Slice Magazine Winter 2021-22

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Winter 2021 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Feast for the eyes and ears Concerts offer classical music, practice for student musicians in beautiful sanctuary

Clary family lights up the night


2 • Slice of Smithfield

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CARRSVILLE DISTRICT Don G Rosie II Vice-Chairman

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IsleCares.com is a by Isle of 58 Wight County providing relevant information WINDSOR and up-to-date county news. Sign up on 460 PARKS IsleCares.com to receive the monthly “IsleWINDSOR 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

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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 McC Rudolph Jefferson Walters R&R Center, Carrsville 516.2852

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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, 516.2851 Robinson Park Robinson Park Camptown Center, Tyler's Beach Bo Tyler's R&R Beach BoatFranklin Ramp,516.2850 Harbor & Public Beach Crocker Center, Windsor 356.1026 Fort Boykin Hist Fort R&R Boykin Historic Park Walters R&R Center, Carrsville 516.2852 Historic Fort Hu Historic Fort Huger


Slice of Smithfield • 3

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4 • Slice of Smithfield

EDITORIAL Tracy Agnew Editor Titus Mohler Writer Stephen Faleski 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

Winter is here

There’s nothing quite like winter. It features some of the most important and best-loved holidays of the year, and people typically go all out in decorating for them. One of those particularly festive families is the Clary family of Carrollton. They spent all year programming a 30-minute light show to coordinate with 10 songs, and people can see and hear the show at the Clarys’ home in a local cul-de-sac. You can turn to page 10 for more information. After the holidays are over, however, many people find winter to be quite bleak. There is a certain anticipation in it, though, and there are ways to find comfort and meaning in the midst of the dreariness. Indoor music might be one of those things. Speaking of music, the Sundays at Four concert series has been ongoing since 2008 and made a triumphant, Christmas-themed return on the weekend after Thanksgiving. We talked with Mary Cole, the founder of the concert series, about what this program has meant to Smithfield and to the musicians who have performed there over the years — both professional musicians as well as students who have given recitals. The program has brought excellent music to Smithfield for 13 years now, and we hope to see it continue as long as possible. You can read about it starting on page 14. If you’re a NASCAR fan, you certainly know the name Kyle Larson, who won the championship in its premier racing series this year. Superfans will know the name Cliff Daniels, Larson’s crew chief. But you might not know Daniels is from right here in Smithfield. In fact, the Daniels family does a whole lot of racin’, with Charlie Daniels Jr. president of Daniels Performance Group and both of his children, Tiffany Daniels Powers and Cliff Daniels, heavily involved in NASCAR-centric careers after a racing childhood. You can read about the Danielses on page 20. 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

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CLASSICAL MUSIC

The Sundays at Four concert series is hosted at Christ Episcopal Church and provides the opportunity for outstanding chamber music right here in Smithfield.

In the News

6

Roger Healey’s collection of tools is on display at a local museum.

Clary Lights

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A local family has worked hard to bring a Christmas light show to their cul-de-sac.

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.

Racing Family

20

The Daniels family has racing in their blood.

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6 • Slice of Smithfield

In the News

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Roger Healey loans historic carpentry collection to IW museum Story by Stephen Faleski Submitted photos

In the days before electric drills and saws became woodworking standards, Roger Healey recalls watching his father repair furniture in his grandfather's New York antiques store. “Next thing I knew, I was doing some of it myself,” Healey said. Now at age 85, he's one of a select few with expertise in the use of 19th- and early 20th-century push drills, bench planes and other long-discontinued hand tools that were once the industry standard in professional carpentry. “I think there's one European country that still makes the breast drill,” Healey said. “You push with your shoulder or chest while drilling to bore a hole.” Healey's collection will be on display at the Isle of Wight County Museum through the end of February, then returned to him. Museum Director Jennifer England has dubbed the concept “Local Treasures,” and plans to make it a recurring exhibit See TOOLS, page 7


