OVER We Appreciate Your Business IsleWightof A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MarchWednesday23,2022
2 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD Serving The Area’s Agribusiness Community Since The Early 1900’s 539-3456 • Suffolk, VA BIRDSONG PEANUTS A Division of Bird song Cor poration Birdsong Peanuts is proud of Isle of Wight's History and Proud to Celebrate Our 108th Year! Proudly Saluting the Agri-Businesses of Isle of Wight & Surrounding Areas... Isle of Wight County is more than a good neighbor to Suffolk. From Windsor and Carrsville to Smithfield and Carrollton, Isle of Wight is full of vibrant communities with much to experience for residents and visitors alike. We are happy to spotlight it in the pages that follow.
SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 | 3
FairgroundsMonday,July 4,
Bradshaw FairgroundsSaturday,April 30, 2022
Main Street, Downtown Smithfield Juried fine art show Literary Art (meet local authors Kim Norman & SonjaPerformingCulinaryMcGiboney)ArtArt(music & dance) Fine Children’sCraft area: make and take art project, story time with Kim and Sonja TWO INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
SPRING Joel C. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 FESTIVAL May 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday,
Smithfield Fireworks Display Clontz Park
Isle
Fireworks Display Heritage Park and the
COUNTRY VINTAGE MARKET Heritage Park and the
AUTUMN DOWNTOWN VINTAGE MARKET Saturday, Sept. 24, 9
p.m. Downtown Smithfield SCARECROW STROLL Oct. Downtown17-31 Smithfield Stroll downtown and check out the scarecrows at participating businesses and attractions, then stop by the Visitor’s Center @ 319 Main Street to cast your vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice Awards. UpcomingTourismEvents
p.m. SMITHFIELD ARTS
Downtown Friday, July 1, 9:30 p.m. of Wight County Joel C. Bradshaw 9:30 p.m. a.m.-4
BEHIND THESE WALLS: VIDEO SERIES BY THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MUSEUM People, objects and places all tell sto ries, and it is the history of a community that shows its unique character. The Isle of Wight County Museum’s video series allows some of the county’s most inter esting structures to share their stories. View all episodes on the museum’s Facebook page or wight.com/behind-these-walls.html.www.historicisleof
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: THE WORLD’S OLDEST HAM’S BIRTHDAY SLEEPOVER
4 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
Thanks To Our Patrons For Letting Us Help Educate Your Children! 2022-2023
July 8, 6-7 p.m. Calling all well-loved teddy bears, dogs, unicorns and hippos. The World’s Oldest Ham’s birthday is the following day, and he’d like nothing more than to have an evening of fun with some of his friends. Kids are encouraged to put on their PJs and bring their favor ite stuffed animal or doll to the museum. Museum staff will read a bedtime story or two before the special guests are tucked in. Kids will head home, but their stuffed animal friends will stay the night. Pick up the overnight guests on the morning of the World’s Oldest
Ham’s birthday while hearing about everyone’s adventures. Representatives and books from Blackwater Regional Library will join the celebration.
Museum events
CountyIW
May 1, June 5, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4, 2 p.m. From the site’s pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join this free walking tour through history, including the main house and several of the outbuildings. Meet on the front steps of Windsor Castle, 301 Jericho Road, Smithfield. DRAWING DAY May 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Whatever your medium, Drawing Day is the day dedicated to the artist inside all of us. Pack your pencil, charcoals or crayons for your visit to the museum to sketch something on display. Share your cre ations on social media. Free admission for all artistes — professional, aspiring or beginners.
