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”.)

Looking to make some good late summer memories of your time at Smith Mountain Lake?

Then the Beach Pavilion is just the place for you on Saturday, August 27th. That is when the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park will provide another great evening of Music in the Park!

No doubt the performances by Wound Tight and The Old Dominion Cloggers will be something to talk about for days. The parking is FREE. Admission is only $5 per person with kids 12 and under allowed in free.

Food and snacks will be available for purchase on site. So bring a comfy lawn chair or blanket, a few friends or the whole family and be prepared to enjoy an evening of old fashioned fun. For more information about this event you can call 540-297-6066.

The producers of the award-winning film team for Lake Effects and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Music Director, David Stewart Wiley, have announced that the RSO will record a portion of the music for the film. The music by the 57 year old Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, which performs recordings for national distribution and collaborates with international stars in the classical and pops world, will be inserted into the film during the coming month.

Maestro Wiley commented “It is exciting for our professional musicians to be a part of this feature film.  Rather than use a studio orchestra from L.A. or New York, the producers and directors have recognized the treasure that we have here in Virginia with the RSO.  This project will help bring even more awareness to the remarkably high quality of music in our region, and we are thrilled to collaborate on this project.”

Film Producer Sara Elizabeth Timmins commented: “Lake Effects” has exceeded all of our expectations, with major talent like Jane Seymour, a truly stellar cast and now the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra!”

Exciting stuff folks! I don’t know about you but I am greatly looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Come and join the fun this weekend at Savoy-Lee Winery!  On Sunday you can meet local artist Linda Exley as she works on painting recycled wine bottles that have been turned into beautiful platters.

In Linda’s own words:
“I inherited my talent from Heinrich Curtius, my grandfather in Germany. He painted wine labels for the vineyards and was a water colorist as well as a graphic artist (before computer graphics) I have always loved to paint and studied it in school. I am a porcelain artist and china painter and this painting of the cheeseboards evolved from all I do I guess. I do many things with my hands….french hand sewing, quilting, porcelain claywork, glass slumping, interior decorating, murals,and dessert specialties just to name a few!“

This is great opportunity to purchase a beautiful gift for Christmas while supporting a local artisan. You can also order from Linda’s website - Gifts by Linda Exley.
We will also be doing complimentary tasting of our wines as well as our now famous Sangria and fudge! Don’t miss this great even happening Sunday, Dec. 5th from 12:30 to 5:00 pm. at the Savoy-Lee Winery.

Hard to believe someone so famous is going to be just down the road from Smith Mountain Lake. But sure enough you can buy tickets for Friday, September 10th at 8pm at the Roanoke Civic Center to see Maestro David Stewart Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, performing  with Liza Minnelli!

As you can imagine all seats are reserved for this fabulous event. Tickets range from $25 seats in the upper corners of concourse on up to $75 seats at tables (which seat 8 people). Dinner is an extra $25 served by the well-known Encore Catering by Ovations. Dinners are available for purchase in advance and will be served at 6pm. allowing plenty of time to eat before the entertainment.

Tickets on sale through HometownBankTix.com, the Roanoke Civic Center Ticket Office, or charge by phone at (877) 482-8496. For more info. or to see the coming season of events visit RoanokeCivicCenter.com.

The Little Gallery is proud and excited to announce an art show by Greg Osterhaus beginning on Saturday, August 7, with a demonstration.  Drawings will be held for an original Osterhaus and other prizes.  The show runs through August 28th. Visit the Little Gallery at www.thelittlegallerysml.com.. If you need more info. you can all them at 540-721-1596.

Goose Creek Studio, 330 W. Washington St. in Bedford, presents an exhibit of works by the Bald Knob Artists – August 13-September 4.  Goose Creek Studio offers quality custom framing and hospitable exhibition space featuring local and regional artists.  Contact (540) 586-8482 or www.goosecreekstudio.com

At Goose Creek Studio, which can be found at 330 W. Washington St. in Bedford, you will find the “Garden Party”. Does Chinese brush watercolors sound interesting? This presentation of beautiful art is by Lee Walker  and will be on exhibition until July 31st. 

Goose Creek Studio offers quality custom framing and hospitable exhibition space featuring local and regional artists.  Contact (540) 586-8482 or visit www.goosecreekstudio.com.

I am happy to announce that Lake Effects has officially green lighted and will be produced in the Fall of 2010.  

I feel so honored to have such a wonderful group of investors who believe in this film and for the abundance of community support we have received over the last year.
 
Every investor we have has gone above and beyond to help guide and support me and make sure that this film happens… and it has just amazed me!  I am especially thankful for Bart and Lynn Wilner, who were the first to jump on board with financial support.  Without their leadership and belief I don’t know that we would be making this announcement today, so I am very grateful for them.  
 
We are reminded every day that without this community, the making of Lake Effects would not be possible and so we will continue to promote local businesses, incorporate Virginia professionals and encourage people to participate hands on in the creation of this film,which will showcase the beauty of this region.
 
Our next step is to attach recognizable talent to the lead roles which is a key factor in the film’s success.  We will also continue to work with the community and begin to secure the many resources needed to produce the film.
 
Although local casting for speaking roles will not occur until after the summer and closer to the start date, we have begun collecting information for locals interested in volunteering and being extras.
 
We encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved, receiving the newsletter or making a resource or service donation to sign up on the Life Out Loud Films website at www.lifeoutloudfilms.com.
 
I hope you all reach for the stars and never let any one crush your dreams because you can make anything happen if you have passion, preparation, integrity and persistence.
 
DARE to Live Life Out Loud!  Dream, Act, Risk, Embrace!!
 -Sara Elizabeth Timmins, Producer

Grand Home Furnishings will be furnishing 12 small bare wood chairs for 12 different artists to paint in their own unique style. The artistically painted chairs will then be auctioned off on March 6, 2010 at The Grand Winter Gala and all profits will be donated to the above listed charities.

The Grand Winter Gala will be held at the Waters Edge Ball Room on March 6th from 7pm. to 11pm. You can purchase tickets in person from Grand Home Furnishings Westlake, Lynchburg, Valley View and Tanglewood, or fill out an online order form to receive your tickets in the mail. Individuals are $60 and couples are $100.

On Wednesday, November 18th from 5 to 7:30 at Westlake you can bring your female friends for the Ladies Night Out. Then on Nov. 28 from 1 – 4pm. take the kids to meet Santa at Bridgewater Plaza.

And last but not least is their Christmas Open House on Dec. 5th and 6th. That Sunday afternoon (the 6th) there will be a reception from 1 – 3 to meet the artists on display at the Little Gallery. There will also special holiday discounts and free wrapping available.