Slice of Smithfield • 7 TOOLS, from page 6

featuring a variety of collections in the possession of local residents. “Showcasing material culture gives us all a better understanding of the lives of the people who interact with objects,” England said. “It helps us understand human history. This exhibit concept will allow the museum to display an interesting microcosm of our residents' interests and pride.” Some exhibits may include items people have in their homes that they don't even think of as collectibles or artifacts. “When people see what other people in the community choose to display, they will recognize the historic or storytelling value of what they have in their own homes,” England said. “I cannot wait to see what fascinating collections our community has. Sharing them here in the museum will enrich us all.” A number of the tools in Healey's collection are special-purpose cabinetmaking planes. The Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane, for example, was sold from 1869 through 1984 as a means of smoothing the surface of boards before power sanders became the go-to tool. The Stanley No. 55 Multiplane, manufactured between 1897 and 1963, had 53 cutters and was referred to at the time as a “milling machine in a box.” It bears a passing resemblance to modernday electric saws — minus the battery or electric cord. “The handles on those saws back in the ’30s and ’40s, they were all anatomical; they fit your hand like a glove,” Healey said. “If you're going to be working with that hand saw all day long, you want something that's high quality and comfortable to use.” But “when the bean counters took over these companies in the ’50s and ’60s, they were always looking for ways to do things cheaper,” Healey said. Ergonomics was among the first qualities to be placed on the chopping block. Over the decades, there's also been notable changes in how houses are built. At one time, standard two-by-four timber boards actually measured 2 inches thick and 4 inches wide. Now, they're an inch

Roger Healey shows off part of his tool collection on display at the Isle of Wight County Museum.

and a half by 3-1/2 inches. “The older those places get, the more and more evidence you'll see of timber framing,” said Healey, who owns Smithfield's circa-1807 Four Square Plantation. When you see an old wooden cabin that's still standing, “timber framing is one of the reasons for that.” Healey has used his knowledge of traditional woodworking techniques to restore his historic home and its outbuildings, and has rebuilt and has worked on the restoration of historic Dutch homes in Wrightsville and York, Pennsylvania.

In his Smithfield home, he can tell the tongue-in-groove pine flooring was cut by hand. “If you pushed the plane one way, you were butting the groove,” Healey explained. If you pushed it the other way, you were cutting the tongue. Healey credits his Stanley tool “bible” for his knowledge of the specific dates of manufacture for the tools in his collection. It contains the dates of production for each tool the company made. “It keeps you off the streets,” Healey said. “It's a good hobby.”


8 • 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 • 9

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10 • Slice of Smithfield

Clary family lights up the night Story by Stephen Faleski Photos by Stephen Faleski and Submitted

For Carrollton's Clary family, there's no such thing as “too early” for setting up Christmas lights. They've been at it for 10 months, synchronizing 20,000-plus lights to blink and change color to music. The show, which went live Nov. 26, is 30 minutes long and features 10 songs. Visitors can hear the music by pressing a button in the family's front yard or tuning their car radios to FM 102.3. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. When coronavirus concerns prompted Busch Gardens to limit attendance at its annual Christmas Town light show in 2020, “we decided to bring the lights and Christmas feel closer to home and our community,” but “wanted to do something different than static lights that we had been using for years,” said Steven Clary. That decision led them to the nationwide trend of sequencing RGB pixel lights to music. According to the website for Light-O-Rama, one of several manufacturers of these programmable lights, light-emitting diode (LED) technology places the equivalent of a separate red, green and blue light source into what looks like one bulb. The red, green and blue channels form one pixel, which can be programmed individually to change color by raising or lowering the intensity of each channel individually to change the intensity of the red, green and blue channels, which is how they appear to change color and what allows them to be programmed to blink on and off to music. “Anyone can do it, but it’s truly a labor of love,” Clary said. “I am not going to lie, it is not necessarily See LIGHTS, page 13


Slice of Smithfield • 11


12 • Slice of Smithfield

The Clary family used thousands of LED lights to make a show set to music in their front yard.