WINDSOR CASTLE WALKING TOUR
After the Civil War, Confederate vet eran Pembroke D. Gwaltney Sr., known as Smithfield’s “peanut king,” partnered with his cousin, O.G. Delk, to erect a smokehouse behind their store and warehouse on Commerce Street. But as the moniker implies, P.D. Sr. was more known for producing peanuts than hams.In1882, according to King’s book, Gwaltney’s 21-year-old son, P.D. Gwaltney Jr., formed a partnership with his father under the name P.D. Gwaltney Jr. & Co., and began expand ing the Gwaltney family’s ham curing operations. When P.D. Sr. died in 1915, P.D. Jr. and his brother-in-law, Frank Berryman, sold their holdings in the peanut business to the American Peanut Corporation.WhentheGreat
About a year after the fire, P.D. Jr. discovered a smoked ham that had been left hanging, undisturbed, in the rafters of one of his smokehouses for 20 years. He fashioned a brass collar for it, calling it his “pet” ham, and began taking it on tour as a demonstration of the preserv ing powers of the Smithfield curing method.Enter Joseph W. Luter Sr. and Jr., the founders of what would eventu ally become the Fortune 500 company known as Smithfield Foods.
SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 | 5
The Luters built a packing plant in 1946 on Route 10 and by 1959, their workforce had grown to 650, according to Smithfield Foods’ website.
A SUFFOLK TRADITION
Luter Jr. was Smithfield’s chief execu tive officer until his death in 1962. His son, Joseph W. Luter III, joined the company that year. Luter III served as CEO from 1975 through 2006. Under his leadership, Smithfield bought the Gwaltney brand in 1983. Luter contin ued to serve as the company’s chairman until it was sold to the Hong Kongbased WH Group in 2013.
Genuine Smithfield hams can only be marketed as such if they are created by the “long-cure, dry salt method” and aged for a minimum of six months, all “within the corporate limits of the town of Smithfield,” reads a Virginia state law.It’s a distinction shared with Champagne, which can only be labeled as such, and not sparkling wine, if it comes from Champagne, France.
According to Jim Monroe, Smithfield Foods’ vice president of corporate affairs, the company continues to pro duce genuine Smithfield hams at its meatpacking plants in town.
Fire of 1921 destroyed Smithfield’s peanut industry, “the Gwaltneys lost very little,” King writes. In fact, it left P.D. Jr.’s store and meat packing buildings relatively untouched.
BY STEPHEN FALESKI STAFF WRITER
Hams
Smithfield
Luter Sr. and Jr. both initially worked for P.D. Gwaltney Jr.’s company, according to King’s book, before strik ing out on their own in 1936 to found the Smithfield Packing Co. on empty Commerce Street lots where the old American Peanut Corporation ware houses once stood.
The town’s association with meat packing dates back to the 18th century.
According to Helen Haverty-King’s book, “Historical Notes on Isle of Wight County, Virginia,” shipping records of the day list Capt. Samuel Wentworth of Smithfield as shipping bacon and hams as early as 1755. But it’s Mallory Todd, a native of Bermuda who came to Smithfield in 1767, who’s credited with creating the famed Smithfield ham using the technique outlined in state law.
The agenda for regular meetings and public hearings is published five days in advance of board meetings and is available for review in the County Administrator’s Office. The minutes from board meetings are also available for review after adoption by the board. You may also review minutes and agendas online at www.co.isle-of-
Appreciate The Opportunity To Serve You! Thanks For The Confidence You've Shown in Us! Need to KnowIsleWightof **************************************************ElectedOfficials
Elected officials representing Isle of Wight county residents and their neighbors local ly, statewide and nationally include: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Values Statement: “To sustain Isle of Wight County’s stature as a community of CHOICE for people, families and busi nesses alike while preserving and protect ing our rural heritage, our bountiful mix of natural resources and our natural beauty for present and future generations.” Isle of Wight is governed by the Board of Supervisors, an elected body of five mem bers representing each of the county’s five election districts. The board determines all policies and ordinances that govern the county. Board members serve a four-year Citizensterm. are encouraged to attend meet ings of the Board of Supervisors, which are generally held on the third Thursday of each month in the Board Room at the Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex. The meeting begins at 5 p.m., with the public portion of the regular meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Citizens are invited to speak dur ing the citizen comments section of each regular board meeting. Special meetings are held when needed. Work sessions are held the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
Thewight.va.us.Boardof Supervisors members are: Rudolph Jefferson, Chairman Smithfield rgrice@isleofwightus.net757-508-2755District Don Rosie Carrsville drosie@isleofwightus.net757-298-5074District
6 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
Joel C. Acree Windsor jacree@isleofwightus.net757-255-2705District
be reached through the county administrator’s office, 365-6204.
