For Hester McMichael, a resident of the Meadows Assisted Living Community, the secret to living a long life is simple. “Stay away from the doctors,” McMichael said with a sly smile. “Every time a doctor comes around, he tells you there’s something wrong!” McMichael was born Aug. 14, 1901, and recently celebrated her 107th birthday this past Thursday. In honor of her birthday, a celebration was held featuring harp music by Wendy McCormick and entertainment by Marty Pants the Clown. Surrounded by friends and family of various generations, McMichael said she was overwhelmed with happiness. “There’s so many people here that I haven’t seen for so long,” McMichael said. “This (the Meadows ballroom) is a very nice place to have a party.” The day before her birthday, McMichael joked with the Sun-Gazette that turning 107 didn’t feel any different than when she turned 100 — she was just looking forward to eating ice cream, cake and even a little candy.