Wednesday, April 17

JOB FAIR – Camp Community College Workforce Development Center, 100 N. College Drive, Franklin, will host a College and Career Fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To register or for information, email lwolfe@pdu.edu or call 757-569-6050.

Thursday, April 18

BINGO – American Legion Post 49 will hold a community bingo game at 7 p.m. at 818 S. Church St., Smithfield. Regular and special games payouts of up to $60; progressive games

are paying close to $1,000 jackpots. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6. Sandwiches and snacks are available. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post’s Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call 757-357-9239.

Friday, April 19

YOUTH ART CLASS – The Arts Center @ 319 will host “Bright Flowers” 4-5:30 p.m. Instructor Sandy Waters and participants will complete a 12-inch-by-12-inch artwork on canvas of a vase of flowers using acrylic paint. All supplies included. For students ages 6 and up. ​Instructional fee is $25 for Isle of Wight Arts League members, $35 for non-members, plus $5 materials fee. Sign up by April 17 at https://www.smithfieldarts.com/art-classes.html

OPEN MIC NITE – 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St. in downtown Smithfield. Participants are invited to share music, poetry or stories in a “coffeehouse” atmosphere with pizza, coffee bar and snacks counter. All donations will go to the church’s external outreach.

SEWING BEE – Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Cedar St., Smithfield, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring your hand sewing or sewing machine and work on your sewing project with members of the Angel Quilters in the Family Activity Center. Tables and extension cords will be set up for participants. $10 fee benefits the Angel Quilters ministry, which makes quilts for children.

Offered the third Friday of each month except for December. For information call 757-754-6996 or email juliahopkins55@gmail.com.

Saturday, April 20

JOB FAIR & CAREER EXPO – Southampton High School will host a Job Fair and Career Expo 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Participants should bring their resumes. Food truck vendors will be on hand. For information email with the subject line “Attention HR” at info@southampton.k.12.va.us or call 757-650-2016.

SPRING VINTAGE MARKET – 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Hwy., Windsor. Get tickets at https://genuinesmithfieldvacom.ticketspice.com/spring-vintage-marketEarly bird tickets are $10 (permits access beginning at 8 a.m.). Regular general admission is $5 (permits access beginning at 10 a.m.) in advance. Price goes to $7 at the gate for 10 a.m. admission; early bird tickets will still be $10 at gate. Credit cards only. Children 6 and under are free. No pets permitted except uniformed service dogs. For information call 757- 357- 5182.

NIKE PARK WALKING TOUR – At 2 p.m. participants will visit Nike-Ajax Missile Site N-75L, one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Historian Albert Burckard and former missile mechanic Ira Abbott will host a short presentation and walking tour of the site, which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event begins in the Recreation Hall (former soldier barracks) at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton. For information call 757-356-1223 or visit www.historicisleofwight.com  

SIDEWALK SALE – Downtown Smithfield merchants will host an all-day sidewalk sale.

CEMETERY PRESERVATION – St. Luke’s Church, 14477 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The free workshop is designed to educate volunteers on safely preserving and protecting historic tombstones and markers. For information call 757-357-3367.

LEWIS & CLARK CIRCUS – Windsor Castle Park, 705 Cedar St., Smithfield, 4:30-6 p.m. Buy tickets in advance at www.lewisclarkcircus.com or at the gate.

Sunday, April 21

JENKINSON AS JEFFERSON – The Isle of Wight County Historical Society will present historian Clay Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson at 3 p.m. at Smithfield High School, 14171 Turner Drive. Enter through Door 29. To purchase tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=iwchs

PIANO CONCERT – The Susan A. & Joseph N. Graif Foundation will welcome back internationally acclaimed popular piano stylist Alex Hassan in concert at 4 p.m. at the Graif residence, 162 Lexington Square, Carrollton. Hassan will play music from “Between the World Wars.” Admission is free; a freewill offering is suggested. Only 70 seats are available. Reservations are required without exception. Visit www.graiffoundation.org for details.

Monday, April 22

GOP MEETING – Isle of Wight Republican Committee will hold its general meeting at 7 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club, 17011 Courthouse Hwy.

Thursday, April 25

BINGO – American Legion Post 49 will hold a community bingo game at 7 p.m. at 818 S. Church St., Smithfield. Regular and special games payouts of up to $60; progressive games

are paying close to $1,000 jackpots. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6. Sandwiches and snacks are available. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post’s Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call 757-357-9239.

PIG PICKIN’ FESTIVAL – Windsor Ruritan Club will hold its 48th annual Pig Pickin’ Festival at the Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Highway, 3-7 p.m. For tickets, donations and information, call Gibbie Dowdy at 757-630-5420.

