Smith Mountain Lake News

SML Movie Press Release

Paul Moore — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:43:30 +0000

The following press release is currently on wires to more than 17,500 outlets in support of the World Premiere of LAKE EFFECTS filmed at Smith Mountain Lake, Va., a Hallmark Movie Channel Original starring Jane Seymour, Scottie Thompson, Madeline Zima, Jeff Fahey, Ben Savage, Evan Podell, Sean Patrick Flanery and Casper Van Dien, Sunday, May 6 @ 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7c.

A WOMAN SEARCHING FOR LIFE’S PURPOSE FINDS PASSION AND PEACE

WHEN SHE RETURNS HOME TO SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE

‘LAKE EFFECTS,’

A HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL ORIGINAL WITH AN ALL-STAR CAST HAS ITS WORLD PREMIERE MAY 6

Scottie Thompson, Jane Seymour, Madeline Zima, Jeff Fahey, Ben Savage, Eyal Podell, Sean Patrick Flanery and Casper Van Dien Star

Hallmark Movie Channel announces the World Premiere of the Hallmark Movie Channel Original film “Lake Effects,”starring Scottie Thompson, Jane Seymour, Madeline Zima, Eyal Podell, Sean Patrick Flanery, Ben Savage, Jeff Fahey and Casper Van Dien premieres on, Sunday, May 6, 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C.

“Lake Effects” is the story of a high powered attorney Sara (Thompson) who while on her way to the top reluctantly returns to her childhood home on the enchanting Smith Mountain Lake to attend her father’s (Fahey) funeral and help her sister Lily (Zima) and mother Vivian (Seymour) settle the family estate. While there, Sara’s love for the lake and the townspeople is reignited, and with the help of her father’s ever present spirit, Sara looks inward, discovers the importance of love and family, and gives her all to save the family’s beloved home.

The inspiration for “Lake Effects” comes from the real community of Smith Mountain Lake in Southwest Virginia where the film was shot. Because Smith Mountain Lake residents were instrumental in the making of the film, producers of the film have pledged a significant giveback program which includes donations to clean and restore the lake and preserve its rich history.

LIFE OUT LOUD Films presents “Lake Effects,” a Sara Elizabeth Timmins Production. Written by Scott Winters. Directed by Michael J. McKay. Music by Kazimir Boyle. Executive Producers Bart and Lynn Wilner. Produced by Sara Elizabeth Timmins.

Hallmark Movie Channel, the second linear channel from Crown Media Holdings, Inc., simulcast in SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition), is a 24-hour cable network dedicated to bringing viewers family-friendly movies with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events. In today’s crowded television landscape, the network is a unique and captivating entertainment experience, providing programming families can watch together. It is now available in over 46 million homes. Crown Media also operates Hallmark Channel which provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming to a national audience of 87 million subscribers.

For more information, please visit www.HallmarkChannelPress.com

Become a fan of Hallmark Movie Channel on Facebook

Bass Blast Week at Smith Mountain Lake

Paul Moore — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:50:05 +0000

Beginning Friday, April 13^th, ESPNs, Carhartt East Super Regional, the official Collegiate B.A.S.S. fishing tournament comes to Smith Mountain Lake’s Bridgewater Plaza. Scheduled to bring in over 150 college teams from Louisiana to Maryland to compete, this tournament top prize a coveted spot in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic. Created in 2006, Tournament Director Hank Weldon said that they only had 20 teams. Now over 200 teams from all over the country participate. Already on the line up for Smith Mountain Lake are ten teams from Virginia Tech, eight teams from Radford plus many more from as far away as Texas and Alabama and regionally like West Virginia. This event will be filmed and televised on ESPNU to over 73 million households. Launches and weigh ins will take place at Bridgewater Plaza. Launch times are scheduled for 7:00 a.m. with weigh ins taking place starting at 3:00 p.m. Come early because parking will be limited. FREE Shuttle services provided by T-N-T and the “Cool Bus” on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park at the Trinity Ecumenical Parish – 40 Lakemont Drive, Moneta VA 24121.

