Computer Class: Intro to Windows 10
This class will introduce participants to how to use a Windows 10 computer. Few seats remaining!
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
Lunchbox Lecture: How the Heroes Came Home
World War II researcher Bill Beigel will detail the often heart-rending process by which American servicemen killed overseas were brought home for burial in the aftermath of the war. Hosted by the National D-Day Memorial. Visit https://www.dday.org for more info.
Where: Livestream available through Facebook Live and YouTube
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This game is for all skill levels, from beginners on up. Games held every Thursday night. Mention Richard Millar and this Laker calendar event to receive 5,000 “New Player” bonus chips! Come join us!
Where: Hot Shots Bar & Grill, 13360 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Moneta
Contact: Richard Millar, 703-819-0157
Thursday, May 5 (and May19)
Storytelling Workshops with Rex Stephenson
Learn how to craft and tell a story from expert dramatist Rex Stephenson of the Jack Tale Storytellers. Using live performances, hands-on learning exercises and Q&A, this two-workshop series will demonstrate and teach the basics of oral storytelling. Open to all ages. Registration is not required. In this session, learn how to choose, prepare and practice, at home, a story to tell at Workshop #2. On May 19, listen to storytelling led by Rex Stephenson, then tell your own story in an informal and supportive setting.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
Contact: 540-483-3098, opt. 2
The Bald Knob Artists’ annual Mother’s Day Art Show will feature paintings, sculptures, jewelry, wood-turning and stained glass crafts. All items will be available for purchase. Homemade baked goods will be for sale too. Tours of the historic church, the oldest in Rocky Mount, will be offered.
Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, 15 East Church St., Rocky Mount
Contact: Sybil Smith, 540-483-5038
Moneta Friends of the Library Book Sale
Spring book sale hosted by the Friends of the Moneta/SML Library. All are welcome. (Members of the Friends group can shop the sale preview from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 6.)
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
Saturday Matinee: “Death on the Nile”
Director Kenneth Branagh portrays Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in his recently released version of the classic Agatha Christie mystery. Rated PG-13. (Coming to the Moneta/SML branch on Saturday, May 28.)
Where: Bedford Central Library, 321 N. Bridge St., Bedford
Smith Mountain Lake Newcomers Club Meeting
Have you ever wondered what it is like to perform in a symphony, be on Broadway, or be a concertmaster? What does it take to perform at that level? What is it like to “go on tour”? What makes a violin such a special instrument? Rick Dolan has done all those things and more, and will regale us with not only his tales of travel, rehearsals and performances he will also give us our own personal concert. Come join the Smith Mountain Lake Newcomers Club for a morning with Rick Dolan. All are welcome to attend this free event. Please bring a friend. Refreshments will be served.
Where: Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta
Contact: Skip Larrington, smlskip@gmail.com
Optimal Operations Series: Standard Operating Procedures
Who does what, when, and how in your business? Join us to learn best practices for developing standard operating procedures so that your business can run, even when you’re not! Our speaker will be Amanda Forrester, Regional Director, Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center.
Contact: https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/oo-sop
(Virtual) Franklin County Connects
This event provides a structured and supportive networking environment for chamber members. Each month a guest speaker presents vital info regarding the Franklin County business community. Attendees receive chamber updates, meet and network with other members and have an opportunity to share information about their business. Meeting ID and password available at business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/events.
Contact: info@visitsmithmountainlake.com, 540-721-1203
Reception: “Fabulous Fakes Art Exhibit”
The Franklin County Bald Knob Artists Group will be displaying their renderings of a favorite art piece from a long deceased famous artist in this exhibit that opened May 2 and runs through May 24. Most all originals will be available for sale. Join us for this meet and greet reception at the library!
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
Contact: 540-483-3098, opt. 2
Mobile Vending: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices
Do you own a small business and are exploring ways to build awareness of your products, engage with potential customers, testing or launching a new product, or expanding? If you said yes, you might consider being a vendor at an event, market, show, convention, etc. (if you haven’t already). Becoming a mobile vendor can provide opportunities to grow and expand your business. Speakers will be Heather Jackson, Gussied Ups Candace Monaghan, Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival and Callie Altman, North Mountain Candle Company. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration.
Contact: https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/mobilevending
Financial Wellness Webinar
Join the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce for this seminar with Edward Jones. John Cinella with MFS will also be joining. The topic is “Social Security: Your Questions Answered.” Register at bedfordareachamber.com on the Chamber Events page.