ln-Home Care Services • Personal care • Companionship and housekeeping • Dementia and Alzheimer's care • Respite care • Safety solutions ln-Home Care Services • Personal care • Companionship and housekeeping • Dementia and Alzheimer's care • Respite care • Safety solutions
CELEBRATING38YEARSOFDENTALHEALTH
Rudolph Jefferson Hardy rudolph.jefferson@isleofwightus.net757-357-7359District
We
William M. McCarty, Vice-Chairman Newport Thewmccarty@isleofwightus.net757-646-4287DistrictBoardofSupervisorscan
Boat: $1 per $100 of assessed value, pay able in two installments due June 5 and Dec. 5. Dog and Cat licenses: There is a $7 fee for a spayed/neutered dog or cat or a $10 fee for an unspayed/unneutered dog or cat, renewed annually by Feb. 1. Those pets with a rabies certificate valid through 2024 can purchase a three-year tag for $20 for a spayed/neutered pet or $30 for an unspayed/unneutered pet. A kennel tag covering five to 19 animals can be purchased for $35. A rabies certificate must be presented to receive a dog or cat Thelicense.Treasurer’s Office is located at the Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex.
SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 | 7
The Clerk also has authority to probate wills, grant administration of estates and appoint guardians.
The Clerk’s Office is where you may obtain a marriage license or passport. You may record documents such as real estate deeds, plats or wills. It is also a good place to conduct genealogical research.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR The County Administrator is the county’s chief administrative officer, primarily supervising management of Isle of Wight’s day-to-day operations. The administrator presents an annual proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors and carries out policies adopted by the board. More 757-365-6204Isle17090P.O.admn@isleofwightus.netRandyinformation:R.KeatonBox80MonumentCircleofWight,VA23397
48 Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors • We Service All Brands Curtis Bryant - Smithfield, VA Licensed & Insured - Locally Licensed757-870-0896OwnedandInsured,FreeEstimatesOver25YearsExperience!ExperienceY25earsof All Aspects of Clearing - Grading - Tree Removal - Driveway Installation & Repair - Hauling - Demolition HARDY’S TOWING • 24 Hour Damage Free Towing • Local & Long Distance 242-9401 Locally Owned & Operated Since 1985 34 E. Windsor Blvd., Windsor, VA 23487 242-9401
TREASURER
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
The Commissioner of the Revenue is an elected position with responsibilities including the assessment of all taxable property within the county and retention of tax records.
to
The Commissioner’s Office also assists the public with preparation of state income tax filing; issues and maintains business licenses; coordinates income tax relief for the elderly; and prepares and maintains information for land records. The Commissioner’s Office is located at the Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex.
SHERIFF/EMERGENCIES
COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE
IsleWightof
More 757-365-6233Isle17000P.O.ClerkKathleeninformation:S.TorrenceoftheCircuitCourtBox110JosiahParkerCircleofWight,VA23397
The Clerk’s Office is located at the Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected position and serves as support for Circuit Court judges, maintains county records and provides specific services to citizens.