Friday, April 26 

YOUTH ART CLASS – The Isle of Wight Arts League will host “Spring Bunny” 4-5:30 p.m. Instructor Diane Greenhalgh and participants will complete a painting of a spring bunny in a garden using acrylic paint on canvas. Instructional fee is $25 for Isle of Wight Arts League members, $35 for non-members, plus $5 materials fee. Sign up by April 24 at https://www.smithfieldarts.com/art-classes.html

Saturday. April 27

TOUR DE CURE – Bike race registration opens at 6:30 a.m. at Windsor Castle Park. Start times vary by route. The Tour de Cure is described as the most accessible and community-based cycling event in the world, with proceeds going to diabetes prevention. Participants will receive on-route support with well-stocked rest stops, followed by food, beer, music and swag upon returning to Windsor Castle Park. For information visit www.diabetes.org/midatlantictour or contact Amie Holman at aholman@diabetes.org or 703-299-5529.

FREE TREE SAPLINGS – The Smithfield Lions Club will hand out free tree saplings at the Smithfield Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., to celebrate Arbor Day. The saplings are provided by Bartlett Tree Experts. There will be several varieties to choose from, including tulip poplar, crepe myrtle, vitex (butterfly bush) and black pine. Limited supply so come early.

PROSTATE HEALTH – First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 5230 Old Stage Hwy., Smithfield, will host a Prostate Cancer Early Detection Event 9 a.m.- noon. To register, call 800-520-7006 or email info@hrprostatehealth.com

PORK BUTT SALE – Possum Hollow Ruritans Pork Butt sale will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Saunders Supply on Route 10 in Chuckatuck. A fully cooked overnight Boston butt with barbecue sauce will cost $40. To place advance orders call 757-685-4310. Your purchase will be delivered from the cooker to your car. Proceeds will go to college scholarships and community projects. Members are from Chuckatuck, Smithfield and Suffolk. The club meets the first Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for dinner at Smithfield Station.

GARDEN TEA – Hosted by Friends of Chippokes State Park on the historical grounds of the Jones-Stewart Mansion, 1-3 p.m., rain or shine. $7 park vehicle entrance fee applies. For information call 757-294-3625.

Monday, April 29

DINNER CHURCH – Surry Baptist Church will host its monthly Dinner Church at 6 p.m. at 76 Church St., Surry.

Saturday, May 4

PLANT SALE – Western Tidewater Master Gardeners’ annual Plant Sale will be 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at Blackwater Regional Library’s Carrollton branch, 14362 New Town Haven Lane. Rain date is May 11. Cash or check only.

MAY MARKET – GFWC Junto Women’s Club will host its annual May Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Oakland Christian Church, 5641 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk. For information visit magnificentmaymarket@gmail.com

WORLD FAMOUS CHICK-A-QUE – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4 at Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield. Half of a NC-style BBQ chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, roll for $12. Drive-thru pickup only. Desserts available in the drive-thru line for $1 each. Advance tickets are recommended, as the event is usually a sell-out. Call 757-357-3373 for tickets. 

ONGOING AND UPCOMING

THE SOUND OF MUSIC – Performances at The Smithfield Little Theatre set for April 26-May 19 with Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. The Broadway musical is based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain Von Trapp as the forces of Nazism take hold in Austria. Buy tickets at https://www.smithfieldlittletheatre.org/.

CIGARS & BOURBON – The Torched Leafe will hold a Cigar & Bourbon event 4-7 p.m. May 11 at Cypress Creek Golfers Club to benefit the Safe House Project, which works to combat child trafficking. Tickets are available for $70 each at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-torched-leaf-cigar-bourbon-event-tickets-848722220007?aff=oddtdtcreator

SCHOLARSHIP – The Schoolhouse Museum will again award a $1,000 scholarship to an African American high school senior or a student currently pursuing an advanced degree or a certificate of advanced training. Applicants must reside in Isle of Wight County or Surry County. To qualify for the scholarship, the student must have a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and must submit a school transcript, two letters of recommendation, write an essay in support of the application, and must have participated in extracurricular and/or community activities. The scholarship will be awarded directly to the student. Applications may be obtained by visiting www.theschoolhousemuseum.org or by emailing theschoolhousemuseum@verizon.net. Deadline is April 23.

YOGA CLASSES – Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation will sponsor classes with a certified yoga teacher 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 10 to June 12, at Windsor Town Center, 23361 Courthouse Highway. All yoga levels are accepted. Cost is $10 per class. Drop-in registration is welcome until 6 p.m. For information, contact Michelle Gallegos at 757-242-8513 or mgallegos@isleofwightus.net.

