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
Agricultural Fair Gate admission ticket gives you access to all the attractions, entertainment and activities on the fairgrounds with the exception of the Midway rides (priced separately). Enjoy all the concerts, tractor and garden tractor competitions, petting zoo, educational exhibits and demonstrations, animal exhibits and entertainment, and contests. Numerous local dining options on-site too.
Where: Franklin County Recreation Park, 2150 Sontag Road, Rocky Mount
When: Weekdays 5 to10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission 10 and under free ride wristbands $10, all ages
Thursday, Sept. 15 Thursday Night Texas
Hold’em Poker Come join your neighbors and make new friends at the only free Texas Hold’em game at the lake. All skill levels welcome. These are fun, easy, no-threat poker games — you will not lose money but you will go home richer! Games start at 6 and 8 but please arrive early. We will help you learn the game.
Where: Hot Shots Family Restaurant, 13360 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Moneta
When: Every Thursday at 6 and 8 p.m.
Contact: Richard Millar, rhmillar@gmail.com, text 703-819-0157
Friday, Sept. 16 POW/MIA Recognition Day Honoring American service members who were held captive and returned, and remembering those who remain missing.
Where: National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford
When: 11 a.m. to noon
Festival Series The Bedford YMCA is hosting a summer series of events in partnership with the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. These events will be held on the third Friday of each month May-October. We will have bands and/or a DJ, food trucks, vendors and kid-friendly fun! Go to bedfordareachamber.com to register.
Where: Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Road, Bedford
Contact: Kayla Walker, marketing@baccva.org
Sept. 16-18 Bald Knob Artists 1st Annual Open Art Show
This non-juried show features original works by adults and youth in a variety of media. Come cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award! A reception/awards ceremony will be held Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 N. Main St., Rocky Mount
When: Gallery viewing Friday, Sept. 16, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17 Walk to End Poverty Organized by Lake Christian Ministries. Proceeds support programs and services that assist local neighbors struggling with poverty. 5K and 10K options for walkers and runners. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. Walk starts at 10 a.m., followed by lunch, live music and awards presentation. Rain or shine.
Where: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Contact: http://www.smlwalktoendpoverty.com
Presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. There will be over 40 beautiful wood and vintage fiberglass boats, both in the water and on land, displaying the elegance and craftsmanship of America’s skilled boat manufacturers. Exhibitors can enjoy cruising the lake and displaying your boat, and all can enjoy chatting with other antique boat enthusiasts. Learn more at www.woodenboats.net.
Where: Crazy Horse Marina, 400 Crazy Horse Drive, Moneta
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: John Coffman, 443-204-6500, jecoffman@verizon.net
“Rattlesnake” John Hardy plays 16 characters in this one-man show that spans 30 years and reaches from Texas to Paris, France.
Where: Bower Center for the Arts, 305 N. Bridge St., Bedford
Cost: $15 advance, $20 at the door
Amazing Stories Featuring new books and music by David Messick! For all ages.
Where: Bedford Central Library, 321 N. Bridge St., Bedford
Sept. 17-18 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival Over the past 30-plus years, the SML Wine Festival has grown to become the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s largest non-dues fundraiser, with all proceeds used to promote tourism and support the local business community. Enjoy more than 25 wineries, regional crafts, and a variety of foods and live music. Rain or shine.
Where: Mariners Landing Resort, 1217 Graves Harbor Trail, Huddleston
When: Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $65 per person and up
Monday, Sept. 19 Registration Deadline: Smith Mountain Lake Rotary Scholarship Texas Hold’em Tournament
Mark your calendars, poker players — you don’t want to miss this one! Prizes include $500 to the winner, $200 to 2nd place, $100 to 3rd place, and many others. Plus free food and fun! Tournament takes place Saturday, Sept. 24: 1 p.m. check-in, 2 p.m. games start. For details, find us on Facebook or go to www.bullworks.net/Rotary. Click “Registration / donor form” and sign up early. Seats are limited.
Where: Hot Shots Pavilion, 13360 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta
When: Register by Sept. 19 tournament is Sept. 24
Tuesday, Sept. 20 Smith Mountain Lake
Women’s Club Monthly meeting. Our guests will be Sue Drombetta and Pat Horning, and each will speak about the charity they support: Landing Love Project and Warming Shelter. After a brief business meeting, lunch will be served. Guests and potential new members are always welcome. Please come and attend a meeting and see what a delightful group you could be a part of! And check out our website at smlwc.org.
