Founded by senior men for senior men, the Central Lake Norman Golden Boys bring together around 500 local members in fellowship, friendship and genuine camaraderie.
Created in the spring of 2002, a small group of men whose wives were members of the local women’s Newcomers Club unexpectedly found their niche.
“At that time, the women’s book club within the newcomers group had just read John Adams by David McCullough and were going to meet and review that book,” shares Roy Bergquist, the group’s first president. “I had also read John Adams and asked the host of the meeting if I could attend. While at first she agreed, she was later told I couldn’t participate since it was a women’s organization. As a result, I asked around 20 men who I had met through other activities to meet at a local restaurant to discuss forming our own men’s club. From that group, eight men volunteered to be part of the organizing committee and about 30 men joined the club within the first few months.”
From 30 to approximately 500 active members today, Roy estimates that the club has positively touched the lives of close to 2,000 men over the years — building lifelong friendships along the way.
“Four ‘interest groups’ were formed at the beginning including book club, fishing, cards and bike riding,” Roy shares. “As the membership grew over the years, so did the number of interest groups.
Even though most of the membership is retired, this unique men’s social club now offers 30 different interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities.
“Many of us have moved to this area from the northeast or upper midwest to escape cold temperatures, and the lake is certainly a draw!” shares Gary Moore, past president of the group. “Like me, many of the guys didn’t know anyone when they moved here, and the Golden Boys has been a great way to make new friends.”
Ninety-nine percent of new members join from connections with “sponsors,” and Gary is a good example. He was first introduced by a neighbor, who invited him to attend one of the group’s well known breakfast meeting socials. He joined that very same day.
While not a traditional service club, the Golden Boys focuses on welcoming senior men into an organization where they can enjoy fellowship, camaraderie and fun with other men of a similar age. Some of the interest groups are activity based – such as golfing, hiking or boating – and some are education-based with a focus on retirement and investing.
Plans are currently underway for the Central Lake Norman Golden Boys 25th Anniversary event – the Quarter Century Celebration – QC2 – to be held at the Fields at Skycrest in Cleveland, NC on April 21, 2027. Activities will include bucket golf, corn hole, guest speakers, a sit down lunch and, of course, plenty of fellowship!
“We strengthen the community by providing an active and engaging club for senior men. For most of us, we’re looking to fill a void that might exist after retiring from 40 years of employment,” Gary explains. “In my case, my leadership, organization and communications skills can be put to good use, so I became an Interest Group Leader (IGL). Dozens of our members are doing the same thing by putting their past business experience to work within our interest groups.“
From a family perspective, the group offers educational interest groups, such as life after retirement – where experts are invited to speak on a variety of health topics and spouses are invited to participate as well.
For the current Golden Boys membership, it’s a blessing to know what started back in 2002 – and continues so strongly today – will continue to benefit and bring enjoyable friendships to hundreds of men in the Lake Norman area for years to come!
