Smith Mountain Lake is one of the loveliest lakes in the East and it boasts an incredible number of gorgeous homes and real estate for someone looking to live in Virginia.

I have to confess however, that all those wonderful homes pale in comparison to the idea of designing my own home on a beautiful lot like this one for sale in Hardy, Va. Before you think that is too impossible, go and look at the pictures of this pretty lot and imagine what you could do with it.

The price is $175,000, a great price considering it already has a covered boat dock in place and is only 10 minutes from Westlake or 30 from Roanoke! The one little picture I could put on here does not even begin to give you an accurate glimpse of this lovely lot. It’s in an excellent water front community at Smith Mountain Lake, which includes a community water supply so you don’t have the expense of a well right up front. It’s on the main lake channel and has a paved road, riprap, etc. Plus possible owner financing too!

If you want more info. just contact Paul Moore and his team at Smith Mountain Homes at (866) 879-0211 or email Paul today.

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So many things inspire me with their beauty: a child laughing, Smith Mountain Lake in the early morning mist, an act of unselfish kindness, a mountain panorama and so much more. Stories like the following move and encourage me as well.

The Concert

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing.

Before she could panic, the lights dimmed, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway piano on stage. To her horror, the mothersaw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out the tune to”Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved
to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit . . . Keep playing.”

Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling
in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child,
and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice
transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a
wonderfully creative  and beautiful experience.

The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn’t recall what else
the great master played. Only the classic, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

Perhaps that’s the way it is with God.

What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy.

We try our best, but the results aren’t always graceful flowing music. 

However, with the guidance of the Masters Hands, our life’s
work can truly be beautiful.

The next time you set out to accomplish something, listen carefully for the Masters
direction. You may hear his voice, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit . . . Keep playing.”

Know that His hands are there, willing to help you to do His Will and turn your feeble
attempts into true masterpieces.

So………….”Don’t quit . . . Keep playing.”

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If you live at Smith Mountain Lake, these kinds of events will be something to make note of. Perhaps you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s and want to know how the health care changes will affect them. Or maybe you enjoy animals or participating in area Grand Openings and supporting new businesses. And, a favorite of many is a unique evening of sharing dinner and a mystery!

Dinner and murder mystery showat the Virginia Dare Marina. This creative evening of good food and fun will take place at the Marina on Airport Road in Moneta, Va. from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. You can also experience it again on Sept. 17th, Oct. 1st and 15th. If you would like prices and more info. call 540-297-1000 or visit www.vadarecruises.com.

Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings:
Wednesday, September 29, Chillin’ Smokes & Deli
Wednesday, October 20, Southern’s Best
Wednesday, October 27, Generation Solutions
For more info. contact Jim Shauberger, Event Manager at 540-721-1203.

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The Smith Mountain Lake 2010 Wine Festival is an event you don’t want to miss. If you have been to one you know what you will be missing. If not, grab a friend and spend a wonderful day at the lake, eating good food, tasting fine wines and talking to nice folks.

If you have some extra time and want to volunteer to help at the Wine Festival, that will earn you free entrance to the festival and a free t-shirt. Simply sign up to volunteer for September 25th (Saturday afternoon) and September 26th (all day Sunday) and receive your t-shirt and ticket free! If you have questions or would like to sign up email jims@visitsmithmountainlake.com.

Advance discount tickets will be available until September 22nd at 5pm and you can purchase them at the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center Front Desk, area ticket outlets and online with PayPal at: SML Wine Festival Tickets.

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We recently received a question from a reader about whether you could take the Smith Mountain Lake boater safety course online. We were pleasantly surprised to find that not only can you take your boating safety course online, but you can even get a video series of the course if you prefer.

If you enjoy the water and spend a good deal of time in your boat it is essential that you take a boater safety course. It is good to know you can now get all that valuable information in your home and study it at your convenience. Below is some more important info. you should know if you are on the lake frequently.

- By Virginia law you must carry certain safety equipment in your boat: a fire extinguisher, personal flotation devices designed to fit each boater, a loud horn, a flat flotation cushion, and the registration for your boat (or rental agreement).

- While all passengers must have access to their own life jacket, kids under 14yrs. of age are required to WEAR their life jacket or flotation device at all times on the lake. 

- In a no-wake cove (indicated by no-wake buoys) you are required by law to operate your boat at your boat’s lowest possible navigable forward speed.

- All of these safety equipment laws are extremely important and failure to follow them can result in steep fines. To report boating violations on Smith Mountain Lake, call the Virginia Wildlife Crime Line at 800-237-5712. You will need the boats registration number, a description of the people in the boat, and at least two witnesses including yourself.

And again, don’t forget to take your Boater Safety Course.

