By JODI RALL
In the Bubble columnist
A few words about some truly great “New Neighbors,” then a story about a little boy who gave his neighbors a pretty good laugh being exactly what he is supposed to be, a little boy.

Shannon Kirbes, Sarah Giambalvo and Diane Giambalvo

Donna Ghoate, Arlene Bexera, Martha Elkin and daughter Natalie Lauterbach, a guest

When you move to a new community, the transition can be difficult. When our children were young, we moved twice in two years and thankfully I found friends through my church and schools. Now that my children are older, I think a transition would be more difficult for sure.

I got to talking with my two new best friends, Pat Reddick and Chris Meyer, who shared “It saved my life! Our husbands went to work, and we were left to figure it out. Having other women tell you where the good shopping is, to the reputable handyman, it is a big help.”An organization in our community called New Neighbors League Club helps women, and many times their spouses, transition into the Brentwood Bubble and surrounding areas.

Someone mentioned and I cannot say who (pinky-promised), “The club saved my marriage as I was miserable before joining!”

A benefit to all the ladies' Ken dolls: they make friends too. Eating out, new golf buddies – the men get the benefits of the women making new friends. Is that not the way, though?

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of joining the ladies for their fall fashion show at Brentwood Country Club. While the club was dim from the spooky decorations out to celebrate Halloween, there was nothing dim about the fantastic women who are members of the club, nor the beautiful fall fashions from Dillard’s.

“We have more than 30 activities that include book clubs to four different Bunco clubs,” club director Olivia Bergh boasted. “The fashion show is an event that brings out a lot of our members who have been in the club a while. Eighty to ninety percent of the members have joined within two years.”

Olivia should boast on herself as she is the longest member, having joined 20 years ago. What I think is so wonderful about Olivia and the organization is that women have a place to belong.

I dived into the monthly newsletter and have to tell you that although we have been here for 14 years, can I be an honorary member? Culinary arts club, cocktails and conversations, Beauty Babes, and bowling – just to name a few.

One club that I thought looked particularly interesting and “classy” is the Expat club, for those who have lived abroad. Activities include the entire family and trips to Germantown and other cultural landmarks in Nashville are visited.

I have never lived abroad, but since Ken doll worked in international marketing and traveled the Mercosur countries, I think I should join the fun. I’m cultured – I go to the Greek festival every year and have lost count of the many festivals I attend in Franklin.

Betsy Taubman, here in town only two months, summed it up best: “You meet other new people and there are people here to help me get a handle on new resources. Moving can be a lonely experience. I’m not lonely since I joined this amazing group of women.”

No treats means canned goods for tricks

Now as has become tradition, from my own bubble, a story to share about my 12-year-old son and our very patient neighbors. A long-standing tradition has been to “Boo” the neighbors and in return you get a “Boo” bag on your front door with lots of goodies and a note. This year we did not get a bag left for us.

Our son J.W. was really sad about this and we tried to explain to him “Buddy, we have teenagers. Sure nobody thought we would still be into it.”

Saturday night J.W. and his buddy took matters into their own hands. Dressed in the most popular costume of the year, “The MORPH Suit,” they entered our pantry and snuck out all my canned goods. Since the boys had been playing basketball, I thought things had gotten quiet. Then the doorbell rang.

You guessed it – “he who shall remain nameless” opened the door. “MOM!” he screamed. “Make him stop – he is leaving cans of corn on people’s doorsteps!”

Laughing and completely happy, J.W. and his buddy came through the back door. I read what was written on the large sticker on the front of the can, “You justed got booed, so your welcome.”

Thank you to the neighbors who offered to give me my canned goods back.

The point is this, when did 12 get to be too big? Yes, he is my baby and I am enjoying, savoring, every moment. So on Monday, Halloween Eve I went out and bought (for 75% off by the way) everything needed to give my teens the perfect “Boo” bag. They were thrilled and yes, silly. 

Jodi Rall is a special events coordinator and publicist who lives with her husband, four children, two dogs and various other pets in Brentwood. She has been known to play tennis. Contact her at jodi@brentwoodhomepage.com. Follow her "Jodi in the Bubble" blog by Clicking here.

Betsy Taubman, member two months	Barbara Hosto	Cynthia Wallace, 1-year member, models animal print and stripes	Daryl Dick, 3-year member models great golf chain