

Most of all, David, Arlyn, Steve, and Barbara appreciate the opportunity to make the most of this next chapter of their lives--together.

To learn more about independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Kelly Shue