In getting to know Diane Remington Phinney, you quickly learn that, to her, Hidden Springs isn't just a beautiful place to live; it's home in the truest sense of the word.

Although she's called Hidden Springs home for the past four years, Diane's connection to the community stretches back more than two decades, when she regularly visited her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Four of her grandkids all grew up here, attending Smart Start Preschool and Hidden Springs Elementary. Diane's son and daughter-in-law still live in St. Pete, FL, but are considering moving to this area sometime in the future. Today, being close to family is something she treasures, but she says it's the remarkable sense of community that truly makes Hidden Springs special.

"Living here is like living in a small town," Diane says. "It's like the town where I grew up, where everyone knew each other. We are a community. We're connected."

That belief in connection inspired Diane to create something that has quickly become one of the neighborhood's most meaningful organizations: the Hidden Springs/Cartwright Ranch Seniors Group.

The group officially launched in December 2024 with a kickoff social at the Hidden Springs Clubhouse. Diane saw an opportunity to bring together neighbors who shared similar life experiences and interests while creating activities close to home.

"My passion has always been about bringing people together and building meaningful connections," she says. "Helping build a strong community and human connection is what makes me happy and, hopefully, helps fulfill the lives of others around me."

What began as one woman's idea has blossomed into a thriving community of neighbors who laugh together, learn together, support one another, and create lasting friendships.

Today, the group hosts quarterly themed potluck socials where members gather to share a meal, play games, and welcome new faces into the fold. These evenings have become much more than social events; they're opportunities to strengthen the bonds that make these communities such unique places to live.

Between potlucks, members stay active through a growing list of activity groups designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and abilities. Current offerings include wine tasting, walking and hiking, biking, golf, pickleball, lap swimming, Tai Chi, board and card games, arts and crafts, chess, Bible study, Beginning Spanish, poker, and one of the group's most impactful offerings: a Caregivers Support Group.

Several additional groups are already waiting in the wings, including birding, book clubs, cooking and baking, volunteering, current events discussions, sewing and needlework, progressive dinners, day trips, and even horseback riding. As new volunteers step forward to lead these activities, the opportunities for connection continue to grow.

Of all the programs, Diane says the Caregivers Support Group holds a particularly special place in her heart. Led by Dick Morgan, Jan McNamara, Patty Hart, and Clare Delaney, the group provides encouragement, practical resources, and compassionate support for neighbors caring for loved ones.

"To me, this is the group that most positively impacts our community," Diane says. "People don't have to walk those journeys alone."

Like many grassroots organizations, building the Seniors Group came with its share of challenges. Surprisingly, the biggest obstacle wasn't finding interested members; it was finding ways to communicate with them.

"Our seniors use every form of communication imaginable," Diane laughs. "Some use Facebook, some prefer email, others like text messages, and some don't want to share contact information at all."

Recognizing the need for better organization, Diane's daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Matt Carrier, helped launch the group's Facebook presence. Soon after, a dedicated planning committee, aided by Kristi Saucerman, was formed to help manage communications and coordinate activities. Kristi is one of the very first residents of Hidden Springs.

Today, the planning committee consists of Virginia & Michael Agostini, Tina & Jeff Nickerson, and PJ Cooperman, who all work alongside Diane to keep everything running smoothly. Together, they maintain member databases, organize activity groups, answer inquiries, and ensure that information reaches members through multiple channels, including neighborhood Facebook pages, newsletters, email, text messages, and printed flyers.

It's a true team effort. One built entirely by neighbors volunteering their time for one another.

The group's success also depends on its many enthusiastic activity leaders. Diane is quick to recognize the countless hours contributed by Virginia Agostini (answering inquiries), PJ Cooperman, Jan Holloway, Bob Bramwell, Randy Hickel, Clay Wright, Vivian Bowman, Scott McCormack, David Shotwell, and many others who generously share their passions and talents with fellow residents.

The Seniors Group has also embraced opportunities and ways to give back and participate in the community. Members assisted with this year's Easter Egg Hunt and proudly earned second place in the neighborhood's Scarecrow Contest with their memorable creation, "Grannie Annie." (She even made it to the cover shoot.)

For Diane, however, the greatest reward isn't measured in attendance numbers or successful events… It's watching friendships blossom.

Seeing longtime residents welcome newcomers. Watching neighbors who were once strangers sit together over dinner, swap stories, exchange phone numbers, and leave as friends.

"The most rewarding part of starting the HS/CR Seniors Group has been the opportunity to meet and get to know other residents," Diane says. "Many of them have become dear friends."

In many ways, that's exactly what Hidden Springs has always represented to her: a place where neighbors know one another, lend a helping hand, and celebrate life together.

As the Seniors Group continues to grow, so does its mission: creating opportunities for fellowship, lifelong learning, healthy living, and meaningful service while reminding everyone that community doesn't happen by accident; it happens when people choose to invest in one another.

After all, in a community built on connection, everyone belongs.