As most of you know the SML Community pitched in to help Life Out Loud Films produce a movie based on the life of 2 sisters at our lovely lake. That movie, “Lake Effects” is completed and should be out in theatres soon.  But in the meantime Life Out Loud Films has put together a great website where you can watch movie trailers, meet the actors and learn other interesting facts about the film.

Check out the Lake Effects website. It will make you even more proud of our beautiful lake and more eager to see the film! (You also might want to check out their newest big screen project with Sara E. Timmins (producer) and author David Baldacci’s book “Wish You Well”.)

Taster tickets are $18 and designated driver tickets are $12. These tickets are good for either day, which helps to make the event affordable for everyone.  Advance discount tickets are in effect until September 23 at 5pm.

These advance tickets are available at 28 area ticket outlets, the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center Front Desk and on the SML Chamber’s festival website www.smlwinefestival.com. Proceeds will go to the SML Chamber of Commerce. For more info. E-mail info@smlwinefestival.com or call 540.721.1203.

Life Out Loud Films will hold the screening at The Willard Companies’ Westlake Cinema in Hardy. There will be two showings on October 7th. Exact times, prices and details will be announced at lifeoutloudfilms.com and on facebook at “Lake Effects Life Out Loud Films.” The event will include a red carpet, giveaways, and plenty of film surprises. All who attend the Friday event will receive the red carpet treatment and a free movie poster. Additional showings may be added upon demand. There will be an after party at Mango’s Bar & Grill with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund in the memory of Lake Effects writer Scott Winters.

Producers chose this date to coincide with the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour in an effort to further the company’s mission to help promote local economic development and tourism. Life Out Loud Films hopes that visitors coming to the area for the premier will also support the home tour, and experience all that Smith Mountain Lake has to offer.

Reservations for the event are limited. Reservations for the event are CASH ONLY and will open to the general public on Thursday, September 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at The Westlake Cinema in Hardy. Reservations will also be available at the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau office in Roanoke on Wednesday, September 14 from 8:00 to 5:00. Stay tuned to “Lake Effects Life Out Loud Films” on facebook or www.lifeoutloudfilms.com for ticket availability, prices, and details.

Seating is limited. All show times are subject to availability. (Reprinted from the Life Out Loud Newsletter www.lifeoutloudfilms.com.)

Sunday Sounds at Chateau Morrisette – Starting June 12, 2011 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Bring the family on Sunday afternoons June through October for live music in the courtyard at no charge. Local and regional musicians and entertainers will brighten up your day and keep your wallet fat. Grilled foods, soft drinks and wine available for purchase beginning at noon or bring your own picnic. Bring seating. June 12 Entertainment — Al Coffey Nicknamed the “Swiss Army Musician”, Al Coffey might gift you with any combination of instruments. He enjoys the guitar, slide blues guitar, fiddle, harmonica, flute, saxophone, mandolin, bass, percussion and trumpet! For more info. call 540.593.2865

LITTLE WOMEN – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
May 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22  $15 in Bedford, Va. with the Bedford Little Town Players. Don’t forget to make your reservations NOW for Little Women – The Broadway Musical!  Call the Box Office at 540-586-5881.

Live Entertainment – The Whatever Band - July 1, 2011 at 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm – Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for patio seating after 6:00pm.  For more info. http://www.mangosbarandgrill.com.

Join Hickory Hill Vineyards in July for Sunset Saturday!  Listen to acoustic musicians while enjoying a relaxing evening of close friends, family fun and great wine. Bring a picnic, chairs and blankets.  July 2, 16, 23 & 30!  $10, 1722 Hickory Cove Lane; Moneta, VA  24121, www.SMLwine.com ** 540-296-1393

Everyone loves music of some kind or another and should check out this years offerings a the lake. When I was young I had one type of music that I enjoyed, but as I have matured I have learned to appreciate many styles of music and instrumentation. You might be surprised at what tastes you can acquire if you just give new things a chance.

The Series will start with “The Holiday Band” performing at the Westlake Towne Center next to Krogers, on Thursday the 2nd. Gates will be open from 5pm. to 8:30pm. Admission for adults is $5 and children 10 and under are free. (There will also be a childrens play area with inflatable moonwalk, face painting, etc.)

All proceeds will go to the United Way of Franklin County, so that makes it even better. Hope to see you there!

Live at the Life
Family Life Christian Church International will be celebrating Live at the Life this New Years Eve with an award show like no other. This event is free to the community and will include, Dance performances, Comedy, Live Music from Family Life’s Praise and Worship Team, Ray McQueen Jr. & Recording artist Travis Greene followed by the Word of God. Doors Open at 9 p.m. The church is located at 22059 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg. For more information contact Special Events at 434-534-6904 or by email at flccievents.coord@gmail.com.

