Slice of Smithfield Summer 2021 by smithfieldtimes

Summer 2021

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Garden of Knowledge Bill and Linda Pinkham have cultivated a beautiful garden at their home, with the research to back it up.

A Championship Team The Smithfield High School boys soccer team brought home major hardware this year.

2 living 2 suffolk • Slice of Smithfield

Family Field Trips SMITHFIELD & ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

Feeling a bit cooped up? Need a mental health day - for you and your family? Consider a field trip to Smithfield and Isle of Wight County. There's nothing like a hands-on trip to make learning come alive for children. We've prepared four Field Guides featuring one-day itineraries that will take you to sites and attractions related to four different themes. Go to GenuineSmithfiedVA.com for details and tips for extending your visit for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Enjoy a Unique Art Destination SMITHFIELD & ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

The Arts Center @319 Porcine Parade Lundeen Bronze Statues Tour of Smithfield Little Theatre Create your own art at the Nelms House Smithfield’s LOVEwork

Check Out Our Wildlife SMITHFIELD & ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

Windsor Castle Park Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area Isle of Wight County Museum Fort Boykin Historic Park Central Hill Farm Alpacas Zuni Tree & Alpaca Farm

Explore Our Agricultural Roots SMITHFIELD & ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

Darden’s Country Store & Smokehouse Isle of Wight County Museum The Porcine Parade Taste of Smithfield’s pig farm mural Central Hill Farm Alpacas Zuni Tree & Alpaca Farm

Visit Our Historic Attractions SMITHFIELD & ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

Isle of Wight County Museum 1750 Isle of Wight Courthouse The Schoolhouse Museum St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum Windsor Castle Park Fort Huger and Fort Boykin

Guided Tours & Trip Planning Assistance

Our tourism professionals are happy to design a specific tour to suit your group's time frame and interests - with or without a guide - FREE OF CHARGE. Contact: Kathy Mountjoy, 757.408.1935, kmountjoy@isleofwightus.net

GenuineSmithfieldVA.com

Slice of Smithfield • 3

Expert Physicians. Exceptional Care. At VirginiaOncology OncologyAssociates, Associates, understand At Virginia wewe know each every is unique so ispatient every patient cancercancer is unique, and soand is every we treat. we treat. Our team of experienced physicians Our team of experienced physicians and staff are and staff provide advanced care, innovative dedicated to providing advanced care, innovative technology, and personalized treatment options. technology and personalized treatment. This This includes research and groundbreaking includes research through clinical trials taking clinical trials taking place right here in Hampton place right here in Hampton Roads, giving Roads, giving our patients access to therapies patients access to therapies not yet available not yet available outside of the studies.

Ayham Deeb, MD

outside the studies.

Virginia inisan ofof The Virginia Oncology OncologyAssociates Associates anaffiliate affiliate US Network, one ofone theof largest cancer theOncology US Oncology Network, the largest treatment and research networksnetworks in the country. cancer treatment and research in the This affiliation enables us to bring country. This affiliation enables usthe to expertise incorporate of nearly 1,200 of physicians nationwide to the the expertise nearly 1,350 physicians delivery of our patients’ care. of patient care. nationwide into our delivery

Snehal Damle, MD

(757) 466-8683 5838 Harbour View Blvd., Ste. 105, Suffolk, VA 23435

2790 Godwin Blvd., Ste. 101, Suffolk, VA 23434

Daniel Atienza, MD

Cynthia Sile, MD

4 • Slice of Smithfield

EDITORIAL Tracy Agnew Editor Titus Mohler Writer Stephen Faleski Writer Loukia Borrell Contributing Writer Jen Jaqua Photographer

PRODUCTION Troy Cooper Designer

ADVERTISING

Lindsay Richardson Regional Sales Manager Dana Snow Marketing Consultant Mitzi Lusk Marketing Consultant

ADMINISTRATION Steve Stewart Publisher

The Smithfield Times PO Box 366, Smithfield, VA 23431 www.smithfieldtimes.com 757.357.3288

There’s something here for you Within the pages of this summer edition of Slice of Smithfield, you will find something to read whether you are interested in humans, plants or animals. Dr. Helen Rountree is one of the foremost researchers on the indigenous peoples of Virginia. She aims to research the way they actually lived, not how many people think they did. Now, she is looking south toward Northeastern North Carolina and putting her expertise to use studying the related tribes in that area, as well. Linda and Bill Pinkham have created an oasis of beauty at their Carrollton home. The longtime gardeners and former owners of Smithfield Gardens opened up their outdoor space to our writer and photographer for a tour, and now you get the benefit of it. Another Carrollton resident, Jose Hernandez, is a wildlife photographer that has traveled the world to capture amazing images of the animal kingdom. You can read about his story and see some of his photos on these pages. And if it’s sports that’s your thing, we hope you’ll join us in congratulating the Smithfield High School boys soccer team for the state title they brought home in June. You can read all about it on page 6. We’re always looking for your submissions to help us make Slice better. We need you for story ideas, submissions, guesses for the Where Am I? challenge and any other suggestions you may have. Please contact us at news@ smithfieldtimes.com. God bless, Tracy Agnew

Inside this Issue

‘I LIKE TO GO PLACES’ Travel photographer Jose Hernandez calls Carrollton home base.

