Revival thwarted

Editor, Smithfield Times
Saturday, Nov. 25 was supposed to have been a great day for Isle of Wight County. God had rented the Bradshaw fairgrounds (Heritage Park) near Windsor for $3,000 sunrise to sunset, a beautiful, warm, sunny at 65 degrees — a gorgeous day for families to come out for a revival.
The main gates were opened early by an Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation employee, but hunters in search of deer had other plans for the park. Over a dozen autos with dog boxes on the back had taken over the park. It was no safe place to hold a revival.
Hunters have been warned in the past not to hunt on the park. Saturday, the sheriff was called and was left a voice mail. Upon more investigation, we learned that the county’s top employees, using taxpayer money, had landed in Los Vegas for an international conference. Who was running our county over the Thanksgiving holiday?
Monday morning, a $3,000 check was refunded by Mrs. Turner at Parks and Recreation at the Nike Park. The Smithfield Times was paid for a full page ad to promote the revival. Two portable toilets were packed up, never used.
What would Jesus do? Forgive them.
Evangelist Marie Bailey
Carrollton

‘Shop Small’ supporters

Editor, Smithfield Times
To our following local merchants, schools, civic clubs and First Responders who donated to our fourth trip to the Smithfield Farmers market this year, thank you!
You helped make the Shop Small Shop Local Business Day a success. We hope the gifts and vouchers in return will bring happy shoppers to you.
Anna’s Ristorante, Pasta, Vino & Pizza, 7-Eleven Church Street, Art Center @319 Smithfield, Bank of Southside Virginia, Ben Smith, Benn’s United Methodist Church, Blackwater Regional Library, Carrollton Ruritan Club, Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, Cecil Cornett, Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department, Dave’s Service Center, Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue, Edward Jones – Keith Compton, EnCore Pilates. Farm Fresh , Farmers Service Co.
Finley’s General Store, Food Lion, Gimme Shelter, Home Sweet Home Care Inc., Isle of Wight Academy, Isle of Wight Animal Control, Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Isle of Wight Tourism Bureau, Jani King, John’s Brothers Security, Nansemond Pet Cremation Services, Oasis on Main Massage Studio, Qdaddys BBQ, Sheila Gwaltney – Art Center @319, Smithfield Gourmet Bakery, Smithfield Inn, Smithfield Little Theater, Smithfield Optimist Club, Smithfield Station, Smithfield True Value Home Center, Smithfield Womans Club, S&B Tent Rentals, Taste of Smithfield, The Christmas Store of Smithfield, The Smithfield Times, Tractor Supply Company and Vaughan Tech.
Mary Ann D. Edwards
Oaks Veterinary Clinic