Newsletter Jan. & Feb., 2011

Visit us at: www.smithmountainartscouncil.com

President’s Message: As we head on into the New Year, we are full of optimism and hope. We anticipate the good things that lay ahead, and inevitably, we think of how to improve our lives. Most people have New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, many resolutions are a forgotten after a few weeks, accompanied by a feeling of guilt for not following through. Well, here is a list of resolutions which will not only be easy to keep, but fun as well.

Top 10 New Year Resolutions

10 Be thankful that Art is more than a former Baltimore Colt (Donovan) or the other half of a 60’s folk duo (Garfunkle) 9 Check the website daily for the latest information on your Smith Mountain Arts Council, and the many activities available by the organization and the Affiliates. 8 Complete that pesky survey on the website that everyone has been talking about. (It only takes a few minutes) 7 Invite a friend to join SMAC 6 Get to as many Special events (Coffee Houses and Concerts) as you can. 5 Save hundreds of dollars by attending a Lake Player’s event instead of driving to New York City to see a Broadway Show. 4 Start taking the photos that you plan to enter into the John Faber Memorial Photo Contest and Show 3 Make sure that you get your tickets to the Lakeside Singers before it is sold out. 2 Make sure that you don’t miss the Art Show. 1 Attend the annual meeting to see what all of the buzz was about out over last year’s meeting.

During our last board meeting, it was decided that the newsletter will be transmitted electronically instead of a paper mailing. This makes sense from an environmental standpoint, as well as a budgetary consideration. Almost every member has an email address, and we have made every attempt to update those addresses. This will be the last paper newsletter. Please contact myself or one of the other board members if your e-mail address has changed. Mike Dittrich 1

Officers President Mike Dittrich 721-0168 [email protected] Vice Pres. Lois Spencer 580 2010 [email protected] Secretary Joyce Dittrich 721-0168 [email protected] Treasurer Marty Bowers 297-0965 [email protected] Board of Directors Nancy Stellhorn 297- 3263 [email protected] Art Show Mary Lou Koons 721-1469 [email protected] B Sharps Anita Hull 314-1116 [email protected] Education Outreach Jim Mullens 721-4959 [email protected] Grants Judy Reap 721-9732 [email protected] Historian Mike DeGiorgi 719-0642 [email protected] Connie Canova 297-6680 [email protected] Lake Players Nancy King 721-3656 [email protected] Ken Nagele 297-1058 [email protected] Lakeside Singers Ned Coryell 525-0187 [email protected] Lake Writers Chuck Lumpkin 483-7179 [email protected] Membership Terry Naylor 297-5495 [email protected] Newsletter Peter Coriasco 420-1018 [email protected] Noteables Marty Bowers 297-0965 [email protected] Photo Show Peter Coriasco 420-1018 [email protected] Publicity Betsy Ashton 297-5495 [email protected] Scholarship Fund Quita Schweizer 296-0560 Special Events Mike Dittrich 721-0168 [email protected] Website Larry Sakayama 721-3838 [email protected] Affiliates Bald Knob Artists Jane Duncan Stogner 483-4978 [email protected] Bedford Community Orchestra Mark Walter 947-2020 [email protected] Bedford Little Town Players Karen Hopkins 586-2216 [email protected] Bower Center for the Arts 586-4235 [email protected] Harmeneers Al Nelson 721-9600 [email protected] Lake Glass Nancy Luce 721-6109 [email protected] Lake Square Dancers Yolanda Hunt 721-3543 [email protected] The League of Roanoke Artists Mary Anne Meador 400-0633 [email protected] Smith Mnt. Ballroom Dancers Lorraine Beers 297-4677 [email protected] Southwest VA Songwriters Larry Sakayama 721-3838 [email protected]

Change of Address or email? Board Meetings: Trinity Ecumenical Parish - Route 122

Contact: Terry Naylor 297-5495 Fri. Jan. 21st and Fri. Feb. 18, at 9:30 AM

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The SMAC Newsletter is going high tech!

Starting with the next edition, due in early March, the newsletter will be delivered electronically via the SMAC website. Members will not receive an attachment to download. Instead each will receive, via email, a link to the current newsletter stored in the SMAC website.

Members will be able to read, download or print the newsletter (fully or partially) at their leisure. Instructions on how to print either the full newsletter or selected pages will be provided within the same web link.

To facilitate a smooth transition, we are asking each member to send us an email containing:

• Member’s name(s), • Current primary phone number • email address.

This will allow us to keep our database up to date.

Please email the information as soon as feasible to:

Terry Naylot at: [email protected]

Your prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

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Calendar – Upcoming Events SMAC is now signed up for inclement weather announcements. Closings will be broadcast on WSLS TV (Channel 10) and listed on their website (WSLS.com) or at WDBJ7.com (online only).