In the News

The Smithfield High School boys soccer team brought home a state championship.

Author

Dr. Helen Rountree has written a new book on the Indians of Northeastern North Carolina.

Where Am I?

Can you spot the location of our Where Am I? challenge this edition? You’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card.

Garden

The Pinkhams have an incredible array of plants and artwork in their stunning gardens.

6 • Slice of Smithfield

In the News

The 2021 Smithfield High School varsity boys soccer team links arms in front of the vocal home crowd June 23 after winning the school’s inaugural state championship in boys soccer.

Smithfield boys soccer wins first-ever state title to cap perfect season Story and photos by Titus Mohler

Years of hard work and dedication from the members of the Packers varsity boys soccer team laid the foundation for a historic and triumphant night for Smith-

field High School and the surrounding community as the Virginia High School League Class 4 state championship game unfolded June 23 at Packer Field.

The Packers scored with about 17 minutes left and then stayed strong to defeat Jefferson Forest High School 2-1, capping an undefeated season by clinching See SOCCER, page 7

Dr. Robert Baer

Dr. Tara Buehler

Dr. James Bota

Dr. Kevin DeHart

General Dermatology | MOHS Surgery Cosmetic Dermatology | Dermatopathology VISIT OUR OFFICE AT HARBOUR BREEZE MEDICAL CENTER 3907 BRIDGE ROAD, SUITE 200 ADDITIONAL OFFICES IN:

CHESAPEAKE • NORFOLK • VIRGINIA BEACH • NEWPORT NEWS • WILLIAMSBURG

Call 757-995-1540 or visit pariserderm.com

Slice of Smithfield • 7

SOCCER, from page 6

Smithfield’s first-ever boys soccer state title at home in front of a packed crowd of approximately 1,250 people. “Words can’t describe what this feels like,” Packers Head Coach Jason Henderson said shortly after the championship win. “This is a lot of years in the making. The guys played hard all season. It’s just a big, big moment in Smithfield High School history. “I think that the biggest thing that I would take away from it is just hard work and dedication pays off, and these kids have put the time in,” he added. The 2021 Packers featured 12 seniors, many of whom have been playing together for a long time, first for Smithfield Soccer Club and then representing Smithfield High School. “I coached a lot of these guys that are seniors as U10, U11, so that means they were 10, 11 years old, and most of these guys are 17 or 18 years old, so seven or eight years in the making type of thing, and these guys have been special,” he said. He noted that they simply work every day at honing their abilities on the pitch.

Smithfield High School senior midfielder Trevor Miller, far left, and his teammate, senior midfielder Hunter Edwards, watch as the ball comes close to entering Jefferson Forest High School’s goal while Cavalier defenders fight to keep it out. Miller was able to score the state title-clinching goal during this sequence at the goal. “Our philosophy was compete every day, and we came out and did it — came out and did it tonight,” he said. Both Smithfield and Jefferson Forest entered the state championship game with perfect 14-0 records, and it was a tight, highly competitive contest through-

out. However, the Packers always managed to strike first, preserving another incredible distinction of their perfect season. “We never played from behind the entire season,” Henderson said. Across 15 games, Smithfield outscored See SOCCER, page 8

Now Hiring!

$750

Sign-on Bonus

Interested in working with infants to 5-year-olds? Our students need energetic and nurturing professionals for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Pre-K Teachers

Transportation

 Low 1:4 Teacher-Child Ratios  5-Star Rated Centers  Assistance with continuing education  Out of classroom prep-time

Bus Driver - responsible for transporting children to and from their homes and our Centers. Bus Monitor - supervises children on the bus. The team greets parents and children while providing safe, on-time transportation

Home Visitors Home Visitors provide child development and family support services through weekly home visits and scheduled socialization activities.

Full-time positions available with full benefits, including 14 paid holidays and 13 vacation days

See our website at careers.childrenscenterva.com for a list of all openings. Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran, Drug Free Workplace

Help make a difference in a child’s life!

