Community Calendar
Thursday, March 28
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; five progressive games
are paying over $500 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.
MAUNDY THURSDAY – Surry Baptist Church, 76 Church St., will host a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m.
Friday, March 29
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY – The Isle of Wight County Museum will observe National Vietnam Veterans Day at 12:30 p.m. with a lecture by Navy veteran Chris Torre, who served aboard the USS Takelma, ATF 113, an ocean-going fleet salvage tug from 1967 to 1968. Other veterans will be invited to share their stories. For information visit www.historicisleofwight.com or call 757-356-1223.
Saturday, March 30
EASTER EGG HUNT – 2 p.m at Chippokes State Park, rain or shine. Gather in the Jones-Stewart Mansion parking lot and follow the Easter Bunny to designated areas on the mansion grounds. Hunts will be held for ages 5 and under and ages 6-10. Bring your own Easter basket. $7 park vehicle entrance fee applies. Cookies and lemonade provided. Sponsored by Friends of Chippokes. For information call 757-294-3625.
BAKE SALE – Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church, 18366 Benns Church Blvd, Smithfield will hold an Easter Bake Sale and other goodies 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Advance orders can be placed at 757-255-9036.
Sunday, March 31
SUNRISE SERVICES – Sweet Haven Holy Church of God, 22188 Brewers Neck Blvd., Carrollton, will have a sunrise service at 6 a.m. A Community Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 7 a.m. at Windsor Castle Park Amphitheater. Bring a chair and blanket if it’s chilly. For information, call 757-357-3373.
EASTER SERVICE – Bible Way Mission Church, 509 Main St, Smithfield, will have a service of worship, fellowship and preaching at 11 a.m. by William Parker, pastor.
Tuesday, April 2
LEGION MEETING – American Legion Post 49 of Smithfield will hold its monthly membership meeting at 818 S. Church St. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and business meeting at 7 p.m. All current and former Legionnaires are encouraged to attend. Qualifying veterans are invited to attend to learn more about the local post. For information call 757-357-9239.
Saturday, April 6
FORT HUGER WALKING TOUR – 2 p.m. Visit this Civil War fort and learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Tour meets at Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace, Smithfield. www.historicisleofwight.com. 757-356-1223.
- LUKE’S LECTURE – St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum will host Hunter Willis, an amateur historian and bookbinder, for a 1 p.m. lecture titled “Born From Conflict: The Pamphlet Wars of the 17th Century,” which will explore the first examples of written propaganda and “fake news” in the English-speaking world. The presentation is free, but registration is required at stlukesmuseum.org/events/born-from-conflict-the-pamphlet-wars-of-the-17th-century/.
Sunday, April 7
SUNDAYS AT FOUR – The Diehn Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Nancy K. Klein, professor of choral music and director/chair of the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music Education at Old Dominion University, will perform at 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St., Smithfield. The singers will perform music by American and French composers, a set of Sea Chanties and Spirituals, and a rhythmic piece by Los Angeles arranger and composer Rob Dietz. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at EventBrite.com (adults, $20, students, $10). For information call 757-675-5777.
WINDSOR CASTLE WALKING TOUR – 2 p.m. From the site’s pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this walking tour through history as we explore the house and several of the outbuildings. Meet on the front steps of Windsor Castle, 301 Jericho Road, Smithfield. $5 per person. To reserve your spot: www.windsorcastlepark.com/walkingtours.html. 757-356-1223.
Monday, April 8
CITIZENS MEETING – The Carrollton Civic League and the Isle of Wight Citizens Association will meet together at 6:30 p.m. in the Carrollton Library, 14362 New Towne Haven Lane for an update on the current state of law enforcement in Isle of Wight County. For information call Albert P. Burckard Jr. at 757-613-6183 or Herb De Groft at 757-651-1873.
Wednesday, April 10
CATFISH DINNER – The Smithfield Ruritan Club will sell catfish dinners catered by Captain Bob 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the former Little’s Supermarket parking lot. Drive-thru only. For tickets or information visit Ringo’s Donuts, Smithfield Fast Lube or call Brenda Redd at 757-647-9894.