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Seventy five years ago, as part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal efforts to create jobs, construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway began. Completed in 1983, this has become one of
“America’s Favorite Drives.” Connecting the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, driving here is a real pleasure with views unmatched anywhere else. In the Smith Mountain Lake area, you can hop onto the Parkway at Roanoke, via the Visitor’s Center, or even at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. This September, come and celebrate as Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway turns 75!

Designed as a recreational road, the Parkway is something people often drive just for the fun of it. Some of the most spectacular views of Virginia can be seen from the road. Just past the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, you will be at the road’s highest elevation in Virginia. It is a great way to take in the fall foliage, which will soon be on its way!

If you are planning your road trip for October, you can celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke! October 14th -16th, there will be a Blue Ridge Parkway Symposium at the historic Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Author Peter Jenkins will be the Kick-Off keynote speaker.

As you travel the Parkway, stop in at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. The views are amazing! Stop and stay awhile at the Peaks of Otter Lodge or explore the nearby winery. You can even take a hike on one of the nature trails in the area.

Whether you are drawn to the area by the call of the open road, or by the rich history surrounding it, come for a visit! If you like it then move here. If you are ready to relocate to Franklin or Bedford County in Virginia, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource!

Exciting stuff is going on around Smith Mountain Lake these days. School starting, Monster making contests, Movies being produced……..

Who in our neck of the woods would dream of becoming famous for their design and invention of a monster to go in a movie produced at Smith Mountain Lake? Few people that is for sure, but someone will do just that in the next month or so. The Lake Effects movie needs a monster…….Submission deadline is now September 11th, 2010. For more info. see http://lifeoutloudfilms.com/Monster_Contest.html.

And if you are a professional actor or actress you may want to try out for the Lake Effects Movie being produced here at Smith Mountain Lake.

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A lot of people are trying to decide what they are going to do for retirement. With the current housing market, and whispers of a second dip in the economy, it can be a difficult decision about where to live out your golden years.

Is it time to purchase a retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake? With interest rates at record-breaking 60-year lows, now may be exactly the time to purchase a second home, keeping retirement on Smith Mountain Lake as part of your plans.

When it comes to retirement, you may not find a better place than Smith Mountain Lake. There are so many different types of communities and homes to choose from. From award-winning  golf courses to beautiful wineries, Franklin and Bedford County in Virginia are perfect places to call “home.” Because of the tourism demands, you can even purchase a home now and rent it out, to help cover the costs of ownership.

Whether you are 30 or 50, purchasing an eventual retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake is a wise investment. You and your family can enjoy weekend getaways without having to pay for expensive hotel rooms, or dining out. You can also recoup some of your costs by using your home as an income property. With the temperate climate on Smith Mountain Lake, you may be able to rent your home out no matter what time of year it is.

Franklin County and Bedford County have much to offer those who are thinking of retirement! Fishing, golf, pottery classes, and many more activities are pastimes that can be enjoyed throughout the year. If you are ready to see what kind of retirement home you can have on Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan. Vicki has lived in the area for over 20 years. Come for a visit – if you like it, move here!

The health of those you love at Smith Mountain Lake may possibly be improved by a service or health care opportunity offered by nearby groups and businesses. Have you ever considered trying yoga? Classes are now available. Do you have a family member with Alzheimers? There is help and support in the area.

Generation Solutions, At Home Senior Care Company, is now serving the Smith Mountain Lake area. They provide quality care, (home health care, private duty services, medical equipment/supplies) in the privacy and comfort of your own home.  Call Sheila Andrews at 434.841.0073 to discuss their services. www.GenerationSolutions.net.

SMLRV will host a 4 part series of Alzheimer’s education seminars every Tuesday night in September from 6p-7p.  Q&A time will follow and refreshments will be served.  Please call 540-719-1300 by noon on Monday of each week to reserve your seat. They look forward to having you visit!

Confused about the new Health Care Reform Act and how it will affect you?  Call BMS Consulting, 540-721-4045, to get the latest update.  Or stop by our office at 13245 Booker T Washington Hwy, Westlake.  We offer free competitive quotes for your health care, dental, disability, and retirement plan needs.

The Centre at VitaZen now offers yoga classes 6 days per week. Try our newest classes on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 9:00am. The Centre at VitaZen is located at 12787 Booker T Washington Hwy. (rear entrance). For more info call 721-9365 or go to www.VitaZen.net/yoga.

Please join the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia at Hollins University on September 25  at 8:00am for the Roanoke Memory walk or at Riverside Park on October 16 at 8:00 a.m. for the Lynchburg Memory Walk.Go to www.lynchburgmemorywalk.com  or www.roanokememorywalk.com for more details.

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