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Slice of Smithfield • 13 LIGHTS, from page 10

intuitive. There was a steep learning curve, and it requires a lot of patience.” In 2020, the Clarys set up a roughly 2,000-pixel show consisting of a large tree, a few snowflakes and some arches. This year, they expanded to a 16,000-pixel Halloween show, and the current 20,000-plus-pixel Christmas show. “I have an electronics background, which helped quite a bit with wiring and networking, but most of the adapting lights to the surface of the exterior of your house and mounting strategies are strictly a do-it-yourself journey with many trips to the local hardware store,” Clary said. “We built Christmas first, then retrofitted Halloween into my existing display elements,” Clary added. He also found himself turning to a Facebook group with questions. “I saw a great light show, and thought — I can do that,” he said. “I soon found out it is much more time consuming than it looks.” Picking songs and synchronizing the lights to the music involves purchasing light sequences from vendors and then mapping those programs to the props Clary has set up around his house, which, in addition to the original tree and arches, now include spotlights, singing Christmas trees in the upstairs windows and a garage door that's been transformed into a giant screen. “My wife and two boys spent almost every evening watching and discussing the pixel layout and sequencing,” Clary said. “We would tweak things and add effects, and then watch it again the very next evening. Christmas music has been playing in our household since Dec. 26, 2020.” The Clarys' home is located at 104 Patricks Court in the Founder's Pointe development. The home is located on a cul-de-sac with limited parking. The family's Facebook page, Clary Family Lights, advises motorists to park on Liberty Way and walk to the site if traffic is backed up on Patricks Court.


14 • Slice of Smithfield


Slice of Smithfield • 15

Feast for the eyes and ears Concerts offer classical music, practice for student musicians in beautiful sanctuary

Story by Tracy Agnew Photos by Jen Jaqua

Three days after Thanksgiving 2021, a brass quintet took up their instruments, an organist laid her fingers on the keys, and the six began their rendition of “Nun Danket Alle Gott.” The title of the 1730 hymn by the legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach translates to “Now Thank We All Our God.” It is a song of thanksgiving, an answer to a question often forgotten as November

gives way to December and a sea of Christmas carols every year — where is the Thanksgiving music? On this particular November Sunday, it was also a nod to the thankfulness many felt to be able to revive the Sundays at Four concert series after a nearly two-year hiatus. It was the first performance since March 2020, and the pews in the small but historic sanctuary at Christ Episcopal Church, surrounded by beautiful

and recently restored stained-glass windows, were nearly full. “We draw together a lot of the community,” said Mary Cole, the founder of the Sundays at Four series. It was 2008 when Cole got inspired to begin the concert series with a chance conversation with someone at the drugstore. The person said they thought Christ Episcopal Church, on the southeast See MUSIC, page 16


16 • Slice of Smithfield

Above, Dru Stowe with Second Ending Brass, also the executive director of Sundays at Four, prepares to perform at the concert on Nov. 28. Below, Mary Cole is the founder of Sundays at Four, which began as a way to open the doors of Christ Episcopal Church to the community. MUSIC, from page 15

corner of Main and South Church streets, was a part of the museum across the street because “the doors always stay shut.” Cole, a member there, decided she needed to find a way to open the doors. “I started looking around, and I thought, ‘There’s no classical music anymore,’” she said. “I said, ‘That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to start a music series.’” Cole reached out to Heidi Bloch, the organist at Christ Episcopal, and others, who all formed a board for the Sundays at Four concert series. It started as a ministry of the church with a separate line item, operating independently. It later became a part of the Isle of Wight Arts League, though it’s still hosted at the church and church members remain heavily involved. “Certainly, our quality is really top-notch,” said Bloch. “And this room is just spectacular, not only to look at but also to make music in. It’s eye candy and ear candy.” In a typical year, three classical music concerts are given in addition to one recital for students. Cole and others agreed that the student recitals are their favorite part. See MUSIC, page 17


Slice of Smithfield • 17

Kenneth Keller, above left, playing the trombone, and Kerry Moffit, above right, playing the trumpet, are part of Second Ending Brass. Below, the keys of Christ Episcopal Church’s organ. MUSIC, from page 16