Saturday, April 13
PLEIN AIR ART – A Plein Air Event will be hosted by the Arts Center @319. $10 fee to participate. It is an all-day paint in Smithfield and surrounding areas of Isle of Wight County. Begin the day at the arts center, 319 Main St., 8-10 a.m. to have canvases, boards or paper stamped and to pick up a goodie bag. A small number of participants, 21 years or older, will be allowed to paint at the Wine Festival that day at Windsor Castle Park. At the end of the day, gather at the arts center for refreshments 5-6:30 p.m. and view fellow artists’ work. Participants may register and pay in advance or register the day of the event at the Arts Center. To register and pay online, visit https://www.smithfieldarts.com/artist-alerts.html For information call 757-357-7707.
ONGOING AND UPCOMING
HOLY WEEK – Sandy Mount Baptist Church will celebrate Holy Week with services at 7 p.m. March 27 and March 28. The Rev. Carlos Jordan and Rocky Mount Baptist Church of Blackstone will lead Wednesday’s service. The Rev. Bobby Ricks and Liberty Baptist Church of Waverly will lead Thursday’s service.
SPRING BREAK CAMP – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation will host a Spring Break Camp April 1-7, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, at Windsor Town Center, 23361 Courthouse Highway, and Nike Park, 13036 Nike Park Road. The cost is $65 for children in grades K-6. Both campsites are open to children of all abilities. Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jaimie Belch will be at the Nike Park location to assist children. The camp includes a field trip, crafts and games. For information, contact Janette Jeffrey at 757-356-0851 or jjeffrey@isleofwightus.net. For inclusion or therapeutic recreation, contact Belch at 757-365-1663 or jbelch@isleofwightus.net.
BAYPORT SCHOLARSHIP – March 31 is the deadline to submit an application for BayPort Credit Union’s scholarship program, which will award $100,000 in tuition assistance to area high school students, college students and working adults going back to school. There are 11 scholarships available to students of all ages that can be applied to colleges, universities and trade and vocational schools. To apply, visit https://www.bayportcu.org/news/apply-for-100k-in-tuition-assistance-scholarships/.
WOMAN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS – Applications for Woman’s Club of Smithfield’s scholarships are available at the guidance offices of Smithfield High School and Isle of Wight Academy. Homeschooled students can pick up an application at either school. The deadline to apply is April 1.
RURITAN SCHOLARSHIPS – Isle of Wight Ruritan chapter is accepting scholarship applications from graduating seniors from Windsor High School, Smithfield High School, Isle of Wight Academy or comparable homeschooling programs. Several $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Each of the high schools’ guidance offices have copies of the application. Students can also download a copy of the application via the “Isle of Wight Ruritan Club” Facebook page. Completed applications must be submitted by April 1.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS – The Smithfield Ruritan Club is taking applications for scholarships providing financial assistance for post-high school education. Applications can be obtained from the Smithfield High and Isle of Wight Academy guidance offices or by request from Jkirk.ring@gmail.com. Application deadline is April 1.
ART CAMP – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation has partnered with Kids Create Studio to offer a parent-child art camp for children ages 1½-6 on Tuesdays, except holidays, through April 16. Participants will paint on real canvas boards, sculpt with air-dry clay and draw in oil pastels as they create animal-themed pieces at the Nike Park Mary Wells Senior Center, Building B, 13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton. Classes are 9:30-10:30 a.m. The cost is $85 per session. For information, contact Janette Jeffrey at 757-356-0851 or jjeffrey@isleofwightus.net.
YOGA CLASSES – Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation will sponsor classes with a certified yoga teacher 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 27 and April 10-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 First Friday of the month April thru October 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Located at the Joseph W. Luter Jr. Sports Complex 900 W. Main St., Smithfield.
NEW EXHIBIT – Youth Art Month is being celebrated at the Arts Center @319, 319 Main St., Smithfield, through March 31. The free exhibit features artwork by students from Isle of Wight County Schools. The Arts Center is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. For information call 757-357-7707.
