“This is an ideal place for me,” says Virginia Sharp, a resident of Countryside Manor’s assisted living facility.
At 93 years young, Virginia has found that Countryside provides the services and activities she needs to accommodate a fulfilling lifestyle.
Before coming to Countryside, a little over six months ago, Virginia had spent 61 years working for locally-owned, independent drugstores in Madison, N.C. “I typed labels, counted pills and worked out front,” she says, flashing her winning smile. “I loved my work, especially the variety.”
In fact, she loved her work so much that she continued to work part-time ten years after
her official retirement.
Virginia grew up on a tobacco farm near Stokesdale, N.C. One of four girls, she spent her younger years working on the farm. “I was used to hard work,” she says. “It never bothered me.”
Along with her strong work ethic, Virginia acquired a great appreciation for education. Her parents, who were both school teachers, instilled a love of learning that has carried throughout her life.
Virginia was salutatorian of her graduating class at Madison High School, where she took higher level courses during her senior year. Although she didn’t attend college, she continued to take various courses as often as she could and completed the Dale Carnegie training program and the Red Cross nursing course.
Virginia also enjoys music and plays both the organ and piano. She was the organist at her home church, Ellisboro Baptist Church in Stokesdale for over 40 years.
Having been so active before coming to Countryside, Virginia still sees the value of staying engaged and moving around. To get her daily exercise, she spends time walking the halls and enjoys participating in the activities offered daily. “I try to participate in everything that I can,” she says.