Many students have “not ever had an opportunity to give a full recital in their life in high school,” Cole said. However, the Sundays at Four recitals give them a chance to feel what a professional concert would be like — they must dress professionally and prepare not only their music but also a few words to tell the audience about each piece before they play it. Students have performed all sorts of different music over the years, Cole said, from vocalists to harpists to pianists and even percussionists, as well as most of the instruments from the brass, wind and string families. “We pay them, and we pay their accompanist,” Cole said. “We try to give them a feeling of how it would be as a professional.” Bloch said the student program, always the first Sunday in August, is typically the most well attended of the year. “They’ve all said this experience, being expected to perform at a professional level and to prepare something to say about their pieces, has been really good for them in their college application process,” Bloch said. Many of the students who have been involved over the years indeed went on to become professional musicians, both performing and teaching, Cole said. Unfortunately, the series took a hit during the pandemic, but the hope is that following the Nov. 28 holiday concert, the series will now be back for good, Cole said. As a rule, board members of the concert series — although many are professional musicians themselves — have been prohibited from giving the program in the past, See MUSIC, page 18


18 • Slice of Smithfield MUSIC, from page 17

but they did so on Nov. 28 to avoid having to cancel on an outside group in case anything happened with the pandemic. The Second Ending Brass Quintet, led by Sundays at Four Executive Director Dru Stowe, gave the program on Nov. 28, with Stowe on the tuba, Kerry Moffit and James Barnard on the trumpets, Kenneth Keller on the trombone and Ellen Polachek on the horn. Bloch, another board member, accompanied them on the organ. Stowe said the series is bringing music to Isle of Wight County that otherwise would not be heard here. “It is the only place you’re going to hear real, high-quality chamber music up close and personal in the county,” Stowe said. “Chamber music was written to be performed in somebody’s nice parlor or living room up close. It wasn’t just music that was over there or all the way up on the stage, but you can really see what’s going on and hear the little nuances. It’s a rare opportunity in our county to get to do something like that.” He added that the concert series is constantly trying to find more ways to reach the community. “We are trying to keep it growing,” he said. “It’s got a lot of good staying power.”

Above, Ellen Polachek plays the horn as part of Second Ending Brass during the Sundays at Four concert series. At right, Heidi Bloch, a founding member and artistic director for Sundays at Four, performs on the organ during Sundays at Four.


Slice of Smithfield • 19

Kenneth Keller of Second Ending Brass speaks to the Sundays at Four audience about the upcoming song.