8 • Slice of Smithfield SOCCER, from page 7

its opponents 42-5. The 41st goal came June 23 with 7:25 left in the first half, when senior midfielder Liam Moore crossed the ball from the left side, and junior midfielder Braden Ross scored. Senior defender Joshua Condit highlighted the trust he has in Moore on offense. “Man, just give the ball to him and we’re good,” he said. The way the game had gone to that point, Smithfield looked likely to enter the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, but then the Cavaliers, who had been piling up corner kick opportunities, converted one into a goal with 4:21 remaining to make the score 1-1. “Jefferson Forest has a long legacy of good soccer teams, so it was just great to come out and play against a good team,” Henderson said. The two unbeaten squads remained locked in that 1-1 tie until 17:03 remained in the second half. Condit crossed the ball, leading to opportunities in the goal box for his team-

mate, senior midfielder Trevor Miller. “Normally I don’t go up for headers despite my extremely large stature, but I did because my other teammate was dropping back for me,” Miller said. “He told me to go up. And honestly, it was all a blur, but I was marking up on another tall person, and I was in front of him, and I was backing up into him as I saw the trajectory (of the ball), and it was going over my head so I had to back up, and I head(ed) it as hard as I possibly could into the goal, and the keeper saved it, and it bounced around a little bit, and I saw my opportunity, and I toe-blowed it as hard as I could. It had another deflection, and luckily it went over the line, and from there I was just ecstatic.” After Miller’s go-ahead score, Jefferson Forest had some opportunities, but the stout Smithfield defense, anchored by Condit, and outstanding play from senior goalkeeper Carter Kelly held the Cavaliers at bay. “If I was going to give a Man of the Match, it would be to Carter Kelly,” Henderson said. “He’s played his tail off.”

In the final minutes of the game, Smithfield did not settle for playing defense but began to make more incursions into Jefferson Forest’s backfield, sealing the championship win. Condit said going wide and spreading out the field was a key to victory. Henderson described the keys to victory as “just playing our game, possessing the ball, knocking it around and just knowing that we could beat them, knowing from the get-go that we could beat them and we were confident and so forth.” Condit, who acknowledged the extraordinary way in which he was closing his high school career, shared something that stood out to him about the night. “The whole community came out, it was on all the signs in the neighborhood — it was crazy,” he said. “I’ve never seen the bleachers more stacked.” Smithfield Principal Bryan Thrift said, “You’ve got to admit, right, the best part about tonight was having the fans in the stands to cheer the kids on. I’m getting chill bumps right now talking about it.

Tidewater Safety Shoes

See SOCCER, page 9

We are a family owned business celebrating our 48th anniversary as a multi-brand safety footwear distributor. Since 1973 we have been supplying quality safety boots and shoes to industry, construction, municipalities and wherever SAFETY comes first WE CAN COME TO YOU! Tidewater Safety Shoes Service offers a mobile shoe service for your on-site business convenience.

3714 Washington Ave., Newport News, VA

TidewaterSafetyShoes.com | 757-244-0121

Slice of Smithfield • 9

Smithfield High School’s varsity boys soccer team celebrates with the trophy it earned June 23 after concluding an undefeated season with the school’s first-ever state championship in boys soccer. SOCCER, from page 8

This is really what high school athletics is about. It’s a community experience.” About 1,250 total tickets were sold, according to Smithfield Athletic Director Matthew Moore. “We sold more tickets than every other state championship that took place tonight or semifinal from Tennessee, West Virginia to the Eastern Shore, and that tells you how this community supports

Farmers Bank Smithfield Team

their small schools and supports these kids,” Moore said. Thrift confirmed this marks the first time in Smithfield High School’s history that it has had two athletic teams win state championships in the same academic year. Earlier in the 2020-21 school year, the varsity boys basketball team won the state title. The COVID-19 pandemic and the

desire to limit people’s exposure to more venues led to the VHSL Class 4 boys soccer state title game being played at Packer Field. “This is the last time a state title game will be played on your home field because typically they’re played on a neutral field,” Thrift said. “So to have it here this year at home during COVID, that’s special in itself.”

Community partners with experience you can count on. Farmers Bank offers the sophistication of a big bank with the heart of a community bank. Our employees work together with our customers to build personal, long lasting relationships. Farmers Bank is proud to be a community partner — proving that prompt and courteous service never goes out of style.