January 9th & 10th: Open Auditions February 25 - 27 & March 4 - 6: Bus Stop Little Town Players Audition Alert: Little Town Players present Bus Stop. Director Les Epstein will hold open auditions for the Directed by Les Epstein. www.littletownplayers.com. drama/comedy Bus Stop on Sunday, January 9 and It’s the heart of the Midwest – at a roadside diner in a Monday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Elks National small town. The bus has pulled in and the snowstorm Home Theatre. Roles are available for 3 females and leaves the passengers stuck until morning. 5 males ages 20 to 60. Performance dates are More information on our website: February 25- 27 and March 4-6. www.littletownplayers.com.

January 9 – Bower Center for Arts - 3 PM March 19: Lenny Marcus Trio Concert Patrick Ellis will present a program describing the For the culmination of Mardi Gras: Magical & collection of art works that comprise the “Mother and Mysterious - Feb 23 - Mar 19 Child” Exhibition. Exhibit ends January 15 Reception: Sun, Feb 27 2:30-4:30 Works from the collection of Mitchell Bond & Patrick “Call to Artists” may be downloaded from the website Ellis of Goose Creek Studio & Gallery www.bowercenter.org More information at www.bowercenter.org March-April: Coming Soon January 28-29: Poetry Writing Workshop The next Lake Players event will be coming soon, be John D Gosslee, Poetry Writing Workshop sure to watch for more information in the next Jan. 28, 6-9PM and Jan. 29, 10AM-5PM newsletter or on our website: Register now - space limited - $75. www.smithmountainartscouncil.com Bower Center for Arts: www.bowercenter.org April 15th: Coffee House February 1st: Bald Knob Best Pick Art Show The ever-popular Paddy Dougherty. Paddy Location: Westlake Library, Route 122, Moneta Dougherty has her own style and highly creative Artist Reception: 5:30 - 6:30pm approach to the Jazz and singing and song Awards and Presentations: 6:30 - 7:30pm writing. Her unique approach to Rhythm and Blues Kathy Sulzman, Coordinator has a classic sound that matches both her bold Tracy Budd, Judge polished voice and poetic song writing style. Art work to be on display throughout the month of February. May 13-15 & 20-22: Little Women, the Musical Little Town Players present Little Women, the Musical. February 4th Coffee House Directed by Jeff Wittman Based on Louisa May Johnathan Dillon and Phantom Grass Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, Whether you’re a diehard bluegrass fan or simply Little Women the Musical focuses on the brassy, among the curious who’d like to know more about the tomboy-like Jo March, and her family. Little Women music that’s celebrated on the nearby Crooked Road the Musical is sure to be an enjoyable show for all Heritage Music Trail, you won’t want to miss the ages. More information on our website: SMAC Coffee House on February 4th www.littletownplayers.com. More information on page 5. May 27 – 30: Photo Show & Contest th February 12: Karen Nichols in Concert The 17 Annual John Faber Memorial Photo Contest 7:30 PM “Enchanted” and Show will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Bower Center for Arts: www.bowercenter.org Moneta on May 27 – 30. The contest is open to all photographers. More information on page 7. nd February 22 : Lakeside Singers Potluck rd th Potluck dinner for both former and new singers. June 3 & 4 : Lakeside Singers Concert More information on page 6. 2011 production - Rehearsals will begin March 1st. New singers are always welcome. More information on page 6.

4 February 4th Coffee House -- Johnathan Dillon and Phantom Grass

Whether you’re a diehard bluegrass fan or simply among the curious who’d like to know more about the music that’s celebrated on the nearby Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, you won’t want to miss the SMAC Coffee House on February 4th.

Though only 15 years old, bluegrass prodigy Johnathan Dillon has been a leading figure in our area’s music scene for years-- headlining local jams; winning the 2009 MerleFest adult competition, the 2010 Muary River Fiddlers’ Convention Contest, and the 2008 RenoFest banjo competition; self-producing a number of CDs on which he plays all the instruments; and performing with his band, Phantom Grass.

Recently hired by award-winning bluegrass/gospel songstress Michelle Nixon to play mandolin in her touring band, Drive, Johnathan begins his 60-performance gig with Nixon on January 15 at the mocking Bird Café in Staunton, VA.

But you don’t have to go that far to experience Dillon’s phenomenal mandolin and banjo picking. You can enjoy as Phantom Grass performance right close by, and in an easy-going Coffee House environment, at Trinity Ecumenical Parish beginning at 7 PM on Feb. 4.

