Thursday, Aug. 29

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; some progressive games are paying jackpots of nearly $1,000. 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, Aug. 30

SUMMER CONCERT – Griffin Lane (Country) will perform at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of The Smithfield Times, 228 Main St., as part of the free Downtown Smithfield Summer Concert Series. Bring a chair or a blanket.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

CONGRESSIONAL FORUM – A 2nd Congressional District Candidate Forum will be held 7-9 p.m. at The Smithfield Center, North Church Street. Invited candidates are Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans and Democratic nominee Missy Cotter Smasal. Doors will open at 6 p.m. This forum is sponsored by the Isle of Wight Citizens Association and Carrollton Civic League. All citizens are welcome to attend and submit written questions for the candidates to answer. For information call 757-651-1873 or 757-613-6183.

Saturday, Sept. 7

CHICK-A-QUE – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield. North Carolina-style barbecue chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and roll for $12. Drive-thru pickup only. Desserts available for $1 each. Advance tickets are recommended, as the event is usually a sellout. Call 757-357-3373 for tickets. 

SABBATH WORSHIP – Rising Star BC has sabbath worship the first Saturday in every month at 9 a.m. Services consist of anointed worship, ministering of God’s Word and Holy Communion. Guest speaker will be Elder Carol Lyttle of Olive Branch BC, Suffolk.

Sunday, Sept. 15

JOHN ROLFE PORTRAYAL – The Isle of Wight and Surry County Historical Societies will host Richard Cheatham portraying John Rolfe at 2 p.m. located at Benn’s United Methodist Church in Smithfield. Admission is free. Cheatham, a 14th generation descendant of Rolfe and his wife, Pocahontas, is a leadership consultant and educator, a professional speaker and historian. For information visit https://www.facebook.com/IOWCHS

ONGOING AND UPCOMING

FOOD DRIVE – The Isle of Wight County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office is participating in a statewide food and fund drive. Collection boxes will be placed in the Administrative and Financial Services building, Human Services, Community Development buildings, Nike Park Recreation Office and Windsor Town Center through Aug. 31. Checks may be made payable to Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and dropped off at 17090 Monument Cir., Suite 113. Food donations should be nonperishable items. 

ARTS LEAGUE MEMBER SHOW – Through Aug. 30 at the Art Center @319, 319 Main St., Smithfield. Isle of Wight Arts League members are exhibiting their newest and best artwork. Voting on the People’s Choice Award is by paper ballot in the gallery, with the top three choices announced at the closing reception at 4 p.m. Aug. 30. The first-place prize will be a one-year membership that the artist can add to their current term or gift to another party. Free admission.

For information call 757–357–7707.

SENIOR BINGO – 2-3:30 p.m. each Monday at Hardees, Church Street, Smithfield, and 1:30-3 p.m. each Tuesday at Bubba-N-Franks, Carrollton Boulevard, Carrollton. First-come, first-play according to seating availability. Food prizes provided by the restaurants. Free to play.

LAFAYETTE EXHIBIT – “The Life and Legacy of The Marquis de Lafayette: A Traveling Exhibit” will be on display through Sept. 6 at the Isle of Wight County Museum, 103 Main St., Smithfield. The American Friends of Lafayette’s traveling exhibit tells the stories of Lafayette’s life and legacy, including his American Revolution participation, his critical role in cementing the Franco-American Alliance, his lifelong passion for human rights and his return as Guest of the Nation in 1824-25. The final day of the free exhibit’s stay at the Isle of Wight County Museum is Lafayette’s 267th birthday. The museum will host Frank Womble of the American Friends of Lafayette for a lecture and birthday celebration. The event is part of Isle of Wight County’s Virginia American Revolution 250 commemoration. For information call 757-356-1223 or visit www.historicisleofwight.com.

RELAY FOR LIFE 2024 – The American Cancer Society will hold its signature annual event on Sept. 21 at the Luter Sports Complex. Registered teams may set up a “campsite” for the evening and walk the track between the Opening Ceremony at 5 p.m. and the Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. Remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease. Register as a team, participant or cancer survivor at www.RelayForLife.org/WTVA or call 1-800-227-2345. Donations may be made online or at the event. For information, contact Tricia Christoffer, event chair, at 757-475-7435 or tdchris1@sentara.com.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY FAIR – Sept. 12-15 at the Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Hwy, Windsor. For information visit www.TheFairIsComing.com or call 757-357-2291.

