Bruce and Kathy Boyer met me for lunch at The Clubhouse at River Landing at Sandy Ridge. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons were playing over the speakers, and I did my best to hit high notes during “Big Girls Don’t Cry” as I sang to greet my guests, and friends.
The Boyers are Residents of the Future at River Landing and long-term residents of Kernersville, North Carolina. Bruce, former Director of the Kernersville Family YMCA and CEO of the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, and Kathy, a middle school teacher for over 20 years, are well-known around Kernersville. When I asked if it will be hard for them to move a few miles away, “I would be ready tomorrow,” Kathy replied.
While both Boyers are staying active traveling, volunteering and helping take care of their grandchildren, they decided to get on the waiting list at River Landing in early 2021. “Not to slow down,” Bruce said, “but to be close to our family, have an engaging social life and have access to extended care. We know what we know about River Landing because of 20 friends who are already here.”
Kathy has been a long-time member of the PEO Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization) in Kernersville, and one of her sisters, Carolyn Wemyss, is a current resident. Carolyn plays hostess for so many events, and Kathy said, “So it really won’t feel like we are leaving Kernersville, since we have friends already here, and waiting to move in like us.” Carolyn and Kathy can continue enjoying time together as friends, and in addition, Kathy said, “Our PEO Sisterhood is thrilled to host many events here at River Landing.”
Bruce, retired from his roles at the YMCA and Kernersville Chamber, is staying just as supportive of Kernersville’s well-being as his bride. Bruce has been a member of the Kiwanis of Kernersville chapter for over 32 years. Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. A prior president, secretary and multiple Kiwanian of the Year Award recipient, his dedication to the mission of Kiwanis continues.
“I still want to make Kernersville the best I can,” Bruce said.
The Boyers are hopeful that when they can move into River Landing, there will not be health issues either one of them must deal with. “She is going to want to play golf,” Bruce said. “We want that for her, and we took the most proactive approach to be a part of this wonderful community.”
“The day we took our tour with Martha, she took us through homes that were still under renovation,” Bruce recalled. “There had just been an ice storm, and there were sleeping bags all over the place and we quickly found out the River Landing staff were staying overnight, so they were already on site to serve the residents the following day. That sold us that the staff was very dedicated.”
“We really appreciated that there were and are opportunities to visualize what the actual spaces look like so you can visualize what your living space would be like,” Bruce said, “We really do look forward to doing as much as we want and as little as we want. The time I will get back from not having to do yard work will be spent in the pool and doing other activities.”
Another important reason for the Boyers to join the Resident of the Future list, Bruce and Kathy experienced a tough realization when Bruce and his siblings had to clean out a four-story home Bruce’s parents lived in until they passed.
“It took us over a year to go through, and we certainly do not want that for our children," he said.
“We are experiencing something different from our kids though,” Kathy said, glancing at Bruce. “They don’t want our stuff!” They both laughed but were quick to share another emotion. “It is also bittersweet that they are still figuring out how to manage our love of history and things that represent those moments, to realize our children are possibly holding onto memories in a different way. What do you do with the bassinet that is now in your attic that was used by three generations and we don’t know where it will end up. We are still grasping how many things we must sort through.”
Bruce, a published author, just completed a book about his great-great grandfather’s involvement in the Civil War. The book, Voices From the Battlefield, includes letters that Bruce’s great-great grandfather wrote to his wife while serving his country. The book gives family members a glimpse into their ancestor’s involvement in this pivotal time in American history. “When you look at your family history, it proves your lifeline - so how do we compact our things and even our words and save what is worthwhile.” Part of the conclusion and purpose of this book and looking into my great-great-grandfather was what traits did he leave that made my family what it is today? The ability we have now that you can trace through your family line is, well, it’s fascinating,” Bruce said.
Bruce and Kathy’s family took root when Bruce and Kathy met through their siblings and brothers married sisters. “We were best man and and maid of honor at their wedding, and they returned the favor at ours,” Bruce said.
During the three years before their wedding, Bruce was working in Rochester, N.Y., and Kathy attended William Jewell College in Missouri. Bruce visited Kathy often. He showed his determination when he took a 28-hour train ride to visit during a nationwide airline strike. “He would call me every Monday night, and I had a growing collection of flower vases from the many times he sent a dozen red roses,” Kathy remembered.
Because of the long-distance relationship, the actual number of days together was limited. “We got married the week of our 100th day together, and it’s been a blessing for both of us ever since,” said Kathy. “We’ve had a very blessed life.”
Kathy is looking forward to continuing the life they have shared together for the last 53 years and is happy to know she will have time to enjoy a relaxed schedule with Bruce. “I really do love to golf, and Bruce will keep himself busy, probably at the Deep River Coffee & Creamery,” she predicted. “I won’t have to cook and having someone that can come and clean my house every week is a huge plus for me.”
Bruce is simply looking forward to retiring. He has been so engaged in his career, volunteering and creating a lifelong legacy for his family. “Once I get to River Landing, my goal is to just play,” he said.
“Bottom line, it's worth the wait.”
To learn more about the wonderful amenities, residences, and an opportunity to meet wonderful people like the Boyer’s, please reach out to our Marketing and Sales Department, and we would be honored to show you what your next adventure looks like when you come live with us.
-Janel Boyd, Content Creation Specialist