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20 • Slice of Smithfield

G N I C A R E Y H L I T M A F S L E I DAN

was get eld. hat she Smithfi w w ,” e e n iv k ielses support “Wanda ger Dan as very n r w a u om.” d p o y n M ir a o e g o acin m th g int o R The tw r in f e t h e t iv s r a “She w d their d anda Daniels, busiin he said. inherite orts’ ris a built a W p d s d r n n a o ir a . t e s W e o t h li t ar lots for roo ed He and Two of m ents, Ch ithfield parking d foster n g m a S in . e d s li e m t in r r o a a iz malls. int spo ogn , Ch ed fr ness ma r motor nd strip who rec o a ir father blossom f e s e r h t v e t ,” o lo n t it g ce nd or ing a titude a Accordin sident of Danhopping d to go f ls mann p s e a ie t n n a a D w e n oth Jr., pre ey made m Charli d dustpan, Clea , Tiffany “They b Daniels said. “Th d Fro e Group n n c a ls a , n ie t a m a ls n o o s m a ie g o e r D o ye nd Dan hey push br Wanda iels Perf 0 emplo nd Cliff breaks t 5 a e o s t .” h r t s e w o k f t e w a o r t Po ll as an bre w in Sweep g the mos Daniels s, as we t those 30s, gre e k c g . u y id o r c t t m a d r g r ir e e p ha the n. family le 23 swee m the tim . worked both in nd ir divisio rts are a a a o eers fro r r p p a ld e a s c r c o r e o s lt R t c r a a A o Daniels M yea is r asph NASC -1980s, ls was 8 round h is id a ie h n m d am. n a e le e e D c h d h t a d In er r ’s race te harlie ton w m r p C in they to o k f m a ff a u , H B in e cars at his niels for Hen wing up ined Mik te model stock im and f Cliff Da o h r jo ie g k h o c o t w y ran la father the cre Saluda’s o their driven b Buffkin race-fan driver, is David, t way and s #5 car , d t r e r e e o h p p t , ip s S o y r r h a d b , Daniels oto ers dw Dixielan younger and was drick M ley Spee se partn y g a lo n c w a e n L r c I m a t a . a a h R C race es son e te Virginia first rac , then to ccessful ls led th Kyle Lar n u ie s o t n t g s a e o n D t li s t , one ar em erie rson that no at Charlo said, “th hen to D ia 0 t R Cup S with La 0 A in 6 g C S ir t ld r n A . V g ina om e Wo 021 N ily outin g a dom driver fr lotte. Th to the 2 ual fam n , cappin d y n e of.” ip ntion a it m h d n s s e a a a n r in’s atte er he rd came ays w k son c v r e e ff a b lw u champio a L B . y s t d t ur Pe rbe f 10 win paredsaid. “C he real He abso “Richard season o ntal pre rew as t Daniels e e c ,” b m e r e h d ld t n iv u a r d d wo an assed on to detail favorite aniels p favorite Daniels D d s n r n o u c o e e s s s n y le bought re ns. ness — n entrep out rently, m .” 1986 he champio a n , I s . r e n h e g w r Po ou ild on hevelle ugh Tiffany held thr yle Lars to his ch s 1968 C AR thro g K s C in la S c C a s A r g e k N f c o nce. am to racin with His love — just o Grand S gree at J her life y e a d lf le involved a s g s h n e a t 22 L n in us at del G, page er, spe arrying d raced ning a b Late Mo r n m e RACIN a a , d e e y S e her care it it s r s im e ar cars, L n Univ ng in l Stock c Madiso Legends nd settli a te Mode a 1 L 8 9 N R 1 A & in SC SCAR K Wanda and NA o the NA t p u g leadin s. Pro Serie

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Slice of Smithfield • 21


22 • Slice of Smithfield

Above, Charlie Daniels pauses for a photo with his dog, Banjo, and his “everyday” car. Below, Cliff and Charlie Daniels have a father-son moment at Martinsville Speedway. RACING, from page 20

He spun out, got T-boned, totaled the car and escaped with seat belt bruises and the realization that he might be a hotshot street driver, but he needed to learn to drive a race car. “That winter, my brother and I built a ’68 Chevelle style car, one piece at a time, and I was back on the track for the 1987 season,” he said. “I didn’t win a race that year at Langley.” But racing, he said, was like a drug, and he persevered, earning “Most Improved Driver” for the 1988 season. The next year, he bought a professionally built car and won the Grand Stock Championship, a silver plate trophy and a cash prize he remembers as being, perhaps, $1,000. Daniels’ race team was a family affair — his brother, a few volunteers and the kids. Tiffany was born in 1985 and Cliff in 1988. From the time they could walk, racing was part of their lives. At 4 years old, Tiffany was cleaning the inside rear window of her father’s race car — a critical area no adult could reach effectively. The race team slipped her, on her back with paper towels and window cleaner in her tiny hands, under the rollbar to polish the window. As they worked on chassis setups

and repairs, she and Cliff learned about not only tire pressures but also practical physics, geometry, heat transfer and fluid dynamics — a natural internship for their futures. Both later earned degrees in mechanical engineering/motorsports from the University of North Carolina— Charlotte while pursuing their own racing careers. When the pair, students at Hampton

Roads Academy, also excelled in more typical youth sports, Daniels curtailed his racing to coach and cheer them on. “Then I decided the kids needed a go-kart,” Daniels said. “But you can’t have just one, so I bought another, and another. My brother bought one, and we built a dirt track at his place in North Carolina.” The go-karts lasted two years before See RACING, page 23


