The Discovery Club is closed but meet one of its members.

What makes a true community? According to Dr. Larry Fane – a resident of Hidden Springs – it’s the people you can call friends.

“You want to find yourself among interesting people and build friendships with them,” says Dr. Fane. “You want a chance to have conversations and connections with people. Hidden Springs provides that.”

So why have individuals like Dr. Fane chosen to make our community their home? We sat down with the good doctor to learn more about his decision, his background and what he’s looking forward to in his senior years.

Hidden Springs: What did you do before you came to the McKinney area?
Dr. Fane: I grew up in small town Iowa, and then went to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. I then did an internship in New York City at Bellevue, joined the Army and ended up stationed in El Paso, Texas. I retired from the Army as a colonel, and became the regional chair of Pediatrics at Texas A&M at Round Rock.

HS: What brought you here?
DF: My son and his family live in McKinney. My young grandson had a lot of health issues and needed a liver transplant when he was just seven months old. I moved to McKinney to help the family out during the time of the surgeries. I’m happy to report that my grandson is now 21 months old and doing very well.

HS: How did you hear about Hidden Springs?
DF: I took a lot of walks when I first came to McKinney, and I ended up walking by the Hidden Springs site as construction was going on. The office at the Welcome Center was open, so I decided to stop in. Doris Lea was there, and I had a very informative chat with her about the property and what they would be offering.

HS: What made you start thinking about moving to a community like ours?
DF: It had been in the back of my mind for some time. My sister and her husband live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Kansas, and I’d been to visit them there – I was really impressed with the amenities and the high-end feel of the place. I also started thinking about another family member of mine who has Alzheimer’s. The rest of the family is trying to figure out a place for him to go, since his health is declining and he needs more assistance. It’s a tough choice finding the right fit, and doubly so because he needs to make a move and there’s a bit of a time crunch that comes with that.

I’m a widower, and my other kids live in Houston and Seattle. I started thinking about living by myself as I got older – if something happened to me, no one would be right there to help make the decision of when it was time to move into a community, or even where to go. This community is just a 15-minute walk from my son and his family, which was a very attractive prospect. Plus, I’d come to realize that it’s a good idea to move to a CCRC while I’m still active and healthy so I can enjoy the lifestyle. Then, if I need care, it’s there for me without having to move to a new place.

HS: What impressed you about Hidden Springs as a community?
DF: After I’d decided I really wanted to consider moving to a community, I went to a Hidden Springs meeting about becoming a depositor. I was surprised by how many young, healthy people were there who had started planning for their future. It struck me as a very smart decision – start early, choose a place that supports what you like to do, who you like to be with and where you like to be. I knew that Hidden Springs was going to be a top-notch facility with high-end amenities, which was important to me as well.

Also, the depositors of Hidden Springs come from all walks of life. There are retired professors, doctors, military and airline personnel and so many more. Because there are so many different people living here, it’s easy to have conversations and make connections with people. And you can discuss a lot of things that don’t include politics! (laugh)

HS: Obviously, we’re not open yet, but have you had a chance to check out your apartment?
DF: I have, and I love it. The master suite has a sliding barn door to save space, and the closet has a pocket door for the same reason. The design is very sophisticated and has obviously been created to maximize the space for living. I really like the high-end finishes, too, like quartz countertops, state-of-the-art lighting, full-sized appliances and a washer and dryer en suite. Plus, the balcony is beautiful and has a wonderful view. It’s definitely a home I’ll be proud of and will be excited to show off to guests.

HS: What would you like to tell people about moving to a community like Hidden Springs? Is it something they should consider?
DF: Definitely. It’s a wonderful investment for your future and your senior years. By planning ahead, you can find a place that has kindred spirits so you can create friendships that will last for years to come. You’ll find your place among interesting people who are interested in you and excited to help you live this chapter of your life to the fullest. There’s more to living here than playing Bridge, and I’m really looking forward to this next phase of life.