David Kelly - Carolina Village

Partial Transcript: David Kelly introduces himself and gives a brief background of his history with Carolina Village.

Keywords: President of the board; board; construction; strategic planning committee; Carolina Village

Subjects: Background with Carolina Village

Partial Transcript: David explains what drew him to becoming involved in Carolina Village. As a Pastor David wanted to serve his community better.

Keywords: elder residents; Pastor

Subjects: Getting involved

Partial Transcript: David feels the most striking thing about Carolina Village is how different it is from other retirement communities. The care and love for the residents was very obvious from the beginning.

Keywords: love and care; Striking difference

Subjects: The difference

Partial Transcript: David attributes a sense of community to a combination of a couple of things. From the very beginning, the residents started a fund to recognize the staff and show their appreciation. The board also plays a role in supporting the residents.

Keywords: fund; Sense of community

Subjects: Community

Partial Transcript: David outlines the early beginning of Carolina Village. David talks about Mrs. Mignon Sullivan telling Doctor Cosgrove about the dream she had regarding a community for retired people. Mrs. Sullivan was very determined to make the dream a reality. A drawing by Edward Stone was the inspiration for Carolina Village. Mrs. Sullivan attended a committee meeting, presenting her idea, to the Chamber of Commerce and their division for retired people. The acceptance and approval process was very slow.

Keywords: Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Cosgrove; Edward Stone; dream; Mrs. Mignon Sullivan

Subjects: The dream

Partial Transcript: David talks about Larry Butler, a new member of the Chamber of Commerce, and how Larry Butler helped to make Carolina Village a reality. The options were discussed on how to make Carolina Village finally a possibility. Larry’s determination to develop Carolina Village carried them forward with the help of Kenneth Berg.

Keywords: Dr. Kenneth Berg; Larry Butler

Subjects: struggle to make Carolina Village a reality

Partial Transcript: David talks about Butler coming in contact with Dr. Kenneth Berg head of Christian Home Services and his impact on the project. Dr. Berg helped get the project through the obstacles of financing. An endowment fee was set up to help fund the Village and its construction. Berg’s personal experience was his reason for getting involved in retirement communities such as Carolina Village. The creation of a sales office in the Skyland Hotel drew a great response. Despite the interest, banks were still reluctant to fund the project.

Keywords: Christian Home Services; Skyland Hotel; Dr. Kenneth Berg

Subjects: Dr. Kenneth Berg

Partial Transcript: David talks about Fred Whites (?) and his role in the creation of Carolina Village. Whites (?) agreed to build the Village. In order to do this he put up all his credit to sign the bridge loan so that construction could begin.

Keywords: Fred Whites(?); bridge loan

Partial Transcript: In June of 1972 the first board was elected with Larry Butler as the president. Dan Gibson, who was a banker and on the board was able to give the board insights into the construction process, Ken Youngblood, a lawyer was able to offer his legal insights. In July of 1972 the papers of incorporation were presented and debated but the project went forward. On August 1, 1972 the papers of incorporation were signed and Carolina Village was born.

Keywords: papers of incorporation; Dan Gibson

Subjects: The papers of incorporation

Partial Transcript: Whites (?) begins construction. The groundbreaking was scheduled for December of 1972 but weather conditions meant a change in plans. Margaret Comport and Clara Pyle, who were possibly the first to sign up as residents, were part of the groundbreaking ceremony. Weather and regulations continued to push the completion date back. In June of 1974, the first residents finally moved in.

Keywords: Margaret Comport and Clara Pyle,

Subjects: Residents move in.

Partial Transcript: David talks about the momentum that drove everyone involved to keep moving forward. He felt the responsibility to the community of elders who came here to live was a key factor.

Keywords: responsibly

Subjects: The driving force

Partial Transcript: David explains what he thinks makes Carolina Village different from the other retirement villages. He feels it is the support of the staff and board given to the residents that make the difference. There is a great feeling of security, safety, and love felt by the residents towards the people who care for them.

Keywords: security; retirement villages

Subjects: The difference

Partial Transcript: David talks about stories he has heard from residents regarding the care and support they received from staff. He relates a story about the staff members caring and supporting a resident even in difficult times.

Keywords: support

Subjects: Inspiring situations

Partial Transcript: David talks about what excites and energizes him. He is grateful for the effect life in the village has on his members adding to the quality of life. The mission Carolina Village has to support the community is remarkable. David speaks about some of the community programs the Village supports.

Keywords: quality of life; mission

Subjects: Inspiration

Partial Transcript: David expands on the programs Carolina Village supports in the community. He talks about the Reading Buddies program. Elder service programs are also available.

Keywords: Hendersonville symphony; Reading Buddies; Red Cross

Subjects: Supporting the outside community

Partial Transcript: Remembering the history of Carolina Village is important because of those who have gone before. Everyone at the beginning of the project who took a vision and made it a reality should not be forgotten. We need to remember the actions of the residents’ council and how they made sure each new resident felt welcome and a part of something.

Keywords: vision

Subjects: Remembering

Partial Transcript: David talks about what he feels is the common thread that runs through Carolina Village. He feels a sense of community is essential. The support of the board and staff binds Carolina Village together. The continual growth and changes in the Village help to keep it a thriving community.

Keywords: continual growth; sense of community

Subjects: The common thread

Partial Transcript: David talks about the future of Carolina Village and the fact it will continue to be a place where everyone can thrive. The future involves expansion and a vision and mission to continue the community support.

Keywords: expansion

Subjects: The future