In order to make life easier down the road for our families, we looked for a community that could offer us all levels of care. The beautiful Tennessee mountains and the welcoming people here brought us back for subsequent looks. The space and amenities appealed and continue to surprise us. No other place came close. The Village’s Vision Statement says it all: ‘To fulfill and delight our residents.’ We see that vision in action every day, from administrators who care and conscientious staff who are there in amazing ways. We love the many options for activities and the warm and friendly residents.

We had visited several retirement facilities in the area, when my wife saw The Cornerstone Village North tower penthouse. She said, ‘We are moving!’ We particularly like the staff, the activities, the other residents and the tower suites. Also, the complete continuing care aspect. Plus no grass to cut, leaves to rake, home repairs, et cetera. In regards to why we chose The Village, my mother lives in Presbyterian Village near Atlanta, so we were familiar with this type of facility. My son’s mother-in-law was here and at Cornerstone Village South Assisted Living for years and we visited frequently and liked The Village.

The residents are a special group of folks. It is like having a big, kind and caring family. The apartments are spacious and well kept. The common areas are warm and inviting. There are many health programs available. Two colleges nearby provide outstanding entertainment for all tastes. When my husband became ill and passed away, I found the medical facilities to be wonderful, both at The Village and in the area. Where could you go and find a retirement facility that provides the care offered at The Village? I am so thankful we came to The Village in 2006. It is the perfect place for me.

There are new friends, plenty of activities such as cards, privacy in rooms, plenty of walking exercises, doctor appointments are taken care of, and community-related programs. No cooking! No cleaning up the kitchen! I’m thankful for a minute’s help in time of physical help problems.

I have a daughter with a family and husband, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren living in Johnson City. My wife died in 2008. I decided, with support of three children, to sell my house and come to Johnson City. In Johnson City, my daughter and I looked at private houses and local retirement facilities. After a few days review, I simply felt more comfortable at The Village. The management and residents were convincing. I soon became at home with delightful people. There are things to do, but at my choice and no obligation about it. The services have been very timely and good quality.

'I would recommend being 100'
Cornerstone resident marks century of living.

An average day for Sarah Collier includes plenty of exercise, yoga, walks around her neighborhood and the occasional theater practice.

And Tuesday was Collier’s 100th birthday.

A resident of Cornerstone Village retirement home, formerly known as Appalachian Christian Village, Collier makes her rounds of the community at least once a day, and that’s only when she’s not attending exercise classes or yoga. Even though Collier’s birthday was Tuesday, her family and closest friends came to celebrate with her on Saturday with a vibrant party and plenty of smiles and laughter.

“I certainly never planned on (being 100),” Collier said, laughing, “It never occurred to me. But you just take one day at a time and pretty soon it’s a week, and then a month and then a year.”

Collier has lived at Cornerstone Village for 10 years, but spent most of her life in Southwest Virginia. Collier was born in Norton, but spent most of her life raising her two children, Mason and Bob Jr., in Big Stone Gap. She received her college degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1937 and taught high school physics for two years until she married her husband.

Since this time in her life was riding on the tailcoats of the Depression, Collier said that she had to give up her job after marrying her husband to ensure someone else who needed a job could have one.

When her eye sight started to fail, Collier and her family decided that Cornerstone Village was their best and closest option for her care, but Collier still lives her life with minimal assistance, despite the fact she can no longer see. Her walks take her along the sidewalks when it’s warm outside, all the while catching up with other residents and employees of the community. During the winter, though, she’ll take to the exercise room to walk on the treadmill and use other exercise machines.

And Collier does all of this without the aid of a walker or cane.

“I can’t just sit around. If I do, I’ll go crazy,” she said with a laugh.

When she’s in her room, Collier likes to listen to audiobooks and root for her favorite sports teams as she listens to them on the radio. But she always looks forward to the days she gets to practice theater, though, which is twice a month when members of the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre come to work with the residents.

So what’s Collier’s secret to longevity? Don’t plan on it, and take life one day at a time.

“I recommend being 100, because I’ve had (so) much fun this weekend,” she said. “Everybody ought to work for it. It’s worth it if you get there.”