Dan Williams, Carolina Village

Partial Transcript: Dan introduces himself as a native of Hendersonville. He now runs the family business that’s been here since 1928. He has seen the town go from a small town to what it is now including the growth of Carolina Village. People come here because of the beauty.

Keywords: Carolina Village; Hendersonville, NC; Growth

Subjects: Dan Williams Background and observations

Partial Transcript: Dan explains how Carolina Village has grown and his personal experience with family here. He came on the Board 5 years ago, a time of major expansion (the dining room and medical and care center.) The center has a sense of community and he has family members who have lived or stayed in all parts of the Village. The Village has been able to provide quality care at all levels.

Keywords: quality of medical care

Subjects: Dan’s history with Carolina Village and pride in that

Partial Transcript: Dan explains that he was a teenager when the planning began. As wholesalers and building supply business owners, they furnished a lot of materials in the original buildings. Over the years the Village has been part of his life because he knew so many people who lived or got care here.

Keywords: history

Subjects: History of Carolina Village

Partial Transcript: Dan names Ken Youngblood as a key player in the early days. Dan is still on the board, one of the last key players who are still involved.

Keywords: Ken Youngblood

Subjects: People involved in Carolina Village history

Partial Transcript: Dan explains that it took some very smart people in the ‘70s with foresight not only to start and plan but to be able to keep things going. People thought they were crazy, but the idea has proved viable and this is now one of the premier places. There was no retirement center like this where people could feel part of a community; there were just old age homes.

Keywords: founders

Subjects: Early impetus and victories of Carolina Village

Partial Transcript: Dan explains that he is a local business person who grew up here and has seen things from the ground up. He’s been on other nonprofit boards and but this one has the appeal of quality, stability, and the Village’s ability to self-sustain.

Keywords: sustainability; board work

Subjects: What inspired Dan’s involvement in the Village

Partial Transcript: Dan explains that this Village has people who really want to be here and who feel a part of the Village, not just living in their residence and meeting for meals. People have bought into it, and feel it’s their responsibility. The residents work to keep this a great place.

Keywords: responsibility

Subjects: The difference

Partial Transcript: Dan explains that the Village has had a large impact on the larger community. As an employer, they put money into the community, through service and administrative jobs. The residents are involved politically and have an impact on the economy.

Keywords: larger community; political impact; economic impact

Subjects: The impact on the community

Partial Transcript: Dan explains the importance of social accountability. To maintain their nonprofit tax status they have to give back to the community and the staff and residents have given more than any other nonprofit in this area.

Keywords: nonprofit status; social accountability

Subjects: social accountability

Partial Transcript: Dan explains that Hendersonville has always been a place where people want to come. They used to say it was a great place to live and a better place to die, people came from all over. The Village is a major asset because of the origin of the residents and their diverse backgrounds. They have chosen to retire here. People can come and know they are taken care of for the rest of their lives.

Keywords: retirement in Hendersonville NC

Subjects: remember Carolina Village’s history

Partial Transcript: Dan explains the progression from independent living where residents care for the village and the larger community, transitioning to the care center as they age, and then later moving to the medical center. Many places do not offer all three options and this is a major asset not just here but to the whole east coast.

Keywords: continuum of care; independent living

Subjects: Progression of life

Partial Transcript: Dan shares his experience that friends who need rehab know that this is the premier facility with the best attention to detail. His 5 years on the board has been a wonderful experience. Working with a diverse board (doctors, builders, and business people) and staff means the Village is only getting stronger.

Keywords: diversity; rehab

Subjects: Dan’s Personal Experiences

Partial Transcript: Dan foresees the Village staying viable and being on top of the list as a wonderful place to retire. It won’t grow too much larger due to land constraints but it will get better and stronger.

Keywords: growth; future

Subjects: the future