Contact: Wende Henley, wende@baccva.org, 540-586-9401
Have a dirty car? Come get it washed, and while you wait you can find some new treasures to take home at our yard sale! All money raised will go to our resident Christmas party. Please sign up and bring anything you would like to sell by Wednesday, May 11. Our parking lot will have spots for you to set up tables if you would like to sell any goodies for a great cause.
Where: Rocky Mount Health and Rehab, 300 Hatcher St., Rocky Mount
When: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Carol Hall and Ben Legans, 540-483-9261
Join certified instructor Scott Larsen every week for a free class in this gentle, meditative martial art. Many of Tai Chi’s slow movements and deep breathing techniques are easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. No equipment is necessary, but please wear lightweight, comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t restrict your range of motion. It is always recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning any new fitness program, especially if you have any limiting physical or medical conditions or are taking any medications that can make you dizzy or lightheaded. First-time attendees may be asked to sign a waiver. Registration is requested (email reminders will be sent to those who register) but drop-ins are welcome. Please check in with a librarian at the desk if you are unsure of where to go.
Where: Bedford Central Library, Bedford Room, 321 N. Bridge St., Bedford
This homegrown event is co-hosted by the Town of Rocky Mount and Twin Creeks Distillery and will take place every second Saturday at the Rocky Mount Train Depot. The evening will start with an open jam from 5:30-6:30 p.m., allowing anyone who wants to bring an instrument a chance to sit in and play a tune. A brief intermission will take place from 6:30-7 p.m. and we encourage folks to visit the local food truck parked out front. The band will play from 7-9 p.m. This is a community event for all ages. No alcohol will be on-site.
Where: Rocky Mount Depot, 52 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
Cost: Open jam is free $5 for the band (children 12 and under free)
Common Ground Bluegrass Band Coffeehouse Concert
Common Ground brings an entertaining, family-friendly, high-powered bluegrass performance to the stage. Featuring area locals Sergeant Terry Mills, Daniel Pruitt, Laura Ellis Maxfield and Ricky Ellis, this band has traveled the U.S. and Canada spreading their traditional and modern style bluegrass while winning awards along the way.
Where: SMAC Coffeehouse Celebrity Room, 1100 Celebration Ave., Suite 101, Moneta
Cost: $10 SMAC members $15 nonmembers
Contact: Joe Yarbrough, jyarbrough71@msn.com, 804-356-3300
Alex Kershaw Lecture and Book Signing
The National D-Day Memorial presents a lecture and book signing with New York Times bestselling author and historian Alex Kershaw of “Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II.” Kershaw — whose previous, widely acclaimed books include “The Bedford Boys,” “The First Wave” and “The Liberator” (now the basis for a Netflix miniseries) — tells the untold story of four of the most decorated soldiers of World War II, all Medal of Honor recipients: Maurice “Footsie” Britt, Michael Daly, Keith Ware and Audie Murphy. Books will be available for purchase.
Where: National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford
Cost: General admission fees apply
Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club
After a brief business meeting, lunch will be served. Our guests will be the recipients of the proceeds of Gamefest, sharing information about their organizations. Guests and potential new members are always welcome. Check out our website at smlwc.org.
Where: Vinny’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria, 16547 Moneta Road, Moneta
Contact: Dianne Vallimont, 540-719-1640 or Alice Ganiaris, 540-537-2182
Planning Ahead: Drafting Wills
Registration required! Planning for the future through final wills can be confusing, whether it’s understanding legal terms, filling out legal documents or just finding sound advice. If you’re in need of help in drafting your will, look no further! Attorney Craig P. Tiller is partnering with the Bedford Public Library System this spring to walk us through the steps in creating a final will. Q&A will follow the presentation. Seats are limited. If spots are full, put your name on the waitlist. (Workshops may be canceled if a minimum of five registrants is not reached.) Each library branch will have a “Planning Ahead’’ workshop this season. The workshop will be offered at the Moneta/SML branch on Thursday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bedford Central Library, 321 N. Bridge St., Bedford
Contact: Register online at bedford.librarycalendar.com
100+ Women Who Care-SML Spring Impact Meeting
100+ Women Who Care-SML is a community organization of local women that supports local nonprofits in the Smith Mountain Lake area through collective giving. Since 2016, 100+ Women Who Care-SML has donated over $200,000 to local charities. Bring a friend and come meet other women who care! Nonmembers are welcome to join us to learn about our organization. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for social time, followed by business meeting. Additional information online at facebook.com/wwc.sml .