TENNIS – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation will host a tennis camp April 3-5. The beginner’s camp is open to ages 8-18 and will run 5-6 p.m. at the Riverview Park tennis courts in Smithfield. The advanced camp is for ages 13 and up and will run from 6:15-7:25 p.m. The cost is $35 per camper. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ms9b4wk5. For more information, contact Janette Jeffrey at 757-365-0851 or jjeffrey@isleofwightus.net.
JENKINSON AS JEFFERSON – The Isle of Wight County Historical Society will present historian Clay Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson at 3 p.m. April 21 at Smithfield High School, 14171 Turner Drive. Enter through Door 29. To purchase tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=iwchs
BLAND MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP – Deadline is April 8 for applications for the Ed Bland Music Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to a graduating high school senior who plays an instrument (acoustic or electronic) and who plans to pursue a professional career in music. Eligible students must be enrolled in one of the Hampton Roads high schools. Homeschooled students who meet the requirements are also eligible. Submit the following application materials to
osmundmusic@gmail.com:
- An audition demo of applicants playing their instrument as follows: The demo should contain one 3-minute performance of an excerpt of a well-known musical composition and one 3-minute performance of an improvised or original composition.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- High school transcript.
- Proof of residency.
5. A brief biography. - Applicant’s artistic statement of career goals and plans.
7. Acceptance letter from a higher education program, conservatory or university.
IWTS/WHS SCHOLARSHIPS – Applications for the 2024 IWTS/WHS Legacy Group scholarships are being accepted and must be received by April 12. The scholarships are given to preserve the legacy of Isle of Wight Training School and Westside High School and are therefore open only to graduating African American/Black seniors at Smithfield or Windsor high schools. Multiple $1,000 scholarships are available. Applicants must complete the online application on Facebook. Look for the above name under “Group” and scroll down to Google Forms: Sign-in. All red highlighted questions must be answered. Applications are also available in each school’s Guidance Office. For information, email IWTS.WHSlegacy@gmail.com or mail to P.O. Box 279 Carrollton, VA 23314.
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 are available beginning April 15 for $7. The event will include food, bingo and prizes. Tickets are available at Nike Park, AmeriCare Plus, Windsor True Value and Smithfield’s visitors center (exact change only). For information, contact Marisa Taylor at 757-357-5951 or mtaylor@isleofwightus.net.
FREE THROW CONTESTS – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation will hold free throw contests at the Windsor Town Center, 23361 Courthouse Highway, on April 9 and May 14. Online registration will close the Tuesday before each contest. 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.
SPRING VINTAGE MARKET – April 20, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Hwy., Windsor. Buy early-bird tickets for $10 at https://genuinesmithfieldvacom.ticketspice.com/spring-vintage-market?fbclid=IwAR14SQONA7ugBj1Cl_a5PgfM4r592jRJGRwGcd-R2UsnuBnqZ0TkBhDmO6E&fbclid=IwAR3g-97U54iJfqzmpQr4oPMh6EwzWYi7vqW8htuwLAq1gtoEOCyUHMHZLoY Permits access beginning at 8 a.m. Regular general admission for entrance beginning at 10 a.m. is $5 in advance. Price rises to $7 at the gate for 10 a.m. admission time. Free for children 6 and under. No pets permitted except uniformed service dogs. Vendor applications available at https://genuinesmithfieldva.louderworks.com/media/genuinesmithfieldva/event_file/3774/event_95ad9a4045.pdf. For information call 757-357-5182.
PIG PICKIN’ FESTIVAL – Windsor Ruritan Club will hold its 48th annual Pig Pickin’ Festival at the Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Highway, on April 25 3-7 p.m. For tickets, donations and information, call Gibbie Dowdy at 757-630-5420.
PROSTATE HEALTH – First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 5230 Old Stage Hwy., Smithfield, will host a Prostate Cancer Early Detection Event April 27 9 a.m.-noon. To register, call 800-520-7006 or email info@hrprostatehealth.com
PLANT SALE – Western Tidewater Master Gardeners will hold an annual Plant Sale May 4 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at the Blackwater Regional Library Carrollton branch, 14362 New Town Haven Lane. Rain date is May 11. Cash or check only.
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.
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 – Set for 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – 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.