Wednesday, August 9

VFW MEETING – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545 of Smithfield will hold its monthly membership meeting at 223 Washington St. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m. and business meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10

BINGO – Smithfield American Legion will host a community bingo game at 818 S. Church St. Regular and special games are paying out up to $60, with larger progressive game jackpots of more than $800. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments are available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call 757-357-9239.

Saturday, August 12

WALK WITH A DOC – 9-10 a.m. at Windsor Castle Park, 705 Cedar St. Meet at the kayak launch area on the second Saturday of each month. Participants will learn about a current health topic, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a walk at their own pace and distance. The event is free. For information contact contact@walkwithadoc.org or 614-714-0407.

CAR WASH – The Smithfield High School marching band will host a car wash fundraiser at the Smithfield Taco Bell 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The community is invited to come out and meet the new band director.

SHRIMP FEAST – The Isle of Wight Hunt Club will have its annual Shrimp Feast at the Isle of Wight Hunt Club, 9555 Central Hill Road, Windsor, 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance from any hunt club member or by calling 757-236-8074.

Sunday, Aug. 13

EYES OF A NATURALIST – The Isle of Wight County Historical Society will host guest speaker Bobby Clontz, statewide fire manager and longleaf pine specialist, for “A Glimpse at the Blackwater River Region through the Eyes of a Naturalist” at 2 p.m. at 14571 Benns Church Blvd. The meeting is open to all interested in preservation and local history. For information visit iwchs.com or email Carolyn A Keen at vahistorichouses@aol.com.

Thursday, Aug. 17

BINGO – Smithfield American Legion will host a community bingo game at 818 S. Church St. Regular and special games are paying out up to $60, with larger progressive game jackpots of more than $800. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments are available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call 757-357-9239.

LUNCH & LEARN – The Isle of Wight County Museum will reflect on Smithfield’s disastrous 1921 Wharf Hill fire from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at 103 Main St. The fire consumed most of the industry that had made Smithfield the “peanut capital of the world” and turned the town’s focus from peanuts to ham. For information call 757-356-1223.

Saturday, Aug. 19

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST – Smithfield Baptist Church’s Mission Committee will host a Craft Fair 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Family Life Center, 100 Wainwright Drive. Area craftspersons will sell crocheted items, jewelry, woodcrafts, quilts, gift bags, skirt and headband sets, sourdough bread, other baked goods and more. Proceeds will go to Operation Christmas Child postage. Breakfast and lunch items, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES – The American Legion Auxiliary, with help from Target, Walmart and community donations, will distribute school supplies to all school-age children in Isle of Wight County from 9 a.m.-noon at the American Legion Post, 818 S. Church St., Smithfield, while supplies last. Supplies include notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons and markers. Contact Elizabeth Shepherd at 757-870-5443 for more information.

Thursday, Aug. 24

BINGO – Smithfield American Legion will host a community bingo game at 818 S. Church St. Regular and special games are paying out up to $60, with larger progressive game jackpots of more than $800. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments are available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call 757-357-9239.

Friday, Aug. 25

PARENTS NIGHT OUT – Enjoy a night out on the town or catch up on some errands while your children experience fun and games at Windsor Town Center 5:30-8 p.m. The program is available to children ages 5 to 11. A $10 registration fee will cover games, pizza and drinks. Registration is open now, but space is limited. For information contact Erica Arrington at earrington@isleofwightus.net or 757-242-8513.

Saturday, Aug. 26

FUNDRAISER/GARAGE SALE – From 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Smithfield Union Masonic Lodge 18 will have a fundraiser/garage sale at 223 S. Mason St. Proceeds will support scholarships and community service projects. 

OPEN HOUSE – The Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department will have an open house 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 804 S. Church St. There will be a bounce house, dunk tank, games and food. For more information, visit the SVFD Facebook page.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP – The Parkinson’s Disease monthly support group for the greater Western Tidewater area will meet 10 a.m.-noon at the Smithfield Public Library. Patients and care partners are invited. Call 757-503-6440 for information.

Thursday, Aug. 31

BINGO – Smithfield American Legion will host a community bingo game at 818 S. Church St. Regular and special games are paying out up to $60, with larger progressive game jackpots of more than $800. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments are available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call 757-357-9239.

ONGOING AND UPCOMING

REUNION – The Smithfield High School Class of 1973 is making plans for its 50th anniversary reunion. Those interested in participating in any way are asked to email SHS73VAReunion@gmail.com

CALL FOR ARTISTS – Smithfield VA Events Poster Contest entries will be accepted through 5 p.m. Sept. 1.  Virginia artists are invited to enter the contest, themed “A Decade of Donating,” at https://www.smithfieldvaevents.com/2023-poster-contest.html. The winning artist will receive $500. 

 

ROTARY CLUB OF SMITHFIELD – The traditional club holds its membership meetings each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Smithfield Station, 415 S Church St.. The Rotary Happy Hour Club meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Red Point Taphouse, 803 S Church St.

