Todd Talk
As I sit here the day prior to Halloween writing this, I think of all of the festivals and events happening this time of year and realize how fortunate we are to live in a Country where we have the inherent freedoms to enjoy celebrations of such great diversity. This weekend here in Smithfield we will enjoy many seasonal activities amidst colorful leaf-laden streets and sidewalks and a cooler nip in the air. Consider strolling the charming and serene landscape of our ancient, hollowed grounds with the long-casting shadows of history. Enjoy shopping in our new boutique gift shop and take a 45-minute guided tour and revel in our early American history. Whatever you have in store for this time of year with your family and friends, let us all take a few moments to remember this season of Thanksgiving and support what matter most. Help us reach our donations goal for our Annual Fund in order for us to continue doing this great work. See you again soon!
Last Month’s Events Report
October 10, 2015 – HSL Gift Shop Annual Christmas Sale – The Gift Shop Sale was a huge success reporting locals enjoying the new merchandise and great deals. Stay tuned for our next sale the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
October 10, 2015 – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Civil War Living History with the Third Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Inc. – Visitors enjoyed the living history presentation where they learned of the nearby “Camp Ruffin” between 1861 and 1862.
October 10, 2015 – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – SHS Beta Club volunteers painted HSL Administration Building Ironwork. The enthusiastic club members took brushes in-hand and painted our ironwork between the parking lot and Administration Building. Thanks to them for all of their help.
October 20th, 2015 – 5:30 to 7 p.m.– HSL hosted the Isle of Wight, Smithfield, Windsor Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. 22 chamber members and guests enjoyed an evening at the Old Brick Church complete with light refreshments and guided tours.
October 24th, 2015 – 7 to 8:30 p.m. – HSL Symposium with Carl Lounsbury. Dr. Lounsbury presented on the influence of Anglican Architecture in Colonial Virginia. Those who attended enjoyed a longer-than-expected presentation and reception until nearly 9:30 p.m. that evening! We are delighted to know that guests had both a wonderful educational and social evening. This is the last academic program of the 2015 Calendar. Stay-tuned for next year’s special events’ list coming-out soon!
November’s Events
November is Military Family Appreciation Month whereby all military families with valid IDs will receive complimentary admission the entire month.
November 1st is National Author Day. The Gift Shop offers 15% off all books in the gift shop that day only.
November 8th is National “Parents as Teachers Day” or Homeschoolers Day. Homeschoolers and their parents have free admission.
November 15th is National Philanthropy Day. One free admission per donation.
November 24th – 30th is National Family Week. Children are free with at least one paying parent.
Group Tours and Weddings
We wish to recognize and thank the following group tours for making us an important part of their plans when visiting our area: Growing in Faith Together Baptist, Baker Family Reunion, Surry Garden Club, Lamers Tour & Travel, and Holly Hills Lecture Series.
We also wish to congratulate the recently-married couples who chose the Old Brick Church for their wedding venue and for becoming new members of our community:
Corchado/Dixon, Chacra/Cuzick, and Hrbek/Jones Weddings.
New Members and Donors
The month of October 2015 has been a wonderful month to welcome new members and appreciate the valuable contributions for our donors. It is only with your support can we reach our membership and donation goals for FY2016 ending June 30th, 2016. So far this year you have helped raise $24,000 toward our $100,000 goal for donations. We have a long way to go to meet our goals, but we are confident that with your support we will accomplish all we set-out to achieve.
Please welcome new or renewing members Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Cuzick, Mr. Thomas Drage, Jr., Mr. David Hare, Mr. and Mrs. W. Reginald Powell, Dr. and Mrs. J. Allen McCutchan, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Hall, and The Honorable William Moore, Jr. and Mrs. Moore.
Please help is expressing our deepest appreciation for the charitable contributions from Martha Underwood, Deanna Travers, Charlie Venable, Diana McFarland, Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Rieken, Barbara Lindley, LeeAnn Raulie, William Laine, Jr., Surry Garden Club, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Jones, David Hare, and Steve Roberts.
Corporate Sponsor
Special thanks to Jon May of Fathom Realty for becoming a corporate sponsor!
Hope to see you during one or more of this month’s events. See you again soon, and thank you for your continued support!