Need Know
The Commonwealth’s Attorney is elected by the citizens to prosecute criminal offenses in Isle of Wight County. The Commonwealth’s Attorney also provides legal training and advice to all local law enforcement and other local officials. More 757-357-7312Isle17000P.O.gphillips.iwca@gmail.comGeorgetteinformation:C.PhillipsBox112JosiahParkerCircleofWight,VA23397
The sheriff, an elected position, is the county’s chief law enforcement officer. Sheriff’s deputies also serve criminal and civil warrants and provide courthouse and courtroom security. The sheriff’s office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Treasurer, elected by the citizens, col lects all tax revenue and local fees. The Treasurer also manages the investment of county funds and represents Isle of Wight in all banking activities. Some of Isle of Wight’s fees include: Real estate tax: 85 cents per $100 of assessed value (as of April 2021), payable in two installments due June 5 and Dec. 5. Personal property tax: $3.90 per $100 of assessed value (as of April 2022) on vehi cles, motorcycles, motor homes and trail ers, payable in two installments due June 5 and Dec. 5.
17090 Monument Circle Isle of Wight, VA 23397 757-365-6228
COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY
More P.O.jwells@isleofwightus.netJudithinformation:C.Wells,TreasurerBox79
More 17090P.O.ggwaltney@isleofwightus.netGeraldinformation:H.GwaltneyBox107MonumentCircle,Suite 113 Isle of Wight, VA 23397 757-365-6222
More P.O.JamesEMERGENCY:information:911R.Clarke,SheriffBox75,IsleofWight, VA 23397 17110 Monument Circle, Windsor, VA 23487 757-357-2151 (non-emergency)
NoonWednesday,NoonTuesday9Monday,Hours:www.blackwaterlib.org/carrollton757-238-2641Thursdaya.m.to5p.m.to7p.m.Fridayto5p.m.
Riverside Regional Medical Center 500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News www.riversideonline.com757-594-2000
Sunday10Saturday9Wednesday9Tuesday,11MondayHours:www.blackwaterlib.org/smithfield757-357-2264a.m.to8p.m.Thursday,Fridaya.m.to5p.m.a.m.to7p.m.a.m.to1p.m.
Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital 100 Fairview Drive, Franklin www.smhfranklin.com757-569-6100
Smithfield Medical Center 919 S. Church St., Smithfield Sentara Belleharbour 3920 Bridge Road, Suffolk www.sentara.com757-983-0000
Sentara St. Luke’s Healthcare Campus 20209 Sentara Way, Carrollton www.sentara.com757-542-1000
Eagle Harbor Primary Care 13478 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton www.riversideonline.com757-238-7043
Sentara St. Luke’s Healthcare Campus offers services including urgent care, advanced imaging, physical therapy, physician prac tices and lab services. Sentara Physical Therapy, formerly Smithfield Physical Therapy, is located on the campus. Sentara Family Medicine offers family prac tice, pediatrics and internal medicine and more from its facilities. Both centers are divisions of Sentara Health System, a leader in health care in Western Tidewater.
Along with several top-notch hospitals near by, two progressive health care organiza tions operate facilities offering a myriad of services within the area.
Sentara Obici Hospital 2800 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk www.sentara.com757-934-4000
10Saturdaya.m.to 1 p.m. ClosedSunday SMITHFIELD BRANCH 255 James St., Smithfield
They are windows to the world, and Isle of Wight County has three of them — libraries, that is. All are branches of the Blackwater Regional Library System and offer countless volumes and helpful staff to help meet all of your needs. Special events are held throughout the year, such as children’s programs after school and during the summer — check with the branch closest to you for more informa tion.
Closed WINDSOR BRANCH 18 Duke St.,
New to the area and without a doctor? No need to worry yourself sick — there is plenty of health care across Isle of Wight County and nearby. The region has its own share of physicians, dentists, specialty doctors and medical facilities for whatever ails you; check the local telephone direc Isletory.of
MoreClosedSunday9Friday,10Tuesday,1Monday,Hours:www.blackwaterlib.org/windsor757-242-3046WindsorThursdayto7p.m.Wednesdaya.m.to5p.m.Saturdaya.m.to1p.m.information:BlackwaterRegionalLibrarySystem,www.blackwaterlib.org **************************************************HEALTH
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS
Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View 5818 Harbour View Blvd., Suffolk www.bshr.com757-673-5800
Isle of Wight County Health Department 919 S. Church St., Smithfield www.vdh.state.va.us757-357-4177
Wight is also home to hospitals and other medical facilities.
