Love and Friendships Flourish at SpringRidge
02-4-2020

Barbara Anderson often has to pinch herself to make sure she’s not dreaming. She never imagined a chance encounter at SpringRidge at Charbonneau would lead to love and friendship.

A year ago, her neighbor, Ed Dey, invited her to dinner and the two have been a couple ever since.

“I never dated after I lost my husband. I was so busy living my life,” she said. “This has been an unexpected, new and wonderful chapter.”

Though Ed had never met Barbara, he’d heard a lot about her. His late-wife spoke very highly of her.

“Barbara was without a doubt my late-wife’s favorite bridge partner,” he said. “They had such fun times.”

The pair realized they had a lot in common and, thanks to SpringRidge’s maintenance-free lifestyle, they are able to spend quality time together pursuing new hobbies such as taking dance classes.

Though Ed and Barbara have shared interests such as serving on the SpringRidge Resident Council and sports, they also believe it’s important to be considerate of each other’s previous lifestyles. Barbara has continued playing bridge while Ed fly fishes, taking advantage of SpringRidge’s idyllic location.

They recently moved in together, much to the delight of their neighbors and SpringRidge staff who have been thrilled to witness their flourishing romance. 

“Everyone has been so positive,” said Barbara. “Fellow residents and staff are happy for us and have loved seeing how we’re merging our apartments to create a new life together.”

Their SpringRidge neighbors, Don and Veralyn Klosterman, have been married 50 years, and also find the senior living community’s lifestyle provides opportunities for them to strengthen their bond through mutual interests.

Like Ed and Barbara, the couple met unexpectedly, having both signed up to attend an investment class. Veralyn recalls thinking Don would be a “good catch,” and Don remembers how “pretty” Veralyn looked in a multicolored skirt and yellow sweater. He invited her for coffee the second week of class, and both felt an instant connection. They met in January 1969, got engaged in May, and married in August.

The Klostermans have kept the “investment” theme throughout their marriage and credit their belief that they are each other’s most significant investment and their faith as the keys to a successful relationship. They also continue to invest in each other daily.

“We do almost everything together,” he said. “We’ve been involved with Medical Teams International for 35 years and appreciate that we can continue our passion for advocating for the poor and disadvantaged. We get back so much more than we give.”

Romantic love isn’t the only kind of love flourishing at SpringRidge at Charbonneau. With the wealth of programs and classes available, it’s not unusual for residents to find their social circles expand. From niche interest groups such as the ukulele-playing SpringRidge Strummers to art classes and card/board games, it’s easy to form bonds over shared interests.

For example, the Ladies’ Water Exercise group, known as the “Water Babies,” has developed strong friendships both in and out of the pool.

“From the first time you attend this exercise group, you become a friend,” said Shirley Treadwell, a SpringRidge resident for nearly six months. “You’re getting exercise while interacting with a nice group of ladies. It’s such a win-win!”

Nestled on an impeccable, 10-acre parcel of natural beauty and serenity, SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located in one of Oregon's most desirable master-planned residential communities. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503-446-6250.

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