Where: Vinny’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria, 16547 Moneta Road, Moneta
Cost: Members and guests welcome
Contact: Dianne Vallimont, 540-719-1640 or Alice Ganiaris, 540-537-2182
Scams Against Older Adults Riley Ginger with the Better Business Bureau of Western Virginia will discuss scams that target older adults and how to combat them.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
Business Smart Start Please pre-register! Businesses that start with a solid foundation of research, planning and setup are up to 89% more likely to remain open three years later. Upon completion of Smart Start, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with an advisor to make your plans a reality. Our speaker is Tom Tanner, Regional Advising Lead and Vet Biz Coordinator, Roanoke Regional SBDC.
Cost: $35 per company for up to four members
Contact: To sign up, go to https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/
Webinar: 4 Key Marketing Strategies to Attract More Customers
In this workshop you’ll learn our top four strategies that impact your Google ranking, including the importance of having your business show up in local search results and how you can leverage online reviews to attract more customers. We’ll also show you ways you can use different types of paid ad strategies to get in front of more of your targeted customers. Lastly, we’ll touch on using social media to build your brand and create a more personalized experience for your followers. For the Zoom link, go to the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce website, and go to the event on the calendar.
When: 11 a.m. to noon
Contact: Mike Cook, mcook@revlocal.com
Wednesday, Sept. 21 Henry Rollins: “Good to See
You 2022” Henry Rollins has toured the world as a spoken word artist. “Diatribist, confessor, provocateur, humorist, even motivational speaker,” The Washington Post said. And Entertainment Weekly asked: “Is there anything this guy can’t do?” On the “Good To See You 2022” tour, Rollins will recount the events of his life in the brief pre-COVID period since the last tour and when things got even stranger over the last several months. It’s been an interesting time to say the least and he’s got some great stories to tell. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Harvester Performance Center, 450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
Wildlife Wednesday Cruise Enjoy a delicious lunch and tour down the lake to the dam. On the return trip enjoy a presentation from an SML State Park interpreter about the wildlife that call the lake home. Boat leaves at noon.
Where: Virginia Dare Marina, 3619 Airport Road, Huddleston
When: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Call for prices and reservations
Morning Jolt with WoTech Come join your village of women in technology for a morning jolt of real talk. We’re hosting these on the third Wednesday of every month to help us make connections and have casual conversations covering various topics about jobs, mentor requests and everything in between. There is no judgment: come as you are, liquids in the cup are optional, jump in when you can. Morning Jolt is being held online until further notice. Register once to get the Zoom link. Sponsored by Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.
When: 8 to 9 a.m. (program begins at 8:15 a.m.)
Contact: Register at https://rbtc.tech/events/
Thursday, Sept. 22 Scams Against Older Adults Register by Sept. 19 at noon! Older adults are consistently some of the most at-risk demographics when it comes to falling victim to scams, from fake vacations and timeshare investments to romance scams. In this Better Business Bureau presentation, we will discuss what makes seniors more vulnerable to scams, how to spot a scam, scam prevention tips and more.
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
Needle Felting Basics Pre-registration required! Learn how to use special barbed needles to compress and join fibers and make a wool pumpkin. Ages 18 and up.
Where: Franklin County Public Library, 355 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
The Bzzz in My Backyard: A Beekeeping Presentation
Master Gardener and beekeeper Jim Revell will teach us why bees are crucial for our farms and food production discuss the structure and hierarchy of their hives share the history of beekeeping identify what pests, diseases and other scourges threaten the bee population and advise us on things to consider before adding bees to your backyard. Participants must be ages 12 and up. Registration is required and seats are limited. You may register online at bedford.librarycalendar.com. Once spots are full, be sure to put your name on the waitlist. (The workshop may be canceled if a minimum of five registrants is not reached.) For additional information or questions, please visit www.bplsonline.org.
Where: Forest Library, 15583 Forest Road, Forest
Lunchbox Lecture: The Glidermen of D-Day
Korean War paratrooper and Silver Star recipient Bob VandeLinde will discuss the glidermen of D-Day. This virtual presentation will be available online on YouTube and Facebook.
When: Noon to 1 p.m.
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
Pre-registration required! Learn how to use special barbed needles to compress and join fibers and make a wool pumpkin. Ages 18 and up.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
8th Annual SML Civitan Club Golf Tournament
Join us for a fun-filled day of golf! The mission of the Civitan worldwide is to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving local community needs, with an emphasis on helping local people with developmental disabilities. This nonprofit fundraiser assists the SML Civitan Chapter to further that mission. Registration and practice start at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Play is from 12:15 to 5:30 p.m., Captain’s Choice format. There’s a $10,000 Hole-in-One Contest and a $1,000 Best Drive Contest. Bring cash for raffles, 50/50 tickets and other surprises.