8 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
From Riverside Health System, a leader in health care based in Newport News, comes several offerings, including Riverside Convalescent Center, Riverside Diagnostic Center, Magnolia Manor assisted living, The Garden at Smithfield memory care residences and Eagle Harbor Primary Care. Close by are several hospital facilities, including Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin and Bon Secours Maryview in Portsmouth. More information: Bon Secours Maryview 3636 High St., Portsmouth www.bshr.com757-398-2200
Isle
**************************************************LIBRARIES
CARROLLTON BRANCH 14362 New Towne Haven Lane, Carrollton
Whatever the season, Whatever the reason, Need to KnowWightof
Eagle Harbor Medical Associates 13609 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton www.bshr.com/primarycare757-238-8751
to
SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 | 9
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
SCHOOL BOARD Mission: The mission of Isle of Wight County Public Schools is to provide rigor ous academic programs in a safe school environment that fosters high levels of student achievement. The division is com mitted to offering educational programs characterized by high academic standards that prepare students to exceed state and national accreditation standards. The cur riculum will prepare students to be lifelong learners for the ever-changing global com Themunity.Isleof
Education means much more than just read ing, writing and arithmetic. The demands of the workforce place an even greater emphasis on getting a good education. Isle of Wight County is home to public and private schools and a community col lege — all in an effort to educate tomor row’s leaders. Nearby in neighboring com munities, there are also several excellent choices of colleges and universities for the recent high school graduate or adults returning for a diploma.
office, 757-357-4393. ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Carrollton Elementary School Principal — Robert D. Brennan 14440 New Towne Haven Lane, Carrollton 757-357-8850 Carrsville Elementary School Principal –— Pamela Hatfield 5355 Carrsville Highway, Carrsville 757-357-8844 We Appreciate Your Business! YOUR HEADQUARTERSSUPPLIESBUILDING • Chuckatuck 5969 D. Godwin Blvd. Chuckatuck • 377-5629 ALL BREEDS OF DOGS Open Tues. - Sat. 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Animal Outfitters Pet Grooming BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Funeral • On-Site Cremation Services Monuments • Pre-Need Planning Personally committed to serve each family. 757-562-4144 206 W. 4th Ave., Franklin, VA 23851 | wrightfh@verizon.net • wrightfuneralhome.org
Need Know
The Isle of Wight County Public School system offers a comprehensive program for grades K-12, in addition to special programs for gifted students, students with special needs, remedial instruction in basic skills, Advanced Placement classes, alternative education, pre-school and vocational education. There are more than 5,500 students currently enrolled in nine public schools.
Dr. Jim Thornton is the Isle of Wight County Schools superintendent. You may contact the school administrative offices for information or inquiries regard ing the Isle of Wight School system. Offices are located at 820 W. Main St., Smithfield, VA 23430 More www.iwcs.k12.va.us757-357-4393information:
Wight County School Board is an elected body of five citizens repre senting each of the county’s five election districts. The board sets school policy and reviews administrative actions. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Board Room at the Courthouse Complex. Citizens who wish to address the School Board should contact the school administrative offices. The School Board consists of: Denise Tynes, Chairman , District 1 Michaeldtynes@iwcs.k12.va.usCunningham, Vice-Chairman,District Schooljcollick@iwcs.k12.va.usJohnmvines@iwcs.k12.va.usMichaelrdial@iwcs.k12.va.usReneemcunningham@iwcs.k12.va.us3Dial,District2Vines,District4Collick,District5Boardofficialscanbereachedthroughtheschoolsuperintendent’s
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
IsleWightof **************************************************EDUCATION
Isle
Smithfield Middle School
Need to Know
Principal — Dawn Carroll 23320 N. Court St., Windsor 757-242-3229
Principal — Matthew Johnson 800 W. Main St., Smithfield 757-357-3021
Principal — Bryan Thrift 14171 Turner Drive, Smithfield 757-357-3108
GODWIN TREE SERVICE NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL Free Estimates, Licensed, Firewood Available.