And just when you thought the week was over…..Oakley Big Bass Tour – Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic returns for it’s second year on Smith Mountain Lake, April 21 & 22 – Bridgewater Plaza. This all amateur tournament with hourly weigh ins had a record number of anglers last year participating for the first time. This year we expect 300 to 400 anglers trying for the hourly cash prizes from $100 – $500 to the total two day weight prize of a 2012 Triton Bass Boat. This tournament is an affordable $150 to enter for the two day tournament. More details can be found on www.oakleybigbass.com. Weigh ins will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will run hourly to 3:00 p.m. You don’t want to miss all the activities planned for Saturday, April 21^st starting at 10 a.m. with a special appearance from “Moonshiner Tim” from the hit cable TV series “Moonshiners” on the Discovery Channel. FREE shuttle will also be offered on Saturday, April 21^st beginning at 12 p.m. by T-N-T and the “Cool Bus”. Please park at the Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemont Drive, Moneta VA 24121. Last shuttle leave Bridgewater Plaza at 5:00 p.m. The Oakley Big Bass Tour will be televised on the World Fishing Network and Fox Sports South and Midwest.

Many thanks to the local sponsors, Bedford & Franklin County, Roanoke Outside, RVCVB, Bridgewater Plaza and Bridgewater Marina. There are limited vendor spaces still available. Please contact Debra Weir, debraweir@franklincountyva.org or via phone at 540420-8501.

Start a New Easter Tradition at SML

Paul Moore — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:51:35 +0000

Many of us at Smith Mountain Lake grew up thinking Easter was about Easter egg hunts and rabbits that brought candy, chocolate and pretty colored baskets. Many folks are still celebrating Easter in a similar fashion. It’s become tradition – it’s just what we do.

There’s may be nothing wrong with having an egg hunt at Easter – it’s fun. But there is something wrong when the most amazing love story mankind will ever hear, becomes all about rabbits and chocolate. What we call Easter weekend is representative of three days that changed the entire world forever! A man who was God – was cruelly murdered and then was raised from the dead because of His love for mankind!

On our own we humans were/are floundering, hopeless and heading for destruction. But because God loved us, He gave his only Son to die, so that whoever believes in Him will have real life, forever! This is what Easter is supposed to be about….. remembering this incredible gift from God, honoring Jesus’ suffering for our sake, and awe at the miracle of life after death!

In light of these truths wouldn’t it be wonderful to start some new Easter traditions? Here are a few ideas for making your families Easter a marvelous way to experience God and have a great time together…….

1. Re-enact (do family plays) various scenes from the Bible leading up to Easter Sunday:

- Palm Sunday – Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and read Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 18:29-28.

- Passover was the last meal together (Mt. 26:17-20). How did Passover come about? Read Exodus 12 as a family and discuss.

- Read about how and why Jesus washed the disciples feet – and do likewise.

2. Watch a children’s Bible video together relaying the meaning of Easter. Discuss the video and compare/contrast with what you read in Scripture.

3. On Good Friday recount the Passover and last supper. Jesus was given vinegar to drink; let your children take a dab of vinegar and taste it themselves. Plan your own Passover meal, with roasted lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and grape juice, and discuss what each of them means.

4. Saturday – Meditate on Jesus being in the tomb. Your children may enjoy being wrapped up as mummies (in toilet paper) as you talk about burial customs of that time. Also, how might Mary and the disciples have felt on this day?

5. Sunday - Celebrate that Jesus is risen and read Luke 24:1-9. He came, died, and rose again because He loved us and wanted us to have new life in Him!

SML Is A Great Place To Be In April

Paul Moore — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:10:43 +0000

If you have been hoping for some excitement at Smith Mountain Lake this spring, you will not be disappointed! Here are just a few of the great activities you might want to participate in during the month of April.

Buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win a $5000 package, including 1 week’s vacation rental, 7 day Pontoon Boat Rental, local shopping packages and more, to “Experience SML”. Ticket are $5 each, or 3 for $10! Tickets will be sold at the SML Visitor’s Center, area events and various outlets around SML. Drawing July 5, 2012 (1 in 1500 chance to win).