FARMERS BANK S E R V I N G T H E CO M M U N I T Y S I N C E 1 9 1 9

farmersbankva.com • 757-242-6111

10 • Slice of Smithfield

Local author writes new book on N.C. tribes Story by Tracy Agnew Original illustrations by Ren Harvey

When it comes to anthropological research on the Indians of Southeast Virginia, perhaps no name is more recognizable than Dr. Helen Rountree. Her more than 40 years of research has affirmed and supported the Virginia Indians and helped the tribes make the case for federal recognition, which they gained in 2018. She has written multiple books, scholarly articles and publications on these tribes. Now, she has moved her research just a bit south and written a book about the Algonquian-speaking Indians of Northeastern North

Carolina, after becoming frustrated that other anthropologists did not seem to be paying attention to that area. “I kept hoping somebody would do it, but I’ve waited 40 years and nobody did anything, so I went out and did it,” she said. Rountree is a native of Hampton Roads who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and anthropology at the College of William & Mary and started her master’s degree work at the University of Utah. It was while there that she did some anthropological research on some tribes in Nevada and became very interSee ROUNTREE, page 12

Slice of Smithfield • 11

Artist Ren Harvey took pains to create original illustrations based on Dr. Helen Rountree’s research into how the Indians of Northeastern North Carolina lived. The below illustration imagines an encounter with European settlers.

12 • Slice of Smithfield ROUNTREE, from page 10

ested in researching how this continent’s indigenous population actually lived and describing that, rather than trying to fit them into preconceived — and oftentimes inaccurate — notions of how they lived. Rountree went on to earn her doctorate degree in anthropology at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and later moved back east and became a professor of anthropology at Old Dominion University. Her interest in the Virginia tribes was stoked when she first connected with the Mattaponi tribe and embarked on writing a history of that tribe. “None of us knew it was going to be a 50-year project,” she joked. She has gone on to write multiple books about the Virginia Indians, particularly the Powhatan tribes. But all the while, she was keeping her eye on Northeastern North Carolina and becoming more and more frustrated that nobody was doing the same for them. Finally, she took the project on, along with a co-author, Wesley D. Taukchiray. Place names like Roanoke, Manteo, Wanchese and Chicamacomico still survive as a testament to the indigenous communities that thrived for generations along the North Carolina coast. Drawing on her decades of research, Rountree’s new book — “Manteo’s World: Native American Life in Carolina’s Sound Country before and after the Lost Colony” — explores their world before and after European colonization and reconstructs what it may have been like for the tribes as the stranded English settlers sought survival by merging into their communities. “A lot of it would have been quite difficult for both sides,” Rountree said. “It would not have been an easy bunch of guests to take in.” During her research, Rountree noted quite a few similarities with the Virginia tribes she has written so much about. The groups of tribes were related, after all. They were not nomadic, had the same basic way of making a living — a combi-

“Manteo’s World” is available through uncpress.org or Amazon.

nation of farming, foraging and hunting — and had similar attitudes, for instance about family and children and about the objects they valued enough to trade. Rountree said she is pleased that the tribes of Northeastern North Carolina now have their rightful place in her body of work.

“To be able to reconstruct the world they lived in … nobody has seriously tried in any depth before,” she said. “With my research, I was able to piece a lot of it together. It’s good to have that account out.” The book is available now and can be purchased through uncpress.org or Amazon.

Slice of Smithfield • 13

Savor the secrets of

Surry County, Virginia

Visit Hog Island Wildlife Management Area

Let us surprise you . . .

Experience the free ferry ride to Surry from Williamsburg; discover the site of the first Colonial uprising, and the rest of the story of Pocahontas. Feel the exciting heartbeat of Native American drums and taste authentic smoked country ham and non-GMO, pesticide-free fresh produce. Which one of our secrets will become your passion?

Discover all the “Secrets of Surry” at

www.surrycountytourism.com

14 • Slice of Smithfield

Where am I?

In each edition, the Slice staff provides a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Isle of Wight and Surry counties you really know. We photograph some location that is readily accessible and open to the public, and see if you can tell us where it is. If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information, to news@smithfieldtimes. com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card. So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. Go out and enjoy!

Slice of Smithfield • 15

The Oaks Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Ryland B. Edwards Jr. DVM, 14202 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield, VA 23430 757.357.2324 info@oaksveterinaryclinic.com oaksveterinaryclinic.com

326 N. Main St. | Downtown Suffolk | 757.514.4135 Open Daily 10am-5pm | SuffolkTrainStation.com

Featuring

Two Room HO-scale Model  Guided & Self-guided Tours Railroad Artifacts & Memorabilia  History of Peanuts Exhibit Little Conductor’s Room  Gift Shop  Birthday Parties Available

Offering Compassionate, Professional Care For Your Companion Animals

For over 50 years.