Westside Elementary School
Windsor High School
25 years experience.
Principal — Matthew Johnson 14175 Turner Drive, Smithfield 757-365-4100
10 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
HIGH SCHOOLS
Hampton Roads Classical Academy 13490 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield 757-542-3901
Principal — Laura Sullivan 24 Church St., Windsor 757-242-6172 GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL
One community college serves the Isle of Wight area. Camp Community College offers one- and two-year vocational, technical and collegelevel programs at a center in Smithfield. PDCCC at Smithfield 253 James St. Smithfield, VA 23430 www.pdc.edu757-569-6700 237-1285 Over
MIDDLE SCHOOLS Georgie D. Tyler Middle School
ANYTIMECALL
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Smithfield High School
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Windsor Elementary School
The Governor’s School for the Arts, located in Norfolk, offers intensive study in five arts areas: dance, vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, theater arts and per forming arts. The programs are designed for students who demonstrate strong interests and abilities in the particular arts fields. Students who enroll in the school take academic classes in the mornings at their community high schools and attend the arts school in the afternoons. Auditions are conducted annually or on an as-needed basis. Students should see their guidance counselors for information.
Principal — Shante Denson 9311 Hardy Circle, Smithfield 757-357-3204
Principal — Ellen Couch 20008 Courthouse Highway, Windsor 757-242-4193
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Two independent schools are located in Isle of Wight County. Isle of Wight Academy 757-357-3866Isle17111www.iwacademy.comCourthouseHighwayofWight,VA23397
Hardy Elementary School
A number of programs and classes are offered by the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, including bas ketball, soccer, softball, tennis, aerobics, square dancing, dog obedience, summer programs, quilting, etiquette, karate, mar tial arts and cheerleading. More information: 357-2291
BOAT RAMPS AND MARINAS Brown’s Marina 10230 Brown Marina Road, Carrollton 357-4459
HEALTH CLUBS Luter Family YMCA 259 James St., Smithfield 757-365-4060
Suffolk Family YMCA 2769 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk 757-934-9622
SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 | 11 Need to KnowIsleWightof PARKS*************************ANDRECREATION*************************
Jones Creek Boat Ramp Two boat ramps, a fishing pier, staging area and tie-down area on Jones Creek. Boundary Lane, Carrollton 357-2291 Joyner’s Bridge Boat Ramp Access to the Blackwater River at the Route 611 crossing.
Tyler’s Beach Boat Ramp Access to James River Tyler’s Beach Road, Rushmere 357-2291
COUNTY FAIR An old-fashioned county fair is held each September. Among the events are enter tainment on several stages, a midway with concessions and games of chance, an arts and crafts area, 4-H exhibitions and more. More information: www.thefairiscoming. com.
Across the county are numerous parks and other entertainment venues to rest and relax everyone in your family. Tennis any one? How about a nice dip in the pool, or some roller skating? A walk along a nature trail would be nice, and so would a stroll along the James River.
GOLF COURSES
Cypress Creek Golfers’ Club An 18-hole semi-private course with driving range, chipping area, putting green, prac tice bunker and teaching pro. 600 Cypress Creek Parkway, Smithfield www.cypresscreekgolfersclub.com757-365-4774
Gatling Pointe Yacht Club 903 Gatling Pointe Parkway, Smithfield www.gpyachtclub.com357-0693
PARKS Isle of Wight County offers a variety of parks and community centers where resi dents can enjoy a wide range of activities and programs. IW Parks and Recreation Department 357-2291Carrollton,13036www.co.isle-of-wight.va.us/parks-and-recreationNikeParkRoadVA23314
Isle of Wight is the place to come and play.