Where: Copper Cove Golf Club, 360 Chestnut Creek Drive, Hardy
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $100 per player, $375 per team
Contact: Becky Camden, 804-337-7876, rca9956@aol.com
Bluegrass and Americana duo. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Harvester Performance Center, 450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount.
Come help us celebrate our lake-area first responders!
Where: Trinity Ecumenical Parish (parking lot), 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday Matinee: “Downtown Abbey: A New Era”
A film crew wants to use Downton to shoot a movie. Meanwhile, the Dowager inherits an Italian villa, and family secrets are whispered. Rated PG. Two hours. Rotten Tomatoes 86% “fresh”!
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
Kickstart your Halloween season with a creative, ghoulish decoration — a custom-shaped cheesecloth ghost! It’ll be a scream! Participants must be ages 12 and up. Registration is required and seats are limited. You may register online at bedford.librarycalendar.com. Once spots are full, be sure to put your name on the waitlist. For additional information or questions, please visit www.bplsonline.org.
Where: Forest Library, 15583 Forest Road, Forest
Hailing from Moscow, Idaho, Americana singer/songwriter Josh Ritter was named one of the 100 greatest living songwriters by Paste Magazine, alongside Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Joan Baez and Bob Weir have covered his songs. He regularly sells out legendary venues such as the Fillmore, the Beacon Theatre and London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Harvester Performance Center, 450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting
The Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District serves Franklin County, Henry County, Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke, coordinating the region’s natural resource interests by educating and providing technical assistance to the citizens within. The Board of Directors consists of 10 members who meet on the fourth Monday of each month in Rocky Mount. Meetings are open to the public. Learn more at https://brswcd.org/.
Where: Ippy’s Restaurant, 1760 N. Main St., Rocky Mount
Contact: Renee Fulcher rfulcher@brswcd.org 540-352-3322
Virtual Meeting: Virginia Statewide Rail Plan 2022
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has collaborated with communities across the commonwealth to create a long-term rail plan for Virginia and we want to share it with you. Join this virtual public meeting and share your thoughts! Please register in advance at https://drpt.virginia.gov/work-were-doing/virginia-statewide-rail-plan.
Contact: DRPTPR@drpt.virginia.gov
A mobile unit providing nearly every DMV service.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Government Contracting Series: WOSB/EDWOSB Federal Certification Process
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year in goods and services, and 5% of that spending is allocated for Woman Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Businesses (WOSB/EDWOSB). This is a huge opportunity for small woman-owned firms that qualify to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of government contracting through set-aside opportunities. In this presentation you will learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, how to stay certified and more. Our speaker is Lisa Wood, Virginia PTAC Director. A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration. Register and find other workshops and events at https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/.
When: 10 a.m. to noon
RAMP’s free Pitch & Polish clinics provide a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a team of regional mentors who want to help them polish their presentation, provide feedback on their business model, and connect them with the resources they need to grow. Open to any industry and company stage. Limited slots available.
Contact: Register at https://ramprb.com
Getting started with Medicare can be tricky. There are deadlines to meet, forms to fill out and choices to make. Learn how to navigate this potentially confusing process. Please register in advance!
Where: Bedford Central Library, 321 N. Bridge St., Bedford
Smith Mountain Lake Association Annual Membership Meeting
This meeting is open to the public and we encourage you to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with exhibits highlighting SMLA programs, along with exhibits from many SMLA partner organizations. SMLA will provide heavy snacks and refreshment during the exhibits. The program will include a “big picture” summary from SMLA President Bill Butterfield, and feature a panel discussion on water quality, safety, invasive species and buffer landscaping.
Where: Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta
Contact: 540-719-0690, TheOffice@SMLAssociation.org
Family Fun Night: Back 2 School Clothing Swap
Have your kids/teens outgrown the clothes they wore to school last year? Drop off your gently used and clean school clothes at the Moneta/SML Library from Sept. 1-22, then come back to see what replacements you might find!
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
Drop in and make this craft with us! Ages 8 and up.
Where: Franklin County Public Library, 355 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
Understanding Intellectual Property and the Value of Trademarks
Protecting your product and maintaining a competitive advantage is the basis for trademark law. Join this webinar to learn the basics of intellectual property law and the complicated trademark process. Real life examples will be used to demonstrate the value of getting it right the first time! Our presenter is Michael J. Hertz, principal, intellectual property practice with Woods Rogers. Please pre-register.
Contact: To sign up, go to https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training/
The format is the same as the long-running “Sunset Saturdays” shows. The SML Boomer Band will perform on the lawn, and ticket holders are invited to bring their own chairs and food. Limited table seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle. All ticket sale proceeds will go to Food for Kids Weekend Pack a Sack. Advance tickets available at SMLwine.com. (Rain date is Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.)