THE ROCKY MOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS, in The Grainery Art Gallery building, 220 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, offers art lessons for adults and children. Classes open for pottery, stained glass, painting and weaving. Come and browse beautiful arts and crafts by local artists. Enjoy watching live glass blowing demonstrations. www.rockymountarts.org. 540-483-1317.

Saturday, April 14 - 100 Year Anniversary Titanic Event - Chateau Morrisette invites you to an elegant event aboard the ill-fated Titanic.Dine extravagantly on five courses and wine as our re-enactors animate a momentous evening’s final hours.6:30 p.m. Advance reservations only, $95 per person, includes tax and gratuity.540.593.2865, thedogs.com.

Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina is offering April Early Bird Discount on all cruises for 2012 season. Mention “Early Bird Discount” ONLY in the month of April when making your reservation to get group rate prices (10% off) on any size group this season. The Early Bird gets the “Discount”.

The 9th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Business EXPO will be held April 27th from Noon to 5pm on Route 122 in Downtown Moneta. 120 businesses will be represented in three large covered venues as well as outside exhibits. CLICK HERE to register to be in the EXPO. For more information, call Jim Shauberger at 540-721-1203 or email jims@visitsmithmountainlake.com.

Start your spring with Rockin Brews & BBQ’s, Saturday, April 28th from 11:00am – 6pm in Downtown Moneta. The site of the SML Business Expo will be transformed from tents filled with businesses into tents filled with tasty BBQ and rockin music. A variety of barbecue will be served from North Carolina to Kansas City and everything in between. $5 Cover Charge. Children 12 and under free.To be a sponsor contact Andy Andrews at andy.andrews60@gmail.com or call 540-721-1203. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Jim atjims@visitsmithmountainlake.com.

Penhook Boat Dock will be reopening this April. Remember us as your one stop lake shop when you are visiting SML. We offer ethanol-free marine fuel, minnows, tackle, boating supplies, convenience store items, and hot food from the grill. We also provide WiFi access for our customers. We hope to see you soon! (540) 576-2868. www.penhookboatdock.com

SML Movie “Lake Effects” Premiere

Paul Moore — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:55:47 +0000

Finally a premiere date on the movie we have all been waiting to see, “Lake Effects”! This movie is based on the life of one of it’s producers (Sara Elizabeth Timmins) and filmed on location here in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Mark your calendars and don’t miss the first showing on May 6, 2012. (Hallmark has changed the premiere date just in case the date showing here conflicts with what you may have already seen.)

HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL ANNOUNCES THE ORIGINAL WORLD PREMIERE OF

“LAKE EFFECTS”!!

The HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL premiere of Jane Seymour’s “LAKE EFFECTS” is planned to air on Sunday, May 6 @ 8pm ET/PT, 7C. If you have heard of another premiere date, please note this is a current update of when the World Premiere is to be shown. This is a great occasion! LIFE OUT LOUD Films will be presenting “Lake Effects,” a Sara Elizabeth Timmins Production. Written by Scott Winters. Directed by Michael J. McKay. Music by Kazimir Boyle. Executive Producers Bart and Lynn Wilner. Produced by Sara Elizabeth Timmins. Distributed by Vision Films.

2012 College Bass Tournament at SML

Paul Moore — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:11:08 +0000

You can hardly live at Smith Mountain Lake without realizing it’s claim to fame in the fishing arena….especially bass fishing. Coming up in April is an even you won’t want to miss if you follow fins. For the second year in a row, over 120 College teams from Texas to New York will come to SML to compete for a chance to go to the Bassmaster Classic. Virginia Tech alone has over 10 teams and is a past national champion.

Mercury College B.A.S.S., the premier college circuit of tournament anglers, has announced its schedule and locations for the 2012 season. The circuit will cover regions that allow every style of angler to showcase his or her skills on the water.

The event will be held At Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta, Va. on the days of April 13th 2012 and April 14, 2012. Also to be televised on ESPN U. You can learn more at

http://www.bassmaster.com/news/2012-mercury-college-bass-schedule or http://www.thefranklinnewspost.com/article.cfm?ID=21565.