CRUISE-IN SERIES – Smithfield Ruritan Cruise-In Series is held the first Friday of the month from April to October, 5-8 p.m., at the Joseph W. Luter Jr. Sports Complex, 900 W. Main St., Smithfield. Free admission. For information email badtriump@yahoo.com

SPRING FEST 2024 – Isle of Wight County Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds, April 26-28, hosted  by Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation. For information call 757-357-2291.

REVERSE JOB FAIR – Isle of Wight County Schools will host a Reverse Job Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 7 at The Smithfield Center 220 N. Church St. Lunch will be provided. To register visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-iX4gMyIMDfTCoyNxBt5IHRFvS12cyExBNQ8pT-vlsO5ERQ/viewform

EMOTIONAL HEALTH EXPO – The Smithfield Rotary Club’s Vibrant Emotional Health Expo will be held 6-8 p.m. May 13 at The Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St. The free event’s intent is to connect Isle of Wight County citizens who might not otherwise have the ability or know how to reach out for help with the providers and organizations that can provide aid and knowledge about creating positive emotional health. The expo will be organized to enable the participants to move freely among the vendors to gain insight and advice. For information, see the Smithfield Rotary Club Facebook page or call Joseph Johnson at 757-810-0883.

FISH FRY – The Isle of Wight County Commission on Aging will hold its annual fish fry 10 a.m.-1 p.m May 16 at The Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St., with doors opening at 9 a.m. Tickets will be available beginning April 15 for $7 at Nike Park, AmeriCare Plus, Windsor True Value and Smithfield’s visitors center (exact change only). The event will include food, bingo and prizes. For information, contact Marisa Taylor at 757-357-5951 or mtaylor@isleofwightus.net.

FREE THROW CONTEST – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation will hold a free throw contest at the Windsor Town Center, 23361 Courthouse Highway, on May 14. Online registration will close the Tuesday prior. The cost of registration is $2 for youth (17 years old and under), $4 for adults (18-54) and $2 for seniors (55 and over). For information, contact Michelle Gallegos at 757-242-8513 or mgallegos@isleofwightus.net.

FIELD DAY – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation will host its third annual field day for adults with disabilities and their families and friends 1-4 p.m. May 11 at Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton. Games, activities, food trucks and representatives from area organizations. The event is free. For information contact Jaimie Belch at 757-365-1663 or jbelch@isleofwightus.net.

SMITHFIELD ARTS FESTIVAL – May 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., along Main Street. Enjoy visual, performing, literary and culinary art. Admission is free. Vendor applications available at https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/events/detail/113/smithfield-arts-festival/101807 or by calling the Visitor Center at 757-357-5182 to have one emailed.

ADULT DAY CAMP – Registration is open for Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation’s Sunny Smiles Day Camp July 29-Aug. 8 for adults with disabilities ages 18 and up. Activities will include group games, arts and crafts, field trips, and physical and outdoor activities aimed at enhancing independence and self-esteem. Camp sessions scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Nike Park Recreation Hall, 13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton. The cost is $50 per week. For more information and how to register, contact Jaimie Belch, certified therapeutic recreation specialist, at 757-365-1663 or jbelch@isleofwightus.net. 

PDCCC REGISTRATION – Registration continues for Paul D. Camp Community College’s fall 2024 semester, which begins Aug. 21. Visit pdc.edu/growmyfuture to connect with an adviser or visit the Office of Admissions 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays on the Franklin and Suffolk campuses. For the Smithfield campus, call 757-925-6340 for available advising hours. G3 assistance is available for those entering early-childhood education, health care, information technology, public safety or skilled trades programs. Financial aid and scholarships are also available by billing out the Free Application for Student Aid or FAFSA (use Camp’s school code – 009159) or by applying for a scholarship at pdc.edu/attend/paying-for-college/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is April 29.

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.

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. March through December.

SMITHFIELD RURITAN CLUB – The Smithfield Ruritan Club meets the second Tuesday of every month at Smithfield Station. Social hour is at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and meeting starts at 7 p.m.

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.

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 $11. Meeting is open to the community to meet their local comrades. Members-only meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

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.

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. ,

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.

SMITHFIELD FARMERS MARKET – Saturdays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April through October. Enjoy fresh, local produce, live music, specialty foods and more in the BSV parking lot, 115 Main St. For information call 757-357-5182.

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. 

GOP MEETING – The Isle of Wight Republican Committee General Meeting is held every fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club, 17011 Courthouse Hwy., Windsor.

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY – Second Thursday of each 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.