Slice of Smithfield • 23 RACING, from page 22

the Danielses progressed to Bandoleros, entry level race cars, and competed at Atlanta Motor Speedway. “Cliff was driving one when he was 9 years old, but that wasn’t unusual,” Daniels said. From there they went to Legends cars, the next step to professional racing. Tiffany, then a competitive 14, jumped behind the wheel too. To support the youngsters’ racing, Daniels set up a race shop in the Isle of Wight Business Park. The building now houses the Daniels Performance Group, specialists in performance automotive and classic car restoration. Although the Daniels family racing obsession never flagged, their finances did. When Charlie Daniels could no longer finance their racing, Tiffany and Cliff both opted for other careers within NASCAR. Tiffany Daniels Powers, now chief operating officer of Pit Pay Inc., is married with two children, and living in Concord, North Carolina. Besides years as a formidable driver, she has worked as a support engineer with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, a media relations representative

A young Tiffany Daniels Powers works in the race shop earlier in her career.

for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and William Byron with Hendrick Motorsports, a public relations representative for other drivers, a pit reporter, assistant producer and radio co-host.

Cliff Daniels chose race engineering, starting with NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace. He moved on to Stewart-Hass Racing as a race engineer for Tony Stewart, then to Hendrick Motorsports as race engineer for Jimmie Johnson. In July 2019, he replaced Chad Knaus as crew chief there. In 2020, when Hendrick brought driver Kyle Larson back into NASCAR, he named Daniels as crew chief and created a seemingly charmed combination of talents. Success in racing, Daniels said, requires a passion for and love of all forms of racing. “I remember always being around it, having way too many Matchbox cars and always loving NASCAR,” he said. Although far from his own racing days, Charlie Daniels’ current ride is a 2009 Dodge Challenger — a six speed manual transmission with a hemi-head motor, an eye-catching custom paint and, frequently, Banjo, his canine companion. “It does help,” he said, “To ease that lingering racing itch.”

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.

Teachers

Transportation

Bus Driver - responsible for transporting children  Low Teacher-Child Ratios to and from their homes and our Centers.  5-Star Rated Centers  Assistance with continuing education Bus Monitor - supervises children on the bus.  Out of classroom prep-time The team greets parents and children while providing safe, on-time transportation  Infant, Toddler, & Pre-K Classrooms

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!


24 • Slice of Smithfield

Tiffany Daniels Powers and Cliff Daniels have fun at Texas Motor Speedway.

EXPERIENCE IT AGAIN ON THE BIG SCREEN! A T

T H E

C E N T E R

Home Home

FOR THE HOLIDAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONTACT THE LOCALS' CHOICE CONTACT THE LOCALS' CHOICE

WE GET RESULTS. WE GET RESULTS.

from all of us at from all of us at SuffolkSpecialist.com 330 W. Constance Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434 SuffolkSpecialist.com

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

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Slice of Smithfield • 25

May the joy of Christ be with you!

We are grateful for our SCA families, students and staff!

Last edition’s Where Am I? The Where Am I? challenge in the Where am I? Fall 2021 edition of Slice featured what we thought was a relatively easy, if detailed, shot of downtown Smithfield. The bronze hand clutching a bronze valentine belongs to “The Valentine Couple,” one of eight George Lundeen statues in Smithfield. Dave Berrien was one of five correct guessers and was the randomly selected winner of a $25 gift card from among the five. Check out page 8 for this edition’s challenge.

Slice of Smithfield • 11

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” - Psalm 100:4

Schedule a Tour Today 917 Carolina Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434

(757) 809-6606

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!

www.suffolkchristianacademy.com

The Oaks Veterinary Clinic

There's a

SLICE

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

of life around every corner

Offering Compassionate, Professional Care For Your Companion Animals

For over 55 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

757.357.3288 smithfieldtimes.com


26 • Slice of Smithfield

! s y a d i ol ! yH s y a id HaHppapp ol H y

! s y a id ol H y pp a H Expert ExpertPhysicians. Physicians.

Expert Physicians. Exceptional Care. Exceptional Care. Exceptional Care.

