Before long, spring will show up at Smith Mountain Lake, bringing beauty of a blooming landscape, the brightness of summer, and….weddings! Which means now is the time for brides and grooms to plan the what, when and where of their big day. In recent years, Smith Mountain Lake has emerged as a prime wedding location for locals who are already familiar with its attraction and quite a few distant couples who find it to be a wedding day dream come true. In the winter 2012 issue of our local Laker Magazine is its annual wedding guide, highlighting SML as a lovely, affordable wedding destination. If you’re looking for the perfect place to have a memorable wedding day, the stories included in the guide will secure this place as a desirable choice.

If you’re a bride planning a Smith Mountain Lake wedding, or the family member of an engaged person for whom SML would be a perfect fit for, this resource could be a tremendous help. If you do spend a wedding weekend at Smith Mountain Lake, don’t forget to spend some time taking in the fantastic homes, waterfront communities and views our mountain lake has to offer. If you have any real estate questions, we’d love to help. Happy SML wedding planning!

Spend much time at Smith Mountain Lake and you’ll quickly notice how many transfers the place attracts. A beautiful, retreat-like lake setting in the scenic Blue Ridge is the second home or retirement dream of many, particularly natives of northern cities and states such as Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Such residents will tell you they worked hard in a busy city to then retire or relocate to a tranquil setting where their friends children and grandchildren can enjoy the open countryside, water recreation and Mayberry-like neighborhood in safety.

A recent article in our local Laker Weekly newspaper illustrates how popular Smith Mountain Lake is with east coast transplants. Several SML women with roots in New Jersey have formed their own club to make the common northern connection, plus use their time together to benefit area charities.

When you live at a mountain lake location such as we do, attracting new residents from larger areas is a constant reminder of how charming your hometown really is.

The year is young and if you’re like us, you’re hoping to accomplish a few goals soon to get you set up for a great 2012. As long as the weather is chilly, the Smith Mountain Lake water is not so inviting and the neighborhood is quiet, it’s a great time to stay inside and check off your list of home interior changes.

We mentioned before that there’s a bright, bold color trending this year, but fresh color isn’t the only transformation you’ll want greeting you and your family members when they walk through your front door. Country Living Magazine has a few decorating ideas intended for a calm atmosphere, while remaining family-friendly. These interior ideas, perfect for the antique collector, country design lover and “welcome home” comfort seeker fit with the overall atmosphere of peaceful lake living at Smith Mountain Lake well.

Spend a few days investing a few alterations into your SML home or luxury home’s interior and you’ll notice the difference, as will your friends and family – all year long.

LUNCHTIME LECTURE: THE ROCHAMBELLES Program on the Rochambelles, the only women’s group assigned to a combat unit on the European front during World War II. Includes a slide presentation and discussion. Wednesday, Jan. 18th, starting at noon. Free admission, donations accepted. Event held at Bedord Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford. For more information call (540) 587-3619 or go to www.dday.org

CLASSES
FREE COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES Free beginner and some advanced computer classes. Most classes offer hands-on training; laptops are provided. The courses will vary according to the library location. Bedford Public Library System. For the Moneta/SML Library, call (540) 297-6474 or go to www.bplsonline.org

READ TO DOG Moneta/SML Library offers “Bow Wow for Books” winter read-to-a-dog program. Children can read to a trained reading dog to increase literacy skills. Call to make a reservation. Held second Saturdays through May 12th. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. For more information call(540) 425-7004. Westlake Library offers the Reading Education Assiatance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program. Second Saturdays through May. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Westlake Library, Westlake Towne Center, Hardy. For more information call (540) 483-3098 (ext.3)

TENNIS CLINICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Clinics are available for high school students on the indoor courts. Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February. $5 per session. SML YMCA, 293 First Watch Drive, Moneta. For more information call (540) 721-9622.

Often, second home or retiring buyers are in a position to achieve a property that meets not only their needs, but longtime dreams as well. Perhaps you

are in the market for something more upscale than what you’ve lived in previously, the spacious luxury home you’ve been working hard toward and dreaming of for years. You’ve spent a long time envisioning high ceilings, open entertainment areas, a wine cellar, theater, custom cabinetry, additional bedrooms for your growing family, bathrooms with special tiling, kitchens with granite countertops, and especially

 

 those small touches such as crown molding and wainscoting that complete a high quality interior.

Perhaps you’ve also dreamed of looking out vast windows to see breathtaking mountain or lake views – or both. A charming dock on the water, boat rides in the summer evening, grandchildren and pets splashing, a serene winter scape of lake and trees as you sip hot tea on a cold afternoon.

At Smith Mountain Lake, home buyers find both stunning, high quality luxury homes in a gorgeous mountain lake setting. It’s no wonder so many who find this place say it’s like a dream destination – and they’ll never leave.

Fashion isn’t reserved for the wardrobe – the home is an idyllic palette for personalized design and style too. Home owners can move in to the new year with a fresh look within the walls of their favorite Smith Mountain Lake getaway – be it their own property, vacation home, or vacation rental. The early part of 2012 is a great time to revamp, redecorate, and re-envision the look and use of your SML house, townhouse or apartment.

Just as clothing fashion trends change with each year, home interior fashion has its annual trends. Minor interior updates – such as a new wall color, wall hanging, decor pillows or rug – keep your home feeling fresh and modern, without altering the character you love about it.

Perhaps the easiest way to update a room or several rooms is with a color switch. Trading an old color scheme for a trendy combination is a fun way to spruce up its look. According to HGTV, the interior color choice for 2012 is Tangering Tango. This pop of bright, yet warm, color is an instant mood elevator. Have a blast making your home trendy for the new year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Wishing all a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year surrounded in joyful celebrations with family and friends.