The Oaks Veterinary Clinic Equine & Farm Services

Dr. F. Garrett Edwards DVM, 14204 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield, VA 23430 757.365.4887 theoaks.equine@gmail.com oaksequine.com

RReellaaxx...... WE CAN GET YOU INTO

WE CAN GET YOU INTO THE THEPERFECT PERFECTHOME HOME

this this Summer! Summer!

Your Hometown Orthodontist

Complimentary Consultation Braces | Invisalign | Family Discounts At Smithfield Orthodontics, our top priority is to give you the healthy, straight, beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted in a comfortable, patient-focused atmosphere. Choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. SuffolkSpecialist.com SuffolkSpecialist.com

(757)539-7451 539-7451 (757)

330 W. Constance Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434 330 W. Constance Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434

Welcome to the newest member of our sales team Welcome to the newest member of our sales team

TRICIA MILLER, TRICIA MILLER,

REALTOR® REALTOR®

Cell: (757) 651-5183 Cell: (757) 651-5183

tricia@choreyrealty.net tricia@choreyrealty.net

757-357-7321

smithfieldorthodontics.com 18496 Canteberry Lane | Smithﬁeld, VA 23430

16 • Slice of Smithfield

‘I like to go places’ Jose Hernandez has traveled the world

Story by Stephen Faleski Photos submitted

eing a wildlife photographer isn't without its risks. Jose Hernandez recalls positioning himself to photograph a group of bears on an Alaskan beach some years back when they began walking toward him. “I just laid down on the ground, laid down and I didn't move, and they just came straight at me,” he said, pointing to a photo displayed on the custom-built gaming computer he uses to store and edit images in his Carrollton home.

The bears ended up just passing him by, allowing him to capture several up-close images of them in their natural habitat. “I am not afraid of animals … that's what I do it for, the thrill, you know,” he said. When photographing cubs, “sometimes they come and they rub on your feet and your leg,” Hernandez said. “You don't want that to happen … because they're wild animals, you know, and the mother might get upset, and then you're in trouble.” See WILDLIFE, page 17

Slice of Smithfield • 17

WILDLIFE, from page 16

In 2008, a few years before his Alaska trip, he traveled to Mongolia, where he had the opportunity to photograph wild horses in the Gobi Desert. “I have never had much interest in horses, never cared about horses, but once I saw these … I like horses now,” he said. There, he traveled alongside cara-

vans of people on camels down the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes through Asia that some Mongolians still use. His destination: the Golden Eagle Festival, an annual hunting contest where Mongolians dress in traditional Kazakh regalia and use specially-trained eagles to catch small animals such as foxes or rabbits.

That trip “was the hungriest I've ever been in my life, and the coldest I've ever been in my life,” Hernandez said. But asked why he'd voluntarily travel to such inhospitable and potentially dangerous locales, Hernandez answered easily. “I like to go places,” he said. But he's never taken a photography See WILDLIFE, page 18

18 • Slice of Smithfield

WILDLIFE, from page 17

class, nor does he consider himself a professional. “If I start doing it for sale, it just becomes work,” he said. He remembers the exact camera with which he began his hobby: a Miranda Sensoret. It produced images on 35-millimeter film. Over the past 30-plus years, he's traveled to more than 100 countries, mostly in Africa and South America, and expanded his subject matter from animals to architecture. He's particularly fascinated by structures of the several-thousandyear-old variety, which is why he one day hopes to see Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. But he's holding off on those trips until the political situations in those nations become more favorable for international travel. In 2019, he traveled to Turkey. There, he photographed writing on a rock that's about 3,000 years old, which describes a king making an alliance with an emperor, and the See WILDLIFE, page 20

At top, Jose Hernandez looks at photographs of bears on his computer.

Slice of Smithfield • 19

20 • Slice of Smithfield WILDLIFE, from page 20

cave where Abraham of the Bible is said to have been born. He also visited and photographed Göbekli Tepe, a Stone Age archaeological site that dates back more than 10,000 years and predates Stonehenge. “Turkey is quite an amazing place,” he said. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he hasn't been overseas since February 2020. He'd been planning trips to India and Nepal last year, both of which got canceled. Prior to the pandemic, he'd been spending about 60% of his time abroad. He's just started traveling again domestically, having recently returned from trips to Texas and New Mexico. And he's brought more than just photos back from his travels over the years. In one room of his house, which he's essentially turned into a miniature private museum, sits his collection of African and South American tribal art. Mounted on one wall above the room's doorway is a winged mask intended to be worn by an African warrior. “When the king went out in the village, one of his warriors went ahead of him with this mask … so with wings it would pull the people to the side so he can go through,” Hernandez explained. In a corner is a wax mask made with charcoal from Venezuela, specifically Angel Falls, intended to represent a bat deity and be worn by village priests. “Whatever you find now, they're basically fakes,” he said, but the artifacts he purchased decades ago are real.