At Virginia Oncology Associates, we At Virginia Oncology Associates, weunderstand understand everyevery cancer is unique and so is every cancer is unique and so is everypatient patient At Virginia Oncology Associates,physicians we understand we treat. Our team of experienced we treat. Our team of experienced physicians every cancer is unique and so isinnovative every patient and staff provide advanced care, and staff provide advanced care, innovative we treat. Our team of experienced physicians technology, andand personalized treatment options. technology, personalized treatment options. and staff provide advanced care, innovative This includes research and groundbreaking This includes research and groundbreaking technology, and personalized treatment options. clinical trials taking place right here clinical trials taking place right hereininHampton Hampton This includes research and groundbreaking Roads, giving ourtaking patients access tototherapies Roads, giving our patients access therapies clinical trials place right here in Hampton not yet available outside of the studies. not yet available outside of the studies. Roads, giving our patients access to therapies not yet available outside of the studies.

Virginia Oncology Associates affiliateof of Virginia Oncology Associates is is ananaffiliate Virginia Oncology Associates isof anthe affiliate the US Oncology Network, one largestof the US Oncology Network, one of the largest the US treatment Oncology Network, one of the largest cancer research networks inthe the cancer treatment andand research networks in cancer treatment and research networks in the country. affiliation enables incorporate country. This This affiliation enables usustotoincorporate country. This of affiliation enables us to incorporate the expertise nearly 1,350 physicians the expertise of nearly 1,350 physicians the expertise of nearly 1,350of physicians nationwide delivery patientcare. care. nationwide intointo ourour delivery of patient

Ayham Deeb, MD Ayham Deeb, MD Ayham Deeb, MD

SnehalDamle, Damle, MD Snehal MD Snehal Damle, MD

nationwide into our delivery of patient care.

466-8683 (757)(757) 466-8683 (757) 466-8683 5838 Blvd., 2790 Godwin Blvd., 5838Harbour Harbour View Blvd., 2790 2790 Godwin Blvd., 5838 Harbour ViewView Blvd., Godwin Blvd., Ste. 105, Suffolk, VA 23435 Ste. 101, Suffolk, VA 23434 Ste. 105, Suffolk, VA 23435Ste.Ste. Suffolk, VA 23434 Ste. 105, Suffolk, VA 23435 101,101, Suffolk, VA 23434

VirginiaCancer.com VirginiaCancer.com VirginiaCancer.com Virginia Oncology Associates is part of The US Oncology Network and is supported by

Virginia Oncology Associates is part of The US Oncology Network and is supported by McKesson Specialty Health. © 2021 McKesson Specialty Health. All rights reserved. Virginia Oncology is part©of The US Oncology Network is supported McKessonAssociates Specialty Health. 2021 McKesson Specialty Health.and All rights reserved.by McKesson Specialty Health. © 2021 McKesson Specialty Health. All rights reserved.

Daniel Atienza, MD Daniel MD Daniel Atienza, Atienza, MD

Cynthia Sile, MD Cynthia Sile, MD Cynthia Sile, MD


Slice of Smithfield • 27

Attractions You’ll find “genuine history” in a town that's been around since 1752. And just outside of Genuine Smithfield are more attractions that you won't want to miss - whether you're a history buff, nature lover, an arts fan, a foodie, or you love to shop ‘til you drop, you’ll find it in Smithfield and Isle of Wight County.

Special Events With the town's natural beauty as a backdrop, it's not surprising we play host to some of the region’s best special events, including our Farmers Market, the Mistletoe Marketplace, two Vintage Markets, and Smithfield VA Event’s festivals, just to name a few. Stay informed. Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter "Where The Locals Go" at GenuineSmithfieldVA.com.

Weddings & Meetings Groups large and small will find everything they need for meetings, conferences, weddings or banquets at the Smithfield Center and our other local venues. Lodging options range from the Smithfield Station, the Smithfield Inn, Mansion on Main B&B, to the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Full page, Slice - Jan 2022


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

Waterviews , hotel , heated outdoor dining ~ Two Great Locations and Family-Run ~


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