Bridgewater Marina Boat Rentals

Paul Moore — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:50:47 +0000

Unless you own a boat you will need a trustworthy boat rental company in order to fully enjoy Smith Mountain Lake this up-coming season. I think Bridgewater Marina is one of the best you could choose.

Last year, my son, Jonathon, turned 18. It was of course, a big day for him, and we wanted to do something special for him as a family. Something unique that he wouldn’t forget. We considered renting a houseboat but decided that wouldn’t be as fast or fun. We thought about Sea Doos, but we wanted to stay together as a family all day.

I called my friend, Roy Enslow at Bridgewater Marina. Roy set our family up with just the perfect boat and spent the time we needed to feel comfortable with it. And we ended up having an incredibly perfect and memorable day together!

We had a great time touring the lake, and even found a new island we’d never been to. I could go on and on, but I can do better. Here is a video of our family out on the lake that day.

I always recommend Bridgewater to our clients without any hesitation. Not only are they very conveniently located on the lake (right at Hales Ford Bridge), but they have the best service I have experienced so far. They really seem to care about their client’s needs and safety. They were kind to my children and they made sure we really understood everything about the boat.

If you want to create your own special day on the lake, call Roy and his excellent staff at (540) 721-1639 or visit them online at www.BWMarina.com. Tell them Paul Moore sent you.

Did You Forget Your SML License Plate?

Paul Moore — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:45:39 +0000

Have you seen the great new Smith Mountain Lake license plates yet? The SML Chamber is very close to completing the collection of 350 minimum applications for the new 2012 SML license plate.

You can get your own SML license plate by contacting the SML Chamber office at 540-721-1203 or emailing them at annette@visitsmithmountainlake.com. You can also visit the SML CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and complete the DMV/SML Chamber application and return it with a check made out to “SMLRCC” in the amount of $10 (mailing address below).

Completing the application is easy. All you will need is:

Vehicle Identification number
Vehicle registration number
Check made out to: SMLRCC in the amount of $10.00.
(Bring by or mail your application and $10 check to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, 16430 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta, VA 24121.)

SML Have You Heard About Coconut Oil?

Paul Moore — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:57:35 +0000

It’s a shame we can’t grow coconuts at Smith Mountain Lake, as they have been getting more and more press about their incredible healing properties. There is a tremendous amount of research out regarding the health benefits of coconut oil that are well worth reading.

At one time it was thought that the saturated fats found in foods such as coconuts were detrimental to the health. But new information shows that unrefined, cold-pressed, raw, extra virgin, unbleached, undeodorized coconut oil (basically all natural and unprocessed) is nothing if not downright medicinal. If you have not heard about using coconut oil for thyroid function, weight loss, memory and brain function, etc. take a look at this article on Natural News.

Also, Dr. Joseph Mercola says it may be surprising for many of us to learn that the naturally occurring saturated fat in coconut oil is actually good for you and provides a number of profound health benefits, such as:

• Improving your heart health.
• Boosting your thyroid.
• Increasing your metabolism.
• Promoting a lean body and weight loss if needed.
• Supporting your immune system.
And when topically applied to skin it has been found to have anti-aging, regenerative effects.

Do a little google search on the benefits of coconut oil and you will be amazed at the press this fruit is getting. Look on YouTube and you will find interviews with doctors and other people using coconut oil for alzheimers, etc. Take a look at this beneficial nut, you may find something wonderful!

Business Tips: Free Tax Seminar at SML

Paul Moore — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:37:22 +0000

Owners of small businesses at Smith Mountain Lake will appreciate the Free Tax Tip Seminar coming up this week. It is an amazing opportunity to learn the kind of information that is often only known by professional tax preparers.

Ken Copeland, Director of Economic Development for Longwood University will be available to answer your questions and engage in discussion about recent tax changes and tips on regulations that will affect small businesses. This could be some of the most significant information you will have access to for your business.

The tax seminar will be held on Thursday, February 16th from 3pm to 5pm at Westlake Library (Route 122 – next to Kroger). If you would like to register online click here.