Slice of Smithfield • 21

22 • Slice of Smithfield

Need a Helping Hand?

Beale & Curran, P.C. Certified Public Accountants

Diana F. Beale, CPA Deborah A. Curran, CPA

Let us help you keep and grow your hard earned money • Corporate, Partnership, Individual Services • Trust and Estate Tax & Accounting Services • Payroll & Bookkeeping Services • Estate and Financial Planning

757.357.3861 1801 S. Church Street, Smithfield Visit Us On The Web At www.bealeandcurran.com

NEW ITEMS COMING IN DAILY SHOP WHILE SELECTION IS BEST!

Isle of Wheat Hefeweizen, Outage IPA, Holy Brale Brown Ale Plantation Porter, Hamtown Heavy Stout, Old Brick Church Red Ale Limited edition seasonal brews year-round. 757-357-7100 • 25 Main St., Smithfield www.wharfhillbrewing.com

757-357-7891

108 Main St., Smithfield, VA www.ChristmasStoreSmithfield.com

Slice of Smithfield • 23

Solid Wood! Solid Value!

NOW SERVING DINNER

Something for every room in your house!

Thurs • Fri • Sat

Curbside Available! Dining Room NOW OPEN! 1268 Benns Church Blvd. • 757-357-7667 www.thecockeyedroostercafe.com Open: Sunday-Wednesday 7am-2pm | Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7am-8pm

shopgoodwood.net Mon-Fri: am10 - 6:30 Monday thru10:00 Friday: am -pm 5pm Sat: 10:00 10 amam - 6:00 pm Saturday: - 6 pm Sun:Closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday

2326B WEST MERCURY BLVD., HAMPTON 757-838-2233 | FAX 757-827-5387

ENROLLING NOW - 2021-2021 SCHOOL YEAR PRE-K3 THROUGH 12TH GRADE

SUFFOLK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

We provide the highest quality college preparatory, biblically based education. LOCALS CHOICE

2020 Best Preschool Best Private School

SCHEDULE A TOUR OR ENROLL YOUR STUDENT TODAY!

24 • Slice of Smithfield

A not-so-secret

GARDEN Story by Phyllis Speidell Photos by John H. Sheally II

alking through the lush, wandering gardens overlooking Batten Bay brings to mind a line of classic poetry — “The earth laughs in flowers.” While Ralph Waldo Emerson may not have been writing about the two acres of gardens Linda and Bill Pinkham have created at their Carrollton home, the line is still apropos. Who couldn’t smile when every garden path seems to lead to a horticultural surprise? The unexpected begins with the unique pathway between the Pinkham home and the gardens — via stepping stones crossing a pond alive with colorful Japanese koi. These are collector’s gardens, according to Bill Pinkham, with a diverse array of specimens rather than broad swaths of similar plants. Here you can see some of the many daylilies the couple have bred over the years as well as an array of other scenic plantings, vignettes featuring trees, shrubs and See GARDEN, page 26

Slice of Smithfield • 25

The Pinkhams host occasional Garden Days for invited guests at their gardens. They also offer private group tours, some with selected plants for sale. The tour charge of $5 per person, minimum of $50 per tour, is donated to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, where several of their former employees now work. For more information, call 757-334-3999.

26 • Slice of Smithfield GARDEN, from page 24

flowers — some familiar, some exotic but all beautiful. Pathways and more stepping stones wander through flowering plants, lush green shrubs and well-tended trees. Non-gardeners might not recognize a rice paper plant, ostrich fern, Chinese May apple, a slender silhouette (a columnar sweet gum), a feathery leafed bald cypress or a weeping copper birch — but they all flourish in the gardens. Both Pinkhams are artists, heavily influenced by Japanese culture. Linda is skilled in ikebana, the demanding Japanese art of flower arranging, and Bill leans toward the same influence in the art pieces he creates in his garden site pottery. The couple met when they were both horticultural students at Virginia Tech. Bill Pinkham grew up in Virginia Beach and credits nature camps with fueling his interest in horticulture. Linda Pinkham hails from Fieldale, a small town near Martinsville, and grew up loving nature. After graduation, Linda Pinkham worked first at the Virginia Extension Service while Bill, with a partner, launched Smithfield Gardens in the 1970s. A few years later, Bill bought out the partner — leaving him and Linda to run the business. He handled the landscaping end of the business while Linda focused on the retail side. “We were scared,” Bill said. “But we were also determined to succeed and pay the bills.” Determination and talent paid off — Smithfield Gardens flourished as a favorite shopping spot for gardeners and those who wished they were. The business grew into a Hampton Roads landmark, the place to go for quality plants, garden equipment and landscaping. After 30 years, the Pinkhams retired, sold the business to their general manager, Tom Conway, and focused their energies on the extensive gardens they created at their waterfront home in Carrollton. Their home gardens are a breathtaking maze of landscapes — trees, shrubs and flowering plants intermixed with an