Those not especially familiar with bluegrass need not fear: Johnathan has promised to make the SMAC Coffee House “newcomer-friendly” by sharing background on the music, instruments and performances that have been so central to his boyhood in Franklin County. Count on this performance having a local flavor that will be appealing to Lakers regardless of where they lived prior to SML.

Advance reservations are $12 each—send checks to P.O. Box 70, Moneta, VA 24121--or by calling 297-0965. Seats purchased at the door will be $15.

Lake Players

We entertained over 140 people at Resurrection Catholic Church Fellowship Hall on November 19. The covered dish supper was enjoyed by all.

Characters from old radio and TV shows were portrayed by several of our SMAC members. • Tim Ernandes did a stand-up comic routine. • Judy Reap performed two monologues that she wrote. • Connie Canova and Tim did some Gracie Allen and George Burns skits. • Donna Proctor and Phil Servidea portrayed the Bickersleys and the Bickersons along with Chuck Lumpkin, Fred Canova, Tim and Connie.

Keep posted for our next Lake Players coming up in March or April.

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Lakeside Singers Leadership Team for 2011 makes plans for the June concert

1st row, L to R: Ken Nagele, Ned Coryell, Marion Wetcher, Bill Clutz, Nancy King, Peggy Clutz. 2nd row, L to R: Gloria Sobey, Dottie Nagele, Denise Gregory, Sandra Richardson, Linda Worman, Chris Collins, Cliff Collins, Marge Gervais, Pam Krupp, Jerry Ruhlen.

The leadership team for Lakeside Singers, The Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC), has made plans for the 2011 concert.

“Lakeside Singers has been the kick-off event of SMAC’s summer season for over 20 years,” said Ned Coryell, co-chair. “The concert is certainly one of the most popular and well-attended activities at Smith Mountain Lake.”

A potluck dinner for all who wish to participate in the 2011 Lakeside Singers concert, both former and new singers, will be held Tuesday, February 22nd, at Trinity Ecumenical Parrish. More details are forthcoming. Practices will begin Tuesday, March 1st, at 7 p.m., and will continue every Tuesday until the event. The concert will take place Friday night, June 3rd and Saturday afternoon June 4th, 2011.

“We are always looking for new singers for our 4-part harmony group,” Ken Nagele, co-chair said. “We were 60-strong last year and hope to have even more singers this year.”

To be added to the mailing list, or for more information, call and leave a message for Ken at 540-297-1058 or email Linda at [email protected].

Welcome New Members

Liz & Gary McDeavitt Rodney Franklin Paul & Libby Fitzgerald

Christopher Wheal Wendy Shook Bob & Christi Bryden

C.W. Markham Adele Thorton Lewis Susan Beatty

Patrica Benosky Nancy Erikson Brenda Hagood

Sarah Hollery Jean Macaluso Sandra Dovey

Walter & Donna Jones Mike & Becky Valentine Lynne & Cynthia Decker

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Attention ALL Photographers !! ---- The Photo Contest is Coming to Town

The 17th Annual John Faber Memorial Photo Contest and Show will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta on May 27 – 30, 2011. The contest is open to all photographers – casual, amateur, and professional – and photographers at every level are encouraged to enter. Details will be available on-line in the March newsletter.

So, whether photography is your life, a pastime, or you simply take occasional snapshots, consider entering the SMAC Photo Contest and Show.

A Note to Casual and Amateur Photographers If you take pictures, you probably have a shot that tells a good story or stirs an emotion. Often great photographs are the result of detailed planning, great attention to composition, controlled lighting, and careful exposure. But sometimes a great photo happens because you were there at the right time and took the picture.

So dig through your old photos or take new pictures and submit your best shots. It’s a good way to improve your techniques, meet other photographers and have fun. Last Year’s “Best of Show” Winner Andy Locascio You might even win a prize! Most of the previous contest winners were not professionals.

A Note to Professional Photographers The SMAC Photo Contest and Show is a great way to showcase your best work, try some new techniques and get some additional exposure.

The SMAC Photo Contest organizers are always looking for qualified judges to join our team. If you have a photography background, as a professional photographer or photography teacher, and would like to be considered, please contact Peter Coriasco at 540-420-1018 or email us at: [email protected]

SMAC is looking for one or two co-chairs for the Photo Show. Anyone interested in joining SMAC and working with the photo show in May should consider this position. You are not required to be a photographer, only interested in helping keep one of the many opportunities for the Arts at Smith Mountain Lake by getting involved. Please contact Peter Coriasco at [email protected] if interested.

Share SMAC's slogan with your friends and neighbors. "If you aren't a member of SMAC... you should be." Members enjoy discounts at some of the scheduled events.

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Visit us at: www.smithmountainartscouncil.com

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