Cheers to the golden years: Columbia Cottage honors two centenarians

The year was 1922. Art Deco fashion and knickerbockers were all the rage, a first-class stamp cost two cents and the New York Giants won the World Series.  

It was also the year Columbia Cottage residents Geneva Coslet and Ivy Koditek were born.  

A round of ‘Happy Birthday’ and raucous applause filled the great room at the assisted living community in Hartselle Sept. 16 as the staff and residents held a birthday party for two of their own. Coslet turned 100 years young July 15. Koditek celebrated her 100th birthday Sept. 17.  

Residents enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, mini sandwiches, sparkling cider and birthday cake. The room was decorated with black and gold balloons in honor of both of the birthday girls.  

“They’re our family,” admissions director Kelly McIntyre said. “We don’t refer to them as our patients here. They’re residents at Columbia Cottage and we treat them like our family.”  

Charles Ray has been a resident of Columbia Cottage for seven months – he was born and reared in Hartselle. Ray said he enjoys the birthday parties and get-togethers and has made several friends in his time there.  

“We just want to celebrate them and celebrate with them,” McIntyre added. “That’s all that matters.”