Where: Hickory Hill Vineyards, 1722 Hickory Cove Lane, Moneta
Ordering Deadline: Lobster at the Lake
Come feast on fresh Maine lobster, courtesy of Smith Mountain Lake Rotary’s 2022 Lobsterfest! Proceeds benefit the community projects sponsored by SML Rotary Club. Four ways to have your lobster: pick up a live one pick up a cooked one to go enjoy a lobster low-country boil with corn, potatoes and sausage to go or have the boil eat-in from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 8. Orders must be placed by Sept. 30 by calling Hot Shots. Cash or check payments only (make checks payable to SML Rotary Club).
Where: Hot Shots, 67 Village View Lane, Moneta (just off Hwy. 122)
When: Oct. 8 pickup hours 3 to 5 p.m.
Contact: Amber, Hot Shots, 540-719-1547
Movies on the Move: “Soul”
Franklin County Parks and Rec is traveling around the county to bring you an outdoor movie close to your home. Prior to the movie there will be outdoor yard games to play. Concessions will be available with popcorn, snacks and drinks. Bring your blanket, lawn chair and a flashlight as we watch a movie on the big screen. All movies are rated PG!
Where: Jamison Mill Park, 2000 Jamison Mill Road, Henry
When: Games start at 6 p.m. movie starts at 7 p.m.
Join us for the return of this joyous family-friendly event exploring American life during World War II with displays, demonstrations, children’s activities, reenactors and special tours. Students under 18, all veterans and active-duty military receive free admission. Food available for purchase.
Where: National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get tips for organizing, backing up and editing photos, including taking them from your phone or camera to your computer.
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is the community fund drive to support critical services for those in need in the Smith Mountain Lake region. The tour accomplishes this through partnerships with volunteers, charities, businesses and individuals. Eight beautiful lakefront homes are opened to the general public for touring and are matched to eight different local charities. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the SML Visitors Center, and at the houses on tour during the weekend. Tickets are valid all three days (one visit per home). Arrive by car or boat! Free parking and docking. Tour held rain or shine.
Where: Locations can be viewed at http://www.smlcharityhometour.com
When: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 through Oct. 6 $35 during tour weekend
Contact: http://www.smlcharityhometour.com
An amateur archaeologist, Thomas Jefferson would surely be fascinated by the more than 300,000 artifacts found on the Poplar Forest grounds since 1986. Join Poplar Forest’s archaeologists for a 90-minute walking tour focused on the latest archaeological dig sites and discoveries on the plantation. Reservations are encouraged as spots on the tour are limited.
Where: Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest
When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Gather up your fishing pole, bait and tackle and join us as we fish for trout in the Pigg River. A huge thanks to DGIF for stocking trout for this special event. Trophies will be awarded to those who catch the heaviest amount of fish per category. Ages 15 and under.
Where: Waid Park, 701 Waid Park Road, Rocky Mount
ImPRESSive Creation form Nature: A Bedford Area Master Gardener Workshop
Registration required! Join us as we learn about methods for preserving different types of plants and flowers, how to store them, and some of the different things they can be used for. Each participant will have the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind design using pressed flowers and plant materials on a wood slice. Space is limited.
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon
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)
Smith Mountain Striper Club Member Boat Show & Social
Bring your boat to Crazy Horse Marina. Compare rigging with other members, share with the public, and enjoy food and refreshments from Los Amigos. Guests are welcome to attend a Striper Club meeting to check it out and decide if joining would be right for them.
Where: Crazy Horse Marina docks
Cost: Members and guests welcome
No-pitch, just-the-facts sessions with Harmon & Proutey Financial Group. Same session offered later today at Westlake. See below.
Where: Franklin County Public Library, 355 Franklin St., Rocky Mount
See previous listing for details.
Where: Franklin County Public Library-Westlake, 84 Westlake Road, #109, Hardy
Wonderful Wednesdays, a popular evening of fellowship and small group gatherings, got underway Sept. 7 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Moneta. Previously drawing more than 100 participants, the SML community is invited to join these mid-week sessions, starting with dinner at 5:50 p.m. followed by music and group discussions for all ages. Nursery care is also provided. There are no fees for the programs, dinner or nursery care. Registration is requested online at the church website: bethlehemunitedmethodist.org.
Where: Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 13586 S. Old Moneta Road, Moneta
Exhibit: Blue Ridge Potters Guild
Selected pieces from members of the Blue Ridge Potters Guild will be on display in the MOarts Gallery Display Case in September. The Guild has members from throughout the region, including the Roanoke and New River valleys, as well as Bedford, Botetourt, Floyd and Franklin counties, and Lynchburg. Come see their beautiful work!
Where: Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta
When: Through Sept. 29, during regular library hours