75,000 LIGHTS DISPLAY Bedford Elks National Home through December 31st, 5:30 until 10:00 p.m. Event takes place at 931 Ashland Ave. Bedford. For more information call (800) 552-4140 or go to enhome@elkshome.org

LIVE MUSIC AT BEYOND THE GREEN Great entertainment and best burgers around the lake! Restaurant hours: Sun. – Thur., 12 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 12 a.m. – 12 p.m. Located in Downtown Moneta, 1035 Mercantile St, Suite 100, Moneta. For more informatin call: (540) 296-0871 or go to www.beyondthegreensportsbar.com

COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES
Topics include mouse and keyboard skills, eReaders, genealogy search, online digital photo storage, e-mail attachments, Microsoft Word, and basic Internet naviagation. See website for class listing and dates. Free. Classes held at Bedford Public Library, 321 N. Bridge St., Bedford. For more information call (540) 586-8911, ext. 1111. or go to bplsonline.org

DANCE CLASSES
Classes available for all ages and in various styles. Classes held at the Virginia Dance Academy, 13105 BTW Highway, Hardy. For more information call: (540) 580-1021

JAZZERCISE STUDIO CLASSES
Classes include body sculpting, Jazzercise, stretching, pilates and Emeraldettes baton lessons. Classes held at Jazzercise Studio, Westlake Commons, Hardy. For more information call Studio (540) 721-1988 or Emeraldettes, Diane Deel, (540) 890-5510

YOGA AT THE CENTRE AT VITAZEN
Various dates and times. One class, $8; four classes, $30; 10 classes, $60. Held at The Centre at VitaZen, 12787 BTW Highway, Suite 103, Hardy. For more information call (540) 721-9365 or email vitazen@usa.net

SML YMCA FITNESS CLASSES Hosts a variety of cardio and strength-training classes for children and adults. Held at SML YMCA, Lakewatch Plantation, Moneta. For more information call: (540) 721-9622

TAE KWON DO AND TAI CHI CLASSES Martial arts instruction for children ages 5 and older and adults. Traditional Tae Kwon Do Academy, 13310 BTW Highway, Moneta. Call (540) 719-8853

CRAFTING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES Various dates, times and topics. Beading classes available Tuesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The General Store, 213 Scruggs Rd, Moneta. For registration and information call (540) 721-3009 or go to www.generalstoresml.com

Residents of Smith Mountain Lake will tell you, this is a charitable place. A place of such high quality living produces high quality giving. The people of SML know they are blessed – our breathtaking window views, great neighbors, beautiful homes and peaceful properties make for a good life. And we love to give back to the community we treasure all year long.

There are several beloved charities in the three counties connected to SML, several of which were founded by lake locals and managed in facilities right next to the lake. The SML Good Neighbors group is a nonprofit organization that works with younger school-aged children from less fortunate families to develop reading, writing and communication skills while providing food and activity during the summertime. SML supports the effort by offering resources, volunteering and communicating with local schools to know how the children can be best served.

Lake Christian Ministries works year-round to collect food and clothing for needy families, but particularly around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. In addition to these needs, charity volunteers collect and give out household goods and help establish and maintain financial aid for those they serve. LCM is the medium many groups around the lake area use to see their contributions put in the right hands.

The AGAPE Center at Smith Mountain Lake serves local families by providing life skills instruction while giving clientele food, clothing, household resources and bill payment assistance. The AGAPE Center team places emphasis on learning how to uncover personal issues and problem solve to lead families to independence.

The Smith Mountain Lake community looks forward to a good New Year’s Eve celebration as much as anyone. A time to make resolutions, plans and the feeling of a fresh start invigorates the soul. The outdoor view is particularly serene this time of year, with twinkling holiday lights casting glow on a quiet lake. If you’re a fan of the calm, cool and collected, Smith Mountain Lake’s off-season stillness is a special kind of wonderful.

With the backdrop of a hushed lake to remind us of the promises of a new year, local residents and SML visitors will celebrate new beginnings in a variety of ways. An evening at home with friends and family, counting down the hours and uncorking champaign is always popular. A short drive to the downtown festivities in Roanoke or Lynchburg are tempting too. Or, joining in the special New Year’s celebrations at several lake restaurants is the route of many. Visit Mariners Landing’s website for more information on the Benjamins At The Pointe Restaurant event. Or, see what’s in store at The Landing Restaurant located at Bernard’s Landing.

Have a safe and fun New Year’s Eve celebration, everyone. – Deb Beran & Team

This is a special time of year for people everywhere, and it’s no different at Smith Mountain Lake. The SML community enjoys an eventful season, and one that  offers wonderful memories to all ages. Here are a few of the ways Smith Mountain Lake celebrates the holiday.

Santa comes to town – he makes several appearances between Thanksgiving and Christmas, even arriving by boat for the first big debut. You can find him at Bridgewater Plaza. For more information, see the SML Chamber website.

Light Displays – Aside from a casual tour of the lit-up lake neighborhoods, the Franklin County, Roanoke and Bedford/Lynchburg communities host holiday light displays throughout the month. The extensive display at Elks National Home in Bedford is of particular draw. Visit elkshome.org for more information.

Historic Holiday Events – Smith Mountain Lake lies in the midst of rich historic locations and tributes. Christmas often brings special occasion tours, decorating and activities at the many local period destinations. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and Booker T. Washington National Monument are two of our most engaging destinations. Both offer fascinating holiday events.

Holiday Tree Lighting & Displays – Smith Mountain Lake has its own tree lighting ceremony in the town of Westlake in early December. The Bedford and Roanoke tree festivals welcome tours throughout the month.