Where: Ramulose Ridge Vineyards, 3061 Hendricks Store Road, Moneta
Cost: Donations per club guidelines for members
Contact: Lynn Stevens, wwc.sml@gmail.com
The energy surrounding technology and innovation in the region is electric. TechNite 2022 will be a night to remember as we recognize the region’s best companies, innovators and projects that continue to put Virginia’s Region 2 on the global map. Enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, a brief program, and an awards ceremony. Register online at https://rbtc.tech/events/.
Where: Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke
When: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $95 members, $110 nonmembers
Contact: RBTC, 540-443-9232
SML Steel Drum and Marimbas Concert
Join us for this program of toe-tapping island-style music, performed by some 40 musicians. Proceeds will benefit the capital fund drive for the SML Center’s “Grand Plan” to purchase the vacant Grand Furniture showroom at Westlake and convert it to a center for arts, education, entertainment and private events. Concert-goers will have an opportunity to see preliminary renderings of the planned spaces and learn more about how they can help make the Smith Mountain Lake Center become a reality. More info at SMLCenter.org.
Where: EastLake Community Church, 1118 Hendricks Store Road, Moneta
Cost: $12 adults $12, $6 kids under 13 (sold at the door only)
Contact: smithmountainlakecenter@gmail.com
National Kids to Parks Day
From 11 a.m. to noon, test your knowledge on animal tracks while playing an exciting tracking game. From 1 to 3 p.m., take a hay wagon ride with the ranger and discover some of our local wildlife. While you’re here, uncover interesting facts about the “fish hawk,” then take a short hike to view an osprey nest. Turn off the television, put away the video games, and head over to the park with your family for some outdoor fun!
Where: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Discovery Center Pavilion
Cost: Free (regular parking fees apply)
Friday, May 20 & Saturday, May 21
The Day Is Past & Gone: A Trilogy of Slave Life
Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Mr. Jefferson’s south lawn for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexity of their lives and their struggles to survive. Join Harris, the cast and Poplar Forest’s archaeologists for a Q&A following the performance. Bring your friends and family, a picnic and a blanket or chairs, and experience a little-known but important part of Poplar Forest’s history brought to life. Rain date: Sunday, May 22.
Where: Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest
When: 6:30 p.m. both nights
Cost: Adult (18+) $15 $10 youth (6-17) and college students free for children under 6
Join us for coffee and refreshments courtesy of our host, Smith Mountain Lake Association. This event provides a structured and supportive networking environment for chamber members.
Where: SMLA, 400 Scruggs Road, Suite 2100, Moneta
Contact: info@visitsmithmountainlake.com
Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29
Architectural Restoration Behind-the-Scenes Talk and Tour
Fifty years ago, the octagonal villa at Poplar Forest was unrecognizable. The simple elegance of the president’s Palladian-inspired design was hidden by the renovations subsequent owners made to the structure to suit their tastes. Learn how the restoration architects and architectural historians and craftsmen are continuing their meticulous restoration of what Jefferson affectionately called the “best dwelling house in the state” on an hourlong tour guided by Travis McDonald, Poplar Forest’s director of architectural restoration and the architect of the groundbreaking restoration process developed to save the historic structure. Admission also includes a guided house tour and self-guided exploration of exhibits in the lower level of the house, the Wing of Offices, the ornamental grounds and slave quarters site. Weekend visitors can add the Enslaved Community tour (when available) to their itinerary at no extra cost.
Where: Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest
When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Appointments scheduled at redcrossblood.org.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
Contact: 540-483-3098, opt. 2
Friday, June 3 & Saturday, June 4
Lakeside Singers “Love Letters” Concert
The Lakeside Singers are in full-swing rehearsals, preparing for their “Love Letters” themed concert. You won’t want to miss it! Tickets will be on sale in May or from a Lakeside Singers member.
Where: Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Contact: Karen DeBord, karen@bedfordlandings.com, 540-296-5670
“Fabulous Fakes Art Exhibit”
The Franklin County Bald Knob Artists Group will be displaying their renderings of a favorite art piece from a long deceased famous artist in this exhibit. Most all originals will be available for sale.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
Contact: 540-483-3098, opt. 2
published 2022-05-04 11:15:00