eclectic collection of garden art. A Florida Keys-style travertine tiled wall garden. hung with plants, includes a sculpture by Key West artist John Martini. The sculpture’s two seemingly perplexed figures reflect the Pinkhams’ frequent question of where to best place a new plant or art

piece. Indeed, the Pinkhams have placed each garden item for optimum display in spaces that still feel open and uncluttered. Bill admits to loving rocks. When the couple left Smithfield Gardens in 2002, they brought large boulders home to See GARDEN, page 28

Slice of Smithfield • 27

Clockwise from top right, daylily seedlings curated by Bill Pinkham; koi in the entrance pond to the Pinkhams’ gardens; more daylilies; a spread of Tidewater elf daylilies.

28 • Slice of Smithfield GARDEN, from page 26

create a dramatic south-facing rock garden that includes a large Whale’s Tongue Agave. Another garden area features what appears to be a pair of abstract stone sculptures but are actually large rock formations rescued from a Lexington farm field. That rock fondness also led to one of the gardens’ more unusual plantings — a crevice garden. Something like an elevated rock garden, the crevice or step garden mimics the way plants grow at high elevations such as in mountain crevices in colder climates. Bill Pinkham worked with horticulturists at the Denver Botanic Gardens to learn more about creating the same effect in this climate. Both Pinkhams enjoy developing new varieties of daylilies. Linda Pinkham oversees naming each new one — a complex task, he commented, since there are already 90,000 existing names. She also takes charge of another formidable task — keeping the gardens well weeded. As you wander through the gardens, you may be joined by a friendly feline trio — Sassy, Boots and Zipper — adopted by the Pinkhams to control the vole population. As charming as the cats may be, Bill rates them as “useless” in the vole battle. Instead, he relies on an expanded slate gravel, with sharper edges, to repel the rodent plant thieves. To deter larger plant predators, the couple edged the gardens with barely-seen, deer-proof fencing. The Pinkhams have seen a general increase in gardening interest and credit that growth, at least in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has encouraged people to become plant nuts, raising plants and looking for specialty plants,” Bill said. “Prices have skyrocketed into the thousands of dollars for some plants.” Their once-flourishing Smithfield Gardens remains empty on Route 17 since the business fell victim to the housing market bust in 2007 and Conway sold it. The current owners, Dwight and Jamie Schaubach, are holding the property, Dwight Schaubach said, while they seek out the best quality option for the land. Schaubach added that they hope for a project that will, once again, enhance the community and the scenery along that route.

Above, a swallowtail butterfly rests on a flower in the Pinkhams’ garden. Below, a rusted steel cactus art piece featured in the garden.

Slice of Smithfield • 29

Above, the Pinkham house overlooks Batten Bay. At left, a crevice garden “planted” by the Pinkhams.

30 • Slice of Smithfield

16 • Slice of Smithfield

Where am I?

Last edition’s Where Am I? The Where Am I? challenge in the spring issue of Slice was taken at the Old Brick Church on Route 10 in Surry County. There were 10 correct answers, and Gary Parsons was randomly selected from among the correct answers to receive a $25 gift card. He noted in his response that the historic site also goes by many other names, all of which were considered acceptable answers as we considered responses. In each edition, the Slice staff provides a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Isle of Wight and Surry counties you really know. We photograph some location that is readily accessible and open to the public, and see if you can tell us where it is. If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information, to news@smithfieldtimes. com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card. So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. Go out and enjoy!