VFW MONTHLY MEETING – VFW Post 8545 holds its monthly membership meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month, 223 Washington Street, Smithfield, Dinner served at 6:45 p.m, membership meeting at 7:30 p.m.  Wednesday, September 11 will be catered by The Neighbor Hood, cost is $15.

SENIOR HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL FAIR – Join us on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Smithfield Center to “Understanding Health and Wellness” at this year’s Health and Educational Fair. The doors will open at 9 a.m., and the event will start at 10 a.m. Flu shots, screenings, and door prizes will be available! A continental breakfast and lunch will also be provided. Tickets can now be purchased for the Commission on Aging Senior Health and Educational Fair for $8 each at Nike Park, AmeriCare Plus, Windsor True Value, and the Visitor Center in Smithfield (exact change only) starting September 2, 2024. Please call Marisa Taylor (757) 357-5951 for more information.

IW RESCUE SQUAD AUXILIARY FUNDRAISER – 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5, drive-thru only, at 13080 Great Springs Road, Smithfield. Tickets are $12. Captain Bob’s Catfish Dinner consists of fried catfish, boiled potatoes, cole slaw and hushpuppies. Tickets are available at Pet Paradise, Ace Hardware, Oaks Veterinary Clinic, Tim Minor’s State Farm office, 1508 S. Church St., The Christmas Store and Travis’ Auto Repair. Tickets will also be sold at the Smithfield Farmers Market on Sept. 7.  

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR – Main Street Baptist Church will hold a free Community Resource Fair 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 21 at the Williams Mission Center, 517 Main St., Smithfield. The fair will include free continental breakfast, presentations about resources and services available to individuals and families, flu and COVID vaccines, blood pressure checks, vendor table displays, drawings for door prizes and more. For information call 757-357-2604, email mainstreetch@aol.com or visit www.msbcva.org

INTRO TO STAINED GLASS – The Isle of Wight Arts League will offer a course on “Intro to Stained Glass: Copper Foil Method,” 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 7 and 8 at the Art Center @ 319 on Main Street, Smithfield. The technique involves cutting glass, wrapping each piece with an adhesive-backed copper foil tape, and soldering the pieces together to create stained glass panels, suncatchers, boxes, lamps and more. All supplies and tools will be provided. Instructional fee is $75. Materials fee is $25. Must be at least 18 years old. Register by Aug. 31 at 757-357-7707 or info@smithfieldarts.org. You may also enroll and pay at www.SmithfieldArts.org

AUTUMN VINTAGE MARKET – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28 on Main Street in Downtown Smithfield. For a vendor application call 757-357-5182.

VFW SCHOLARSHIPS – The Veterans of Foreign Wars is accepting applications for two scholarships and a teacher award. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31. The “Voice of Democracy” scholarship is for high school students and includes a grand prize of $35,000. Theme “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” The “Patriot’s Pen” scholarship is for middle school Students and includes a grand prize of $5,000. The theme is: “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award 

recognizes “America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students.” To access applications for each, visit www.vfwva.org, then go to programs or www.vfwpost8545.org, then go to the bottom of the webpage. For information email wconstantvfwpost8545@gmail.com

CRUISE-IN SERIES – Smithfield Ruritan Cruise-In Series is held the first Friday of each month through 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

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.

MISTLETOE MARKET –  3-8 p.m. Nov. 23 along Main Street in Smithfield. For a vendor application go to https://genuinesmithfieldva.louderworks.com/media/genuinesmithfieldva/event_file/4148/event_d4737c75fc.pdf

D.C. BUS TRIP –  The Smithfield Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, is sponsoring a bus trip to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 24 to see the Washington Commanders play the Dallas Cowboys. Cost is $420 per person, which includes bus fare, club seats, 50-yard-line photos and more.  For information, call or text 252-679-8156, visit https://www.smithfieldalumnaedst.org/events.html or email smithfieldalumnaedst@gmail.com.

TENNIS LESSONS – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation offers tennis classes at Nike Park each Tuesday through October. Ages 10 and under start at 4:15 p.m. Ages 11-17 start at 5 p.m. Beginner and advanced adults start at 6 p.m. The cost is $35 for children ages 10 and under for four weeks, $45 for ages 11-17 and $45 for ages 18 and up. For information, contact Janette Jeffrey at 757-365-0851 or jjeffrey@isleofwightus.net. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

PICKERS MARKET – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month through November in the lot behind 315 Main St., Smithfield. For information call 757-357-5182 or email cchapman@isleofwightus.net.

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. 

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.