From Carrsville to Carrollton, Windsor Castle to Windsor, you are bound to find something fun and rewarding to do in your down time. Here are some ideas.
A special kayak and canoe launching system on a floating dock at the end of a board walk offers access to Cypress Creek, which feeds into Little Creek and then into the Pagan River. 301 Jericho Road, Smithfield www.windsorcastlepark.com365-4200
ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS AND CLASSES
Smithfield Station 415 S. Church St., Smithfield www.smithfieldstation.com357-7700
James L. Camp Jr. Family YMCA 300 Crescent Drive, Franklin 757-562-3491
Windsor Castle Park
Camptown Park and the Otelia J. Rainey Community Center
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/chippokes-757-294-3439farm-museum
A 15-acre facility with lighted basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, baseball/ softball field, picnic shelter, walking trail, playground area and soccer complex. Carver Road, Franklin Carrollton Nike Park A 150-acre park with basketball court, light ed baseball/softball field, lighted tennis court, fishing pier, playground area, picnic shelters and area, tree and shrub walk, walking trail, mountain bike trail, soccer complex and skate park.
One of the oldest English brick structures in the country.
IsleWightof
Isle of Wight County Museum The museum offers exhibits covering all aspects of Isle of Wight and Smithfield 103history.Main St., www.historicisleofwight.com757-356-1223Smithfield Rawls Museum Arts Fine arts museum featuring local and regional artists. 22376 Linden St., Courtland www.rawlsarts.com757-653-0754
13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton
www.preservationvirginia.org/visit/historic-757-357-5976properties/bacons-castle
Originally commissioned as a fort in 1623, this scenic park overlooks the James River and offers a walking tour, gardens and a picnic area.
**************************************************SOCIALSCENE
SMITHFIELD, ISLE OF WIGHT, OR NEARBY Bacon’s Castle Museum
Need to Know
465 Bacons Castle Trail, Surry
Historic St. Luke’s Church Historic 1632 church featuring a rare 16thcentury organ. 14477 Benns Church Blvd., Smithfield www.historicstlukes.org757-357-3367
Great Dismal Swamp National wildlife refuge with walking trails and canoe/boat access to Lake Drummond 3100 Desert Road, Suffolk
First-class entertainment is all around us — here in Isle of Wight or just a short drive away. When filling your social calendars, you might want to visit some of the fol lowing.
Fort Boykin Historic Park
www.fws.gov/refuge/great_dismal_757-986-3705swamp
Chippokes Farm & Forestry Museum
7410 Ft. Boykin Trail, Smithfield Fort Huger Historic Park Historic Fort Huger, the "Gateway to the Confederate Capital," is located in the northern reaches of Isle of Wight County off Route 10, eight miles from downtown Smithfield. View the ghost fleet on the James River, take the self-guided walking tour through the new trails and see the cannon mounted along the edges of the fort. Fort Huger is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. West of Smithfield, off of Route 10 Heritage Park and Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds A 26-acre property that houses the annual Isle of Wight County Fair in September each Courthouseyear. Highway, Windsor Riverview Park A 27-acre facility offering lighted tennis courts, exercise court and trail, softball field, memorial garden, playground and senior activities area with shelter and Jamesgazebo.Street, Smithfield Robinson Park A half-acre public park in the heart of Windsor with a large play area for chil dren. Windsor Castle Park Windsor Castle Park is a 208-acre riverside park that features a woodland trail system, picnic and open area space, a dog park, kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, moun tain bike path, scenic overlooks and the Windsor Castle Historic Site. 301 Jericho Road, Smithfield 365-4200
868 Plantation Road, Surry
12 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 ISLE OF WIGHT: A NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
The Arts Center @ 319 Exhibits highlighting local and regional art 319ists.Main St., www.smithfieldarts.org757-357-7707Smithfield Smithfield Little Theatre Community theater with a number of locally produced shows seasonally. 210 N. Church St., Smithfield www.smithfieldlittletheatre.org757-357-7338
