Declining market

Editor, Smithfield Times
I have been a regular patron of the Smithfield Farmer’s Market for many years. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our local merchants, get a good cup of coffee, listen to good music and see our neighbors. This last year, it has been sad to watch its gradual decline. Slowly, I have watched parking become more of an issue and fewer and fewer merchants setting up booths. Then I hear that the Christmas market is going to be Nov. 1. Who thought we would get the excitement and crowds for a Christmas market before Thanksgiving?
I do not know what has changed this year. Is it the management, lack of parking, or the cost to merchants to have a booth? I do hope that the planning committee takes a hard look at the success of past years and figures out how to replicate it. It has been a gem in our community, promoting community support and tourism. I am hopeful that the committee will learn lessons from this year and next year will replicate the successful years of the past.
Ellen Williams
Carrollton

Saturday was Just ‘Souper’

Editor, Smithfield Times
It was another super successful Souper Saturday at Trinity United Methodist last weekend! Dozens of churches and hundreds of individuals came out with their talents, their time, and, best of all, their homemade soups and desserts, all to provide needed funding for those in our community who may need fuel assistance this winter. The weather was glorious perfection and a sense of community fellowship was in the air.
Anyone who missed this event truly missed out on the goodness of Smithfield. Every year that I coordinate this event, my anxiety lessens more and more over whether enough soups, desserts, hands and feet will show up to provide. Every year I trust more and more that God always provides. Always. He is good, all the time.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who participated this year, from my heart.
Cris Lawrence
Smithfield

Freedom Hunters

Editor, Smithfield Times
I wanted to take a moment to publicly thank the Smithfield area businesses who donated to our annual fundraiser held in Chesapeake on Sunday, Oct. 7. These businesses should be applauded for their compassion and caring while giving back to those that have served our country faithfully in the US Armed Forces.
A big Freedom Hunters “thank you” to Hairworx of Smithfield, Smithfield Flag Store, The Smithfield Hampton Inn, Wharf Hill Brewing, The Christmas Store, Smithfield Family Dentistry/Dr. Milton Cook, Bubba & Franks Smokehouse, The Smithfield Station, Smithfield Advance Auto, Smithfield True Value, Smithfield Farmers Service, Qdaddys BBQ, The Smithfield Inn, AJ Gators in Carrollton, The Cockeyed Rooster, Best Cuts Hair Salon in Carrollton, Todd Rose Allstate Insurance, Bon Vivant Wine and Brew, O’Reiley Auto Parts, Sals Pizza in Smithfield, American Laser Art, Captain Chuck-a-Mucks, Beyond Main, and Langley Federal Credit Union.
The funds generated from the donated items will provide outdoor adventures to wounded service members, Gold Star family members, children of the deployed, veterans of all eras and active duty service members, and provide lifelong memories for them.   I encourage all to consider these businesses that support those that have made tremendous sacrifices protecting your freedoms when shopping, dining, banking or relaxing!   Together, we are saving lives!
Bud DePlatchett
Freedom Hunters