FUNDAMENTALS OF WATERCOLOR – Sept. 14, 21 and 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Arts Center@319 on Main Street in Smithfield. Instructor Chris Lora will teach participants how to have fun with watercolors. Designed for absolute beginners, the three-session workshop can also help those with some experience who may want to review basics. Topics include the color wheel, blending, textures and special techniques and textures. It also includes ways to keep costs down while still having fun with watercolors. Supply list available at registration. For students ages 16 and up. Register by Sept. 7. Class fee is $75 for members ($85 for non-members). For information or to register, call 757-357-7707 or email info@smithfieldarts.org. You may also enroll and pay through www.SmithfieldArts.org

CEC JAM – 7:30-9:30 a.m. each Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church. Musicians and “musicians in progress” get together to play and sing a wide range of music, including the Beatles, Eagles, Frank Sinatra, gospel, blues, Pearl Jam and CCR, to name a few. Musicians include people just learning to play the guitar up to lead mentor Lee Harper of the Isle of Wight Guitar Studio. The lyrics and chords are displayed on a large screen near the “Gene Lowery” stage in the church parish hall. Participants are invited to bring their favorite instrument and make a joyful noise. Admission is free. For details call 757-675-5777.

REPUBLICAN MEETING – The Surry County Republican Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 2144 Colonial Trail West, Dendron. Visit VoteSurry.com for more information. 

COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR – Every Wednesday 9 a.m.-noon at Cure coffee shop on Church Street in Smithfield with pastor Chris Andress of Bethany United Methodist Church.

SHS MEGA CLASS REUNION – Classes of 1976 to 1996 will gather Sept. 15-17. For information email SHSREUNION2023@GMAIL.COM

KAYAK RENTALS – Windsor Castle Park, 705 Cedar St., Smithfield. The free launch is open 365 days a year. The park offers kayak rentals using a self-service kiosk. The rate is $25 for two hours and includes a life jacket. To use the kiosk, first download the Rent.Fun app and create an account. Next, scan the code on the lock to unlock the kiosk and remove your kayak, paddle and life jacket. Return your equipment within the two-hour limit and select “End Rental” in the app. Go to WindsorCastlePark.com for more rules and safety tips. 

WHY BUILD? – Dr. Helen Rountree will present a program entitled “Why Would the Indian People Build Their Town There?” for the Isle of Wight Historical Society at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St. Admission is free for members in good standing. All interested in preservation and local history are invited to purchase a membership for $20 per person or $30 per family.

PEACE POSTER – The Smithfield Lions presents the 2023-24 Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “Dare to Dream.” The contest is open to students who will be 11, 12 or 13 on Nov. 15. Eligible birthdates are Nov. 16, 2009, through Nov. 15, 2012. Posters will be judged on originality, artistic merit and expressions of the theme. Deadline for entry is Oct. 6  For more information contact Katie Lemon at lemon2@hotmail.com

CALL FOR ARTISTS – Smithfield VA Events Poster Contest Deadline: Sept 1 at 5 p.m. Virginia Artists are invited to enter the Smithfield VA Events “A Decade of Donating” 2D poster contest (https://www.smithfieldvaevents.com/2023-poster-contest.html) We are excited to be celebrating a decade of making donations back to the community, and are issuing a call for Virginia Artists to submit works to create a special poster to commemorate this milestone. Winning artist receives $500. The winner will be contacted by Sept 8.

For full contest rules visit this https://www.smithfieldvaevents.com/2023-poster-contest.html

AUTUMN VINTAGE MARKET – Downtown Smithfield Sept. 30 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission to this annual event along Main Street. Antiques, vintage, farmhouse decor and crafts, food court and live music. Vendor spaces are limited. Contact cchapman@iwus.net or 757-357-5182.

CATFISH DINNER – Sponsored by Smithfield Ruritan Club (Catered by Captain Bob’s) at Little’s Supermarket parking lot Smithfield. Wednesday, Oct. 4. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Drive Thru Only. Contact Brenda Redd at 757-647-9894.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER – Joe Grocki is available at Smithfield American Legion Post 49, 818 S. Church St. in Smithfield, on Mondays 9-11 a.m. He is available to assist any military veteran who has questions about their benefits, issues with discharge paperwork or needs assistance filing claims with Veterans Affairs. Appointments can be made by calling 757-357-9239.

PICKERS MARKET – Second Saturday of each month 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot behind 315 Main St. at When Pigs Fly. Free admission. April through October. For information call 757-357-5182.

SMITHFIELD FARMERS MARKET – Saturdays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the BSV parking lot, 115 Main St., Smithfield. For information call 757-357-5182.

VFW MEETINGS – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545 holds its general meetings the second Wednesday of each month. Dinner is served from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $9. Meeting is open to the community to meet their local comrades. Members-only meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

1750 ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE – The historic courthouse on Main Street in Smithfield is open Sunday-Thursday 1-4 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m.4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

MANNA – 5:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Healing Waters Worship Center, 12172 Smith’s Neck Road, Carrollton. Drive-thru free groceries to all in need. Visit www.hwwcnow.org for more information.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION – Isle of Wight Christian Outreach is offering extended hours for food distribution Mondays from 4-6:30 p.m. This is in addition to the regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. distribution. Call 757-356-9267 for information. The mission is located at 402 Grace St. in Smithfield. 

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY – Every second Thursday of the month at the Luter Sports Complex. Sponsored by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MUSEUM – Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for ages 18 and up. Interpreting local history, the museum’s exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts, a country store and the museum’s most notable artifact — the world’s oldest, edible cured ham. The 1902 pork product exemplifies the patented Smithfield curing process. 

FIELD TRIPS IN ISLE OF WIGHT – Choose from several categories, including History, Art, Agriculture and Plants and Animals. Visit https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/events/detail/410/family-field-trip—plants-and-animals/80721

COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES – Has launched a street outreach program to pair those experiencing homelessness with resources available to them in Western Tidewater. To refer someone in need, contact Ashli Hill, case worker, at 804-546-7529 or the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202.