So much personality for a small town

Slice of Smithfield • 31

JAMES RIVER 10

JAMES 2R 10

JAMES RIVER 10

10 ES

SMI

ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX

. BR

258

17 WINDSOR

258

460

460 17

258

ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX

WINDSOR

258

460

R VE ORT RI P ES EWWS M N JA O 258 NE T

SMITHFIELD 460 460

ISLE OF WIGHT 10 10 COURTHOUSE 17 COMPLEX

258

RT PO W S M NE EW JA N TO

SMITHFIELD

ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE COMPLEX

SMITHFIELD DISTRICT Richard L “Dick” Grice Chairman

CARRSVILLE DISTRICT Don G Rosie II Vice-Chairman

460 IsleCares.com is a website hosted by Isle of 58 Wight County providing relevant information WINDSOR and up-to-date county news. Sign up on WINDSOR 460 PARKS IsleCares.com to receive the monthly “Isle REFUSE & RECYCLING CENTERS ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY Cares” e-newsletter. Camptown Park 460 Hours: Mon. & Tues.,Thurs. - Sat. 7 am – 7 pm WINDSOR DIST WINDSORPark DISTRICT NEWPORT DISTRICT Sun. 1 pm – 7 pm, closed Wed.HARDY DISTRICT Heritage Want to comment on an experience you’ve had with the county? With Meet Your 258Jefferson Joel Acree Rudolph C Acree Wrenn’s Mill R&R Center, Smithfield 356.1040 JonesJoel Creek Boat Ramp William M McCarty Supervisors the online CARE CARD, citizens can 258 provide feedback on their Chairman Jones Creek R&R Center, Carrollton 356.1037 Joyner's Bridge Boat Ramp Carroll Bridge R&R Center, Windsor 356.1018 experiences with county staff and services. Printed cards are also Nike Park StaveREFUSE Mill R&R Center, Windsor Riverview ParkCENTERS &242.3597 RECYCLING ISL available at county offices. Just fill out the card, drop it off or mail Carrsville R&R Center, 516.2851 Robinson Park it, and the appropriate staff member will respond to your CamptownHours: R&R Center, Franklin 516.2850 Tyler's Beach 7 Boatam Ramp,–Harbor & Public Beach Mon. & Tues.,Thurs. - Sat. 7 pm Crocker R&R Center, Windsor 356.1026 Boykin Historic concerns or questions, or pass along your comments. Sun. 1 pm – 7 pm,Fort closed Wed.Park Walters R&R Center, Carrsville 516.2852

NEW TO THE COUNTY?

The Isle of Wight County Newcomer’s Guide provides all the information those who are new to the area and residents need on county services, recreational opportunities, elected REFUSE & RECYCLING CENTERS officials, utilities, emergency Hours: Mon. & Tues.,Thurs. - Sat. 7and ammuch – 7 pm services, more. Sun. 1 pm – 7 pm,The closed Wed. guide is available at the Wrenn’s Mill R&R Center, Smithfield 356.1040 county complex or it can be Jones Creek R&R Center,downloaded Carrollton from 356.1037 the Carroll Bridge R&R Center, Windsor 356.1018 county’s website. Stave Mill R&R Center, Windsor 242.3597 Carrsville R&R Center, 516.2851 Camptown R&R Center, Franklin 516.2850 Crocker R&R Center, Windsor 356.1026 Walters R&R Center, Carrsville 516.2852

IWUS.net 757.357.3191

Historic Fort Huger

Wrenn’s Mill R&R Center, Smithfield 356.1040 Jones Creek R&R Center, Carrollton 356.1037 58 Carroll Bridge R&R Center, Windsor 356.1018 Stave Mill R&R Center, Windsor 242.3597 Carrsville R&R Center, 516.2851 Camptown R&R Center, Franklin HARDY 516.2850 DISTRICT NEWPORT DIST Crocker R&R Center, Windsor 356.1026 William McCa Rudolph Jefferson Walters R&R Center, Carrsville 516.2852

REFUSE & RECYCLING CENTERS

ISLE OF WIGH

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY PARKS

Camptown Park Hours: Mon. & Tues.,Thurs. - Sat. 7 am – 7 pm Camptown Sun. 1 pm Park – 7 pm, closed Wed. Heritage Park Heritage Park Wrenn’s Mill R&R Center, Smithfield 356.1040 Jones Creek Boa Jones Creek Boat Ramp Jones Creek R&R Center, Carrollton 356.1037 Joyner's Bridge B Joyner's Bridge Boat Ramp Carroll Bridge R&R Center, Windsor 356.1018 Nike Park Nike Park Stave Mill R&R Center, Windsor 242.3597 Riverview Park Riverview Park Carrsville R&R Center, Robinson Park Robinson Park 516.2851 Camptown R&R Center, Franklin 516.2850 Tyler's Beach Boa Tyler's Beach Boat Ramp, Harbor & Public Beach Crocker R&R Center, Windsor 356.1026 Fort Boykin Histo Fort Boykin Historic Park Walters R&R Center, Carrsville 516.2852 Historic Fort Hu Historic Fort Huger

Located in Smithfield on the Pagan River 757-357-7700 | SmithfieldStation.com

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, BAR, MARINA & EVENT SPACE

Water views and heated outdoor dining!

~ HOTEL, RESTAURANT, MARINA & EVENT SPACES ~

Located in Surry on Gray’s Creek 757-294-3700 | SurrySeafoodCo.com