Now until Jan 6th – Bedford Festival of Trees – The Bedford Welcome Center invites everyone to visit the annual Festival of Trees. It is worth seeing the many wonderful trees on display from many different organizations. This year’s theme was Santa’s Workshop. Come and vote for your favorite tree. $1.00 per vote, all money collected goes to the winner’s favorite local charity. The Welcome Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The Welcome Center will also be open until 7:00pm on Friday, December 3, 10, and 17. – Bedford Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road. Admission is Free. For more info. you can call 540-587-5681.

Mad Hatter’s Ball
Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and fireworks at midnight and dancing. This event benefits Presbyterian Homes & Family Services and The Family Alliance. 8 p.m. $75. The Bedford Room, Mariners Landing Resort, Smith Mountain Lake. www.mhball.com.

Dec 31 – New Year’s Lightning on the Lake – New Year’s Eve Party for adults only: Ages 21 & up $15 in advance, $20 at door, Includes live musical entertainment by Dragonfly, party favors, snacks throughout the night, midnight champagne toast & fireworks display! – Mariners Landing Resort in Huddleston, Va. For more info. call 540-297-4900.

December 31, 2010 – January 1, 2011 – New Year’s Eve starts with the Baker Brothers playing live. Then watch the ball drop on the biggest TV screens at the lake. A special menu just for that night created by our head chef. Prizes, games, and plenty of fun! Visit http://www.beyondthegreensportsbar.com or call 540-296-0871.

Just in case you have not heard (or have forgotten) the details here they are:

- This is a benefit parade to raise money for toys to give to needy local children.

- November 27th from 7 to 9pm.

- You can be a sponsor or donate gifts for the flotilla.

- If you own a boat you can participate in the boat parade with family and friends on board waving and having a good time.

- You can book a seat on the lead boat in the parade, the Virginia Dare. Dress in your favorite Christmas attire and join in the fun. Santa and Rudolph will be there.

- EVERYONE PLEASE drop a toy in one of toy drop boxes or drop your spare change in one of the change jars

Toy and Change Jar Locations
Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina, Mariners Landing, Moneta Farm, Dr. Garst, The General Store, Chopsticks, Capps, Dollar General, Blackwater Café, UPS Store, Stellar One, Joe’s Pizza, Mayberry Drive Inn and Diner, Hot Shots, A Shade Brighter, Shoprite, Whitehouse Store, Franklin Community Bank, Print-N-Paper, Tuscan Tavern, Anchor’s Family Restaurant, Westlake Veterinary Medical Center, Southern Best

For More Information, To Book a Reservation or To Be a Sponsor Please Call 540-297-7100 Ext 0 or visit www.vadarecruises.com.

Just in case you don’t know what a corn maze is, it’s a humongous field of corn that has paths carved out that you can walk through. You start at one end and try to find your way to the other side. You will run into a few dead ends and perhaps stop to rest on a bench, and eventually figure out the path to the other side of the maze; tons of fun for the whole family or church group, etc.

The Maze is located at Mariners Landing in Huddleston, Va. and is open on Saturdays from 10am. to 6pm, and Sundays 12-4pm. You can also call to make an appointment for a group during the week. Adult tickets are $10, 6-11yrs. $5 and 5yrs. and under are free.

If you would like more information, directions, etc. you can contact the folks who know at 540-297-4900 or visit the Mariner’s Landing website.

Several people have asked who was cast for the other parts in the movie. The other actors/actresses named so far are as follows:

- Ray Tisdale – the family father will be played by Jeff Fahey (From TV show “Lost” and movies such as “Grindhouse” and “Machete”)
- Sara Tisdale – the main character, will be played by Scottie Thompson a Virginia native (From “NCIS”, and soon to be realeased thriller “Skyline)
- Lily Tisdale – Sara’s sister is played by Madeline Zima (From TV show “Heroes”, “The Nanny” and the Movie “Cinderella Story”)
- Carl Berger, President of the Smithy Research Society – will be played by Ben Savage (From ”Boy Meets World”)

Other characters include: Mark Futterman played by Sean Patrick Flanery, Ash played by Casper Van Dien, Tyler played by Eyal Podell, Old Vic played by Richard Moll, Jim McCarren played by Richard Riehle, Winchester played by Ron Canada, Elizabeth played by Mary McDonough (Waltons) and a tourist played by Barry Papick.

Our congratulations to all these talented folks. This is truly some exciting stuff happening at the lake! Can’t wait to see the movie. If you would like to read more about the Lake Effects movie, cast or production you can visit http://lifeoutloudfilms.com/Services.html.

For the young ones there are outdoor education programs for all grades, Junior 4-H and 4-H Adventures, Teen Weekends and Family Camps which include Mom and Dad. For adults there are Road Scholar (continuing education) Courses, Adult Education (guitar, cooking, etc.) and more. There are also facilities that can be used for weddings, conferences, church retreats etc. with a variety of types of lodging (as well as on-site catering) available.

Really that list only skims the surface. A few other interesting offerings are Friendship Retirement Community Wellness Center, recreation areas, hiking trails, free seasonal movies, pool and lake access, tennis, basketball, mini golf and much more. If you would like to learn more about the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center you can visit their website or call them at 540-721-2759. The Center is one of the best SML community perks!